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Author |
Bal, K.M.; Neyts, E.C. |
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Title |
Extending and validating bubble nucleation rate predictions in a Lennard-Jones fluid with enhanced sampling methods and transition state theory |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Journal Of Chemical Physics |
Abbreviated Journal |
J Chem Phys |
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Volume |
157 |
Issue |
18 |
Pages |
184113-10 |
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Keywords  |
A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT) |
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Abstract |
We calculate bubble nucleation rates in a Lennard-Jones fluid through explicit molecular dynamics simulations. Our approach-based on a recent free energy method (dubbed reweighted Jarzynski sampling), transition state theory, and a simple recrossing correction-allows us to probe a fairly wide range of rates in several superheated and cavitation regimes in a consistent manner. Rate predictions from this approach bridge disparate independent literature studies on the same model system. As such, we find that rate predictions based on classical nucleation theory, direct brute force molecular dynamics simulations, and seeding are consistent with our approach and one another. Published rates derived from forward flux sampling simulations are, however, found to be outliers. This study serves two purposes: First, we validate the reliability of common modeling techniques and extrapolation approaches on a paradigmatic problem in materials science and chemical physics. Second, we further test our highly generic recipe for rate calculations, and establish its applicability to nucleation processes. |
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Wos |
000885260600002 |
Publication Date |
2022-11-14 |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0021-9606 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
4.4 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 4.4 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:192076 |
Serial |
7266 |
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Author |
Deben, C.; Cardenas De La Hoz, E.; Le Compte, M.; Van Schil, P.; Hendriks, J.M.H.; Lauwers, P.; Yogeswaran, S.K.; Lardon, F.; Pauwels, P.; van Laere, S.; Bogaerts, A.; Smits, E.; Vanlanduit, S.; Lin, A. |
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Title |
OrBITS : label-free and time-lapse monitoring of patient derived organoids for advanced drug screening |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Cellular Oncology (2211-3428) |
Abbreviated Journal |
Cell Oncol |
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Volume |
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Issue |
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Pages |
1-16 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Antwerp Surgical Training, Anatomy and Research Centre (ASTARC); Center for Oncological Research (CORE) |
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Abstract |
Background Patient-derived organoids are invaluable for fundamental and translational cancer research and holds great promise for personalized medicine. However, the shortage of available analysis methods, which are often single-time point, severely impede the potential and routine use of organoids for basic research, clinical practise, and pharmaceutical and industrial applications. Methods Here, we developed a high-throughput compatible and automated live-cell image analysis software that allows for kinetic monitoring of organoids, named Organoid Brightfield Identification-based Therapy Screening (OrBITS), by combining computer vision with a convolutional network machine learning approach. The OrBITS deep learning analysis approach was validated against current standard assays for kinetic imaging and automated analysis of organoids. A drug screen of standard-of-care lung and pancreatic cancer treatments was also performed with the OrBITS platform and compared to the gold standard, CellTiter-Glo 3D assay. Finally, the optimal parameters and drug response metrics were identified to improve patient stratification. Results OrBITS allowed for the detection and tracking of organoids in routine extracellular matrix domes, advanced Gri3D (R)-96 well plates, and high-throughput 384-well microplates, solely based on brightfield imaging. The obtained organoid Count, Mean Area, and Total Area had a strong correlation with the nuclear staining, Hoechst, following pairwise comparison over a broad range of sizes. By incorporating a fluorescent cell death marker, infra-well normalization for organoid death could be achieved, which was tested with a 10-point titration of cisplatin and validated against the current gold standard ATP-assay, CellTiter-Glo 3D. Using this approach with OrBITS, screening of chemotherapeutics and targeted therapies revealed further insight into the mechanistic action of the drugs, a feature not achievable with the CellTiter-Glo 3D assay. Finally, we advise the use of the growth rate-based normalised drug response metric to improve accuracy and consistency of organoid drug response quantification. Conclusion Our findings validate that OrBITS, as a scalable, automated live-cell image analysis software, would facilitate the use of patient-derived organoids for drug development and therapy screening. The developed wet-lab workflow and software also has broad application potential, from providing a launching point for further brightfield-based assay development to be used for fundamental research, to guiding clinical decisions for personalized medicine. |
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Wos |
000898426100001 |
Publication Date |
2022-12-12 |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
2211-3428; 2211-3436 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
6.6 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 6.6 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:192698 |
Serial |
7272 |
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Author |
Kovács, A.; Yusupov, M.; Cornet, I.; Billen, P.; Neyts, E.C. |
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Title |
Effect of natural deep eutectic solvents of non-eutectic compositions on enzyme stability |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Journal Of Molecular Liquids |
Abbreviated Journal |
J Mol Liq |
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Volume |
366 |
Issue |
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Pages |
120180-17 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Biochemical Wastewater Valorization & Engineering (BioWaVE); Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS) |
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Abstract |
Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) represent a green alternative to common organic solvents in the biochemical industry due to their benign behavior and tailorable properties, in particular as media for enzymatic reactions. However, to fully exploit their potential in enzymatic reactions, there is a need for a more fundamental understanding of how these neoteric solvents influence the course of these reac-tions. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the influence of NADES with various molar composi-tions on the stability and structure of enzymes, applying molecular dynamics simulations. This can help to better understand the effect of individual compounds of NADES, in addition to eutectic mixtures. More specifically, we simulate the behavior of Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB) enzyme in NADES com-posed of choline chloride with either urea, ethylene glycol or glycerol. Hereto, we monitor the NADES microstructure, the general stability of the enzyme and changes in the structure of its active sites and sur-face residues. Our simulations show that none of the studied NADES systems significantly disrupt the microstructure of the solvent or the stability of the CALB enzyme within the time scales of the simula-tions. The enzyme preserves its initial structure, size and intra-chain hydrogen bonds in all investigated compositions and, for the first time reported, also in NADES with increased hydrogen bond donating com-pound ratios. As the main novelty, our results indicate that, in addition to the composition, the molar ratio can be an additional variable to fine-tune the physicochemical properties of NADES without altering the enzyme characteristics. These findings could facilitate the development and application of task -tailored NADES media for biocatalytic processes. (c) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. |
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Wos |
000865431800010 |
Publication Date |
2022-08-25 |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0167-7322 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record |
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Impact Factor |
6 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
Not_Open_Access |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 6 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:191538 |
Serial |
7265 |
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Author |
Privat-Maldonado, A.; Verloy, R.; Cardenas Delahoz, E.; Lin, A.; Vanlanduit, S.; Smits, E.; Bogaerts, A. |
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Title |
Cold Atmospheric Plasma Does Not Affect Stellate Cells Phenotype in Pancreatic Cancer Tissue in Ovo |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2022 |
Publication |
International Journal Of Molecular Sciences |
Abbreviated Journal |
Int J Mol Sci |
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Volume |
23 |
Issue |
4 |
Pages |
1954 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Center for Oncological Research (CORE) |
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Abstract |
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a challenging neoplastic disease, mainly due to the development of resistance to radio- and chemotherapy. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is an alternative technology that can eliminate cancer cells through oxidative damage, as shown in vitro, in ovo, and in vivo. However, how CAP affects the pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), key players in the invasion and metastasis of PDAC, is poorly understood. This study aims to determine the effect of an anti-PDAC CAP treatment on PSCs tissue developed in ovo using mono- and co-cultures of RLT-PSC (PSCs) and Mia PaCa-2 cells (PDAC). We measured tissue reduction upon CAP treatment and mRNA expression of PSC activation markers and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling factors via qRT-PCR. Protein expression of selected markers was confirmed via immunohistochemistry. CAP inhibited growth in Mia PaCa-2 and co-cultured tissue, but its effectiveness was reduced in the latter, which correlates with reduced ki67 levels. CAP did not alter the mRNA expression of PSC activation and ECM remodelling markers. No changes in MMP2 and MMP9 expression were observed in RLT-PSCs, but small changes were observed in Mia PaCa-2 cells. Our findings support the ability of CAP to eliminate PDAC cells, without altering the PSCs. |
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Wos |
000763630900001 |
Publication Date |
2022-02-10 |
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Series Editor |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
1422-0067 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
5.6 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Notes |
The authors would like to thank Hanne Verswyvel for her support with sample collection from the in ovo model and Peter Ponsaerts for providing the facilities for the microscopy studies. |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 5.6 |
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Call Number |
PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:187155 |
Serial |
7049 |
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Author |
Oliveira, M.C.; Verswyvel, H.; Smits, E.; Cordeiro, R.M.; Bogaerts, A.; Lin, A. |
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Title |
The pro- and anti-tumoral properties of gap junctions in cancer and their role in therapeutic strategies |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Redox Biology |
Abbreviated Journal |
Redox Biol |
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Volume |
57 |
Issue |
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Pages |
102503 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Center for Oncological Research (CORE) |
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Abstract |
Gap junctions (GJs), essential structures for cell-cell communication, are made of two hemichannels (commonly called connexons), one on each adjacent cell. Found in almost all cells, GJs play a pivotal role in many physiological and cellular processes, and have even been linked to the progression of diseases, such as cancer. Modulation of GJs is under investigation as a therapeutic strategy to kill tumor cells. Furthermore, GJs have also been studied for their key role in activating anti-cancer immunity and propagating radiation- and oxidative stress-induced cell death to neighboring cells, a process known as the bystander effect. While, gap junction (GJ)based therapeutic strategies are being developed, one major challenge has been the paradoxical role of GJs in both tumor progression and suppression, based on GJ composition, cancer factors, and tumoral context. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of action, regulation, and the dual characteristics of GJs in cancer is critical for developing effective therapeutics. In this review, we provide an overview of the current under standing of GJs structure, function, and paradoxical pro- and anti-tumoral role in cancer. We also discuss the treatment strategies to target these GJs properties for anti-cancer responses, via modulation of GJ function. |
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Wos |
000871090800004 |
Publication Date |
0000-00-00 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
2213-2317 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record |
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Impact Factor |
11.4 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Notes |
We thank Coordination of Superior Level Staff Improvement (CAPES, Brazil) for the scholarship granted, and the Turing HPC infrastructure at the CalcUA core facility of the University of Antwerp, a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Center VSC, funded by the Hercules Foundation, the Flemish Government (department EWI) and the University of Antwerp, for providing the computational resources needed for running the simulations. This work was also funded in part by the funded by the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) and the Flemish Government. The FWO fellowships and grants that funded this work include: 12S9221N (Abraham Lin), G044420N (Abraham Lin and Annemie Bogaerts), and 1S67621N (Hanne Verswyvel). Figs. 1, 4 and 5 were created in BioRender.com. |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 11.4 |
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Call Number |
PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:191362 |
Serial |
7112 |
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Author |
De Backer, J.; Lin, A.; Berghe, W.V.; Bogaerts, A.; Hoogewijs, D. |
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Title |
Cytoglobin inhibits non-thermal plasma-induced apoptosis in melanoma cells through regulation of the NRF2-mediated antioxidant response |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Redox Biology |
Abbreviated Journal |
Redox Biol |
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Volume |
55 |
Issue |
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Pages |
102399 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Proteinscience, proteomics and epigenetic signaling (PPES) |
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Abstract |
Melanoma arises from pigment-producing cells called melanocytes located in the basal layers of the epidermis of the skin. Cytoglobin (CYGB) is a ubiquitously expressed hexacoordinated globin that is highly enriched in melanocytes and frequently downregulated during melanomagenesis. Previously, we showed that non-thermal plasma (NTP)-produced reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) lead to the formation of an intra molecular disulfide bridge that would allow CYGB to function as a redox-sensitive protein. Here, we investigate the cytotoxic effect of indirect NTP treatment in two melanoma cell lines with divergent endogenous CYGB expression levels, and we explore the role of CYGB in determining treatment outcome. Our findings are consistent with previous studies supporting that NTP cytotoxicity is mediated through the production of RONS and leads to apoptotic cell death in melanoma cells. Furthermore, we show that NTP-treated solutions elicit an antioxidant response through the activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (NRF2). The knock down and overexpression of CYGB respectively sensitizes and protects melanoma cells from RONS-induced apoptotic cell death. The presence of CYGB enhances heme-oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and NRF2 protein expression levels, whereas the absence impairs their expression. Moreover, analysis of the CYGB-dependent transcriptome demonstrates the tumor suppressor long non-coding RNA maternally expressed 3 (MEG3) as a hitherto unde scribed link between CYGB and NRF2. Thus, the presence of CYGB, at least in melanoma cells, seems to play a central role in determining the therapeutic outcome of RONS-inducing anticancer therapies, like NTP-treated solutions, possessing both tumor-suppressive and oncogenic features. Hence, CYGB expression could be of in terest either as a biomarker or as a candidate for future targeted therapies in melanoma. |
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Wos |
000844595100002 |
Publication Date |
0000-00-00 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
2213-2317 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
11.4 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Notes |
This work was funded in part by the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) and the Flemish Government. The FWO fellowships and grants that funded this work include: 12S9221 N (Abraham Lin) and G044420 N (Abraham Lin and Annemie Bogaerts). Joey De Backer acknowledges a visiting fellowship from the University of Fribourg. David Hoogewijs acknowledges support by the Swiss National Science Foundation (grants 31003A173000 and 310030207460). |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 11.4 |
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Call Number |
PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:190635 |
Serial |
7101 |
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Author |
Fitawok, M.B.; Derudder, B.; Minale, A.S.; Van Passel, S.; Adgo, E.; Nyssen, J. |
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Title |
Analyzing the impact of land expropriation program on farmers' livelihood in urban fringes of Bahir Dar, Ethiopia |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Habitat International |
Abbreviated Journal |
Habitat Int |
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Volume |
129 |
Issue |
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Pages |
102674-102679 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Sociology; Law; Art; Engineering Management (ENM) |
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Abstract |
This paper analyzes the impact of urban land-use changes on farmers' livelihood around the city of Bahir Dar (Ethiopia). Rapid urban expansion in and around the city has resulted in massive land-use changes in its urban fringes, with land expropriation programs affecting communities' livelihood and the environment. A survey was conducted in three urbanizing villages near Bahir Dar, focusing on 150 farmers who were land-expropriated and 180 farmers who were non-land-expropriated. Regression models and propensity matching scoring are applied to examine the livelihood differences of farmers in terms of farm income, off-farm income, primary expenditure type, and perception of urban expansion benefits to farmers. The results reveal that land expropriation in the area has led to (a) a shift to off-farm income for land expropriated farmers; (b) an increase in their household expenditure on staple foods compared to other expenditure types, including farm inputs; and (c) diverging perceptions on whether and how city expansion benefits farmers in the neighboring villages. Our findings provide insight into the need for tighter and impactful policy actions to ensure the sustainability of urbanization through accommodating expropriated farmers' livelihood changes and protecting natural resources in the area. |
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Wos |
000866411200001 |
Publication Date |
2022-09-28 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0197-3975; 0361-3690 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
2.285 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:191385 |
Serial |
7352 |
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Author |
Motamedi, J.; Azadi, H.; Alijanpour, A.; Shafiei, A.B.; Sheidai-Karkaj, E.; Mofidi-Chelan, M.; Moghaddam, S.M.; Van Passel, S.; Witlox, F. |
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Title |
Economic indices of by-products utilization and forage production in semi-arid rangelands |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Journal Of Environmental Planning And Management |
Abbreviated Journal |
J Environ Plann Man |
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Volume |
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Issue |
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Pages |
1-29 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Sociology; Law; Engineering Management (ENM) |
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Abstract |
One of the most basic criteria in documenting rangeland use prospects is the recognition of byproducts and their economic appraisal. The current study was conducted to assess the economic indices of exploiting byproduct production in Shahindej, Northwest Iran. For this purpose, 24 by-product-generating species were selected in 114 locations that belong to 49 rangeland units. The total expected value of 24 by-product generating species yield and forage production was calculated at 44.22 USD ha(-1). The results of this study showed that the sustainability of natural resources depends on the effective participation and empowerment of local communities. Furthermore, by-product exploitation contributes significantly to the local economy and employment while also reducing grazing intensity. Overall, the findings of this study show that by-product earnings should be considered in range management schemes and comprehensive natural-area management. |
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Wos |
000830614200001 |
Publication Date |
2022-07-26 |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0964-0568 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record |
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Impact Factor |
1.56 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
Not_Open_Access |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:189725 |
Serial |
7355 |
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Author |
Li, Y.; Niklas, K.J.; Gielis, J.; Niinemets, Ü.; Schrader, J.; Wang, R.; Shi, P. |
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Title |
An elliptical blade is not a true ellipse, but a superellipse : evidence from two Michelia species |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Journal of forestry research |
Abbreviated Journal |
J Forestry Res |
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Volume |
33 |
Issue |
4 |
Pages |
1341-1348 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
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Abstract |
The shape of leaf laminae exhibits considerable diversity and complexity that reflects adaptations to environmental factors such as ambient light and precipitation as well as phyletic legacy. Many leaves appear to be elliptical which may represent a ‘default’ developmental condition. However, whether their geometry truly conforms to the ellipse equation (EE), i.e., (x/a)2 + (y/b)2 = 1, remains conjectural. One alternative is described by the superellipse equation (SE), a generalized version of EE, i.e., |x/a|n +|y/b|n = 1. To test the efficacy of EE versus SE to describe leaf geometry, the leaf shapes of two Michelia species (i.e., M. cavaleriei var. platypetala, and M. maudiae), were investigated using 60 leaves from each species. Analysis shows that the majority of leaves (118 out of 120) had adjusted root-mean-square errors of < 0.05 for the nonlinear fitting of SE to leaf geometry, i.e., the mean absolute deviation from the polar point to leaf marginal points was smaller than 5% of the radius of a hypothesized circle with its area equaling leaf area. The estimates of n for the two species were ˂ 2, indicating that all sampled leaves conformed to SE and not to EE. This study confirms the existence of SE in leaves, linking this to its potential functional advantages, particularly the possible influence of leaf shape on hydraulic conductance. |
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Wos |
000695118600001 |
Publication Date |
2021-09-12 |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
1007-662x; 1993-0607 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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| |
Impact Factor |
3 |
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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| |
Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: 3 |
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| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:180967 |
Serial |
7152 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Li, Y.; Quinn, B.K.; Niinemets, Ü.; Schrader, J.; Gielis, J.; Liu, M.; Shi, P. |
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| |
Title |
Ellipticalness index : a simple measure of the complexity of oval leaf shape |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Pakistan journal of botany : An official publication of pakistan botanical society |
Abbreviated Journal |
Pak J Bot |
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| |
Volume |
54 |
Issue |
6 |
Pages |
1-8 |
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| |
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
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| |
Abstract |
Plants have diverse leaf shapes that have evolved to adapt to the environments they have experienced over their evolutionary history. Leaf shape and leaf size can greatly influence the growth rate, competitive ability, and productivity of plants. However, researchers have long struggled to decide how to properly quantify the complexity of leaf shape. Prior studies recommended the leaf roundness index (RI = 4πA/P2) or dissection index (DI = ), where P is leaf perimeter and A is leaf area. However, these two indices merely measure the extent of the deviation of leaf shape from a circle, which is usually invalid as leaves are seldom circular. In this study, we proposed a simple measure, named the ellipticalness index (EI), for quantifying the complexity of leaf shape based on the hypothesis that the shape of any oval leaf can be regarded as a variation from a standard ellipse. 2220 leaves from nine species of Magnoliaceae were sampled to check the validity of the EI. We also tested the validity of the Montgomery equation (ME), which assumes a proportional relationship between leaf area and the product of leaf length and width, because the EI actually comes from the proportionality coefficient of the ME. We also compared the ME with five other models of leaf area. The ME was found to be the best model for calculating leaf area based on consideration of the trade-off between model fit vs. complexity, which strongly supported the robustness of the EI for describing oval leaf shape. The new index can account for both leaf shape and size, and we conclude that it is a promising method for quantifying and comparing oval leaf shapes across species in future studies. |
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Address |
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Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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| |
Language |
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Wos |
000814279700028 |
Publication Date |
2022-05-23 |
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| |
Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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| |
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
| |
ISSN |
0556-3321 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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| |
Impact Factor |
1.2 |
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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| |
Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: 1.2 |
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| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:188469 |
Serial |
7153 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Maes, R.R.; Potters, G.; Fransen, E.; Van Schaeren, R.; Lenaerts, S. |
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| |
Title |
Influence of adding low concentration of oxygenates in mineral diesel oil and biodiesel on the concentration of NO, NO₂ and particulate matter in the exhaust gas of a one-cylinder diesel generator |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2022 |
Publication |
International journal of environmental research and public health |
Abbreviated Journal |
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| |
Volume |
19 |
Issue |
13 |
Pages |
7637-18 |
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| |
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
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| |
Abstract |
Air quality currently poses a major risk to human health worldwide. Transportation is one of the principal contributors to air pollution due to the quality of exhaust gases. For example, the widely used diesel fuel is a significant source of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). To reduce the content NOx and PM, different oxygenated compounds were mixed into a mineral diesel available at the pump, and their effect on the composition of exhaust gas emissions was measured using a one-cylinder diesel generator. In this setup, adding methanol gave the best relative results. The addition of 2000 ppm of methanol decreased the content of NO by 56%, 2000 ppm of isopropanol decreased NO2 by 50%, and 2000 ppm ethanol decreased PM by 63%. An interesting question is whether it is possible to reduce the impact of hazardous components in the exhaust gas even more by adding oxygenates to biodiesels. In this article, alcohol is added to biodiesel in order to establish the impact on PM and NOx concentrations in the exhaust gases. Adding methanol, ethanol, and isopropanol at concentrations of 2000 ppm and 4000 ppm did not improve NOx emissions. The best results were using pure RME for a low NO content, pure diesel for a low NO2 content, and for PM there were no statistically significant differences. |
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Address |
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Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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| |
Language |
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Wos |
000825645900001 |
Publication Date |
2022-06-23 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
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| |
ISSN |
1661-7827; 1660-4601 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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| |
Impact Factor |
|
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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| |
Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
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| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:189476 |
Serial |
7172 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Ninakanti, R.; Dingenen, F.; Borah, R.; Peeters, H.; Verbruggen, S.W. |
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Title |
Plasmonic hybrid nanostructures in photocatalysis : structures, mechanisms, and applications |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Topics in Current Chemistry |
Abbreviated Journal |
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| |
Volume |
380 |
Issue |
5 |
Pages |
40-62 |
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| |
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
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| |
Abstract |
(Sun)Light is an abundantly available sustainable source of energy that has been used in catalyzing chemical reactions for several decades now. In particular, studies related to the interaction of light with plasmonic nanostructures have been receiving increased attention. These structures display the unique property of localized surface plasmon resonance, which converts light of a specific wavelength range into hot charge carriers, along with strong local electromagnetic fields, and/or heat, which may all enhance the reaction efficiency in their own way. These unique properties of plasmonic nanoparticles can be conveniently tuned by varying the metal type, size, shape, and dielectric environment, thus prompting a research focus on rationally designed plasmonic hybrid nanostructures. In this review, the term “hybrid” implies nanomaterials that consist of multiple plasmonic or non-plasmonic materials, forming complex configurations in the geometry and/or at the atomic level. We discuss the synthetic techniques and evolution of such hybrid plasmonic nanostructures giving rise to a wide variety of material and geometric configurations. Bimetallic alloys, which result in a new set of opto-physical parameters, are compared with core–shell configurations. For the latter, the use of metal, semiconductor, and polymer shells is reviewed. Also, more complex structures such as Janus and antenna reactor composites are discussed. This review further summarizes the studies exploiting plasmonic hybrids to elucidate the plasmonic-photocatalytic mechanism. Finally, we review the implementation of these plasmonic hybrids in different photocatalytic application domains such as H2 generation, CO2 reduction, water purification, air purification, and disinfection. |
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Address |
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Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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Language |
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Wos |
000839670500009 |
Publication Date |
2022-08-11 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
2364-8961 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
|
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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| |
Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
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| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:189825 |
Serial |
7195 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Dingenen, F.; Borah, R.; Ninakanti, R.; Verbruggen, S.W. |
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Title |
Probing oxygen activation on plasmonic photocatalysts |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Frontiers in Chemistry |
Abbreviated Journal |
Front Chem |
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| |
Volume |
10 |
Issue |
|
Pages |
988542-10 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
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Abstract |
In this work we present an assay to probe the oxygen activation rate on plasmonic nanoparticles under visible light. Using a superoxide-specific XTT molecular probe, the oxygen activation rate on bimetallic gold-silver “rainbow” nanoparticles with a broadband visible light (> 420 nm) response, is determined at different light intensities by measuring its conversion into the colored XTT-formazan derivate. A kinetic model is applied to enable a quantitative estimation of the rate constant, and is shown to match almost perfectly with the experimental data. Next, the broadband visible light driven oxygen activation capacity of this plasmonic rainbow system, supported on nano-sized SiO 2 , is demonstrated towards the oxidation of aniline to azobenzene in DMSO. To conclude, a brief theoretical discussion is devoted to the possible mechanisms behind such plasmon-driven reactions. |
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Address |
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Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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| |
Language |
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Wos |
000860818400001 |
Publication Date |
2022-09-12 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| |
ISSN |
2296-2646 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record |
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| |
Impact Factor |
5.5 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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| |
Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 5.5 |
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| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:190868 |
Serial |
7197 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Chen, J.; Ying, J.; Xiao, Y.; Dong, Y.; Ozoemena, K., I; Lenaerts, S.; Yang, X. |
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Title |
Stoichiometry design in hierarchical CoNiFe phosphide for highly efficient water oxidation |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Science China : materials |
Abbreviated Journal |
Sci China Mater |
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Volume |
65 |
Issue |
10 |
Pages |
2685-2693 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
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Abstract |
Rational composition design of trimetallic phosphide catalysts is of significant importance for enhanced surface reaction and efficient catalytic performance. Herein, hierarchical CoxNiyFezP with precise control of stoichiometric metallic elements (x:y:z = (1-10):(1-10):1) has been synthesized, and Co1.3Ni0.5Fe0.2P, as the most optimal composition, exhibits remarkable catalytic activity (eta = 320 mV at 10 mA cm(-2)) and long-term stability (ignorable decrease after 10 h continuous test at the current density of 10 mA cm(-2)) toward oxygen evolution reaction (OER). It is found that the surface P in Co1.3Ni0.5Fe0.2P was replaced by 0 under the OER process. The density function theory calculations before and after long-term stability tests suggest the clear increasing of the density of states near the Fermi level of Co1.3Ni0.5Fe0.2P/ Co1.3Ni0.5Fe0.2O, which could enhance the OH- adsorption of our electrocatalysts and the corresponding OER performance. |
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Address |
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Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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Language |
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Wos |
000805530000001 |
Publication Date |
2022-05-27 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
2095-8226; 2199-4501 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
8.1 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
Not_Open_Access |
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| |
Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 8.1 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:189074 |
Serial |
7212 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Zhu, W.; Van Tendeloo, M.; Xie, Y.; Timmer, M.J.; Peng, L.; Vlaeminck, S.E. |
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Title |
Storage without nitrite or nitrate enables the long-term preservation of full-scale partial nitritation/anammox sludge |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2022 |
Publication |
The science of the total environment |
Abbreviated Journal |
Sci Total Environ |
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Volume |
806 |
Issue |
3 |
Pages |
151330 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
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Abstract |
Bioaugmentation with summer harvested sludge during winter could compensate for bacterial activity loss but requires that sludge activity can be restored after storage. This study assesses the effect of temperature and redox adjustment during the storage over 180 days of partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A) granular resp. floccular sludge from potato processing resp. sludge reject water treatment. Anoxic storage conditions (in the presence of nitrite or nitrate and the absence of oxygen) resulted in a loss of 80-100% of the anammox bacteria (AnAOB) activity capacity at 20 degrees C and 4 degrees C, while anaerobic conditions (without oxygen, nitrite, and nitrate) lost only 45-63%. Storage at 20 degrees C was more cost-effective compared to 4 degrees C, and this was confirmed in the sludge reactivation experiment (20 CC). Furthermore, AnAOB activity correlated negatively with the electrical conductivity level (R-2 > 0.85, p < 0.05), so strong salinity increases should be avoided. No significant differences were found in the activity capacity of aerobic ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AerAOB) under different storage conditions (p > 0.1). The relative abundance of dominant AnAOB (Candidatus Brocadia) and AerAOB genera (Nitrosomonas) remained constant in both sludges. In conclusion, preserving PN/A biomass without cooling and nitrite or nitrate addition proved to be a cost-effective strategy. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. |
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Address |
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Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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Language |
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Wos |
000740216300013 |
Publication Date |
2021-10-28 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| |
ISSN |
0048-9697 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
9.8 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 9.8 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:185447 |
Serial |
7213 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Gielis, J.; Shi, P.; Caratelli, D. |
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Title |
Universal equations : a fresh perspective |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Growth and Form |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
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Issue |
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Pages |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
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Abstract |
A uniform description of natural shapes and phenomena is an important goal in science. Such description should check some basic principles, related to 1) the complexity of the model, 2) how well its fits real objects, phenomena and data, and 3) ia direct connection with optimization principles and the calculus of variations. In this article, we present nine principles, three for each group, and we compare some models with a claim to universality. It is also shown that Gielis Transformations and power laws have a common origin in conic sections |
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Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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Language |
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Wos |
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Publication Date |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
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ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record |
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Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:189317 |
Serial |
7224 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Yao, W.; Niinemets, Ü.; Yao, W.; Gielis, J.; Schrader, J.; Yu, K.; Shi, P. |
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Title |
Comparison of two simplified versions of the Gielis equation for describing the shape of bamboo leaves |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Plants |
Abbreviated Journal |
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| |
Volume |
11 |
Issue |
22 |
Pages |
3058-11 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
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Abstract |
Bamboo is an important component in subtropical and tropical forest communities. The plant has characteristic long lanceolate leaves with parallel venation. Prior studies have shown that the leaf shapes of this plant group can be well described by a simplified version (referred to as SGE-1) of the Gielis equation, a polar coordinate equation extended from the superellipse equation. SGE-1 with only two model parameters is less complex than the original Gielis equation with six parameters. Previous studies have seldom tested whether other simplified versions of the Gielis equation are superior to SGE-1 in fitting empirical leaf shape data. In the present study, we compared a three-parameter Gielis equation (referred to as SGE-2) with the two-parameter SGE-1 using the leaf boundary coordinate data of six bamboo species within the same genus that have representative long lanceolate leaves, with >300 leaves for each species. We sampled 2000 data points at approximately equidistant locations on the boundary of each leaf, and estimated the parameters for the two models. The root–mean–square error (RMSE) between the observed and predicted radii from the polar point to data points on the boundary of each leaf was used as a measure of the model goodness of fit, and the mean percent error between the RMSEs from fitting SGE-1 and SGE-2 was used to examine whether the introduction of an additional parameter in SGE-1 remarkably improves the model’s fitting. We found that the RMSE value of SGE-2 was always smaller than that of SGE-1. The mean percent errors among the two models ranged from 7.5% to 20% across the six species. These results indicate that SGE-2 is superior to SGE-1 and should be used in fitting leaf shapes. We argue that the results of the current study can be potentially extended to other lanceolate leaf shapes. |
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Address |
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Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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Language |
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Wos |
000887783400001 |
Publication Date |
2022-11-14 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
2223-7747 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
|
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:191859 |
Serial |
7289 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Le, T.-S.; Nguyen, P.-D.; Ngo, H.H.; Bui, X.-T.; Dang, B.-T.; Diels, L.; Bui, H.-H.; Nguyen, M.-T.; Le Quang, D.-T. |
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Title |
Two-stage anaerobic membrane bioreactor for co-treatment of food waste and kitchen wastewater for biogas production and nutrients recovery |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Chemosphere |
Abbreviated Journal |
Chemosphere |
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Volume |
309 |
Issue |
1 |
Pages |
136537-136539 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
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Abstract |
Co-digestion of organic waste and wastewater is receiving increased attention as a plausible waste management approach toward energy recovery. However, traditional anaerobic processes for co-digestion are particularly susceptible to severe organic loading rates (OLRs) under long-term treatment. To enhance technological feasi-bility, this work presented a two-stage Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactor (2 S-AnMBR) composed of a hydrolysis reactor (HR) followed by an anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) for long-term co-digestion of food waste and kitchen wastewater. The OLRs were expanded from 4.5, 5.6, and 6.9 kg COD m- 3 d-1 to optimize biogas yield, nitrogen recovery, and membrane fouling at ambient temperatures of 25-32 degrees C. Results showed that specific methane production of UASB was 249 +/- 7 L CH4 kg-1 CODremoved at the OLR of 6.9 kg TCOD m- 3 d-1. Total Chemical Oxygen Demand (TCOD) loss by hydrolysis was 21.6% of the input TCOD load at the hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 2 days. However, low total volatile fatty acid concentrations were found in the AnMBR, indicating that a sufficiently high hydrolysis efficiency could be accomplished with a short HRT. Furthermore, using AnMBR structure consisting of an Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket Reactor (UASB) followed by a side -stream ultrafiltration membrane alleviated cake membrane fouling. The wasted digestate from the AnMBR comprised 42-47% Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) and 57-68% total phosphorous loading, making it suitable for use in soil amendments or fertilizers. Finally, the predominance of fine particles (D10 = 0.8 mu m) in the ultra -filtration membrane housing (UFMH) could lead to a faster increase in trans-membrane pressure during the filtration process. |
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Address |
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Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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Language |
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Wos |
000866470600004 |
Publication Date |
2022-09-20 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0045-6535; 1879-1298 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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| |
Impact Factor |
8.8 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
Not_Open_Access |
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Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: 8.8 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:191557 |
Serial |
7347 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Khan, S.U.; Trashin, S.; Beltran, V.; Korostei, Y.S.; Pelmus, M.; Gorun, S.M.; Dubinina, T., V.; Verbruggen, S.W.; De Wael, K. |
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Title |
Photoelectrochemical behavior of phthalocyanine-sensitized TiO₂ in the presence of electron-shuttling mediators |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Analytical chemistry |
Abbreviated Journal |
Anal Chem |
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| |
Volume |
94 |
Issue |
37 |
Pages |
12723-12731 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab) |
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Abstract |
Dye-sensitized TiO(2 )has found many applications for dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC), solar-to-chemical energy conversion, water/air purification systems, and (electro)chemical sensors. We report an electrochemical system for testing dye-sensitized materials that can be utilized in photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensors and energy conversion. Unlike related systems, the reported system does not require a direct electron transfer from semiconductors to electrodes. Rather, it relies on electron shuttling by redox mediators. A range of model photocatalytic materials were prepared using three different TiO2 materials (P25, P90, and PC500) and three sterically hindered phthalocyanines (Pcs) with electron-rich tert-butyl substituents (t-Bu4PcZn, t-Bu4PcAlCl, and t-Bu4PcH2). The materials were compared with previously developed TiO(2 )modified by electron-deficient, also sterically hindered fluorinated phthalocyanine F64PcZn, a singlet oxygen (O-1(2)) producer, as well as its metal-free derivative, F64PcH2. The PEC activity depended on the redox mediator, as well as the type of TiO2 and Pc. By comparing the responses of one-electron shuttles, such as K4Fe(CN)(4), and O-1(2)-reactive electron shuttles, such as phenol, it is possible to reveal the action mechanism of the supported photosensitizers, while the overall activity can be assessed using hydroquinone. t-Bu4PcAlCl showed significantly lower blank responses and higher specific responses toward chlorophenols compared to t-Bu4PcZn due to the electron-withdrawing effect of the Al3+ metal center. The combination of reactivity insights and the need for only microgram amounts of sensing materials renders the reported system advantageous for practical applications. |
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Wos |
000855284300001 |
Publication Date |
2022-09-12 |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0003-2700; 5206-882x |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
7.4 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 7.4 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:190602 |
Serial |
7190 |
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Author |
Van Putte, N.; Meire, P.; Seuntjens, P.; Joris, I.; Verreydt, G.; Hambsch, L.; Temmerman, S. |
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Title |
Solving hindered groundwater dynamics in restored tidal marshes by creek excavation and soil amendments : a model study |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Ecological engineering: the journal of ecotechnology |
Abbreviated Journal |
Ecol Eng |
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Volume |
178 |
Issue |
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Pages |
106583-15 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Ecosphere |
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Abstract |
Groundwater fluxes in tidal marshes largely control key ecosystem functions and services, such as vegetation growth, soil carbon sequestration, and nutrient cycling. In tidal marshes restored on formerly embanked agricultural land, groundwater fluxes are often limited as compared to nearby natural marshes, as a result of historical agricultural soil compaction. To improve the functioning of restored tidal marshes, knowledge is needed on how much certain design options can optimize soil-groundwater interactions in future restoration projects. Based on measured data on soil properties and tidally induced groundwater dynamics, we calibrated and evaluated a 2D vertical model of a creek-marsh cross-section, accounting for both saturated and unsaturated groundwater flow and solute transport in a variably saturated groundwater flow model. We found that model simulations of common restoration practices such as soil amendments (increasing the depth of porous soil on top of the compact layer) and creek excavation (increasing the creek density) increase the soil aeration depth and time, the drainage depth and the solute flux, and decrease the residence time of solutes in the porewater. Our simulations indicate that increasing the depth to the compact layer from 20 cm to 40 cm, or increasing the creek density from 1 creek to 2 creeks along a 50 m marsh transect (while maintaining the total creek cross-sectional area), in both cases more than doubles the volume of water processed by the marsh soil. We discuss that this may stimulate nutrient cycling. As such, our study demonstrates that groundwater modelling can support the design of marsh restoration measures aiming to optimize groundwater fluxes and related ecosystem services. |
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Wos |
000795478200005 |
Publication Date |
2022-03-05 |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0925-8574 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
3.8 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 3.8 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:186605 |
Serial |
7210 |
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Author |
Pascucci, F.; Conti, S.; Neilson, D.; Tempère, J.; Perali, A. |
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Title |
Josephson effect as a signature of electron-hole superfluidity in bilayers of van der Waals heterostructures |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Physical review B |
Abbreviated Journal |
Phys Rev B |
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Volume |
106 |
Issue |
22 |
Pages |
L220503-6 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Theory of quantum systems and complex systems; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT) |
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Abstract |
We investigate a Josephson junction in an electron-hole superfluid in a double-layer transition metal dichalco-genide heterostructure. The observation of a critical tunneling current is a clear signature of superfluidity. In addition, we find the BCS-BEC crossover physics in the narrow barrier region controls the critical current across the entire system. The corresponding critical velocity, which is measurable in this system, has a maximum when the excitations pass from bosonic to fermionic. Remarkably, this occurs for the density at the boundary of the BEC to BCS-BEC crossover regime determined from the condensate fraction. This provides, in a semiconductor system, an experimental way to determine the position of this boundary. |
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Wos |
000903924400007 |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
2469-9969; 2469-9950 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
3.7 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 3.7 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:193402 |
Serial |
7316 |
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Author |
Gielis, J.; Grigolia, R. |
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Title |
Lamé curves and Rvachev's R-functions |
Type |
A3 Journal article |
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Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Sn – 1512-0066 |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
37 |
Issue |
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Pages |
1-4 |
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Keywords |
A3 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
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Abstract |
Gielis transformations are a generalization of Lame curves. To combine domains, we can make use of the natural alliance between Lame's work and Rvachev's R-functions. A logical next step is the extension to n-valued logic dening dierent partitions. |
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Additional Links |
UA library record |
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Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:189316 |
Serial |
7178 |
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Author |
Van Oijstaeijen, W.; Van Passel, S.; Back, P.; Cools, J. |
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Title |
The politics of green infrastructure : a discrete choice experiment with Flemish local decision-makers |
Type |
Administrative Services |
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Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Ecological Economics |
Abbreviated Journal |
Ecol Econ |
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Volume |
199 |
Issue |
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Pages |
107493-18 |
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Keywords |
Administrative Services; A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM) |
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Abstract |
Being confronted with increasing and expanding urbanisation and the loss of natural green spaces, our living environment is threatened more and more by the effects of global climate change. Green infrastructure is often thought of as the solution to increase climate resilience and reinforce the quality of the lived environment simultaneously. While the benefits, or ecosystem services, that are generated through green infrastructure have been studied intensively, forces that influence green infrastructure decision-making have been far less subjected to thorough research. In this study a discrete choice experiment was conducted with local decision makers in Flemish municipalities to reveal crucial factors in the decision process applied to green infrastructure projects. Flanders is one of the most densely built regions in Europe, stressing the urgency to understand local spatial decision factors to guarantee green space. 568 decision makers active in the local administration of 235 Flemish municipalities participated in the experiment, set in a hypothetical neighbourhood park. Every choice alternative exists of five attributes: investment cost, maintenance cost, deferred investment, recreational value, and climate impact. We find that barriers hampering Flemish munipalities' GI implementation, differ over size of the municipality: smallers municipalities are more affected by knowledge gaps, while larger municipalities are experiencing prioritization issues. Results from hierarchical Bayes choice models indicate that municipal decisions on green infrastructure are highly – almost solely -cost-driven, rarely consider the full range of benefits, and centre around short-term and immediate arguments. Moreover, interaction models reveal that a municipalities' financial result is a key determinant of its willingness to invest in public greening and consider long term benefits, suggesting that GI is a luxury good. The results expose some of the heuristics in GI decision making and can be used to inform higher authorities on ways to overcome barriers towards informed decision-making and to facilitate GI investment. |
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Wos |
000811715200008 |
Publication Date |
2022-06-08 |
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ISSN |
0921-8009; 1873-6106 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
7 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 7 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:189018 |
Serial |
7371 |
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Author |
Neven, L. |
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Title |
Singlet oxygen-based photoelectrochemical detection of phenolic contaminants |
Type |
Doctoral thesis |
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Year |
2022 |
Publication |
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Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
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Issue |
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Pages |
234 p. |
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Keywords |
Doctoral thesis; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab) |
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Abstract |
Phenolic compounds can be found everywhere in our daily lives but exhibit high toxicity, low (bio)degradability and hormone-disrupting effects when they are released in the environment. It is for this reason imperative to develop detection strategies for these pollutants. A promising approach involves the use of a photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor. In this sensor, a photosensitiser (PS) type II, which generates 1O2 under illumination, is used to oxidise phenolic compounds present in the sample. The oxidised phenols are reduced at the electrode surface leading to the generation of an electrocatalytic redox cycle. In this thesis, an in-depth understanding, through the identification of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the PEC sensing mechanism, is obtained. The detection strategy is optimised by choosing the PS with the highest 1O2 production and by optimising the detection parameters so that the PEC sensor can be successfully applied for the detection of phenols in industrial samples. First, it was determined that the use of highly fluorinated zinc phthalocyanine derivatives, F52PcZn and F64PcZn, as photocatalysts was optimal for the sensing of phenol due to their high 1O2 production and improved single-site isolation. However, next to 1O2, it was shown that the ROS O2•- and H2O2 were also generated in the PEC sensor. Their contribution to the photocurrent response was studied by rotating disk electrode measurements in function of the pH and applied potential. After this, the PEC detection strategy was optimised in terms of pH and applied potential for the detection of doxycycline, cefadroxil, and phenol. It was found that the use of alkaline pH-levels led to nmol L-1-level detection limits. The combination with square wave voltammetry (SWV) was, also, proposed to allow the quantification and identification of phenolic compounds in a specific sample. At last, the developed PEC and SWV sensors were applied for the measurement of phenolic compounds in industrial water samples. The PEC sensor could follow the decrease of the phenolic concentration throughout the wastewater treatment process while the SWV sensor provided the electrochemical fingerprints of these samples. The thesis concluded that the use of the PEC sensor was advantageous in the measurement of lower concentrated phenolic samples due to its high sensitivity and fast measurement time in comparison to commercial test kits. |
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no |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:187029 |
Serial |
8932 |
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Author |
de Paula Miranda, L. |
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Title |
Electronic transport in two dimensional systems with defects |
Type |
Doctoral thesis |
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Year |
2022 |
Publication |
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Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
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Issue |
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Pages |
104 p. |
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Keywords |
Doctoral thesis; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT) |
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Abstract |
The pursuit for the next generation of nanodevices made scientists focus the attention to two dimensional materials. Experimental works of two dimensional materials are hardly free of structural defects, which, in turn, modify drastically the physical properties of its defect-free counterpart. In this work the presence of structural defects is study in two different materials. First, the dependence of the Hall, bend and longitudinal resistances to a perpendicular magnetic field and to vacancy defects in a four-terminal phosphorene single layer Hall bar is investigated. A tight-binding model in combination with the Landauer-Büttiker formalism is used to calculate the energy spectrum, the lead-to-lead transmissions, and the Hall and bend resistances of the system. It is shown that the terminals with zigzag edge orientation are responsible for the absence of quantized plateaus in the Hall resistance and peaks in the longitudinal resistance. A negative bend resistance in the ballistic regime is found due to the presence of high- and low- energy transport modes in the armchair and zigzag terminals, respectively. The system density of states, with single vacancy defects, shows that the presence of in-gap states is proportional to the number of vacancies. Quantized plateaus in the Hall resistance are only formed in a sufficiently clean system. The effects of different kinds of vacancies in the regime where the quantized plateaus are destroyed and a diffusive regime appears in the bend resistance are investigated. Next, we explore effects due to point defect clustering on the electronic and transport properties of bilayer graphene nanoribbons, for AA and AB stacking and zigzag and armchair boundaries, by means of the tight-binding approach and scattering matrix formalism. Evidence of vacancy concentration signatures exhibiting a maximum amplitude and an universality regardless of the system size, stacking and boundary types, in the density of states around the zero-energy level are observed. Our results are explained via the coalescence analysis of the strong sizeable vacancy clustering effect in the system and the breaking of inversion symmetry at high vacancy densities, demonstrating a similar density of states for two equivalent degrees of concentration disorder, below and above the maximum value. |
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Most recent IF: NA |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:191340 |
Serial |
7151 |
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Author |
Jiang, J. |
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Title |
Ginzburg-Landau dynamical simulations on the nonreciprocal transport properties of two-dimensional superconductors |
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Doctoral thesis |
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Year |
2022 |
Publication |
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Pages |
XII, 79 p. |
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Doctoral thesis; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT) |
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The nonreciprocal charge transport property which depends on the polarity of the applied current, such as the diode effect and the rectification effect, is of great importance for both theoretical research and engineering application. The nonreciprocal transport property in superconductors generally requires to break both the spatial inversion symmetry and the time-reversal symmetry, and therefore becomes one of the fundamental issues in superconductivity. Of particular interest, the superconducting diode effect, which exhibits one-way superconductivity, can potentially be applied to dissipationless diode devices, as a consequence has received extensive attention in recent years. In this Ph. D thesis, we simulate vortex dynamics with heat dissipation by numerically solving time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau equations and heat transfer equation. The nonreciprocal transport properties of the following three superconducting systems are studied. We study a superconducting film patterned with a conformal pinning array and find a giant rectification effect which is consistent with the experimental observation. In presence of the funneling effect due to the geometry of the conformal pinning array, Joule heating of the accumulating vortices creates hot spots and drives the sample to the normal state. Meanwhile, the density gradient of vortex does not match the gradient of pinning. The two mechanisms together lead to the giant rectification effect. We study the nonreciprocal charge transport property in a pinning-free superconducting nano-ring. We systematically calculate the response of the ratchet signal to various parameters in both D.C. and A.C. currents. By analyzing the vortex potential, we find that the nonreciprocal transport property is caused by the asymmetry potential barriers for vortex entry and exit. We study a superconductor/nanoscale-magnetic-dot hybrid structure. It takes advantage of the external current to control the nucleation of vortex-antivortex pairs, and can produce superconducting diode effect without applied magnetic fields. Our vortex dynamics simulation details the progress of the superconducting-normal phase transition due to motion of vortex pairs and heat dissipation. The nonreciprocal transport properties of the above three systems are all based on the broken symmetry of spatial inversion, which is caused by the anisotropic pinning array, the asymmetric geometry, and the nonuniform distribution of the magnetic field, respectively. The mechanisms we discuss in this thesis do not require special property of the materials and thus can be applied to any kinds of conventional superconductors. The present studies would provide solid theoretical basis for the future design and application of the dissipationless superconducting devices. |
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Most recent IF: NA |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:188525 |
Serial |
7168 |
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Author |
Magalhães Cunha, S. |
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Title |
Wave-packet dynamics and electronic transport properties in 2D materials |
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Doctoral thesis |
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Year |
2022 |
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Abbreviated Journal |
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219 p. |
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Doctoral thesis; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT) |
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This piece of work is twofold. First, the time evolution of wave-packets in 2D systems is analyzed by the Split-Operator technique in three different scenarios: in multilayer phosphorene, the transient oscillations in the time-dependent average of position and momentum were observed due to the zitterbewegung effect, and the wave packet propagates non-uniformly along the space deforming itself into an elliptical shape. These results were corroborated by the Green’s function formalism except for large values of the wave-vector and long times; in 2D semiconductor quantum wires (QWs) with anisotropic effective masses and different angle orientations with respect to the anisotropic axis. We have shown that the greater this angle, the smaller is the energy levels spacing implying in an increase of the accessible electronic states. Additionally, for non-null magnetic field, the quantum Hall edge states are significantly affected by the edge orientation. In the anisotropic case damped oscillations in the average values of velocity in both x and y directions where obtained. Theses oscillations are originated by the QW geometry but also from subwavepackets with different momentum orientations, whereas for isotropic QWs the wavepacket disperses without splitting; in the third scenario the split-operator technique was used to study the Landau levels, the wave packet trajectories and velocities of electrons in graphene at low-energy regime described by a modified Dirac equation where the momentum-operator is written in a generalized form as result of applying the position-dependent translation operator formalism (PDTO). In the second part of this thesis, the electronic and tunneling properties of α − T3 lattices were studied. Electrons in these lattices behave analogous to integer-spin Dirac Fermions. The presence of a third atomic site in the unit cell leads to a flat band in the energy spectrum, providing unique electronic and tunneling properties. The presence of a super-periodic potential and the inclusion of symmetry-breaking terms results in deviations of the atomic equivalence between the atomic sites affecting the Dirac points and the band-gap. Small deviations in the equivalence between the atomic sites and the number of barriers change the transmission properties in these lattices. Additionally, new tunneling regions are possible by adjusting the symmetry between the atomic sites and affect the omnidirectional total transmission called super-Klein tunneling observed in these lattices. We compare those results to the tunneling probabilities through regions where the energy spectrum changes from linear with a middle flat band to a hyperbolic dispersion. |
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Most recent IF: NA |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:189191 |
Serial |
7227 |
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Arslan Irmak, E. |
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Modelling three-dimensional nanoparticle transformations based on quantitative transmission electron microscopy |
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Doctoral thesis |
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2022 |
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169 p. |
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Doctoral thesis; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT) |
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Nanomaterials are materials that have at least one dimension in the nanometer length scale, which corresponds to a billionth of a meter. When three dimensions are confined to the nanometer scale, these materials are referred to as nanoparticles. These materials are of great interest since they exhibit unique physical and chemical properties that cannot be observed for bulk systems. Due to their unique and often superior properties, nanomaterials have become central in the field of electronics, catalysis, and medicine. Moreover, they are expected to be one of the most promising systems to tackle many challenges that our society is facing, such as reducing the emission of greenhouse gases and finding effective treatments for cancer. The unique properties of nanomaterials are linked to their size, shape, structure, and composition. If one is able to measure the positions of the atoms, their chemical nature, and the bonding between them, it becomes possible to predict the physicochemical properties of nanomaterials. In this manner, the development of novel nanostructures can be triggered. However, the morphology and structure of nanomaterials are highly sensitive to the conditions for relevant applications, such as elevated temperatures or intense light illumination. Furthermore, any small change in the local structure at higher temperatures or pressures may significantly modify their performance. Hence, three-dimensional (3D) characterization of nanomaterials under application-relevant conditions is important in designing them with desired functional properties for specific applications. Among different structural characterization approaches, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is one of the most efficient and versatile tools to investigate the structure and composition of nanomaterials since it can provide atomically resolved images, which are sensitive to the local 3D structure of the investigated sample. However, TEM only provides two-dimensional (2D) images of the 3D nanoparticle, which may lead to an incomplete understanding of their structure-property relationship. The most known and powerful technique for the 3D characterization of nanomaterials is electron tomography, where the images of a nanostructured material taken from different directions are mathematically combined to retrieve its 3D structure. Although these experiments are already state-of-the-art, 3D characterization by TEM is typically performed under ultra-high vacuum conditions and at room temperature. Such conditions are unfortunately not sufficient to understand transformations during synthesis or applications of nanomaterials. This limitation can be overcome by in situ TEM where external stimuli, such as heat, gas, and liquids, can be controllably introduced inside the TEM using specialized holders. However, there are some technical limitations to successful perform 3D in situ electron tomography experiments. For example, the long acquisition time required to collect a tilt series limits this technique when one wants to observe 3D dynamic changes with atomic resolution. A solution for this problem is the estimation of the 3D structure of nanomaterials from 2D projection images acquired along a single viewing direction. For this purpose, annular dark field scanning TEM (ADF STEM) imaging mode provides a valuable tool for quantitative structural investigation of nanomaterials from single 2D images due to its thickness and mass sensitivity. For quantitative analysis, an ADF STEM image is considered as a 2D array of pixels where relative variation of pixel intensity values is proportional to the total number of atoms and the atomic number of the elements in the sample. By applying advanced statistical approaches to these images, structural information, such as the number or types of atoms, can be retrieved with high accuracy and precision. The outcome can then be used to build a 3D starting model for energy minimization by atomistic simulations, for example, molecular dynamics simulations or the Monte Carlo method. However, this methodology needs to be further evaluated for in situ experiments. This thesis is devoted to presenting robust approaches to accurately define the 3D atomic structure of nanoparticles under application-relevant conditions and understand the mechanism behind the atomic-scale dynamics in nanoparticles in response to environmental stimuli. |
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UA @ admin @ c:irua:188295 |
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7063 |
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Mendonça Verbinnen, C.D. |
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Development of semiconductor-based photoelectrochemical sensing strategies for phenolic compounds in natural and supply water |
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Doctoral thesis |
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2022 |
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152 p. |
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Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab) |
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A wide variety of organic and inorganic compounds have been frequently released into the environment without control by industries and agricultural activities. This has caused significant impact on the development and health of living organisms, and biodiversity. Therefore, the challenge of monitoring and/or remediation of these contaminants remains. This thesis presents the development of three sensing strategies based on photoelectrochemical sensors to monitor phenolic contaminants. The well-known semiconductors TiO2 and ZnO were used for building novel setups for nM analysis of phenolic compounds in water. The setups employing TiO2-based photosensors were integrated into a photoelectrochemical flow cell. The flow system favored higher sensitivity of the method by periodic wash sequences of the electrode, significantly reducing the electrode fouling. Firstly, a straightforward method was developed based on the immobilization of TiO2 on screen printed graphite electrodes. Under UV light, the developed photosensor presented high performance for the detection of 4- aminophenol. A second study was developed by impregnating gold nanoparticles into TiO2 structure. The incorporation of gold nanoparticles can broaden the light absorption region of TiO2 and improve its photocatalytic activity for the detection of hydroquinone under visible light. In both systems, the detection was possible due to the presence of reactive oxygen species at the surface of TiO2 upon light, which participate in the oxidation process of the analyte. By applying a reductive potential, the oxidized form of the analyte gets reduced and a measurable amperometric response proportional to the initial analyte concentration is recorded. The third proposed setup is a ZnO-based photosensor for the quantification of 4-nitrophenol under UVA light. Nanostructured ZnO was electrochemically synthesized on FTO glass without the use of catalysts or seed layer. A post-growth annealing treatment significantly improved ZnO nanorods physicochemical properties. Subsequent modification of ZnO nanorods with a photosensitizer (perylene acid) increased the photocurrent response and the sensitivity. In this system, the detection mechanism is based on the decrease of the photocurrent response at the presence of an electron harvesting molecule, such as 4-nitrophenol. The decrease in photocurrent is proportional to the increase of 4-nitrophenol concentration in the solution. The applicability of the photoelectrochemical semiconductor-based sensing setups was verified to analyze phenolic compounds in natural and supply water samples. The proposed robust and sensitive approaches were designed for the on-site monitoring of phenolic compounds. The encouraging results confirm the potential of these photosensors as promising tools for tracelevel sensing purposes. |
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UA @ admin @ c:irua:186763 |
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8850 |
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Thiruvottriyur Shanmugam, S. |
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Singlet oxygen-based photoelectrochemical detection of nucleic acids |
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2022 |
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217 p. |
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Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab) |
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MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small oligonucleotides (18-25 bases) that play a key role in epigenetic regulation. Since the discovery of miRNAs in 1993, their role in biological processes has been extensively investigated. By now, it has been evidenced that monitoring and detection of miRNAs can improve (early) disease diagnosis. The existing diagnostic approaches have limitations such as the need for complex multistep protocols for sample preparation, analysis, data interpretation, high cost of equipment, the need for highly qualified personnel, and high laboratory standards. As opposed to this, point-of-care biosensors and chips aim to facilitate the procedure and avoid sending samples into centralized laboratories, which saves time, reduces the chance of sample degradation, and enables analysis of patient samples in remote areas, directly at home or primary and secondary care facilities (i.e. general practitioners and specialists). The latter is essential for therapy assessment and follow-up monitoring of patients with chronic diseases and cancer. Nevertheless, the development of such sensors is lagging compared to the projections of 10 – 20 years ago, mainly due to insufficient sensitivity, poor reproducibility, and the complexity of the sensors’ design reported in the research literature. This motivates the development of new detection strategies and technologies such as photoelectrochemical sensors that combine the best features of different sensing approaches. The primary concern when developing detection technologies for miRNA is the need for a highly sensitive and selective platform. This thesis explores a novel photoelectrochemical (PEC) method that is distinctive owing to its sensitive nature and simple and robust design. Firstly, we focused on the usage of recently emerging commercial gold-sputtered electrode systems for the detection of short nucleic acid with enzymatic amplification. Importantly, cleaning such electrodes is a challenge since the standard procedures known for regular disk electrodes such as polishing cannot be employed here, since it will damage the protective layer on the electrode. However, the electrodes can be washed and pretreated chemically and/or electrochemically. Thus, a procedure to effectively clean and modify the gold-sputtered electrode has been developed, resulting in high-performance gold-sputtered nucleic acid sensors. Next, the usage of molecular photosensitizers as an alternative to enzymatic amplification has been evaluated. We took advantage of the singlet oxygen production by photosensitizers upon photoexcitation, leading to a photocurrent response due to the singlet oxygen-induced (electro)chemical conversions. Following the demonstration of the detection strategy, the analytical performance of the sensing system was evaluated using magnetic beads-based nucleic acid assay on disposable electrode platforms, with a focus to enhance the sensitivity and robustness of the technique in detecting complementary nucleic acid targets. Following the fundamental evaluation of the singlet oxygen-based PEC detection of nucleic acids, we further optimized the assay and measurement parameters and employed the sensing strategy for a polymerase chain reaction-free (PCR-free) quantification of miRNAs related to prostate cancer. By successfully detecting and quantifying low-picomolar range concentrations (< 10 pM) in plasma samples from prostate cancer patients, we successfully showed the applicability of the novel sensing strategy. We have also compared and positioned the performance of our developed PEC strategy with an existing state-of-art technique, i.e. electrochemiluminescence (ECL). Our PEC strategy performed on par with ECL, both yielding low-picomolar detection limits in serum matrices, however quicker and cheaper than ECL. Owing to the versatility of this PEC technique, the final study explored its multiplexing capability. As a starting point in this branch of the research, we have investigated two possible ways for multiplexing. To perform multiple measurements at the same time, constructing calibration plots and quantifying unknown miRNA concentrations in patient samples at the same time, we have developed a high-throughput detection with 96X multi-channel electrode systems and in-house designed and constructed 96XLED illumination sources. Secondly, to detect more than one target miRNA in a single measurement, intra-vial multiplexing where the samples were analyzed for different targets in one vial was also explored. Altogether, this thesis presents the fundamentals, development and application of a novel PEC strategy for detecting short (< 25 bases) nucleic acid sequences, in particular, miRNA. With an aim to serve as a distinctive technique to function as a clinical testing platform without any need for PCR, this work adds value to the development of nucleic acid-based sensors for miRNAs and other short-stranded nucleic acid biomarkers, and benefits in the early detection of diseases like cancer. |
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