Belgian Situation Research Articles

Behavioral evaluations of shelter dogs: Literature review, perspectives, and follow-up within the European member states's legislation with emphasis on the Belgian situation

The purpose of this study was to review dog behavior evaluation methods currently used in animal shelter dogs in the European Union (EU). (1) A literature review was carried out to examine findings, outline strengths, and shortcomings of currently used behavioral evaluations and identify supplementary areas of research; (2) the effect of existing literature on EU Member States' (MS) legislation on shelters was questioned; and the approach to the evaluation and adoption process in 1 specific MS, Belgium, was detailed at shelter level, in an attempt to highlight the on-field situation. The methodology applied consisted of a review of all ScienceDirect peer-reviewed articles examining behavioral evaluations of shelter dogs as well as e-mail and phone surveys within 21 MS and 51 Belgian shelters. The results show that to date, according to the quality test criteria (Martin and Bateson, 2007), only 1 validated behavioral evaluation (Valsecchi et al., 2011) has been identified. Although the Treaty of Amsterdam (1999) recognizes Animal Welfare, it does not offer a legal basis for legislation at EU level regarding behavioral evaluations of shelter dogs. In addition, poor legislation and lack of standardization were observed at MS level. The results of the Belgian survey showed a discrepancy between the field reality and the current scientific knowledge. In the field, financial restrictions, lack of time, and a moderate confidence in behavioral evaluations were observed. Despite this, there is a demand for a validated behavioral evaluation and a risk assessment tool for shelter dogs. This study identifies that at scientific, EU, and national levels, concrete measures must be taken to support the situation regarding behavioral evaluations of shelter dogs.

Diagnosis, pathophysiology and management of chronic migraine: a proposal of the Belgian Headache Society.

Chronic migraine (CM) is a disabling neurological condition affecting 0.5-2 % of the population. In the current third edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders, medication overuse is no longer an exclusion criterion and CM is diagnosed in patients suffering from at least 15 headache days per month of which at least eight are related to migraine. CM is difficult to treat, and preventive treatment options are limited. We provide a pathogenetic model for CM, integrating the latest findings from neurophysiological and neuroimaging studies. On behalf of the Belgian Headache Society, we present a management algorithm for CM based on the international literature and adapted to the Belgian situation. Pharmacological treatment options are discussed, and recent data on transcranial and invasive neuromodulation studies in CM are reviewed. An integrated multimodal treatment programme may be beneficial to refractory patients, but at present, this approach is only supported by a limited number of observational studies and quite variable between centres.

Economic and Social Potential of Family-supporting Services, Limits and Challenges

Due to the increase of the economic pressure on households, it is increasingly more difficult to balance family life and economic activity. Reasons for this evolution can be the increased labour market participation of women, the ageing of the population to name a few. Within the EU, different systems to offer assistance in creating a balanced social and economically active life have been established in numerous countries. However, the aims, results and general scope of these national policies differ.The main focus of this paper will be the Belgian situation, i.e. the voucher system (services cheques). Starting with a general view of the reasons of existence of family-support services, followed by the different support services policies offered in various European countries, the Belgian situation will be discussed.The voucher system in Belgium has encountered an explosive boom which brings unexpected results and side effects. These affect the country’s social economical system. The paper discusses the evolution of the system. What are the reasons for the unexpected success? What are the economic and social consequences for a modern active welfare state, can growth be limitless? The paper will attempt to provide answers on these questions raised.

Management of Chronic Migraine: a proposal by the Belgian Headache Society.

Event Abstract Back to Event Management of Chronic Migraine: a proposal by the Belgian Headache Society. Jean Schoenen1* 1 University of LIEGE, Neurology, Belgium Chronic Migraine (CM) is a disabling neurological condition affecting 0,5 to 2% of the population. In the current third edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders, medication overuse is no longer an exclusion criterion and CM is diagnosed in patients suffering from at least 15 headache days per month of which at least 8 are related to migraine. CM is difficult to treat and preventive treatment options are limited. We provide a pathogenetic model for CM, integrating the latest findings from neurophysiological and neuroimaging studies. On behalf of the Belgian Headache Society, we present a management algorithm for CM based on the international literature and adapted to the Belgian situation. Pharmacological treatment options are discussed, and recent data on transcranial and invasive neuromodulation studies in CM are reviewed. An integrated multimodal treatment program may be beneficial to refractory patients, but at present this approach is only supported by a limited number of observational studies and quite variable between centers. Figure 1 Figure 2 Acknowledgements The following board members of the Belgian Headache Society have contributed to this work: Koen Paemeleire, Paul Louis, Delphine Magis, Michel Vandenheede, Jan Versijpt, Bart Vandersmissen. References Paemeleire K, Louis P, Magis D, Vandenheede M, Versijpt J, Vandersmissen B, Schoenen J. Diagnosis, pathophysiology and management of Chronic Migraine: a proposal of the Belgian Headache Society. Acta Neurol Belg 2014 (submitted). Keywords: chronic migraine, Pharmacotherapy, behavioral therapy, Botulinum Toxins, Type A, Neuromodulation, integrated management Conference: Belgian Brain Council 2014 MODULATING THE BRAIN: FACTS, FICTION, FUTURE, Ghent, Belgium, 4 Oct - 4 Oct, 2014. Presentation Type: Oral Presentation Topic: Clinical Neuroscience Citation: Schoenen J (2014). Management of Chronic Migraine: a proposal by the Belgian Headache Society.. Conference Abstract: Belgian Brain Council 2014 MODULATING THE BRAIN: FACTS, FICTION, FUTURE. doi: 10.3389/conf.fnhum.2014.214.00001 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 13 Apr 2014; Published Online: 28 Apr 2014. * Correspondence: Prof. Jean Schoenen, University of LIEGE, Neurology, LIEGE, 4000, Belgium, jschoenen@ulg.ac.be Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Jean Schoenen Google Jean Schoenen Google Scholar Jean Schoenen PubMed Jean Schoenen Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

Supervision and Control in Euthanasia Law: Going Dutch?

How can one encourage physicians to subject the practice of euthanasia to external supervision and control? This is the task inevitably facing any government that comes to the conclusion that traditional means of protecting life via a strict criminal prohibition of euthanasia do not stop doctors from ending life.
 In this article we will deal with how the respective Dutch and Belgian governments dealt with this task: how are the supervision and control systems for euthanasia organised, how do they function, and how are after-the-fact and before-the-fact supervision and control related to each other? The focus will mainly be on the situation in the Netherlands (on which the Belgian situation is modelled), with the Belgian situation presented as contrasting material.

Generics are the same or similar?

AbstractThis presentation will briefly summarize the requirements for bio‐equivalence according to the European legislation (E.M.E.A.) The different requirements for systemic and non‐systemic generics will then be clarified as well as their implications for topical ophtalmic medications. Six different elements that might interfere with therapeutic equivalence of brand and generic ophthalmic formulations are considered: inactive ingredients, bottle design and drop size, stabilizers, Ph stability, temperature stability, and presence of particulate matter. A number of studies comparing brand and generic opthalmic drugs will be presented. Finally, the cost saving aspect of generic ophthalmic drugs is analyzed with particular reference to the Belgian situation.

Temporary nature: Is European nature conservation law ready for it?

In Western European countries like Belgium and the Netherlands several 10.000 hectares of land lie unused every year, awaiting their residential, infrastructural or industrial purpose. Usually it takes a number of years before the spatial designation of such areas is finally implemented. In the meantime these areas exert a strong attraction on certain rare pioneer species, such as Natterjack Toads and Common Terns, which are benefited by human dynamics. However, to avoid the judicial restrictions which could be attached to the presence of such protected species, landowners and developers try to keep nature off their sites, by for instance intensive mowing or regular ploughing. The concept of temporary nature marks a shift in thinking about nature conservation. Instead of preventing the development of a valuable habitat or breeding site from the very beginning, the decision could also be taken to temporarily allow nature to develop on these parcels of ‘valuable’ land. In this article the author first highlights the results of the application of current nature conservation law on a situation of temporary nature conservation, building on earlier research. In addition, he analyses some recent national case law with respect to temporary nature. Also, some general remarks on the adaptability of nature conservation law for temporary nature are made. The focus mainly lies on the Belgian (Flemish) situation, but, as temporary nature is already being applied in the Netherlands, reference is also made to this practice, too. Given the fact that the applicable nature conservation law in both countries consists mainly in an implementation of the European Directives, the conclusions of this contribution can also serve as an example for other European countries.

Regulation of radiation protection of the patient: how and how much, the current Belgian situation

Regulation of radiation protection has always been a cornerstone to protect the patient when exposed to ionising radiation. However, large differences exist between the implementation of international approved recommendations. Even when a well-established supra-national legislative format exists, further translation is always adapted to a suitable level of the medical sector in a country. Actual trends are given for the Belgian situation, where the legislation on radiation protection in medicine is currently under revision.

The Importance of Awareness for Veterinarians Involved in Cattle Tuberculosis Skin Testing

France is currently facing a re-emergence of bovine tuberculosis in several regions. To assess the knowledge of veterinary field practitioners concerning skin testing, a questionnaire-based methodology developed in Belgium was adapted to the context of the French department of Dordogne. The veterinarians involved in herds skin testing were solicited to participate to the survey (n = 94), through an anonymous postal questionnaire including items related to each step of the skin test procedure. Each item of the questionnaire was allotted a compliance score by 5 experts in the field of bovine tuberculosis (0, 1 or 2 a correct, acceptable and unacceptable answer, respectively). These scores were balanced over 30 criteria according to their potential impact on the non-detection of reactors, on the basis of 11 experts' opinion. A global score was calculated for each participating veterinarian. In addition, the Departmental sanitary authorities held meetings in December 2005 and June 2006 to make the veterinarians aware of the importance of correctly performing the skin test. The participants to the study were asked to fill in the questionnaire in duplicate: one related to their practices before the meeting, and the other one focusing on their practices after the meeting. A comparison of both situations was carried out (pre- and post-awareness meeting), as well as a comparison with the Belgian situation, arbitrarily selected as reference for the methodology. The participation was representative and reached a 23.4% rate. A significant difference was noticed between the mean global score reached before and after the meeting. These results show the usefulness of an appropriate awareness campaign of veterinarians in relation to skin testing and the importance of frequently holding awareness meetings in areas remaining confronted with bovine tuberculosis problems. It also highlights the interest of a structured auto-assessment process of veterinary practices.

Continuity and change in regional disparities in Belgium during the twentieth century

This paper presents estimates of regional GDP per capita for certain benchmark years during the first half of the twentieth century using the method proposed by Geary and Stark. After testing the robustness of the Geary and Stark methodology for the Belgian situation, these estimates are linked to the official regional GDP figures, available since 1955, so that we can cover the whole of the twentieth century. Next we test the suggestion put forward by many historians of a contrast between a ‘poor Flanders’ and a relatively ‘prosperous Wallonia’ around 1900. For the remainder of the analysis Belgium’s nine provinces are used as a geographical unit to take a broader view than just the Flanders/Wallonia controversy. The analysis shows a dramatic reversal of fortune between the northern and southern provinces. We explain the main causes of this process and assess the effect of state policies on regional development. Finally, the paper considers whether the twentieth century witnessed a process of convergence.

Undocumented children and the right to education: illusory right or empowering lever?

AbstractIn migration control policies, social rights are often restricted in order to discourage immigration. The right to education seems to be the exception to the rule. This paper examines whether the right to education – beyond legal technical questions of the personal scope of application of human rights treaties, and the nature and the meaning of the right – is able to provide empowering leverage to undocumented children, or rather remains a lofty ideal on paper. Empirical data are drawn from the Belgian situation. Sociological research has shown that while quantitative educational democratisation has been highly successful, qualitative educational democratisation remains problematic. With regard to undocumented children, real-life limitations to school access (both individual and institutional), as well as psycho-social and institutional impediments during the schooling process seriously limit equal schooling and life opportunities. Unequal responses to organisational and pedagogical challenges that the presence of mobile students puts to schools, reinforce institutional factors of educational inequality for undocumented children. A key factor in understanding the tension between the legal recognition of the human right to education and daily realities is the outright contradiction between the approaches towards education on the one hand, and to migration more generally on the other hand. The latter is increasingly dominated by a securisation ideology.

Epidemiology of road traffic injuries: interest of health surveys

The Belgian situation in road safety is one of the poorer in European Union. Moreover, the barometers of road safety show, between 2006 and 2007, increases of 4.6% in accidents...

Cost effectiveness of multi detector ct angiography of the coronary arteries for the diagnosis of suspected non-st eleva tion acute coronary syndrome (nste-acs) in the emergency department. mathematical analysis with a decision model

The purpose of our study is to model cost-effectiveness of MDCTA for the diagnosis of NSTE-ACS with initially negative enzymes, in the emergency department. In Belgium, the use of multi-detector computed tomography (MDCTA) is probably cost-effective in the diagnosis of NSTE-ACS in the acute setting A decision tree model was developed and a mathematical study was performed that included two hypothetical strategies: MDCTA and admission with classic clinical follow-up and treatment. Cost-effectiveness for the Belgian situation was simulated with sensitivity analysis using known values for diagnostic performance and known costs for the different strategies or components of strategies.

Reversal of Fortune in a Small, Open Economy: Regional GDP in Belgium, 1896-2000

In this paper we present estimates of regional GDP per capita for certain benchmark years during the first half of the 20th century using the method proposed by Geary and Stark (2002). After testing the robustness of the Geary and Stark methodology for the Belgian situation, these estimates are linked to the official regional GDP figures, available since 1955, so that we can cover the whole 20th century. Next we test the contrast put forward by many historians between a ‘poor Flanders’ and a relatively ‘prosperous Wallonia’ around 1900. For the remainder of the analysis Belgium’s nine provinces are used as a geographical unit to take a broader view than just the Flanders/Wallonia controversy. It shows a dramatic reversal of fortune between the northern and southern provinces. Finally, it is investigated whether the 20th century witnessed a process of convergence.

Mobility Management Measures by Employers: Overview and Exploratory Analysis for Belgium

The renewed interest for sustainable transport in Europe is often labelled as mobility management. With this, major attention goes towards the role of employers in the commuting behaviour of their employees. Indeed, employers can encourage a more sustainable commuting by the promotion of alternative modes, like public transport, carpooling and/or cycling, by the designation of an Employee Transport Coordinator, through their location policy, and/or by adapting work schedules and the organisation of telework. An overview of these measures is followed by an analysis of the Belgian situation. The Belgian 2005 questionnaire Home-to-WorkTravel (HTWT) enables us to make an inventory of mobility management in Belgium. The database HTWT contains information on 7460 worksites. Besides having data on modal split, work regimes and accessibility problems, 38 different mobility management measures are checked in the questionnaire. Given that we assume a relationship between accessibility problems and sustainable commuting measures both are incorporated in one analysis. Binary exploratory factor analysis (EFA) is used to make a classification and to obtain a better insight in the structure of the variables. However, no strong link between accessibility problems on the one hand and sustainable commuting measures on the other hand could be detected. Despite the absence of this link, a classification of mobility management measures and accessibility problems has been made. This indicates that employers regularly choose to implement a set of related sustainable commuting measures.

How Independent are Belgian Regulators?

In this paper we attempt to analyse the independence of five Belgian regulatory agencies. In the theoretical part we cover the existing literature and find that independence is frequently used as a proxy for credibility. In the empirical part we use the framework constructed by Johannsen (2004) to measure the independence of Belgian regulatory agencies. In this framework four aspects of independence are identified and quantified leading to an overall independence index. Using legal analysis this framework is applied to the Belgian situation. We find that the independence of the Belgian financial regulator is very high, while the railway regulator is lacking most features of independence. The other regulators' score (the competition authority, the energy and telecommunications regulators) is somewhere in between. The overall picture is one of inconsistency.

The Joys and Burdens of Multiple Legal Frameworks for Social Entrepreneurship - Lessons from the Belgian Case

In the last two decades, several innovative legal frameworks for social entrepreneurship were developed across Europe. The differential success of these innovations raise certain questions. Is the intrinsic design of these legal frameworks optimal for social enterprises? Secondly, is the attractive capacity of these legal frameworks high enough to attract both new as existing social enterprises? And lastly, have these new legal frameworks reached full maturity? If this is not the case, these changes may well impede rather than encourage the development of social enterprises. In this paper, we look at the Belgian situation where an innovative framework was introduced and where multiple legal frameworks for social entrepreneurship coexist. By means of a multi-disciplinary approach involving law and economics, we investigate the joys and burdens of having numerous legal frameworks for social enterprises. We provide an introduction to the Belgian legal environment for social entrepreneurship, and argue that the current institutional design is suboptimal. Finally, we conclude with lessons that can be learned from the Belgian case relevant for other countries and contexts.

Competition Authorities and Regulators in Belgium: Hierarchy versus Cooperation

This paper provides an analysis of the possible relationships between the competition authority and sectoral regulators. The relevant literature is first discussed and then applied to the Belgian situation. As in so many other countries, Belgium is going through a difficult search process to find the appropriate relationship. Nevertheless, we might be able to take a relatively unique direction in the future. It is not unimaginable that a constellation is developing which will put the competition authority on a higher hierarchical level than the sector regulators, by installing it as the body of appeal for the decisions of the sector regulators.

Development of a Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment for Human Salmonellosis Through Household Consumption of Fresh Minced Pork Meat in Belgium

A quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) according to the Codex Alimentarius Principles is conducted to evaluate the risk of human salmonellosis through household consumption of fresh minced pork meat in Belgium. The quantitative exposure assessment is carried out by building a modular risk model, called the METZOON-model, which covers the pork production from farm to fork. In the METZOON-model, the food production pathway is split up in six consecutive modules: (1) primary production, (2) transport and lairage, (3) slaughterhouse, (4) postprocessing, (5) distribution and storage, and (6) preparation and consumption. All the modules are developed to resemble as closely as possible the Belgian situation, making use of the available national data. Several statistical refinements and improved modeling techniques are proposed. The model produces highly realistic results. The baseline predicted number of annual salmonellosis cases is 20,513 (SD 9061.45). The risk is estimated higher for the susceptible population (estimate 4.713 x 10(-5); SD 1.466 x 10(-5)) compared to the normal population (estimate 7.704 x 10(-6); SD 5.414 x 10(-6)) and is mainly due to undercooking and to a smaller extent to cross-contamination in the kitchen via cook's hands.

BELGIAN CONSENSUS GUIDELINES FOR FOLLOW-UP OF WOMEN WITH CERVICAL CYTOLOGICAL ABNORMALITIES

In medical care cervical cancer screening is important because it enables the detection of precancer and cancer at an early stage. By adequate treatment after a screening-detected lesion it helps to reduce the mortality related to cervical cancer. Worldwide, many millions of women have smears taken at a more or less regular base and of these, approximately 7% are abnormal, and follow-up is thus required. As this represents an important cost in medical health care and has serious consequences for the affected women, it is important to have uniform and clear guidelines to allow an optimal follow-up and clinical management. A system for the uniform reporting of cervical cytology has been designed by the National Cancer Institute (USA) and resulted in the Bethesda System 1991. The present paper and the terminology used are based on the Bethesda System revised in 2001. It explains the guidelines, based on the 2001 Bethesda System and the 2004 consensus guidelines for the management of women with cervical cytological abnormalities, as developed by the members of the Board of the Belgian Society of Clinical Cytology, and adapted to the Belgian situation.