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Een Frans salon en een renaissance eetkamer : stijl in de Belgische burgerlijke woning (1850-1914)
No full textThis study explores the emergence and popularity of period rooms in Belgian bourgeois interiors during the second half of the nineteenth century. It focuses specifically on the combination of a French salon and a Renaissance or Gothic dining room, analysing the context and causes of this trend within Belgium and its connection to broader European developments. A nation-state since 1830, Belgium presents a unique case given its industrial and economic development, a growing middle class, urbanization, and the accompanying demand for new interiors. Simultaneously, the country functioned as a cultural crossroads, where private interiors were influenced by both its own cultural heritage and Western European tendencies.The study approaches this development from three perspectives: advice, production, and domestic practice. Advisory literature, including French fashion magazines, European interior design guides, and etiquette and housekeeping books, played a pivotal role in disseminating ideas on home decoration. They emphasized the function of specific rooms by linking them to styles, while simultaneously highlighting the importance of a personal, "artistic" home. The study then juxtaposes these concepts with commercial realities through sales catalogues, advertisements, and industrial exhibitions. Belgian workshops produced historically inspired wall decorations and furniture based on model books, while tastemakers such as tapissier-decorateurs and retailers guided clients in creating coordinated interiors. From 1880 onward, the period room became the ideal, pushed by a supply-driven market, industrial and world exhibitions, and the rise of department stores. Concurrently, historical models were used as examples in Belgian applied arts education, while retrospective exhibitions and period rooms in museums stimulated the production of interior ensembless. The international dissemination of these models fostered European cross-pollination.To test these trends against the domestic reality, 87 Ghent probate inventories (1850 and 1880) and approximately five hundred interior photographs were examined. These sources reveal a more diverse practice than suggested by normative sources. Four dominant interior styles emerged: a classic Louis Philippe interior, a "mixed" classic interior supplemented with non-Western objects and side furniture, a modern "artistic" interior with an eclectic mix of styles, and period rooms in French, Renaissance or Gothic style, through either high-quality or cheaper pre-produced historically inspired room sets based on model books. This variation reflected not only functional and pragmatic considerations but also gender roles, class emulation, escapism, and aesthetic ideals such as a picturesque or rustic taste. Additionally, trends penetrated slowly and exhibited longevity across social classes.The research sheds new light on nineteenth-century Belgian interior history by viewing the period room not merely as a precursor to Art Nouveau or Modernism, but as a parallel phenomenon with lasting impact on daily life and interior aesthetics of the twentieth-century. While reform movements were influential, the study demonstrates that earlier styles, such as the Louis Philippe style, remained popular for decades. This finding underscores the slow evolution of trends and the importance of pragmatism and social aspirations in the development of period rooms, and highlights the necessity of a more fully integrated approach to interior history through a thorough juxtaposition of advice, production, and practice.Public defense: 2025-05-05This study explores the emergence and popularity of period rooms in Belgian bourgeois interiors during the second half of the nineteenth century. It focuses specifically on the combination of a French salon and a Renaissance or Gothic dining room, analysing the context and causes of this trend within Belgium and its connection to broader European developments. A nation-state since 1830, Belgium presents a unique case given its industrial and economic development, a growing middle class, urbanization, and the accompanying demand for new interiors. Simultaneously, the country functioned as a cultural crossroads, where private interiors were influenced by both its own cultural heritage and Western European tendencies.The study approaches this development from three perspectives: advice, production, and domestic practice. Advisory literature, including French fashion magazines, European interior design guides, and etiquette and housekeeping books, played a pivotal role in disseminating ideas on home decoration. They emphasized the function of specific rooms by linking them to styles, while simultaneously highlighting the importance of a personal, "artistic" home. The study then juxtaposes these concepts with commercial realities through sales catalogues, advertisements, and industrial exhibitions. Belgian workshops produced historically inspired wall decorations and furniture based on model books, while tastemakers such as tapissier-decorateurs and retailers guided clients in creating coordinated interiors. From 1880 onward, the period room became the ideal, pushed by a supply-driven market, industrial and world exhibitions, and the rise of department stores. Concurrently, historical models were used as examples in Belgian applied arts education, while retrospective exhibitions and period rooms in museums stimulated the production of interior ensembless. The international dissemination of these models fostered European cross-pollination.To test these trends against the domestic reality, 87 Ghent probate inventories (1850 and 1880) and approximately five hundred interior photographs were examined. These sources reveal a more diverse practice than suggested by normative sources. Four dominant interior styles emerged: a classic Louis Philippe interior, a "mixed" classic interior supplemented with non-Western objects and side furniture, a modern "artistic" interior with an eclectic mix of styles, and period rooms in French, Renaissance or Gothic style, through either high-quality or cheaper pre-produced historically inspired room sets based on model books. This variation reflected not only functional and pragmatic considerations but also gender roles, class emulation, escapism, and aesthetic ideals such as a picturesque or rustic taste. Additionally, trends penetrated slowly and exhibited longevity across social classes.The research sheds new light on nineteenth-century Belgian interior history by viewing the period room not merely as a precursor to Art Nouveau or Modernism, but as a parallel phenomenon with lasting impact on daily life and interior aesthetics of the twentieth-century. While reform movements were influential, the study demonstrates that earlier styles, such as the Louis Philippe style, remained popular for decades. This finding underscores the slow evolution of trends and the importance of pragmatism and social aspirations in the development of period rooms, and highlights the necessity of a more fully integrated approach to interior history through a thorough juxtaposition of advice, production, and practice.D
Evaluation of a rapid lateral flow assay for the detection of taeniosis and cysticercosis at district hospital level in Tanzania : a prospective multicentre diagnostic accuracy study
No full textThe TS POC test, Taenia solium point-of-care test, is a two-strip lateral flow assay using the recombinant antigen rES33 on the TS POC T test strip, and rT24H on the TS POC CC test strip, to detect antibodies against T. solium taeniosis and cysticercosis, respectively. The objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of the TS POC test for the detection of T. solium taeniosis and cysticercosis in individuals attending district hospitals in Tanzania. In this prospective two-phase diagnostic accuracy study, we recruited participants aged 10 and above, excluding pregnant women and those with acute severe illness. Participants were consecutively recruited in three cohorts according to their signs/symptoms: compatible with neurocysticercosis (cohort 1), intestinal worm infections (cohort 2), and other signs/symptoms (cohort 3). Lacking a gold standard test for both infections, diagnostic accuracy was evaluated using results of two coprological and two serological tests for taeniosis, and three serological tests for cysticercosis, in a Bayesian Latent Class Model approach. The TS POC test was conducted on 601 participants in cohort 1, 1661 participants in cohort 2, and 662 participants in cohort 3. Most individuals tested negative on both TS POC test strips, with proportions of 83% (n = 496), 97% (n = 1613) and 97% (n = 641) in cohorts 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Complete case data were available for 120, 114, and 53 participants for taeniosis, and 126, 122, and 55 participants for cysticercosis. Sensitivity values for the TS POC T test strip were 50.2% [95% credible interval 4.9 - 96.4], 40.8% [2.2 - 95.2], and 40.4% [2.3 - 95.0], while specificity values were 98.6% [97.1 - 99.6], 99.3% [98.7 - 99.7] and 99.4% [98.5 - 99.9], respectively. For the TS POC CC test strip, the sensitivity was 77.5% [37.8 - 99.2], 24.9% [95% CI 6.4 - 52.7] and 44.2% [6.6 - 91.5], and the specificity 92.3% [86.5 - 98.8], 99.1% [97.8 - 100], and 98.1% [96.1 - 99.7] across the respective cohorts. Although the TS POC test has a low sensitivity, it demonstrates a high specificity, which may have clinical utility to guide treatment and diagnostic decisions, or in epidemiological studies. An important strength of this study lies in its assessment of the TS POC test under real-world conditions, revealing divergent estimates across distinct cohorts. The study underscores the suboptimal performance of existing tests under field conditions, emphasizing the need to enhance and validate these tests for better performance in practical real-world settings.Registration number: PACTR201712002788898.The TS POC test, Taenia solium point-of-care test, is a two-strip lateral flow assay using the recombinant antigen rES33 on the TS POC T test strip, and rT24H on the TS POC CC test strip, to detect antibodies against T. solium taeniosis and cysticercosis, respectively. The objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of the TS POC test for the detection of T. solium taeniosis and cysticercosis in individuals attending district hospitals in Tanzania. In this prospective two-phase diagnostic accuracy study, we recruited participants aged 10 and above, excluding pregnant women and those with acute severe illness. Participants were consecutively recruited in three cohorts according to their signs/symptoms: compatible with neurocysticercosis (cohort 1), intestinal worm infections (cohort 2), and other signs/symptoms (cohort 3). Lacking a gold standard test for both infections, diagnostic accuracy was evaluated using results of two coprological and two serological tests for taeniosis, and three serological tests for cysticercosis, in a Bayesian Latent Class Model approach. The TS POC test was conducted on 601 participants in cohort 1, 1661 participants in cohort 2, and 662 participants in cohort 3. Most individuals tested negative on both TS POC test strips, with proportions of 83% (n = 496), 97% (n = 1613) and 97% (n = 641) in cohorts 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Complete case data were available for 120, 114, and 53 participants for taeniosis, and 126, 122, and 55 participants for cysticercosis. Sensitivity values for the TS POC T test strip were 50.2% [95% credible interval 4.9 - 96.4], 40.8% [2.2 - 95.2], and 40.4% [2.3 - 95.0], while specificity values were 98.6% [97.1 - 99.6], 99.3% [98.7 - 99.7] and 99.4% [98.5 - 99.9], respectively. For the TS POC CC test strip, the sensitivity was 77.5% [37.8 - 99.2], 24.9% [95% CI 6.4 - 52.7] and 44.2% [6.6 - 91.5], and the specificity 92.3% [86.5 - 98.8], 99.1% [97.8 - 100], and 98.1% [96.1 - 99.7] across the respective cohorts. Although the TS POC test has a low sensitivity, it demonstrates a high specificity, which may have clinical utility to guide treatment and diagnostic decisions, or in epidemiological studies. An important strength of this study lies in its assessment of the TS POC test under real-world conditions, revealing divergent estimates across distinct cohorts. The study underscores the suboptimal performance of existing tests under field conditions, emphasizing the need to enhance and validate these tests for better performance in practical real-world settings.Registration number: PACTR201712002788898.A
Sustainable renovation scenarios towards a flexible building use of a university campus
No full textTo meet the 2050 climate goals, the renovation rate of the building stock should increase. To renovate in a sustainable manner, not only is the energy performance of the building important, but the renovation should also allow for flexible building use, thus enabling long-term use of the building without subse-quent renovations if the function changes.This research investigates how this can be done through (dynamic) simulations, calculations and design research, using a building typology on a university cam-pus in Ghent as a case study. As the future use has not been determined yet, and might change throughout the years, the impact of certain design choices on vari-ous energy and comfort parameters has been investigated for all possible future use scenarios. As it is important that the proposed renovation scenarios achieve acceptable indoor air quality, the impact of the ventilation system is also taken into account.The results show that the interaction between the different parameters is very complex. Additionally, the various use scenarios have different requirements. One ideal renovation scenario can not be conceived, but design choices can be made that allow for changes in use over the years.To meet the 2050 climate goals, the renovation rate of the building stock should increase. To renovate in a sustainable manner, not only is the energy performance of the building important, but the renovation should also allow for flexible building use, thus enabling long-term use of the building without subse-quent renovations if the function changes.This research investigates how this can be done through (dynamic) simulations, calculations and design research, using a building typology on a university cam-pus in Ghent as a case study. As the future use has not been determined yet, and might change throughout the years, the impact of certain design choices on vari-ous energy and comfort parameters has been investigated for all possible future use scenarios. As it is important that the proposed renovation scenarios achieve acceptable indoor air quality, the impact of the ventilation system is also taken into account.The results show that the interaction between the different parameters is very complex. Additionally, the various use scenarios have different requirements. One ideal renovation scenario can not be conceived, but design choices can be made that allow for changes in use over the years.C
Ripples of reciprocity : navigating trust and collective governance in hydrosocial territories
No full textThis study examines the role of trust and reciprocity in the effectiveness of collective governance systems in hydrosocial territories, focusing on water associations managed by indigenous Aymara communities in the Bolivian Altiplano. Using path analysis and experimental economics, we measure the interplay between trust and reciprocity and cooperative behavior among 100 Aymara community members. Our results suggest that while trust is a critical factor in fostering cooperation, reciprocity is equally important in supporting the cooperation needed to establish effective collective governance in hydrosocial territories. We find that reciprocity is particularly low in the associations studied. Our results show that the initial acts of trust were not reciprocated, making cooperation within the governance system more difficult. Although communities exhibited prosocial behavior, this lack of reciprocity compromised trust between members of different communities, leading to ineffective functioning of collective governance of water resources. More generally, our findings highlight the vulnerability of collective governance in hydrosocial territories when collaboration relies heavily on negative reciprocal paradigms and is increasingly dependent on extrinsic motivations. To address the internal causes of ineffective collective governance, a nuanced exploration of ways to foster intrinsic motivation and positive reciprocal interactions is needed and seems to require joint efforts of communities and political actors.This study examines the role of trust and reciprocity in the effectiveness of collective governance systems in hydrosocial territories, focusing on water associations managed by indigenous Aymara communities in the Bolivian Altiplano. Using path analysis and experimental economics, we measure the interplay between trust and reciprocity and cooperative behavior among 100 Aymara community members. Our results suggest that while trust is a critical factor in fostering cooperation, reciprocity is equally important in supporting the cooperation needed to establish effective collective governance in hydrosocial territories. We find that reciprocity is particularly low in the associations studied. Our results show that the initial acts of trust were not reciprocated, making cooperation within the governance system more difficult. Although communities exhibited prosocial behavior, this lack of reciprocity compromised trust between members of different communities, leading to ineffective functioning of collective governance of water resources. More generally, our findings highlight the vulnerability of collective governance in hydrosocial territories when collaboration relies heavily on negative reciprocal paradigms and is increasingly dependent on extrinsic motivations. To address the internal causes of ineffective collective governance, a nuanced exploration of ways to foster intrinsic motivation and positive reciprocal interactions is needed and seems to require joint efforts of communities and political actors.A
Transforming arbitration : exploring the impact of AI, Blockchain, Metaverse and Web3
No full textIn an era where technology is rapidly transforming the legal landscape, Transforming Arbitration explores how innovations like AI, blockchain, the Metaverse, and Web3 are reshaping arbitration as a key form of dispute resolution. The book features insights from leading academics, practitioners, and policymakers, offering a comprehensive look at how these advancements are influencing our conceptual, substantive and procedural understandings of many parts of this field.Each chapter examines the challenges and opportunities presented by these technologies, raising important questions about the compatibility of traditional arbitration processes with digital innovations. As the legal field adapts to developments like cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and 'virtual' disputes, this book provides valuable guidance on the future implications for arbitration. By questioning established norms and advocating for fresh approaches, Transforming Arbitration is a vital resource for legal professionals and scholars committed to evolving with the times.Combining theoretical exploration with practical recommendations, this collaborative volume equips the legal community with the tools to navigate the complexities of our digital age with confidence and foresight.In an era where technology is rapidly transforming the legal landscape, Transforming Arbitration explores how innovations like AI, blockchain, the Metaverse, and Web3 are reshaping arbitration as a key form of dispute resolution. The book features insights from leading academics, practitioners, and policymakers, offering a comprehensive look at how these advancements are influencing our conceptual, substantive and procedural understandings of many parts of this field.Each chapter examines the challenges and opportunities presented by these technologies, raising important questions about the compatibility of traditional arbitration processes with digital innovations. As the legal field adapts to developments like cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and 'virtual' disputes, this book provides valuable guidance on the future implications for arbitration. By questioning established norms and advocating for fresh approaches, Transforming Arbitration is a vital resource for legal professionals and scholars committed to evolving with the times.Combining theoretical exploration with practical recommendations, this collaborative volume equips the legal community with the tools to navigate the complexities of our digital age with confidence and foresight.B
Sympathie voor de duivel. Over de verbeelding van het kwaad in het werk van Nederlandse en Vlaamse schrijvers. /
No full text
CRISPR-based Lignin Engineering in Maize and Poplar for Sustainable Bio-Refinery solutions
No full textLignine is een essentieel bestanddeel van plantencelwanden. Het biedt sterkte en stevigheid aan planten, maar het bemoeilijkt ook de omzetting van houtige biomassa naar hernieuwbare bio-gebaseerde producten. Door de structuur of de hoeveelheid van het lignine aan te passen, kunnen houtige gewassen geschikter worden gemaakt voor industriële toepassingen, terwijl hun veerkracht in het veld behouden blijft. Dit proefschrift richt zich op ligninemodificatie in twee belangrijke gewassen: maïs en populier.Maïs is een essentieel voedings- en bio-energiegewas, terwijl populier een snelgroeiende boom is die veel wordt gebruikt in de papier- en houtindustrie. Het modificeren van lignine in deze soorten aan de hand van nieuwe gentechnieken zoals CRISPR/Cas biedt perspectief voor een duurzame landbouw en groene energietoepassingen. Bij gebruik van CRISPR/Cas in maïs wordt eerst een stuk transgeen DNA ingebracht in het genoom van de plant, dat nadien via kruising en selectie weer kan worden verwijderd. Om verschillende redenen is het praktisch onmogelijk om eenzelfde strategie te volgen voor populier. We hebben daarom T-DNA-vrije genoomtechnieken voor populier ontwikkeld, om het DNA van de plant nauwkeurig te bewerken zonder soortvreemde genen in te brengen. Met deze aanpak hopen we de publieke acceptatie van de gewassen te verbeteren, waardoor het eenvoudiger wordt om deze gewassen in te zetten voor een duurzame samenleving.Public defense: 2025-05-12Lignine is een essentieel bestanddeel van plantencelwanden. Het biedt sterkte en stevigheid aan planten, maar het bemoeilijkt ook de omzetting van houtige biomassa naar hernieuwbare bio-gebaseerde producten. Door de structuur of de hoeveelheid van het lignine aan te passen, kunnen houtige gewassen geschikter worden gemaakt voor industriële toepassingen, terwijl hun veerkracht in het veld behouden blijft. Dit proefschrift richt zich op ligninemodificatie in twee belangrijke gewassen: maïs en populier.Maïs is een essentieel voedings- en bio-energiegewas, terwijl populier een snelgroeiende boom is die veel wordt gebruikt in de papier- en houtindustrie. Het modificeren van lignine in deze soorten aan de hand van nieuwe gentechnieken zoals CRISPR/Cas biedt perspectief voor een duurzame landbouw en groene energietoepassingen. Bij gebruik van CRISPR/Cas in maïs wordt eerst een stuk transgeen DNA ingebracht in het genoom van de plant, dat nadien via kruising en selectie weer kan worden verwijderd. Om verschillende redenen is het praktisch onmogelijk om eenzelfde strategie te volgen voor populier. We hebben daarom T-DNA-vrije genoomtechnieken voor populier ontwikkeld, om het DNA van de plant nauwkeurig te bewerken zonder soortvreemde genen in te brengen. Met deze aanpak hopen we de publieke acceptatie van de gewassen te verbeteren, waardoor het eenvoudiger wordt om deze gewassen in te zetten voor een duurzame samenleving.
Characterisation of geological samples with dual-energy XCT : a comparison of three different scanners
No full textThe stoichiometric calibration method for dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) can be used in geosciences to characterise materials based on their effective atomic number (Zeff) and their electron density (rho e) without previous knowledge of the incident X-ray beam. A stoichiometrically calibrated DECT method was applied here to measure these two properties on three different sedimentary rocks using three different X-ray CT instruments to determine which one is best to reveal the chemical composition or the mineralogical variations at the meso-scale. The three tested instruments: (1) a medical CT, (2) a custom-built micro-CT, and (3) a commercial micro-CT. Several acquisition settings were tested to identify the most suitable parameters for the characterisation the samples. Some parameters such as incident energies, resolution and calibration materials proved to have a significant impact on the accuracy of the characterisation. The determination of a general measurement protocol for geological samples was found to be difficult because of several complicating factors, including the nature of the sample, objectives of the study, and instrumental limitations that influence DECT characterisation. Nonetheless, comparison of the results obtained by the three scanners brings out the key parameters to be considered to perform a useful rock sample characterisation with DECT.The stoichiometric calibration method for dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) can be used in geosciences to characterise materials based on their effective atomic number (Zeff) and their electron density (rho e) without previous knowledge of the incident X-ray beam. A stoichiometrically calibrated DECT method was applied here to measure these two properties on three different sedimentary rocks using three different X-ray CT instruments to determine which one is best to reveal the chemical composition or the mineralogical variations at the meso-scale. The three tested instruments: (1) a medical CT, (2) a custom-built micro-CT, and (3) a commercial micro-CT. Several acquisition settings were tested to identify the most suitable parameters for the characterisation the samples. Some parameters such as incident energies, resolution and calibration materials proved to have a significant impact on the accuracy of the characterisation. The determination of a general measurement protocol for geological samples was found to be difficult because of several complicating factors, including the nature of the sample, objectives of the study, and instrumental limitations that influence DECT characterisation. Nonetheless, comparison of the results obtained by the three scanners brings out the key parameters to be considered to perform a useful rock sample characterisation with DECT.A