Faculté des Sciences

Leah Christian and I are organizing a session on "Innovative Uses of Multimode and Multidata in Surveys: Challenges, Success, and Error Trade-offs". We'd love to see you in our session! Declining response rates and increasing cost of data collection continue to challenge survey practitioners, survey researchers, and government agencies. At the same time, there is a growing need for more data and for more data to be collected more frequently, timely, and cost effectively. As a result, surveys are increasingly employing multiple modes both to contact sampled persons and to collect data from them. For instance, sampled persons may be mailed postal letters and also visited by field interviewers inviting them to participate in a survey. They may be also offered to participate in the survey online or by telephone. Furthermore, data from multiple sources are utilized to assist survey data collection, and to supplement and complement data from traditional surveys for inferences. For instance, satellite images are used to prescreen for buildings with certain desired characteristics. Administrative data can be linked to obtain additional information without burdening survey respondents. This session will be exploring the innovative uses of multimodes and multidata sources to assist survey data collection, reduce burden, improve survey quality, and reduce cost of data collection. This session focuses on challenges, success, and error trade-offs in the multimode and multidata environment.  Researchers are invited to submit papers on any of the following topics: ·        Challenges, success, and error trade-offs of using multiple modes to contact/reach sampled persons ·        Challenges, success, and error trade-offs of using multiple modes to collect data from sampled persons ·        Challenges, success, and error trade-offs of using data from different sources to improve sampling efficiency ·        Challenges, success, and error trade-offs of using data from different sources to assist and supplement data collection ·        Challenges and success of combining survey data across multiple modes and from multiple sources ·        Evaluating error trade-offs arising from combining data from multiple modes and/or multiple data sources

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What are the common signs and symptoms of #Burnout? Prof. Tim Vantilborgh's research team in a project funded by Research Foundation Flanders - FWO, aims to reconceptualise burnout from a dynamic system network perspective, in order to derive a framework that can be used for accurate diagnosis of Burnout. Full interview 👉 https://lnkd.in/dYKQhFfh Ebasone P. Vanes FOLEFAC Charlemagne ASONGANYI Funeh Cyprine N. #stress. #Burnout #Burnoutmanagement #RSD #Scicomm

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✨ I did it! ✨ I'm thrilled to share that on November 5th, I successfully defended my PhD thesis, titled "Bioactivation of Human Proteratogens in the Zebrafish Embryo Model: A New Approach Method (NAM) for Developmental Toxicity Assessment." It appears that zebrafish embryo can metabolize xenobiotics on their own, mostly starting from the end of organogenesis and through a moderate metabolization capacity. However, teratogenicity might appear to follow different pathways in zebrafish embryos than in mammalian’s species, for at least the two compounds investigated during this project. Further characterization of phase I and phase II enzymes, other than CYPs, need elucidation in this alternative species before its validation and acceptance by regulatory agencies. However, rather than validation of the model on its own, a combination of New Alternative Methods (NAMs) supported by mechanistic investigation appear to be the direction the scientific community and regulatory agencies are heading towards. This achievement would not have been possible without the support and guidance of my jury members Prof. Dr. Jo Leroy (UAntwerpen), Prof. Dr. Winnok De Vos (UAntwerpen), Dr. Catherine Viguié (University of Toulouse), and Prof. Dr. Deirdre Cabooter (KU Leuven). I am also deeply grateful to my co-supervisors, Dr. Kenn Foubert and Prof. Dr. Alain Labro, and especially my supervisor, Prof. Dr. Steven Van Cruchten, who trusted me with this project. My heartfelt thanks also go to my PhD teammates (and friends), the entire CoPed team, as well as my family and friends, whose support and encouragement were with me every step of the way. Closing this chapter is both exciting and bittersweet, and I leave it behind with two quotes that guided me along the way: - The timeless words of E.P. George: "All models are wrong, some models are useful." - And a nugget of wisdom from a world-renowned thinker, Dory (Finding Nemo): "Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming." Thank you all for being part of this journey, here’s to the next chapter!

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FOD Volksgezondheid / SPE Santé publique in collaboration with Möbius organised a workshop with all stakeholders regarding evolutions in EEE - more espacially POM (put on market). Nice insights - exceptionnal ideas. We all hope this will establish a well balanced and pragmatic approach of upcoming targets #CRM #repair index #product pasport#circularity #environmental legislation

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Congrats to Eveline Pinseel, PhD with her ERC grant. In her innovative project DIADAPT project, she aims to to study how diatoms evolve in response to climate changes over both short and long timescales. Diatoms, also known as 'silica algae,' are single-celled organisms found in oceans, freshwater, and soils. They play a crucial role in our planet's health, contributing to 20% of the Earth's annual oxygen production—more than all rainforests combined. As the foundation of marine food webs, they also help regulate the global climate by exporting CO2 to the deep sea when they die. By focusing on genetic evolution and gene expression, DIADAPT will enhance our understanding of diatoms' adaptability to climate change and their role in marine ecosystems and global carbon cycling in the future. Learn more about her project below! #ERC #diatoms #sustainability

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What is #CitizenScience and why should we practice it? Join LIBER, Urfist de Bordeaux and the project SAPS Université Bordeaux as we unravel the benefits and challenges of Citizen Science in this training webinar, ‘Introduction to Citizen Science’. Register: https://ow.ly/RMlJ50R2Wq6

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Bio-Gentle: Another round of recruiting for our Doctoral Network, Bio-Gentle. The network will train next-generation researchers in sustainable biomolecule separation processes. Visit the project site www.bio-gentle.eu for more information and to see which positions are still available. #bio-molecules separation, #sustainability, #membrane processes

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✍ We are very excited to share with you our latest publication "Occurrence of short- and ultra-short chain PFAS in drinking water from Flanders (Belgium) and implications for human exposure" published by Environmental Research! ❗ Short- and ultra-short-PFAS are very polar and mobile compounds that can easily reach water compartment. Their chemical characteristics make their measurements very challenging, but their investigation in drinking water is essential to assess any possible risk from exposure to these contaminants. 🚰 In this work, we have explored several methods to measure these "tricky" compounds in tap and bottled water available in Flanders. We found that some of them are ubiquitously present in drinking water, but based on available guidance values, we assessed that at the measured concentrations, they do not pose an immediate threat to human health. If you're curious, check out our paper: https://lnkd.in/e8zFmHAF 🙏 Thanks to Francesca Cappelli, Yu Ait Bamai, Dahye Kim, Kobe Van Hoey and Adrian Covaci for this interesting work!

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New paper out by Jan Specker in the context of the NWO (Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek) Aquaconnect project. An extensive literature review was performed to identify current water reuse practices at field scale, reported types and levels of CECs and their associated risks for human and environmental health.

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🧐 Interested in how a research project like #REMARCO works? Check out the latest research update on our website. A big thank you to the VLIZ - Flanders Marine Institute for these valuable insights! To stay up to date with the latest news and updates, follow us on social media and regularly check our website. #REMARCO #Research #NorthSea Interreg North Sea Programme

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Science Europe welcomes the release of the Barcelona Declaration on Open Research Information. We are delighted to note that several of our member organisations are among the early signatories, including NWO (Dutch Research Council), ANR, the French National Research Agency, and Spanish National Research Council (CSIC).   The Barcelona Declaration is a guide to take forward the evolution towards making #openness the default for ‘research information’, sometimes also referred to as #metadata. It was prepared by a group of over 25 research information experts, representing organisations that carry out, fund, and evaluate research, as well as organisations that provide research information infrastructures.   The main commitment is to make openness the default for research information that is used and produced by research funding and performing organisations, which is an important part of the transition to open science. In 2021, Science Europe noted the growing interest in open sources of research information to monitor open access. In 2023, NWO started to use open metadata to monitor open access.   The Barcelona Declaration is open to new signatories at: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/emekFAFv. #OpenScience #OpenData #OpenAccess #BarcelonaDeclaration

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🌊🔬 We are thrilled to announce the publication of a novel research protocol by our Imptox team, in collaboration with Ghent University and CNRS, focusing on microplastics in marine environments. This detailed protocol, now available on protocols.io, is a vital step forward in understanding the dynamics of microbial colonization on microplastics across different marine settings. 🌐 This research not only advances our scientific knowledge but also has significant implications for environmental policy and marine health. Learn more about our pioneering work and its potential impact on https://lnkd.in/eb5g_P7T #EnvironmentalResearch #Microplastics #MarineBiology #Sustainability #ImptoxProject

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Glycoscientist Robert de Vries and his research associates have received a €150,000 Proof of Concept grant from the European Research Council (ERC). With this funding, De Vries and his colleagues will explore the feasibility of developing an early warning system for viruses at live animal markets in low-income countries. This system aims to detect animal viruses that have a high risk of switching to humans at an early stage. In theory, the technique could help prevent virus outbreaks or even pandemics. How can #viruses jump to other hosts? Viruses use receptors—molecules on the surface of cells—to bind to and invade their host cells. Birds have different receptors than humans. Therefore, a flu virus circulating in birds would need to adapt to bind to human receptors to be able to infect humans. De Vries and his partners use this knowledge to identify viruses that might be on the verge of jumping to humans. They aim to develop glass slides coated with receptors that are bound by avian viruses, receptors bound by human viruses, as well as receptors that fall somewhere in between. By acting quickly, it is possible to prevent outbreaks or even a pandemic. De Vries: “Before the #COVID-19 pandemic, there was little interest in coronaviruses and not enough research was done on them. We know that there is a good chance that the next pandemic is going to be caused by a flu virus. So, we simply have to take these precautions.” Read more on this De Vries' idea: https://lnkd.in/gx7UjY3E #uuscience #flu #warningsystem #proofofconcept #grant

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Urgent Call for Reform: KU Leuven’s ODOT Statute Needs Change! Join us in advocating for a policy that supports flexible yet secure academic careers. Sign the petition to make your voice heard! https://lnkd.in/e47ddyDD 📢 We’re rallying the academic community at KU Leuven to demand a revision of the new ODOT (contract of indefinite duration with dissolving time clause) regulation. This policy affects many scientific staff, limiting their career prospects and job security. 😱 Career Limitations: The ODOT statute caps appointments at 6 or 10 years, hindering long-term research opportunities. 🔐 Job Security: The new contract type makes it easier for employers to dismiss staff, reducing protection for researchers. 📈 Sustainable Careers: The policy restricts sustainable career paths to a select few, impacting the university’s research capabilities. 💰 Funding Challenges: The regulation complicates funding and employment searches, adding pressure on both staff and principal investigators. #KULeuven #AcademicReform #ResearchCommunity #ODOTStatute

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Very glad to have delivered two guest lectures this week for Hogeschool Leiden & Arcadia University 🤓 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐏𝐂𝐑 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐬? As part of the ‘PCR: from A to Z’ course at the Center of Bioscience & Diagnostics in Leiden (NL), I presented a group of analysts with a timeline of #forensic DNA profiling, from the lense of #PCR assay (r)evolution! 💥 Starting with small PCR multiplexes to amplify short tandem repeats from forensic #traces in the early 90’s, we can now employ large panels to analyse picograms of biological material for human #identity, that may include hundreds of relevant biomarkers - STRs, SNPs, mtDNA, mRNA, CpGs, and the list goes on! Curious where newer developments like the use of unique molecular identifiers, rapid or digital PCR, will take us! 🤩 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 -𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐬? As part of the ‘Forensic Biology’ course of the MSc Forensic Science program in Philadelphia (US), I delivered a lecture on tissue-specific omics including #transcriptomics, #epigenomics and #microbiomics. Cell typing of forensic traces using confirmatory methods can make a huge difference in a case, as it adds valuable content towards activity-level reporting. NL-based scientists have heavily innovated this area, which keeps being developed using novel markers, high-throughput methods, and suitable interpretation frameworks. While more research is needed, I argue that in the future, instead of choosing one method over the other, we may be able to combine a multi-omics approach, to present with #celltyping #evidence of higher value in court. The prerequisite? A (non)human DNA/RNA co-extraction method suitable for forensic-type samples 💡 Many thanks to my colleagues Ivo Horn and Fabio Oldoni, Ph.D. for the opportunity to contribute to these courses! #teaching #forensics #epigenetics #DNA

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On our way to #HUPOEuPA2024 with Maarten Dhaenens, Sigrid Verhelst and Simon Daled! Come and find us at poster P-II-0516 if you want to find out more about the interplay between histone epigenetics, proteomics, and metabolomics!

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📢 The stakeholder's engagement is essential for the successful implementation of EU Project LUCRA! For that reason, as a first consultation activity, the #LUCRA consortium has developed an online #survey. 🗑 ♻ The project, coordinated by Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant in Belgium, focuses on one fundamental goal: demonstrating the technical and economic feasibility of turning organic waste into bio-succinic acid on a pre-industrial scale. 📝 In this survey, you will be asked questions to help us gather insights on the stakeholders’ interests and needs, as well as identify perceived gaps, challenges and opportunities related to LUCRA topics. No expert knowledge is required to answer the survey which will take approximately 8 minutes to complete: 📎 ➡ https://lnkd.in/ek4R2aiw Thank you very much in advance for participating! Your input is very valuable for our project! ❤️ Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant - Universiteit Gent - HYDROHM - Boreal Bioproducts - Covestro - Agricultural University of Athens AUA OFC - CNR SCITEC 'Giulio Natta' - Steinbeis Europa Zentrum - iNeuvo Ltd - FCC Medio Ambiente #Bioeconomy #Sustainabilty #Innovation  #LUCRA #WasteToChemicals

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Sometimes glacio-tectonics gives us a unique glimpse into the deeper subsurface. Last week we observed Early Pleistocene (Tiglian) sediments of the Baltic River System (Peize Fm) in two abandoned quarries southwest of Zwolle. These sediments occur in glacio-tectonised position in the northern tip of the Saalian age Veluwe glacio-tectonic ridge (https://lnkd.in/e9xVTzZN; AHN, Esri, Esri Nederland). I plotted a profile over this area from our Regis model (www.dinoloket.nl; www.broloket.nl; TNO; Basisregistratie Ondergrond ) and added some schematic, imbricated thrust sheets in the ridge (based on insights from further south; Bakker & Van der Meer 2003). The thrust planes dip towards the former Saalian ice-lobe that was positioned in the IJssel Valley Glacial Basin to the east (with more folding structures occurring away from the ice-lobe; Bakker & Van der Meer 2003; Marcel Bakker). The glacio-tectonised sediments we observed were likely dislocated from depths below -80m NAP, from the so-called Balk Member (or PZc) although a source from higher up (Peize Fm sands, PZWAz3) cannot entirely be excluded. In the quarries, which are well know from previous work (Leemkule and Gemeente Groeve; Zandstra, 1971; Huibert van den Brink), we observed cross-laminated, fine- to medium grained sands with clay laminae, locally also with climbing characteristics. The sedimentology clearly shows a tidal signature (De Raaf & Boersma, 1971) although here the presence of relatively thick clay beds and absence of in-situ dinoflagellates (only Eocene reworked species; Noorbergen & Van den Brink, 2024), make a freshwater-tidal setting likely (Van den Berg et al., 2007; Martinius & Van den Berg, 2011). Getting more insights in the architecture and composition of these sediments and their position in the glacio-tectonic structure contributes to better population of for example the hydrogeological REGIS model and hence to make better models for ground water extraction of the area. Bakker & Van der Meer 2003: https://lnkd.in/eS7cZprC De Raaf & Boersma, 1971: https://lnkd.in/eQye4qPZ Martinius & Van den Berg, 2011: https://lnkd.in/ehG7Tv3D Noorbergen & Van den Brink, 2024: https://lnkd.in/drmKcY24 Van den Berg et al., 2007: https://lnkd.in/ewHNEhrz Zandstra, J.G., 1971. Geologisch onderzoek in de stuwwal van de oostelijke Veluwe bij Hattem en Wapenveld. Mededelingen Rijks Geologische Dienst, Nieuwe Serie 22, 215-259. Provincie Gelderland Provincie Overijssel #geology #energytransition #DataVisualization #geoscience #mapping

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