Veerle Hermans
A5039444095- Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Primate Behavior and Ecology
- Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Viral Infections and Outbreaks Research
- Workplace Health and Well-being
- Physical Activity and Health
- Muscle activation and electromyography studies
- Animal Behavior and Reproduction
- Disaster Response and Management
- COVID-19 epidemiological studies
- Body Contouring and Surgery
- Nausea and vomiting management
- Occupational Health and Safety in Workplaces
- Health Systems, Economic Evaluations, Quality of Life
- Viral Infections and Vectors
- Antibiotic Use and Resistance
- Dermatological and COVID-19 studies
- Occupational Health and Safety Research
- Animal Vocal Communication and Behavior
- Ergonomics and Human Factors
- Occupational health in dentistry
- Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria
- Species Distribution and Climate Change
- Agriculture and Farm Safety
Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp
2018-2025
Médecins Sans Frontières
2018-2023
Swiss Centre for Scientific Research
2020
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
2002-2018
KU Leuven
1995-2018
Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre
2017
Evangelical Theological Faculty
2016
European External Action Service
2016
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
2015
International Rescue Committee
2015
Abstract Large brains and behavioural innovation are positively correlated, species-specific traits, associated with the flexibility animals need for adapting to seasonal unpredictable habitats. Similar ecological challenges would have been important drivers throughout human evolution. However, studies examining influence of environmental variability on within-species diversity lacking despite critical assumption that population diversification precedes genetic divergence speciation. Here,...
More than just numbers We often frame negative human impacts on animal species in terms of individuals reduced or regions from which are absent. However, activities likely affecting more complex ways these figures can capture. Kühl et al. studied behavioral and cultural diversity our closest relative, the chimpanzee. They found that human-mediated disturbance is reducing traits. Human influence thus goes well beyond simple loss populations species, leading to change even where persist....
How populations adapt to their environment is a fundamental question in biology. Yet, we know surprisingly little about this process, especially for endangered species, such as nonhuman great apes. Chimpanzees, our closest living relatives, are particularly notable because they inhabit diverse habitats, from rainforest woodland-savannah. Whether genetic adaptation facilitates habitat diversity remains unknown, despite it having wide implications evolutionary biology and conservation. By...
Knowledge on the population history of endangered species is critical for conservation, but whole-genome data chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) geographically sparse. Here, we produced first non-invasive geolocalized catalog genomic diversity by capturing chromosome 21 from 828 samples collected at 48 sampling sites across Africa. The four recognized subspecies show clear genetic differentiation correlating with known barriers, while previously undescribed exchange suggests that these have been...
To determine whether 2 readily available indicators predicted survival among patients with Ebola virus disease in Sierra Leone, we evaluated information for 216 of the 227 Bo District during a 4-month period. The were time from symptom onset to healthcare facility admission and quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR cycle threshold (Ct), surrogate viral load, first virus-positive blood sample tested. Of these patients, 151 alive when detected had reported dates Ct values available....
The present study assessed malaria RDT kits for adequate and correct packaging, design labelling of boxes components. Information inserts were studied readability accuracy information.Criteria design, information compiled from Directive 98/79 the European Community (EC), relevant World Health Organization (WHO) documents studies on end-users' performance RDTs. Typography level (Flesch-Kincaid grade level) assessed.Forty-two 22 manufacturers assessed, 35 which had evidence good manufacturing...
We investigated occurrences and patterns of terrestrial nocturnal activity in wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) modelled the influence various ecological predictors on activity.Data were extracted from camera-trap footage surveys 22 chimpanzee study sites participating Pan African Programme: The Cultured Chimpanzee. described videos demonstrating activity, we tested effects percentage forest, abundance predators (lions, leopards hyenas), large mammals (buffalos elephants), average daily...
Strontium isotope (87Sr/86Sr) analysis with reference to strontium landscapes (Sr isoscapes) allows reconstructing mobility and migration in archaeology, ecology, forensics. However, despite the vast potential of research involving 87Sr/86Sr particularly Africa, Sr isoscapes remain unavailable for largest parts continent. Here, we measure ratios 778 environmental samples from 24 African countries combine this data published model a bioavailable isoscape sub-Saharan Africa using random forest...
The Ebola outbreak that started in late 2013 is by far the largest and most sustained history. It occurred a part of world where pre-existing health systems were already fragile, these deteriorated further during epidemic due to large number worker deaths; temporary or permanent closure facilities; non-payment workers; intrinsic fear contracting being stigmatised among population, which negatively influenced health-seeking behaviour; enforced quarantine Ebola-affected communities,...
Setting Ten targeted health facilities supported by Damien Foundation (a Belgian Non Governmental Organization) and the National Tuberculosis (TB) Program in Conakry, Guinea. Objectives To uphold TB program performance during Ebola outbreak presence of a package pre-emptive additional measures geared at reinforcing routine program, ensuring infection control, health-workers safety motivation. Design A retrospective comparative cohort study assessing before (2013) (2014) outbreak. Results...
Good Infection prevention and control (IPC) is vital for tackling antimicrobial resistance limiting health care-associated infections. We compared IPC performance before (2019) during the COVID-19 (2021) era at national unit all regional (4) district hospitals (8) in Sierra Leone.Cross-sectional assessments using standardized World Health Organizations checklists. scores were graded as inadequate = 0-25%, basic 25.1-50%, intermediate 50.1-75%, advanced 75.1-100%.Overall improved from 'basic'...
The 2014-15 Ebola outbreak in West Africa was disruptive for the general health services affected countries. This study assessed impact of on reported number and management malaria children under-five rural Guinea.A retrospective cross-sectional conducted nineteen centres two rural, malaria-endemic districts, one at epicentre (Guéckédou) (Koubia) spared by Ebola. Routine surveillance data facility level were compared over similar periods high transmission both districts before, during after...
Abstract How populations adapt to their environment is a fundamental question in biology. Yet we know surprisingly little about this process, especially for endangered species such as non-human great apes. Chimpanzees, our closest living relatives, are particularly interesting because they inhabit diverse habitats, from rainforest woodland-savannah. Whether genetic adaptation facilitates habitat diversity remains unknown, despite having wide implications evolutionary biology and...
Antimicrobial consumption (AMC) surveillance at global and national levels is necessary to inform relevant interventions policies. This study analyzed central warehouse antimicrobial supplies health facilities providing inpatient care in Uganda. We collected data on antimicrobials supplied by National Medical Stores (NMS) Joint (JMS) 442 from 2017 2019. Data were using the World Health Organization methodology for AMC surveillance. Total quantity of defined daily dose (DDD) determined,...
Abstract Paleoclimate reconstructions have enhanced our understanding of how past climates shaped present‐day biodiversity. We hypothesize that the geographic extent Pleistocene forest refugia and suitable habitat fluctuated significantly in time during late Quaternary for chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes ). Using bioclimatic variables representing monthly temperature precipitation estimates, human population density data, an extensive database georeferenced presence points, we built a model...