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Author Kashiwar, A.; Hahn, H.; Kubel, C.
Title In situ TEM observation of cooperative grain rotations and the Bauschinger effect in nanocrystalline palladium Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Nanomaterials Abbreviated Journal Nanomaterials-Basel
Volume 11 Issue 2 Pages 432
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract We report on cooperative grain rotation accompanied by a strong Bauschinger effect in nanocrystalline (nc) palladium thin film. A thin film of nc Pd was subjected to cyclic loading-unloading using in situ TEM nanomechanics, and the evolving microstructural characteristics were investigated with ADF-STEM imaging and quantitative ACOM-STEM analysis. ADF-STEM imaging revealed a partially reversible rotation of nanosized grains with a strong out-of-plane component during cyclic loading-unloading experiments. Sets of neighboring grains were shown to rotate cooperatively, one after the other, with increasing/decreasing strain. ACOM-STEM in conjunction with these experiments provided information on the crystallographic orientation of the rotating grains at different strain levels. Local Nye tensor analysis showed significantly different geometrically necessary dislocation (GND) density evolution within grains in close proximity, confirming a locally heterogeneous deformation response. The GND density analysis revealed the formation of dislocation pile-ups at grain boundaries (GBs), indicating the generation of back stresses during unloading. A statistical analysis of the orientation changes of individual grains showed the rotation of most grains without global texture development, which fits to both dislocation- and GB sliding-based mechanisms. Overall, our quantitative in situ experimental approach explores the roles of these different deformation mechanisms operating in nanocrystalline metals during cyclic loading.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000622951500001 Publication Date 2021-02-14
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 2079-4991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.553 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.553
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:176770 Serial 6729
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Author Dingenen, F.; Blommaerts, N.; Van Hal, M.; Borah, R.; Arenas-Esteban, D.; Lenaerts, S.; Bals, S.; Verbruggen, S.W.
Title Layer-by-Layer-Stabilized Plasmonic Gold-Silver Nanoparticles on TiO2: Towards Stable Solar Active Photocatalysts Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Nanomaterials Abbreviated Journal Nanomaterials-Basel
Volume 11 Issue 10 Pages 2624
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract To broaden the activity window of TiO2, a broadband plasmonic photocatalyst has been designed and optimized. This plasmonic ‘rainbow’ photocatalyst consists of TiO2 modified with gold–silver composite nanoparticles of various sizes and compositions, thus inducing a broadband interaction with polychromatic solar light. However, these nanoparticles are inherently unstable, especially due to the use of silver. Hence, in this study the application of the layer-by-layer technique is introduced to create a protective polymer shell around the metal cores with a very high degree of control. Various TiO2 species (pure anatase, PC500, and P25) were loaded with different plasmonic metal loadings (0–2 wt %) in order to identify the most solar active composite materials. The prepared plasmonic photocatalysts were tested towards stearic acid degradation under simulated sunlight. From all materials tested, P25 + 2 wt % of plasmonic ‘rainbow’ nanoparticles proved to be the most promising (56% more efficient compared to pristine P25) and was also identified as the most cost-effective. Further, 2 wt % of layer-by-layer-stabilized ‘rainbow’ nanoparticles were loaded on P25. These layer-by-layer-stabilized metals showed superior stability under a heated oxidative atmosphere, as well as in a salt solution. Finally, the activity of the composite was almost completely retained after 1 month of aging, while the nonstabilized equivalent lost 34% of its initial activity. This work shows for the first time the synergetic application of a plasmonic ‘rainbow’ concept and the layer-by-layer stabilization technique, resulting in a promising solar active, and long-term stable photocatalyst.
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000712759800001 Publication Date 2021-10-06
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 2079-4991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.553 Times cited 7 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Research was funded by Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO), FN 700300001— Aspirant F. Dingenen. Approved Most recent IF: 3.553
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:183281 Serial 6812
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Author Pinto, N.; McNaughton, B.; Minicucci, M.; Milošević, M.V.; Perali, A.
Title Electronic transport mechanisms correlated to structural properties of a reduced graphene oxide sponge Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Nanomaterials Abbreviated Journal Nanomaterials-Basel
Volume 11 Issue 10 Pages 2503
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract We report morpho-structural properties and charge conduction mechanisms of a foamy “graphene sponge ”, having a density as low as & AP;0.07 kg/m3 and a carbon to oxygen ratio C:O & SIME; 13:1. The spongy texture analysed by scanning electron microscopy is made of irregularly-shaped millimetres-sized small flakes, containing small crystallites with a typical size of & SIME;16.3 nm. A defect density as high as & SIME;2.6 x 1011 cm-2 has been estimated by the Raman intensity of D and G peaks, dominating the spectrum from room temperature down to & SIME;153 K. Despite the high C:O ratio, the graphene sponge exhibits an insulating electrical behavior, with a raise of the resistance value at & SIME;6 K up to 5 orders of magnitude with respect to the room temperature value. A variable range hopping (VRH) conduction, with a strong 2D character, dominates the charge carriers transport, from 300 K down to 20 K. At T < 20 K, graphene sponge resistance tends to saturate, suggesting a temperature-independent quantum tunnelling. The 2D-VRH conduction originates from structural disorder and is consistent with hopping of charge carriers between sp2 defects in the plane, where sp3 clusters related to oxygen functional groups act as potential barriers.</p>
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000713174500001 Publication Date 2021-09-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 2079-4991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 3.553 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.553
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:184050 Serial 6988
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Author Hendrickx, M.; Paulus, A.; Kirsanova, M.A.; Van Bael, M.K.; Abakumov, A.M.; Hardy, A.; Hadermann, J.
Title The influence of synthesis method on the local structure and electrochemical properties of Li-rich/Mn-rich NMC cathode materials for Li-Ion batteries Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Nanomaterials Abbreviated Journal Nanomaterials-Basel
Volume 12 Issue 13 Pages 2269-18
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Electrochemical energy storage plays a vital role in combating global climate change. Nowadays lithium-ion battery technology remains the most prominent technology for rechargeable batteries. A key performance-limiting factor of lithium-ion batteries is the active material of the positive electrode (cathode). Lithium- and manganese-rich nickel manganese cobalt oxide (LMR-NMC) cathode materials for Li-ion batteries are extensively investigated due to their high specific discharge capacities (>280 mAh/g). However, these materials are prone to severe capacity and voltage fade, which deteriorates the electrochemical performance. Capacity and voltage fade are strongly correlated with the particle morphology and nano- and microstructure of LMR-NMCs. By selecting an adequate synthesis strategy, the particle morphology and structure can be controlled, as such steering the electrochemical properties. In this manuscript we comparatively assessed the morphology and nanostructure of LMR-NMC (Li1.2Ni0.13Mn0.54Co0.13O2) prepared via an environmentally friendly aqueous solution-gel and co-precipitation route, respectively. The solution-gel (SG) synthesized material shows a Ni-enriched spinel-type surface layer at the {200} facets, which, based on our post-mortem high-angle annual dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy and selected-area electron diffraction analysis, could partly explain the retarded voltage fade compared to the co-precipitation (CP) synthesized material. In addition, deviations in voltage fade and capacity fade (the latter being larger for the SG material) could also be correlated with the different particle morphology obtained for both materials.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000824547500001 Publication Date 2022-07-01
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 2079-4991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.3 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.3
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189591 Serial 7098
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Author Shaw, P.; Vanraes, P.; Kumar, N.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Possible Synergies of Nanomaterial-Assisted Tissue Regeneration in Plasma Medicine: Mechanisms and Safety Concerns Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Nanomaterials Abbreviated Journal Nanomaterials-Basel
Volume 12 Issue 19 Pages 3397
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Cold atmospheric plasma and nanomedicine originally emerged as individual domains, but are increasingly applied in combination with each other. Most research is performed in the context of cancer treatment, with only little focus yet on the possible synergies. Many questions remain on the potential of this promising hybrid technology, particularly regarding regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. In this perspective article, we therefore start from the fundamental mechanisms in the individual technologies, in order to envision possible synergies for wound healing and tissue recovery, as well as research strategies to discover and optimize them. Among these strategies, we demonstrate how cold plasmas and nanomaterials can enhance each other’s strengths and overcome each other’s limitations. The parallels with cancer research, biotechnology and plasma surface modification further serve as inspiration for the envisioned synergies in tissue regeneration. The discovery and optimization of synergies may also be realized based on a profound understanding of the underlying redox- and field-related biological processes. Finally, we emphasize the toxicity concerns in plasma and nanomedicine, which may be partly remediated by their combination, but also partly amplified. A widespread use of standardized protocols and materials is therefore strongly recommended, to ensure both a fast and safe clinical implementation.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000866927800001 Publication Date 2022-09-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 2079-4991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 5.3 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This research was funded by the Methusalem Grant of UAntwerp, and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship (BT/RLF/Re-entry/27/2019), as well as the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Core Research Grant (CRG/2021/001935), Department of Science and Technology, India. Approved Most recent IF: 5.3
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:191493 Serial 7108
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Author McNaughton, B.; Pinto, N.; Perali, A.; Milošević, M.V.
Title Causes and consequences of ordering and dynamic phases of confined vortex rows in superconducting nanostripes Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Nanomaterials Abbreviated Journal Nanomaterials-Basel
Volume 12 Issue 22 Pages 4043-18
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Understanding the behaviour of vortices under nanoscale confinement in superconducting circuits is important for the development of superconducting electronics and quantum technologies. Using numerical simulations based on the Ginzburg-Landau theory for non-homogeneous superconductivity in the presence of magnetic fields, we detail how lateral confinement organises vortices in a long superconducting nanostripe, presenting a phase diagram of vortex configurations as a function of the stripe width and magnetic field. We discuss why the average vortex density is reduced and reveal that confinement influences vortex dynamics in the dissipative regime under sourced electrical current, mapping out transitions between asynchronous and synchronous vortex rows crossing the nanostripe as the current is varied. Synchronous crossings are of particular interest, since they cause single-mode modulations in the voltage drop along the stripe in a high (typically GHz to THz) frequency range.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000887683200001 Publication Date 2022-11-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 2079-4991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.3 Times cited 2 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.3
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:192731 Serial 7286
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Author Volders, J.; Elen, K.; Raes, A.; Ninakanti, R.; Kelchtermans, A.-S.; Sastre, F.; Hardy, A.; Cool, P.; Verbruggen, S.W.; Buskens, P.; Van Bael, M.K.
Title Sunlight-powered reverse water gas shift reaction catalysed by plasmonic Au/TiO₂ nanocatalysts : effects of Au particle size on the activity and selectivity Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Nanomaterials Abbreviated Journal Nanomaterials-Basel
Volume 12 Issue 23 Pages 4153-13
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract This study reports the low temperature and low pressure conversion (up to 160 °C, p = 3.5 bar) of CO2 and H2 to CO using plasmonic Au/TiO2 nanocatalysts and mildly concentrated artificial sunlight as the sole energy source (up to 13.9 kW·m-2 = 13.9 suns). To distinguish between photothermal and non-thermal contributors, we investigated the impact of the Au nanoparticle size and light intensity on the activity and selectivity of the catalyst. A comparative study between P25 TiO2-supported Au nanocatalysts of a size of 6 nm and 16 nm displayed a 15 times higher activity for the smaller particles, which can only partially be attributed to the higher Au surface area. Other factors that may play a role are e.g., the electronic contact between Au and TiO2 and the ratio between plasmonic absorption and scattering. Both catalysts displayed ≥84% selectivity for CO (side product is CH4). Furthermore, we demonstrated that the catalytic activity of Au/TiO2 increases exponentially with increasing light intensity, which indicated the presence of a photothermal contributor. In dark, however, both Au/TiO2 catalysts solely produced CH4 at the same catalyst bed temperature (160 °C). We propose that the difference in selectivity is caused by the promotion of CO desorption through charge transfer of plasmon generated charges (as a non-thermal contributor).
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000896093900001 Publication Date 2022-11-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 2079-4991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.3 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.3
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:191843 Serial 7341
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Author Benedoue, S.; Benedet, M.; Gasparotto, A.; Gauquelin, N.; Orekhov, A.; Verbeeck, J.; Seraglia, R.; Pagot, G.; Rizzi, G.A.; Balzano, V.; Gavioli, L.; Noto, V.D.; Barreca, D.; Maccato, C.
Title Insights into the Photoelectrocatalytic Behavior of gCN-Based Anode Materials Supported on Ni Foams Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Nanomaterials Abbreviated Journal Nanomaterials-Basel
Volume 13 Issue 6 Pages 1035
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Graphitic carbon nitride (gCN) is a promising n-type semiconductor widely investigated for photo-assisted water splitting, but less studied for the (photo)electrochemical degradation of aqueous organic pollutants. In these fields, attractive perspectives for advancements are offered by a proper engineering of the material properties, e.g., by depositing gCN onto conductive and porous scaffolds, tailoring its nanoscale morphology, and functionalizing it with suitable cocatalysts. The present study reports on a simple and easily controllable synthesis of gCN flakes on Ni foam substrates by electrophoretic deposition (EPD), and on their eventual decoration with Co-based cocatalysts [CoO, CoFe2O4, cobalt phosphate (CoPi)] via radio frequency (RF)-sputtering or electrodeposition. After examining the influence of processing conditions on the material characteristics, the developed systems are comparatively investigated as (photo)anodes for water splitting and photoelectrocatalysts for the degradation of a recalcitrant water pollutant [potassium hydrogen phthalate (KHP)]. The obtained results highlight that while gCN decoration with Co-based cocatalysts boosts water splitting performances, bare gCN as such is more efficient in KHP abatement, due to the occurrence of a different reaction mechanism. The related insights, provided by a multi-technique characterization, may provide valuable guidelines for the implementation of active nanomaterials in environmental remediation and sustainable solar-to-chemical energy conversion.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000960297000001 Publication Date 2023-03-13
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 2079-4991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.3 Times cited 3 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes The present work was financially supported by CNR (Progetti di Ricerca @CNR—avviso 2020—ASSIST), Padova University (P-DiSC#04BIRD2020-UNIPD EUREKA, DOR 2020–2022), AMGA Foundation (NYMPHEA project), INSTM Consortium (INSTM21PDGASPAROTTO—NANOMAT, INSTM21PDBARMAC—ATENA) and the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No. 823717—ESTEEM3. The FWO-Hercules fund G0H4316N ‘Direct electron detector for soft matter TEM’ is also acknowledged. Many thanks are also due to Dr. Riccardo Lorenzin for his support to experimental activities.; esteem3reported; esteem3TA Approved Most recent IF: 5.3; 2023 IF: 3.553
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:196115 Serial 7378
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Author Naberezhnyi, D.; Rumyantseva, M.; Filatova, D.; Batuk, M.; Hadermann, J.; Baranchikov, A.; Khmelevsky, N.; Aksenenko, A.; Konstantinova, E.; Gaskov, A.
Title Effects of Ag additive in low temperature CO detection with In2O3 based gas sensors Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication Nanomaterials Abbreviated Journal
Volume 8 Issue 10 Pages 801
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Nanocomposites In2O3/Ag obtained by ultraviolet (UV) photoreduction and impregnation methods were studied as materials for CO sensors operating in the temperature range 25-250 degrees C. Nanocrystalline In2O3 and In2O3/Ag nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), single-point Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) method, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) mapping. The active surface sites were investigated using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and thermo-programmed reduction with hydrogen (TPR-H-2) method. Sensor measurements in the presence of 15 ppm CO demonstrated that UV treatment leads to a complete loss of In2O3 sensor sensitivity, while In2O3/Ag-UV nanocomposite synthesized by UV photoreduction demonstrates an increased sensor signal to CO at T < 200 degrees C. The observed high sensor response of the In2O3/Ag-UV nanocomposite at room temperature may be due to the realization of an additional mechanism of CO oxidation with participation of surface hydroxyl groups associated via hydrogen bonds.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000451174100057 Publication Date 2018-10-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 2079-4991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:156335 Serial 7842
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Author Nematollahi, P.; Neyts, E.C.
Title Linking bi-metal distribution patterns in porous carbon nitride fullerene to its catalytic activity toward gas adsorption Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Nanomaterials Abbreviated Journal Nanomaterials-Basel
Volume 11 Issue 7 Pages 1794
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Immobilization of two single transition metal (TM) atoms on a substrate host opens numerous possibilities for catalyst design. If the substrate contains more than one vacancy site, the combination of TMs along with their distribution patterns becomes a design parameter potentially complementary to the substrate itself and the bi-metal composition. By means of DFT calculations, we modeled three dissimilar bi-metal atoms (Ti, Mn, and Cu) doped into the six porphyrin-like cavities of porous C24N24 fullerene, considering different bi-metal distribution patterns for each binary complex, viz. TixCuz@C24N24, TixMny@C24N24, and MnyCuz@C24N24 (with x, y, z = 0-6). We elucidate whether controlling the distribution of bi-metal atoms into the C24N24 cavities can alter their catalytic activity toward CO2, NO2, H-2, and N-2 gas capture. Interestingly, Ti2Mn4@C24N24 and Ti2Cu4@C24N24 complexes showed the highest activity and selectively toward gas capture. Our findings provide useful information for further design of novel few-atom carbon-nitride-based catalysts.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000676140500001 Publication Date 2021-07-09
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 2079-4991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.553 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.553
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:180372 Serial 8174
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Author Drăgan, A.-M.; Feier, B.G.; Tertis, M.; Bodoki, E.; Truta, F.; Stefan, M.-G.; Kiss, B.; Van Durme, F.; De Wael, K.; Oprean, R.; Cristea, C.
Title Forensic analysis of synthetic cathinones on nanomaterials-based platforms : chemometric-assisted voltametric and UPLC-MS/MS investigation Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Nanomaterials Abbreviated Journal
Volume 13 Issue 17 Pages 2393-19
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Abstract Synthetic cathinones (SCs) are a group of new psychoactive substances often referred to as “legal highs” or “bath salts”, being characterized by a dynamic change, new compounds continuously emerging on the market. This creates a lack of fast screening tests, making SCs a constant concern for law enforcement agencies. Herein, we present a fast and simple method for the detection of four SCs (alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone, N-ethylhexedrone, 4-chloroethcathinone, and 3-chloromethcathinone) based on their electrochemical profiles in a decentralized manner. In this regard, the voltametric characterization of the SCs was performed by cyclic and square wave voltammetry. The elucidation of the SCs redox pathways was successfully achieved using liquid chromatography coupled to (tandem) mass spectrometry. For the rational identification of the ideal experimental conditions, chemometric data processing was employed, considering two critical qualitative and quantitative variables: the type of the electrochemical platform and the pH of the electrolyte. The analytical figures of merit were determined on standard working solutions using the optimized method, which exhibited wide linear ranges and LODs suitable for confiscated sample screening. Finally, the performance of the method was evaluated on real confiscated samples, the resulting validation parameters being similar to those obtained with another portable device (i.e., Raman spectrometer).
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001061205100001 Publication Date 2023-08-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 2079-4991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 5.3 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.3; 2023 IF: 3.553
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199221 Serial 8869
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Author Mazhar, R.; Azadi, H.; Van Passel, S.; Varnik, R.; Pietrzykowski, M.; Skominas, R.; Wei, Z.; Xuehao, B.
Title Does contract length matter? The impact of various contract-farming regimes on land-improvement investment and the efficiency of contract farmers in Pakistan Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Agriculture (Basel) Abbreviated Journal
Volume 13 Issue 9 Pages 1651-16
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Land-tenure security is integral to local communities' socioeconomic development. It has been a center of debate in academia and for legislators and advocates to implement reforms to enhance efficient and sustainable development in land management. Yet, knowledge gaps remain in how various contract-farming regimes contribute to land-improvement investment and technical efficiency. This study used a data set of 650 farm households collected through a two-stage stratified sampling to investigate the influence of three contract-farming regimes: long-term, medium-term, and short-term contracts, on the land-improvement investment, productivity, and technical efficiency of contract farmers in Punjab, Pakistan. The study used multivariate probit and ordinary least square regression models to examine the posit relationships. The findings highlight that farmers with long-term land contracts have higher per hectare yield, income and profit than those with medium-term and short-term contracts. The results confirm that farmers with medium- and long-term contracts tend to invest more in land-improvement measures, i.e., organic and green manure. Further, the study findings demonstrate that long-term land tenures are more effective when farmers make decisions regarding the on-farm infrastructure, like tube-well installation, tractor ownership, and holding farm logistics. Last, the study results confirm that long-term contracts are more robust regarding technical efficiency. Moreover, the findings support the Marshallian inefficiency hypothesis and extend the literature on contract farming, land-improvement investment, and land use policy, and offer coherent policy actions for stakeholders to improve farmers' productivity, technical efficiency, and income.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001071045300001 Publication Date 2023-08-22
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 2077-0472 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:200373 Serial 9201
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Author Van Loenhout, J.; Peeters, M.; Bogaerts, A.; Smits, E.; Deben, C.
Title Oxidative Stress-Inducing Anticancer Therapies: Taking a Closer Look at Their Immunomodulating Effects Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Antioxidants Abbreviated Journal Antioxidants
Volume 9 Issue 12 Pages 1188
Keywords A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Center for Oncological Research (CORE)
Abstract Cancer cells are characterized by higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) compared to normal cells as a result of an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants. However, cancer cells maintain their redox balance due to their high antioxidant capacity. Recently, a high level of oxidative stress is considered a novel target for anticancer therapy. This can be induced by increasing exogenous ROS and/or inhibiting the endogenous protective antioxidant system. Additionally, the immune system has been shown to be a significant ally in the fight against cancer. Since ROS levels are important to modulate the antitumor immune response, it is essential to consider the effects of oxidative stress-inducing treatments on this response. In this review, we provide an overview of the mechanistic cellular responses of cancer cells towards exogenous and endogenous ROS-inducing treatments, as well as the indirect and direct antitumoral immune effects, which can be both immunostimulatory and/or immunosuppressive. For future perspectives, there is a clear need for comprehensive investigations of different oxidative stress-inducing treatment strategies and their specific immunomodulating effects, since the effects cannot be generalized over different treatment modalities. It is essential to elucidate all these underlying immune effects to make oxidative stress-inducing treatments effective anticancer therapy.
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000602288600001 Publication Date 2020-11-27
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 2076-3921 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 7 Times cited Open Access
Notes This research was funded by the Olivia Hendrickx Research Fund (21OCL06) and the University of Antwerp (FFB160231). Approved Most recent IF: 7; 2020 IF: NA
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:173865 Serial 6441
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Author De Backer, J.; Maric, D.; Zuhra, K.; Bogaerts, A.; Szabo, C.; Vanden Berghe, W.; Hoogewijs, D.
Title Cytoglobin Silencing Promotes Melanoma Malignancy but Sensitizes for Ferroptosis and Pyroptosis Therapy Response Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Antioxidants Abbreviated Journal Antioxidants
Volume 11 Issue 8 Pages 1548
Keywords A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Proteinscience, proteomics and epigenetic signaling (PPES)
Abstract Despite recent advances in melanoma treatment, there are still patients that either do not respond or develop resistance. This unresponsiveness and/or acquired resistance to therapy could be explained by the fact that some melanoma cells reside in a dedifferentiated state. Interestingly, this dedifferentiated state is associated with greater sensitivity to ferroptosis, a lipid peroxidation-reliant, iron-dependent form of cell death. Cytoglobin (CYGB) is an iron hexacoordinated globin that is highly enriched in melanocytes and frequently downregulated during melanomagenesis. In this study, we investigated the potential effect of CYGB on the cellular sensitivity towards (1S, 3R)-RAS-selective lethal small molecule (RSL3)-mediated ferroptosis in the G361 melanoma cells with abundant endogenous expression. Our findings show that an increased basal ROS level and higher degree of lipid peroxidation upon RSL3 treatment contribute to the increased sensitivity of CYGB knockdown G361 cells to ferroptosis. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis demonstrates the enrichment of multiple cancer malignancy pathways upon CYGB knockdown, supporting a tumor-suppressive role for CYGB. Remarkably, CYGB knockdown also triggers activation of the NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and subsequent induction of pyroptosis target genes. Altogether, we show that silencing of CYGB expression modulates cancer therapy sensitivity via regulation of ferroptosis and pyroptosis cell death signaling pathways.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000846411000001 Publication Date 2022-08-10
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 2076-3921 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 PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:190686 Serial 7102
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Author Kang, T.-Y.; Kwon, J.-S.; Kumar, N.; Choi, E.; Kim, K.-M.
Title Effects of a Non-Thermal Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet with Different Gas Sources and Modes of Treatment on the Fate of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Applied Sciences Abbreviated Journal Appl Sci-Basel
Volume 9 Issue 22 Pages 4819
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Despite numerous attempts to use human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) in the field of tissue engineering, the control of their differentiation remains challenging. Here, we investigated possible applications of a non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma jet (NTAPPJ) to control the differentiation of hMSCs. An air- or nitrogen-based NTAPPJ was applied to hMSCs in culture media, either directly or by media treatment in which the cells were plated after the medium was exposed to the NTAPPJ. The durations of exposure were 1, 2, and 4 min, and the control was not exposed to the NTAPPJ. The initial attachment of the cells was assessed by a water-soluble tetrazolium assay, and the gene expression in the cells was assessed through reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence staining. The results showed that the gene expression in the hMSCs was generally increased by the NTAPPJ exposure, but the enhancement was dependent on the conditions of the exposure, such as the source of the gas and the treatment method used. These results were attributed to the chemicals in the extracellular environment and the reactive oxygen species generated by the plasma. Hence, it was concluded that by applying the best conditions for the NTAPPJ exposure of hMSCs, the control of hMSC differentiation was possible, and therefore, exposure to an NTAPPJ is a promising method for tissue engineering.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000502570800096 Publication Date 2019-11-11
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 2076-3417 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 1.679 Times cited Open Access
Notes The plasma source was kindly provided by the Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Kwangwoon University. Approved Most recent IF: 1.679
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:164893 Serial 5435
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Author Peeters, J.; Steenackers, G.; Sfarra, S.; Legrand, S.; Ibarra-Castanedo, C.; Janssens, K.; van der Snickt, G.
Title IR reflectography and active thermography on artworks : the added value of the 1.53 µm band Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication Applied Sciences Abbreviated Journal Appl Sci-Basel
Volume 8 Issue 1 Pages 50
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Abstract Infrared Radiation (IR) artwork inspection is typically performed through active thermography and reflectography with different setups and cameras. While Infrared Radiation Reflectography (IRR) is an established technique in the museum field, exploiting mainly the IR-A (0.71.4 µm) band to probe for hidden layers and modifications within the paint stratigraphy system, active thermography operating in the IR-C range (35 μ m) is less frequently employed with the aim to visualize structural defects and features deeper inside the build-up. In this work, we assess to which extent the less investigated IR-B band (1.53 μ m) can combine the information obtained from both setups. The application of IR-B systems is relatively rare as there are only a limited amount of commercial systems available due to the technical complexity of the lens coating. This is mainly added as a so-called broadband option on regular Mid-wave infrared radiation (MWIR) (IR-C/35 μ m) cameras to increase sensitivity for high temperature applications in industry. In particular, four objects were studied in both reflectographic and thermographic mode in the IR-B spectral range and their results benchmarked with IR-A and IR-C images. For multispectral application, a single benchmark is made with macroscopic reflection mode Fourier transform infrared (MA-rFTIR) results. IR-B proved valuable for visualisation of underdrawings, pencil marks, canvas fibres and wooden grain structures and potential pathways for additional applications such as pigment identification in multispectral mode or characterization of the support (panels, canvas) are indicated.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000424388800050 Publication Date 2018-01-03
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 2076-3417 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 1.679 Times cited 4 Open Access
Notes ; This research has been funded by the University of Antwerp and the Institute for the Promotion of Innovation by Science and Technology in Flanders (VLAIO) by the support to the TETRA project 'SINT: Smart Integration of Numerical modelling and Thermal inspection' with project number HBC.2017.0032. Furthermore, the research leading to these results has received funding from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) travel grant V4.010.16N and the Stimpro stimuli of UAntwerpen under project ID 32864. We would like to end with a special thanks to the MiViM research chair of Prof. Xavier Maldague and the support of the full team in supporting the preliminary measurements of this research. ; Approved Most recent IF: 1.679
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:149164 Serial 5677
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Author Katiyar, K.S.; Lin, A.; Fridman, A.; Keating, C.E.; Cullen, D.K.; Miller, V.
Title Non-thermal plasma accelerates astrocyte regrowth and neurite regeneration following physical trauma in vitro Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Applied Sciences Abbreviated Journal Appl Sci-Basel
Volume 9 Issue 18 Pages 3747
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Non-thermal plasma (NTP), defined as a partially ionized gas, is an emerging technology with several biomedical applications, including tissue regeneration. In particular, NTP treatment has been shown to activate endogenous biological processes to promote cell regrowth, differentiation, and proliferation in multiple cell types. However, the effects of this therapy on nervous system regeneration have not yet been established. Accordingly, the current study explored the effects of a nanosecond-pulsed dielectric barrier discharge plasma on neural regeneration. Following mechanical trauma in vitro, plasma was applied either directly to (1) astrocytes alone, (2) neurons alone, or (3) neurons or astrocytes in a non-contact co-culture. Remarkably, we identified NTP treatment intensities that accelerated both neurite regeneration and astrocyte regrowth. In astrocyte cultures alone, an exposure of 20-90 mJ accelerated astrocyte re-growth up to three days post-injury, while neurons required lower treatment intensities (<= 20 mJ) to achieve sub-lethal outgrowth. Following injury to neurons in non-contact co-culture with astrocytes, 20 mJ exposure of plasma to only neurons or astrocytes resulted in increased neurite regeneration at three days post-treatment compared to the untreated, but no enhancement was observed when both cell types were treated. At day seven, although regeneration further increased, NTP did not elicit a significant increase from the control. However, plasma exposure at higher intensities was found to be injurious, underscoring the need to optimize exposure levels. These results suggest that growth-promoting physiological responses may be elicited via properly calibrated NTP treatment to neurons and/or astrocytes. This could be exploited to accelerate neurite re-growth and modulate neuron-astrocyte interactions, thereby hastening nervous system regeneration.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000489115200107 Publication Date 2019-09-09
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 2076-3417 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 1.679 Times cited 2 Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 1.679
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:163799 Serial 6312
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Author Jannis, D.; Müller-Caspary, K.; Béché, A.; Verbeeck, J.
Title Coincidence Detection of EELS and EDX Spectral Events in the Electron Microscope Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Applied Sciences-Basel Abbreviated Journal Appl Sci-Basel
Volume 11 Issue 19 Pages 9058
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Recent advances in the development of electron and X-ray detectors have opened up the possibility to detect single events from which its time of arrival can be determined with nanosecond resolution. This allows observing time correlations between electrons and X-rays in the transmission electron microscope. In this work, a novel setup is described which measures individual events using a silicon drift detector and digital pulse processor for the X-rays and a Timepix3 detector for the electrons. This setup enables recording time correlation between both event streams while at the same time preserving the complete conventional electron energy loss (EELS) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) signal. We show that the added coincidence information improves the sensitivity for detecting trace elements in a matrix as compared to conventional EELS and EDX. Furthermore, the method allows the determination of the collection efficiencies without the use of a reference sample and can subtract the background signal for EELS and EDX without any prior knowledge of the background shape and without pre-edge fitting region. We discuss limitations in time resolution arising due to specificities of the silicon drift detector and discuss ways to further improve this aspect.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000710160300001 Publication Date 2021-09-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 2076-3417 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 1.679 Times cited 9 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, G042920 ; Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, 101017720 ; Helmholtz-Fonds, VH-NG-1317 ; Approved Most recent IF: 1.679
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:183336 Serial 6821
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Author Hillen, M.; Sels, S.; Ribbens, B.; Verspeek, S.; Janssens, K.; Van der Snickt, G.; Steenackers, G.
Title Qualitative Comparison of Lock-in Thermography (LIT) and Pulse Phase Thermography (PPT) in Mid-Wave and Long-Wave Infrared for the Inspection of Paintings Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Applied Sciences Abbreviated Journal Appl Sci-Basel
Volume 13 Issue 7 Pages 1-13
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Art; Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES); Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)
Abstract When studying paintings with active infrared thermography (IRT), minimizing the temperature fluctuations and thermal shock during a measurement becomes important. Under these conditions, it might be beneficial to use lock-in thermography instead of the conventionally used pulse thermography (PT). This study compared the observations made with lock-in thermography (LIT) and pulse phase thermography (PPT) with halogen light excitation. Three distinctly different paintings were examined. The LIT measurements caused smaller temperature fluctuations and, overall, the phase images appeared to have a higher contrast and less noise. However, in the PPT phase images, the upper paint layer was less visible, an aspect which is of particular interest when trying to observe subsurface defects or the structure of the support. The influence of the spectral range of the cameras on the results was also investigated. All measurements were taken with a mid-wave infrared (MWIR) and long wave infrared (LWIR) camera. The results show that there is a significant number of direct reflection artifacts, caused by the use of the halogen light sources when using the MWIR camera. Adding a long-pass filter to the MWIR camera eliminated most of these artifacts. All results are presented in a side-by-side comparison.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000972133900001 Publication Date 2023-03-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 2076-3417 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; 2023 IF: 1.679
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:194898 Serial 7333
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Author Hillen, M.; Legrand, S.; Dirkx, Y.; Janssens, K.; van der Snickt, G.; Caen, J.; Steenackers, G.
Title Cluster analysis of IR thermography data for differentiating glass types in historical leaded-glass windows Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Applied Sciences-Basel Abbreviated Journal Appl Sci-Basel
Volume 10 Issue 12 Pages 4255-13
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES); AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Abstract Infrared thermography is a fast, non-destructive and contactless testing technique which is increasingly used in heritage science. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of infrared thermography, in combination with a data clustering approach, to differentiate between the different types of historical glass that were included in a colorless leaded-glass windows during previous restoration interventions. Inspection of the thermograms and the application of two data mining techniques on the thermal data, i.e., k-means clustering and hierarchical clustering, allowed identifying different groups of window panes that show a different thermal behavior. Both clustering approaches arrive at similar groupings of the glass with a clear separation of three types. However, the lead cames that hold the glass panes appear to have a substantial impact on the thermal behavior of the surrounding glass, thus preventing classification of the smallest glass panes. For the larger panes, this was not a critical issue as the center of the glass remained unaffected. Subtle visual color differences between panes, implying a variation in coloring metal ions, was not always distinguished by IRT. Nevertheless, data clustering assisted infrared thermography shows potential as an efficient and swift method for documenting the material intervention history of leaded-glass windows during or in preparation of conservation treatments.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000549351800001 Publication Date 2020-06-22
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 2076-3417 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.7 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.7; 2020 IF: 1.679
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:170012 Serial 7674
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Author Adhami Sayad Mahaleh, M.; Narimisa, M.; Nikiforov, A.; Gromov, M.; Gorbanev, Y.; Bitar, R.; Morent, R.; De Geyter, N.
Title Nitrogen Oxidation in a Multi-Pin Plasma System in the Presence and Absence of a Plasma/Liquid Interface Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Applied Sciences Abbreviated Journal Applied Sciences
Volume 13 Issue 13 Pages 7619
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Abstract The recent energy crisis revealed that there is a strong need to replace hydrocarbon-fueled industrial nitrogen fixation processes by alternative, more sustainable methods. In light of this, plasma-based nitrogen fixation remains one of the most promising options, considering both theoretical and experimental aspects. Lately, plasma interacting with water has received considerable attention in nitrogen fixation applications as it can trigger a unique gas- and liquid-phase chemistry. Within this context, a critical exploration of plasma-assisted nitrogen fixation with or without water presence is of great interest with an emphasis on energy costs, particularly in plasma reactors which have potential for large-scale industrial application. In this work, the presence of water in a multi-pin plasma system on nitrogen oxidation is experimentally investigated by comparing two pulsed negative DC voltage plasmas in metal–metal and metal–liquid electrode configurations. The plasma setups are designed to create similar plasma properties, including plasma power and discharge regime in both configurations. The system energy cost is calculated, considering nitrogen-containing species generated in gas and liquid phases as measured by a gas analyzer, nitrate sensor, and a colorimetry method. The energy cost profile as a function of specific energy input showed a strong dependency on the plasma operational frequency and the gas flow rate, as a result of different plasma operation regimes and initiated reverse processes. More importantly, the presence of the plasma/liquid interface increased the energy cost up to 14 ± 8%. Overall, the results showed that the presence of water in the reaction zone has a negative impact on the nitrogen fixation process.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001031217300001 Publication Date 2023-06-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 2076-3417 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.7 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes NITROPLASM FWO-FNRS Excellence of Science, 30505023 ; European Union-NextGenerationEU, G0G2322N ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.7; 2023 IF: 1.679
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:198153 Serial 8802
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Author Anaf, W.; Leyva Pernia, D.; Schalm, O.
Title Standardized indoor air quality assessments as a tool to prepare heritage guardians for changing preservation conditions due to climate change Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication Geosciences Abbreviated Journal
Volume 8 Issue 8 Pages Unsp 276-14
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Systems and software Modelling (AnSyMo); AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES)
Abstract Climate change will affect the preservation conditions of our cultural heritage. Therefore, well-considered mitigation actions should be implemented to safeguard our heritage for future generations. Environmental monitoring is essential to follow up the change in preservation conditions and to evaluate the effectiveness of performed mitigation actions. To support heritage guardians in the processing and evaluation of monitored data, an indoor air quality (IAQ) index for heritage applications is introduced. The index is calculated for each measured point in time and is visualized in a user-friendly and intuitive way. The current paper describes the backbone of the IAQ-calculating algorithm. The algorithm is subsequently applied on a case study in which a mitigation action is implemented in a church.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000443254500006 Publication Date 2018-07-27
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 2076-3263 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:152329 Serial 8578
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Author Shi, P.; Ratkowsky, D.A.; Gielis, J.
Title The generalized Gielis geometric equation and its application Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Symmetry-Basel Abbreviated Journal Symmetry-Basel
Volume 12 Issue 4 Pages 645-10
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Many natural shapes exhibit surprising symmetry and can be described by the Gielis equation, which has several classical geometric equations (for example, the circle, ellipse and superellipse) as special cases. However, the original Gielis equation cannot reflect some diverse shapes due to limitations of its power-law hypothesis. In the present study, we propose a generalized version by introducing a link function. Thus, the original Gielis equation can be deemed to be a special case of the generalized Gielis equation (GGE) with a power-law link function. The link function can be based on the morphological features of different objects so that the GGE is more flexible in fitting the data of the shape than its original version. The GGE is shown to be valid in depicting the shapes of some starfish and plant leaves.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000540222200156 Publication Date 2020-04-21
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 2073-8994 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.7 Times cited 4 Open Access
Notes ; This research was funded by the Jiangsu Government Scholarship for Overseas Studies (grant number: JS-2018-038). ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.7; 2020 IF: 1.457
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:168141 Serial 6526
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Author Quintelier, M.; Perkisas, T.; Poppe, R.; Batuk, M.; Hendrickx, M.; Hadermann, J.
Title Determination of spinel content in cycled Li1.2Ni0.13Mn0.54Co0.13O2 using three-dimensional electron diffraction and precession electron diffraction Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Symmetry-Basel Abbreviated Journal Symmetry-Basel
Volume 13 Issue 11 Pages 1989-17
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM); Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Among lithium battery cathode materials, Li1.2Ni0.13Mn0.54Co0.13O2 (LR-NMC) has a high theoretical capacity, but suffers from voltage and capacity fade during cycling. This is partially ascribed to transition metal cation migration, which involves the local transformation of the honeycomb layered structure to spinel-like nano-domains. Determination of the honeycomb layered/spinel phase ratio from powder X-ray diffraction data is hindered by the nanoscale of the functional material and the domains, diverse types of twinning, stacking faults, and the possible presence of the rock salt phase. Determining the phase ratio from transmission electron microscopy imaging can only be done for thin regions near the surfaces of the crystals, and the intense beam that is needed for imaging induces the same transformation to spinel as cycling does. In this article, it is demonstrated that the low electron dose sufficient for electron diffraction allows the collection of data without inducing a phase transformation. Using calculated electron diffraction patterns, we demonstrate that it is possible to determine the volume ratio of the different phases in the particles using a pair-wise comparison of the intensities of the reflections. Using this method, the volume ratio of spinel structure to honeycomb layered structure is determined for a submicron sized crystal from experimental three-dimensional electron diffraction (3D ED) and precession electron diffraction (PED) data. Both twinning and the possible presence of the rock salt phase are taken into account. After 150 charge-discharge cycles, 4% of the volume in LR-NMC particles was transformed irreversibly from the honeycomb layered structure to the spinel structure. The proposed method would be applicable to other multi-phase materials as well.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000815310500001 Publication Date 2021-10-21
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 2073-8994 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 1.457 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 1.457
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189468 Serial 7080
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Author Li, Y.; Quinn, B.K.; Gielis, J.; Li, Y.; Shi, P.
Title Evidence that supertriangles exist in nature from the vertical projections of Koelreuteria paniculata fruit Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Symmetry Abbreviated Journal Symmetry-Basel
Volume 14 Issue 1 Pages 23
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Many natural radial symmetrical shapes (e.g., sea stars) follow the Gielis equation (GE) or its twin equation (TGE). A supertriangle (three triangles arranged around a central polygon) represents such a shape, but no study has tested whether natural shapes can be represented as/are supertriangles or whether the GE or TGE can describe their shape. We collected 100 pieces of Koelreuteria paniculata fruit, which have a supertriangular shape, extracted the boundary coordinates for their vertical projections, and then fitted them with the GE and TGE. The adjusted root mean square errors (RMSEadj) of the two equations were always less than 0.08, and >70% were less than 0.05. For 57/100 fruit projections, the GE had a lower RMSEadj than the TGE, although overall differences in the goodness of fit were non-significant. However, the TGE produces more symmetrical shapes than the GE as the two parameters controlling the extent of symmetry in it are approximately equal. This work demonstrates that natural supertriangles exist, validates the use of the GE and TGE to model their shapes, and suggests that different complex radially symmetrical shapes can be generated by the same equation, implying that different types of biological symmetry may result from the same biophysical mechanisms.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000746030100001 Publication Date 2021-12-27
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 2073-8994 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:186453 Serial 7158
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Author Shi, P.; Wang, L.; Quinn, B.K.K.; Gielis, J.
Title A new program to estimate the parameters of Preston's equation, a general formula for describing the egg shape of birds Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Symmetry Abbreviated Journal Symmetry-Basel
Volume 15 Issue 1 Pages 231-10
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Preston's equation is a general model describing the egg shape of birds. The parameters of Preston's equation are usually estimated after re-expressing it as the Todd-Smart equation and scaling the egg's actual length to two. This method assumes that the straight line through the two points on an egg's profile separated by the maximum distance (i.e., the longest axis of an egg's profile) is the mid-line. It hypothesizes that the photographed egg's profile is perfectly bilaterally symmetrical, which seldom holds true because of photographic errors and placement errors. The existing parameter estimation method for Preston's equation considers an angle of deviation for the longest axis of an egg's profile from the mid-line, which decreases prediction errors to a certain degree. Nevertheless, this method cannot provide an accurate estimate of the coordinates of the egg's center, and it leads to sub-optimal parameter estimation. Thus, it is better to account for the possible asymmetry between the two sides of an egg's profile along its mid-line when fitting egg-shape data. In this paper, we propose a method based on the optimization algorithm (optimPE) to fit egg-shape data and better estimate the parameters of Preston's equation by automatically searching for the optimal mid-line of an egg's profile and testing its validity using profiles of 59 bird eggs spanning a wide range of existing egg shapes. We further compared this method with the existing one based on multiple linear regression (lmPE). This study demonstrated the ability of the optimPE method to estimate numerical values of the parameters of Preston's equation and provide the theoretical egg length (i.e., the distance between two ends of the mid-line of an egg's profile) and the egg's maximum breadth. This provides a valuable approach for comparing egg shapes among conspecifics or across different species, or even different classes (e.g., birds and reptiles), in future investigations.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000927531000001 Publication Date 2023-01-13
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 2073-8994 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; 2023 IF: 1.457
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:195347 Serial 7279
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Author Wang, L.; Ratkowsky, D.A.; Gielis, J.; Ricci, P.E.; Shi, P.
Title Effects of the numerical values of the parameters in the Gielis equation on its geometries Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Symmetry Abbreviated Journal Symmetry-Basel
Volume 14 Issue 12 Pages 2475-12
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract The Lamé curve is an extension of an ellipse, the latter being a special case. Dr. Johan Gielis further extended the Lamé curve in the polar coordinate system by introducing additional parameters (n1, n2, n3; m): rφ=1Acosm4φn2+1Bsinm4φn3−1/n1, which can be applied to model natural geometries. Here, r is the polar radius corresponding to the polar angle φ; A, B, n1, n2 and n3 are parameters to be estimated; m is the positive real number that determines the number of angles of the Gielis curve. Most prior studies on the Gielis equation focused mainly on its applications. However, the Gielis equation can also generate a large number of shapes that are rotationally symmetric and axisymmetric when A = B and n2 = n3, interrelated with the parameter m, with the parameters n1 and n2 determining the shapes of the curves. In this paper, we prove the relationship between m and the rotational symmetry and axial symmetry of the Gielis curve from a theoretical point of view with the condition A = B, n2 = n3. We also set n1 and n2 to take negative real numbers rather than only taking positive real numbers, then classify the curves based on extremal properties of r(φ) at φ = 0, π/m when n1 and n2 are in different intervals, and analyze how n1, n2 precisely affect the shapes of Gielis curves.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000904525700001 Publication Date 2022-11-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 2073-8994 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 2.7 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.7
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:191860 Serial 7301
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Author Huang, W.; Li, Y.; Niklas, K.J.; Gielis, J.; Ding, Y.; Cao, L.; Shi, P.
Title A superellipse with deformation and its application in describing the cross-sectional shapes of a square bamboo Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Symmetry-Basel Abbreviated Journal Symmetry-Basel
Volume 12 Issue 12 Pages 2073
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Many cross-sectional shapes of plants have been found to approximate a superellipse rather than an ellipse. Square bamboos, belonging to the genus Chimonobambusa (Poaceae), are a group of plants with round-edged square-like culm cross sections. The initial application of superellipses to model these culm cross sections has focused on Chimonobambusa quadrangularis (Franceschi) Makino. However, there is a need for large scale empirical data to confirm this hypothesis. In this study, approximately 750 cross sections from 30 culms of C. utilis were scanned to obtain cross-sectional boundary coordinates. A superellipse exhibits a centrosymmetry, but in nature the cross sections of culms usually deviate from a standard circle, ellipse, or superellipse because of the influences of the environment and terrain, resulting in different bending and torsion forces during growth. Thus, more natural cross-sectional shapes appear to have the form of a deformed superellipse. The superellipse equation with a deformation parameter (SEDP) was used to fit boundary data. We find that the cross-sectional shapes (including outer and inner rings) of C. utilis can be well described by SEDP. The adjusted root-mean-square error of SEDP is smaller than that of the superellipse equation without a deformation parameter. A major finding is that the cross-sectional shapes can be divided into two types of superellipse curves: hyperellipses and hypoellipses, even for cross sections from the same culm. There are two proportional relationships between ring area and the product of ring length and width for both the outer and inner rings. The proportionality coefficients are significantly different, as a consequence of the two different superellipse types (i.e., hyperellipses and hypoellipses). The difference in the proportionality coefficients between hyperellipses and hypoellipses for outer rings is greater than that for inner rings. This work informs our understanding and quantifying of the longitudinal deformation of plant stems for future studies to assess the influences of the environment on stem development. This work is also informative for understanding the deviation of natural shapes from a strict rotational symmetry.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000602546300001 Publication Date 2020-12-15
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 2073-8994 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.7 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.7; 2020 IF: 1.457
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:174472 Serial 8622
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Author Fitawok, M.B.; Derudder, B.; Minale, A.S.; Van Passel, S.; Adgo, E.; Nyssen, J.
Title Modeling the Impact of Urbanization on Land-Use Change in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia: An Integrated Cellular Automata–Markov Chain Approach Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2020 Publication Land Abbreviated Journal Land
Volume 9 Issue 4 Pages 115
Keywords A1 Journal Article; analytical hierarchy process; cellular automata; land-use change; Markov chain; urbanization; Engineering Management (ENM) ;
Abstract The fast-paced urbanization of recent decades entails that many regions are facing seemingly uncontrolled land-use changes (LUCs) that go hand in hand with a range of environmental and socio-economic challenges. In this paper, we use an integrated cellular automata–Markov chain (CA–MC) model to analyze and predict the urban expansion of and its impact on LUC in the city of Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. To this end, the research marshals high-resolution Landsat images of 1991, 2002, 2011, and 2018. An analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method is then used to identify the biophysical and socioeconomic factors underlying the expansion in the research area. It is shown that, during the period of study, built-up areas are rapidly expanding in the face of an overall decline of the farmland and vegetation cover. Drawing on a model calibration for 2018, the research predicts the possible geographies of LUC in the Bahir Dar area for 2025, 2034, and 2045. It is predicted that the conversions of other land-use types into built-up areas will persist in the southern, southwestern, and northeastern areas of the sprawling city, which can mainly be traced back to the uneven geographies of road accessibility, proximity to the city center, and slope variables. We reflect on how our findings can be used to facilitate sustainable urban development and land-use policies in the Bahir Dar area.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000533901100026 Publication Date 2020-04-09
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 2073-445X ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes The authors would like to thank the VLIR-UOS project for funding this research through Bahir Dar University—Institutional University Cooperation (BDU-IUC) program. Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number ENM @ enm @c:irua:169600 Serial 6381
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Author Chekol Zewdie, M.; Moretti, M.; Tenessa, D.B.; Ayele, Z.A.; Nyssen, J.; Tsegaye, E.A.; Minale, A.S.; Van Passel, S.
Title Agricultural technical efficiency of smallholder farmers in Ethiopia : a stochastic frontier approach Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Land Abbreviated Journal
Volume 10 Issue 3 Pages 246
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract In the past decade, to improve crop production and productivity, Ethiopia has embarked on an ambitious irrigation farming expansion program and has introduced new large- and small-scale irrigation initiatives. However, in Ethiopia, poverty remains a challenge, and crop productivity per unit area of land is very low. Literature on the technical efficiency (TE) of large-scale and small-scale irrigation user farmers as compared to the non-user farmers in Ethiopia is also limited. Investigating smallholder farmers' TE level and its principal determinants is very important to increase crop production and productivity and to improve smallholder farmers' livelihood and food security. Using 1026 household-level cross-section data, this study adopts a technology flexible stochastic frontier approach to examine agricultural TE of large-scale irrigation users, small-scale irrigation users and non-user farmers in Ethiopia. The results indicate that, due to poor extension services and old-style agronomic practices, the mean TE of farmers is very low (44.33%), implying that there is a wider room for increasing crop production in the study areas through increasing the TE of smallholder farmers without additional investment in novel agricultural technologies. Results also show that large-scale irrigation user farmers (21.05%) are less technically efficient than small-scale irrigation user farmers (60.29%). However, improving irrigation infrastructure shifts the frontier up and has a positive impact on smallholder farmers' output.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000633846200001 Publication Date 2021-03-01
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 2073-445x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:177647 Serial 6913
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