“CFD- and radiation field modeling of a gas phase photocatalytic multi-tube reactor”. Roegiers J, van Walsem J, Denys S, Chemical engineering journal 338, 287 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CEJ.2018.01.047
Abstract: This paper focusses on the development of a Multiphysics model as a tool for assessing the performance of a multi-tube photoreactor. The model predicts the transient behavior of acetaldehyde concentration, as a model compound for the organic fraction of the indoor air pollutants, under varying sets of conditions. A 3D-model couples radiation field modeling with reaction kinetics and fluid dynamics in order to simulate the transport of the pollutant as it progresses through the reactor. A model-based approach is proposed to determine the layer thickness and refractive index of different P25-powder modified solgel coatings, using an optimization procedure to estimate these parameters based on UV-irradiance measurements. The radiation field model was able to accurately predict the irradiance on the catalytic surface within the reactor. Consequently, the radiation field model was used to define an irradiance dependent reaction rate constant in a coupled Multiphysics model. An optimization routine was deployed to estimate the adsorption, desorption- and photocatalytic reaction rate constants on the TiO2-surface, using experimentally determined, transient outlet concentrations of acetaldehyde. Additionally, a validation test was performed in an air-tight climate chamber at much higher flow rates, higher irradiance and realistic indoor pollutant concentrations to emphasize the reliability and accuracy of the parameters for adsorption, desorption and photocatalytic reaction. The developed model makes it possible to optimize the reactor design and scale-up for commercial applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.CEJ.2018.01.047
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“Sulphite and sulphate concentrations in weathering products of sandy limestone and in deposition samples”. Roekens E, Bleyen C, Van Grieken R, Environmental pollution 57, 289 (1989). http://doi.org/10.1016/0269-7491(89)90084-5
Abstract: The sulphite and sulphate concentrations in weathering products of limestone and in wet and total deposition samples were measured by the modified West-Gaeke method and by ion chromatography. The sulphite content in the weathering crust and in the runoff rainwater of two historical buildings in Belgium, was always much lower than the sulphate content. The maximum sulphite to sulphate ratio was 2·5%. The sulphite concentration in wet and total deposition samples was in the low or sub ppm range except during two misty periods when the sulphite concentration was 6·8 and 21 mg litre−1. In those samples a high sulphate concentration was also found (nl. 57 and 137 mg litre−1, respectively).
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/0269-7491(89)90084-5
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“Chemistry of precipitation near a limestone building”. Roekens E, Komy Z, Leysen L, Veny P, Van Grieken R, Water, air and soil pollution 38, 273 (1988). http://doi.org/10.1007/BF00280759
Abstract: A total of 82 samples of wet and total deposition were sampled near the limestone cathedral at Mechelen, Belgium, which is presently being affected seriously by air pollution, and at a reference site. Most of these samples were analyzed for 10 major and 7 trace ions in solution and for 15 elements in suspension. It appeared that calcite, released from the building, effectively neutralizes the rainwater in the near vicinity and produces high Ca and bicarbonate concentrations. Heavy metal concentrations are hardly affected by the building.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1007/BF00280759
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“Chemical characterisation of weathering crust and run-off water for a deteriorated limestone cathedral”. Roekens E, Leysen L, Van Grieken R, Komy Z, (1986)
Keywords: P3 Proceeding; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
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“Gevolgen van luchtverontreiniging op historische gebouwen”. Roekens E, Van Grieken R, Ons erfdeel 30, 361 (1987)
Keywords: A2 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
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“Rates of air pollution induced surface recession and material loss for a cathedral in Belgium”. Roekens E, Van Grieken R, Atmospheric environment 23, 271 (1989). http://doi.org/10.1016/0004-6981(89)90119-4
Abstract: Runoff water samples were taken at the St. Rombout's Cathedral (Mechelen, Belgium), which was constructed with sandy limestones of Balegem and Gobertingen. Gypsum appeared to be the principal deterioration compound. The mean annual surface recession from the cathedral was calculated to be around 20 μm. Yearly several tons of stone material are flushed away from the cathedral with the rain water.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/0004-6981(89)90119-4
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“Weathering products and surface recession rates for sandy limestones exposed to air pollution”. Roekens E, Van Raemdonck C, Leysen L, Chakravorty R, Van Grieken R page 707 (1987).
Keywords: H3 Book chapter; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
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“Effects of titanium dioxide industry waste dumping on sea water chemistry”. Roekens EJ, Van Grieken RE, Water research 17, 1385 (1983). http://doi.org/10.1016/0043-1354(83)90268-3
Abstract: An investigation was made to determine the influence of the dumping of a 1000 ton day−1, on the average, of acid-iron waste from the titanium dioxide industry into the shallow but turbulent Southern Bight of the North Sea. This waste contains some 20% sulfuric acid and 2% iron. After the passage of the barge that discharges 10 ton of waste min−1 into its wake, the vertical and horizontal distributions of the pH, iron-concentration and turbidity were measured as a function of time. It appeared that a few seconds after the discharge and for a very brief period, the pH was down to approx. 4 and the Fe-concentration was 13 mg l−1. More than 1 min after the discharge a pH below 6 and an iron-level above 3 mg l−1 could not be detected anywhere. The measured factor for waste dilution by sea water, based on the observed acid and iron concentration in the waste and in the discharge track, were around 5000 after 5 min, 9000 after 10 min and 80,000 after 20 min. Before and long after the dumping, the total iron-concentration in this Southern Bight area was around 100 μg l−1, but this high level might be due to natural causes.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/0043-1354(83)90268-3
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“Kinetics of iron(II) oxidation in seawater of various pH”. Roekens EJ, Van Grieken RE, Marine chemistry 13, 195 (1983). http://doi.org/10.1016/0304-4203(83)90014-2
Abstract: The rate of iron(II) oxidation in North Sea water of pH 5.510 in the range 1025°C has been studied. The oxygenation rate depends linearly on the iron(II) and dissolved oxygen concentrations. The second-order dependence on [OH−], found by several investigators for synthetic solutions, was confirmed in seawater, but only for pOH > 6.9. For pOH < 5.9 the rate appeared to be independent of the pOH. In the intermediate range, pOH 5.96.9, corresponding to the natural pH of seawater, a first-order dependence on the pOH is obeyed. The important discrepancy in the literature between the second-order rate constant for NaCHO3 solutions and for seawater can be attributed predominantly to the incorrect assumption of a second-order pOH dependence in natural seawater. The results can be useful, for example, in predicting the effect of dumping acidic iron waste from the titanium-dioxide industry into the ocean.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/0304-4203(83)90014-2
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“Kinetics of iron(II) oxidation in seawater of various pH : reply”. Roekens EJ, Van Grieken RE, Marine chemistry 15, 281 (1984). http://doi.org/10.1016/0304-4203(84)90025-2
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/0304-4203(84)90025-2
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“Monte Carlo simulation of X-ray spectra from low energy electrons using optical data”. Roet D, van Espen P, Nuclear instruments and methods in physics research: B: beam interactions with materials and atoms 268, 2794 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.NIMB.2010.07.004
Abstract: An approach using optical data to simulate both the bremsstrahlung continuum and characteristic K and L X-ray lines generated by low energy electrons (cfr. electron microscopy) in solids is discussed in this paper. The necessary analytical expressions together with the data to calculate the relevant cross sections for elastic and inelastic interactions at these energies along with variance reduction techniques are given. The results of the Monte Carlo simulation are compared to experimental data measured with a JEOL 6300 electron microscope.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.NIMB.2010.07.004
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“Aerosols in Santiago de Chile : a study using receptor modeling with X-ray fluorescence and single particle analysis”. Rojas CM, Artaxo P, Van Grieken R, Atmospheric environment: part B : urban atmosphere 24, 227 (1990). http://doi.org/10.1016/0957-1272(90)90028-S
Abstract: Between 15 January and 26 February 1987, 51 fine and coarse mode aerosol samples were collected at the Universidad de Santiago de Chile Planetarium using a dichotomous sampler. The samples were analyzed by X-ray fluorescence for up to 17 elements (Mg, Al, Si, P, S, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br and Pb). Aerosol particles were individually studied by Electron Probe Microanalysis (EPMA) and Laser Microprobe Mass Analysis (LAMMA). The data set consisting of aerosol elemental concentrations and meteorological variables was subjected to Principal Factor Analysis (PFA), allowing the identification of six fine mode particle source classes (soil, industrial, sulfate particles, traffic, residual oil, wood-burnings), and five coarse mode particle source classes (soil, industrial, traffic, residual oil, sulfate particles). Both PFA solutions explained about 81 and 90% of the total variance in the data set, respectively. The regression of elemental mass concentrations on the Absolute Principal Factor Scores allowed the estimation of the contribution of the different source classes to the Santiago aerosol. Within the fine fraction, secondary SO42− particles were responsible for about 49% of the fine mode aerosol mass concentration, while 26, 13, 6.4 and 5.6% were attributed to wood-burning/car exhausts, residual oil combustion, soil dust/metallurgical, and soil dust/wood-burning releases, respectively. The coarse fraction source apportionment was mainly dominated by soil dust, accounting for 74% of the coarse mode aerosol mass concentration. A composite of soil dust and industrial release accounted for 13%; a composite of secondary sulfates contributed with 9%; a composite of soil dust and automotive emissions, and secondary sulfates were responsible for 4 and 0.03% of the coarse aerosol mass concentration, respectively. EPMA results are in satisfactory agreement with those from the bulk analysis and allowed the identification of eight particle types in both fine and coarse mode aerosols, pertaining to different source classes, namely soil, seaspray, secondary SO42−, metallurgical emissions and biomass burning release. EPMA also evidenced that one of the most abundant particle types corresponded to marine aerosol, having an average diameter of 0.7 μm for the fine mode and 2.2 μm for the coarse mode aerosol. LAMMA results indicate that, in fact, seaspray has been transported into the city of Santiago de Chile airshed, suffering several transformations and a sulfur enrichment. This analytical technique also provided evidence of the abundance of carbon-rich particles, which were not detected by either the bulk X-ray analysis or EPMA; they are probably due to fossil-fuel combustion releases.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/0957-1272(90)90028-S
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“The elemental composition of airborne particulate matter in the Atacama desert, Chile”. Rojas CM, Figueroa L, Janssens KH, Van Espen PE, Adams FC, Van Grieken RE, The science of the total environment 91, 251 (1990). http://doi.org/10.1016/0048-9697(90)90302-B
Abstract: Air particulate samples were collected at Chapiquiña near Arica (Chile) with a six-stage cascade impactor for about 17-day periods during a 31 month interval. Sixteen elements were determined by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis, and the elemental concentrations were subjected to principal factor analysis. The variability with time of the coarse particles was described by two factors both related to soil dispersion, whereas the fine particle variations could be explained by a third factor related to marine influence. Enrichment factors were compared with those obtained in other remote continental areas, in particular those of air particulate matter sampled at Chacaltaya, Bolivia. Results point to a negligible anthropogenic influence.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/0048-9697(90)90302-B
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“Penetration of atmospheric aerosols during collection in cellulose filters, studied by secondary ion mass spectrometry”. Rojas CM, Goossens D, Van Grieken R, Journal of aerosol science 20, 569 (1989). http://doi.org/10.1016/0021-8502(89)90103-1
Abstract: The penetration of aerosol particles in a Whatman-41 cellulose filter has been studied via the depth profiles of different elements present in the aerosol. Depth profiles were obtained by analyzing both fine and coarse fractions from a dichotomous sampler by secondary ion mass spectrometry. The fine particles had an aerodynamic diameter dae of less than 2.5 μm, whereas the coarse fraction had 2.5 ≤ dae ≤ 15 μm. Elements such as Al, Si, Ca, Ti and Fe were associated with coarse airborne particles, while S, Cl, Zn, and Br were more abundant in the fine fraction. Results showed that particle size plays an important role in the distribution of particulate matter throughout the filter. SiTi-containing particles were mostly deposited near the surface of the filter, and their profiles can be estimated using a polynomial function, whereas the profile of AlCaFe-containing particles can be approached by an exponential decay function. Elements associated with fine fraction aerosols mainly originating from combustion processes, can penetrate up to about 25% of the total filter thickness, and their profiles are better represented by a diffusion function.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/0021-8502(89)90103-1
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“Dry and wet deposition fluxes of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn into the Southern Bight of the North Sea”. Rojas CM, Injuk J, Van Grieken R, Laane RW, Atmospheric environment: part A : general topics 27, 251 (1993). http://doi.org/10.1016/0960-1686(93)90355-3
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/0960-1686(93)90355-3
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“Atmospheric particulate element concentrations and deposition rates in French Polynesia”. Rojas CM, Injuk J, Van Grieken RE, Maenhaut W, Journal de recherche océanographique 25, 74 (2000)
Keywords: A3 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
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“Characterization of airborne particulate matter collected over the North Sea”. Rojas CM, Otten PM, Van Grieken RE, Journal of aerosol science 20, 1257 (1989). http://doi.org/10.1016/0021-8502(89)90811-2
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/0021-8502(89)90811-2
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“Dry aerosol deposition over the North Sea estimated from aircraft measurements”. Rojas CM, Otten PM, Van Grieken RE, Laane R page 419 (1991).
Keywords: H3 Book chapter; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
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“Elemental composition of aircraft-sampled aerosols above the Southern Bight of the North Sea”. Rojas CM, Van Grieken R, Maenhaut W, Water, air and soil pollution 71, 391 (1993). http://doi.org/10.1007/BF00480557
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1007/BF00480557
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“Electron microprobe characterization of individual aerosol particles collected by aircraft above the Southern Bight of the North Sea”. Rojas CM, Van Grieken RE, Atmospheric environment : an international journal 26a, 1231 (1992). http://doi.org/10.1016/0960-1686(92)90384-W
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/0960-1686(92)90384-W
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“Study of the Antarctic aerosol using X-ray fluorescence and single particle analysis”. Rojas CM, Van Grieken RE, Cantillano ME, Scientific series of the Chilean Antarctic Institute (Ser. Cinet. INACH) 42, 37 (1992)
Keywords: A3 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
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“Comparison of 3 dry deposition models applied to field-measurements in the Southern Bight of the North-Sea”. Rojas CM, Van Grieken RE, Laane RW, Atmospheric environment 27, 363 (1993). http://doi.org/10.1016/0960-1686(93)90110-K
Abstract: Dry deposition velocities have been calculated using three different approaches. Turbulent wind profile theory has been used to predict the drag coefficient, wind speed and friction velocity at 10 m height when the wind speed is measured at a higher altitude. The resulting parameters were introduced in a two-layer deposition model. The second approach was the well-known model of Slinn and Slinn (1980, Atmospheric Environment 14, 1013-1016), whereas the third corresponded to the model published by Williams (1982, Atmospheric Environment 16, 1933 1938). Results point to clear differences. However, in a field experiment carried out at the Southern Bight of the North Sea, all three approaches show relatively comparable results. The role played by the size distribution of atmospheric particulate matter is essential. In our case any of the three models could have given satisfactory outcomes taking into account the wide spread of the experimental results cited in the literature for the same airshed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/0960-1686(93)90110-K
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“Atmospheric turbulence triggers pronounced diel pattern in karst carbonate geochemistry”. Roland M, Serrano-Ortiz P, Kowalski AS, Van Grieken R, Janssens IA, et al, Biogeosciences 10, 5009 (2013). http://doi.org/10.5194/BG-10-5009-2013
Abstract: CO2 exchange between terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere is key to understanding the feedbacks between climate change and the land surface. In regions with carbonaceous parent material, CO2 exchange patterns occur that cannot be explained by biological processes, such as disproportionate outgassing during the daytime or night-time CO2 uptake during periods when all vegetation is senescent. Neither of these phenomena can be attributed to carbonate weathering reactions, since their CO2 exchange rates are too small. Soil ventilation induced by high atmospheric turbulence is found to explain atypical CO2 exchange between carbonaceous systems and the atmosphere. However, by strongly altering subsurface CO2 concentrations, ventilation can be expected to influence carbonate weathering rates. By imposing ventilation-driven CO2 outgassing in a carbonate weathering model, we show here that carbonate geochemistry is accelerated and does play a surprisingly large role in the observed CO2 exchange pattern of a semi-arid ecosystem. We found that by rapidly depleting soil CO2 during the daytime, ventilation disturbs soil carbonate equilibria and therefore strongly magnifies daytime carbonate precipitation and associated CO2 production. At night, ventilation ceases and the depleted CO2 concentrations increase steadily. Dissolution of carbonate is now enhanced, which consumes CO2 and largely compensates for the enhanced daytime carbonate precipitation. This is why only a relatively small effect on global carbonate weathering rates is to be expected. On the short term, however, ventilation has a drastic effect on synoptic carbonate weathering rates, resulting in a pronounced diel pattern that exacerbates the non-biological behavior of soil-atmosphere CO2 exchanges in dry regions with carbonate soils.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plant and Ecosystems (PLECO) – Ecology in a time of change; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.5194/BG-10-5009-2013
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“Compositional and quantitative microtextural characterization of historic paintings by micro-X-ray diffraction and Raman microscopy”. Romero-Pastor J, Duran A, Rodríguez-Navarro AB, Van Grieken R, Cardell C, Analytical chemistry 83, 8420 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1021/AC201159E
Abstract: This work shows the benefits of characterizing historic paintings via compositional and microtextural data from micro-X-ray diffraction (μ-XRD) combined with molecular information acquired with Raman microscopy (RM) along depth profiles in paint stratigraphies. The novel approach was applied to identify inorganic and organic components from paintings placed at the 14th century Islamic UniversityMadrasah Yusufiyyain Granada (Spain), the only Islamic University still standing from the time of Al-Andalus (Islamic Spain). The use of μ-XRD to obtain quantitative microtextural information of crystalline phases provided by two-dimensional diffraction patterns to recognize pigments nature and manufacture, and decay processes in complex paint cross sections, has not been reported yet. A simple Nasrid (14th century) palette made of gypsum, vermilion, and azurite mixed with glue was identified in polychromed stuccos. Here also a Christian intervention was found via the use of smalt, barite, hematite, Brunswick green and gold; oil was the binding media employed. On mural paintings and wood ceilings, more complex palettes dated to the 19th century were found, made of gypsum, anhydrite, barite, dolomite, calcite, lead white, hematite, minium, synthetic ultramarine blue, and black carbon. The identified binders were glue, egg yolk, and oil.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1021/AC201159E
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“New insights in technology characterization of medieval Valencia glazes”. Romero-Pastor J, Garcia-Porras A, Van Grieken R, Potgieter-Vermaak S, Coll-Conesa J, Cardell C, X-ray spectrometry 44, 426 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1002/XRS.2613
Abstract: This study shows the first Raman microscopy (RM) and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) characterization of two 14th and 15th century lead-glazed and luster ceramics from the Manises and Paterna workshops (Valencia, Spain) produced after the Aragon Christian conquest of the Iberian Peninsula (14th century). According to experts, these coetaneous ceramics were most probably involved in a process of technological transfer from the Islamic area of Southeast Spain to the Christian area of Valencia (East Spain) at the beginning of the 14th century; later on, the celebrated Manises and Paterna workshops were formed. Although these ceramics have been studied widely in terms of production technology (ceramic body, glazes and luster) using an array of diverse analytical techniques, until now, an RM study has not been carried out. This paper presents results regarding the complex chemical composition of the glaze and luster coloring agents, and the quality of color manufacturing processes, elucidating firing conditions via spectral components analysis (i.e., Q(n) for stretching/bending components) and polymerization index (Ip), emphasizing chronology and pigment technology changes between both Valencian workshops. Coloring agents identified in glazes and lusters were cobalt present in blue glazes, copper in greenish glazes, copper and cobalt in the turquoise glaze, and pyrolusite in black glazes. Tin oxyde was used as an opacifier in white glazes. Two luster manufacture recipes were recognized mainly based on copper and silver compounds. Calculated firing temperatures were up to 1000 degrees C for white glazes and up to 600 degrees C for luster and color glazes. Copyright (c) 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1002/XRS.2613
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Roose D (2015) Magnetic resonance imaging and electron microscopy of iron oxide particles in the brain. Universiteit Antwerpen, Faculteit Farmaceutische, Biomedische en Diergeneeskundige Wetenschappen, Departement Biomedische Wetenschappen, Antwerpen
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
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“Measuring gaseous and particulate pollutants: instruments and instrumental problems”. Rosenberg E, De Santis F, Kontozova-Deutsch V, Odlyha M, Van Grieken R, Vichi F page 115 (2010).
Keywords: H2 Book chapter; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
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“Twin boundary structure of Au-doped YBa2Cu3O7-x single crystals”. Rosova A, Krekels T, Van Tendeloo G, Darriet B, Chambon M, Ferroelectrics 141, 87 (1993)
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 0.469
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“Synchrotron XRF analysis identifies cerium accumulation colocalized with pharyngeal deformities in CeO₂, NP-exposed caenorhabditis elegans”. Rossbach LM, Brede DA, Nuyts G, Cagno S, Olsson RMS, Oughton DH, Falkenberg G, Janssens K, Lind OC, Environmental science and technology 56, 5081 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.EST.1C08509
Abstract: A combination of synchrotron radiation-based elementalimaging, in vivo redox status analysis, histology, and toxic responses was usedto investigate the uptake, biodistribution, and adverse effects of Cenanoparticles (CeO2NP; 10 nm; 0.5-34.96 mg Ce L-1) or Ce(NO3)3(2.3-26 mg Ce L-1)inCaenorhabditis elegans. Elemental mapping of theexposed nematodes revealed Ce uptake in the alimentary canal prior todepuration. Retention of CeO2NPs was low compared to that of Ce(NO3)3in depurated individuals. X-rayfluorescence (XRF) mapping showed that Cetranslocation was confined to the pharyngeal valve and foregut. Ce(NO3)3exposure significantly decreased growth, fertility, and reproduction, causedslightly reduced fecundity. XRF mapping and histological analysis revealedsevere tissue deformities colocalized with retained Ce surrounding thepharyngeal valve. Both forms of Ce activated the sod-1 antioxidant defense,particularly in the pharynx, whereas no significant effects on the cellular redox balance were identified. The CeO2NP-induceddeformities did not appear to impair the pharyngeal function or feeding ability as growth effects were restricted to Ce(NO3)3exposure. The results demonstrate the utility of integrated submicron-resolution SR-based XRF elemental mapping of tissue-specificdistribution and adverse effect analysis to obtain robust toxicological evaluations of metal-containing contaminants.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)
Impact Factor: 11.4
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.EST.1C08509
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“Microbial fixation of CO2 in water bodies and in drylands to combat climate change, soil loss and desertification”. Rossi F, Olguin EJ, Diels L, De Philippis R, New biotechnology 32, 109 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.NBT.2013.12.002
Abstract: The growing concern for the increase of the global warming effects due to anthropogenic activities raises the challenge of finding novel technological approaches to stabilize CO2 emissions in the atmosphere and counteract impinging interconnected issues such as desertification and loss of biodiversity. Biological-CO2 mitigation, triggered through biological fixation, is considered a promising and eco-sustainable method, mostly owing to its downstream benefits that can be exploited. Microorganisms such as cyanobacteria, green algae and some autotrophic bacteria could potentially fix CO2 more efficiently than higher plants, due to their faster growth. Some examples of the potential of biological-CO2 mitigation are reported and discussed in this paper. In arid and semiarid environments, soil carbon sequestration (CO2 fixation) by cyanobacteria and biological soil crusts is considered an eco-friendly and natural process to increase soil C content and a viable pathway to soil restoration after one disturbance event. Another way for biological-CO2 mitigation intensively studied in the last few years is related to the possibility to perform carbon dioxide sequestration using microalgae, obtaining at the same time bioproducts of industrial interest. Another possibility under study is the exploitation of specific chemotrophic bacteria, such as Ralstonia eutropha (or picketii) and related organisms, for CO2 fixation coupled with the production chemicals such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). In spite of the potential of these processes, multiple factors still have to be optimized for maximum rate of CO2 fixation by these microorganisms. The optimization of culture conditions, including the optimal concentration of CO2 in the provided gas, the use of metabolic engineering and of dual purpose systems for the treatment of wastewater and production of biofuels and high value products within a biorefinery concept, the design of photobioreactors in the case of phototrophs are some of the issues that, among others, have to be addressed and tested for cost-effective CO2 sequestration.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.NBT.2013.12.002
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