Flemish Government

<title>Abstract</title> A sustainable dual-extract green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) is reported using <italic>Coriandrum sativum</italic> stem extract and <italic>Citrus sinensis</italic> pith extract—two underutilized kitchen by-products. Unlike conventional chemical routes and single-extract green syntheses, this synergistic dual-extract approach exploits complementary phytochemicals to achieve enhanced control over nucleation, growth, and stabilization of ZnO nanoparticles. Zinc acetate was employed as the precursor under alkaline conditions, followed by controlled calcination to obtain highly crystalline ZnO NPs. Phenolics and terpenoids from coriander stems facilitated Zn²⁺ reduction, while pectin and flavonoids from orange pith acted as efficient capping and stabilizing agents. Comprehensive characterization confirmed the formation of spherical, monodisperse ZnO NPs with an average size of 24 nm (XRD, TEM) and a sharp UV–Vis absorption peak at 373 nm, corresponding to the wurtzite ZnO phase. FTIR analysis revealed persistent phytochemical functional groups (O–H, C = O, C–O–C), confirming effective surface passivation, while zeta potential measurements (− 28.6 mV) demonstrated excellent colloidal stability. Comparative evaluation with reported green syntheses shows that the present dual-extract system yields smaller and more stable ZnO NPs than single-extract methods. The resulting physicochemical features—uniform size, high surface area, and biocompatible surface chemistry—render these ZnO NPs promising for biomedical applications, particularly anticancer and antidiabetic platforms. This work establishes a reproducible, scalable, and eco-friendly route for high-quality ZnO nanoparticle synthesis with translational potential.

Abstract Animal bones from archaeological contexts can reveal the interplay between past environments and human societies. Resource acquisition shaped many aspects of past societies and influenced the development of trade networks and migration. Fish have been a cornerstone of human subsistence for millennia, yet the rise of commercial fishing and trade was complex. Here, we synthesised a database of ∼1.9 million zooarchaeological fish records spanning 2000 years across Europe. Using machine-learning of catch compositions alongside fish thermal tolerances, we show that fisheries became less local over time, with homogenisation coinciding with Little Ice Age-associated cooling, a period of documented resource scarcity, concurring with growing trade. Moreover, increased proportions of marine taxa and more specialist marine fisheries were observed in the preceding Medieval Climate Anomaly, to sustain concurrent urban and population growth. Enhanced use of marine protein buffered food insecurity, whilst signalling the transition from localised to trans-regional trade networks.

Multibeam echosounder Backscatter Strength (BS) measurement is a pivotal tool for seabed mapping and monitoring. However, its effective utilization is contingent upon the resolution of challenges such as environmental influences, calibration and repeatability. Natural reference areas offer a pragmatic solution by providing a reliable foundation for backscatter quality control and calibration, ensuring data consistency over time. Recent measurements conducted on the Kwinte reference area (Belgian part of the North Sea) have revealed a significant correlation between measured BS and seawater temperature. This correlation is corroborated by other measurements carried out on the Carré Renard reference area (Bay of Brest, France) and in-tank (by Kongsberg Discovery, Horten, Norway). Significant measured level shifts were currently observed (up to 4 dB per 10°C), depending on signal frequency and angle, and described either as global level shifts or as directivity pattern distortions. Given the negligible impact of sound absorption through the water column, the level-temperature dependence assessed here is regarded as a sensor artifact. This finding underscores a heretofore unrecognized source of MBES-measured level variability. This instrumental temperature-dependence is attributable to variations in the properties of the materials constituting transducers and in their acoustic interaction, which, in turn, affect the sensitivity and directivity of the arrays and influence measured levels. A simple sound-speed-dependent description of in-transducer refraction offers an explanation for these effects but does not fully account for the observed changes in directivity patterns. Hence, it is necessary to consider complex models accounting for material interactions, transducer properties and coupling, and individual calibration. However, these models are challenging to build and implement comprehensively. A systematic cross-calibration during each measurement campaign is considered as a means to account for this variability. This pragmatic approach is demonstrated through its application to a short time series dataset, showcasing its benefits. This research advances key priorities in the concerned scientific community by enhancing the accuracy and reliability of BS as a seabed sediment indicator and refining cross-calibration over natural reference areas. It also advocates for the systematic use of backscatter measurements in marine resource management and habitat monitoring.

The paper explores the implementation of the afforestation programme in Flanders since 2019. Framed by the authors’ situated knowledge, it recounts the diverse strategies and tools of the programme, aimed at realising 4,000 hectares of new forests by 2024. With a focus on collective and systemic efforts, the paper outlines three operational domains to analyse the coalition-building process at regional and local levels: setting the institutional space, infrastructuring afforestation in spatial practice, and tailoring design tools for urban forestscapes. It explains how, beginning with the creation of the regional Forest Alliance coalition, a set of policies, soft power mechanisms, and designs have been promoted to accelerate the realisation of (sub)urban forest projects. In doing so, the article proposes a discussion on the forest metropolis as a contextualised cultural project, capable of aligning forest policies with urban forestry initiatives, as well as converging the urbanisms of territorial and domestic spheres, and positioning designers as crucial interfaces between these diverse realms.

ABSTRACT Evidence based policy making is premised on the idea that policymakers use policy information in an accurate and unbiased way. However, the interpretation and application of policy information is a cognitive process open to misinterpretation and bias, especially in politically salient policy environments. In this generalization and extension replication, we conduct two randomized survey experiments to test the effects of motivated reasoning and political salience on public officials’ ability to accurately interpret policy information. The results indicate limited support for motivated reasoning, and we find no evidence suggesting that political salience affects officials’ accurate and unbiased interpretation of policy information.

archeologisch onderzoek dat noodzakelijk is in het kader van niet-vergunningsplichtige handelingen aan beschermd erfgoed volgen het traject van de wetenschappelijke vraagstellingen.Voor de toevalsvondsten geldt dat, indien deze tot een opgraving leiden, deze ingreep wordt uitgevoerd zoals een archeologisch onderzoek met het oog op wetenschappelijke vraagstellingen.Er worden dus achtereenvolgens een archeologierapport en een eindverslag opgesteld, waarbij de termijnen voor het afwerken dezelfde zijn als bij de bovenstaande twee categorieën. MATERIAAL EN METHODEDe basis van de hiernavolgende analyse wordt zoals gezegd gevormd door de eindverslagen en nota's met eindafwerking beschreven in 2.2, in 2023 opgeladen in het archeologieportaal 10 .Archeologierapporten werden in dit kader niet nagelezen aangezien deze documenten een voorafname zijn van het uiteindelijke eindverslag, waarbij voorlopig gepresenteerde resultaten en interpretaties na verdere studie nog inhoudelijk kunnen wijzigen.Dit rapport behandelt evenmin archeologienota's en nota's.De kenniswinst uit vooronderzoek is immers enkel voorlopig en zal bij projecten die tot een opgraving leiden uiteindelijk worden uitgediept in het eindverslag.Bij projecten die niet tot een opgraving leiden, blijft de kenniswinst uiteraard gering.Indien er toch interessante vondsten of observaties worden gedaan, worden die vervat in een nota met eindafwerking.Bij de analyse van de eindverslagen wordt niet enkel gebruik gemaakt van de metagegevens ingegeven in het archeologieportaal; deze werden inhoudelijk aangevuld met informatie die uit de documenten zelf komt.Alle eindverslagen en nota's met eindafwerking zijn daarvoor nagelezen.Daarbij wordt ook een kwantitatieve analyse uitgevoerd door een uitgebreide registratie van de aan-of afwezigheid van alle vondsten en sporen, voor alle perioden, en van alle uitgevoerde analyses 11 .Een dergelijke werkwijze laat toe om query's uit te voeren en zo cijfermatig te evalueren hoe de kenniswinst is opgebouwd en samengesteld.Waar mogelijk en zinnig worden de cijfers voor 2023 vergeleken met deze voor 2016 t.e.m. 2022.Hierbij moet echter rekening gehouden worden met de ontwikkeling van het archeologisch traject sinds de invoering van de nieuwe regelgeving.Waar in 2016 de ingediende documenten vrijwel uitsluitend uit archeologienota's bestonden, werd het aanbod voor 2017 en 2018 gediversifieerder, met een duidelijk gestegen aandeel aan nota's.Eindverslagen waren er in 2017 slechts in gering aantal, in 2018 nam dit toe tot 28, in 2019 tot 112, in 2020 tot 189, in 2021 tot 237, en in 2022 waren het er net iets minder, nl.228.Het voorliggende rapport voor het werkjaar 2023 kan zich baseren op het tot nu toe hoogst aantal ingediende eindverslagen over één werkjaar: 303 in totaal.In wat volgt worden eerst, in een korte numerieke analyse, de omvang en de kaders van de ontvangen documenten voor het werkjaar 2023 geschetst.Daarna volgt de inhoudelijke synthese van de geboekte kenniswinst op basis van de ingediende eindverslagen en nota's met eindafwerking, aangevuld met de rapporten op basis van het syntheseonderzoek.De brondata voor de numerieke analyses en visualisaties van de nagelezen eindverslagen en nota's met eindafwerking kunnen geraadpleegd worden via

Vlaanderen is rijk aan beschermde historische dreven. Een goed beheer hiervan is essentieel om dit erfgoed door te geven aan de volgende generaties, maar\nook om andere waarden zoals de natuurwaarde in stand te houden of te versterken. Het beheer staat\nvoor een aantal uitdagingen die een snelle evolutie doormaakten. De zoektocht naar\nduurzame oplossingen voor het beheer van dreven maakt het niet evident om hier eenduidige\nantwoorden op te bieden.\nHet agentschap Onroerend Erfgoed nam het initiatief om samen met het Agentschap voor Natuur en\nBos een afwegingskader op te maken voor een geïntegreerd beheer van deze dreven. Dit kader moet\nhelder maken welke principes en waarden beide agentschappen in overweging nemen in de zoektocht\nnaar optimale scenario's en finaal bij het beoordelen van advies- of toelatingsaanvragen. Dit kader\nwillen beide agentschappen ook bij vooroverleg met de eigenaars en beheerders gebruiken. Het kan\nook inspiratie bieden bij de opmaak van beheersplannen voor dreven en hun omgeving.

Background summary: This workshop is linked to the plenary session on the innovative policy of Flanders and the WHO on Caring Neighborhoods. From the Department of Welfare, Public Health and Family and the Flemish association of cities and municipalities (VVSG) we zoom in on the concrete elaboration of our policy and vision, regionally and locally, based on international principles. Through this workshop we want to both inspire and exchange knowledge about the key aspects of caring neighborhoods. Policy: There are currently 133 caring neighborhood projects at work in Flanders and Brussels for two years, until the end of February 2024. These projects are supported by a consortium, coordinated by the King Baudouin Foundation, of more than 15 universities, colleges and civil society organizations that provide the projects not only with coaching, but also with training on key aspects concerning caring neighborhoods. There is also a complementary research by the Policy Research Centre for Welfare, Public Health and Family (SWVG) that will identify obstacles and incentives based on the ongoing projects, formulate policy recommendations and work on a toolbox for start-up caring neighborhoods. At the same time, we are working to scale up these projects through the dissemination of information, knowledge and inspiration to, first and foremost, all local governments and welfare and care organizations, but also to housing corporations, schools, etc. Policy vision: Our vision on caring neighborhoods is based on the WHO model on “people-centred integrated care”. We present the three pillars of a caring neighborhood (neighborhood participation and inclusion, connecting informal and formal care and intersectoral collaboration between wellbeing and care partners and partners from other domains in a network that focuses on prevention, health promotion and the provision of integrated care and support with a focus on quality of life). In addition, we explain the model with the eight building blocks of a caring neighborhood, based on the model of the VVSG and the seven effectiveness principles for integrated community care of the Transnational Forum on Integrated Care. Since our vision and policies are based on international principles, they are universally understandable and applicable. Workshop: It will be quite a challenge to turn the knowledge learned into a sustainable local and regional policy on caring neighborhoods. Through this workshop we want to both inspire other regions and countries and exchange knowledge around the key aspects of caring neighborhoods. We present several questions to the workshop members, in a World Café approach. (The concrete questions can be discussed further with the ICIC organization.) What is the added value of a caring neighborhood? What are key aspects of a caring neighborhood? What are preconditions for developing and sustaining a caring neighborhood? How can we ensure that local residents, volunteers remain committed to a caring neighborhood? Target audience: Policy makers, experts working in the field of caring neighborhoods and researchers familiar with (key aspects of) caring neighborhoods.

In Flanders, as in the entire industrialized world, the population is eldering and chronic conditions and comorbidities are increasing importantly. Today, non-communicable diseases (NCD’s) have an important negative impact on the quality of life and represent the most important cause of premature and/ or preventable death. Moreover, they also put an enormous burden on the health care system, in terms of need for health professionals, procedures and medicines, short and long term care institutions as well as on the affordability of the health care system. The knowledge that the majority of these NCD’s can be avoided by prevention, through a healthy lifestyle and early detection, calls for more emphasis on and means for preventive health care. Traditionally and still today, the primary and secondary care practice in Flanders is focused on curation and preventive health care is mainly practiced by others, such as school health services and Maternal and child health services. The fundamental principles of curative and preventive care are very different. Curative care is based on an individual approach and is driven by individual demands. However preventive health care is mainly based on population health management and driven by, often not expressed, population needs. When it comes to implementation of preventive care, the WHO advocates a Health in all Policies approach, in which preventive care is implemented in all life settings surrounding the citizen, in order to achieve an integrated preventive care policy that is supported by all policy domains and is part of daily life. One of these settings is health care. In this workshop we want to exchange experiences on implementation of preventive health care into primary healthcare and to explore the opportunities, hurdles and policy needs to come to a successful adoption of preventive health care in the setting of primary healthcare. To introduce the debate, the session will start with two short presentations of 10-15 minutes in which experiences in two different health care systems, i.e. a national health care system and a predominant private health care system, are shared with the participants.

The increasing aging of our society is putting increasing pressure on the current organization of care and support. This moved the Flemish government to a thorough reform of primary care in Flanders. This was started in 2017. The reform involves changes in terms of content, structural support and instrumental support. All these changes should lead to care and support that can be organized using the principles of integrated care and goal-oriented care. The major challenges are: - bring about a change in mentality among care providers toward these principles of integrated care and goal-oriented care; - make a connection between health care and welfare care, as well as between primary care and more specialized care, and align the processes of care and support. In addition, it is necessary to translate the principles of goal-oriented care into practical tools and accelerate methodology development. We are working together with several partners in Flanders for this purpose. In goal-oriented care, an important role is reserved for the care coordinator. The care coordinator is the focal point of the care team who, as a member of the care team, takes on the task of: - maintain an overview of the care process; - ensure that all care and support, determined on the basis of the person's care or support needs and translated into life goals and care and support goals, is coordinated, monitored and evaluated. Care coordination in a care process maintains a focus on goals, both the person's own life goals and the care and support goals of the care team. For implementing qualitative care coordination, the care and support plan is an indispensable tool within the Flemish reform. This care and support plan must: - allow an overview of the sometimes multitude of care and support goals; - be a means of communication between the members of the care team (including the person himself and his informal care); - reflect the extent to which care agreements are met; - allow the care process to be monitored, evaluated and adjusted if necessary. In the near future we want to design this care and support plan in a digital way. The care coordinator must have a wide range of competencies in order to coordinate the care process in a quality manner, including: - mastering to perfection the methodology of goal-oriented care, interview techniques, conflict management, process guidance, process analysis, coordination and organization skills; - being the point of contact for the person with a care and support need; - be able to play the bridge between the person, informal care and professional care providers. In this presentation, we focus on the role of the care coordinator throughout the care process and the planning aspect. We propose how the Flemish government want to develop this role in the future. We also reflect on the preconditions that are necessary to achieve a solid implementation of this role, and indicate what opportunities we see to promote and accelerate the change in mentality in this regard.