Abstract: Condensation of spatially indirect excitons, with the electrons and holes confined in two separate layers, has recently been observed in two different double layer heterostructures. High transition temperatures were reported in a double Transition Metal Dichalcogenide (TMD) monolayer system. We briefly review electron-hole double layer systems that have been proposed as candidates for this interesting phenomenon. We investigate the double TMD system WSe2/hBN/MoSe2, using a mean-field approach that includes multiband effects due to the spin-orbit coupling and self-consistent screening of the electron-hole Coulomb interaction. We demonstrate that the transition temperature observed in the double TMD monolayers, which is remarkably high relative to the other systems, is the result of (i) the large electron and hole effective masses in TMDs, (ii) the large TMD band gaps, and (iii) the presence of multiple superfluid condensates in the TMD system. The net effect is that the superfluidity is strong across a wide range of densities, which leads to high transition temperatures that extend as high as TBKT=150 K.

Abstract: Solid-state ion conductors based on closo-polyborate anions combine high ionic conductivity with a rich array of tunable properties. Cation mobility in these systems is intimately related to the strength of the interaction with the neighboring anionic network and the energy for reorganizing the coordination polyhedra. Here, we explore such factors in solid electrolytes with two anions of the weakest coordinating ability, [HCB11H5Cl6](-) and [HCB11H5Br6](-), and a total of 11 polymorphs are identified for their lithium and sodium salts. Our approach combines ab initio molecular dynamics, synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and AC impedance measurements to investigate their structures, phase-transition behavior, anion orientational mobilities, and ionic conductivities. We find that M(HCB11H5X6) (M = Li, Na, X = Cl, Br) compounds exhibit order-disorder polymorphic transitions between 203 and 305 degrees C and display Li and Na superionic conductivity in the disordered state. Through detailed analysis, we illustrate how cation disordering in these compounds originates from a competitive interplay among the lattice symmetry, the anion reorientational mobility, the geometric and electronic asymmetry of the anion, and the polarizability of the halogen atoms. These factors are compared to other closo-polyborate-based ion conductors to suggest guidelines for optimizing the cation-anion interaction for fast ion mobility. This study expands the known solid-state poly(carba)borate-based materials capable of liquid-like ionic conductivities, unravels the mechanisms responsible for fast ion transport, and provides insights into the development of practical superionic solid electrolytes.

Abstract: Non-thermal plasma (NTP), an ionized gas generated at ambient pressure and temperature, has been an emerging technology for medical applications. Through controlled delivery of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS), NTP can elicit hormetic cellular responses, thus stimulating broad therapeutic effects. To enable clinical translation of the promising preclinical research into NTP therapy, a deeper understanding of NTP interactions with clinical substrates is profoundly needed. Since NTP-generated ROS/RNS will inevitably interact with blood in several clinical contexts, understanding their stability in this system is crucial. In this study, two medically relevant NTP delivery modalities were used to assess the stability of NTP-generated ROS/RNS in three aqueous solutions with increasing organic complexities: phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), blood plasma (BP), and processed whole blood. NTP-generated RNS collectively (NO2−, ONOO−), H2O2, and ONOO− exclusively were analyzed over time. We demonstrated that NTP-generated RNS and H2O2 were stable in PBS but scavenged by different components of the blood. While RNS remained stable in BP after initial scavenging effects, it was completely reduced in processed whole blood. On the other hand, H2O2 was completely scavenged in both liquids over time. Our previously developed luminescent probe europium(III) was used for precision measurement of ONOO− concentration. NTP-generated ONOO− was detected in all three liquids for up to at least 30 seconds, thus highlighting its therapeutic potential. Based on our results, we discussed the necessary considerations to choose the most optimal NTP modality for delivery of ROS/RNS to and via blood in the clinical context.

Abstract: In order to investigate the structural, vibrational, electronic, and mechanical features of single-layer ReTe2 first-principles calculations are performed. Dynamical stability analyses reveal that single-layer ReTe2 crystallize in a distorted phase while its 1H and 1T phases are dynamically unstable. Raman spectrum calculations show that single-layer distorted phase of ReTe2 exhibits 18 Raman peaks similar to those of ReS2 and ReSe2. Electronically, single-layer ReTe2 is shown to be an indirect gap semiconductor with a suitable band gap for optoelectronic applications. In addition, it is found that the formation of Re-units in the crystal induces anisotropic mechanical parameters. The in-plane stiffness and Poisson ratio are shown to be significantly dependent on the lattice orientation. Our findings indicate that single-layer form of ReTe2 can only crystallize in a dynamically stable distorted phase formed by the Re-units. Single-layer of distorted ReTe2 can be a potential in-plane anisotropic material for various nanotechnology applications.

Abstract: Background Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women in the developed world. In order to find developing cancers in an early stage, BC screening is commonly used. In Flanders, screening is performed in and outside an organized breast cancer screening program (BCSP). However, the determinants of BC screening coverage for both screening strategies are yet unknown. Objective To assess the determinants of BC screening coverage in Flanders. Methods Reimbursement data were used to attribute a screening status to each woman in the target population for the years 2008-2016. Yearly coverage data were categorized as screening inside or outside BCSP or no screening. Data were clustered by municipality level. A generalized linear equation model was used to assess the determinants of screening type. Results Over all years and municipalities, the median screening coverage rate inside and outside BCSP was 48.40% (IQR: 41.50-54.40%) and 14.10% (IQR: 9.80-19.80%) respectively. A higher coverage rate outside BSCP was statistically significantly (P < 0.001) associated with more crowded households (OR: 3.797, 95% CI: 3.199-4.508), younger age, higher population densities (OR: 2.528, 95% CI: 2.455-2.606), a lower proportion of unemployed job seekers (OR: 0.641, 95% CI: 0.624-0.658) and lower use of dental care (OR: 0.969, 95% CI: 0.967-0.972). Conclusion Coverage rate of BC screening is not optimal in Flanders. Women with low SES that are characterized by younger age, living in a high population density area, living in crowded households, or having low dental care are less likely to be screened for BC in Flanders. If screened, they are more likely to be screened outside the BCSP.

Abstract: CO2 dissociation and its subsequent conversion into added-value chemicals is a promising strategy for recycling CO2 gas into reusable products. One of the possible methods is direct plasma-induced dissociation. In this work we study the efficiency of CO2 dissociation in pulsed atmospheric-pressure gas discharge between two conducting electrodes by a 0-D numerical plasma model. The purpose of the study is to provide results on the optimal conditions of CO2 conversion with respect to the energy efficiency and dissociation by varying the maximum power density value and the pulse length. The power density is directly related to the discharge current and the reduced electric field in the discharge. We consider pulse lengths in the range from hundreds of nanosecond up to milliseconds. The results obtained show that the dissociation degree and energy efficiency are sensitive to the pulse length (duration) and the power density, so that a considerable improvement of the discharge performance can be achieved by fine-tuning these parameters. The study is intended to provide guidance in designing an experimental set-up and a power supply with the characteristics necessary to achieve optimal conversion.

Abstract: Precipitation is accompanied by the formation and migration of heterophase interfaces. Using the combined approach of advanced imaging and atomistic simulations, we studied the precipitate-matrix interfaces in various aluminium alloy systems, aiming to resolve their detailed atomic structures and illuminate their role in phase transformations.

Abstract: We placed crystals of different compounds to explore the possibility of fingerprinting them through EELS. Here are representative datasets of 7 different compounds: b-cyclodextrin hexacarboxy cyclohexane tannin TH-15 peptide TH-27 peptide two different forms of piroxicam The datasets were collected at EMAT, using a monochromated FEI Titan3 TEM, within the scope of an EUSMI request. More information as well as analysis methodologies adopted for the data are detailed in the paper: Das et al. “Reliable Characterization of Organic & Pharmaceutical Compounds with High Resolution Monochromated EEL Spectroscopy”, Polymers 2020, 12(7), 1434.

Abstract: The anticipated development of decentralized electricity generation is expected to strengthen the opportunities of prosumers in the residential areas of cities, in line with the predicted establishment of renewable energy generation and storage. Based on academic research and on successful case studies, the opportunity for residential prosumers to organize in microgrids emerges as a viable and promising solution. This paper focuses on microgrids that are planned to generate electricity with a PV unit and use a shared storage system, and that opt to have a connection with the main grid. However, the point of common coupling needs to be agreed first between the microgrid operator and the network operator, and this agreement is determined by several factors and conditions beyond the basic technical and regulatory requirements. A survey of academic literature on the determinant factors for such an agreement exposes the fact that current research either focuses on the integration of individual prosumers in the main grid, or regards the point of common coupling as a given component of microgrids. We argue that neither of the two approaches is helpful in the case of microgrids vs. main grid, seeing as the agreement is not self-evident under just any circumstances, nor can the microgrid be equated to a single, large prosumer. Therefore this short paper compiles a set of determinant factors for the microgrid integration, as they emerge from academic literature, with the aim to document further research needs and support the discussion on microgrid integration.

Abstract: Biobased chemistry has gained interest and has the potential to tackle some of the sustainability challenges the chemical industry must endure. Sustainability impacts need to be evaluated and monitored to highlight the advantages and pitfalls of different biobased routes over the product life cycle. A better understanding of the potential sustainability of emerging biobased technologies and products is essential to guide additional research and further technology development. This PhD thesis aims to develop a framework for a techno-sustainability assessment (TSA), while accounting for technological as well as economic, environmental, and social aspects in an integrated approach. First, a review of the state-of-the-art sustainability indicators for biobased chemicals was conducted and a gap analysis was performed to identify indicator development needs. Afterwards, a Delphi study was performed to select sustainability indicators specifically for biobased chemical assessment and to reach consensus among experts on a prioritization of these indicators. Next, the selected sustainability indicators were quantified while integrating technological and country-specific data with environmental characterization factors, economic values and social data. Finally, a stochastic, hierarchical multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) integrates the independent techno-sustainability indicators expressed in different units, taking into account stochastic and flexible method options. The developed integrated TSA framework was applied to a case for which a production and harvesting plant of microalgae-based food colorants is assessed. The final aim of the integrated TSA is to compare the potential sustainability performance of different scenarios and to make better-informed choices between alternatives by evaluating environmental, economic and social sustainability impacts in one holistic model. Integrated TSA offers a novel framework where decision makers can assess sustainability already in early technology development stages by identifying potential hurdles and opportunities to guide R&D and make sustainable investment decisions.

Abstract: We theoretically investigate the effect of intercalation of third row transition metals (Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ti and V) in the layers of WSe2. Using density functional theory (DFT), we investigate the structural stability. We also compute the DFT energies of various magnetic spin configurations. Using these energies, we construct a Heisenberg Hamiltonian and perform a Monte Carlo study on each WSe2 + intercalant system to estimate the Curie or Neel temperature. We find ferromagnetic ground states for Ti and Cr intercalation, with Curie temperatures of 31K and 225K, respectively. In Fe-intercalated WSe2, we predict that antiferromagnetic ordering is present up to 564K. For V intercalation, we find that the system exhibits a double phase transition.