toggle visibility
Search within Results:
Display Options:

Select All    Deselect All
 |   | 
Details
   print
  Records Links
Author Han, M.; Seuntjens, D.; Al-Omari, A.; Takacs, I.; Meerburg, F.; Murthy, S.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; De Clippeleir, H. openurl 
  Title Water and process parameters as controllers for the ammonia to nitrite oxidation rate ratio in activated sludge Type P3 Proceeding
  Year 2017 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 3 p. T2 - IWA 2017 Conference on Sustainable Waste  
  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 (up) Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:151110 Serial 8748  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author de Paepe, J.; Lindeboom, R.E.F.; Vanoppen, M.; Alonso Farinas, B.; Coessens, W.; Abbas, A.; Christiaens, M.; Dotremont, C.; Beckers, H.; Lamaze, B.; Demey, D.; Rabaey, K.; Clauwaert, P.; Verliefde, A.R.D.; Vlaeminck, S.E. pdf  openurl
  Title Water treatment unit breadboard : ground test facility for the recycling of urine and shower water for one astronaut Type P3 Proceeding
  Year 2017 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 2 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 (up) Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:151114 Serial 8749  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Lin, S.; Shao, L.; Hui, C.; Song, Y.; Reddy, G.V.P.; Gielis, J.; Li, F.; Ding, Y.; Wei, Q.; Shi, P.; Reddy, G.V.P. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Why does not the leaf weight-area allometry of bamboos follow the 3/2-power law? Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication Frontiers in plant science Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 9 Issue Pages 583  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract The principle of similarity (Thompson, 1917) states that the weight of an organism follows the 3/2-power law of its surface area and is proportional to its volume on the condition that the density is constant. However, the allometric relationship between leaf weight and leaf area has been reported to greatly deviate from the 3/2-power law, with the irregularity of leaf density largely ignored for explaining this deviation. Here, we choose 11 bamboo species to explore the allometric relationships among leaf area (A), density (ρ), length (L), thickness (T), and weight (W). Because the edge of a bamboo leaf follows a simplified two-parameter Gielis equation, we could show that A ∝ L2 and that A ∝ T2. This then allowed us to derive the density-thickness allometry ρ ∝ Tb and the weight-area allometry W ∝ A(b+3)/2 ≈ A9/8, where b approximates −3/4. Leaf density is strikingly negatively associated with leaf thickness, and it is this inverse relationship that results in the weight-area allometry to deviate from the 3/2-power law. In conclusion, although plants are prone to invest less dry mass and thus produce thinner leaves when the leaf area is sufficient for photosynthesis, such leaf thinning needs to be accompanied with elevated density to ensure structural stability. The findings provide the insights on the evolutionary clue about the biomass investment and output of photosynthetic organs of plants. Because of the importance of leaves, plants could have enhanced the ratio of dry material per unit area of leaf in order to increase the efficiency of photosynthesis, relative the other parts of plants. Although the conclusion is drawn only based on 11 bamboo species, it should also be applicable to the other plants, especially considering previous works on the exponent of the weight-area relationship being less than 3/2 in plants.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000431415100001 Publication Date 2018-05-04  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1664-462x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor (up) Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:150948 Serial 8758  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Mishra, V.K.; Kumar, P.; Van Poppel, M.; Bleux, N.; Frijns, E.; Reggente, M.; Berghmans, P.; Int Panis, L.; Samson, R. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Wintertime spatio-temporal variation of ultrafine particles in a Belgian city Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2012 Publication The science of the total environment Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 431 Issue Pages 307-313  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Simultaneous measurements of ultrafine particles (UFPs) were carried out at four sampling locations situated within a 1 km(2) grid area in a Belgian city, Borgerhout (Antwerp). All sampling sites had different orientation and height of buildings and dissimilar levels of anthropogenic activities (mainly traffic volume). The aims were to investigate: (i) the spatio-temporal variation of UFP within the area, (ii) the effect of wind direction with respect to the volume of traffic on UFP levels, and (iii) the spatial representativeness of the official monitoring station situated in the study area. All sampling sites followed similar diurnal patterns of UFP variation, but effects of local traffic emissions were evident. Wind direction also had a profound influence on UFP concentrations at certain sites. The results indicated a clear influence of local weather conditions and the more dominant effect of traffic volumes. Our analysis indicated that the regional air quality monitoring station represented the other sampling sites in the study area reasonably well; temporal patterns were found to be comparable though the absolute average concentrations showed differences of up to 35%. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000306887900037 Publication Date 2012-06-14  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0048-9697; 1879-1026 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor (up) Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:101123 Serial 8759  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Saeumel, I.; Ramirez, L.R.; Santolin, J.; Pintado, K. url  doi
openurl 
  Title A step to disentangle diversity patterns in Uruguayan grasslands : climatic seasonality, novel land-uses, and landscape context drive diversity of ground flora Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Conservation Science and Practice Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 5 Issue 9 Pages 1-20  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract South American grasslands contain extraordinary biodiversity and play a central role in the subsistence of regional agroecosystems. In recent decades, afforestation, followed by the soybean planting boom, have led to drastic land-use changes at the expense of grasslands. Impacts on local biodiversity have remained understudied. We explored the taxonomic richness and ss-diversity of plants of ground layer (excluding trees and shrubs) at different land uses, its interplay at regional scale with environmental heterogeneity, and at local scale with novel land cover types and landscape configurations. We conducted correlation, principal component, NDMS, and SDR analysis to explore variation of taxonomic richness, richness difference, replacement, and similarity of ground flora as response to environmental filters and land use change across Uruguay. We surveyed 160 plots distributed in 10 land cover types, that is, closed and open native forests, different grasslands, crops, orchards, and timber plantations. We observed overlaying regional patterns driven by seasonality of temperature and precipitation, and land cover shaping taxonomic richness at local scale. Landscape configuration affects diversity patterns of native ground flora, which seems to be sustained mainly by the “old growth grassland” species pool. Taxonomic richness of native species decreases with an increase of distance to grassland. Crops and grasslands harbor a higher number of native species in the ground flora than native forests and timber plantations. The introduction of exotics is driven mostly by crops or highly modified pastures. Diversity patterns only partially reflect the ecoregion concept. Expanding the perspective from conservation in purely natural ecosystems to measures conserving species richness in human-modified landscapes is a powerful tool against species loss in the Anthropocene.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001034673500001 Publication Date 2023-07-24  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2578-4854 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor (up) Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:198300 Serial 8828  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Perreault, P.; Boruntea, C.-R.; Dhawan Yadav, H.; Portela Soliño, I.; Kummamuru, N.B. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Combined methane pyrolysis and solid carbon gasification for electrified CO₂-free hydrogen and syngas production Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Energies Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 16 Issue 21 Pages 7316-7320  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract The coupling of methane pyrolysis with the gasification of a solid carbon byproduct provides CO2-free hydrogen and hydrogen-rich syngas, eliminating the conundrum of carbon utilization. Firstly, the various types of carbon that are known to result during the pyrolysis process and their dependencies on the reaction conditions for catalytic and noncatalytic systems are summarized. The synchronization of the reactions’ kinetics is considered to be of paramount importance for efficient performance. This translates to the necessity of finding suitable reaction conditions, carbon reactivities, and catalysts that might enable control over competing reactions through the manipulation of the reaction rates. As a consequence, the reaction kinetics of methane pyrolysis is then emphasized, followed by the particularities of carbon deposition and the kinetics of carbon gasification. Given the urgency in finding suitable solutions for decarbonizing the energy sector and the limited information on the gasification of pyrolytic carbon, more research is needed and encouraged in this area. In order to provide CO2-free hydrogen production, the reaction heat should also be provided without CO2. Electrification is one of the solutions, provided that low-carbon sources are used to generate the electricity. Power-to-heat, i.e., where electricity is used for heating, represents the first step for the chemical industry.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001103312100001 Publication Date 2023-10-29  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1996-1073 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor (up) Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:200456 Serial 8842  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Gielis, J. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Fred Van Oystaeyen : Time hybrids: a new generic theory of reality Type Review
  Year 2023 Publication Symmetry, Culture and Science Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 34 Issue 3 Pages 347-351  
  Keywords Review; 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 (up) Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199538 Serial 8871  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Wittner, N. url  openurl
  Title Improving and characterising solid-state fungal pretreatment by Phanerochaete chrysosporium for sugar production from poplar wood Type Doctoral thesis
  Year 2023 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 206 p.  
  Keywords Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Biochemical Wastewater Valorization & Engineering (BioWaVE)  
  Abstract Pretreatment is a critical step in the conversion of lignocellulose into biofuels and biochemicals. During pretreatment, the recalcitrance of lignocellulose is reduced, e.g. by removing lignin, thereby making the carbohydrates more accessible for enzymatic saccharification. Fungal delignification by white-rot fungi is a biotechnological alternative to chemical/physicochemical methods, which is carried out in solid-state fermentation with mild reaction conditions and without the formation of microbial inhibitors. However, fungal pretreatment presents some challenges, such as long pretreatment time, non-selective and low delignification, low enzymatic digestibility and feedstock sterilisation requirement, making its commercial implementation challenging compared to conventional methods. This study investigates the possibility of improving and characterising the solid-state fungal pretreatment of poplar wood by Phanerochaete chrysosporium. The individual and combined effects of MnSO4 and CuSO4 supplements on the delignification of sterilised wood are investigated using response surface methodology to improve the degree and selectivity of fungal delignification. Spore-inoculated solid-state fermentations are carried out for 4 weeks in sterile vented bottles. The mechanism of the concerted action of the metal ions on lignin degradation is then elucidated by relating fungal growth and ligninolytic enzyme activities to lignocellulose degradation as a function of pretreatment time. The optimised metal-supplemented system is then applied to the pretreatment of non-sterilised wood using different inoculation techniques (spores and pre-colonised substrate), nutrients (metal ions with or without glucose and sodium nitrate) and cultivation environments (sterile aerated bottles and open trays). The fermentations are then characterised using infrared spectroscopy, in particular NIR and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, with the aim of developing rapid lignin quantification methods as an alternative to conventional wet chemical methods. Finally, the feasibility of producing fermentable sugars from sterilised and non-sterilised poplar wood using fungal pretreatment is evaluated through a techno-economic analysis. Supplementing the pretreatment system with 2.01 µmol CuSO4 and 0.77 µmol MnSO4 g-1 wood resulted in 1.9-fold higher lignin degradation, 2.3-fold higher delignification selectivity value and 2.9-fold higher glucose yield. The improved delignification could be explained by the concerted action of Mn2+ and Cu2+ ions, with Mn2+ ions inducing and Cu2+ prolonging manganese peroxidase production responsible for delignification. Fungal pretreatment at non-sterile conditions was obtained using trays in a simple solid-state fermentation set-up without sterile aeration. A 1:3 ratio of pre-colonised and untreated wood was applied for inoculation and only Cu2+, Mn2+ and sodium nitrate as supplements. Remarkably, this technology resulted in a comparably high glucose yield (28.51 ± 0.28%) to the traditional method using sterilised wood, sterile aeration and spores as inoculum, while reducing the amount of wood to be sterilised by 71.2%. Infrared spectroscopy-based methods with high coefficients of determination (R_CV  
  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 (up) Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:197185 Serial 8883  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Van Putte, N. url  openurl
  Title Improving groundwater dynamics : a key factor for successful tidal marsh restoration Type Doctoral thesis
  Year 2023 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 166 p.  
  Keywords Doctoral thesis; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Ecosphere  
  Abstract Tidal marshes take up and release certain elements from and to the river water. Hence, they act as a filter, improving the estuarine water quality. This filtering function depends on the interaction between the marsh soil and water that infiltrates into the marsh platform at high tide and seeps out of the creek banks at low tide. In the past centuries, many tidal marshes disappeared due to large scale land reclamations, together with their associated ecosystem services. Nowadays, tidal marshes are increasingly restored on formerly embanked agricultural areas to regain these ecosystem services. Here, we studied the effect of historical agricultural land use on the contribution of restored tidal marshes to water quality improvement, and we investigated several solutions to stimulate the water quality improving function in newly restored tidal marshes. In restored tidal marshes, the soil is often compacted due to the historical agricultural land use, leading to a reduced organic matter content and micro- and macroporosity. In this compacted soil, groundwater flow is hindered, leading to a more waterlogged soil and reduced groundwater dynamics in the restored marsh as compared to a natural marsh. The depth of groundwater drainage and the groundwater flow velocity have important implications for the processes that contribute to water quality improvement, e.g. removal of nitrogen, phosphorus retention and silica cycling. Where groundwater drains deeper, i.e. in the vicinity of tidal creeks and in a more porous soil, these processes are promoted. We suggest that, in newly restored tidal marshes, the soil porosity can be increased by amending the soil (e.g. with organic matter), and the distance to the nearest tidal creek can be reduced by creek excavation. Numerical modelling showed that the largest gain in groundwater dynamics and seepage was attained when both measures were applied together. The effect of organic soil amendments on groundwater dynamics and nutrient cycling was further explored in a large scale in situ mesocosm experiment. Where the soil was amended, groundwater drained deeper and nitrogen removal increased. For new tidal marsh restoration projects, we advise to conduct an explorative soil study. When the soil is heavily compacted, design measures, such as creek initiation and organic soil amendments can be applied to jumpstart the contribution to water quality improvement of newly restored tidal marshes.  
  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 (up) Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:196965 Serial 8884  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Huang, L.; Ratkowsky, D.A.; Hui, C.; Gielis, J.; Lian, M.; Shi, P. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Inequality measure of leaf area distribution for a drought-tolerant landscape plant Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Plants Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 12 Issue 17 Pages 3143-11  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Measuring the inequality of leaf area distribution per plant (ILAD) can provide a useful tool for quantifying the influences of intra- and interspecific competition, foraging behavior of herbivores, and environmental stress on plants’ above-ground architectural structures and survival strategies. Despite its importance, there has been limited research on this issue. This paper aims to fill this gap by comparing four inequality indices to measure ILAD, using indices for quantifying household income that are commonly used in economics, including the Gini index (which is based on the Lorenz curve), the coefficient of variation, the Theil index, and the mean log deviation index. We measured the area of all leaves for 240 individual plants of the species Shibataea chinensis Nakai, a drought-tolerant landscape plant found in southern China. A three-parameter performance equation was fitted to observations of the cumulative proportion of leaf area vs. the cumulative proportion of leaves per plant to calculate the Gini index for each individual specimen of S. chinensis. The performance equation was demonstrated to be valid in describing the rotated and right shifted Lorenz curve, given that >96% of root-mean-square error values were smaller than 0.004 for 240 individual plants. By examining the correlation between any of the six possible pairs of indices among the Gini index, the coefficient of variation, the Theil index, and the mean log deviation index, the data show that these indices are closely related and can be used interchangeably to quantify ILAD.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001065193100001 Publication Date 2023-08-31  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2223-7747 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor (up) Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199564 Serial 8886  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Shi, P.; Gielis, J.; Niklas, K.J.; Niinemets, Ü.; Schrader, J. url  doi
isbn  openurl
  Title Leaf functional traits : ecological and evolutionary implications Type ME3 Book as editor
  Year 2023 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 185 p.  
  Keywords ME3 Book as editor; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date 2023-04-14  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN 978-2-8325-2086-4; 1664-8714 Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor (up) Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:198002 Serial 8894  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Wagaarachchige, J.D.; Idris, Z.; Arstad, B.; Kummamuru, N.B.; Sætre, K.A.S.; Halstensen, M.; Jens, K.-J. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Low-viscosity nonaqueous sulfolane–amine–methanol solvent blend for reversible CO2 capture Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Industrial and engineering chemistry research Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 61 Issue 17 Pages 5942-5951  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract In this work, the absorption–desorption performance of CO2 in six new solvent blends of amine (diisopropylamine (DPA), 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP), methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), diethanolamine (DEA), diisopropanolamine (DIPA), and ethanolamine (MEA)), sulfolane, and methanol has been monitored using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Additionally, NMR-based species confirmation and solvent viscosity analysis were done for DPA solvent samples. The identified CO2 capture products are monomethyl carbonate (MMC), carbamate, carbonate, and bicarbonate anions in different ratios. The DPA solvent formed MMC entirely with 0.88 molCO2/molamine capture capacity, 0.48 molCO2/molamine cyclic capacity, and 3.28 mPa·s CO2-loaded solvent viscosity. MEA, DEA, DIPA, and MDEA were shown to produce a low or a negligible amount of MMC while AMP occupied an intermediate position.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date 2022-04-25  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0888-5885; 1520-5045 ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor (up) Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199111 Serial 8895  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Ysebaert, T. openurl 
  Title Modelling and experimental validation of deposition on vegetation to facilitate urban particulate matter mitigation Type Doctoral thesis
  Year 2023 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages xxvi, 234 p.  
  Keywords Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Exposure to air pollution, such as particulate matter (PM), causes adverse health effects, particularly to the respiratory tract and cardiovascular system. PM is the collective name for all kinds of particles ranging from small particles and liquid droplets, which contain organic compounds, acids and metals, to soil or dust particles. One distinguishes PM10, PM2.5 and PM0.1, which have aerodynamic particle sizes smaller than 10, 2.5 and 0.1 µm, respectively. It is mainly the latter that is the most harmful, as PM0.1 penetrates deep into the respiratory system and carries relatively more toxic substances than the other PM fractions. Over a 15-year period, PM concentrations in European member states have fallen by about 30%. Nevertheless, the World Health Organisation (WHO) air quality guidelines, which became stricter in 2021, are exceeded in most places around the world. Particularly in cities, excessive levels of PM are measured and it is here that PM mitigation should be investigated. For this, the implementation of urban green infrastructure, including trees, shrubs, green roofs and green walls, is being looked at. Plants hinder airflow and remove PM from the air by deposition on their leaves and branches. This process is known as dry deposition. Plants can capture PM very efficiently, due to their complex structure of leaves and branches. Green walls offer significant advantages over other types of urban green infrastructure because they can grow on the huge available wall area and, because they do not hinder air circulation, as we sometimes see with trees. Green walls are believed to have a much greater, untapped potential to reduce PM pollution. However, a literature review showed that we do not know the quantitative impact of green walls and lack the tools and/or general methodology to do so. The objective of this thesis is therefore to develop a method for assessing PM removal by green walls, based on predictive models and based on relevant parameters that are experimentally determined. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a numerical method to simulate airflow in complex environments such as cities. These models can also simulate the vegetation-wind interaction in detail and are interesting tools to assess the effect of green walls on PM concentrations in real environments. It is important to first study the aerodynamic effect of green walls and parameterise it correctly in CFD models. Plants decrease the wind speed and create turbulence through a combination of viscous and form drag, which are determined by the permeability (K) and drag coefficient (Cd), respectively. Wind tunnel experiments were conducted with three commonly found climbers (Hedera helix, Parthenocissus tricuspidata and Parthenocissus quinquefolia) and the variation of leaf area density was investigated for two of them. It was observed that the air resistance depended on plant species, leaf area density and wind speed. The difference between the plant species was assigned to the functional leaf size (FLS), the ratio of the largest circle within the boundaries of the leaf to the total leaf area. FLS is likely associated with other morphological characteristics of plants that, when considered collectively, provide a more comprehensive representation of leaf complexity. The pressure and velocity measurements obtained were used to optimise the permeability and drag coefficient in a CFD model. At wind speeds below 0.6 m s-1, the resistance was mainly determined by viscous drag and a larger leaf size resulted in a higher viscous drag. At wind speeds above 1.5 m s-1, form drag was dominant and the parameterised Cd decreased with increasing wind speed due to the sheltering effect of successive plant elements. The leaf area density had a significant effect on K and Cd and, is therefore an important plant parameters in CFD models. The main conclusion here is that the common practice of using a constant Cd to model the influence of plants on the air flow leads to deviations from reality. Wind tunnels are highly suitable to study the impact of green walls on PM concentration under controlled environmental conditions. For this purpose, a new wind tunnel setup was built and great attention was paid to obtaining a uniform air flow. Thus, based on CFD models, appropriate flow controllers were chosen, consisting of honeycombs and screens with different mesh sizes. New PM generation devices and measuring equipment were installed and set up appropriately. Devices were available for generating and measuring ultrafine dust (<0.1 µm, i.e. PM0.1) and fine dust (<0.3 µm, i.e. PM0.3) consisting of soot particles, and, on the other hand, fine dust with particle sizes smaller than 2.5 (PM2.5) and 10 µm (PM10) consisting of 'Arizona fine test dust'. With the new wind tunnel setup, it was possible to measure the influence of Hedera helix (common ivy), grown in a planter against a climbing aid, on the PM concentration and this was expressed by a collection efficiency, i.e. the difference in concentration in front and behind the plants normalised for the incoming concentration. The collection efficiency of H. helix depended on the particle size of the PM and wind speed. The collection efficiency decreased when the particle size increased from 0.02 to 0.2 µm and increased again for particle sizes above 0.3 µm. The collection efficiency also increased with increasing wind speed, especially for particle sizes > 0.03 µm. On the other hand, relative humidity and the type of PM (soot or dust) did not significantly affect the collection efficiency. The main objective of this study was to obtain an optimised size-resolved deposition model. Dry deposition occurs through several mechanisms, in particular gravity, diffusion, impaction and interception, and the subsequent resuspension of deposited PM back to the environment. The modelling of these mechanisms was described by \citet{Zhang2001} and \citet{Petroff2010}. The data obtained from the wind tunnel experiments allowed validating these deposition models. It was for the first time that deposition of real PM on green walls was studied. The different PM deposition mechanisms were found to be strongly dependent on particle size and wind speed. The models of \citet{Zhang2001} and \citet{Petroff2010} each matched PM concentration measurements for only certain particle sizes. Therefore, a combination of the two models was investigated and the root mean square error was lower by on average 3.5% (PM < 0.03 µm) and 46% (PM > 0.03 µm) compared to the original models at wind speeds greater than 1.5 m s-1. For wind speeds less than 1.5 m s-1, the optimised model did not differ from the original models. The optimised model was able to meet the imposed criteria for air quality models, where a correct model exhibits low deviation from measurements ('normalised mean square error' < 1.5), low bias ('fractional bias' between -0.3 and 0.3) and high R2. In comparison, the R$2$ of the optimised model was 0.57, while that of Zhang et al. (2001) and Petroff et al. (2010) was 0.23 and 0.31, respectively. The optimised model was however characterised by a high scatter, with the fraction of modeled results located within a factor of two of the measurements being lower than 50. A model study with a green façade oriented parallel to the incoming airflow showed that deposition by interception and impaction reduced remarkably, but that the orientation had no effect on deposition by Brownian diffusion. A promising green wall form for PM mitigation is the living wall system (LWS). LWS consist of supporting structures with substrate to grow plants in and can be planted with a variety of plant species. This allows to select plant species with optimal characteristics to achieve PM deposition. These characteristics refer to the macro- and microstructure of the leaves, and research has been conducted mainly on these. On the other hand, the influence of the supporting structure and substrate on PM concentrations has rarely been studied. With the new wind tunnel setup, LWS from different manufacturers were tested for their ability to capture PM. The setups were subjected for three hours to an air flow with a low PM concentration (resuspension phase) and then for three hours to an air flow to which additional PM was added (deposition phase). Some setups were able to decrease the PM concentration during both phases, while others just caused the concentration to increase. Some systems were able to reduce particulate matter concentration during both phases, namely LWS consisting of planters (-2% and -4% for PM0.1 and PM2.5, respectively) and textile cloths (-23% and -5% for PM0.1 and PM2.5, respectively). While other systems actually resulted in an increase in concentration especially LWS existing textile fabrics consisting of geotextiles (+11% for both PM fractions) and with moss as substrate (+2% and +5% for PM0.1 and PM2.5, respectively). This highlights the importance of careful selection of suspension systems to reduce particulate matter concentrations. Further research is therefore needed on the materials used in these systems in relation to their particulate content, as well as on plant development in these systems. In addition to air measurements, measurements were taken of the amount of PM deposited on the leaves and suspension system of LWS. This allowed the difference in PM resuspension and deposition between plant species to be investigated. The amount of deposited particulate matter was determined based on 'saturation isothermal remanent magnetisation' (SIRM), a measure of magnetisable particulate matter. This was possible because the added 'Arizona fine test dust' contained iron oxide. However, no significant difference was observed between the SIRM values measured before the wind tunnel experiment, after resuspension and after deposition. This suggested that the iron oxide content in the Arizona fine test dust was too low to measure a significant difference in the SIRM values on leaves after three hours. The plant species did give rise to different SIRM values ranging between 5 and 260 µ A. In particular, SIRM values above 26 µ A were observed for the plant species that were grouped due to their significantly higher accumulation of PM. 'Specific leaf area' (SLA), specifically the ratio of the one-sided 'fresh' leaf area to its dry mass, was the significant leaf characteristic. SLA correlated with leaf complexity. In particular, plant species with elongated leaves were characterized by low SLA, high FLS and high complexity and showed significantly higher SIRM values. Finally, the optimised size-resolved deposition model was also tested in an urban model to get an idea of the impact of a green wall on PM concentrations in a so-called 'street canyon'. These are narrow streets with high buildings on both sides, making air pollution more persistent. To this end, an ideal scenario was tested in which a green wall was introduced along both sides of the street over a length of about 270 m. The model result showed a decrease in PM2.5 and PM10 of 46 ± 12% and 52 ± 14%. This result is of course for a very optimal scenario where the green wall covers the entire building façades. Since this is not feasible in reality, other ways of promoting contact between green walls and polluted air can be explored. The insights obtained illustrate that the use of climbing plants can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution to reduce PM concentrations. Moreover, the findings showed that models can be used to investigate the impact of green walls on PM levels. These findings fit within the broader context of designing healthy and sustainable urban environments and developing innovative solutions based on solid scientific knowledge.  
  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 (up) Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199439 Serial 8900  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Faust, V.; Boon, N.; Ganigué, R.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Udert, K.M. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Optimizing control strategies for urine nitrification : narrow pH control band enhances process stability and reduces nitrous oxide emissions Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Frontiers in environmental science Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 11 Issue Pages 1275152-14  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Nitrification is well-suited for urine stabilization. No base dosage is required if the pH is controlled within an appropriate operating range by urine feeding, producing an ammonium-nitrate fertilizer. However, the process is highly dependent on the selected pH set-points and is susceptible to process failures such as nitrite accumulation or the growth of acid-tolerant ammonia-oxidizing bacteria. To address the need for a robust and reliable process in decentralized applications, two different strategies were tested: operating a two-position pH controller (inflow on/off) with a narrow pH control band at 6.20/6.25 (∆pH = 0.05, narrow-pH) vs. a wider pH control band at 6.00/6.50 (∆pH = 0.50, wide-pH). These variations in pH also cause variations in the chemical speciation of ammonia and nitrite and, as shown, the microbial production of nitrite. It was hypothesized that the higher fluctuations would result in greater microbial diversity and, thus, a more robust process. The diversity of nitrifiers was higher in the wide-pH reactor, while the diversity of the entire microbiome was similar in both systems. However, the wide-pH reactor was more susceptible to tested process disturbances caused by increasing pH or temperature, decreasing dissolved oxygen, or an influent stop. In addition, with an emission factor of 0.47%, the nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from the wide-pH reactor were twice as high as the N2O emissions from the narrow-pH reactor, most likely due to the nitrite fluctuations. Based on these results, a narrow control band is recommended for pH control in urine nitrification.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001087861500001 Publication Date 2023-10-10  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2296-665x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor (up) Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199585 Serial 8909  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Scandura, G.; Eid, S.; Alnajjar, A.A.; Paul, T.; Karanikolos, G.N.; Shetty, D.; Omer, K.; Alqerem, R.; Juma, A.; Wang, H.; Arafat, H.A.; Dumee, L.F. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Photo-responsive metal-organic frameworks – design strategies and emerging applications in photocatalysis and adsorption Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Materials Advances Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 4 Issue 5 Pages 1258-1285  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Stimuli-responsive metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are highly versatile porous materials with the ability to respond to different external stimuli, including temperature, pressure, pH, and light. The MOF properties can switch reversibly under specific light irradiation, opening the doors to various applications. This review focuses on design strategies to obtain photo-responsive MOFs, namely (i) encapsulation of photo-switchable molecules as guests in MOF porous structures, (ii) fabrication of MOF composites, (iii) post-synthesis modification, and (iv) synthesis of MOFs with photo-responsive ligands. The most recent reports from the literature are herein reviewed and analyzed in terms of material chemistry and performance. Comparisons between the different strategies are performed and future challenges are discussed. The critical aspect of the fatigue of photo-responsive MOFs applied for prolonged cycling of irradiation is also discussed.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000938241000001 Publication Date 2023-02-24  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor (up) Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199418 Serial 8913  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author De Micco, V.; Amitrano, C.; Mastroleo, F.; Aronne, G.; Battistelli, A.; Carnero-Diaz, E.; De Pascale, S.; Detrell, G.; Dussap, C.-G.; Ganigué, R.; Jakobsen, Ø.M.; Poulet, L.; Van Houdt, R.; Verseux, C.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Willaert, R.; Leys, N. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Plant and microbial science and technology as cornerstones to Bioregenerative Life Support Systems in space Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication NPJ microgravity Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 9 Issue 1 Pages 69-12  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Long-term human space exploration missions require environmental control and closed Life Support Systems (LSS) capable of producing and recycling resources, thus fulfilling all the essential metabolic needs for human survival in harsh space environments, both during travel and on orbital/planetary stations. This will become increasingly necessary as missions reach farther away from Earth, thereby limiting the technical and economic feasibility of resupplying resources from Earth. Further incorporation of biological elements into state-of-the-art (mostly abiotic) LSS, leading to bioregenerative LSS (BLSS), is needed for additional resource recovery, food production, and waste treatment solutions, and to enable more self-sustainable missions to the Moon and Mars. There is a whole suite of functions crucial to sustain human presence in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and successful settlement on Moon or Mars such as environmental control, air regeneration, waste management, water supply, food production, cabin/habitat pressurization, radiation protection, energy supply, and means for transportation, communication, and recreation. In this paper, we focus on air, water and food production, and waste management, and address some aspects of radiation protection and recreation. We briefly discuss existing knowledge, highlight open gaps, and propose possible future experiments in the short-, medium-, and long-term to achieve the targets of crewed space exploration also leading to possible benefits on Earth.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001093834300001 Publication Date 2023-08-24  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2373-8065 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor (up) Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199050 Serial 8916  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Zhang, K. file  openurl
  Title Revealing the correlation between titania support properties and propylphosphonic acid modification by in-depth characterization Type Doctoral thesis
  Year 2023 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages XVI, 262 p.  
  Keywords Doctoral thesis; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Grafting organophosphonic acids modification (PAs) on metal oxides has shown to be a flexible technology to tune the surface properties of metal oxides for various applications. Nevertheless, there are still puzzles that need to be addressed, such as the correlations between metal oxides properties (types of surface reactive sites) and the modification (modification degree), the correlations between metal oxides properties and the properties of modified surfaces. Moreover, the currently used liquid-phase method for the grafting has associated impeding effects of solvent on tailoring the modification degrees, and also causes the formation of metal phosphonate side products. The solid-phase method can induce the unwanted changes in crystal phase of supports. Based on these questions, the three titania supports with divergent surface properties were selected as the metal oxides supports investigated, propylphosphonic acid (3PA) modification was carried out under the same synthesis conditions: four different concentrations, two solvents (water or toluene), and one reaction time (4 h) and temperature (90 ). MeOH chemisorption was introduced to probe the surface (un)reactive sites for 3PA modification. On the other hand, MeOH chemisorption and inverse gas chromatography (IGC) were combined to characterize the changes in surface polarity and acidic properties induced by the modification. Next, a solid-phase method, manual grinding, was proposed to graft 3PA on titania, avoiding the impeding effects of solvent on improving modification degree and the formation of the titania phosphonate side products, as well as preserving the crystal phase. The results indicate that methanol chemisorption can qualitatively analyze the surface active sites that are consumed by 3PA modification, its chemisorption capacity shows the consistent trend with the maximum modification degree, hereby revealing the kinds of interactions that are important in controlling surface coverage. Titania supports is found to play an important role in changes in surface polarity and acidic properties by charactering the three modified titania samples at a similar modification degree using the methanol chemisorption coupled with in-situ infrared and thermogravimetric-mass spectrometer, and the IGC. Moreover, IGC provides additional information about the changes in binding modes. Furthermore, grafting 3PA modification on titania was achieved by manual grinding. Compared to the liquid-phase method, the maximum modification degree obtained by the manual grinding is 25 % higher while using 83.3 % or 75.0% lower amounts of expensive 3PA and limiting the formation of titania phosphonate side products. Compared to the reactive milling method, the proposed manual grinding method preserves the crystal phase(s) of titania.  
  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 (up) Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:198726 Serial 8924  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Gielis, J. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Simon Stevin as a central figure in the development of abstract algebra and generic programming Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Symmetry : culture and science Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 34 Issue 2 Pages 155-168  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Simon Stevin (1548-1620) is mainly known for the decimal system and his Clootkrans proof. His influence is also profound in infinitesimal calculus, mechanics, and even in abstract algebra and today’s conception of polynomials, algorithms, and generic programming. Here we review his influence as assessed in generic programming. According to Dr. Stepanov, one of the most influential researchers in generic programming, Stevin’s work on polynomials can be regarded as the essence of generic programming: an algorithm from one domain can be applied in another similar domain.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001068714100003 Publication Date 2023-07-11  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0865-4824 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor (up) Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 08.02.2024  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:198000 Serial 8929  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Mescia, L.; Bia, P.; Gielis, J.; Caratelli, D. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Advanced particle swarm optimization methods for electromagnetics Type P1 Proceeding
  Year 2023 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 109-122 T2 - Proceedings of the 1st International  
  Keywords P1 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Electromagnetic design problems involve optimizing multiple parameters that are nonlinearly related to objective functions. Traditional optimization techniques require significant computational resources that grow exponentially as the problem size increases. Therefore, a method that can produce good results with moderate memory and computational resources is desirable. Bioinspired optimization methods, such as particle swarm optimization (PSO), are known for their computational efficiency and are commonly used in various scientific and technological fields. In this article we explore the potential of advanced PSO-based algorithms to tackle challenging electromagnetic design and analysis problems faced in real-life applications. It provides a detailed comparison between conventional PSO and its quantum-inspired version regarding accuracy and computational costs. Additionally, theoretical insights on convergence issues and sensitivity analysis on parameters influencing the stochastic process are reported. The utilization of a novel quantum PSO-based algorithm in advanced scenarios, such as reconfigurable and shaped lens antenna synthesis, is illustrated. The hybrid modeling approach, based on the unified geometrical description enabled by the Gielis Transformation, is applied in combination with a suitable quantum PSO-based algorithm, along with a geometrical tube tracing and physical optics technique for solving the inverse problem aimed at identifying the geometrical parameters that yield optimal antenna performance.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date 2023-11-29  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 978-90-833839-0-3 ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor (up) Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:201048 Serial 9002  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Vingerhoets, R.; Brienza, C.; Sigurnjak, I.; Buysse, J.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Spiller, M.; Meers, E. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Ammonia stripping and scrubbing followed by nitrification and denitrification saves costs for manure treatment based on a calibrated model approach Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Chemical engineering journal Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 477 Issue Pages 146984-14  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Resource-efficient nitrogen management is of high environmental and economic interest, and manure represents the major nutrient flow in livestock-intensive regions. Ammonia stripping/scrubbing (SS) is an appealing nitrogen recovery route from manure, yet its real-life implementation has been limited thus far. In nutrient surplus regions like Flanders, treatment of the liquid fraction (LF) of (co–)digested manure typically consists of nitrification/denitrification (NDN) removing most N as nitrogen gas. Integrating SS before NDN in existing plants would expand treatment capacity and recover N while maintaining low N effluent values, yet cost estimations of this novel approach after process optimisation are not yet available. A programming model was developed and calibrated to minimise the treatment costs of this approach and find the balance between N recovery versus N removal. Four crucial operational parameters (CO2 stripping time, NH3 stripping time, temperature and NaOH addition) were optimised for 18 scenarios which were different in terms of technical set-up, influent characteristics and scrubber acid. The model shows that SS before NDN can decrease the costs by 1 to 56% under optimal conditions compared to treatment with NDN only, with 1 to 8% reduction for the LF of manure (22–29% recovered of N treated), and 11 to 56% reduction for the LF of co-digested manure (42–67% recovered of N treated), primarily dependent on resource pricing. This study shows the power of modelling for minimum-cost design and operation of manure treatment yielding savings while producing useful N recovery products with SS followed by NDN.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001108935900001 Publication Date 2023-10-28  
  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  
  Impact Factor (up) Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:200649 Serial 9003  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Gielis, J. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Conquering Mount Improbable Type P1 Proceeding
  Year 2023 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 153-173 T2 - Proceedings of the 1st International  
  Keywords P1 Proceeding; Economics; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Our scientific and technological worldviews are largely dominated by the concepts of entropy and complexity. Originating in 19th-century thermodynamics, the concept of entropy merged with information in the last century, leading to definitions of entropy and complexity by Kolmogorov, Shannon and others. In its simplest form, this worldview is an application of the normal rules of arithmetic. In this worldview, when tossing a coin, a million heads or tails in a row is theoretically possible, but impossible in practice and in real life. On this basis, the impossible (in the binary case, the outermost entries of Pascal's triangle xn and yn for large values of n) can be safely neglected, and one can concentrate fully on what is common and what conforms to the law of large numbers, in fields ranging from physics to sociology and everything in between. However, in recent decades it has been shown that what is most improbable tends to be the rule in nature. Indeed, if one combines the outermost entries xn and yn with the normal rules of arithmetic, either addition or multiplication, one obtains Lamé curves and power laws respectively. In this article, some of these correspondences are highlighted, leading to a double conclusion. First, Gabriel Lamé's geometric footprint in mathematics and the sciences is enormous. Second, conic sections are at the core once more. Whereas mathematics so far has been exclusively the language of patterns in the sciences, the door is opened for mathematics to also become the language of the individual. The probabilistic worldview and Lamé's footprint can be seen as dual methods. In this context, it is to be expected that the notions of information, complexity, simplicity and redundancy benefit from this different viewpoint.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date 2023-11-29  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 978-90-833839-0-3 ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor (up) Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:201045 Serial 9014  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Calogiuri, T.; Hagens, M.; Van Groenigen, J.W.; Corbett, T.; Hartmann, J.; Hendriksen, R.; Janssens, I.; Janssens, I.A.; Ledesma Dominguez, G.; Loescher, G.; Mortier, S.; Neubeck, A.; Niron, H.; Poetra, R.P.; Rieder, L.; Struyf, E.; Van Tendeloo, M.; De Schepper, T.; Verdonck, T.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Vicca, S.; Vidal, A. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Design and construction of an experimental setup to enhance mineral weathering through the activity of soil organisms Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Journal of visualized experiments Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue 201 Pages e65563-30  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Internet Data Lab (IDLab); Applied mathematics; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Plant and Ecosystems (PLECO) – Ecology in a time of change  
  Abstract Enhanced weathering (EW) is an emerging carbon dioxide (CO2) removal technology that can contribute to climate change mitigation. This technology relies on accelerating the natural process of mineral weathering in soils by manipulating the abiotic variables that govern this process, in particular mineral grain size and exposure to acids dissolved in water. EW mainly aims at reducing atmospheric CO2 concentrations by enhancing inorganic carbon sequestration. Until now, knowledge of EW has been mainly gained through experiments that focused on the abiotic variables known for stimulating mineral weathering, thereby neglecting the potential influence of biotic components. While bacteria, fungi, and earthworms are known to increase mineral weathering rates, the use of soil organisms in the context of EW remains underexplored. This protocol describes the design and construction of an experimental setup developed to enhance mineral weathering rates through soil organisms while concurrently controlling abiotic conditions. The setup is designed to maximize weathering rates while maintaining soil organisms' activity. It consists of a large number of columns filled with rock powder and organic material, located in a climate chamber and with water applied via a downflow irrigation system. Columns are placed above a fridge containing jerrycans to collect the leachate. Representative results demonstrate that this setup is suitable to ensure the activity of soil organisms and quantify their effect on inorganic carbon sequestration. Challenges remain in minimizing leachate losses, ensuring homogeneous ventilation through the climate chamber, and avoiding flooding of the columns. With this setup, an innovative and promising approach is proposed to enhance mineral weathering rates through the activity of soil biota and disentangle the effect of biotic and abiotic factors as drivers of EW.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001127854400015 Publication Date 2023-11-12  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1940-087x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor (up) Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:200770 Serial 9019  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Alvarado-Alvarado, A.A.; Smets, W.; Irga, P.; Denys, S. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Engineering green wall botanical biofiltration to abate indoor volatile organic compounds : a review on mechanisms, phyllosphere bioaugmentation, and modeling Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2024 Publication Journal of hazardous materials Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 465 Issue Pages 133491-16  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Indoor air pollution affects the global population, especially in developed countries where people spend around 90% of their time indoors. The recent pandemic exacerbated the exposure by relying on indoor spaces and a teleworking lifestyle. VOCs are a group of indoor air pollutants with harmful effects on human health at low concentrations. It is widespread that plants can remove indoor VOCs. To this day, research has combined principles of phytoremediation, biofiltration, and bioremediation into a holistic and sustainable technology called botanical biofiltration. Overall, it is sustained that its main advantage is the capacity to break down and biodegrade pollutants using low energy input. This differs from traditional systems that transfer VOCs to another phase. Furthermore, it offers additional benefits like decreased indoor air health costs, enhanced work productivity, and well-being. However, many disparities exist within the field regarding the role of plants, substrate, and phyllosphere bacteria. Yet their role has been theorized; its stability is poorly known for an engineering approach. Previous research has not addressed the bioaugmentation of the phyllosphere to increase the performance, which could boost the system. Moreover, most experiments have studied passive potted plant systems at a lab scale using small chambers, making it difficult to extrapolate findings into tangible parameters to engineer the technology. Active systems are believed to be more efficient yet require more maintenance and knowledge expertise; besides, the impact of the active flow on the long term is not fully understood. Besides, modeling the system has been oversimplified, limiting the understanding and optimization. This review sheds light on the field’s gains and gaps, like concepts, experiments, and modeling. We believe that embracing a multidisciplinary approach encompassing experiments, multiphysics modeling, microbial community analysis, and coworking with the indoor air sector will enable the optimization of the technology and facilitate its adoption.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date 2024-01-11  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0304-3894 ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor (up) Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202311 Serial 9030  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Watson, G.; Kummamuru, N.B.; Verbruggen, S.W.; Perreault, P.; Houlleberghs, M.; Martens, J.; Breynaert, E.; Van Der Voort, P. doi  openurl
  Title Engineering of hollow periodic mesoporous organosilica nanorods for augmented hydrogen clathrate formation Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Journal of materials chemistry A : materials for energy and sustainability Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 11 Issue 47 Pages 26265-26276  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Hydrogen (H2) storage, in the form of clathrate hydrates, has emerged as an attractive alternative to classical storage methods like compression or liquefaction. Nevertheless, the sluggish enclathration kinetics along with low gas storage capacities in bulk systems is currently impeding the progress of this technology. To this end, unstirred systems coupled with porous materials have been shown to tackle the aforementioned drawbacks. In line with this approach, the present study explores the use of hydrophobic periodic organosilica nanoparticles, later denoted as hollow ring-PMO (HRPMO), for H2 storage as clathrate hydrates under mild operating conditions (5.56 mol% THF, 7 MPa, and 265–273 K). The surface of the HRPMO nanoparticles was carefully decorated/functionalized with THF-like moieties, which are well-known promoter agents in clathrate formation when applied in classical, homogeneous systems. The study showed that, while the non-functionalized HRPMO can facilitate the formation of binary H2-THF clathrates, the incorporation of surface-bound promotor structures enhances this process. More intriguingly, tuning the concentration of these surface-bound promotor agents on the HRPMO led to a notable effect on solid-state H2 storage capacities. An increase of 3% in H2 storage capacity, equivalent to 0.26 wt%, along with a substantial increase of up to 28% in clathrate growth kinetics, was observed when an optimal loading of 0.14 mmol g−1 of promoter agent was integrated into the HRPMO framework. Overall, the findings from this study highlight that such tuning effects in the solid-state have the potential to significantly boost hydrate formation/growth kinetics and H2 storage capacities, thereby opening new avenues for the ongoing development of H2 clathrates in industrial applications.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001108752600001 Publication Date 2023-11-24  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2050-7488; 2050-7496 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor (up) Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:201007 Serial 9031  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Wittner, N.; Gergely, S.; Slezsák, J.; Broos, W.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Cornet, I. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Follow-up of solid-state fungal wood pretreatment by a novel near-infrared spectroscopy-based lignin calibration model Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Journal of microbiological methods Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 208 Issue Pages 106725-106727  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Biochemical Wastewater Valorization & Engineering (BioWaVE)  
  Abstract Lignin removal plays a crucial role in the efficient bioconversion of lignocellulose to fermentable sugars. As a delignification process, fungal pretreatment has gained great interest due to its environmental friendliness and low energy consumption. In our previous study, a positive linear correlation between acid-insoluble lignin degradation and the achievable enzymatic saccharification yield has been found, hereby highlighting the importance of the close follow-up of lignin degradation during the solid-state fungal pretreatment process. However, the standard quantification of lignin, which relies on the two-step acid hydrolysis of the biomass, is highly laborious and time-consuming. Vibrational spectroscopy has been proven as a fast and easy alternative; however, it has not been extensively researched on lignocellulose subjected to solid-state fungal pretreatment. Therefore, the present study examined the suitability of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) for the rapid and easy assessment of lignin content in poplar wood pretreated with Phanerochaete chrysosporium. Furthermore, the predictive power of the obtained calibration model and the recently published ATR-FTIR spectroscopy-based model were compared for the first time using the same fungus-treated wood data set. PLSR was used to correlate the NIR spectra to the acid-insoluble lignin contents (19.9%-27.1%) of pretreated wood. After normalization and second derivation, a PLSR model with a good coefficient of determination (RCV2 = 0.89) and a low root mean square error (RMSECV = 0.55%) were obtained despite the heterogeneous nature of the fungal solid-state fermentation. The performance of this PLSR model was comparably good to the one obtained by ATR-FTIR (RCV2 = 0.87) while it required more extensive spectral pre-processing. In conclusion, both methods will be highly useful for the high-throughput and user-friendly monitoring of lignin degradation in a solid-state fungal pretreatment-based biorefinery concept.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000983287400001 Publication Date 2023-04-13  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0167-7012 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor (up) Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:195814 Serial 9038  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Gielis, J.; Tavkhelidze, I.; Ricci, P.E. url  openurl
  Title Generalized Möbius-Listing bodies and the heart Type A3 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Sn – 2247-689x Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 13 Issue 2 Pages 58-70  
  Keywords A3 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Generalized Möbius-Listing surfaces and bodies generalize Möbius bands, and this research was motivated originally by solutions of boundary value problems. Analogous to cutting of the original Möbius band, for this class of surfaces and bodies, results have been obtained when cutting such bodies or surfaces. The results can be applied in a wide range of fields in the natural science, and here we propose how they can serve as a model for the heart and the circulatory system.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos http://rjm-cs.ro/2023v13i2_7.pdf#page=1 Publication Date  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; http://rjm-cs.ro/2023v13i2_7.pdf#page=1  
  Impact Factor (up) Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:200773 Serial 9043  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Faust, V.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Ganigué, R.; Udert, K.M. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Influence of pH on urine nitrification : community shifts of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and inhibition of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2024 Publication ACS ES&T engineering Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 4 Issue 2 Pages 342-353  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Urine nitrification is pH-sensitive due to limited alkalinity and high residual ammonium concentrations. This study aimed to investigate how the pH affects nitrogen conversion and the microbial community of urine nitrification with a pH-based feeding strategy. First, kinetic parameters for NH3, HNO2, and NO2– limitation and inhibition were determined for nitrifiers from a urine nitrification reactor. The turning point for ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), i.e., the substrate concentration at which a further increase would lead to a decrease in activity due to inhibitory effects, was at an NH3 concentration of 12 mg-N L–1, which was reached only at pH values above 7. The total nitrite turning point for nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) was pH-dependent, e.g., 18 mg-N L–1 at pH 6.3. Second, four years of data from two 120 L reactors were analyzed, showing that stable nitrification with low nitrite was most likely between pH 5.8 and 6.7. And third, six 12 L urine nitrification reactors were operated at total nitrogen concentrations of 1300 and 3600 mg-N L–1 and pH values between 2.5 and 8.5. At pH 6, the AOB Nitrosomonas europaea was found, and the NOB belonged to the genus Nitrobacter. At pH 7, nitrite accumulated, and Nitrosomonas halophila was the dominant AOB. NOB were inhibited by HNO2 accumulation. At pH 8.5, the AOB Nitrosomonas stercoris became dominant, and NH3 inhibited NOB. Without influent, the pH dropped to 2.5 due to the growth of the acid-tolerant AOB “Candidatus Nitrosacidococcus urinae”. In conclusion, pH is a decisive process control parameter for urine nitrification by influencing the selection and kinetics of nitrifiers.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date 2023-11-02  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor (up) Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:203306 Serial 9048  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Koch, K.; Wuyts, K.; Denys, S.; Samson, R. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title The influence of plant species, leaf morphology, height and season on PM capture efficiency in living wall systems Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication The science of the total environment Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 905 Issue Pages 167808-167811  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Green infrastructure (GI) is already known to be a suitable way to enhance air quality in urban environments. Living wall systems (LWS) can be implemented in locations where other forms of GI, such as trees or hedges, are not suitable. However, much debate remains about the variables that influence their particulate matter (PM) accumulation efficiency. This study attempts to clarify which plant species are relatively the most efficient in capturing PM and which traits are decisive when it comes to the implementation of a LWS. We investigated 11 plant species commonly used on living walls, located close to train tracks and roads. PM accumulation on leaves was quantified by magnetic analysis (Saturation Isothermal Remanent Magnetization (SIRM)). Several leaf morphological variables that could potentially influence PM capture were assessed, as well as the Wall Leaf Area Index. A wide range in SIRM values (2.74–417 μA) was found between all species. Differences in SIRM could be attributed to one of the morphological parameters, namely SLA (specific leaf area). This suggest that by just assessing SLA, one can estimate the PM capture efficiency of a plant species, which is extremely interesting for urban greeners. Regarding temporal variation, some species accumulated PM over the growing season, while others actually decreased in PM levels. This decrease can be attributed to rapid leaf expansion and variations in meteorology. Correct assessment of leaf age is important here; we suggest individual labeling of leaves for further studies. Highest SIRM values were found close to ground level. This suggests that, when traffic is the main pollution source, it is most effective when LWS are applied at ground level. We conclude that LWS can act as local sinks for PM, provided that species are selected correctly and systems are applied according to the state of the art.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date 2023-10-13  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0048-9697; 1879-1026 ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor (up) Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:201033 Serial 9049  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Kumar, M.; Sengupta, A.; Kummamuru, N.B. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Molecular simulations for carbon dioxide capture in silica slit pores Type A3 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Materials Today: Proceedings Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 1-9  
  Keywords A3 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract In present work, we have performed the Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations to quantify CO2 capture inside porous silica at high operating temperatures of 673.15 K and 873.15 K; and over a operating pressure range of 500 kPa – 4000 kPa that are methane steam reforming process parameters. Related chemical potential values at these thermodynamic conditions are obtained from the bulk phase simulations in the Canonical ensemble in conjunction with Widom’s insertion technique, where the CO2 has been accurately represented by TraPPE force field. Present structure of the porous silica is a single slit pore geometry of various heights (H = 20 Å, 31.6 Å, 63.2 Å and 126.5 Å), dimensions in which possible vapour-liquid equilibria for generic square well fluids has been reported in literature. Estimation of the pore-fluid interactions show a higher interaction between silica pore and adsorbed CO2 compared to the reported pore-fluid interactions between homogeneous carbon slit pore and adsorbed CO2; thus resulting in an enhancement of adsorption inside silica pores of H = 20 Å and H = 126.5 Å, which are respectively 3.5 times and 1.5 times higher than that in homogeneous carbon slit pores of same dimensions and at 673.15 K and 500 kPa. Estimated local density plots indicate the presence of structured layers due to more molecular packing, which confirms possible liquid-like and vapour-like phase coexistence of the supercritical bulk phase CO2 under confinement.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date 2023-05-06  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2214-7853 ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor (up) Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:200944 Serial 9058  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Zhang, L.; Quinn, B.K.; Hui, C.; Lian, M.; Gielis, J.; Gao, J.; Shi, P. url  doi
openurl 
  Title New indices to balance α-diversity against tree size inequality Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2024 Publication Journal of forestry research Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 35 Issue 1 Pages 31-39  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract The number and composition of species in a community can be quantified with alpha-diversity indices, including species richness (R), Simpson's index (D), and the Shannon-Wiener index (HGREEK TONOS). In forest communities, there are large variations in tree size among species and individuals of the same species, which result in differences in ecological processes and ecosystem functions. However, tree size inequality (TSI) has been largely neglected in studies using the available diversity indices. The TSI in the diameter at breast height (DBH) data for each of 999 20 m x 20 m forest census quadrats was quantified using the Gini index (GI), a measure of the inequality of size distribution. The generalized performance equation was used to describe the rotated and right-shifted Lorenz curve of the cumulative proportion of DBH and the cumulative proportion of number of trees per quadrat. We also examined the relationships of alpha-diversity indices with the GI using correlation tests. The generalized performance equation effectively described the rotated and right-shifted Lorenz curve of DBH distributions, with most root-mean-square errors (990 out of 999 quadrats) being < 0.0030. There were significant positive correlations between each of three alpha-diversity indices (i.e., R, D, and H') and the GI. Nevertheless, the total abundance of trees in each quadrat did not significantly influence the GI. This means that the TSI increased with increasing species diversity. Thus, two new indices are proposed that can balance alpha-diversity against the extent of TSI in the community: (1 – GI) x D, and (1 – GI) x H'. These new indices were significantly correlated with the original D and HGREEK TONOS, and did not increase the extent of variation within each group of indices. This study presents a useful tool for quantifying both species diversity and the variation in tree sizes in forest communities, especially in the face of cumulative species loss under global climate change.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001131698000001 Publication Date 2023-12-28  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1007-662x; 1993-0607 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor (up) Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:201972 Serial 9061  
Permanent link to this record
Select All    Deselect All
 |   | 
Details
   print

Save Citations:
Export Records: