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Papers: Soils and ecology by Etienne Van Hecke
Onder auspiciën van het Instituut tot aanmoediging van het Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek in Nijverhe... more Onder auspiciën van het Instituut tot aanmoediging van het Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek in Nijverheid en Landbouw (I.W.O.N.L.) -nu gekend als I.W.T. -werd tussen 1948 en 1991 een gedetailleerde bodemkaart van België opgemaakt.
Papers by Etienne Van Hecke
Annals of Tourism Research, 2008
The 'usual environment' is a central concept in the UNWTO's definition of tourism. Many countries... more The 'usual environment' is a central concept in the UNWTO's definition of tourism. Many countries apply rule-of-thumb distance measures to delineate its boundaries, which is rather problematic, because theoretically, the 'usual environment' consists of a selection of places, rather than one space with come concentric boundary. The concept becomes even more arduous in highly urbanized countries, as threshold distance values are hard to determine. Therefore, this paper will report on a exploratory analysis using various data sources. It leads to a more informed choice of spatial demarcation, although it is still inadequate in the light of theoretical considerations. Nevertheless, the approach should be of interest to those working in tourism and tourism statistics in particular.
Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 2001
Set-aside programs of the European government have a double impact on the regional soil erosion r... more Set-aside programs of the European government have a double impact on the regional soil erosion risk in agricultural regions: (1) there is less area susceptible to soil erosion and (2) fields with a high erosion rate are preferably taken out of production resulting in a decrease of the average erosion risk. In order to quantify this double effect an inquiry among farmers in central Belgium was set up to find out which fields are preferably taken out of production. A statistical analysis pointed out that fields with a weak slope gradient, a loamy topsoil and good soil drainage have a low probability of being taken out of production. The results of the questionnaire were used to construct a transition probability map representing for each field the probability that it will be taken out of production. These transition probabilities were used to simulate the decrease in regional erosion risk for different scenarios. The outcome of these simulations suggests that there is a negative power relation between the set-aside percentage and the regional soil erosion risk.
Land Use Policy, 2006
The influence of local and regional policies on the uptake of multifunctional farming systems is ... more The influence of local and regional policies on the uptake of multifunctional farming systems is analysed. The conceptual framework of how regional and local policies can influence farmers’ behaviour is empirically verified by analysing data on uptake of diversification and environmental management by farmers located in the Brussels’ peri-urban area. In a two-stage model, farmers’ participation and behaviour to influence local policy-makers is also examined. It has been found among other things that, in a municipality that attaches greater importance to environmental issues, the uptake of agri-environmental measures is higher and that promotion of local agriculture will encourage farmers to start processing or selling products on their farms.
Environmental Research, 2007
Contaminated soil particles and food are established routes of exposure. We investigated the rela... more Contaminated soil particles and food are established routes of exposure. We investigated the relations between biomarkers of exposure to cadmium and lead, and the metal loading rates in house dust in the adult residents of an area with a soil cadmium concentration of X3 mg/kg (n ¼ 268) and a reference area (n ¼ 205). We determined the metal concentrations in house dust allowed to settle for 3 months in Petri dishes placed in the participants' bedrooms. The continuously distributed vegetable index was the first principal component derived from the metal concentrations in six different vegetables. The biomarkers of exposure (blood cadmium 9.2 vs. 6.2 nmol/L; 24-h urinary cadmium 10.5 vs. 7.0 nmol; blood lead 0.31 vs. 0.24 mmol/L), the loading rates of cadmium and lead in house dust (0.29 vs. 0.12 and 7.52 vs. 3.62 ng/cm 2 /92 days), and the vegetable indexes (0.31 vs. À0.44 and 0.13 vs. À0.29 standardized units) were significantly higher in the contaminated area. A two-fold increase in the metal loading rate in house dust was associated with increases (Po0:001) in blood cadmium (+2.3%), 24-h urinary cadmium (+3.0%), and blood lead (+2.0%), independent of the vegetable index and other covariates. The estimated effect sizes on the biomarkers of internal exposure were three times greater for house dust than vegetables. In conclusion, in the adult population, house dust is potentially an important route of exposure to heavy metals in areas with contaminated soils, and should be incorporated in the assessment of health risks. r .be (J.A. Staessen).
Environmental Health Perspectives, 2008
BACKGROUND: Few population studies have reported on the long-term changes in the internal cadmium... more BACKGROUND: Few population studies have reported on the long-term changes in the internal cadmium dose and simultaneously occurring mortality. OBJECTIVE: We monitored blood cadmium (BCd), 24-hr urinary cadmium (UCd), and mortality in an environmentally exposed population. METHODS: Starting from 1985, we followed BCd (until 2003), UCd (until 1996), and mortality (until 2007) among 476 and 480 subjects, randomly recruited from low-exposure areas (LEA) and high-exposure areas (HEA). The last cadmium-producing plant in the HEA closed in 2002. RESULTS: From 1985-1989 to 1991-1996, BCd decreased by 40.3% and 18.9% in the LEA and HEA, respectively (p < 0.0001 for between-area difference). From 1991-1996 until 2001-2003, BCd remained unchanged in the HEA (+ 1.8%) and increased by 19.7% in the LEA (p < 0.0001). Over the entire follow-up period, the annual decrease in BCd averaged 2.7% in the LEA (n = 258) and 1.8% in the HEA (n = 203). From 1985-1989 to 1991-1996, UCd fell by 12.9% in the LEA and by 16.6% in the HEA (p = 0.22), with mean annual decreases of 2.7% (n = 366) and 3.4% (n = 364). Over 20.3 years (median), 206 deaths (21.5%) occurred. At baseline, BCd (14.6 vs. 10.2 nmol/L) and UCd (14. nmol/24-hr) were higher in deaths than in survivors. The risks (p ≤ 0.04) associated with a doubling of baseline UCd were 20% and 44% for total and noncardiovascular mortality, and 25% and 33% for a doubling of BCd. CONCLUSIONS: Even if zinc-cadmium smelters close, historical environmental contamination remains a persistent source of exposure. Environmental exposure to cadmium increases total and noncardiovascular mortality in a continuous fashion without threshold.
Environmental Health Perspectives, 2008
BACKGROUND: Environmental exposure to cadmium decreases bone density indirectly through hypercalc... more BACKGROUND: Environmental exposure to cadmium decreases bone density indirectly through hypercalciuria resulting from renal tubular dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: We sought evidence for a direct osteotoxic effect of cadmium in women. METHODS: We randomly recruited 294 women (mean age, 49.2 years) from a Flemish population with environmental cadmium exposure. We measured 24-hr urinary cadmium and blood cadmium as indexes of lifetime and recent exposure, respectively. We assessed the multivariate-adjusted association of exposure with specific markers of bone resorption, urinary hydroxylysylpyridinoline (HP) and lysylpyridinoline (LP), as well as with calcium excretion, various calciotropic hormones, and forearm bone density. RESULTS: In all women, the effect sizes associated with a doubling of lifetime exposure were 8.4% (p = 0.009) for HP, 6.9% (p = 0.10) for LP, 0.77 mmol/day (p = 0.003) for urinary calcium, -0.009 g/cm 2 (p = 0.055) for proximal forearm bone density, and -16.8% (p = 0.065) for serum parathyroid hormone. In 144 postmenopausal women, the corresponding effect sizes were -0.01223 g/cm 2 (p = 0.008) for distal forearm bone density, 4.7% (p = 0.064) for serum calcitonin, and 10.2% for bone-specific alkaline phosphatase. In all women, the effect sizes associated with a doubling of recent exposure were 7.2% (p = 0.001) for urinary HP, 7.2% (p = 0.021) for urinary LP, -9.0% (p = 0.097) for serum parathyroid hormone, and 5.5% (p = 0.008) for serum calcitonin. Only one woman had renal tubular dysfunction (urinary retinol-binding protein > 338 µg/day). CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of renal tubular dysfunction, environmental exposure to cadmium increases bone resorption in women, suggesting a direct osteotoxic effect with increased calciuria and reactive changes in calciotropic hormones. KEY WORDS: bone, cadmium, pyridinium crosslinks.
Proceedings of the contact forum “Sustainable Agriculture”, 2006
Associatie KULeuven. ...
Raport in opdracht van het Ministerie van de Vlaamse Gemeenschap, AMINAL, afdeling Water, 2004
Associatie KULeuven. ...
Oral Presentation, 2004
KULeuven. ...
Studie uitgevoerd in opdracht van het Ministerie van de Vlaamse Gemeenschap, AMINAL, Afdeling Water, 2004
Associatie KULeuven. ...
het Ministerie van de Vlaamse Gemeenschap, afdeling Water en afdeling Land, 2004
Associatie KULeuven. ...
Onder auspiciën van het Instituut tot aanmoediging van het Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek in Nijverhe... more Onder auspiciën van het Instituut tot aanmoediging van het Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek in Nijverheid en Landbouw (I.W.O.N.L.) -nu gekend als I.W.T. -werd tussen 1948 en 1991 een gedetailleerde bodemkaart van België opgemaakt.
Annals of Tourism Research, 2008
The 'usual environment' is a central concept in the UNWTO's definition of tourism. Many countries... more The 'usual environment' is a central concept in the UNWTO's definition of tourism. Many countries apply rule-of-thumb distance measures to delineate its boundaries, which is rather problematic, because theoretically, the 'usual environment' consists of a selection of places, rather than one space with come concentric boundary. The concept becomes even more arduous in highly urbanized countries, as threshold distance values are hard to determine. Therefore, this paper will report on a exploratory analysis using various data sources. It leads to a more informed choice of spatial demarcation, although it is still inadequate in the light of theoretical considerations. Nevertheless, the approach should be of interest to those working in tourism and tourism statistics in particular.
Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 2001
Set-aside programs of the European government have a double impact on the regional soil erosion r... more Set-aside programs of the European government have a double impact on the regional soil erosion risk in agricultural regions: (1) there is less area susceptible to soil erosion and (2) fields with a high erosion rate are preferably taken out of production resulting in a decrease of the average erosion risk. In order to quantify this double effect an inquiry among farmers in central Belgium was set up to find out which fields are preferably taken out of production. A statistical analysis pointed out that fields with a weak slope gradient, a loamy topsoil and good soil drainage have a low probability of being taken out of production. The results of the questionnaire were used to construct a transition probability map representing for each field the probability that it will be taken out of production. These transition probabilities were used to simulate the decrease in regional erosion risk for different scenarios. The outcome of these simulations suggests that there is a negative power relation between the set-aside percentage and the regional soil erosion risk.
Land Use Policy, 2006
The influence of local and regional policies on the uptake of multifunctional farming systems is ... more The influence of local and regional policies on the uptake of multifunctional farming systems is analysed. The conceptual framework of how regional and local policies can influence farmers’ behaviour is empirically verified by analysing data on uptake of diversification and environmental management by farmers located in the Brussels’ peri-urban area. In a two-stage model, farmers’ participation and behaviour to influence local policy-makers is also examined. It has been found among other things that, in a municipality that attaches greater importance to environmental issues, the uptake of agri-environmental measures is higher and that promotion of local agriculture will encourage farmers to start processing or selling products on their farms.
Environmental Research, 2007
Contaminated soil particles and food are established routes of exposure. We investigated the rela... more Contaminated soil particles and food are established routes of exposure. We investigated the relations between biomarkers of exposure to cadmium and lead, and the metal loading rates in house dust in the adult residents of an area with a soil cadmium concentration of X3 mg/kg (n ¼ 268) and a reference area (n ¼ 205). We determined the metal concentrations in house dust allowed to settle for 3 months in Petri dishes placed in the participants' bedrooms. The continuously distributed vegetable index was the first principal component derived from the metal concentrations in six different vegetables. The biomarkers of exposure (blood cadmium 9.2 vs. 6.2 nmol/L; 24-h urinary cadmium 10.5 vs. 7.0 nmol; blood lead 0.31 vs. 0.24 mmol/L), the loading rates of cadmium and lead in house dust (0.29 vs. 0.12 and 7.52 vs. 3.62 ng/cm 2 /92 days), and the vegetable indexes (0.31 vs. À0.44 and 0.13 vs. À0.29 standardized units) were significantly higher in the contaminated area. A two-fold increase in the metal loading rate in house dust was associated with increases (Po0:001) in blood cadmium (+2.3%), 24-h urinary cadmium (+3.0%), and blood lead (+2.0%), independent of the vegetable index and other covariates. The estimated effect sizes on the biomarkers of internal exposure were three times greater for house dust than vegetables. In conclusion, in the adult population, house dust is potentially an important route of exposure to heavy metals in areas with contaminated soils, and should be incorporated in the assessment of health risks. r .be (J.A. Staessen).
Environmental Health Perspectives, 2008
BACKGROUND: Few population studies have reported on the long-term changes in the internal cadmium... more BACKGROUND: Few population studies have reported on the long-term changes in the internal cadmium dose and simultaneously occurring mortality. OBJECTIVE: We monitored blood cadmium (BCd), 24-hr urinary cadmium (UCd), and mortality in an environmentally exposed population. METHODS: Starting from 1985, we followed BCd (until 2003), UCd (until 1996), and mortality (until 2007) among 476 and 480 subjects, randomly recruited from low-exposure areas (LEA) and high-exposure areas (HEA). The last cadmium-producing plant in the HEA closed in 2002. RESULTS: From 1985-1989 to 1991-1996, BCd decreased by 40.3% and 18.9% in the LEA and HEA, respectively (p < 0.0001 for between-area difference). From 1991-1996 until 2001-2003, BCd remained unchanged in the HEA (+ 1.8%) and increased by 19.7% in the LEA (p < 0.0001). Over the entire follow-up period, the annual decrease in BCd averaged 2.7% in the LEA (n = 258) and 1.8% in the HEA (n = 203). From 1985-1989 to 1991-1996, UCd fell by 12.9% in the LEA and by 16.6% in the HEA (p = 0.22), with mean annual decreases of 2.7% (n = 366) and 3.4% (n = 364). Over 20.3 years (median), 206 deaths (21.5%) occurred. At baseline, BCd (14.6 vs. 10.2 nmol/L) and UCd (14. nmol/24-hr) were higher in deaths than in survivors. The risks (p ≤ 0.04) associated with a doubling of baseline UCd were 20% and 44% for total and noncardiovascular mortality, and 25% and 33% for a doubling of BCd. CONCLUSIONS: Even if zinc-cadmium smelters close, historical environmental contamination remains a persistent source of exposure. Environmental exposure to cadmium increases total and noncardiovascular mortality in a continuous fashion without threshold.
Environmental Health Perspectives, 2008
BACKGROUND: Environmental exposure to cadmium decreases bone density indirectly through hypercalc... more BACKGROUND: Environmental exposure to cadmium decreases bone density indirectly through hypercalciuria resulting from renal tubular dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: We sought evidence for a direct osteotoxic effect of cadmium in women. METHODS: We randomly recruited 294 women (mean age, 49.2 years) from a Flemish population with environmental cadmium exposure. We measured 24-hr urinary cadmium and blood cadmium as indexes of lifetime and recent exposure, respectively. We assessed the multivariate-adjusted association of exposure with specific markers of bone resorption, urinary hydroxylysylpyridinoline (HP) and lysylpyridinoline (LP), as well as with calcium excretion, various calciotropic hormones, and forearm bone density. RESULTS: In all women, the effect sizes associated with a doubling of lifetime exposure were 8.4% (p = 0.009) for HP, 6.9% (p = 0.10) for LP, 0.77 mmol/day (p = 0.003) for urinary calcium, -0.009 g/cm 2 (p = 0.055) for proximal forearm bone density, and -16.8% (p = 0.065) for serum parathyroid hormone. In 144 postmenopausal women, the corresponding effect sizes were -0.01223 g/cm 2 (p = 0.008) for distal forearm bone density, 4.7% (p = 0.064) for serum calcitonin, and 10.2% for bone-specific alkaline phosphatase. In all women, the effect sizes associated with a doubling of recent exposure were 7.2% (p = 0.001) for urinary HP, 7.2% (p = 0.021) for urinary LP, -9.0% (p = 0.097) for serum parathyroid hormone, and 5.5% (p = 0.008) for serum calcitonin. Only one woman had renal tubular dysfunction (urinary retinol-binding protein > 338 µg/day). CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of renal tubular dysfunction, environmental exposure to cadmium increases bone resorption in women, suggesting a direct osteotoxic effect with increased calciuria and reactive changes in calciotropic hormones. KEY WORDS: bone, cadmium, pyridinium crosslinks.
Proceedings of the contact forum “Sustainable Agriculture”, 2006
Associatie KULeuven. ...
Raport in opdracht van het Ministerie van de Vlaamse Gemeenschap, AMINAL, afdeling Water, 2004
Associatie KULeuven. ...
Oral Presentation, 2004
KULeuven. ...
Studie uitgevoerd in opdracht van het Ministerie van de Vlaamse Gemeenschap, AMINAL, Afdeling Water, 2004
Associatie KULeuven. ...
het Ministerie van de Vlaamse Gemeenschap, afdeling Water en afdeling Land, 2004
Associatie KULeuven. ...