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Author Gielis, J.; Caratelli, D.; Tavkelidze, I.; Fougerolle, Y.; Ricci, P.E.; Gerats, T. isbn  openurl
  Title Bulky knots and links generated by cutting generalized Mobius-Listing bodies and applications in the natural sciences Type H2 Book chapter
  Year 2013 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 167-183 T2 - Math Art Summit : Koninklijke Vlaamse  
  Keywords H2 Book chapter; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN 978-90-6569-119-4 Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:110955 Serial 7569  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Ilgrande, C.; Christiaens, M.; Clauwaert, P.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Boon, N. openurl 
  Title Can nitrification bring us to Mars? The role of microbial interactions on nitrogen recovery in Life Support Systems Type A2 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Communications in agricultural and applied biological sciences Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 81 Issue 1 Pages 74-79  
  Keywords A2 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract The development cost-effective life support technologies is a highly relevant topic for space biology. Currently, food and water supply during space flights is currently restricted by technical and economic constraints: daily water consumption of an average crew of 6 members is about 72 L, with an estimated cost of 2,160,000 d-1. To reduce these costs and sustain long term space missions, the European Space Agency designed MELiSSA, an artificial ecosystem based on 5 compartments for the recycling gas, liquid and solid waste (Lasseur et al., 2011). In the CI stage, crew and inedible solid waste is fermented by thermophilic anaerobic bacteria, producing volatile fatty acids (VFAs), CO2 and ammonium (NH4+). In the CII compartment the VFAs are converted into edible biomass, using the photoheterotroph Rodospirillum rubrum. Afterwards, the nitrifying CIII unit converts toxic levels of ammonia/ammonium into nitrate, which enables the effluent to be fed to the photoautotrohopic CIV stage, that provides food and oxygen for the crew (Godia et al., 2002). The highest nitrogen flux in a Life Support System is human urine. As nitrate is the preferred form of nitrogen fertilizer for hydroponic plant cultivation, urine nitrification is an essential process in the MELiSSA loop. The development of the Additional Unit for Water Treatment or Urine NItrification ConsortiUM (UNICUM) requires the selection and characterization of the microorganisms that will be used. The key microorganisms in the biological treatment of urine are heterotrophs, for the hydrolysis of urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide, Ammonia Oxidizing Bacteria (AOB), for the ammonia oxidation into nitrite and Nitrite Oxidizing Bacteria (NOB), for the conversion of nitrite into nitrate. The strains were selected according to predefined safety (non sporogenic and BSL 1) and metabolic (Ks, μmax) criteria. To evaluate functional consortia for space applications, ureolysis, nitritation and nitratation of the selected microorganisms and synthetic communities were elucidated. Additionally, urine is a matrix with a high salt content. Unhydrolised urine's EC ranges from 1.1 to 33.9 mS/cm, the mean value being 21.5 mS/cm (Marickar, 2010), while hydrolysed urine can reach higher levels, up to 75 mS/cm. This conditions could inhibit microbial metabolism, therefore the effect of salinity on urine nitrification was also elucidated.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1379-1176 ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:151151 Serial 7573  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Alloul, A.; Ganigue, R.; Spiller, M.; Meerburg, F.; Cagnetta, C.; Rabaey, K.; Vlaeminck, S.E. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Capture-ferment-upgrade : a three-step approach for the valorization of sewage organics as commodities Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication Environmental science and technology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 52 Issue 12 Pages 6729-6742  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract This critical review outlines a roadmap for the conversion of chemical oxygen demand (COD) contained in sewage to commodities based on three-steps: capture COD as sludge, ferment it to volatile fatty acids (VFA), and upgrade VFA to products. The article analyzes the state-of-the-art of this three step approach and discusses the bottlenecks and challenges. The potential of this approach is illustrated for the European Union's 28 member states (EU-28) through Monte Carlo simulations. High-rate contact stabilization captures the highest amount of COD (66-86 g COD person equivalent(-1) day(-1) in 60% of the iterations). Combined with thermal hydrolysis, this would lead to a VFA-yield of 23-44 g COD person equivalent(-1) day(-1). Upgrading VFA generated by the EU-28 would allow, in 60% of the simulations, for a yearly production of 0.2-2.0 megatonnes of esters, 0.7-1.4 megatonnes of polyhydroxyalkanoates or 0.6-2.2 megatonnes of microbial protein substituting, respectively, 20-273%, 70-140% or 21-72% of their global counterparts (i.e., petrochemical-based esters, bioplastics or fishmeal). From these flows, we conclude that sewage has a strong potential as biorefinery feedstock, although research is needed to enhance capture, fermentation and upgrading efficiencies. These developments need to be supported by economic/environmental analyses and policies that incentivize a more sustainable management of our resources.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000436018900004 Publication Date 2018-05-17  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0013-936x; 1520-5851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:151968 Serial 7574  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Düking, R.; Gielis, J.; Liese, W. openurl 
  Title Carbon flux and carbon stock in a bamboo stand and their relevance for mitigating climate change Type A3 Journal article
  Year 2011 Publication Bamboo Science & Culture Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 24 Issue 1 Pages 1-6  
  Keywords A3 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract In this report we describe the basics of biological carbon fixation in bamboo forests. Confusing carbon stock with carbon flux has led to false expectations on the significance of bamboo forests as carbon sinks. Furthermore, misunderstandings about the growth of bamboo culms can lead to highly exaggerated expectations on the productivity of bamboo.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1535-7635 ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:91091 Serial 7578  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Sóti, V. url  openurl
  Title Catalytic detoxification of lignocellulose hydrolyzate Type Doctoral thesis
  Year 2019 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages XXVII, 243 p.  
  Keywords Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Biochemical Wastewater Valorization & Engineering (BioWaVE)  
  Abstract The present PhD research investigated the possibility of catalytic detoxification of poplar wood based and steam exploded lignocellulosic hydrolyzate with different types of laccase enzymes, with special focus on ethanol and lactic acid products at industrially relevant parameters: high final product concentration, high initial substrate loading and integrated processes. The simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) process was taken as a base case and five types of laccases were thoroughly investigated on their utilization potential. Phenolic removal from the liquid xylose rich fraction (XRF) was higher with fungal laccases (65-90 %) compared to approximately 30 % removal with bacterial laccase. Moreover, the optimal pH of fungal laccases was close to pH 4.5, the optimum for cellulase, while the bacterial laccase worked at basic pH. Integrating laccase treatment and hydrolysis together showed that fungal laccases have negative impact on final sugar concentration, while bacterial laccase had a strong positive effect. Although bacterial laccase removed less phenol and although its optimal conditions are difficult to integrate with hydrolysis, its enhancing effect on cellulase activity makes it a better candidate for application. The presence of the solid fraction (SF) alters the phenolic concentration evolution significantly, thus screening experiments with the liquid fraction alone do not provide sufficient information for the combined process. Magnetic Cross-Linked Enzyme Aggregates (m-CLEAs) immobilization was assessed for bacterial laccase. m-CLEAs decreased phenolic concentration faster at every pH compared to free bacterial laccase; however, the removal was caused by adsorption rather than by enzyme activity. Although the size of m-CLEAs particles are in the µm range, around 90 % of the initial catalyst mass was recycled from a dense (15 % substrate loading) mixture via magnetic separation. The high recycling rate is promising; m-CLEAs immobilization method can have industrial utilization potential. Minimum sugar revenue (MSR) estimations show that currently hardwood based MSR is 70 % more expensive than corn grain based MSR. About 7-10 fold cellulase activity increase will be needed until MSR will be competitive with corn grain MSR. However, m-CLEAs cellulase can already be competitive if the corn prices are in the higher regime of last year’s prices.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:180125 Serial 7584  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Roefs, I.; Meulman, B.; Vreeburg, J.H.G.; Spiller, M. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Centralised, decentralised or hybrid sanitation systems? Economic evaluation under urban development uncertainty and phased expansion Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Water research Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 109 Issue Pages 274-286  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Sanitation systems are built to be robust, that is, they are dimensioned to cope with population growth and other variability that occurs throughout their lifetime. It was recently shown that building sanitation systems in phases is more cost effective than one robust design. This phasing can take place by building small autonomous decentralised units that operate closer to the actual demand. Research has shown that variability and uncertainty in urban development does affect the cost effectiveness of this approach. Previous studies do not, however, consider the entire sanitation system from collection to treatment. The aim of this study is to assess the economic performance of three sanitation systems with different scales and systems characteristics under a variety of urban development pathways. Three systems are studied: (I) a centralised conventional activated sludge treatment, (II) a community on site source separation grey water and black water treatment and (III) a hybrid with grey water treatment at neighbourhood scale and black water treatment off site. A modelling approach is taken that combines a simulation of greenfield urban growth, a model of the wastewater collection and treatment infrastructure design properties and a model that translates design parameters into discounted asset lifetime costs. Monte Carlo simulations are used to evaluate the economic performance under uncertain development trends. Results show that the conventional system outperforms both of the other systems when total discounted lifetime costs are assessed, because it benefits from economies of scale. However, when population growth is lower than expected, the source-separated system is more cost effective, because of reduced idle capacity. The hybrid system is not competitive under any circumstance due to the costly double piping and treatment. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000392788900028 Publication Date 2016-11-23  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0043-1354; 1879-2448 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:143853 Serial 7587  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Roegiers, J.; van Walsem, J.; Denys, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title CFD- and radiation field modeling of a gas phase photocatalytic multi-tube reactor Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication Chemical engineering journal Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 338 Issue Pages 287-299  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract This paper focusses on the development of a Multiphysics model as a tool for assessing the performance of a multi-tube photoreactor. The model predicts the transient behavior of acetaldehyde concentration, as a model compound for the organic fraction of the indoor air pollutants, under varying sets of conditions. A 3D-model couples radiation field modeling with reaction kinetics and fluid dynamics in order to simulate the transport of the pollutant as it progresses through the reactor. A model-based approach is proposed to determine the layer thickness and refractive index of different P25-powder modified solgel coatings, using an optimization procedure to estimate these parameters based on UV-irradiance measurements. The radiation field model was able to accurately predict the irradiance on the catalytic surface within the reactor. Consequently, the radiation field model was used to define an irradiance dependent reaction rate constant in a coupled Multiphysics model. An optimization routine was deployed to estimate the adsorption, desorption- and photocatalytic reaction rate constants on the TiO2-surface, using experimentally determined, transient outlet concentrations of acetaldehyde. Additionally, a validation test was performed in an air-tight climate chamber at much higher flow rates, higher irradiance and realistic indoor pollutant concentrations to emphasize the reliability and accuracy of the parameters for adsorption, desorption and photocatalytic reaction. The developed model makes it possible to optimize the reactor design and scale-up for commercial applications.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000427618400031 Publication Date 2018-01-08  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1385-8947; 1873-3212 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:149115 Serial 7589  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Roegiers, J.; Denys, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title CFD-modelling of activated carbon fibers for indoor air purification Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Chemical engineering journal Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 365 Issue Pages 80-87  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Activated carbon fibers for indoor air purification were investigated by means of pressure drop and adsorption capacity. The Darcy-Forchheimer law combined with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling was deployed to simulate the pressure drop over an activated carbon fiber (ACF) filter with varying filter thickness. The CFD model was later combined with adsorption modelling to simulate breakthrough profiles of acetaldehyde adsorption on the ACF-filter. The adsorption model incorporates mass transfer resistance and adsorption equilibrium. It assumes local equilibrium between gas phase and solid phase. The latter was investigated for three different adsorption isotherms: linear, Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption. Successful agreement between model simulations and experimental data was obtained, using the Freundlich adsorption model. The numerical model could provide valuable insights and allows to continuously improve the design of filtration devices.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000459009800009 Publication Date 2019-02-02  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1385-8947; 1873-3212 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:156996 Serial 7590  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Baken, S.; Sjostedt, C.; Gustafsson, J.P.; Seuntjens, P.; Desmet, N.; De Schutter, J.; Smolders, E. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Characterisation of hydrous ferric oxides derived from iron-rich groundwaters and their contribution to the suspended sediment of streams Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2013 Publication Applied geochemistry Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 39 Issue Pages 59-68  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract When Fe(II) bearing groundwaters surface in streams, particulate authigenic Fe-rich material is produced by oxidation. Such freshly precipitated Fe minerals may be transported as suspended sediment and have a profound impact on the fate of trace metals and nutrients in rivers. The objective of this study was to monitor changes in mineralogy and composition of authigenic material from its source to streams of increasing order. Groundwaters, surface waters, and suspended sediment in streams of different order were sampled in the Kleine Nete catchment (Belgium), a lowland with Fe-rich groundwaters (3.5-53.8 mg Fe/L; pH 6.3-6.9). Fresh authigenic material (>0.45 mu m) was produced by oxidising filtered (<0.45 mu m) groundwater and surface water. This material contained, on average, 44% Fe, and smaller concentrations of C, P, and Ca. Iron EXAFS (Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure) spectroscopy showed that the Fe was present as poorly crystalline hydrous ferric oxides with a structure similar to that of ferrihydrite. The Fe concentration in the suspended sediment samples decreased to 36-40% (stream order 2), and further to 18-26% (stream order 4 and 5). Conversely, the concentrations of organic C, Ca, Si, and trace metals increased with increasing stream order, suggesting mixing of authigenic material with suspended sediment from a different source. The Fe speciation in the suspended sediment was similar to that in fresh authigenic material, but more Fe-Fe interactions were observed, i.e. it was increasingly hydrolysed, suggesting ageing reactions. The suspended sediment in the streams of order 4 and 5 is estimated to contain between 31% and 59% of authigenic material, but more data are needed to refine this estimate. The authigenic material is an important sink for P in these streams which may alleviate the eutrophication risk in this catchment. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000327488700007 Publication Date 2013-10-05  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0883-2927 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:112769 Serial 7595  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Satyawali, Y.; Van Roy, S.; Roevens, A.; Meynen, V.; Mullens, S.; Jochems, P.; Doyen, W.; Cauwenberghs, L.; Dejonghe, W. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Characterization and analysis of the adsorption immobilization mechanism of \beta-galactosidase on metal oxide powders Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2013 Publication RSC advances Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 3 Issue 46 Pages 24054-24062  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Immobilization of the enzymes plays a vital role in enhancing their applicability in a wide range of applications, thus ensuring the use of sustainable enzymatic processes over the conventional chemical processes on an industrial scale. This study provides the background information for the selection and screening of inorganic metal oxide (MO) powders for their use as fillers in mixed matrix membranes for enzyme immobilization as the future aim. A total of 13 MOs, ranging in size from 0.01 μm to <5 μm, were tested for their performance as a support for enzyme (β-galactosidase) immobilization via adsorption. Alumina appeared to be the best performing MO with the amount and activity of the immobilized enzyme being 64 mg g−1 and up to 288 U g−1, respectively. The amount of immobilized enzyme on alumina (α-Al2O3 C and γ-Al2O3) was >3 times higher than ZrO2 (used as a reference MO in this study). Upon heat treatment at 900 °C, up to 15%, 52% and 42% decline was observed in the amount of immobilized enzyme in case of alumina metal oxides (MOs), ZrO2 and TiO2, respectively. The results suggested that both isoelectric point and surface area of the MO influence the immobilization. The most important observation in this study was that the bonding of the enzyme to the MO surface seems to be mediated by the bonding/interaction of the buffer to the enzyme.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000326745100030 Publication Date 2013-10-11  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2046-2069 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:111300 Serial 7607  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Jochems, P.; Satyawali, Y.; van Roy, S.; Doyen, W.; Diels, L.; Dejonghe, W. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Characterization and optimization of \beta-galactosidase immobilization process on a mixed-matrix membrane Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2011 Publication Enzyme and microbial technology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 49 Issue 6/7 Pages 580-588  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract β-Galactosidase is an important enzyme catalyzing not only the hydrolysis of lactose to the monosaccharides glucose and galactose but also the transgalactosylation reaction to produce galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS). In this study, β-galactosidase was immobilized by adsorption on a mixed-matrix membrane containing zirconium dioxide. The maximum β-galactosidase adsorbed on these membranes was 1.6 g/m2, however, maximal activity was achieved at an enzyme concentration of around 0.5 g/m2. The tests conducted to investigate the optimal immobilization parameters suggested that higher immobilization can be achieved under extreme parameters (pH and temperature) but the activity was not retained at such extreme operational parameters. The investigations on immobilized enzymes indicated that no real shift occurred in its optimal temperature after immobilization though the activity in case of immobilized enzyme was better retained at lower temperature (5 °C). A shift of 0.5 unit was observed in optimal pH after immobilization (pH 6.5 to 7). Perhaps the most striking results are the kinetic parameters of the immobilized enzyme; while the Michaelis constant (Km) value increased almost eight times compared to the free enzyme, the maximum enzyme velocity (Vmax) remained almost constant.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000298529600015 Publication Date 2011-06-26  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0141-0229 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:90060 Serial 7608  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Wood, J.; Geerts, R.; Majean, L.; Coene, V.; Vanheeswijck, J.; de Smalen, D.; Ronda, T.; Keizer, K. url  openurl
  Title De combinatie werk-gezin en het gebruik van formele kinderopvang bij vrouwen met een migratieachtergrond : een mixed methods-benadering Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Sociologos (Brussel) Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 40 Issue 2-3-4 Pages 123-149  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Sociology; Centre for Population, Family and Health; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change  
  Abstract  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2295-8150 ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:167658 Serial 7678  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Dasgupta, N.; Borah, R.; Mishra, P.; Gupta, A.K.; Chhabra, R.P. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Combined effects of blockage and yield stress on drag and heat transfer from an in-line array of three spheres Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Journal of dispersion science and technology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 40 Issue 6 Pages 855-873  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract This work reports results on the drag and heat transfer from an in-line array of three isothermal spheres falling in a cylindrical confinement filled with Bingham plastic fluids. The effects of dimensionless parameters, such as the Reynolds number (1 ≤ Re ≤ 100), Prandtl number (1 ≤ Pr ≤ 100), Bingham number (0 ≤ Bn ≤ 100), blockage ratio (2 ≤ β ≤ 4) and sphere-to-sphere distance (1.5 ≤ t ≤ 6) have been elucidated. The flow and heat transfer characteristics were analysed in terms of yielded/unyielded regions, streamline and isotherm contours, drag coefficient, pressure coefficient, and local and average Nusselt number. Broadly, the drag coefficient shows a positive dependence on Bn and sphere-to-sphere distance (t) while it exhibits an inverse dependence on Re and β. On the other hand, the Nusselt number shows a positive dependence on Re, Pr, Bn and β; and a complex dependence on t for each sphere. Simple predictive expressions for the average Nusselt number for each sphere are formulated, thereby enabling its prediction in a new application.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000467844200010 Publication Date 2018-12-01  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0193-2691 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:190865 Serial 7680  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Mao, D.; Lookman, R.; van de Weghe, H.; Weltens, R.; Vanermen, G.; de Brucker, N.; Diels, L. doi  openurl
  Title Combining HPLC-GCXGC, GCXGC/ToF-MS, and selected ecotoxicity assays for detailed monitoring of petroleum hydrocarbon degradation in soil and leaching water Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2009 Publication Environmental science and technology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 43 Issue 20 Pages 7651-7657  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract HPLC-GCXGC/FID (high-performance liquid chromatography followed by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with flame-ionization detection) and GCXGC/ToF-MS (comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry) were used to study the biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons in soil microcosms during 20 weeks. Two soils were studied: one spiked with fresh diesel and one field sample containing weathered diesel-like oil. Nutrient amended and unamended samples were included. Total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) levels in spiked soil decreased from 15000 to 7500 mg/kg d.m. and from 12000 to 4000 mg/kg d.m. in the field soil. Linear alkanes and aromatic hydrocarbons were better biodegradable (>60% degraded) than iso-alkanes; cycloalkanes were least degradable (<40%). Aromatic hydrocarbons up to three rings showed better degradability than n-alkanes. GCXGC/ToF-MS analysis of leaching water showed that initially various oxygenated hydrocarbons were produced. Compound peaks seemed to move up and rightward in the GCXGC chromatograms, indicating that more polar and heavier compounds were formed as biodegradation proceeded. Nutrient amendment can increase TPH removal rates, but had adverse effects on ecotoxicity and leaching potential in our experiment. This was explained by observed shifts in the soil microbial community. Ecotoxicity assays showed that residual TPH still inhibited cress (Lepidium sativum) seed germination, but the leaching water was no longer toxic toward luminescent bacteria (Vibrio fischeri).  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000270594900014 Publication Date 2009-09-18  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0013-936x; 1520-5851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:79168 Serial 7683  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Van De Vijver, E.; Van Meirvenne, M.; Saey, T.; Delefortrie, S.; De Smedt, P.; De Pue, J.; Seuntjens, P. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Combining multi-receiver electromagnetic induction and stepped frequency ground penetrating radar for industrial site investigation Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication European journal of soil science Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 66 Issue 4 Pages 688-698  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract The soil at industrial sites is frequently characterized by very heterogeneous properties, which are often related to physical disturbance and contamination. A conventional approach to characterize the soil, with only a limited number of invasive observations, fails to capture the full extent of soil heterogeneity. Proximal soil sensing provides efficient tools to record spatially dense soil information. Nevertheless, because the output of most sensors is affected by more than one soil property, the simultaneous characterization of different soil properties requires the use of multiple sensors. Here, we apply multi-receiver electromagnetic induction (EMI) and stepped frequency ground penetrating radar (GPR) to survey a former gasworks site in a seaport area of Belgium. We used the EMI and GPR sensors in a motorized system to obtain densely sampled measurements of apparent electrical conductivity, apparent magnetic susceptibility and contrasts in relative dielectric permittivity. Our study shows that the sensors give detailed information on the variation in these electromagnetic soil properties. Interpretation of the variation in terms of the stratification of the soil was hampered by localized anthropogenic disturbances. However, the sensors provided complementary information that enabled the identification, discrimination and accurate location of several of these localized disturbances, including underground utility services such as electric cables, buried structures such as the remains of foundations and contamination by salts. Because these represent typical targets in industrial site investigation, we conclude that multi-receiver EMI and stepped frequency GPR provide a useful set of tools to expedite the investigation of industrial sites.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000357341900008 Publication Date 2015-02-27  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1351-0754 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:127112 Serial 7684  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Gielis, J.; Caratelli, D.; de Jong van Coevorden, M.; Ricci, P.E. doi  isbn
openurl 
  Title The common descent of biological shape description and special functions Type H1 Book chapter
  Year 2018 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 230 Issue Pages 119-131 T2 - Differential and difference equations  
  Keywords H1 Book chapter; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Gielis transformations, with their origin in botany, are used to define square waves and trigonometric functions of higher order. They are rewritten in terms of Chebyshev polynomials. The origin of both, a uniform descriptor and the origin of orthogonal polynomials, can be traced back to a letter of Guido Grandi to Leibniz in 1713 on the mathematical description of the shape of flowers. In this way geometrical description and analytical tools are seamlessly combined.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000451375900010 Publication Date 2018-05-08  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN 978-3-319-75646-2; 2194-1009; 978-3-319-75647-9; 978-3-319-75646-2 Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:150949 Serial 7685  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Shi, P.-J.; Xu, Q.; Sandhu, H.S.; Gielis, J.; Ding, Y.-L.; Li, H.-R.; Dong, X.-B. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Comparison of dwarf bamboos (Indocalamus sp.) leaf parameters to determine relationship between spatial density of plants and total leaf area per plant Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Ecology and evolution Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 5 Issue 20 Pages 4578-4589  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract The relationship between spatial density and size of plants is an important topic in plant ecology. The self-thinning rule suggests a −3/2 power between average biomass and density or a −1/2 power between stand yield and density. However, the self-thinning rule based on total leaf area per plant and density of plants has been neglected presumably because of the lack of a method that can accurately estimate the total leaf area per plant. We aimed to find the relationship between spatial density of plants and total leaf area per plant. We also attempted to provide a novel model for accurately describing the leaf shape of bamboos. We proposed a simplified Gielis equation with only two parameters to describe the leaf shape of bamboos one model parameter represented the overall ratio of leaf width to leaf length. Using this method, we compared some leaf parameters (leaf shape, number of leaves per plant, ratio of total leaf weight to aboveground weight per plant, and total leaf area per plant) of four bamboo species of genus Indocalamus Nakai (I. pedalis (Keng) P.C. Keng, I. pumilus Q.H. Dai and C.F. Keng, I. barbatus McClure, and I. victorialis P.C. Keng). We also explored the possible correlation between spatial density and total leaf area per plant using log-linear regression. We found that the simplified Gielis equation fit the leaf shape of four bamboo species very well. Although all these four species belonged to the same genus, there were still significant differences in leaf shape. Significant differences also existed in leaf area per plant, ratio of leaf weight to aboveground weight per plant, and leaf length. In addition, we found that the total leaf area per plant decreased with increased spatial density. Therefore, we directly demonstrated the self-thinning rule to improve light interception.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000363731500008 Publication Date 2015-09-30  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2045-7758 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:128662 Serial 7691  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Van Winckel, T.; Al-Omari, A.; Takás, I.; Wett, B.; Bachmann, B.; Sturm, B.; Bott, C.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Murthy, S.; De Clippeleir, H. openurl 
  Title Conceptual framework for deammonification in a combined floc-granule system : impact of aeration control, external selector and bioaugmentation based on full-scale data from WWTP in Strass Type P3 Proceeding
  Year 2017 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 16 p. T2 - IWA 2017 Conference on Sustainable Wast  
  Keywords P3 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:151109 Serial 7722  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Reniers, G.L.L.; Sörensen, K.; Vrancken, K. isbn  openurl
  Title Conclusions and recommendations Type H1 Book chapter
  Year 2013 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 265-268 T2 - Management principles of sustainable  
  Keywords H1 Book chapter; Engineering Management (ENM); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN 9783527649488 Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:107610 Serial 7723  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author De Cocker, P.; Bessiere, Y.; Hernandez-Raquet, G.; Sun, X.Y.; Mozo, I.; Barrillon, B.; Gaval, G.; Caligaris, M.; Martin Ruel, S.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Sperandio, M. openurl 
  Title Cool conditions for mainstream anammox applications : short and long term temperature effects Type P3 Proceeding
  Year 2017 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 3 p. T2 - 5th IWA Benelux Young Water Professional  
  Keywords P3 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:151117 Serial 7732  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Carballa, M.; Smits, M.; Etchebehere, C.; Boon, N.; Verstraete, W. doi  openurl
  Title Correlations between molecular and operational parameters in continuous lab-scale anaerobic reactors Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2011 Publication Applied microbiology and biotechnology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 89 Issue 2 Pages 303-314  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract In this study, the microbial community characteristics in continuous lab-scale anaerobic reactors were correlated to reactor functionality using the microbial resource management (MRM) approach. Two molecular techniques, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP), were applied to analyze the bacterial and archaeal communities, and the results obtained have been compared. Clustering analyses showed a similar discrimination of samples with DGGE and T-RFLP data, with a clear separation between the meso- and thermophilic communities. Both techniques indicate that bacterial and mesophilic communities were richer and more even than archaeal and thermophilic communities, respectively. Remarkably, the community composition was highly dynamic for both Bacteria and Archaea, with a rate of change between 30% and 75% per 18 days, also in stable performing periods. A hypothesis to explain the latter in the context of the converging metabolism in anaerobic processes is proposed. Finally, a more even and diverse bacterial community was found to be statistically representative for a well-functioning reactor as evidenced by a low Ripley index and high biogas production.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000285872500008 Publication Date 2010-09-27  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0175-7598; 1432-0614 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:85202 Serial 7736  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Verstraelen, H. isbn  openurl
  Title Corrosion in ballast tanks on board of merchant vessels : study of the relation between steel quality and corrosion Type Doctoral thesis
  Year 2013 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 172 p.  
  Keywords Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN 978-90-5718-278-5 Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:112176 Serial 7737  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Velimirovic, M.; Carniato, L.; Simons, Q.; Schoups, G.; Seuntjens, P.; Bastiaens, L. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Corrosion rate estimations of microscale zerovalent iron particles via direct hydrogen production measurements Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2014 Publication Journal of hazardous materials Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 270 Issue Pages 18-26  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract In this study, the aging behavior of microscale zerovalent iron (mZVI) particles was investigated by quantifying the hydrogen gas generated by anaerobic mZVI corrosion in batch degradation experiments. Granular iron and nanoscale zerovalent iron (nZVI) particles were included in this study as controls. Firstly, experiments in liquid medium (without aquifer material) were performed and revealed that mZV1 particles have approximately a 10-30 times lower corrosion rate than nZVI particles. A good correlation was found between surface area normalized corrosion rate (R-SA) and reaction rate constants (K-SA) of PCE, TCE, cDCE and 1,1,1-TCA. Generally, particles with higher degradation rates also have faster corrosion rates, but exceptions do exists. In a second phase, the hydrogen evolution was also monitored during batch tests in the presence of aquifer material and real groundwater. A 4-9 times higher corrosion rate of mZV1 particles was observed under the natural environment in comparison with the aquifer free artificial condition, which can be attributed to the low pH of the aquifer and its buffer capacity. A corrosion model was calibrated on the batch experiments to take into account the inhibitory effects of the corrosion products (dissolved iron, hydrogen and OH-) on the iron corrosion rate. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000335109200003 Publication Date 2014-02-01  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0304-3894 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:117179 Serial 7738  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Cools, J.; Broekx, S.; Vandenberghe, V.; Seuntjens, P.; e.a. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Coupling a hydrological water quality model and an economic optimization model to set up a cost-effective emission reduction scenario for nitrogen Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2011 Publication Environmental modelling and software Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 26 Issue 1 Pages 44-51  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract A modelling approach is presented that determines the most cost-effective set of reduction measures to reach an in-stream concentration target. The framework is based on the coupling of two models: the hydrological water quality model SWAT and an economic optimization model (Environmental Costing Model, ECM). SWAT is used to determine the relationship between the modelled in-stream concentration at the river basin outlet and the associated emission reduction. The ECM is used to set up marginal abatement cost curves for nutrients and oxygen demanding substances. Results for nitrogen are presented for the Grote Nete river basin in Belgium for the year 2006. Results show that the good status for total nitrogen can be reached in the study area. The most cost-effective measures are more productive dairy cattle, implementing basic measures as defined in the WFD, winter cover crops, improved efficiency of WWTP, enhanced fodder efficiency for pigs, further treatment of industrial waste water and tuned fertilization. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000283891600007 Publication Date 2010-05-18  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1364-8152 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:95529 Serial 7740  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Van den Akker, S.; Bormans, P.; Peeters, H.; Gielis, J.; Prinsen, E. openurl 
  Title Cytokinin dynamics in cell suspension cultures of Bambusa balcooa Roxburgh using UPLC-ESI/MS/MS Type H3 Book chapter
  Year 2012 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 539-547 T2 - Proceedings of the 9th World Bamboo C  
  Keywords H3 Book chapter; Engineering sciences. Technology; Integrated Molecular Plant Physiology Research (IMPRES); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:97754 Serial 7750  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Zhang, Q.; De Clippeleir, H.; Su, C.; Al-Omari, A.; Wett, B.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Murthy, S. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Deammonification for digester supernatant pretreated with thermal hydrolysis : overcoming inhibition through process optimization Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Applied microbiology and biotechnology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 100 Issue 12 Pages 5595-5606  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract The thermal hydrolysis process (THP) has been proven to be an excellent pretreatment step for an anaerobic digester (AD), increasing biogas yield and decreasing sludge disposal. The goal of this work was to optimize deammonification for efficient nitrogen removal despite the inhibition effects caused by the organics present in the THP-AD sludge filtrate (digestate). Two sequencing batch reactors were studied treating conventional digestate and THP-AD digestate, respectively. Improved process control based on higher dissolved oxygen set-point (1 mg O-2/L) and longer aeration times could achieve successful treatment of THP-AD digestate. This increased set-point could overcome the inhibition effect on aerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AerAOB), potentially caused by particulate and colloidal organics. Moreover, based on the mass balance, anoxic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AnAOB) contribution to the total nitrogen removal decreased from 97 +/- A 1 % for conventional to 72 +/- A 5 % for THP-AD digestate treatment, but remained stable by selective AnAOB retention using a vibrating screen. Overall, similar total nitrogen removal rates of 520 +/- A 28 mg N/L/day at a loading rate of 600 mg N/L/day were achieved in the THP-AD reactor compared to the conventional digestate treatment operating at low dissolved oxygen (DO) (0.38 +/- A 0.10 mg O-2/L).  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000376456700033 Publication Date 2016-02-19  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0175-7598; 1432-0614 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:134166 Serial 7755  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author van Walsem, J. pdf  openurl
  Title Design and optimization of a photocatalytic reactor for air purification in ventilation systems Type Doctoral thesis
  Year 2019 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 158 p.  
  Keywords Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Photocatalysis has been labeled for decades as a promising technique for air purification. The principle seems straightforward and requires a photocatalyst that is immobilized on a substrate, and one or more UV sources to activate the photocatalyst. No waste products are produced, the reactions occur in mild conditions and the supplies are relatively cheap. Yet it seems that the commercialization of photocatalytic systems does not break through on the global market. The aim of this thesis is to identify and tackle the bottlenecks that impede commercialization from an application-oriented approach. The problem of indoor air pollution is enhanced by the fact that people spend more and more time indoors and that ventilation is kept to a minimum as an energy-saving measure. This inevitably leads to an accumulation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are emitted by e.g. building materials, paint and furniture. Human exposure to VOCs is directly related to the sick building syndrome leading to complaints such as headache, fatigue, dizziness and lack of concentration. In addition, exposure to VOCs is related to serious long-term health effects such as cancer or respiratory diseases. Therefore, significant research efforts are focused on advanced indoor air purification methods. Integration or retrofitting of a photocatalytic (PCO) air purifying unit into heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment has been chosen as an interesting approach. As a starting point of this thesis, the operational conditions of a ventilation system were mapped. These systems are characterized by high flow rates and the necessity of minimal pressure losses. Pressure losses increase the energy demand and can lead to failure of the ventilation fan and thereby undermine the proper functioning of the ventilation system. A suitable substrate must allow the contaminated air to pass through with a minimal pressure drop, allow sufficient contact time between VOC and photocatalyst, have a large surface area available for coating with excellent adhesion, and be transparent to UV light. Therefore, the permeability and the available exposed surface were selected as main selection criteria. After a thorough quantitative analysis of potential substrates, borosilicate glass tubes were selected. Glass tubes can easily be stacked to constitute a transparent monolithic multi-tube reactor, with their length parallel to the air flow in order to minimize the pressure drop. Moreover, borosilicate glass is relatively inexpensive and has excellent UV-A light transmitting properties. Based on a literature study, a sol-gel coating procedure was selected that is extremely suitable for coating glass substrates. The next step was to optimize the amount of P25 (commercial titanium dioxide) in the photocatalytic sol-gel coating for its application. More P25 in the sol-gel coating results in a higher adsorption capacity and consequently a higher photocatalytic activity, but greatly reduces the transparency of the coating. After an in-depth study, the concentration of 10 g L-1 P25 was selected as the most feasible for multi-tube reactors. Since the operation of photocatalytic reactors is based on a complex interaction of physical and chemical processes, mathematical models were developed, supported by experimental data, that include all these phenomena as a tool for reactor design and optimization. By making use of such models, time-consuming and expensive experimental research can be minimized. However, the experimental validation of models is of utmost importance to prove its reliability and accuracy. Intrinsic kinetic parameters provide the fundamentals for these models as they describe the photocatalytic reaction rate, independent of fluid dynamics, reactor geometry and radiation field. In this work they were estimated by means of a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) study, based on FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) experiments with a lab scale multi-tube reactor. The kinetic parameters were validated by an alternative analytic approach, emphasizing the accuracy and reliability of the simulations. Finally, the aforementioned CFD approach, based on the simultaneously modelling of airflow, mass transfer, UV light irradiation and photocatalytic reactions, was used to obtain insights for the light source configuration in upscaled multi-tube reactors. After taking all these insights and some practical implications into account, a final upscaled multi-tube reactor design was proposed and converted into a first built prototype. Subsequently, it was evaluated according the CEN-EN-16486-1 standard for VOC removal by the external scientific research center ‘CERTECH’. The scientific results, regarding the mineralization of the VOCs and photocatalytic efficiency of the reactor, demonstrated the feasibility for indoor air purification by the upscaled multi-tube reactor and the possible implementation in ventilation systems.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:160205 Serial 7763  
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Author Mescia, L.; Chiapperino, M.A.; Bia, P.; Lamacchia, C.M.; Gielis, J.; Caratelli, D. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Design of electroporation process in irregularly shaped multicellular systems Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Electronics (Basel) Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 8 Issue 1 Pages 37  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Electroporation technique is widely used in biotechnology and medicine for the transport of various molecules through the membranes of biological cells. Different mathematical models of electroporation have been proposed in the literature to study pore formation in plasma and nuclear membranes. These studies are mainly based on models using a single isolated cell with a canonical shape. In this work, a spacetime (x,y,t) multiphysics model based on quasi-static Maxwells equations and nonlinear Smoluchowskis equation has been developed to investigate the electroporation phenomenon induced by pulsed electric field in multicellular systems having irregularly shape. The dielectric dispersion of the cell compartments such as nuclear and plasmatic membranes, cytoplasm, nucleoplasm and external medium have been incorporated into the numerical algorithm, too. Moreover, the irregular cell shapes have been modeled by using the Gielis transformations.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000457142800037 Publication Date 2019-01-03  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2079-9292 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:157203 Serial 7765  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Mescia, L.; Lamacchia, C.M.; Chiapperino, M.A.; Bia, P.; Gielis, J.; Caratelli, D. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Design of irregularly shaped lens antennas including supershaped feed Type P1 Proceeding
  Year 2019 Publication Progress in Electromagnetic Research Symposium (PIERS) T2 – 2019 PhotonIcs & Electromagnetics Research Symposium – Spring (PIERS-Spring), 17-20 June, 2019, Rome, Italy Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 169-173  
  Keywords P1 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract A new class of irregularly shaped dielectric lens antennas with a supershaped microstrip antenna feeder is presented and detailed in this work. The surface of the lens antenna and the feeder shape have been modelled by using the three and two-dimensional Gielis formula, respectively. The antenna design has been carried out by integrating an home-made software tool with the CST Microwave Studio®. The radiation properties of the whole antenna system have been evaluated using a dedicated high-frequency technique based on the tube tracing approximation. Moreover, the effects due to the multiple internal reflections have been properly modeled. The proposed model was applied to study unusual and complex lens antenna systems with the aim to design special radiation characteristics.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000550769300021 Publication Date 2020-03-03  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 978-1-72813-403-1; 978-1-72813-404-8; 978-1-72813-403-1 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:169169 Serial 7766  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Voordeckers, D. openurl 
  Title Design to breathe : understanding and altering wind patterns in street canyons to reduce human exposure to air pollution Type Doctoral thesis
  Year 2023 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages xxii, 303 p.  
  Keywords Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Research Group for Urban Development; Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS)  
  Abstract Air pollution is proclaimed by the World Health Organiaation (WHO) as the biggest environmental threat to human health. Street canyons, or urban roads flanked by a continuous row of high buildings on both sides, are perceived as typical bottleneck areas for air quality due to their lack of natural ventilation. This doctoral thesis aims to integrate expert knowledge on in-canyon flow fields and pollution dispersion in street canyons from the specialized field of (bio)engineering into the field of urban planning and vice versa. In Chapter 1, a Geospatial Information System (GIS) method was developed to detect exposure zones and hotspot street canyons. A critical combination between aspect ratio (AR > 0.65) and traffic volume (TVmax > 300) was detected and subsequently used to detect hotspot street canyons in three major European cities (Antwerp, London and Paris). Chapter 2 focusses on acquiring in-depth knowledge on flow and concentration fields in street canyons by conducting an extensive literature review on over 200 studies and translates this knowledge into nineteen guidelines and eleven spatial tools, comprised in a toolbox for urban planning. Subsequently, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used into a research trough design process (Chapter 4) to illustrate how the design tools can be applied to a specific case study (Belgiëlei, Antwerp). Alternations to traffic lanes (traffic lane reduction and lateral displacement) combined with low boundary walls (LBWs), were found to reduce NO2 levels in the entire pedestrian area up to – 3.6 % and peak pollutions were reduced by -8 %. A maximum NO2 reduction was reached by combining a traffic lane displacement with hedges, adjustments to the tree planting pattern and an increased ground-level permeability, leading to reductions up to – 4.5 % in the pedestrian areas. In conclusion, urban design was found to be a valuable tool to enhance the effect of emission reduction strategies and draw in-canyon concentrations closer to the value of the background concentration. However, the background concentration seemed to dominate the efficiency of the urban design interventions and therefore, additional measures should be taken to reduce background pollution levels. This dissertation aims to contribute to the awareness of air pollution in street canyons, as well as support local governments in taking action by delivering spatial tools and guidelines applicable for urban planning and represents a framework for the dissemination of expert information on air quality in street canyons to the field of urban planning.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:196399 Serial 7767  
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