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Author (up) Shi, P.; Gielis, J.; Quinn, B.K.; Niklas, K.J.; Ratkowsky, D.A.; Schrader, J.; Ruan, H.; Wang, L.; Niinemets, Ü.; Niinennets, U.
Title ‘biogeom’ : an R package for simulating and fitting natural shapes Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences Abbreviated Journal Ann Ny Acad Sci
Volume 1516 Issue 1 Pages 123-134
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Many natural objects exhibit radial or axial symmetry in a single plane. However, a universal tool for simulating and fitting the shapes of such objects is lacking. Herein, we present an R package called 'biogeom' that simulates and fits many shapes found in nature. The package incorporates novel universal parametric equations that generate the profiles of bird eggs, flowers, linear and lanceolate leaves, seeds, starfish, and tree-rings, and three growth-rate equations that generate the profiles of ovate leaves and the ontogenetic growth curves of animals and plants. 'biogeom' includes several empirical datasets comprising the boundary coordinates of bird eggs, fruits, lanceolate and ovate leaves, tree rings, seeds, and sea stars. The package can also be applied to other kinds of natural shapes similar to those in the datasets. In addition, the package includes sigmoid curves derived from the three growth-rate equations, which can be used to model animal and plant growth trajectories and predict the times associated with maximum growth rate. 'biogeom' can quantify the intra- or interspecific similarity of natural outlines, and it provides quantitative information of shape and ontogenetic modification of shape with important ecological and evolutionary implications for the growth and form of the living world.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000829772300001 Publication Date 2022-07-26
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0077-8923; 1749-6632 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.2 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.2
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189314 Serial 7131
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author (up) Slavkovic, S.; Shoara, A.A.; Churcher, Z.R.; Daems, E.; De Wael, K.; Sobott, F.; Johnson, P.E.
Title DNA binding by the antimalarial compound artemisinin Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Scientific reports Abbreviated Journal
Volume 12 Issue 1 Pages 133
Keywords A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Abstract Artemisinin (ART) is a vital medicinal compound that is used alone or as part of a combination therapy against malaria. ART is thought to function by attaching to heme covalently and alkylating a range of proteins. Using a combination of biophysical methods, we demonstrate that ART is bound by three-way junction and duplex containing DNA molecules. Binding of ART by DNA is first shown for the cocaine-binding DNA aptamer and extensively studied using this DNA molecule. Isothermal titration calorimetry methods show that the binding of ART is both entropically and enthalpically driven at physiological NaCl concentration. Native mass spectrometry methods confirm DNA binding and show that a non-covalent complex is formed. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy shows that ART binds at the three-way junction of the cocaine-binding aptamer, and that binding results in the folding of the structure-switching variant of this aptamer. This structure-switching ability was exploited using the photochrome aptamer switch assay to demonstrate that ART can be detected using this biosensing assay. This study is the first to demonstrate the DNA binding ability of ART and should lay the foundation for further work to study implications of DNA binding for the antimalarial activity of ART.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000740510500120 Publication Date 2022-01-07
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2045-2322 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:184507 Serial 8851
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author (up) Spacova, I.; Ahannach, S.; Breynaert, A.; Erreygers, I.; Wittouck, S.; Bron, P.A.; Van Beeck, W.; Eilers, T.; Alloul, A.; Blansaer, N.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Hermans, N.; Lebeer, S.
Title Spontaneous riboflavin-overproducing Limosilactobacillus reuteri for biofortification of fermented foods Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Frontiers in Nutrition Abbreviated Journal
Volume 9 Issue Pages 916607-916619
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Riboflavin-producing lactic acid bacteria represent a promising and cost-effective strategy for food biofortification, but production levels are typically insufficient to support daily human requirements. In this study, we describe the novel human isolate Limosilactobacillus reuteri AMBV339 as a strong food biofortification candidate. This strain shows a high natural riboflavin (vitamin B2) overproduction of 18.36 mu g/ml, biomass production up to 6 x 10(10) colony-forming units/ml (in the typical range of model lactobacilli), and pH-lowering capacities to a pH as low as 4.03 in common plant-based (coconut, soy, and oat) and cow milk beverages when cultured up to 72 h at 37 degrees C. These properties were especially pronounced in coconut beverage and butter milk fermentations, and were sustained in co-culture with the model starter Streptococcus thermophilus. Furthermore, L. reuteri AMBV339 grown in laboratory media or in a coconut beverage survived in gastric juice and in a simulated gastrointestinal dialysis model with colon phase (GIDM-colon system) inoculated with fecal material from a healthy volunteer. Passive transport of L. reuteri AMBV339-produced riboflavin occurred in the small intestinal and colon stage of the GIDM system, and active transport via intestinal epithelial Caco-2 monolayers was also demonstrated. L. reuteri AMBV339 did not cause fecal microbiome perturbations in the GIDM-colon system and inhibited enteric bacterial pathogens in vitro. Taken together, our data suggests that L. reuteri AMBV339 represents a promising candidate to provide riboflavin fortification of plant-based and dairy foods, and has a high application potential in the human gastrointestinal tract.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000814856600001 Publication Date 2022-06-09
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2296-861x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189011 Serial 7211
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Author (up) Spaeth, P.; Adhikari, S.; Heyvaert, W.; Zhuo, X.; Garcia, I.; Liz-Marzan, L.M.; Bals, S.; Orrit, M.; Albrecht, W.
Title Photothermal circular dichroism measurements of single chiral gold nanoparticles correlated with electron tomography Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication ACS Photonics Abbreviated Journal Acs Photonics
Volume 9 Issue 12 Pages 3995-4004
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Chemically synthesized metal nanoparticles with morphological chiral features are known to exhibit strong circular dichroism. However, we still lack understanding of the correlation between morphological and chiroptical features of plasmonic nanoparticles. To shed light on that question, single nanoparticle experiments are required. We performed photothermal circular dichroism measurements of single chiral and achiral gold nanoparticles and correlated the chiroptical response to the 3D morphology of the same nanoparticles retrieved by electron tomography. In contrast to an ensemble measurement, we show that individual particles within the ensemble display a broad distribution of strength and handedness of circular dichroism signals. Whereas obvious structural chiral features, such as helical wrinkles, translate into chiroptical ones, nanoparticles with less obvious chiral morphological features can also display strong circular dichroism signals. Interestingly, we find that even seemingly achiral nanoparticles can display large g-factors. The origin of this circular dichroism signal is discussed in terms of plasmonics and other potentially relevant factors.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000884432100001 Publication Date 2022-11-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2330-4022 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 7 Times cited 5 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This work was supported by The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) as part of the Open Technology Program (OTP, Project No. 16008) and by a Spinoza prize (M.O.) . W.A. acknowledges an Individual Fellowship funded by the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) in Horizon 2020 Program (Grant No. 797153, SOPMEN) . L.M.L.M. acknowledges funding from MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 (Grants PID2020-117779RB-I00 and MDM-2017-0720) . We thank Dr. Wolfgang L?fer for providing optical equipment. We also acknowledge the European Soft Matter Infrastructure (EUSMI: E201200468) . Approved Most recent IF: 7
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:192098 Serial 7331
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author (up) Spanoghe, J.
Title Purple bacteria cultivation on light, carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas : exploring and tuning the potential for microbial food production Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2022 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages vi, 207 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract The human population is projected to grow to 9.7 billion by 2050, resulting in an estimated increase in protein demand of 50%. From an environmental perspective, the current and future demand of protein cannot be sustainably met as the conventional food production chain is severely altering biogeochemical cycles of nitrogen and phosphorus, biodiversity and land-use, with flows towards the biosphere and oceans that are exceeding the planetary boundaries. Microbial protein (protein derived from microorganisms) has been suggested as an excellent sustainable protein source, a fortiori when produced in a land- and fossil free manner. The photoautohydrogenotrophic cultivation (i.e. with light, CO2 and H2) of purple bacteria links up perfectly with the upcoming green electrification of industry (green H2) and the need for carbon capture and utilization. However, this metabolism represented a gap in literature, and thus this thesis aimed to establish a basic knowledge platform on its kinetic, stoichiometric and nutritional performance. At first, three originally photoheterotrophically enriched purple bacteria were studied of which Rhodobacter capsulatus reached the highest protein productivity of 0.16 g protein/L/d, which aligned well with the commonly-known photoautotrophic microalgae. Moreover, a full dietary essential amino acid match was found for human food, while the fatty acid content was dominated by the health-stimulating vaccenic acid (82-86%). Lastly, the achieved protein yield in photoautohydrogenotrophic purple bacteria was 2.3 times higher compared to hydrogen oxidizing bacteria, indicating a resource-efficient use of H2. Next, a photoautohydrogenotrophic enrichment of wastewater treatment microbiomes was performed in search for specialist species. While the isolates of this enrichment showed improvements in their performance during acclimation, the kinetic and nutritional performance of Rhodobacter capsulatus still excelled. Subsequently, the influence of nutrient limitations (C or N) and nitrogen gas fixation was studied on the nutritional tuning potential. Both the limitations as well as the N2 fixation resulted in the shift of the essential amino acid profiles. Additionally, the limitations significantly decreased the pigment content, while an increase in the storage of poly-P was seen in case of carbon limitations. The next major challenge was the production intensification in a photobioreactor of which the design was linked to minimizing both H2 and light limitations. The chosen bubble-column photobioreactor already resulted in a doubled biomass productivity. Finally, the remaining technological and non-technological challenges ahead for the production of a high-value, cost-efficient, environment-friendly microbial protein that complies with legislative requirements and appeals to future consumers were discussed.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN 978-90-5728-741-1 Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:188233 Serial 7198
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author (up) Spanoghe, J.; Ost, K.J.; Van Beeck, W.; Vermeir, P.; Lebeer, S.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Purple bacteria screening for photoautohydrogenotrophic food production : are new H₂-fed isolates faster and nutritionally better than photoheterotrophically obtained reference species? Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication New biotechnology Abbreviated Journal New Biotechnol
Volume 72 Issue Pages 38-47
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Photoautohydrogenotrophic enrichments of wastewater treatment microbiomes were performed to obtain hypothetically high-potential specialist species for biotechnological applications. From these enrichment cultures, ten photoautohydrogenotrophic species were isolated: six Rhodopseudomonas species, three Rubrivivax members and Rhodobacter blasticus. The performance of these isolates was compared to three commonly studied, and originally photoheterotrophically enriched species (Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Rhodobacter capsulatus and Rhodobacter sphaeroides), designated as reference species. Repeated subcultivations were applied to improve the initial poor performance of the isolates (acclimation effect), which resulted in increases in both maximum growth rate and protein productivity. However, the maximum growth rate of the reference species remained 3–7 times higher compared to the isolates (0.42–0.84 d−1 at 28 °C), while protein productivities remained 1.5–1.7 times higher. This indicated that H2-based enrichment did not result in photoautohydrogenotrophic specialists, suggesting that the reference species are more suitable for intensified biomass and protein production. On the other hand, the isolates were able to provide equally high protein quality profiles as the references species, providing full dietary essential amino acid matches for human food. Lastly, the effect of metabolic carbon/electron switching (back and forth between auto- to heterotrophic conditions) initially boosted µmax when returning to photoautohydrogenotrophic conditions. However, the switch negatively impacted lag phase, protein productivities and pigment contents. In the case of protein productivity, the acquired acclimation was partially lost with decreases of up to 44 % and 40 % respectively for isolates and reference species. Finally, the three reference species, and specifically Rh. capsulatus, remained the most suitable candidate(s) for further biotechnological development.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000861078800005 Publication Date 2022-08-29
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1871-6784; 1876-4347 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.4 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.4
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:190188 Serial 7199
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author (up) Spiller, M.; Moretti, M.; De Paepe, J.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Environmental and economic sustainability of the nitrogen recovery paradigm : evidence from a structured literature review Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Resources, conservation and recycling Abbreviated Journal Resour Conserv Recy
Volume 184 Issue Pages 106406-106413
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Our economy drives on reactive nitrogen (Nr); while Nr emissions to the environment surpass the planetary boundary. Increasingly, it is advocated to recover Nr contained in waste streams and to reuse it ‘directly’ in the agri-food chain. Alternatively, Nr in waste streams may be removed as N2 and refixed via the Haber-Bosch process in an ‘indirect’ reuse loop. As a systematic sustainability analysis of ‘direct’ Nr reuse and its comparison to the ‘indirect’ reuse loop is lacking, this structured review aimed to analyze literature determining the environmental and economic sustainability of Nr recovery technologies. Bibliometric records were queried from 2000 to 2020 using Boolean search strings, and manual text coding. In total, 63 studies were selected for the review. Results suggest that ‘direct’ Nr reuse using Nr recovery technologies is the preferred paradigm as the majority of studies concluded that it is sustainable or that it can be sustainable depending on technological assumptions and other scenario variables. Only 17 studies compared the ‘direct’ with the ‘indirect’ Nr reuse route, therefore a system perspective in Nr recovery sustainability assessments should be more widely adopted. Furthermore, Nr reuse should also be analyzed in the context of a ‘new Nr economy’ that relies on decentralized Nr production from renewable energy. It is also recommended that on-par technology readiness level comparisons should be carried out, making use of technology development and technology learning methodologies. Finally, by-products of Nr recovery are important to be accounted for as they are reducing the environmental burdens through avoided impacts.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000804938100001 Publication Date 2022-05-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0921-3449 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 13.2 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 13.2
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:188873 Serial 7156
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author (up) Stuyck, W.; Bugaev, A.L.; Nelis, T.; de Oliveira-Silva, R.; Smolders, S.; Usoltsev, O.A.; Arenas Esteban, D.; Bals, S.; Sakellariou, D.; De Vos, D.
Title Sustainable formation of tricarballylic acid from citric acid over highly stable Pd/Nb2O5.nH2O catalysts Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Journal of catalysis Abbreviated Journal J Catal
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000792492100009 Publication Date 2022-02-17
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0021-9517 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 7.3 Times cited 5 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek; Russian Science Foundation, 20-43-01015 ; KU Leuven, METU14/04 MK-5853.2021.1.2 ; Approved Most recent IF: 7.3
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:186580 Serial 6954
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author (up) Sun, C.; Liao, X.; Peng, H.; Zhang, C.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Zhao, Y.; Wu, J.
Title Interfacial gliding-driven lattice oxygen release in layered cathodes Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Cell reports physical science Abbreviated Journal
Volume 3 Issue 1 Pages
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The oxygen release of layered cathodes causes many battery failures, but the underlying mechanism in an actual working cathode is still elusive as it involves secondary agglomerates that introduce complicated boundary structures. Here, we report a general structure instability on the mismatch boundaries driven by interfacial gliding-it introduces a shear stress causing a distortion of the metal-oxygen octahedra framework that reduces its kinetic stability. The migration of cations and diffusion of oxygen vacancies continue to degrade the whole particle from the boundary to the interior, followed by the formation of nano-sized cracks on the fast-degrading interfaces. This work reveals a robust chemical and mechanical interplay on the oxygen release inherent to the intergranular boundaries of layered cathodes. It also suggests that radially patterned columnar grains with low-angle planar boundaries would be an efficient approach to mitigate the boundary oxygen release.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000745659500012 Publication Date 2021-12-20
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:186420 Serial 6961
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author (up) Sun, C.; Street, M.; Zhang, C.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Zhao, W.; Zhang, Q.
Title Boron structure evolution in magnetic Cr₂O₃ thin films Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Materials Today Physics Abbreviated Journal
Volume 27 Issue Pages 100753-100757
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract B substituting O in antiferromagnetic Cr2O3 is known to increase the Ne ' el temperature, whereas the actual B dopant site and the corresponding functionality remains unclear due to the complicated local structure. Herein, A combination of electron energy loss spectroscopy and first-principles calculations were used to unveil B local structures in B doped Cr2O3 thin films. B was found to form either magnetic active BCr4 tetrahedra or various inactive BO3 triangles in the Cr2O3 lattice, with a* and z* bonds exhibiting unique spectral features. Identification of BO3 triangles was achieved by changing the electron momentum transfer to manipulate the differential cross section for the 1s-z* and 1s-a* transitions. Modeling the experimental spectra as a linear combination of simulated B K edges reproduces the experimental z* / a* ratios for 15-42% of the B occupying the active BCr4 structure. This result is further supported by first-principles based thermodynamic calculations.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000827323200003 Publication Date 2022-06-09
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2542-5293 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 11.5 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 11.5
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189660 Serial 7078
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author (up) Tennyson, J.; Mohr, S.; Hanicinec, M.; Dzarasova, A.; Smith, C.; Waddington, S.; Liu, B.; Alves, L.L.; Bartschat, K.; Bogaerts, A.; Engelmann, S.U.; Gans, T.; Gibson, A.R.; Hamaguchi, S.; Hamilton, K.R.; Hill, C.; O’Connell, D.; Rauf, S.; van ’t Veer, K.; Zatsarinny, O.
Title The 2021 release of the Quantemol database (QDB) of plasma chemistries and reactions Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Plasma Sources Science & Technology Abbreviated Journal Plasma Sources Sci T
Volume 31 Issue 9 Pages 095020
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract The Quantemol database (QDB) provides cross sections and rates of processes important for plasma models; heavy particle collisions (chemical reactions) and electron collision processes are considered. The current version of QDB has data on 28 917 processes between 2485 distinct species plus data for surface processes. These data are available via a web interface or can be delivered directly to plasma models using an application program interface; data are available in formats suitable for direct input into a variety of popular plasma modeling codes including HPEM, COMSOL, ChemKIN, CFD-ACE+, and VisGlow. QDB provides ready assembled plasma chemistries plus the ability to build bespoke chemistries. The database also provides a Boltzmann solver for electron dynamics and a zero-dimensional model. Thesedevelopments, use cases involving O<sub>2</sub>, Ar/NF<sub>3</sub>, Ar/NF<sub>3</sub>/O<sub>2</sub>, and He/H<sub>2</sub>O/O<sub>2</sub>chemistries, and plans for the future are presented.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000895762200001 Publication Date 2022-09-01
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0963-0252 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 3.8 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, EP/N509577/1 ; Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, UIDB/50010/2020 ; Science and Technology Facilities Council, ST/K004069/1 ; National Science Foundation, OAC-1834740 ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.8
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:192845 Serial 7245
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author (up) Tessema, G.A.; van der Borg, J.; Van Rompaey, A.; Van Passel, S.; Adgo, E.; Minale, A.S.; Asrese, K.; Frankl, A.; Poesen, J.
Title Benefit segmentation of tourists to geosites and its implications for sustainable development of geotourism in the Southern Lake Tana Region, Ethiopia Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Sustainability Abbreviated Journal Sustainability-Basel
Volume 14 Issue 6 Pages 3411-3425
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Geotourism is a sustainable type of tourism that focuses on the geological and geomorphological heritages of an area, and the associated cultural and biodiversity features. Though the popularity of geotourism is rapidly growing, research on the demand side, particularly on segmenting tourists to geosites and understanding their profiles, is limited. This obviously makes the designing of effective tourism policies that aim at developing geotourism sustainably very difficult. Hence, the main objectives of this study were to segment and profile tourists to geosites based on the benefits sought, and to show its implications for sustainable development of geotourism. With a survey of 415 tourists, this study clustered tourists to geosites in the southern Lake Tana region in Ethiopia based on the benefits sought. A factor-cluster method was applied to segment the tourists. The study identified four distinct segments: Activity-Nature Lovers, Culture Lovers, Nature-Culture Lovers, and Want-It-Alls. These segments differed in their demographic, trip, and behavioral characteristics. The findings implied that for sustainable development, destination managers and marketers need to customize their geotourism product development and marketing strategies based on the needs and characteristics of each market segment.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000774527600001 Publication Date 2022-03-15
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2071-1050 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.9 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.9
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:188043 Serial 7353
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author (up) Thiruvottriyur Shanmugam, S.
Title Singlet oxygen-based photoelectrochemical detection of nucleic acids Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2022 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 217 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Abstract 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.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:191753 Serial 8931
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author (up) Thiruvottriyur Shanmugam, S.; Trashin, S.; De Wael, K.
Title Singlet oxygen-based photoelectrochemical detection of DNA Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Biosensors and bioelectronics Abbreviated Journal
Volume 195 Issue Pages 113652
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Abstract The current work, designed for the photoelectrochemical detection of DNA, evaluates light-responsive DNA probes carrying molecular photosensitizers generating singlet oxygen (1O2). We take advantage of their chromophore’s ability to produce 1O2 upon photoexcitation and subsequent photocurrent response. Type I, fluorescent and type II photosensitizers were studied using diode lasers at 406 nm blue, 532 nm green and 659 nm red lasers in the presensce and absence of a redox reporter, hydroquinone (HQ). Only type II photosensitizers (producing 1O2) resulted in a noticeable photocurrent in 1–4 nA range upon illumination, in particular, dissolved DNA probes labeled with chlorin e6 and erythrosine were found to give a well-detectable photocurrent response in the presence of HQ. Whereas, Type I photosensitizers and fluorescent chromophores generate negligible photocurrents (<0.15 nA). The analytical performance of the sensing system was evaluated using a magnetic beads-based DNA assay on disposable electrode platforms, with a focus to enhance the sensitivity and robustness of the technique in detecting complementary DNA targets. Amplified photocurrent responses in the range of 70–100 nA were obtained and detection limits of 17 pM and 10 pM were achieved using magnetic beads-captured chlorin e6 and erythrosine labeled DNA probes respectively. The presented novel photoelectrochemical detection can further be optimized and employed in applications for which enzymatic amplification such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is not applicable owing to their limitations and as an effective alternative to colorimetric detection when rapid detection of specific nucleic acid targets is required.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000705223300003 Publication Date 2021-09-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0956-5663 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:181796 Serial 8930
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author (up) Thomassen, G.; Dewulf, J.; Van Passel, S.
Title Prospective material and substance flow analysis of the end-of-life phase of crystalline silicon-based PV modules Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Resources Conservation And Recycling Abbreviated Journal Resour Conserv Recy
Volume 176 Issue Pages 105917
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract The approaching end-of life phase of early installed PV modules gave rise to a variety of potential end-of-life strategies, ranging from basic generic waste management strategies to advanced case-specific recycling options. However, no comprehensive assessment on the full range of technological possibilities is available and only limited attention was given to the material recovery rates of these different technologies in light of circular economy. In addition, current material recovery rates are indifferent towards the material value and the value of their secondary applications. Based on an extensive literature review, ten end-of-life scenarios with potential learning effects are identified and their material flows are quantified using a combined material and substance flow analysis. Subsequently, material recovery rates from a mass, economic value and embodied energy perspective are calculated, incorporating the differences in secondary applications. The differences in the mass-based recovery rates of the seven end-of-life scenarios that did not have landfill or municipal waste incineration as the main destination were minimal, as 73-79% of the mass was recovered for the best-case learning scenario. For the economic value recovery rate (9-66%) and the embodied energy recovery rate (18-45%), more profound differences were found. The collection rate was identified as most crucial parameter for all end-of-life scenarios, learning scenarios and recycling indicators. The mass-based recovery rate might favor end-of-life scenarios that lead to dissipation of valuable materials in non-functional secondary applications. Additional targets are required to avoid cascading of valuable materials and to avoid the economic cost and environmental burden of virgin materials.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000708339400003 Publication Date 2021-10-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0921-3449 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 13.2 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 13.2
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:182462 Serial 6939
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author (up) Thomassen, G.; Van Passel, S.; Alaerts, L.; Dewulf, J.
Title Retrospective and prospective material flow analysis of the post-consumer plastic packaging waste management system in Flanders Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Waste Management Abbreviated Journal Waste Manage
Volume 147 Issue Pages 10-21
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract The post-consumer plastic packaging waste management in Flanders was analyzed by performing a retrospective material flow analysis, covering an extensive period from 1985 to 2019. In addition, a prospective material flow analysis of 32 improvement scenarios was performed, based on expected changes in the waste management system. Mass recovery rates were calculated based on different interpretations of the calculation rules. Moreover, various cascading levels were identified to differentiate between the quality level of the secondary applications. The mass recovery rate including only recycling evolved from a value of 0% in 1985 to 31% in 2019 and could be increased to 36-62% depending on the improvement scenario selected. However, the different interpretations of the calculation rules led to a variation of up to 20 and 41% on this mass recovery rates for the retrospective and prospective analysis, respectively. The introduction of monostream recycling for additional post-consumer plastic packaging flows, such as low-density polyethylene, did not lead to increasing mass recovery rates, if no differentiation for the cascading levels was made. The Belgian recycling target of 65% for 2023 will be challenging if the strictest calculation method needs to be followed or if the improvements in the Flemish postconsumer plastic packaging waste system do not follow the best-case collection scenarios under the given assumptions. To harmonize the calculation and monitoring of these targets, clear calculation rules need to be accompanied with a harmonized monitoring system over the entire waste management system.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000802961100002 Publication Date 2022-05-17
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0956-053x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.1 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 8.1
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:188651 Serial 7367
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author (up) Toso, S.; Imran, M.; Mugnaioli, E.; Moliterni, A.; Caliandro, R.; Schrenker, N.J.; Pianetti, A.; Zito, J.; Zaccaria, F.; Wu, Y.; Gemmi, M.; Giannini, C.; Brovelli, S.; Infante, I.; Bals, S.; Manna, L.
Title Halide perovskites as disposable epitaxial templates for the phase-selective synthesis of lead sulfochloride nanocrystals Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Nature communications Abbreviated Journal Nat Commun
Volume 13 Issue 1 Pages 3976-10
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Colloidal chemistry grants access to a wealth of materials through simple and mild reactions. However, even few elements can combine in a variety of stoichiometries and structures, potentially resulting in impurities or even wrong products. Similar issues have been long addressed in organic chemistry by using reaction-directing groups, that are added to a substrate to promote a specific product and are later removed. Inspired by such approach, we demonstrate the use of CsPbCl3 perovskite nanocrystals to drive the phase-selective synthesis of two yet unexplored lead sulfochlorides: Pb3S2Cl2 and Pb4S3Cl2. When homogeneously nucleated in solution, lead sulfochlorides form Pb3S2Cl2 nanocrystals. Conversely, the presence of CsPbCl3 triggers the formation of Pb4S3Cl2/CsPbCl3 epitaxial heterostructures. The phase selectivity is guaranteed by the continuity of the cationic subnetwork across the interface, a condition not met in a hypothetical Pb3S2Cl2/CsPbCl3 heterostructure. The perovskite domain is then etched, delivering phase-pure Pb4S3Cl2 nanocrystals that could not be synthesized directly. Phase-selective approaches, such using reaction-directing groups, are often seen in traditional organic chemistry and catalysis. Here authors use perovskite nanocrystals as disposable templates to drive the phase-selective synthesis of two colloidal nanomaterials, the lead sulfohalides Pb3S2Cl2 and Pb4S3Cl2.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000825867200003 Publication Date 2022-07-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2041-1723 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 16.6 Times cited 15 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes The authors would like to acknowledge Dr. Joka Buha for the help with preliminary tests preceding this project, and Dr. B. M. Aresta and Dr. L. Cassano for their administrative support. The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) through a postdoctoral fellowship to N.J.S. (FWO Grant No. 1238622N, N.J.S). S.B. acknowledges financial support from the European Commission by ERC Consolidator grant REALNANO (No. 815128, S.B.). L.M. acknowledges financial support from the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MIUR) through the Flag-Era JTC2019 project “Solution-Processed Perovskite/Graphene Nanocomposites for SelfPowered Gas Sensors” (PeroGaS, L.M.). The access to the National Synchrotron Light Source, Brookhaven National Laboratory, was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, under Contract No. DE-AC0298CH10886 (NSLS-II Proposal Number 307441). Approved Most recent IF: 16.6
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189684 Serial 7085
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author (up) Tschulkow, M.
Title A techno-environmental economic assessment of a lignin-first biorefinery : a dynamic and prospective framework for emerging technologies Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2022 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 175 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Novel emerging biorefinery technologies have gained interest and have the potential to tackle several sustainability challenges in our society. A lignin-first biorefinery process – reductive catalytic fractionation (RCF) – is currently under development with the aim to process wood into high-value end-products that replace highly polluting fossil oil-based products. However, such emerging technologies are not matured yet, holding a certain degree of technological, economic, and environmental uncertainty. Hence, an appropriate assessment method is required to assess techno-economic feasibility and environmental impacts of emerging uncertain technologies (e.g lignin-first RCF process). This dissertation aims to develop an integrated techno-environmental economic assessment framework to assess emerging technologies dynamically and prospectively from economic and environmental points of view. First, a techno-economic assessment (TEA) is performed to assess the economic feasibility and the most influential economic and technological parameters of the lignin-first RCF biorefinery taking the whole wood value chain into account. By making the relations across the wood value chain, the scale of the biorefinery, wood species, and output prices highly determine the economic feasibility. The economic feasibility can be reached by a sufficient capacity level which depends on wood species-specific conditions. Also, waste wood proves to be the most profitable feedstock in comparison to virgin wood. Second, an analytical real options analysis (ROA) is performed taking two correlated market uncertainties and the value of flexibility into account to identify the optimal investment decision in an RCF biorefinery. Two different investment options, separated and united investments in harvesting equipment and RCF biorefinery, are analyzed. In both scenarios, market uncertainty postpones the investment. When both investment decisions are united, the probability of investment increases in comparison to separated investments. The study reveals that RCF has the potential to stimulate investments within the wood value chain. Third, a consequential life cycle assessment (LCA) is performed to assess the carbon emissions and the environmental consequences of the lignin-first RCF process and its products. The study reveals that at the current stage RCF products have higher carbon emissions than their alternative counterparts. Several options to improve the environmental performance are discussed such as different RCF technology configurations, targeting different RCF products with the ability to replace higher polluting alternative counterparts on the markets. Other discussion points such as transportation type and the distance, (in-)direct land-use change, the use stage and disposal stages implications, and a more comprehensive environmental view of the RCF products, show the potential to improve the environmental performance of the RCF technology. Overall, the study shows that the RCF process can be environmentally desirable if the appropriate RCF configuration and products are chosen. Finally, the above-mentioned methods – techno-economic assessment, analytical real options analysis, and consequential life cycle assessment – are uniquely integrated within the newly developed integrated assessment framework. The framework has the aim to complement the shortcomings and combine the advantages of all three methods. The framework assesses emerging technologies to give predictive insights about the time-specific economic and environmental performance under the newly developed three threshold conditions: technological readiness, economic feasibility, and environmental desirability. The developed integrated assessment framework assesses dynamically and prospectively the RCF biorefinery implementation under Belgian conditions. It reveals that the economic feasibility increases and carbon emissions decrease over time. The RCF biorefinery fulfills all three threshold conditions – technological readiness, economic feasibility, and environmental desirability – consecutively. The newly developed integrated assessment framework offers decision support to several stakeholders of emerging technologies starting from low technology readiness level (TRL). Practitioners such as the technology developers, researchers, and policymakers can use the framework to evaluate emerging technologies that deal with high levels of technological, economic, and environmental uncertainties. The framework assesses emerging technologies on a detailed level to give decision-makers in-depth insights into the intertwined nature of the technological, economic, and environmental dimensions. It offers insights into the expected time-specific economic and environmental performances, potential, and challenges of the emerging technology to further improve the technology and direct R&Ds along the right path.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:188968 Serial 7369
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author (up) van 't Veer, K.C.
Title Plasma kinetics modelling of nitrogen fixation : ammonia synthesis in dielectric barrier discharges with catalysts Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2022 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 241 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Ammonia (NH3) synthesis is crucial for the production of artificial fertilizer and is carried out through the Haber-Bosch process. With an energy consumption of 30 GJ/t-NH3 and the emission of 2 kg-CO2/kg-NH3, ammonia is the chemical with the largest environmental footprint. Haber-Bosch operates under high pressure and high temperature conditions. Plasma technology potentially allows greener ammonia production. Dielectric barrier discharges are a popular plasma source in which a catalyst is easily incorporated. The combination of plasma and catalyst can circumvent the harsh reaction conditions of the Haber-Bosch process. Plasma kinetics modelling is used to gain insight into the mechanisms of such plasma-catalytic systems. Special attention is given to the instantaneous power absorbed by the electrons, the relevant fraction of the microdischarges and the discharge volumes. The importance of vibrational excitation is investigated. Depending on the exact discharge conditions, it was found that both the strong microdischarges and vibrational excitation can be simultaneously important for the ammonia yield. The temporal behavior of filamentary dielectric barrier discharges was explicitly taken into account. Ammonia was found to decompose during the microdischarges due to electron impact dissociation. At the same time atomic nitrogen and other excited species are created. Those reactive species recombine to ammonia in the afterglow through various elementary Eley-Rideal and Langmuir-Hinshelwood surface reaction steps with a net ammonia gain. Finally, the concept of the fraction of microdischarges was generalized. It directly represents the efficiency with which the applied electric power is transferred to each individual particle in the plasma reactor. It is argued that any type of spatial or temporal non-uniformity of the plasma will cause unequal treatment of the gas molecules in the reactor, corresponding to a lower efficiency at which the power is transferred to the gas molecules. All of those insights aid in an increased understanding of plasma-catalytic ammonia synthesis as a potential green chemistry solution to the synthesis of ammonia on small scale.  
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:188246 Serial 7193
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author (up) Van Alphen, S.; Ahmadi Eshtehardi, H.; O'Modhrain, C.; Bogaerts, J.; Van Poyer, H.; Creel, J.; Delplancke, M.-P.; Snyders, R.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Effusion nozzle for energy-efficient NOx production in a rotating gliding arc plasma reactor Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Chemical Engineering Journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J
Volume 443 Issue Pages 136529
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Plasma-based NOx production is of interest for sustainable N2 fixation, but more research is needed to improve its performance. One of the current limitations is recombination of NO back into N2 and O2 molecules immediately after the plasma reactor. Therefore, we developed a novel so-called “effusion nozzle”, to improve the perfor­mance of a rotating gliding arc plasma reactor for NOx production, but the same principle can also be applied to other plasma types. Experiments in a wide range of applied power, gas flow rates and N2/O2 ratios demonstrate an enhancement in NOx concentration by about 8%, and a reduction in energy cost by 22.5%. In absolute terms, we obtain NOx concentrations up to 5.9%, at an energy cost down to 2.1 MJ/mol, which are the best values reported to date in literature. In addition, we developed four complementary models to describe the gas flow, plasma temperature and plasma chemistry, aiming to reveal why the effusion nozzle yields better performance. Our simulations reveal that the effusion nozzle acts as very efficient heat sink, causing a fast drop in gas tem­perature when the gas molecules leave the plasma, hence limiting the recombination of NO back into N2 and O2. This yields an overall higher NOx concentration than without the effusion nozzle. This immediate quenching right at the end of the plasma makes our effusion nozzle superior to more conventional cooling options, like water cooling In addition, this higher NOx concentration can be obtained at a slightly lower power, because the effusion nozzle allows for the ignition and sustainment of the plasma at somewhat lower power. Hence, this also explains the lower energy cost. Overall, our experimental results and detailed modeling analysis will be useful to improve plasma-based NOx production in other plasma reactors as well.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000800010600003 Publication Date 0000-00-00
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1385-8947 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 15.1 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This research was supported by the Excellence of Science FWO-FNRS project (FWO grant ID GoF9618n, EOS ID 30505023), the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement No 810182 – SCOPE ERC Synergy project), and through long-term structural funding (Methusalem). The calculations were performed using the Turing HPC infrastructure at the CalcUA core facility of the Universiteit Antwerpen (UAntwerpen), a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Center VSC, funded by the Hercules Foundation, the Flemish Government (depart­ment EWI) and the UAntwerpen. Approved Most recent IF: 15.1
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:188283 Serial 7057
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author (up) Van Echelpoel, R.; Kranenburg, R.; van Asten, A.; De Wael, K.
Title Electrochemical detection of MDMA and 2C-B in ecstasy tablets using a selectivity enhancement strategy by in-situ derivatization Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Forensic chemistry Abbreviated Journal
Volume 27 Issue Pages 100383
Keywords A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Abstract Forensic drug laboratories are confronted with increasing amounts of drugs and a demand for faster results that are directly available on-site. In addition, the drug market is getting more complex with hundreds of new psychoactive substances (NPS) entering the market in recent years. Rapid and on-scene presumptive drug testing therefore faces a shift from manual colorimetric tests towards approaches that can detect a wider range of components and process results automatically. Electrochemical detection offers these desired characteristics, making it a suitable candidate for on-site drug detection. In this study, a two-step electrochemical sensor is introduced for the detection of MDMA and 2C-B. Firstly, a direct electrochemical analysis was performed to detect MDMA. Validation experiments on over 70 substances revealed that 2C-B was the only frequently encountered drug that gave a false positive result for MDMA in this first analysis. A second step using in-situ derivatization was subsequently introduced. To this end, formaldehyde was used for N-methylation of 2C-B thereby enhancing its electrochemical profile. The enriched electrochemical fingerprint in the second step allowed for clear differentiation between MDMA and 2C-B. The applicability of this approach was demonstrated with 71 ecstasy tablets seized by the Amsterdam Police. The MDMA/2C-B sensor correctly identified all 39 MDMA-containing tablets and 10 out of 11 tablets containing 2C-B. Most notably, correct results were also obtained for dark colored tablets in which both spectroscopic analysis and colorimetric tests failed due to obscured signals.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000725708200002 Publication Date 2021-11-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2468-1709 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.7 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.7
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:183340 Serial 7149
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author (up) Van Echelpoel, R.; Schram, J.; Parrilla, M.; Daems, D.; Slosse, A.; Van Durme, F.; De Wael, K.
Title Electrochemical methods for on-site multidrug detection at festivals Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Sensors & Diagnostics Abbreviated Journal
Volume 1 Issue 1 Pages 793-802
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Abstract Two electrochemical methodologies, i.e. flowchart and dual-sensor, were developed to aid law enforcement present at festivals to obtain a rapid indication of the presence of four illicit drugs in suspicious samples encountered.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2022-06-01
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:188521 Serial 8856
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author (up) Van Everbroeck, T.; Wu, J.; Arenas-Esteban, D.; Ciocarlan, R.-G.; Mertens, M.; Bals, S.; Dujardin, C.; Granger, P.; Seftel, E.M.; Cool, P.
Title ZnAl layered double hydroxide based catalysts (with Cu, Mn, Ti) used as noble metal-free three-way catalysts Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Applied clay science Abbreviated Journal Appl Clay Sci
Volume 217 Issue Pages 106390
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Abstract
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000795870100004 Publication Date 2022-01-02
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0169-1317 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.6 Times cited 6 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes The authors acknowledge financial support by theEuropean Union’s Horizon 2020 Project Partial-PGMs (H2020-NMP-686086). R-G C. and P.C. acknowledge the FWO-Flanders (project no. G038215N) for financial support. S⋅B and D.A.E thank the financial support of the European Research Council (ERC-CoG-2019 815128). The authors are grateful to Johnson Matthey, UK, for supplying the commercial benchmark catalysts; realnano; sygmaSB Approved Most recent IF: 5.6
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:186956 Serial 6955
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Author (up) Van Hal, M.; Lenaerts, S.; Verbruggen, S.W.
Title Photocatalytic soot degradation under UV and visible light Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Environmental Science and Pollution Research Abbreviated Journal Environ Sci Pollut R
Volume Issue Pages 1-11
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology
Abstract Particulate matter is one of the most persistent global air pollutants that is causing health problems, climate disturbance and building deterioration. A sustainable technique that is able to degrade soot using (sun)light is photocatalysis. Currently, research on photocatalytic soot oxidation focusses on large band gap TiO2-based photocatalysts and thus requires the use of UV light. It would prove useful if visible light, and thus a larger fraction of the (freely available) solar spectrum, could additionally be utilised to drive this process. In this work, a visible light-active photocatalyst, WO3, is benchmarked to TiO2 under both UV and visible light. At the same time, the versatility and drastic improvement of a recently introduced digital image-based soot degradation detection method are demonstrated. An additional step correcting for non-soot related catalyst colour changes is applied, resulting in accurate detection and quantification of soot degradation for all studied photocatalysts, even for materials such as WO3 that are inherently coloured. With this study, we aim to broaden the scope of photocatalytic soot oxidation technology to visible light-active photocatalyst. Along with this study, we provide a versatile soot degradation detection methodology based on digital image analysis that is made widely applicable.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000871854600010 Publication Date 2022-10-25
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0944-1344; 1614-7499 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.8 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.8
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:191275 Serial 7189
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author (up) Van Hoecke, L.; Boeye, D.; Gonzalez‐Quiroga, A.; Patience, G.S.; Perreault, P.
Title Experimental methods in chemical engineering : computational fluid dynamics/finite volume method–CFD/FVM Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication The Canadian journal of chemical engineering Abbreviated Journal Can J Chem Eng
Volume Issue Pages 1-17
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) applies numerical methods to solve transport phenomena problems. These include, for example, problems related to fluid flow comprising the Navier--Stokes transport equations for either compressible or incompressible fluids together with turbulence models and continuity equations for single and multi-component (reacting and inert) systems. The design space is first segmented into discrete volume elements (meshing). The finite volume method, the subject of this article, discretizes the equations in time and space to produce a set of non-linear algebraic expressions that are assigned to each volume element-cell. The system of equations is solved iteratively with algorithms like the semi-implicit method for pressure-linked equations (SIMPLE) and the pressure implicit splitting of operators (PISO). CFD is especially useful for testing multiple design elements because it is often faster and cheaper than experiments. The downside is that this numerical method is based on models that require validation to check their accuracy. According to a bibliometric analysis, the broad research domains in chemical engineering include: (1) dynamics and CFD-DEM (2) fluid flow, heat transfer and turbulence, (3) mass transfer and combustion, (4) ventilation and environment, and (5) design and optimization. Here, we review the basic theoretical concepts of CFD and illustrate how to set up a problem in the open-source software OpenFOAM to isomerize n-butane to i-butane in a notched reactor under turbulent conditions. We simulated the problem with 1000, 4000, and 16000 cells. According to the Richardson extrapolation, the simulation underestimates the adiabatic temperature rise by 7% with 16000 cells.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000859840100001 Publication Date 2022-07-26
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0008-4034; 1939-019x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.1 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.1
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189284 Serial 7160
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author (up) Van Oijstaeijen, W.; Van Passel, S.; Back, P.; Cools, J.
Title The politics of green infrastructure : a discrete choice experiment with Flemish local decision-makers Type Administrative Services
Year 2022 Publication Ecological Economics Abbreviated Journal Ecol Econ
Volume 199 Issue Pages 107493-18
Keywords Administrative Services; A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
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.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000811715200008 Publication Date 2022-06-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0921-8009; 1873-6106 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 7 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 7
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189018 Serial 7371
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author (up) Van Putte, N.; Meire, P.; Seuntjens, P.; Joris, I.; Verreydt, G.; Hambsch, L.; Temmerman, S.
Title Solving hindered groundwater dynamics in restored tidal marshes by creek excavation and soil amendments : a model study Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Ecological engineering: the journal of ecotechnology Abbreviated Journal Ecol Eng
Volume 178 Issue Pages 106583-15
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Ecosphere
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.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000795478200005 Publication Date 2022-03-05
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0925-8574 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.8 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.8
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:186605 Serial 7210
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Author (up) Van Schoubroeck, S.; Vermeyen, V.; Alaerts, L.; Van Acker, K.; Van Passel, S.
Title How to monitor the progress towards a circular food economy : a Delphi study Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Sustainable Production and Consumption Abbreviated Journal
Volume 32 Issue Pages 457-467
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Within the food sector, the implementation of a circular economy (CE) can reduce resource consumption and emissions to the environment by moving away from a linear and unsustainable system. This necessitates a clear vision on what circularity for food means, which will provide a much-needed foundation to develop a mon-itoring tool that reveals insights into the progress being made towards a CE, and to expose the bottlenecks and opportunities. This research study contributes to the development of a shared vision for circularity within the food system, and defines and prioritizes a set of indicator themes to monitor a circular food economy (CFE). A two-round Delphi study was performed, including a brainstorming session with experts and the construction of a consensus ranking of indicator themes, considering the production and processing and the consumption stage. The Delphi results provide a shared vision on a CFE, and a blueprint for researchers and policy-makers on its monitoring, which will stimulate the progression from a linear to a circular system.(c) 2022 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Institution of Chemical Engineers.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000806368300009 Publication Date 2022-05-07
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2352-5509 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 12.1 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 12.1
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189513 Serial 7360
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Author (up) Van Tendeloo, M.
Title Resource-efficient nitrogen removal from sewage : kinetic, physical and chemical tools for mainstream partial nitritation/anammox Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2022 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages iv, 204 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Adequate removal of pollutants from sewage is important to protect the environment and public health. Today, sewage treatment plants are operational in many parts of the world, and although the used technologies are effective in removing pollutants from wastewater, they are energy- and resource-intensive. Reshaping sewage treatment into a two-stage system, with separated organic carbon and nitrogen removal, facilitates the transformation towards energy-positive sewage treatment. This thesis will focus on resource-efficient nitrogen removal from sewage via partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A), with reduced organic carbon and oxygen consumption compared to conventional techniques. PN/A relies on the teamwork between two microbial groups to convert ammonium into nitrogen gas. Several other groups of microbes however can proliferate in the sludge, competing for substrate with the key players, lowering the nitrogen removal efficiency and increasing the energy demand. To obtain the desired microbial community, control tools should be applied to selectively promote the desired microbes while suppressing the unwanted competitors. In this thesis, multiple control tools were studied to establish a workable framework for successful implementation of PN/A in the main stream of a sewage treatment plant. These tools can be divided into three categories: i) kinetic tools, regulating substrate availability (e.g., oxygen availability control and residual ammonium concentration), ii) physical tools, revolving around sludge retention and selection (e.g., sludge age control and sludge aggregation form), and iii) chemical tools, exposing the sludge to stress conditions for which the unwanted microbes are vulnerable (e.g., sludge treatments with a single stressor such as free ammonia). The first research chapter focussed on oxygen availability control and single-stressor sludge treatments. The following two chapters covered the development of a novel multi-stressor concept combining substrate starvation and exposure to sulphide and free ammonia. In the final research chapter, the previously obtained knowledge was combined into a demonstration study on pilot-scale. The combination of these control tools was found effective in achieving nitrogen removal via PN/A, both on lab- and pilot-scale. Consequently, the obtained results in this thesis can catalyse the implementation of mainstream PN/A by providing a toolbox with multiple control tools and clever reactor design, thus advancing the concept of energy neutrality and resource efficiency in sewage treatment plants.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:187665 Serial 7204
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Author (up) Van Turnhout, J.; Aceto, D.; Travert, A.; Bazin, P.; Thibault-Starzyk, F.; Bogaerts, A.; Azzolina-Jury, F.
Title Observation of surface species in plasma-catalytic dry reforming of methane in a novel atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge in situ IR cell Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Catalysis Science & Technology Abbreviated Journal Catal Sci Technol
Volume 12 Issue 22 Pages 6676-6686
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract We developed a novel in situ (i.e. inside plasma and during operation) IR dielectric barrier discharge cell allowing investigation of plasma catalysis in transmission mode, atmospheric pressure, flow conditions (WHSV similar to 0-50 000 mL g(-1) h(-1)), at relevant discharge voltages (similar to 0-50 kV) and frequencies (similar to 0-5 kHz). We applied it to study the IR-active surface species formed on a SiO2 support and on a 3 wt% Ru/SiO2 catalyst, which can help to reveal the important surface reaction mechanisms during the plasma-catalytic dry reforming of methane (DRM). Moreover, we present a technique for the challenging task of estimating the temperature of a catalyst sample in a plasma-catalytic system in situ and during plasma operation. We found that during the reaction, water is immediately formed at the SiO2 surface, and physisorbed formic acid is formed with a delay. As Ru/SiO2 is subject to greater plasma-induced heating than SiO2 (with a surface temperature increase in the range of 70-120 degrees C, with peaks up to 150 degrees C), we observe lower amounts of physisorbed water on Ru/SiO2, and less physisorbed formic acid formation. Importantly, the formation of surface species on the catalyst sample in our plasma-catalytic setup, as well as the observed conversions and selectivities in plasma conditions, can not be explained by plasma-induced heating of the catalyst surface, but must be attributed to other plasma effects, such as the adsorption of plasma-generated radicals and molecules, or the occurrence of Eley-Rideal reactions.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000865542600001 Publication Date 2022-10-05
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2044-4753; 2044-4761 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:191389 Serial 7185
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