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The Impact of Goal-Oriented Inpatient Rehabilitation on Walking Ability in People with Multiple Sclerosis
No full textIn deze master thesis onderzocht ik de impact van een 13 weken durend multidisciplinair revalidatieprogramma op de wandelcapaciteit van mensen met multiple sclerose. Uit mijn analyse van 35 deelnemers bleek dat het programma significante verbeteringen in de wandelcapaciteit opleverde, vooral tijdens de eerste helft van de revalidatie. Hoewel het stellen van doelen gericht op wandelen geen meetbaar effect had, toonden betere balans bij aanvang en een jongere leeftijd een positieve correlatie met verbeteringen in wandelcapaciteit. Deze bevindingen kunnen bijdragen aan een gerichtere aanpak binnen de revalidatie van mensen met multiple sclerose
Updated Mechanisms of IL-6 in Human Endothelial Cells
No full textInterleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic cytokine primarily involved in inflammation and vascular remodeling. While it is known to influence angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, the underlying mechanisms and downstream targets in endothelial cells (ECs) remain poorly understood. This study aimed to explore the angiogenic effect of IL-6 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1 cells) and to gain insights into the mechanistic pathways involved. We found that IL-6 promoted EC migration in a wound healing assay and stimulated tube formation in both cell types, while also enhancing blood vessel formation in the chicken chorioallantoic membrane assay. Proteomic analysis of IL-6-treated HUVECs identified pentraxin 3 (PTX3) as an IL-6-responsive factor. Subsequent validations using ELISA, qRT-PCR, and western blot confirmed increased PTX3 expression in HUVECs but revealed a downregulation in HMEC-1 cells, indicating a cell-type-specific regulatory effect of IL-6. To further elucidate the cellular response to IL-6, we assessed the expression of the IL-6 receptor subunits, IL-6R alpha and gp130, in both EC types following IL-6 stimulation. qRT-PCR revealed increased gp130 gene expression, but flow cytometry showed no change in cell surface expression, while IL-6R alpha surface expression increased in both EC types, supporting sustained IL-6 signaling. Overall, these findings provide updated insights into the pro-angiogenic actions of IL-6 and how it regulates PTX3 expression in human ECs.The authors would like to thank Evelyne Van Kerckhove, Ellen Sleurs, Laura Ponsaerts, and Steffie Haesevoets for their excellent technical assistance. This research was supported by the research fund “BOF Grand Challenges” provided by Hasselt University (grant number: 21GP08BROA). During the preparation of this work, the author(s) used Generative AI (ChatGTP) in order to assist with language editing of the manuscript. After using this tool/service, the author(s) reviewed and edited the content as needed and take(s) full responsibility for the content of the publication
Integrating sustainability in economics education: understanding moments of transformative learning in secondary schools in Belgium
No full textDespite the rising popularity of integrating sustainability and ethics in economics education, the neoclassical view remains dominant in economic curricula and little structural change in economics education is visible in practice. In an effort to address this deficit, transformative learning is encouraged to integrate sustainability and pluralistic perspectives into economics education. However, there is a lack of cases and best practices in which transformative learning is successfully implemented in formal economics education. Therefore, the aim of the study is to operationalize parts of the transformative learning process in the field of economics education, what we choose to label in this paper as transformative moments. A quasi-experimental design was adopted in this study. New teaching materials involving sustainability related topics and more pluralist economic perspectives were developed by the researchers with the aim of creating opportunities for transformative learning. A mixed method approach was used to (1) investigate how students experienced the newly developed educational materials, (2) investigate whether students changed their perspectives, and (3) illustrate what specific transformative moments look like. The results operationalize what transformative moments can look like in economics classes and reveal how parts of the transformative learning process are reflected by students. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to illustrate parts of the transformative learning process, more specific transformative moments, for sustainable development in economics education.Funding
FWO funding was received for a short research study abroad to work together for data analysis. (Reference FWO funding: K257323N). LJ was funded by BOF UHasselt during the research period.
The researchers would like to thank all the schools, teachers and students involved in this research for their collaboration. Furthermore, this study was possible through a collaboration between Hasselt University and Uppsala University
Acts of Deviation
No full textThe exhibition Acts of Deviation shows various art objects that are the results of Maria Konschake's doctoral research Acts of Deviation: Artistic Reflections on Memory and Identity in Connection with Jewellery (2021-2025). This research is a study on (memory-related) deviation as an artistic strategy to reflect on whether objects are carriers of memories and how this relates to the formation and representation of identity. A focus was put on jewellery. The project took place at Hasselt University and PXL-MAD School of Arts and was supervised by Prof. Dr. David Huycke and Dr. Karen Wuytens.
This PhD Research in the Arts was funded and supported by the Special Research Fund (BOF) of Hasselt University (BOF21DOC04)
De link tussen de persoonlijkheidskenmerken van de CEO en de kapitaalstructuur van het bedrijf
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Standards for cardiac telerehabilitation: A scientific statement of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC) and the Association of Cardiovascular Nursing & Allied Professions (ACNAP) of the ESC, and the ESC Working Group on e-Cardiology
No full textParticipation in comprehensive, multidisciplinary cardiac rehabilitation programmes as part of secondary prevention is recommended for patients with cardiovascular disease. However, recent data reveal that participation in cardiac rehabilitation is only around 30%-40% of eligible patients in Europe. Key barriers are practical barriers such as limitations in transport or scheduling issues. In recent years, home-based cardiac rehabilitation, delivered by telerehabilitation, has been suggested as an alternative or adjunct to centre-based cardiac rehabilitation to increase access, adherence, and participation rates. Multiple trials have demonstrated the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of cardiac telerehabilitation. Recently, the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) has defined the presence of a cardiac telerehabilitation programme as one of the quality indicators for centres requesting accreditation. This document aims to provide a clear description of cardiac telerehabilitation and to provide minimal standards and core components to ensure the high quality of cardiac telerehabilitation in Europe.The authors would like to thank Veronique Cornelissen, Rudger Brouwers, Hareld Kemps, Jonathan Rawstorn and Dominique Hanssen for their valuable contribution to the Delphi Surveys
Bridging Tradition and Innovation in Training: Evaluating and Comparing Training Methods Through a Comprehensive Framework
No full textDeveloping a highly competent workforce is essential for meeting the evolving demands of modern manufacturing. In this context, evaluating traditional and innovative training methods plays a critical role in enhancing the effectiveness of assembly processes. With a range of options-such as on-the-job training, classroom training and eXtended Reality solutions-it is critical to identify the most appropriate training approach for different contexts. Therefore, we performed a literature review and visited manufacturing companies to gain an overview of metrics involved in the assessment of training methods. To support this, we developed a comprehensive framework that guides the selection of such approaches. Our research identified key factors that contribute to training, which are integrated into the framework. The framework is designed to evolve alongside technological and contextual changes, allowing for ongoing adjustments as new strategies emerge or existing ones improve, such as decreasing Virtual Reality costs or personnel limitations impacting traditional training. This adaptability ensures the framework remains a reliable resource for making informed training decisions, tailored to specific needs while accounting for an ever-changing industrial landscape.This research is funded by EITManufacturing DoctoralSchool, andbyFlandersMakethroughtheproject SKILLEDWORKFORCE
Binnenzinnen: Een innerlijk parcours van mentale diversiteit, verbeeld in het Museum Dr. Guislain.
No full textIn een samenleving waarin mentale diversiteit vaak onzichtbaar blijft, onderzoekt deze masterproef hoe scenografie kan bijdragen aan een tastbare en empathische ruimtebeleving. Vanuit een persoonlijke fascinatie voor innerlijke belevingswerelden werd een scenografisch ontwerp ontwikkeld voor het Gentse museum Dr. Guislain – een plek waar psychiatrie, erfgoed en kunst samenkomen. Via literatuuronderzoek, referentieprojecten en ontwerpend onderzoek wordt onderzocht hoe ruimte kan bijdragen aan bewustwording en het doorbreken van stigma’s rond psychische aandoeningen. Het resultaat is een zintuiglijk en interactief parcours waarin bezoekers ondergedompeld worden in ervaringen van verwarring, kwetsbaarheid, maar ook veerkracht. Centraal staat de vraag: hoe kan ruimte het onzichtbare zichtbaar maken? Door middel van schaal, tactiliteit, geluid en licht wordt mentale vervreemding niet uitgelegd, maar ervaren. Met Binnenzinnen ontstaat een scenografisch traject waarin het ongrijpbare een vorm krijgt, niet om te verklaren, maar om dichterbij te brengen