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Aanvullende pensioenen in het EU mededingings- en interne marktrecht: Lessen uit de juridische anatomie van de sociale markteconomie
No full textIn December 2009, the Treaty of Lisbon introduced a new direction for the EU's economic policies. As Article 3(3) of the Treaty on the European Union defines its objectives as "a highly competitive social market economy," it emphasises the need to reconcile both social and economic values in EU policymaking.
However, despite the explicit inclusion of social values in the EU's policy framework, tensions have persisted and the provision's legal value remains unclear. This dissertation aims to make a concrete contribution to this longstanding debate by exploring the interaction between EU economic law and social policy in the sphere of supplementary pensions.
In the first part, the analysis applies the different fields of EU competition law to supplementary pension policies. It first examines the (in)significance of the competitive process in supplementary pensions, and delves into the notions of 'undertaking' and 'economic activity' in relation to the different actors involved in the pension formation process. The legal classification of social security schemes and collective bargaining is scrutinised in detail. Next, the research assesses the implications of the prohibition on restrictive agreements and concerted practices, as well as the prohibition on abuse of dominance in relation to compulsory membership and the role of pension institutions within these systems. Finally, this first part investigates the extent to which EU State aid law regulates Member States' financial intervention in the sphere of supplementary pensions. Throughout the different sections, the regime for services of general economic interest (Article 106 TFEU) is addressed as a legal balancing exercise between social policy goals and EU competition law.
Secondly, the thesis analyses the co-existence of the free provision of services (and, ancillary, the free movement of capital) with various supplementary pension policies, both from a perspective of positive and negative integration. In particular, the second part carries out an account of the free movement implications for systems of compulsory membership, procurement of pension schemes and the resulting transparency obligations for social partners and public authorities.
In a final part, the thesis returns to its initial observation, examining the various theories on the EU Social Market Economy, and their legal value and weaknesses. Building on its findings in the context of supplementary pensions, the dissertation proposes both substantive and institutional approaches to defining the EU Social Market Economy as a legal concept, intended to balance the economic and social dimensions, as well as European and national interests.status: Publishe
De regulering van systeemrelevante financiële instellingen
No full textSystemically important financial institutions (SIFIs) are financial institutions the failure or malfunction of which could lead to broader disruptions in the financial system, which can ultimately have severe negative consequences for the real economy (systemic risk). This research project offers a critical assessment of the way in which the EU and the US identify and regulate SIFIs. In particular, it is assessed whether the current rules adequately reflect how (specific types of) SIFIs create systemic risk. Using the wealth of finance literature that employs network theory to better gauge sources of systemic risk, the project evaluates current SIFI regulation and offers policy alternatives where necessary.status: Publishe
EEG-geregistreerde biomarkers bij diepe hersenstimulatie voor de ziekte van Parkinson
No full textSubthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established neurosurgical therapy to treat advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). To maximize therapeutic effect, optimal DBS settings must be carefully selected for each patient. Unfortunately, optimal therapeutic effect is not always achieved. New technological advances in the DBS field such as directional leads and DBS devices with multiple current sources have exponentially expanded the parameter space. These new technologies have great potential for improve clinical outcomes but they also make programming much more complex. The challenge of optimally programming each patient is further compounded by, time constraints, lack of expertise and delayed therapeutic responses of some symptoms. Biomarkers to accurately predict the most optimal DBS settings could streamline this process and improve therapeutic outcomes. Recent studies have already proposed guiding solutions such as individualized imaging approaches and algorithm-based approaches. In my thesis, I investigated if EEG-based evoked potentials (EPs) can be suitable biomarker for optimizing DBS therapy.
First, we recorded cortical EPs via EEG in response to low-frequency DBS on each DBS-contact separately, as well as the segmented contacts in ring mode. We found that a short-latency EP at 3 milliseconds (P3) appeared strongest in amplitude when stimulating from the more dorsal contacts closest to dorsolateral STN. Next, we found that a long-latency EP at 10 milliseconds (P10) appeared strongest in amplitude when stimulating from the more ventral contacts closest to the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr). Furthermore, these EPs significantly differed in amplitude depending on the direction or the depth of the stimulated DBS-contact. Additionally, we found that the multiple current source technology can further refine precision in the programming of individual patients.
Besides EEG recording experiments, we performed double-blinded monopolar review assessments by systematically stimulating on each DBS-contact and measuring the therapeutic window and investigated the relationship between the EPs and these clinical outcome measures. Standard imaging data were also collected. We founded that a novel approach of combining EP- and image-derived information into one linear mixed effects model could accurately predict the contact with the widest therapeutic window. This approach performed better than model which used only the EP or only the imaging data.
Lastly, we investigated if P3 and P10 would result in an electrophysiological hotspot and coldspot, respectively as a means to possibly guide the DBS programming in PD patients. We found a clear P3-hotspot in line with hyperdirect pathway stimulation. The hyperdirect pathway is a monosynaptic connection between the cortex and STN that most likely has important clinical relevance during DBS stimulation. We also found a P10-coldspot related to SNr stimulation.
In conclusion, EEG-recorded EPs can be used as biomarkers to guide the DBS programming of individual PD patients, which can objectify and streamline the programming process.status: Publishe
Nieuwe methoden om de productiviteit van Laser Poederbed Fusie te verhogen
No full textLaser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) is one of the most prevalent Additive Manufacturing techniques for metal part fabrication. It operates by depositing thin layers of a metal powder and selectively fusing them, based on the information gathered by digitally slicing a 3D file of the desired geometry. The process allows for more design complexity than traditional manufacturing technologies, enabling advantages in weight reduction, functional integration, and customization. Nevertheless, LPBF components are typically significantly more expensive than traditionally manufactured alternatives, where the major cost driver is the long manufacturing time, often expressed in hours or even days. This manuscript aims to explore three novel methods to enhance LPBF productivity.
First, optimal use of multi-laser systems is examined. Instead of the conventional approach of independently operating lasers, this work explores a {synchronized dual laser system. Here, both beams follow the same scan path with a lateral beam offset, in order to develop a single coalesced melt pool. A semi-analytical model was developed to predict the resulting thermal fields, which was validated using high-speed single track experiments, demonstrating good predictive accuracy for the melt width and coalescence, with moderate accuracy on the depth. Owing to its rapid nature, this model enabled the prediction of the optimal beam separation for maximum build rate, indicating that synchronized beams could theoretically operate 2.35 times faster than a single laser system. These results were validated using 3D parts, representing the first demonstration of parallel synchronized scanning on multilayer components. With a maximum build rate increase of 2.32, the synchronized strategy outperforms the theoretical maximum build rate factor of independently operating beams, resulting in a 16% increase in process efficiency per laser. This demonstrates a significant improvement over current operating practices can be achieved by a change in scanning strategy.
This was followed by a study of a {Variable Beam Profile laser with in-source beam shaping capabilities. A thermal simulation model was developed to predict the behavior under the various beam profiles and demonstrated adequate model accuracy. The model was validated with single tracks experiments as well as full builds, allowing for the development of process windows for both Gaussian and Ring beams. While Ring beams are known to allow for increased productivity, their shallower melt pools are theorized to limit the maximum layer thickness. The interaction between beam shaping and layer thickness was examined, revealing that the build rate gains of shaped beams are limited to thin powder layers, while small Gaussian beams are better suited for larger layer thicknesses. Additionally, lowering the desired density threshold allowed for increased productivity, and was found to have a more pronounced effect on the performance of shaped beams compared to a Gaussian profile. Combined, this provides a more nuanced understanding of capabilities and limits of beam shaping for LPBF.
Finally, the concept of Adaptive Slicing was explored. Although it is known that a larger layer thickness enables increased productivity, the maximum thickness allowed is limited by the surface quality. However, this is most detrimental in near-horizontal surface, implying thicker layers can be used for near-vertical inclinations with minimal loss in part quality. Nevertheless, the use of variable layer thickness within a part, Adaptive Slicing, had not yet been demonstrated for metal LPBF, as it requires an infeasible number of experiments for optimal parameter determination. Therefore, an Autonomous Parameter Generation (APG) algorithm was developed. After calibration, this led to dense parameter sets for 316L stainless steel with a layer thickness distribution varying between 10 and 100 µm. Without further calibration, the APG was capable of predicting suitable parameters for titanium and a CoCr alloy, and was successfully implemented on a commercial system. Furthermore, the model revealed suitable parameter sets at layer thicknesses up to 240 µm. Although geometry dependent, Adaptive Slicing as a software-based approach allowed for doubling the build rate, while a combined approach of AS and Hull/Bulk slicing theoretically increases productivity up to at least 2.8x.
In conclusion, each of the examined methods demonstrated a significant increase in process efficiency and build rate compared to conventional strategies, with minimal modifications to machine hardware. The manuscript successfully achieved its objectives by presenting viable options to substantially enhance LPBF productivity. Owing to the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed methods, these findings reduce the transition gap from academic research to industrial implementation, paving the way for more cost-effective metal additive manufacturing.status: Accepte
Four Proto-Elamite Clay Tablets: The Oldest Written Sources at KU Leuven
No full textstatus: Publishe
Elektrogesponnen alginaat-gebaseerde verbanden voor gecontroleerde stikstofmonoxide-afgifte bij diabetische wonden
No full textChronic wounds remain a major clinical and socioeconomic challenge, particularly in patients with diabetes mellitus. Among these, diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) represent one of the most severe complications, affecting one out of three diabetic patients during their lifetime. They are associated with high recurrence, high infection risk, and frequent amputation. Current wound dressings primarily provide protection and moisture balance but do not actively correct the pathophysiological impairments underlying DFUs. One of their key deficiencies is reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, which contributes to impaired angiogenesis, dysregulated inflammation, and susceptibility to infection. Therefore, the central aim of this dissertation was to develop a multifunctional wound dressing capable of diabetic-specific NO release, while maintaining mechanical stability, biocompatibility, and translational potential.
The research followed a stepwise approach to establish a modular, scalable hydrogel platform. In an initial stage, methacrylated alginate hydrogels were reinforced using different photocrosslinking strategies. Covalent crosslinking with ethylene glycol diacrylate yielded hydrogels with improved mechanical integrity and fluid absorption capacity comparable to commercial references, while preserving biocompatibility. Building on this matrix, electrospinning was introduced to generate fibrous scaffolds with extracellular matrix-like architecture. Incorporation of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) enhanced mechanical properties while acting as reservoirs for therapeutic agents. Proof-of-concept loading with chlorhexidine confirmed antimicrobial activity but highlighted its known trade-off between efficacy and cytocompatibility.
The subsequent focus was on NO delivery. Diazeniumdiolate NO donors were synthesized and loaded into electrospun hydrogels with and without MSNs. A complementary innovation was the adaptation of a hemoglobin-based spectrophotometric assay into a miniaturized, high-throughput format. This assay enabled reproducible, kinetic monitoring of NO release in different donors, scaffold compositions, and loading parameters. Release profiling combined with nonlinear regression modeling revealed that donor chemistry and matrix composition determine release kinetics the most predominantly. This finding conferred flexibility to the system through variation of parameters according to the desired delivery.
Integrated evaluation of the system showed that effective NO-releasing dressings require a balanced interplay between four parameters: (i) mechanical stability of the hydrogel matrix, (ii) drug reservoir capacity provided by fibrous and nanoparticle architectures, (iii) donor-specific profiles according to their chemistry, and (iv) reproducible performance monitoring via a standardized assay. Together, these elements resulted in a versatile platform that can be tailored to specific clinical needs while remaining compatible with regulatory expectations.
Beyond experimental development, the translational perspectives were also assessed. Valorization analysis highlighted Belgium's strong infrastructure for early clinical evaluation, as well as the broader European regulatory environment. Intellectual property considerations, process scalability, and sterilization challenges were identified as critical steps for future translation. Limitations include donor stability under storage, and the need for validation in preclinical diabetic wound models.
In conclusion, this dissertation presents a proof-of-concept for a nitric oxide-releasing wound dressing that integrates advances in polymer chemistry, particle and processing technologies, and analytical techniques. The work demonstrates both technical feasibility and translational potential of a modular hydrogel platform designed to meet a costly medical need. By providing targeted NO delivery combined with structural reinforcement, this system adds to next-generation wound therapies with the potential to reduce amputation rates, improve healing outcomes, and lower healthcare costs in diabetes-related chronic wounds.
Keywords: diabetic foot ulcers, nitric oxide delivery, smart biomaterials, release-modulated hydrogelsstatus: Publishe
A Qualitative Exploration of Belgian Adolescents’ and Young Adults’ Views on Idealized and Body Positive Content on Social Media
No full textSocial media significantly impacts youth body image, yet its complexities require further exploration. Prior research often focuses on one type of content, neglecting how adolescents experience both harmful (e.g., idealized) and beneficial (e.g., body positive) content simultaneously. To address this, 34 individual interviews were conducted with adolescents (N = 20) and young adults (N = 14) (Mage = 18.88, SD = 2.72, girls/women = 19) to explore their experiences with appearance content and awareness of mixed appearance content on social media. Thematic analysis revealed six key themes, each containing subthemes: (a) harmful appearance content, (b) beneficial appearance content, (c) mixed appearance content, (d) self-posting behaviors, (e) youth recommendations, and (f) platform recommendations. Respondents reported that idealized content often triggers unhealthy body comparisons, but many downplayed its personal impact, suggesting a third-person effect, with boys and men particularly minimizing social media's influence. Some individuals, especially those with high internalization of beauty ideals, resisted body positive content due to internalized weight stigma, but most viewed BoPo content positively. Youth faced challenges reconciling idealized and BoPo content, highlighting the need for consistent BoPo messaging. Further, when exploring self-posting behaviors, a curated understanding of authenticity emerged, where authenticity is valued only if it conforms to a certain level of visual perfection. Lastly, recommendations included enhancing media literacy, improving content control, removing appearance-altering filters, promoting BoPo content, and filtering harmful content through algorithms.sponsorship: KU Leuven|PDMT2/22/008, KU Leuven|C14/23/035status: Publishe
Onderzoek van geavanceerde röntgenbeeldvormingstechnieken van de borst met behulp van fysieke metingen en simulaties
No full textThis thesis focuses on enhancing virtual imaging trials (VITs) as a tool for evaluating and optimizing advanced breast x-ray imaging modalities, such as digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), synthetic mammography (SM) and contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM). VITs relies on computational models that accurately represent human anatomy, pathology, and imaging systems. This work contributes to the validation of existing computational breast phantoms, explores a deep learning method to enhance the efficiency of mass model generation, and improves the realism of simulated mass lesions by developing an automated procedure for insertion into patient images. Additionally, it enables simulations for the latest Siemens mammography system, and demonstrates the added value of VITs in field of breast x-ray imaging.status: Publishe
Administrative Settlement Agreement
No full textThis research starts from the premise that settlement agreements with public authorities raise fundamental questions from a rule of law perspective. The central research question is: "To what extent should public authorities maintain a balance between the advantages of settlement and the fundamental principles of the rule of law when resolving a dispute through a contract between parties?" To address this question, the research successively examines: (i) the description and classification of inter-party dispute resolution involving public authorities in general; (ii) the theoretical and comparative legal framework for a general 'settlement agreement' (vaststellingsovereenkomst) with public authorities in particular; and (iii) the evaluation of that framework, along with corresponding recommendations.
The first part of the research examines general and specific forms of dispute resolution between parties and public authorities in criminal, administrative, and civil matters. In criminal prosecution, the general form (minnelijke schikking) is considered an exclusively public law instrument. So, private law does not apply in this context. By contrast, the centuries-old settlement (transactie) in customs and excise matters is regarded as a specific settlement agreement (dading) within the meaning of the (old) Belgian Civil Code, and - like the minnelijke schikking - it extinguishes the criminal proceedings. In administrative prosecution, the general form (minnelijke schikking) likewise functions as an exclusively public law instrument. However, the selected specific form (herstelschikking bij publieke schade) does not appear to preclude the application of private law. Finally, in civil matters, the general 'settlement agreement' (vaststellingsovereenkomst) is considered a non-specific private law contract, whereas the specific 'settlement agreement' (dading) entails a distinct set of legal rules.
The specific frameworks in criminal and administrative matters (as well as the limited framework for specific 'settlement agreements' (dading) in civil matters) point to universal concerns in inter-party dispute resolution with public authorities, which are shaped in either similar or distinct ways. Similarities can be found in the principles that (i) a settlement proposal constitutes a favor, (ii) a settlement does not imply an admission of guilt or liability, and (iii) confidentiality guarantees often apply. Conversely, some concerns are shaped in distinct ways. Examples of the latter include (i) the time limit for reaching an inter-party solution, (ii) the form, (iii) supervision, and (iv) registration requirements. In short, responses to universal concerns are being reinvented in various ways.
The second part of the research focuses on the theoretical framework for a general 'settlement agreement' (vaststellingsovereenkomst) with public authorities. This reveals, first and foremost, a unilateral legality boundary - namely, situations in which a settlement agreement is not permitted. From an internal perspective, Belgium has, as mentioned, a number of specific legal forms of inter-party dispute resolution with public authorities in criminal and administrative matters. In addition to these specific regimes, the general settlement agreement is considered the common form of inter-party dispute resolution with public authorities. Neither Belgian nor Dutch law provides a legal framework for settlement agreements with public authorities, unlike German and French law. Certain safeguards embedded in the German legal framework find partial equivalents in Belgian private law. The French legal framework essentially requires specific supervision (via a comité ministériel de transaction), which appears to have had limited success. Provided that the recommendations consistently arising from the thematic audits of the Court of Audit - including those aimed at optimising existing supervision mechanisms - are implemented, Belgian law does not require additional legal control mechanisms specifically tailored to a general 'settlement agreement' (vaststellingsovereenkomst) with public authorities.
Finally, the third part shows that a dual legal boundary is required for a legally certain theoretical framework, inspired by the interaction between compliance and performance in the audit practice of the Court of Audit. In its thematic audits, the Court of Audit systematically examines both "the legality and regularity of transactions and procedures" (compliance audit) and "the proper use of public funds to measure the efficiency, effectiveness, and economy of a service, process, or policy" (performance audit). This raises not only the question of under what conditions inter-party dispute resolution with a public authority is possible, but also when the public authority should give preference to such a resolution.
Three recommendations aim to embed this dual approach in the general 'settlement agreement' (vaststellingsovereenkomst) with public authorities. These recommendations stem from public law, policy, and private law perspectives, respectively.
The first, public law recommendation finds its legal basis in the principles of good administration, particularly the principles of economy and proportionality. In light of Suetens' pioneering articles and subsequent legal doctrine and case law, this research advocates a more prominent role for the principles of proportionality and economy in dispute resolution with public authorities. This facilitates the assessment of when the government should give preference to inter-party dispute resolution - either in light of the aforementioned principles of good administration or based on legal obligations (e.g., the mandatory settlement proposal in cases involving the liability of civil servants).
The second, policy recommendation seeks to embed this dual approach in a policy methodology for settlement agreements with public authorities. The proposed methodology is inspired by public procurement law (viewed as 'competition' between the various methods of dispute resolution) and the recent binding guidelines for the use of consultancy within the Flemish government (framed as 'insourcing or outsourcing' of dispute resolution). Accordingly, this research distinguishes five steps: (i) the selection of the interested parties, (ii) a dual legality test, (iii) an opportunity test based on an assessment framework, followed by (iv) registration, and (v) annual reporting to provide the government with an overview of the expenditure incurred through settlement agreements with public authorities.
Finally, this research leads to a third recommendation. Just as no specific legal framework appears necessary from a public law perspective to safeguard the dual approach, the general private law framework also seems sufficient. Within that framework, this research proposes ten points of attention for the contractual design of settlement agreements with public authorities, relating to the: (i) valid consent, (ii) competent public authority, (iii) legal representation, (iv) legal basis for stipulated obligations, (v) clear party qualification as a general or specific settlement agreement (vaststellingsovereenkomst or dading, respectively), (vi) damage-limiting management of interests, (vii) anticipation of (legal) costs, (viii) well-considered confidentiality, (ix) relative effect and exclusion of precedent, and (x) attention to the stability of the settlement agreement.
In summary, the settlement agreement is a fully-fledged policy instrument for public authorities to carefully manage their disputes. The limited but flexible legislative framework is sufficient, provided that it is supplemented by tailor-made settlement agreements. The thematic audits of the Court of Audit provide useful insights in this regard, the implementation of which offers added value in practice. An intriguing common ground emerges: on the one hand, the principles that the Court of Audit applies as audit standards in the exercise of its systematic control powers, and on the other hand, the principles of good administration that the courts assesses in individual disputes. This is uncharted territory, for which additional scientific research offers valuable perspectives. These perspectives complement the present dissertation, which focuses on inter-party dispute resolution with public authorities.status: Publishe