Downscaling transient climate change with a stochastic weather generator for the Geer catchment, Belgium

in Climate Research (2013)

The coarse resolution of climate models creates the need for future scenarios which are downscaled to an appropriate spatial scale. Considerable effort has been devoted to the development of downscaling ... [more ▼]

The coarse resolution of climate models creates the need for future scenarios which are downscaled to an appropriate spatial scale. Considerable effort has been devoted to the development of downscaling methods but a number of important issues remain in the development of robust, usable climate scenarios. These include the incorporation of various sources of uncertainty into future scenarios and the production of scenarios at timescales relevant to planners. This paper describes a new procedure which addresses these issues by producing a multi-model ensemble of transient climate change scenarios. This method couples an existing stochastic rainfall model to a new, transient implementation of a weather generator, using changes projected by an ensemble of regional climate model (RCM) experiments. The methodology is demonstrated by the generation of transient scenarios of daily rainfall, temperature and potential evapotranspiration (PET) for the Geer catchment in Belgium for the period 2010 to 2085. The utility of these scenarios is demonstrated by assessing the changes projected by the simulated time series of several temperature indices. The Geer is projected to experience a decrease in the occurrence of frost days with a corresponding shortening of the frost season and lengthening of the growing season. By examining a large ensemble of transient scenarios the range of uncertainty in these projections is assessed, but further, it is suggested that additional information on the projected timing of specified threshold events or system responses may be provided which could aid planners in assessing the likely timescales of required interventions and adaptation responses. [less ▲]

Dietro, il paesaggio: Misura e ritmo di una strada tra le colline e il Piave.

in Architettura del Mondo. Ricerche e progetti dal mondo universitario (2013)

The Alta Marca Trevigiana (Colli del Piave), between Valdobbiadene and Conegliano, doesn't have a definite recognized identity, despite its strong visual character. However, for the visitor driving along ... [more ▼]

The Alta Marca Trevigiana (Colli del Piave), between Valdobbiadene and Conegliano, doesn't have a definite recognized identity, despite its strong visual character. However, for the visitor driving along the “Sinistra Piave”, the landscape is seen as a rhythmical composition of invitation to movement at different scales and at various intensity, that can be compared to a musical composition. The question then is how to transform the road from a simple through-way into an occasion to engage with the Colli del Piave, to transform a “landscape scenery” into an “experienced landscape”. [less ▲]

Milk and serum standard reference materials for monitoring organic contaminants in human samples

in Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry (2013), 405

Etude histologique des embryons avortés lors des croisements entre Phaseolus vulgaris L. et Phaseolus coccineus L.

in International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences (2013)

Associative memory in aging: The effect of unitization on source memory

in Psychology & Aging (2013), 28(1), 275-283

In normal aging, memory for associations declines more than memory for individual items. Unitization is an encoding process defined by creation of a new single entity to represent a new arbitrary ... [more ▼]

In normal aging, memory for associations declines more than memory for individual items. Unitization is an encoding process defined by creation of a new single entity to represent a new arbitrary association. The current study tested the hypothesis that age-related differences in associative memory can be reduced following encoding instructions that promote unitization. In two experiments, groups of 20 young and 20 older participants learned new associations between a word and a background color under two conditions. In the item detail condition, they had to imagine that the item is the same color as the background; an instruction promoting unitization of the associations. In the context detail condition, that did not promote unitization, they had to imagine that the item interacted with another colored object. At test, they had to retrieve the color that was associated to each word (source memory). In both experiments, the results showed an age-related decrement in source memory performance in the context detail but not in the item detail condition. Moreover, Experiment 2 examined receiver operating characteristics in older participants and indicated that familiarity contributed more to source memory performance in the item detail than in the context detail condition. These findings suggest that unitization of new associations can overcome the associative memory deficit observed in aging, at least for item-color associations. [less ▲]

Impacts du changement climatique sur l’hydrologie et la gestion des ressources en eau du bassin de la Meuse : une synthèse

in Biotechnologie, Agronomie, Société et Environnement = Biotechnology, Agronomy, Society and Environment [=BASE] (2013), 17(1), 76-86

L'équilibre des rations alimentaires des bovins: Quelques pistes pour améliorer l'efficience azotée ?

in Biotechnologie, Agronomie, Société et Environnement = Biotechnology, Agronomy, Society and Environment [=BASE] (2013), 17(SPL1), 243-250

The main aim of this paper was to present some feeding recommendations, which, when applied on the farm, would increase nitrogen use by bovines and to give information as to how the effects of the ... [more ▼]

The main aim of this paper was to present some feeding recommendations, which, when applied on the farm, would increase nitrogen use by bovines and to give information as to how the effects of the nitrogen produced can be reduced. Ruminants have the ability to digest structural carbohydrates and to produce meat and milk proteins for human consumption. At the animal cells level, amino acids are essential for biological functions, mainly involving their maintenance and production. These amino acids are supplied by the intestinal digestion of microbial protein and feed protein that escapes microbial degradation in the rumen. Today, the efficiency of nitrogen utilization is typically low and highly variable in ruminants. Nitrogen excretion by ruminants mainly depends on the level of nitrogen intake and of the animal's productivity. Optimal N utilization may be achieved through an understanding of the key mechanisms involved in the control of N digestion and metabolism. These include the efficiency of N capture in the rumen and the protein degradation according to the type of diet and forage, the control of the rumen microorganisms involved in protein degradation and the proper formulation of the diet, avoiding feeding excess protein in relation to requirements. The dependence on energy supply in transferring feed nitrogen into milk and meat protein is strong both at the rumen and the cell levels of ruminants. The rumen metabolism is identified as the single most important factor contributing to the low level of efficient use of nitrogen in ruminants and partially depends on practical farming operations. [less ▲]

Assessment of the functional role of tree diversity: the multi-site FORBIO experiment

in Plant Ecology and Evolution (2013), 146(1), 26-35

Context – During the last two decades, functional biodiversity research has provided strong support for the hypothesis that more biodiverse ecosystems have the potential to deliver more and better ... [more ▼]

Context – During the last two decades, functional biodiversity research has provided strong support for the hypothesis that more biodiverse ecosystems have the potential to deliver more and better services. However, most empirical support for this hypothesis comes from simple structured communities that are relatively easy to manipulate. The impact of forest biodiversity on forest ecosystem functioning has been far less studied. Experiment design – In this paper, we present the recently established, large-scale FORBIO experiment (FORest BIOdiversity and Ecosystem Functioning), specifically designed to test the effects of tree species diversity on forest ecosystem functioning. FORBIO’s design matches with that of the few other tree diversity experiments worldwide, but at the same time, the FORBIO experiment is unique as it consists of a similar experimental set-up at three sites in Belgium (Zedelgem, Hechtel-Eksel and Gedinne) with contrasting edaphic and climatological c haracteristics. This design will help to provide answers to one of the most interesting unresolved questions in functional biodiversity research, notably whether the effects of complementarity on ecosystem functioning decrease in less stressful and more productive environments. At each site, FORBIO consists of 41 to 44 plots (127 plots in total) planted with monocultures and mixtures up to four species, selected from a pool of five site-adapted, functionally different tree species. When allocating the treatments to the plots, we maximally avoided any possible covariation between environmental factors. Monitoring of ecosystem functioning already started at the Zedelgem and Gedinne sites and will start soon in Hechtel-Eksel. Multiple processes are being measured and as the trees grow older, we plan to add even more processes. Expected results – Not only basic science, but also forest management will benefit from the results coming from the FORBIO experiment, as FORBIO is, for instance, also a test case for uncommon, not well-known tree species mixtures. To conclude, FORBIO is an important ecosystem experiment that has the potential to deliver badly needed insights into the multiple relationships between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, which will be valuable for both science and practice. [less ▲]

Efficacy and safety of strontium ranelate in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: results of a double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial.

in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2013), 72(2), 179-86

BACKGROUND: Strontium ranelate is currently used for osteoporosis. The international, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled Strontium ranelate Efficacy in Knee OsteoarthrItis triAl evaluated its ... [more ▼]

BACKGROUND: Strontium ranelate is currently used for osteoporosis. The international, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled Strontium ranelate Efficacy in Knee OsteoarthrItis triAl evaluated its effect on radiological progression of knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: Patients with knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren and Lawrence grade 2 or 3, and joint space width (JSW) 2.5-5 mm) were randomly allocated to strontium ranelate 1 g/day (n=558), 2 g/day (n=566) or placebo (n=559). The primary endpoint was radiographical change in JSW (medial tibiofemoral compartment) over 3 years versus placebo. Secondary endpoints included radiological progression, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, and knee pain. The trial is registered (ISRCTN41323372). RESULTS: The intention-to-treat population included 1371 patients. Treatment with strontium ranelate was associated with smaller degradations in JSW than placebo (1 g/day: -0.23 (SD 0.56) mm; 2 g/day: -0.27 (SD 0.63) mm; placebo: -0.37 (SD 0.59) mm); treatment-placebo differences were 0.14 (SE 0.04), 95% CI 0.05 to 0.23, p<0.001 for 1 g/day and 0.10 (SE 0.04), 95% CI 0.02 to 0.19, p=0.018 for 2 g/day. Fewer radiological progressors were observed with strontium ranelate (p<0.001 and p=0.012 for 1 and 2 g/day). There were greater reductions in total WOMAC score (p=0.045), pain subscore (p=0.028), physical function subscore (p=0.099) and knee pain (p=0.065) with strontium ranelate 2 g/day. Strontium ranelate was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with strontium ranelate 1 and 2 g/day is associated with a significant effect on structure in patients with knee osteoarthritis, and a beneficial effect on symptoms for strontium ranelate 2 g/day. [less ▲]

Approche du surpoids et de l’obésité en milieu scolaire (2ème partie – Exemple pratique)

in Revue de l'Education Physique (2013), 53(1), 11-23

L'ancrage théorique de ce projet didactique a été présenté dans une première partie (http://hdl.handle.net/2268/127970). Dans la partie théorique, nous avons rappelé les notions principales de la ... [more ▼]

L'ancrage théorique de ce projet didactique a été présenté dans une première partie (http://hdl.handle.net/2268/127970). Dans la partie théorique, nous avons rappelé les notions principales de la problématique du surpoids et de l'obésité. Nous avons aussi souligné que, en éducation physique, il convenait de proposer des leçons dans lesquelles les élèves peuvent s'engager dans un travail de réflexion susceptible de les amener à devenir des citoyens responsables de leur corps sans porter préjudice à leur taux d'activité physique réel. Dans cette seconde partie, nous proposons une séance type dont l'objectif consiste donc à améliorer les connaissances des élèves sur la problématique du surpoids tout en leur permettant d'être actifs. Nous avons choisi une leçon de renforcement musculaire, notamment parce que cela nécessite peu de matériel. [less ▲]