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Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the role of employees' underlying implicit person theories in the relationship with innovative work climate and proactive behaviour at work. First, the authors study how an employee's implicit person theory (IPT), or the domain-general implicit belief about the development potential of people's attributes, relates to learning goal orientation and proactive learning and entrepreneurial behaviour at work. Second, the authors investigate how employees' perception of their work climate is associated with this IPT. Design/methodology/approach: The authors set up an exploratory study relying on survey data from a sample of 498 professionally active Flemish adults and analysed a correlational path through SEM. Findings: The authors found that holding an incremental IPT (i.e. believing in the development potential of people's attributes) positively relates to proactive learning and entrepreneurial behaviour. Moreover, the authors found that employees working in an innovative work climate are more likely to hold an incremental IPT. Originality/value: This study offers indications that IPT is a relevant explanatory variable in the relationship between innovative work climate on the one hand and learning goal orientation, learning work behaviour and entrepreneurial work behaviour on the other hand. As such, this study suggests that IPT is a promising concept that can be actively endorsed as a relevant underlying psychological process variable for fostering learning and entrepreneurial behaviour in organizations.

This paper describes and discusses the implementation of a project-based graduate design course in telecommunications engineering. This course, which requires a combination of technical and soft skills for its completion, enables guided independent learning (GIL) and application of technical knowledge acquired from classroom learning. Its main implementation challenge is the need for instructors to define graduate-level GIL activities that are unique for the project objectives and scope. This process is required at both the system and subsystem levels. These activities must also satisfy the program learning outcomes and course outcomes (PLOs and COs). The course initiation, implementation, and management are first described from the instructor's perspective. Technical specifications and outcomes from a recently implemented project titled "A Human-Inspired Telecommunication System" is taken as a case study. Besides explaining the methodology used to evaluate both the course and the students, an empirical assessment of PLOs and COs against the associated educational activities is also presented. Results of a student exit survey, in which each instrument was mapped to specific COs, indicated that the intended course objectives had been accomplished and that there was a good level of student satisfaction.

• Motorcycle riders are not always responsible for crashes. Still, a better understanding on 'motorcycle riding behaviour' is needed to determine the impact on road safety. • Motorcyclists overall declare they are rather safety-oriented than risk-oriented when questioned about how they ride. • Results show a factor structure consistent with previous studies, i.e., a five-factor structure with 'traffic errors', 'speed violations', 'stunts', 'protective gear', and 'control errors'. • An effect on near-crashes and violations could be observed for some of the MRBQ factors, as well as for the age and exposure of riders. • The MRBQ has its merits in terms of construct- and predictive validity, but is subject to limitations (e.g. potential presence and impact of a social desirability bias and common method variance). Little research on motorcycling safety and rider behaviour has been performed in Belgium. This study used the Motorcycle Rider Behaviour Questionnaire (MRBQ) as part of a larger questionnaire on motorcyclist safety. Data was collected in Flanders (i.e., the Dutch speaking part of Belgium) through 560 motorcycle riders by means of a questionnaire that consisted out of the MRBQ, demographics, personal background, riding experience and exposure, vehicle information, and self-reported (near) crashes and fined offences. Results showed a factor structure consistent with previous studies, comprising the factors 'traffic errors', 'speed violations', 'stunts', 'protective gear', and 'control errors'. Due to the limited number of crashes, only an effect on near-crashes and violations was observed for some of the MRBQ factors, as well as for the age and exposure of riders. This research indicated that the MRBQ has its merits in terms of both construct and predictive validity. Nonetheless, the MRBQ was found to be subject to limitations. The need for more research was raised to examine the potential presence and impact of a social desirability bias and common method variance. Additionally, Implications for practitioners and policy makers have been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We develop and test a mediation model linking job insecurity to affective commitment and psychosomatic complaints via two distinct theoretical mechanisms: fairness and energy depletion. Analyses were based on 6,268 Belgian bank employees facing organizational change. Results from structural equation modeling showed that fairness and exhaustion partially mediated the association of job insecurity with affective commitment and psychosomatic complaints, respectively. Multiple group analysis showed that the relation between job insecurity and fairness gradually decreased across the three change stages, and that the exhaustion process was most prominent amid the change. Implications and directions for future research are discussed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examined employee-involvement climate (i.e., information-sharing and decision-making climate) as a moderator of the relationship between pay-level satisfaction and employee outcomes (i.e., job satisfaction, affective commitment, and turnover intention). Survey data were collected from 22,662 Belgian employees, representing 134 organizations. The hypotheses derived from distributive justice theory and from research on the meaning of pay received partial support. Multilevel analyses revealed that a decision-making climate buffered the negative effects of low pay-level satisfaction, and that an information-sharing climate exacerbated the negative effects of low pay-level satisfaction. Theoretical and practical implications of this differential moderating effect are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the face of accelerating climate change, the transition towards a nonnuclear renewable energy system represents a key political challenge, which can be aggravated by the increasing energy supply uncertainty created by the shift away from fossil fuels. In this article, we conduct a comparison of the expansion of renewable energy sources in Austria, Belgium, and Germany at the level of their subnational units (federal states), thereby covering three economically very important central European federal European Union members. We consider potentially influential factors in a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis: In addition to state-specific socioeconomic and geographical characteristics, political factors, such as parties in government, and specific energy-related policy instruments are included in the analysis. We find that a high potential for renewable electricity expansion in combination with low financial prosperity is most likely to lead to a successful expansion of renewable electricity production from wind and photovoltaics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the authors used a within-person design to examine the relationship between job insecurity and employee in-role and extra-role performance, and the buffering role of time-varying work-based support (i.e., supervisor and colleague support) in this relationship. Weekly diary data gathered over the course of three weeks from 56 employees confronted with organizational restructuring and analyzed with a hierarchical linear modeling approach showed that weekly fluctuations in job insecurity negatively predicted week-level in-role performance. As predicted, supervisor support moderated the intra-individual relationship between job insecurity and in-role performance, so that employees' in-role performance suffered less from feeling job insecurity during weeks in which they received more support from their supervisor. No relationship between job insecurity and extra-role performance was observed. This within-person study contributes to research on job insecurity that has primarily focused on inter-individual differences in job insecurity and their associations with job performance. Theoretical and practical implications for human resource management are discussed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The opportunity to use one's skills at work is an important prerequisite for employee well-being. Drawing on self-determination and person-environment fit theory, this diary study aims to add to our understanding of this important phenomenon in two ways. Firstly, we examine the associations of within-subject daily variations in skill utilization with well-being. Secondly, we model work value orientation as a between-subject factor that moderates this within-subject relationship. Specifically, we advocate that daily skill utilization is more beneficial (in terms of more daily work engagement and less daily emotional exhaustion) for employees holding predominantly intrinsic (i.e. self-development, community contribution) as opposed to extrinsic (i.e. financial success, status) values. Results of multilevel modelling using diary data from 99 service workers over five working days, supported the assumption that daily skill utilization was positively related to daily work engagement, particularly among employees holding a predominantly intrinsic work value orientation. Contrary to our expectations, daily skill utilization was unrelated to daily exhaustion, both for employees holding high and low intrinsic values. The discussion highlights the importance of, and employees’ receptiveness to, variations in beneficial working conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In order to explain the diverging well-being outcomes of workaholism, this study aimed to examine the motivational orientations that may fuel the two main components of workaholism (i.e. working excessively and working compulsively). Drawings on Self-Determination Theory, both autonomous and controlled motivation were suggested to drive excessive work, which therefore was expected to relate positively to both well-being (i.e. vigor) and ill-health (i.e. exhaustion). Compulsive work, in contrast, was hypothesised to originate exclusively out of controlled motivation and therefore to only associate positively with ill-being. Structural equation modeling in a heterogeneous sample of Belgian white-collar workers ( N= 370) confirmed that autonomous motivation associated positively with excessive work, which then related positively to vigor. Controlled motivation correlated positively with compulsive work, which therefore related positively with exhaustion. The hypothesised path from controlled motivation to exhaustion through excessive work was not corroborated. In general, the findings suggest that primarily compulsive work yields associations with ill-being, since it may stem from a qualitatively inferior type of motivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orientation: Job characteristics play a major role in shaping employees' early retirement decisions. Research purpose: The objective of this study was to examine the mechanisms through which job characteristics associate with early retirement intention, using the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model as a theoretical framework. Motivation of the study: Early retirement presents a threat to existing health and pension systems, and to organisational functioning. Therefore, it is important to examine how workrelated factors contribute to early retirement decisions. Research design, approach and method: Two parallel processes were theorised to shape early retirement intention: a health impairment process (i.e. job demands → recovery need → early retirement intention) and a motivational process (i.e. job resources → work enjoyment → early retirement intention). Survey data were collected from a heterogeneous sample of 1812 older workers (age > 45). Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses. Main findings: Job demands and job resources were both associated with work enjoyment, which was associated with early retirement intention. Recovery need did not add to the prediction of early retirement intention. Practical/managerial implications: To retain older workers, companies should promote work conditions ad practices that keep older workers motivated. Good health may be a necessary condition for retaining older workers, but it does not appear to be a sufficient one. Contribution/value-add: The results suggest that – for early retirement intention – the motivational process is more prominent than the health impairment process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate how perceptions of job insecurity and fairness associate with individual well-being (job satisfaction and general health) and organizational attitudes (organizational commitment and turnover intention), under the condition that the psychological contract as perceived by the employee includes a promise on job security, or not. More specifically, we suggest that (H1) job insecurity is negatively related to individual well-being and organizational commitment and positively related to turnover intentions when job security is expected as part of the psychological contract, (H2) that job insecurity is negatively related to fairness perceptions when job security is expected as part of the psychological contract, (H3) that fairness associates positively with individual well-being and organizational commitment and negatively with turnover intentions and (H4) that the association between job insecurity, individual well-being and organizational outcomes is mediated by fairness under the condition that job security is expected as part of the psychological contract. Thus, we propose a model of mediated moderation. Results based on a sample of Belgian employees (N = 559) supported our hypotheses for organizational outcomes. For individual well-being, the mediation framework was not conditional upon a perceived promise of job security as part of the psychological contract. We conclude that employees' perceptions of job insecurity and fairness are important factors in employees' well-being and their attitudes towards the organization. More importantly, these perceptions can in part be shaped by organizational agents such as managers and supervisors. Additionally, the active utilization of the psychological contract in management strategies seems to have favourable results for the fostering of pro-organizational attitudes among employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates workers’ early retirement intention among blue- and white-collar workers along two processes as described in the Job Demands—Resources model: (1) an energetic process wherein job demands are associated positively with early retirement intention through perceived ill-health, and (2) a motivational process wherein job resources are associated negatively with early retirement intention through work enjoyment. Analyses are based on 1812 Belgian workers aged 45 or older. Results from structural equation modelling provided support for the motivational process, with a stronger relationship between job resources and work enjoyment among blue-(vs white-) collar workers. The energetic process was not supported: the relationship between job demands and early retirement intention was direct and not indirect through perceived ill-health, and this relationship was stronger among white- (vs blue-) collar workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was a 1st attempt to examine whether prior conclusions on applicant reactions to recruiters conducting the initial screening interview also go for other forms of initial face-to-face contacts. In Belgian national defense, recruiters typically are working in career offices to attract and inform job seekers about job opportunities and organizational characteristics. We surveyed job seekers visiting these career offices for the 1st time about their perceptions of various career counselor characteristics (warmth, informativeness, and competence). The results showed positive relationships between warmth and attitude toward the organization, between warmth and intentions toward the organization, and between competence and application behavior. Negative relationships were observed between informativeness and intentions toward the organization and between informativeness and application behavior. Consistent with Fishbein and Ajzen's (1975) theory of reasoned action, we found that the relationship between the set of career counselor characteristics and potential applicants' intentions toward the organization was fully mediated by attitude toward the organization and that intentions fully mediated the relationship between career counselor characteristics and application behavior. Suggestions for strengthening organizational recruitment programs and for directing further research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: European policy states that by 2020 at least 20% of final energy consumption should come from renewable energy sources. Biomass as a renewable energy source cannot be disregarded in order to attain this target. In this study a macro screening approach is developed to determine potential locations for biomass valorization in a specified region. The approach consists of five steps: (1) criteria determination, (2) data gathering, (3) weight assignment, (4) final score, (5) spatial representation. The resulting outcome provides a first well balanced scan of the possibilities for energy production using regional biomass. This way policy makers and investors can be supported and motivated to study the possibilities of building energy production plants at specific locations in more detail, which can be described as a ‘micro-screening’. In our case study the approach is applied to determine the potentially interesting locations to establish a biomass project. The region has been limited to the forty-four communities in the province of Limburg (Belgium). The macro screening approach has shown to be very effective since the amount of interesting locations has been reduced drastically. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A measurement procedure based on alanine/electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) dosimetry was implemented successfully providing simple, stable, and accurate dose-to-water (D w) measurements. The correspondence between alanine and ionization chamber measurements in reference conditions was excellent. Alanine/EMR dosimetry might be a valuable alternative to thermoluminescent (TLD) and ionization chamber based measuring procedures in radiotherapy audits. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The transition to parenthood is a cornerstone event for both parents, potentially leading to relevant changes in lifestyle and behaviour. In women, the metabolic changes during and after pregnancy and the deleterious effects of excessive gestational weight gain and postpartum weight retention have been extensively described. However, there is no full understanding about which specific energy balance related behaviours (EBRB) contribute to unfavourable weight gain and weight retention. Furthermore, information on how transition to parenthood affects men is lacking. Therefore, this study aims to investigate changes in body weight, body composition and EBRB in couples transitioning to parenthood., Methods: TRANSPARENTS is a multi-centre observational follow-up study that focuses on body weight, body composition and EBRB during the transition to parenthood. Couples (women and men) will be recruited during the first trimester of their first pregnancy. Study visits will occur at four occasions (12 weeks of pregnancy, 6 weeks postpartum, 6 months postpartum and 12 months postpartum). Anthropometrics of the parents and new-borns will be assessed including body weight, height/length, body composition (using bio-electrical impedance analysis and measurement of four skinfold thicknesses (biceps, triceps, subscapular and supraspinal/suprailiac)) and waist and hip circumference. Dietary intake, physical activity, sedentary behaviour, smoking habits, sleeping pattern, fatigue, diet and exercise related partner support, mental health, breastfeeding, contraception use, and socio-demographics will be assessed using a questionnaire. In addition, accelerometry will be used to assess physical activity and sedentary behaviour objectively. Also data from women's medical record, such as pre-pregnancy weight and pregnancy outcomes, will be included. Multilevel modelling will be used to evaluate maternal and paternal changes in body weight, body composition and EBRB during and after pregnancy (primary outcomes). Multiple linear regression analyses will be performed to identify predictors of changes in body weight, body composition and EBRB. All analyses will be adjusted for possible confounders., Discussion: TRANSPARENTS is a unique project identifying vulnerable parents and (un)favourable changes in EBRB throughout this potentially critical life period. Provided insights will facilitate the development of effective intervention strategies to help couples towards a healthy transition to parenthood., Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT03454958. Registered March 2018.

In this study, the distribution of Puumala hantavirus (PUUV) infection in local bank vole Myodes glareolus populations in an area with low human PUUV infection (nephropathia epidemica [NE]) incidence in northern Belgium was monitored for 2 consecutive years. Bank voles were trapped in preferred habitat and tested for anti-PUUV IgG. Infection data were related to individual bank vole features, population demography, and environmental variables. Rare occurrence of PUUV infection was found and PUUV prevalence was low compared with data from the high NE incidence area in southern Belgium. Small-scale climatic differences seemed to play a role in PUUV occurrence, vegetation index and deciduous forest patch size both influenced PUUV prevalence and number of infected voles in a positive way. The data suggested a density threshold in vole populations below which PUUV infection does not occur. This threshold may vary between years, but the abundance of bank voles does not seem to affect the degree of PUUV seroprevalence further. We found indications for a dilution effect on PUUV prevalence, dependent on the relative proportion of nonhost wood mice Apodemus sylvaticus in a study site. In conclusion, we regard the combination of a dilution effect, a possible threshold density that depends on local conditions, and a higher fragmentation of suitable bank vole habitat in our study area as plausible explanations for the sparse occurrence of PUUV infection and low prevalence detected. Thus, beside human activity patterns, local environmental conditions and rodent community structure are also likely to play a role in determining PUUV infection risk for humans.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities in female partners of couples undergoing IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)., Design: Prospective study., Setting: Leuven University Fertility Center., Patient(s): Female candidates for IVF or ICSI., Intervention(s): An initial cytogenetic study was performed on peripheral blood lymphocyte cultures using G- and R-banding. In all patients, > or =25 metaphases were examined. If a chromosomal aberration was detected, additional cytogenetic studies were performed for precise identification., Main Outcome Measure(s): Abnormal female karyotypes in comparison with the general female population., Result(s): Cytogenetic analysis was performed in 263 female partners of couples before entering an IVF or ICSI program. The prevalence of autosomal reciprocal balanced translocations was seven times higher in the study group (1.14%) than in the general population (0.16%). All abnormal karyotypes were found in the IVF group with male factor infertility., Conclusion(s): Chromosomal abnormalities are more frequent in the female partners of couples seeking fertility treatment. We recommend chromosomal analysis in women before starting IVF or ICSI treatment, even in the presence of male factor infertility.