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Author Van Oijstaeijen, W.; Finizola e Silva, M.; Back, P.; Collins, A.; Verheyen, K.; De Beelde, R.; Cools, J.; Van Passel, S.
Title The Nature Smart Cities business model : a rapid decision-support and scenario analysis tool to reveal the multi-benefits of green infrastructure investments Type Administrative Services
Year 2023 Publication Urban forestry & urban greening Abbreviated Journal
Volume 84 Issue Pages 127923-14
Keywords Administrative Services; A1 Journal article; Art; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Incorporating natural spaces within urban areas has been shown to have multiple benefits. However, despite greening and adaptation strategies at different levels of government, progress remains slow with a lack of easy to use and comprehensive tools identified as key to overcoming this. This paper presents a co-designed tool with academic and local authority partners to demonstrate the ecosystem service benefits of small-scale urban green infrastructure projects. Through the tool, users can readily assess the impact of green infrastructure investments on the delivery of a selection of ecosystem services in the early stages of a project. Furthermore, the tool provides a standardised assessment of cultural ecosystem services' contributions, as well as offering a method to score spatial designs on the impact on habitat for biodiversity. Use of the tool is demonstrated using a pilot study in Kapelle, the Netherlands. The results set out an overview of the impacts of the spatial design on estimated ecosystem service delivery. They also show the tool's potential to add value in early project stages and as a planning and design tool, helping to maximise the benefits that can be achieved through green infrastructure design. Complementing these arguments with ball-park estimations on green infrastructure costs, the Nature Smart Cities Business Model aims to offer public sector officers the means to create a business case for green infrastructure measures, facilitating the translation from strategies to actual plans, thus benefitting green infrastructure implementation in the public realm.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000982199900001 Publication Date 2023-04-11
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 1618-8667 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.4 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 6.4; 2023 IF: 2.113
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:196748 Serial 9235
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Author Živanić, M.; Espona‐Noguera, A.; Verswyvel, H.; Smits, E.; Bogaerts, A.; Lin, A.; Canal, C.
Title Injectable Plasma‐Treated Alginate Hydrogel for Oxidative Stress Delivery to Induce Immunogenic Cell Death in Osteosarcoma Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Advanced functional materials Abbreviated Journal Adv Funct Materials
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Center for Oncological Research (CORE)
Abstract Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a source of cell‐damaging oxidant molecules that may be used as low‐cost cancer treatment with minimal side effects. Liquids treated with cold plasma and enriched with oxidants are a modality for non‐invasive treatment of internal tumors with cold plasma via injection. However, liquids are easily diluted with body fluids which impedes high and localized delivery of oxidants to the target. As an alternative, plasma‐treated hydrogels (PTH) emerge as vehicles for the precise delivery of oxidants. This study reports an optimal protocol for the preparation of injectable alginate PTH that ensures the preservation of plasma‐generated oxidants. The generation, storage, and release of oxidants from the PTH are assessed. The efficacy of the alginate PTH in cancer treatment is demonstrated in the context of cancer cell cytotoxicity and immunogenicity–release of danger signals and phagocytosis by immature dendritic cells, up to now unexplored for PTH. These are shown in osteosarcoma, a hard‐to‐treat cancer. The study aims to consolidate PTH as a novel cold plasma treatment modality for non‐invasive or postoperative tumor treatment. The results offer a rationale for further exploration of alginate‐based PTHs as a versatile platform in biomedical engineering.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001129424500001 Publication Date 2023-12-21
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 1616-301X ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 19 Times cited Open Access
Notes Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, 1S67621N ; European Cooperation in Science and Technology, COST Action CA20114 ; Agència de Gestió d'Ajuts Universitaris i de Recerca, SGR2022‐1368 ; Agencia Estatal de Investigación, PID2019‐ 103892RB‐I00/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 ; Instituto de Salud Carlos III, IHRC22/00003 ; Approved Most recent IF: 19; 2023 IF: 12.124
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:202030 Serial 8979
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Author Marchetti, A.; Gori, A.; Ferretti, A.M.; Esteban, D.A.; Bals, S.; Pigliacelli, C.; Metrangolo, P.
Title Templated Out‐of‐Equilibrium Self‐Assembly of Branched Au Nanoshells Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Small Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 2206712
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Out-of-equilibrium self-assembly of metal nanoparticles (NPs) has been devised using different types of strategies and fuels, but the achievement of finite 3D structures with a controlled morphology through this assembly mode is still rare. Here we used a spherical peptide-gold superstructure (PAuSS) as a template to control the out-of-equilibrium self-assembly of Au NPs, obtaining a transient 3D branched Au-nanoshell (BAuNS) stabilized by sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). The BAuNS dismantled upon concentration gradient equilibration over time in the solution, leading to NPs disassembly. Notably, BAuNS assembly and disassembly favoured temporary interparticle plasmonic coupling, leading to a remarkable oscillation of their optical properties.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000914725800001 Publication Date 2023-01-17
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 1613-6810 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 13.3 Times cited 1 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes European Research Council, ERC‐2017‐PoC MINIRES 789815 ERC‐2012‐StG_20111012 FOLDHALO 307108 815128 ; Approved Most recent IF: 13.3; 2023 IF: 8.643
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:194299 Serial 7247
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Author Marchetti, A.; Gori, A.; Ferretti, A.M.; Esteban, D.A.; Bals, S.; Pigliacelli, C.; Metrangolo, P.
Title Templated Out‐of‐Equilibrium Self‐Assembly of Branched Au Nanoshells (Small 12/2023) Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Small Abbreviated Journal Small
Volume 19 Issue 12 Pages
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract Out-of-equilibrium self-assembly of metal nanoparticles (NPs) has been devised using different

types of strategies and fuels, but the achievement of finite 3D structures with a controlled

morphology through this assembly mode is still rare. Here we used a spherical peptide-gold

superstructure (PAuSS) as a template to control the out-of-equilibrium self-assembly of Au NPs,

obtaining a transient 3D branched Au-nanoshell (BAuNS) stabilized by sodium dodecyl sulphate

(SDS). The BAuNS dismantled upon concentration gradient equilibration over time in the solution,

leading to NPs disassembly. Notably, BAuNS assembly and disassembly favoured temporary

interparticle plasmonic coupling, leading to a remarkable oscillation of their optical properties.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2023-03-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 1613-6810 ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor 13.3 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes P.M. is grateful to the European Research Council (ERC) for the Starting Grant ERC-2012- StG_20111012 FOLDHALO (Grant Agreement no. 307108) and the Proof-of-Concept Grant ERC-2017-PoC MINIRES (Grant Agreement no.789815). A. M. and P. M. are thankful to the project Hydrogex funded by Cariplo Foundation (grant no. 2018-1720). D.A.E. and S.B. acknowledges financial support from ERC Consolidator Grant Number 815128 REALNANO and Grant Agreement No. 731019 (EUSMI). Approved Most recent IF: 13.3; 2023 IF: 8.643
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:200859 Serial 8960
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Author Tampieri, F.; Gorbanev, Y.; Sardella, E.
Title Plasma‐treated liquids in medicine: Let's get chemical Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Plasma Processes and Polymers Abbreviated Journal Plasma Processes & Polymers
Volume 20 Issue 9 Pages e2300077
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Abstract Fundamental and applied research on plasma‐treated liquids for biomedical applications was boosted in the last few years, dictated by their advantages with respect to direct treatments. However, often, the lack of consistent analysis at a molecular level of these liquids, and of the processes used to produce them, have raised doubts of their usefulness in the clinic. The aim of this article is to critically discuss some basic aspects related to the use of plasma‐treated liquids in medicine, with a focus on their chemical composition. We analyze the main liquids used in the field, how they are affected by non‐thermal plasmas, and the possibility to replicate them without plasma treatment.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001005060700001 Publication Date 2023-06-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 1612-8850 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.5 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes We thank COST Actions CA20114 (Therapeutical Applications of Cold Plasmas) and CA19110 (Plasma Applications for Smart and Sustainable Agriculture) for the stimulating environment provided. Francesco Tampieri wishes to thank Dr. Cristina Canal for the helpful discussion during the planning stage of this paper. Approved Most recent IF: 3.5; 2023 IF: 2.846
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:197386 Serial 8814
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Author Campos, R.; Thiruvottriyur Shanmugam, S.; Daems, E.; Ribeiro, R.; De Wael, K.
Title Development of an electrochemiluminescent oligonucleotide-based assay for the quantification of prostate cancer associated miR-141-3p in human serum Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Bioelectrochemistry: an international journal devoted to electrochemical aspects of biology and biological aspects of electrochemistry Abbreviated Journal
Volume 153 Issue Pages 108495-108496
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Abstract MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small oligonucleotides (18–25 bases), biologically relevant for epigenetic regulation of key processes, particularly in association with cancer. Research effort has therefore been directed towards the monitoring and detection of miRNAs to progress (early) cancer diagnoses. Traditional detection strategies for miRNAs are expensive, with a lengthy time-to-result. In this study we develop an oligonucleotide-based assay using electrochemistry for the specific, selective and sensitive detection of a circulating miRNA (miR-141) associated with prostate cancer. In the assay, the excitation and readout of the signal are independent: an electrochemical stimulation followed by an optical readout. A ‘sandwich’ approach is incorporated, consisting of a biotinylated capture probe immobilised on streptavidin-functionalised surfaces and a detection probe labelled with digoxigenin. We show that the assay allows the detection of miR-141 in human serum, even in the presence of other miRNAs, with a LOD of 0.25 pM. The developed electrochemiluminescent assay has, therefore, the potential for efficient universal oligonucleotide target detection via the redesign of capture and detection probes.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001031760700001 Publication Date 2023-06-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 1567-5394 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 5 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 01.01.2024
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5; 2023 IF: 3.346
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:197615 Serial 8849
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Author Moro, G.; Campos, R.; Daems, E.; Moretto, L.M.; De Wael, K.
Title Haem-mediated albumin biosensing : towards voltammetric detection of PFOA Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Bioelectrochemistry: an international journal devoted to electrochemical aspects of biology and biological aspects of electrochemistry Abbreviated Journal
Volume 152 Issue Pages 108428-7
Keywords A1 Journal article; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Abstract The haem group is a promising redox probe for the design of albumin-based voltammetric sensors. Among the endogenous ligands carried by human serum albumin (hSA), haem is characterised by a reversible redox behaviour and its binding kinetics strongly depend on hSA’s conformation, which, in turn, depends on the presence of other ligands. In this work, the potential applicability of haem, especially hemin, as a redox probe was first tested in a proof-of-concept study using perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) as model analyte. PFOA is known to bind hSA by occupying Sudlow’s I site (FA7) which is spatially related to the haem-binding site (FA1). The latter undergoes a conformational change, which is expected to affect hemin’s binding kinetics. To verify this hypothesis, hemin:albumin complexes in the presence/absence of PFOA were first screened by UV–Vis spectroscopy. Once the complex formation was verified, haem was further characterised via electrochemical methods to estimate its electron transfer kinetics. The hemin:albumin:PFOA system was studied in solution, with the aim of describing the multiple equilibria at stake and designing an electrochemical assay for PFOA monitoring. This latter could be integrated with protein-based bioremediation approaches for the treatment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances polluted waters. Overall, our preliminary results show how hemin can be applied as a redox probe in albumin-based voltammetric sensing strategies.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000971630400001 Publication Date 2023-03-27
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 1567-5394 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 5 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5; 2023 IF: 3.346
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:195069 Serial 8876
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Author Borah, R.; Kumar, A.; Samantaray, M.; Desai, A.; Tseng, F.-G.
Title Photothermal heating of Au nanorods and nanospheres : temperature characteristics and strength of convective forces Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Plasmonics Abbreviated Journal
Volume 18 Issue 4 Pages 1449-1465
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract The nanoscale photothermal effect and the optofluidic convection around plasmonic nanoparticles drive the application of such nanoparticles in micro-environment. In this work, heat transfer and fluid flow around Au nanospheres and nanorods in water medium under continuous and pulsed wave laser irradiance was investigated using an FEM based numerical framework. Au nanospheres of a wide range of diameter: 40 nm = Diameter (D) = 180 nm and relatively large nanorods (diameter: 50 nm) with varying aspect ratio (1 = Aspect ratio (A) = 5) and orientation (0 degrees = ? = 90 degrees, ? = 0 degrees, 90 degrees) with respect to the incident EM radiation were investigated for continuous wave (CW) and pulsed wave laser. It was found that although nanorods can attain much higher temperature than nanospheres, orientation of a nanorod is an important factor to be carefully considered in applications. In micro-scale spherical and hemispherical confinements (diameter < 14.4 p.m), the convective velocity fields around nanoparticles is in the order of 10-9 m/s, with only a weak effect of the slip or no-slip boundary condition on the confining walls. Importantly, the size of the confinement has a strong effect leading to an order of magnitude stronger convection for 14.4 p.m (diameter) spherical confinement as compared to 3.6 p.m confinement. Additionally close proximity of the nanoparticles to the confining walls strongly reduces (by an order of magnitude) the convective currents. The results reported herein provides important insights for the use of photothermal nanoparticles in microscale confined space (e.g. cellular environment) for applications such as optical tweezers, photoporation, etc.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000985445100001 Publication Date 2023-05-11
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 1557-1955; 1557-1963 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3; 2023 IF: 2.139
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:197380 Serial 8914
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Author Tchakoua, T.; Gerrits, N.; Smeets, E.W.F.; Kroes, G.-J.
Title SBH17 : benchmark database of barrier heights for dissociative chemisorption on transition metal surfaces Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Journal of chemical theory and computation Abbreviated Journal
Volume 19 Issue 1 Pages 245-270
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Accurate barriers for rate controlling elementary reactions on metal surfaces are key to understanding, controlling, and predicting the rate of heterogeneously catalyzed processes. While barrier heights for gas phase reactions have been extensively benchmarked, dissociative chemisorption barriers for the reactions of molecules on metal surfaces have received much less attention. The first database called SBH10 and containing 10 entries was recently constructed based on the specific reaction parameter approach to density functional theory (SRP-DFT) and experimental results. We have now constructed a new and improved database (SBH17) containing 17 entries based on SRP-DFT and experiments. For this new SBH17 benchmark study, we have tested three algorithms (high, medium, and light) for calculating barrier heights for dissociative chemisorption on metals, which we have named for the amount of computational effort involved in their use. We test the performance of 14 density functionals at the GGA, GGA+vdW-DF, and meta-GGA rungs. Our results show that, in contrast with the previous SBH10 study where the BEEF-vdW-DF2 functional seemed to be most accurate, the workhorse functional PBE and the MS2 density functional are the most accurate of the GGA and meta-GGA functionals tested. Of the GGA+vdW functionals tested, the SRP32-vdW-DF1 functional is the most accurate. Additionally, we found that the medium algorithm is accurate enough for assessing the performance of the density functionals tested, while it avoids geometry optimizations of minimum barrier geometries for each density functional tested. The medium algorithm does require metal lattice constants and interlayer distances that are optimized separately for each functional. While these are avoided in the light algorithm, this algorithm is found not to give a reliable description of functional performance. The combination of relative ease of use and demonstrated reliability of the medium algorithm will likely pave the way for incorporation of the SBH17 database in larger databases used for testing new density functionals and electronic structure methods.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000903286100001 Publication Date 2022-12-19
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 1549-9618 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.5 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.5; 2023 IF: 5.245
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:193426 Serial 7274
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Author Chowdhury, M.S.; Rösch, E.L.; Esteban, D.A.; Janssen, K.-J.; Wolgast, F.; Ludwig, F.; Schilling, M.; Bals, S.; Viereck, T.; Lak, A.
Title Decoupling the Characteristics of Magnetic Nanoparticles for Ultrahigh Sensitivity Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Nano letters Abbreviated Journal
Volume 23 Issue 1 Pages 58-65
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Immunoassays exploiting magnetization dynamics of magnetic nanoparticles are highly promising for mix-and-measure, quantitative, and point-of-care diagnostics. However, how single-core magnetic nanoparticles can be employed to reduce particle concentration and concomitantly maximize assay sensitivity is not fully understood. Here, we design monodisperse Néel and Brownian relaxing magnetic nanocubes (MNCs) of different sizes and compositions. We provide insights into how to decouple physical properties of these MNCs to achieve ultrahigh sensitivity. We find that tri-component-based Zn0.06 Co0.80Fe2.14 O4 particles, with out-of-phase to initial magnetic susceptibility χ /χ ratio of 0.47 out of 0.50 for magnetically blocked ideal particles, show the ultrahigh magnetic sensitivity by providing rich magnetic particle spectroscopy (MPS) harmonics spectrum despite bearing lower saturation magnetization than di-component Zn0.1Fe2.9O4 having high saturation magnetization. The Zn0.06Co0.80Fe2.14O4 MNCs, coated with catechol-based polyethylene glycol ligands, measured by our benchtop MPS show three orders of magnitude better particle LOD than that of commercial nanoparticles of comparable size.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000907816300001 Publication Date 2023-01-11
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 1530-6984 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 10.8 Times cited 1 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, DFG RTG 1952 ; Joachim Herz Stiftung; H2020 Research Infrastructures, 823717 ; Approved Most recent IF: 10.8; 2023 IF: 12.712
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:193406 Serial 7248
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Author Rivas-Murias, B.; Testa-Anta, M.; Skorikov, A.S.; Comesana-Hermo, M.; Bals, S.; Salgueirino, V.
Title Interfaceless exchange bias in CoFe₂O₄ nanocrystals Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Nano letters Abbreviated Journal
Volume 23 Issue 5 Pages 1688-1695
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Oxidized cobalt ferrite nanocrystals with a modified distribution of the magnetic cations in their spinel structure give place to an unusual exchange-coupled system with a double reversal of the magnetization, exchange bias, and increased coercivity, but without the presence of a clear physical interface that delimits two well-differentiated magnetic phases. More specifically, the partial oxidation of cobalt cations and the formation of Fe vacancies at the surface region entail the formation of a cobalt-rich mixed ferrite spinel, which is strongly pinned by the ferrimagnetic background from the cobalt ferrite lattice. This particular configuration of exchange-biased magnetic behavior, involving two different magnetic phases but without the occurrence of a crystallographically coherent interface, revolu-tionizes the established concept of exchange bias phenomenology.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000940892000001 Publication Date 2023-02-27
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 1530-6984 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 10.8 Times cited 4 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes M.T.-A. acknowledges financial support from the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovaci?n under grant FJC2021- 046680-I. S.B. acknowledges funding from the European Research Council under the European Union?s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (ERC Consolidator Grant N o 815128 REALNANO) . V.S. acknowledges the financial support from the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovaci?n under project PID2020-119242-I00 and from the European Union under project H2020-MSCA-RISE-2019 PEPSA-MATE (project number 872233) . Approved Most recent IF: 10.8; 2023 IF: 12.712
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:195186 Serial 7315
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Author Torun, E.; Paleari, F.; Milošević, M.V.; Wirtz, L.; Sevik, C.
Title Intrinsic control of interlayer exciton generation in Van der Waals materials via Janus layers Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Nano letters Abbreviated Journal
Volume 23 Issue 8 Pages 3159-3166
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract We demonstrate the possibility of engineering the optical properties of transition metal dichalcogenide heterobilayers when one of the constitutive layers has a Janus structure. We investigate different MoS2@Janus layer combinations using first-principles methods including excitons and exciton-phonon coupling. The direction of the intrinsic electric field from the Janus layer modifies the electronic band alignments and, consequently, the energy separation between dark interlayer exciton states and bright in-plane excitons. We find that in-plane lattice vibrations strongly couple the two states, so that exciton-phonon scattering may be a viable generation mechanism for interlayer excitons upon light absorption. In particular, in the case of MoS2@WSSe, the energy separation of the low-lying interlayer exciton from the in-plane exciton is resonant with the transverse optical phonon modes (40 meV). We thus identify this heterobilayer as a prime candidate for efficient generation of charge-separated electron-hole pairs.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000969732100001 Publication Date 2023-04-10
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 1530-6984 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 10.8 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 10.8; 2023 IF: 12.712
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:196034 Serial 8118
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Author Gauquelin, N.; Forte, F.; Jannis, D.; Fittipaldi, R.; Autieri, C.; Cuono, G.; Granata, V.; Lettieri, M.; Noce, C.; Miletto-Granozio, F.; Vecchione, A.; Verbeeck, J.; Cuoco, M.
Title Pattern Formation by Electric-Field Quench in a Mott Crystal Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Nano letters Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The control of Mott phase is intertwined with the spatial reorganization of the electronic states. Out-of-equilibrium driving forces typically lead to electronic patterns that are absent at equilibrium, whose nature is however often elusive. Here, we unveil a nanoscale pattern formation in the Ca2 RuO4 Mott insulator. We demonstrate how an applied electric field spatially reconstructs the insulating phase that, uniquely after switching off the electric field, exhibits nanoscale stripe domains. The stripe pattern has regions with inequivalent octahedral distortions that we directly observe through high-resolution scanning transmission electron

microscopy. The nanotexture depends on the orientation of the electric field, it is non-volatile and rewritable. We theoretically simulate the charge and orbital reconstruction induced by a quench dynamics of the applied electric field providing clear-cut mechanisms for the stripe phase formation. Our results open the path for the design of non-volatile electronics based on voltage-controlled nanometric phases.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001012061600001 Publication Date 2023-05-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 1530-6984 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 10.8 Times cited 2 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innova- tion programme under grant agreement No 823717 – ESTEEM3. The Merlin camera used in the experiment received funding from the FWO-Hercules fund G0H4316N ’Direct electron detector 15for soft matter TEM’. C. A. and G. C. are supported by the Foundation for Polish Science through the International Research Agendas program co-financed by the European Union within the Smart Growth Operational Programme. C. A. and G. C. acknowledge the access to the computing facil- ities of the Interdisciplinary Center of Modeling at the University of Warsaw, Grant No. GB84-0, GB84-1 and GB84-7 and GB84-7 and Poznan Supercomputing and Networking Center Grant No. 609.. C. A. and G. C. acknowledge the CINECA award under the ISCRA initiative IsC85 “TOP- MOST” Grant, for the availability of high-performance computing resources and support. We acknoweldge A. Guarino and C. Elia for providing support about the electrical characterization of the sample. M.C., R.F., and A.V. acknowledge support from the EU’s Horizon 2020213 research and innovation program under Grant Agreement No. 964398 (SUPERGATE). Approved Most recent IF: 10.8; 2023 IF: 12.712
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:196970 Serial 8789
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Author Ying, J.; Xiao, Y.; Chen, J.; Hu, Z.-Y.; Tian, G.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Zhang, Y.; Symes, M.D.D.; Janiak, C.; Yang, X.-Y.
Title Fractal design of hierarchical PtPd with enhanced exposed surface atoms for highly catalytic activity and stability Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Nano letters Abbreviated Journal
Volume 23 Issue 16 Pages 7371-7378
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Hierarchicalassembly of arc-like fractal nanostructures not onlyhas its unique self-similarity feature for stability enhancement butalso possesses the structural advantages of highly exposed surface-activesites for activity enhancement, remaining a great challenge for high-performancemetallic nanocatalyst design. Herein, we report a facile strategyto synthesize a novel arc-like hierarchical fractal structure of PtPdbimetallic nanoparticles (h-PtPd) by using pyridinium-type ionic liquidsas the structure-directing agent. Growth mechanisms of the arc-likenanostructured PtPd nanoparticles have been fully studied, and precisecontrol of the particle sizes and pore sizes has been achieved. Dueto the structural features, such as size control by self-similaritygrowth of subunits, structural stability by nanofusion of subunits,and increased numbers of exposed active atoms by the curved homoepitaxialgrowth, h-PtPd displays outstanding electrocatalytic activity towardoxygen reduction reaction and excellent stability during hydrothermaltreatment and catalytic process.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001042181100001 Publication Date 2023-08-03
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 1530-6984 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 10.8 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 10.8; 2023 IF: 12.712
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:198408 Serial 8870
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Van Gordon, K.; Baúlde, S.; Mychinko, M.; Heyvaert, W.; Obelleiro-Liz, M.; Criado, A.; Bals, S.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.; Mosquera, J.
Title Tuning the Growth of Chiral Gold Nanoparticles Through Rational Design of a Chiral Molecular Inducer Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Nano Letters Abbreviated Journal Nano Lett.
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract The bottom-up production of chiral gold nanomaterials holds great potential for the advancement of biosensing and nano-optics, among other applications. Reproducible preparations of colloidal nanomaterials with chiral morphology have been reported, using cosurfactants or chiral inducers such as thiolated amino acids. However, the underlying growth mechanisms for these nanomaterials remain insufficiently understood. We introduce herein a purposely devised chiral inducer, a cysteine modified with a hydrophobic chain, as a versatile chiral inducer. The amphiphilic and chiral features of this molecule provide control over the chiral morphology and the chiroptical signature of the obtained nanoparticles by simply varying the concentration of chiral inducer. These results are supported by circular dichroism and electromagnetic modeling as well as electron tomography to analyze structural evolution at the facet scale. Our observations suggest complex roles for the factors involved in chiral synthesis: the chemical nature of the chiral inducers and the influence of cosurfactants.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001092787000001 Publication Date 2023-10-25
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 1530-6984 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 10.8 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes J.M. Taboada and F. Obelleiro are thanked for support with electromagnetic simulations. The authors acknowledge financial support by the European Research Council (ERC CoG No. 815128 REALNANO to S. Bals; ERC AdG No. 787510, 4DbioSERS to L.M.L.-M.) and from MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and “ESF Investing in your future” (Grant PID2020-117779RB-I00 to L.M.L.-M., Grant RYC2020-030183-I to A.C., and Grants RYC2019-027842-I, PID2020-117885GA-I00 to J.M.). Approved Most recent IF: 10.8; 2023 IF: 12.712
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:200590 Serial 8963
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Author Xiang, F.; Gupta, A.; Chaves, A.; Krix, Z.E.; Watanabe, K.; Taniguchi, T.; Fuhrer, M.S.; Peeters, F.M.; Neilson, D.; Milošević, M.V.; Hamilton, A.R.
Title Intra-zero-energy Landau level crossings in bilayer graphene at high electric fields Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Nano letters Abbreviated Journal
Volume 23 Issue 21 Pages 9683-9689
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract The highly tunable band structure of the zero-energy Landau level (zLL) of bilayer graphene makes it an ideal platform for engineering novel quantum states. However, the zero-energy Landau level at high electric fields has remained largely unexplored. Here we present magnetotransport measurements of bilayer graphene in high transverse electric fields. We observe previously undetected Landau level crossings at filling factors nu = -2, 1, and 3 at high electric fields. These crossings provide constraints for theoretical models of the zero-energy Landau level and show that the orbital, valley, and spin character of the quantum Hall states at high electric fields is very different from low electric fields. At high E, new transitions between states at nu = -2 with different orbital and spin polarization can be controlled by the gate bias, while the transitions between nu = 0 -> 1 and nu = 2 -> 3 show anomalous behavior.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001102148900001 Publication Date 2023-10-26
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 1530-6984 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 10.8 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 10.8; 2023 IF: 12.712
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:201200 Serial 9052
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Author Detamornrat, U.; Parrilla, M.; Domínguez-Robles, J.; Anjani, Q.K.; Larrañeta, E.; De Wael, K.; Donnelly, R.F.
Title Transdermal on-demand drug delivery based on an iontophoretic hollow microneedle array system Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Lab on a chip Abbreviated Journal
Volume 23 Issue 9 Pages 2304-2315
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Abstract Transdermal drug delivery has emerged as an alternative administration route for therapeutic drugs, overcoming current issues in oral and parenteral administration. However, this technology is hindered by the low permeability of the stratum corneum of the skin. In this work, we develop a synergic combination of two enhancing technologies to contribute to an improved and on-demand drug delivery through an iontophoretic system coupled with hollow microneedles (HMNs). For the first time, a polymeric HMN array coupled with integrated iontophoresis for the delivery of charged molecules and macromolecules (e.g. proteins) is devised. To prove the concept, methylene blue, fluorescein sodium, lidocaine hydrochloride, and bovine serum albumin-fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugate (BSA-FITC) were first tested in an in vitro setup using 1.5% agarose gel model. Subsequently, the ex vivo drug permeation study using a Franz diffusion cell was conducted, exhibiting a 61-fold, 43-fold, 54-fold, and 17-fold increment of the permeation of methylene blue, fluorescein sodium, lidocaine hydrochloride, and BSA-FITC, respectively, during the application of 1 mA cm(-2) current for 6 h. Moreover, the total amount of drug delivered (i.e. in the skin and receptor compartment) was analysed to untangle the different delivery profiles according to the types of molecule. Finally, the integration of the anode and cathode into an iontophoretic hollow microneedle array system (IHMAS) offers the full miniaturisation of the concept. Overall, the IHMAS device provides a versatile wearable technology for transdermal on-demand drug delivery that can improve the administration of personalised doses, and potentially enhance precision medicine.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000971513000001 Publication Date 2023-04-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 1473-0197 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.1 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 6.1; 2023 IF: 6.045
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:195781 Serial 8946
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Author Posokhova, S.M.M.; Morozov, V.A.; Deyneko, D.V.V.; Redkin, B.S.S.; Spassky, D.A.A.; Nagirnyi, V.; Belik, A.A.A.; Hadermann, J.; Pavlova, E.T.T.; Lazoryak, B.I.I.
Title K₅Eu(MoO₄)₄ red phosphor for solid state lighting applications, prepared by different techniques Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication CrystEngComm Abbreviated Journal Crystengcomm
Volume 25 Issue 5 Pages 835-847
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The influence of preparation techniques on the structure and luminescent properties of K5Eu(MoO4)(4) (KEMO) was investigated. KEMO phosphors were synthesized by three different techniques: solid state and sol-gel (sg) methods as well as the Czochralski (CZ) crystal growth technique. Laboratory powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) studies revealed that all KEMO samples had a structure analogous to that of other high temperature alpha-K5R(MoO4)(4) palmierite-type phases (space group (SG) R3m). Contrary to laboratory PXRD data, electron diffraction revealed that the KEMO crystal grown by the CZ technique had a (3 + 1)D incommensurately modulated structure (super space group (SSG) C2/m(0 beta 0)00) with the modulation vector q = 0.689b*. A detailed analysis of electron diffraction patterns has shown formation of three twin domains rotated along the c axis of the R-subcell at 60 degrees with respect to each other. Synchrotron XRD patterns showed additional ultra-wide reflexes in addition to reflections of the R-subcell of the palmierite. However, the insufficient number of reflections, their low intensity and large width in the synchrotron X-ray diffraction patterns made it impossible to refine the structure as incommensurately modulated C2/m(0 beta 0)00. An average structure was refined in the C2/m space group with random distribution of K1 and Eu1 in [M1A(2)O(8)]-layers of the palmierite-type structure. The dependence of luminescent properties on utilized synthesis techniques was studied. The emission spectra of all samples exhibit intense red emission originating from the D-5(0) -> F-7(2) Eu3+ transition. The integrated intensity of the emission from the Eu3+ 5D0 term was found to be the highest in the crystal grown by the CZ technique. The quantum yield measured for KEMO crystals demonstrates a very high value of 66.5%. This fact confirms that KEMO crystals are exceptionally attractive for applications as a near-UV converting red phosphor for LEDs.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000912021300001 Publication Date 2023-01-06
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 1466-8033 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.1 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.1; 2023 IF: 3.474
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:194320 Serial 7317
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Author Biondo, O.; van Deursen, C.F.A.M.; Hughes, A.; van de Steeg, A.; Bongers, W.; van de Sanden, M.C.M.; van Rooij, G.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Avoiding solid carbon deposition in plasma-based dry reforming of methane Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Green Chemistry Abbreviated Journal Green Chem.
Volume 25 Issue 24 Pages 10485-10497
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Abstract Solid carbon deposition is a persistent challenge in dry reforming of methane (DRM), affecting both classical and plasma-based processes. In this work, we use a microwave plasma in reverse vortex flow configuration to overcome this issue in CO<sub>2</sub>/CH<sub>4</sub>plasmas. Indeed, this configuration efficiently mitigates carbon deposition, enabling operation even with pure CH<sub>4</sub>feed gas, in contrast to other configurations. At the same time, high reactor performance is achieved, with CO<sub>2</sub>and CH<sub>4</sub>conversions reaching 33% and 44% respectively, at an energy cost of 14 kJ L<sup>−1</sup>for a CO<sub>2</sub> : CH<sub>4</sub>ratio of 1 : 1. Laser scattering and optical emission imaging demonstrate that the shorter residence time in reverse vortex flow lowers the gas temperature in the discharge, facilitating a shift from full to partial CH<sub>4</sub>pyrolysis. This underscores the pivotal role of flow configuration in directing process selectivity, a crucial factor in complex chemistries like CO<sub>2</sub>/CH<sub>4</sub>mixtures and very important for industrial applications.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001110100100001 Publication Date 2023-11-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 1463-9262 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 9.8 Times cited Open Access
Notes Universiteit Antwerpen; Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek; HORIZON EUROPE Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions, 813393 ; Approved Most recent IF: 9.8; 2023 IF: 9.125
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:202138 Serial 8978
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Author Duran, T.A.; Šabani, D.; Milošević, M.V.; Sahin, H.
Title Experimental and theoretical investigation of synthesis and properties of dodecanethiol-functionalized MoS₂ Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Physical chemistry, chemical physics Abbreviated Journal
Volume 25 Issue 40 Pages 27141-27150
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Herein, we investigate the DDT (1-dodecanethiol) functionalization of exfoliated MoS2 by using experimental and theoretical tools. For the functionalization of MoS2, DDT treatment was incorporated into the conventional NMP (N-methyl pyrrolidone) exfoliation procedure. Afterward, it has been demonstrated that the functionalization process is successful through optical, morphological and theoretical analysis. The D, G and 2LA peaks seen in the Raman spectrum of exfoliated NMP-MoS2 particles, indicate the formation of graphitic species on MoS2 sheets. In addition, as the DDT ratio increases, the vacant sites on MoS2 sheets diminish. Moreover, at an optimized ratio of DDT-NMP, the maximum number of graphitic quantum dots (GQDs) is observed on MoS2 nanosheets. Specifically, the STEM and AFM data confirm that GQDs reside on the MoS2 nano-sheets and also that the particle size of the DDT-MoS2 is mostly fixed, while the NMP-MoS2 show many smaller and distributed sizes. The comparison of PL intensities of the NMP-MoS2 and DDT-MoS2 samples states a 10-fold increment is visible, and a 60-fold increment in NIR region photoluminescent properties. Moreover, our results lay out understanding and perceptions on the surface and edge chemistry of exfoliated MoS2 and open up more opportunities for MoS2 and GQD particles with broader applications.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001076998800001 Publication Date 2023-09-29
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 1463-9076; 1463-9084 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 3.3 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.3; 2023 IF: 4.123
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:200284 Serial 9033
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Author Ramesha, B.M.; Pawlak, B.; Arenas Esteban, D.; Reekmans, G.; Bals, S.; Marchal, W.; Carleer, R.; Adriaensens, P.; Meynen, V.
Title Partial hydrolysis of diphosphonate ester during the formation of hybrid Tio₂ nanoparticles : role of acid concentration Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication ChemPhysChem : a European journal of chemical physics and physical chemistry Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages e202300437-13
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Abstract In the present work, a method was utilized to control the in‐situ partial hydrolysis of a diphosphonate ester in presence of a titania precursor and in function of acid content and its impact on the hybrid nanoparticles was assessed. The hydrolysis degree of organodiphosphonate ester linkers during the formation of hybrid organic‐inorganic metal oxide nanoparticles, are relatively underexplored . Quantitative solution NMR spectroscopy revealed that during the synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles, an increase in acid concentration introduces a higher degree of partial hydrolysis of the TEPD linker into diverse acid/ester derivatives of TEPD. Increasing the HCl/Ti ratio from 1 to 3, resulted in an increase in degree of partial hydrolysis of the TEPD linker in solution from 4% to 18.8% under the here applied conditions. As a result of the difference in partial hydrolysis, the linker‐TiO2 bonding was altered. Upon subsequent drying of the colloidal TiO2 solution, different textures, at nanoscale and macroscopic scale, were obtained dependent on the HCl/Ti ratio and thus the degree of hydrolysis of TEPD. Understanding such linker‐TiO2 nanoparticle surface dynamics is crucial for making hybrid organic‐inorganic materials (i.e. (porous) metal phosphonates) employed in applications such as electronic/photonic devices, separation technology and heterogeneous catalysts.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001071673900001 Publication Date 2023-09-05
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 1439-4235; 1439-7641 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 2.9 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This work was supported by the Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO Vlaanderen) Project G.0121.17 N. The work was further supported by Hasselt University and the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO Vlaanderen) via the Hercules project AUHL/15/2 – GOH3816 N. V. M. acknowledges the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) for project K801621 N. B. M. R. acknowledges, Prof. Dr. Christophe Detavernier and Dr. Davy Deduystche (COCOON, Ghent University) for PXRD and VT-XRD measurements, Prof. Dr. Christophe Van De Velde (iPRACS, University of Antwerp) and Dr. Radu Ciocarlan (LADCA, University of Antwerp) for helpful discussions on PXRD measurements and Dr. Nick Gys (University of Antwerp and VITO) for ICP-OES measurements. Approved Most recent IF: 2.9; 2023 IF: 3.075
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:198934 Serial 8911
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Author Cassimon, J.; Kovács, A.; Neyts, E.; Cornet, I.; Billen, P.
Title Deacetylation of mannosylerythritol lipids in hydrophobic natural deep eutectic solvents Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication European journal of organic chemistry Abbreviated Journal
Volume 27 Issue 5 Pages e202300934-10
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Biochemical Wastewater Valorization & Engineering (BioWaVE); Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS)
Abstract Mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs) are a promising group of biosurfactants due to their high fermentation yield, selfassembly and biological activity. During fermentation by Pseudozyma aphidis, a mixture of MELs with different levels of acylation is formed, of which the fully deacetylated form is the most valuable. In order to reduce the environmental impact of deacetylation, an enzymatic process using natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) has been developed. We tested the deacetylation of a purified MELs mixture with immobilized Candida antarctica lipase B enzyme and 2-ethylhexanol as co-substrate in 140 h reactions with different NADES. We identified hydrophobic NADES systems with similar yields and kinetics as in pure 2-ethylhexanol solvent. Our results indicate that deacetylation of MELs mixtures in NADES as a solvent is possible with yields comparable to pure co-substrate and that hydrophobic NADES without carboxylic acid compounds facilitate the reaction to the greatest extent.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2023-12-12
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 1434-193x; 1099-0690 ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor 2.8 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.8; 2023 IF: 2.834
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:201382 Serial 9017
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Author Gonzalez, V.; Fazlic, I.; Cotte, M.; Vanmeert, F.; Gestels, A.; De Meyer, S.; Broers, F.; Hermans, J.; van Loon, A.; Janssens, K.; Noble, P.; Keune, K.
Title Lead(II) formate in Rembrandt's Night Watch : detection and distribution from the macro- to the micro-scale Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Angewandte Chemie: international edition in English Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-9
Keywords A1 Journal article; Art; Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)
Abstract The Night Watch, painted in 1642 and on view in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, is considered Rembrandt's most famous work. X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) mapping at multiple length scales revealed the unusual presence of lead(II) formate, Pb(HCOO)(2), in several areas of the painting. Until now, this compound was never reported in historical oil paints. In order to get insights into this phenomenon, one possible chemical pathway was explored thanks to the preparation and micro-analysis of model oil paint media prepared by heating linseed oil and lead(II) oxide (PbO) drier as described in 17(th) century recipes. Synchrotron radiation based micro-XRPD (SR-mu-XRPD) and infrared microscopy were combined to identify and map at the micro-scale various neo-formed lead-based compounds in these model samples. Both lead(II) formate and lead(II) formate hydroxide Pb(HCOO)(OH) were detected and mapped, providing new clues regarding the reactivity of lead driers in oil matrices in historical paintings.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000920584500001 Publication Date 2023-01-02
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 1433-7851; 0570-0833 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 16.6 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 16.6; 2023 IF: 11.994
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:194279 Serial 7318
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Author Friedrich, T.; Yu, C.-P.; Verbeeck, J.; Van Aert, S.
Title Phase object reconstruction for 4D-STEM using deep learning Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Microscopy and microanalysis Abbreviated Journal
Volume 29 Issue 1 Pages 395-407
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract In this study, we explore the possibility to use deep learning for the reconstruction of phase images from 4D scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM) data. The process can be divided into two main steps. First, the complex electron wave function is recovered for a convergent beam electron diffraction pattern (CBED) using a convolutional neural network (CNN). Subsequently, a corresponding patch of the phase object is recovered using the phase object approximation. Repeating this for each scan position in a 4D-STEM dataset and combining the patches by complex summation yields the full-phase object. Each patch is recovered from a kernel of 3x3 adjacent CBEDs only, which eliminates common, large memory requirements and enables live processing during an experiment. The machine learning pipeline, data generation, and the reconstruction algorithm are presented. We demonstrate that the CNN can retrieve phase information beyond the aperture angle, enabling super-resolution imaging. The image contrast formation is evaluated showing a dependence on the thickness and atomic column type. Columns containing light and heavy elements can be imaged simultaneously and are distinguishable. The combination of super-resolution, good noise robustness, and intuitive image contrast characteristics makes the approach unique among live imaging methods in 4D-STEM.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001033590800038 Publication Date 2023-01-12
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 1431-9276 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.8 Times cited 1 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes We acknowledge funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (grant agreement no. 770887 PICOMETRICS) and funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No. 823717 ESTEEM3. J.V. and S.V.A acknowledge funding from the University of Antwerp through a TOP BOF project. The direct electron detector (Merlin, Medipix3, Quantum Detectors) was funded by the Hercules fund from the Flemish Government. This work was supported by the FWO and FNRS within the 2Dto3D project of the EOS program (grant number 30489208). Approved Most recent IF: 2.8; 2023 IF: 1.891
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:198221 Serial 8912
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Author Truta, F.; Drăgan, A.-M.; Tertis, M.; Parrilla, M.; Slosse, A.; Van Durme, F.; De Wael, K.; Cristea, C.
Title Electrochemical rapid detection of methamphetamine from confiscated samples using a graphene-based printed platform Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Sensors Abbreviated Journal
Volume 23 Issue 13 Pages 6193-18
Keywords A1 Journal article; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Abstract Methamphetamine (MAP) is a highly addictive and illegal stimulant drug that has a significant impact on the central nervous system. Its detection in biological and street samples is crucial for various organizations involved in forensic medicine, anti-drug efforts, and clinical diagnosis. In recent years, nanotechnology and nanomaterials have played a significant role in the development of analytical sensors for MAP detection. In this study, a fast, simple, and cost-effective electrochemical sensor is presented that is used for the sensitive detection of MAP in confiscated street samples with a complex matrix. The optimized screen-printed sensor based on a carbon working electrode modified with graphene demonstrated an excellent limit of detection, good sensitivity, and a wide dynamic range (1–500 μM) for the target illicit drug both for standard solutions and real samples (seized samples, tap water, and wastewater samples). It can detect MAP at concentrations as low as 300 nM in real samples. This limit of detection is suitable for the rapid preliminary screening of suspicious samples in customs, ports, airports, and on the street. Furthermore, the sensor exhibits a good recovery rate, indicating its reliability and repeatability. This quality is crucial for ensuring consistent and accurate results during screening processes.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001033277900001 Publication Date 2023-07-07
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 1424-8220 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:198181 Serial 8857
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Author Avranovich Clerici, E.; De Meyer, S.; Vanmeert, F.; Legrand, S.; Monico, L.; Miliani, C.; Janssens, K.
Title Multi-scale X-ray imaging of the pigment discoloration processes triggered by chlorine compounds in the Upper Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Molecules: a journal of synthetic chemistry and natural product chemistry Abbreviated Journal
Volume 28 Issue 16 Pages 6106-6123
Keywords A1 Journal article; Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)
Abstract In this paper, the chromatic alteration of various types of paints, present on mural painting fragments derived from the vaults of The Upper Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Italy (12th-13th century), is studied using synchrotron radiation. Six painted mural fragments, several square centimeters in size, were available for analysis, originating from the ceiling paintings attributed to Cimabue and Giotto; they correspond to originally white, blue/green, and brown/yellow/orange areas showing discoloration. As well as collecting macroscopic X-ray fluorescence and diffraction maps from the entire fragments in the laboratory and at the SOLEIL synchrotron, corresponding paint cross-sections were also analyzed using microscopic X-ray fluorescence and powder diffraction mapping at the PETRA-III synchrotron. Numerous secondary products were observed on the painted surfaces, such as (a) copper tri-hydroxychloride in green/blue areas; (b) corderoite and calomel in vermillion red/cinnabar-rich paints; (c) plattnerite and/or scrutinyite assumed to be oxidation products of (hydro)cerussite (2PbCO(3)center dot Pb(OH)(2)) in the white areas, and (d) the calcium oxalates whewellite and weddellite. An extensive presence of chlorinated metal salts points to the central role of chlorine-containing compounds during the degradation of the 800-year-old paint, leading to, among other things, the formation of the rare mineral cumengeite (21PbCl(2)center dot 20Cu(OH) (2) center dot 6H(2)O).
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001056388600001 Publication Date 2023-08-17
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 1420-3049 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 4.6 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.6; 2023 IF: 2.861
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199265 Serial 8902
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Author Admasu, W.F.; Van Passel, S.; Minale, A.S.; Tsegaye, E.A.; Nyssen, J.
Title Nexus between land development and the value of ecosystem services in Ethiopia : a contingent valuation study Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Environment, development and sustainability Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-21
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract In Ethiopia, the state owns all lands within the territory of the country. Cities are incorporating large parcels of land from their surrounding rural agricultural areas through land expropriation. However, these land developments do not consider the nonmarket value of ecosystem services (ES), which is causing a deterioration of the existing ES and reduction on the potential supply of ES from agricultural land. The aim of this study was to estimate the monetary value of nonmarketable ES from the agricultural land using a double-bounded dichotomous choice contingent valuation method. A survey of 524 smallholder farmers was conducted. In the survey, respondents were asked to state their willingness to pay for the improvement of some of the nonmarketable ES: erosion control, air and climate regulation, water regulation, and soil fertility. The estimation was carried out using a bivariate probit model. The results revealed that farmers are willing to pay on average 276 ETB (7.9 USD) per hectare per year for a period of 10 years. We found that individual characteristics such as age, family size, and a recent land expropriation experience adversely affect the willingness to pay by the farmers. On the other hand, individuals with higher income and larger land size are willing to pay more. In general, the study indicated that the nonmarket ES, which are affected by the land expropriation for urban expansion, are valuable for the farmers. Therefore, we recommend that the government consider the value of nonmarketable ES in its land use decisions and hence achieve sustainable land development.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000907898700002 Publication Date 2023-01-05
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 1387-585x; 1573-2975 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.9 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 05.01.2024
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.9; 2023 IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:193432 Serial 7363
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Author Chekol Zewdie, M.; Moretti, M.; Tenessa, D.B.; Van Passel, S.
Title Farmers' preferences and willingness to pay for improved irrigation water supply program : a discrete choice experiment Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Environment, development and sustainability Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-24
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract This study examines smallholder farmers' preferences and willingness to pay for an improved irrigation water supply program in northwest Ethiopia. We employed a discrete choice experiment with five attributes and three levels. Data were collected from randomly selected sample households of both irrigation users and non-users. A total of 379 respondents participated, and a mixed logit model was used to analyze the household-level survey data. The result indicates that to deviate from the business-as-usual scenario, smallholder farmers are willing to pay between 3,228 and 8,327 Ethiopian Birr per hectare of irrigated land. Furthermore, the results showed a strong public preference for access to produce cash crops, followed by irrigation water availability in the dry season, and adequate access to improved farm inputs. The results also provide useful information for policymakers and suggested possibilities for generating finance from farmers to cover the operation and maintenance costs of irrigation schemes. Also, this study result reveals that irrigation development and expansion must be integrated into a comprehensive support package that combines irrigation water with access to improved farm inputs and access to produce cash crops on farmers' farm plots.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001048896000004 Publication Date 2023-08-14
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 1387-585x; 1573-2975 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.9 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.9; 2023 IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:198283 Serial 9204
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Author Gebremariam, Y.A.; Dessein, J.; Wondimagegnhu, B.A.; Breusers, M.; Lenaerts, L.; Adgo, E.; Van Passel, S.; Minale, A.S.; Nyssen, J.
Title Undoing the development army : a paradigm shift from transfer of technology to agricultural innovation system in Ethiopian extension Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Environment, development and sustainability Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-27
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Appropriate use of agricultural technologies and diversifying the farming activities is critical to addressing food security problems in Africa, including Ethiopia. The country is experimenting with the new Agricultural Innovation System (AIS) approach alongside the well-established Transfer of Technology (ToT) approach. This paper analyzes the gaps between policy discourses (as reflected in policy documents and strategic orientation documents) and extension practices (as reflected in the daily exchanges between farmers and the frontline staff of the Ethiopian extension system). It provides insights into the challenges faced and emphasizes the need for better coordination between policy formulation and implementation to enhance extension services. Policymakers, practitioners, and researchers can benefit from the valuable perspectives the findings offer. The study contributes to understanding the relationship between policy discourses and extension practices, and its implications can inform policy design and implementation in similar contexts. A qualitative research approach was deployed to analyze policy discourse and practice. Data were collected in Fogera, a district in Northwest Ethiopia, between August 2018 and February 2019. The data for the paper were obtained from 23 Focus Group Discussions conducted with men and women. 13 Informant Interviews (KIIs) were also carried out with personnel at different levels of government agricultural services and departments. Transcripts of recordings of the Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were analyzed using a deductive approach. The study focuses on rice crops in the Fogera district, which are crucial for food security and reducing poverty. Although the geographic area is limited, the results can be used to improve the extension system in other areas facing similar challenges. Specifically, the study suggests switching from the traditional transfer of technology approach to the agricultural innovation system approach. Furthermore, the study's techniques, such as qualitative interviews, may have limitations and not fully capture the intricacies of policy and extension practices. The findings demonstrate that, although the policy documents strongly adhere to agricultural innovation system principles, top-down transfer of technology approaches continues to dominate in practice. Moreover, we have found potential discrepancies between the training content delivered and the specific needs of smallholder farmers. Practically, prescriptive systems are still used because agricultural innovation system approaches are not well understood by the Extension Agents. To realize a genuine agricultural innovation system, Ethiopia's extension apparatus should move forward with building committed and robust relationships between farmers, extension agents, researchers, private sectors, and non-governmental organizations. To this end, more research, enhanced training, and improved institutions are needed on what genuine agricultural innovation system could look like at the grass-roots level. This also includes understanding the roles that different actors within Ethiopia's development army should assume how a multi-actor policy dialogue can be organized.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001126500500006 Publication Date 2023-12-19
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 1387-585x; 1573-2975 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 4.9 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.9; 2023 IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202804 Serial 9238
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Author Andelkovic, M.; Rakhimov, K.Y.; Chaves, A.; Berdiyorov, G.R.; Milošević, M.V.
Title Wave-packet propagation in a graphene geometric diode Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Physica. E: Low-dimensional systems and nanostructures Abbreviated Journal
Volume 147 Issue Pages 115607-4
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Dynamics of electron wave-packets is studied using the continuum Dirac model in a graphene geometric diode where the propagation of the wave packet is favored in certain direction due to the presence of geometric constraints. Clear rectification is obtained in the THz frequency range with the maximum rectification level of 3.25, which is in good agreement with recent experiments on graphene ballistic diodes. The rectification levels are considerably higher for systems with narrower channels. In this case, the wave packet transmission probabilities and rectification rate also strongly depend on the energy of the incident wave packet, as a result of the quantum nature of energy levels along such channels. These findings can be useful for fundamental understanding of the charge carrier dynamics in graphene geometry diodes.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000903737000003 Publication Date 2022-12-10
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 1386-9477 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.3 Times cited 1 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.3; 2023 IF: 2.221
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:193497 Serial 7351
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