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Author Hoat, D.M.; Nguyen, D.K.; Bafekry, A.; Van On, V.; Ul Haq, B.; Rivas-Silva, J.F.; Cocoletzi, G.H.
Title Strain-driven modulation of the electronic, optical and thermoelectric properties of beta-antimonene monolayer : a hybrid functional study Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Materials Science In Semiconductor Processing Abbreviated Journal Mat Sci Semicon Proc
Volume 131 Issue (down) Pages 105878
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Electronic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of the beta-antimonene (beta-Sb) monolayer under the external biaxial strain effects are fully investigated through the first-principles calculations. The studied two-dimensional (2D) system is dynamically and structurally stable as examined via phonon spectrum and cohesive energy. At equilibrium, the beta-Sb single layer exhibits an indirect band gap of 1.310 and 1.786 eV as predicted by the PBE and HSE06 functionals, respectively. Applying external strain may induce the indirect-direct gap transition and significant variation of the energy gap. The calculated optical spectra indicate the enhancement of the optical absorption in a wide energy range from infrared to ultraviolet as induced by the applied strain. In the visible and ultraviolet regime, the absorption coefficient can reach values as large as 82.700 (10(4)/cm) and 91.458 (10(4)/cm). Results suggest that the thermoelectric performance may be improved considerably by applying proper external strain with the figure of merit reaching a value of 0.665. Our work demonstrates that the external biaxial strains may be an effective method to make the beta-Sb monolayer prospective 2D material for optoelectronic and thermoelectric applications.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000663422800002 Publication Date 2021-04-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1369-8001 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.359 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.359
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179565 Serial 7021
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Author Bafekry, A.; Shahrokhi, M.; Yagmurcukardes, M.; Gogova, D.; Ghergherehchi, M.; Akgenc, B.; Feghhi, S.A.H.
Title Surface functionalization of the honeycomb structure of zinc antimonide (ZnSb) monolayer : a first-principles study Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Surface Science Abbreviated Journal Surf Sci
Volume 707 Issue (down) Pages 121796
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Structural, electronic, optic and vibrational properties of Zinc antimonide (ZnSb) monolayers and their func-tionalized (semi-fluorinated and fully chlorinated) structures are investigated by means of the first-principles calculations. The phonon dispersion curves reveal the presence of imaginary frequencies and thus confirm the dynamical instability of ZnSb monolayer. The calculated electronic band structure corroborates the metallic character with fully-relativistic calculations. Moreover, we analyze the surface functionalization effect on the structural, vibrational, and electronic properties of the pristine ZnSb monolayer. The semi-fluorinated and fully-chlorinated ZnSb monolayers are shown to be dynamically stable in contrast to the ZnSb monolayer. At the same time, semi-fluorination and fully-chlorination of ZnSb monolayer could effectively modulate the metallic elec-tronic properties of pristine ZnSb. In addition, a magnetic metal to a nonmagnetic semiconductor transition with a band gap of 1 eV is achieved via fluorination, whereas a transition to a semiconducting state with 1.4 eV band gap is found via chlorination of the ZnSb monolayer. According to the optical properties analysis, the first ab-sorption peaks of the fluorinated-and chlorinated-ZnSb monolayers along the in-plane polarization are placed in the infrared range of spectrum, while they are in the middle ultraviolet for the out-of-plane polarization. Interestingly, the optically anisotropic behavior of these novel monolayers along the in-plane polarizations is highly desirable for design of polarization-sensitive photodetectors. The results of the calculations clearly proved that the tunable electronic properties of the ZnSb monolayer can be realized by chemical functionalization for application in the next generation nanoelectronic devices.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000626633500001 Publication Date 2020-12-31
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0039-6028 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.062 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.062
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:177623 Serial 7026
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Author Nguyen, D.K.; Hoat, D.M.; Bafekry, A.; Van On, V.; Rivas-Silva, J.F.; Naseri, M.; Cocoletzi, G.H.
Title Theoretical prediction of the PtOX (X = S and Se) monolayers as promising optoelectronic and thermoelectric 2D materials Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Physica E-Low-Dimensional Systems & Nanostructures Abbreviated Journal Physica E
Volume 131 Issue (down) Pages 114732
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract In this paper, two new monolayers, namely PtOS and PtOSe, are theoretically predicted using first-principles calculations. Structural, electronic, optical and thermoelectric properties are explored using full-potential linearized augmented plane-wave (FP-LAPW) method and the semiclassical Boltzmann transport theory. Predicted two-dimensional (2D) materials show good dynamical, thermodynamic and structural stability. Calculated electronic structures indicate the indirect gap semiconductor nature of the PtOS and PtOSe single layers with energy gap of 1.346(2.436) and 0.978(1.978) eV as calculated with the WC(HSE06) functional, respectively. Density of states spectra and valence charge distribution maps suggest a mix of covalent and ionic characters of the chemical bonds. 2D materials at hand exhibit good absorption property in the visible regime with coefficient value reaching the order of 105/cm, even much larger in the ultraviolet, suggesting the promising optoelectronic applicability. Finally, the thermoelectric parameters including electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, power factor and figure of merit are determined and analyzed. Results indicate prospective thermoelectric performance of both considered single layers as demonstrated by large figure of merit close to unity. Our work introduces two new 2D multifunctional materials that may possess potential applications in the optoelectronic and thermoelectric nano-devices.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000647410700007 Publication Date 2021-03-25
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1386-9477 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.221 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.221
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:178346 Serial 7030
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Author McLachlan, G.; Majdak, P.; Reijniers, J.; Peremans, H.
Title Towards modelling active sound localisation based on Bayesian inference in a static environment Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Acta Acustica Abbreviated Journal
Volume 5 Issue (down) Pages 45
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Over the decades, Bayesian statistical inference has become a staple technique for modelling human multisensory perception. Many studies have successfully shown how sensory and prior information can be combined to optimally interpret our environment. Because of the multiple sound localisation cues available in the binaural signal, sound localisation models based on Bayesian inference are a promising way of explaining behavioural human data. An interesting aspect is the consideration of dynamic localisation cues obtained through self-motion. Here we provide a review of the recent developments in modelling dynamic sound localisation with a particular focus on Bayesian inference. Further, we describe a theoretical Bayesian framework capable to model dynamic and active listening situations in humans in a static auditory environment. In order to demonstrate its potential in future implementations, we provide results from two examples of simplified versions of that framework.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000709050000001 Publication Date 2021-10-21
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:182453 Serial 7035
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Author Lavor, I.R.; Chaves, A.; Peeters, F.M.; Van Duppen, B.
Title Tunable coupling of terahertz Dirac plasmons and phonons in transition metal dichalcogenide-based van der Waals heterostructures Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication 2d Materials Abbreviated Journal 2D Mater
Volume Issue (down) Pages 015018
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Dirac plasmons in graphene hybridize with phonons of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) when the materials are combined in so-called van der Waals heterostructures (vdWh), thus forming surface plasmon-phonon polaritons (SPPPs). The extend to which these modes are coupled depends on the TMD composition and structure, but also on the plasmons' properties. By performing realistic simulations that account for the contribution of each layer of the vdWh separately, we calculate how the strength of plasmon-phonon coupling depends on the number and composition of TMD layers, on the graphene Fermi energy and the specific phonon mode. From this, we present a semiclassical theory that is capable of capturing all relevant characteristics of the SPPPs. We find that it is possible to realize both strong and ultra-strong coupling regimes by tuning graphene's Fermi energy and changing TMD layer number.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000722020100001 Publication Date 2021-11-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2053-1583 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 6.937 Times cited 1 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 6.937
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:183053 Serial 7036
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Author Chaves, A.; Peeters, F.M.
Title Tunable effective masses of magneto-excitons in two-dimensional materials Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Solid State Communications Abbreviated Journal Solid State Commun
Volume 334 Issue (down) Pages 114371
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Excitonic properties of Ge2H2 and Sn2H2, also known as Xanes, are investigated within the effective mass model. A perpendicularly applied magnetic field induces a negative shift on the exciton center-of-mass kinetic energy that is approximately quadratic with its momentum, thus pushing down the exciton dispersion curve and flattening it. This can be interpreted as an increase in the effective mass of the magneto-exciton, tunable by the field intensity. Our results show that in low effective mass two-dimensional semiconductors, such as Xanes, the applied magnetic field allows one to tune the magneto-exciton effective mass over a wide range of values.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000670329600003 Publication Date 2021-05-14
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0038-1098 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 1.554 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 1.554
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179762 Serial 7037
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Author Bafekry, A.; Faraji, M.; Fadlallah, M.M.; Khatibani, A.B.; Ziabari, A. abdolahzadeh; Ghergherehchi, M.; Nedaei, S.; Shayesteh, S.F.; Gogova, D.
Title Tunable electronic and magnetic properties of MoSi₂N₄ monolayer via vacancy defects, atomic adsorption and atomic doping Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Applied Surface Science Abbreviated Journal Appl Surf Sci
Volume 559 Issue (down) Pages 149862
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract The two dimensional MoSi2N4 (MSN) monolayer exhibiting rich physical and chemical properties was synthesized for the first time last year. We have used the spin-polarized density functional theory to study the effect of different types of point defects on the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of the MSN monolayer. Adsorbed, substitutionally doped (at different lattice sites), and some kind of vacancies have been considered as point defects. The computational results show all defects studied decrease the MSN monolayer band gap. We found out the H-, O-, and P-doped MSN are n-type conductors. The arsenic-doped MSN, and MSN with vacancy defects have a magnetic moment. The MSN with a Si vacancy defect is a half-metallic which is favorable for spintronic applications, while the MSN with a single N vacancy or double vacancy (N + S) defects are metallic, i. e., beneficial as spin filters and chemical sensors.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000655645300001 Publication Date 2021-05-01
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0169-4332 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.387 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.387
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179098 Serial 7038
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Author Dehdast, M.; Valiollahi, Z.; Neek-Amal, M.; Van Duppen, B.; Peeters, F.M.; Pourfath, M.
Title Tunable natural terahertz and mid-infrared hyperbolic plasmons in carbon phosphide Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Carbon Abbreviated Journal Carbon
Volume 178 Issue (down) Pages 625-631
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Hyperbolic polaritons in ultra thin materials such as few layers of van derWaals heterostructures provide a unique control over light-matter interaction at the nanoscale and with various applications in flat optics. Natural hyperbolic surface plasmons have been observed on thin films of WTe2 in the light wavelength range of 16-23 mu m (similar or equal to 13-18 THz) [Nat. Commun. 11, 1158 (2020)]. Using time-dependent density functional theory, it is found that carbon doped monolayer phosphorene (beta-allotrope of carbon phosphide monolayer) exhibits natural hyperbolic plasmons at frequencies above similar or equal to 5 THz which is not observed in its parent materials, i.e. monolayer of black phosphorous and graphene. Furthermore, we found that by electrostatic doping the plasmonic frequency range can be extended to the mid-infrared. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000648729800057 Publication Date 2021-03-26
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0008-6223 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.337 Times cited 11 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 6.337
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179033 Serial 7039
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Gonzalez Garcia, A.
Title Tuning the properties of group III-As in the thinnest limit : a theoretical study of single layer and 2D-heterostructures Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2021 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue (down) Pages xvii, 175 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract In this thesis, a first-principles research to tune the physical properties of group III-V materials in the thinnest limit is carried out. Among the different methods to tune the mechanical, electronic and magnetic properties of these graphene related materials, we use: two-dimensional (2D) multilayers, straintronics, hydrogen functionalization, and transition metal adsorption. The first part of this research is devoted to a complete characterization of the structural, electronic, mechanical and vibrational properties of 2D group III-As monolayers, obtained from density functional theory. Our findings are used to understand the contribution of the
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:182959 Serial 7040
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Author Charalampopoulou, E.; Lambrinou, K.; Van der Donck, T.; Paladino, B.; Di Fonzo, F.; Azina, C.; Eklund, P.; Mraz, S.; Schneider, J.M.; Schryvers, D.; Delville, R.
Title Early stages of dissolution corrosion in 316L and DIN 1.4970 austenitic stainless steels with and without anticorrosion coatings in static liquid lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) at 500 degrees C Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Materials Characterization Abbreviated Journal Mater Charact
Volume 178 Issue (down) Pages 111234
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract This work addresses the early stages (<= 1000 h) of the dissolution corrosion behavior of 316L and DIN 1.4970 austenitic stainless steels in contact with oxygen-poor (C-O < 10(-8) mass%), static liquid lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) at 500 degrees C for 600-1000 h. The objective of this study was to determine the relative early-stage resistance of the uncoated steels to dissolution corrosion and to assess the protectiveness of select candidate coatings (Cr2AlC, Al2O3, V2AlxCy). The simultaneous exposure of steels with intended differences in microstructure and thermomechanical state showed the effects of steel grain size, density of annealing/deformation twins, and secondary precipitates on the steel dissolution corrosion behavior. The findings of this study provide recommendations on steel manufacturing with the aim of using the steels to construct Gen-IV lead-cooled fast reactors.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000752582700001 Publication Date 2021-06-01
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1044-5803 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.714 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.714
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:186509 Serial 7061
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Author Friedrich, T.; Yu, C.-P.; Verbeek, J.; Pennycook, T.; Van Aert, S.
Title Phase retrieval from 4-dimensional electron diffraction datasets Type P1 Proceeding
Year 2021 Publication Proceedings T2 – IEEE International Conference on Image Processing (ICIP), SEP 19-22, 2021, Electr. network Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue (down) Pages 3453-3457
Keywords P1 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract We present a computational imaging mode for large scale electron microscopy data, which retrieves a complex wave from noisy/sparse intensity recordings using a deep learning approach and subsequently reconstructs an image of the specimen from the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) predicted exit waves. We demonstrate that an appropriate forward model in combination with open data frameworks can be used to generate large synthetic datasets for training. In combination with augmenting the data with Poisson noise corresponding to varying dose-values, we effectively eliminate overfitting issues. The U-NET[1] based architecture of the CNN is adapted to the task at hand and performs well while maintaining a relatively small size and fast performance. The validity of the approach is confirmed by comparing the reconstruction to well-established methods using simulated, as well as real electron microscopy data. The proposed method is shown to be effective particularly in the low dose range, evident by strong suppression of noise, good spatial resolution, and sensitivity to different atom types, enabling the simultaneous visualisation of light and heavy elements and making different atomic species distinguishable. Since the method acts on a very local scale and is comparatively fast it bears the potential to be used for near-real-time reconstruction during data acquisition.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000819455103114 Publication Date 2021-08-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 978-1-6654-4115-5 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:189462 Serial 7089
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Author Bollen, E.; Pagan, B.R.; Kuijpers, B.; Van Hoey, S.; Desmet, N.; Hendrix, R.; Dams, J.; Seuntjens, P.
Title A database system for querying of river networks : facilitating monitoring and prediction applications Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Water Science And Technology-Water Supply Abbreviated Journal Water Sci Tech-W Sup
Volume Issue (down) Pages
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract The increasing availability of real-time in situ measurements and remote sensing observations have the potential to contribute to the optimization of water resources management. Global challenges such as climate change, intensive agriculture and urbanization put a high pressure on our water resources. Due to recent innovations in measuring both water quantity and quality, river systems can now be monitored in real time at an unprecedented spatial and temporal scale. To interpret the sensor measurements and remote sensing observations additional data for example on: the location of the measurement, upstream and downstream catchment characteristics, horizontal ellipsis are required. In this paper, we present a data management system to support flow-path related functionality for decision making and prediction modelling. Adding meta data sets and facilitating (near) real-time processing of sensor data questions are key concepts for the systems. The potential of the database framework for hydrological applications is demonstrated using different applications for the river system of Flanders. In one, the database framework is used to simulate the daily discharge for each segment within a catchment using a simple data-driven approach. The presented system is useful for numerous applications including pollution tracking, alerting and inter-sensor validation in river systems, or related networks.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000729755100001 Publication Date 2021-12-14
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1606-9749 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 0.573 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 0.573
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:184814 Serial 7387
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Author Tiwari, S.; Van de Put, M.L.; Sorée, B.; Vandenberghe, W.G.
Title Ab initio modeling of few-layer dilute magnetic semiconductors Type P1 Proceeding
Year 2021 Publication International Conference on Simulation of Semiconductor Processes and Devices : [proceedings] T2 – International Conference on Simulation of Semiconductor Processes and, Devices (SISPAD), SEP 27-29, 2021, Dallas, TX Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue (down) Pages 141-145
Keywords P1 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract We present a computational model to model the magnetic structure of two-dimensional (2D) dilute-magnetic-semiconductors (DMS) both the monolayers and multilayers using first-principles density functional theory (DFT), as well as their magnetic phase transition as a function of temperature using Monte-Carlo simulations. Using our method, we model the magnetic structure of bulk, bilayer, and monolayer MoS2 substitutionally doped with Fe atoms. We find that the out-of-plane interaction in bilayer MoS2 is weakly ferromagnetic, whereas in bulk MoS2 it is strongly anti-ferromagnetic. Finally, we show that the magnetic order is more robust in bilayer Fe-doped MoS2 compared to the monolayer and results in a room-temperature FM at an atomic substitution of 14-16%.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000766985400034 Publication Date 2021-11-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 978-1-6654-0685-7 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:187291 Serial 7401
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Author Legrand, S.
Title Advanced chemical imaging of artworks Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2021 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue (down) Pages 315 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Abstract Last century the field of heritage sciences expanded beyond imagination. The inventions of X-ray radiography and infrared reflectography allowed experts to investigate paintings below the surface as well. More recent developments led to the advent of the field of hyperspectral imaging, to which the advanced chemical imaging methods, used in this thesis work, belong. These techniques not only allow to identify the components present in artworks, but also to visualize their distribution over these objects. The resulting distribution maps permit a broader public to interpret the scientific data and to relate these results with the artwork itself. During this thesis work a range of flat artworks were investigated in a non-destructive manner using mainly two macroscopic imaging techniques: macroscopic X-ray fluorescence scanning and macroscopic Fourier transformed mid-infrared scanning in reflectance mode. The resulting images were sometimes supplemented with microscopic techniques on a minute selection of samples to fully understand the layer build-up, composition and distribution of these materials over the stratigraphy. Illuminated manuscripts pushed the interpretation of the macroscopic imaging techniques: due to the impossibility of sampling, all answers had to be obtained non-destructively. Documenting masterpieces such as the Ghent Altarpiece by means of chemical imaging techniques, helped the restoration team, assisted by the international commission to make the daring decision of manually removing the non-original paint layers. Scanning stained-glass windows allowed experts to document the panels, create situation reports, identify later infills and guide the restoration process in a more efficient manner. By initially applying non-destructive imaging techniques, many of the research/conservation questions could already be answered. Based on the resulting distribution maps, only a very limited amount of sampling was required to obtain a representative set to answer the remaining questions. In most cases the combination of multiple methods was necessary to fully understand the situation. A similar trend could be seen in the research field: the collaboration between divergent disciples was often required in order to explain all observations. In order to completely break through, the scanning speed of these techniques has to increase even more in order to cover an acceptable surface in one workday. Parallel with the operational speed, the (basic) data treatment should also be streamlined more in order to allow a broader user group to access the results. Once these two improvements are carried out, these techniques become accessible to a larger public.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:176342 Serial 7420
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Firmansyah, I.; Carsjens, G.J.; de Ruijter, F.J.; Zeeman, G.; Spiller, M.
Title An integrated assessment of environmental, economic, social and technological parameters of source separated and conventional sanitation concepts : a contribution to sustainability analysis Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Journal Of Environmental Management Abbreviated Journal J Environ Manage
Volume 295 Issue (down) Pages 113131
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Resource recovery and reuse from domestic wastewater has become an important subject for the current development of sanitation technologies and infrastructures. Different technologies are available and combined into sanitation concepts, with different performances. This study provides a methodological approach to evaluate the sustainability of these sanitation concepts with focus on resource recovery and reuse. St. Eustatius, a small tropical island in the Caribbean, was used as a case study for the evaluation. Three source separation-communityon-site and two combined sewerage island-scale concepts were selected and compared in terms of environmental (net energy use, nutrient recovery/reuse, BOD/COD, pathogens, and GHG emission, land use), economic (CAPEX and OPEX), social cultural (acceptance, required competences and education), and technological (flexibility/ adaptability, reliability/continuity of service) indicators. The best performing concept, is the application of Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Bed (UASB) and Trickling Filter (TF) at island level for combined domestic wastewater treatment with subsequent reuse in agriculture. Its overall average normalised score across the four categories (i. e., average of average per category) is about 15% (0.85) higher than the values of the remaining systems and with a score of 0.73 (conventional activated sludge – centralised level), 0.77 (UASB-septic tank (ST)), 0.76 (UASB-TF – community level), and 0.75 (ST – household level). The higher score of the UASB-TF at community level is mainly due to much better performance in the environmental and economic categories. In conclusion, the case study provides a methodological approach that can support urban planning and decision-making in selecting more sustainable sanitation concepts, allowing resource recovery and reuse in small island context or in other contexts.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000681105800003 Publication Date 2021-06-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0301-4797 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.01 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.01
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:180488 Serial 7437
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Author Drăgan, A.-M.; Parrilla, M.; Feier, B.; Oprean, R.; Cristea, C.; De Wael, K.
Title Analytical techniques for the detection of amphetamine-type substances in different matrices : a comprehensive review Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Trac-Trends In Analytical Chemistry Abbreviated Journal Trac-Trend Anal Chem
Volume 145 Issue (down) Pages 116447
Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Abstract This current review focuses on contributions to amphetamine-type substances (ATS) analysis. This type of synthetic illicit drugs has been increasingly present worldwide reaching 5% of the market on illicit drugs in 2019. The increment of their production in many clandestine laboratories and easy distribution among society are two of the main concerns towards the battle against synthetic drugs. Therefore, the first part of this review details the classification and mechanism of action of ATS in the human body. Second, the pharmacological and toxicological effects of ATS on human health are described to motivate the need of early detection of ATS. Subsequently, the most used laboratory-based and portable methods are presented and critically discussed along the review. Finally, a careful discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of portable techniques employed on the field are addressed as potential tools for on-site ATS detection by law enforcement officers.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000723747000009 Publication Date 2021-09-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0165-9936; 1879-3142 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.442 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 8.442
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:183268 Serial 7460
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Author Lauriks, T.; Longo, R.; Baetens, D.; Derudi, M.; Parente, A.; Bellemans, A.; van Beeck, J.; Denys, S.
Title Application of improved CFD modeling for prediction and mitigation of traffic-related air pollution hotspots in a realistic urban street Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Atmospheric Environment Abbreviated Journal Atmos Environ
Volume 246 Issue (down) Pages 118127
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract The correct prediction of air pollutants dispersed in urban areas is of paramount importance to safety, public health and a sustainable environment. Vehicular traffic is one of the main sources of nitrogen oxides (NO ) and particulate matter (PM), strongly related to human morbidity and mortality. In this study, the pollutant level and distribution in a section of one of the main road arteries of Antwerp (Belgium, Europe) are analyzed. The assessment is performed through computational fluid dynamics (CFD), acknowledged as a powerful tool to predict and study dispersion phenomena in complex atmospheric environments. The two main traffic lanes are modeled as emitting sources and the surrounding area is explicitly depicted. A Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) approach specific for Atmospheric Boundary Layer (ABL) simulations is employed. After a validation on a wind tunnel urban canyon test case, the dispersion within the canopy of two relevant urban pollutants, nitrogen dioxide (NO) and particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 10 m (PM10), is studied. An experimental field campaign led to the availability of wind velocity and direction data, as well as PM10 concentrations in some key locations within the urban canyon. To accurately predict the concentration field, a relevant dispersion parameter, the turbulent Schmidt number, , is prescribed as a locally variable quantity. The pollutant distributions in the area of interest – exhibiting strong heterogeneity – are finally demonstrated, considering one of the most frequent and concerning wind directions. Possible local remedial measures are conceptualized, investigated and implemented and their outcomes are directly compared. A major goal is, by realistically reproducing the district of interest, to identify the locations inside this intricate urban canyon where the pollutants are stagnating and to analyze which solution acts as best mitigation measure. It is demonstrated that removal by electrostatic precipitation (ESP), an active measure, and by enhancing the dilution process through wind catchers, a passive measure, are effective for local pollutant removal in a realistic urban canyon. It is also demonstrated that the applied ABL methodology resolves some well known problems in ABL dispersion modeling.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000613550100003 Publication Date 2020-12-07
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1352-2310 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.629 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.629
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:173917 Serial 7477
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Author Daems, E.; Dewaele, D.; Barylyuk, K.; De Wael, K.; Sobott, F.
Title Aptamer-ligand recognition studied by native ion mobility-mass spectrometry Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Talanta Abbreviated Journal Talanta
Volume 224 Issue (down) Pages 121917
Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Abstract The range of applications for aptamers, small oligonucleotide-based receptors binding to their targets with high specificity and affinity, has been steadily expanding. Our understanding of the mechanisms governing aptamer-ligand recognition and binding is however lagging, stymieing the progress in the rational design of new aptamers and optimization of the known ones. Here we demonstrate the capabilities and limitations of native ion mobility-mass spectrometry for the analysis of their higher-order structure and non-covalent interactions. A set of related cocaine-binding aptamers, displaying a range of folding properties and ligand binding affinities, was used as a case study in both positive and negative electrospray ionization modes. Using carefully controlled experimental conditions, we probed their conformational behavior and interactions with the high-affinity ligand quinine as a surrogate for cocaine. The ratios of bound and unbound aptamers in the mass spectra were used to rank them according to their apparent quinine-binding affinity, qualitatively matching the published ranking order. The arrival time differences between the free aptamer and aptamer-quinine complexes were consistent with a small ligand-induced conformational change, and found to inversely correlate with the affinity of binding. This mass spectrometry-based approach provides a fast and convenient way to study the molecular basis of aptamer-ligand recognition.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000600787800122 Publication Date 2020-12-02
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0039-9140; 1873-3573 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.162 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.162
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:174086 Serial 7490
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Author Stefan, G.; Hosu, O.; De Wael, K.; Jesus Lobo-Castanon, M.; Cristea, C.
Title Aptamers in biomedicine : selection strategies and recent advances Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Electrochimica Acta Abbreviated Journal Electrochim Acta
Volume 376 Issue (down) Pages 137994
Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Abstract Aptamers have come in the spotlight as bio-mimetic molecular recognition elements in the field of biomedicine due to various applications in diagnostics, drug delivery, therapeutics, and pharmaceutical analysis. Aptamers are composed of nucleic acid strands (DNA or RNA) that can specifically interact in a three-dimensional tailored design with the target molecule. The basic method to generate aptamers is Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX). Recent technological advances in aptamer selection allow for faster and cheaper production of a new generation of high-affinity aptamers compared to the traditional SELEX, which can last up to several months. Rigorous characterization performed by multiple research groups endorsed several well-defined aptamer sequences. Binding affinity, nature of the biomolecular interactions and structural characterization are of paramount importance for aptamer screening and development of applications. However, remarkable challenges still need to be dealt with before the aptamers can make great contributions to the biomedical field. Poor specificity and sensitivity, questionable clinical use, low drug loading, in vivo stability and toxicity are only some of the identified challenges. This review accounts for the 30th celebration of the SELEX technology underlining the most important aptamers' achievements in the biomedical field within mostly the past five years. Aptamers' advantages over antibodies are discussed. Because of potential clinical translational utility, insights of remarkable developments in aptamer-based methods for diagnosis and monitoring of disease biomarkers and pharmaceuticals are discussed focusing on the recent studies (2015-2020). The current challenges and promising opportunities for aptamers for therapeutic and theragnostic purposes are also presented. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000634761900003 Publication Date 2021-02-22
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0013-4686 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.798 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.798
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:177677 Serial 7491
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Author Nunez Manzano, M.; Gonzalez Quiroga, A.; Perreault, P.; Madanikashani, S.; Vandewalle, L.A.; Marin, G.B.; Heynderickx, G.J.; Van Geem, K.M.
Title Biomass fast pyrolysis in an innovative gas-solid vortex reactor : experimental proof of concept Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Journal Of Analytical And Applied Pyrolysis Abbreviated Journal J Anal Appl Pyrol
Volume 156 Issue (down) Pages 105165-12
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Biomass fast pyrolysis has been considered one of the best alternatives for the thermal conversion of biomass into bio-oil. This work introduces a new reactor technology for biomass fast pyrolysis, the Gas-Solid Vortex Reactor (GSVR), to obtain high bio-oil yields. The GSVR was designed to decrease the residence time of the pyrolysis vapors; thus, the secondary cracking reactions are reduced, to enhance the segregation of the char and the unreacted biomass and to improve the heat transfer rate. Biomass fast pyrolysis experiments have been carried out for the first time in a Gas-Solid Vortex Reactor (GSVR) at 773 K, using softwood (pine) and hardwood (poplar) as feedstock. Char yields as low as 10 wt. % in the GSVR were comparable to those reported for the same feedstocks processed in conventional fluidized bed reactors. The yields of non-condensable gases in the range of 15–17 wt. % were significantly lower than those reported for other commonly used biomass fast pyrolysis reactors. Two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC × GC) revealed noticeable differences at the molecular level between the bio-oils from the GSVR and bio-oils from other reactors. The aromatics in the pine bio-oil consist almost entirely (85 wt. %) of guaiacols. For poplar bio-oils no predominant group of aromatics was found, but phenolics, syringols, and catechols were the most pronounced. The experimental results highlight the advantages of the GSVR for biomass pyrolysis, reaching stable operation in around 60 s, removing the formed char selectively during operation, and enabling fast entrainment of pyrolysis vapors. Results indicate a great potential for increasing yield and selectivity towards guaiacols in softwood (e.g., pine) bio-oil. Likewise, decreasing pyrolysis temperature could increase the yield of guaiacols and syringols in hardwood (e.g., poplar) bio-oil.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000663091200002 Publication Date 2021-04-16
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0165-2370 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.471 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.471
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:178743 Serial 7562
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Xie, Y.
Title Bioreactor strategies for sustainable nitrogen cycling based on mineralization/nitrification, partial nitritation/anammox or sulfur-based denitratation Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2021 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue (down) Pages iv, 205 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract In the biogeochemical flows on Earth, the reactive nitrogen (Nr) level has three times surpassed the safe boundary. The severe transgression of this boundary goes against sustainable planetary development. The modern food production process excessively relies on synthetic Nr fertilizers from the Haber– Bosch process. However, the massive loss of valuable nitrogen resources (i.e., 78-89%) from agriculture has been causing severe nitrogen cascade. Besides, the domestic wastewater in some local areas is discharged without proper treatment, making it a nonnegligible source of Nr pollution for local water bodies. Anthropogenic activities keep pumping out Nr pollution via point-source and non-point-source (NPS) emissions. Compared to the NPS emissions, point sources give visible and identified waste streams. It is vital to intervene the nitrogen cascade from point sources and facilitate humanity back to the safe Nr boundary. The collected and collectible Nr streams from food production, waste management, and recycling secondary raw materials can be used as waste-based fertilizers for agricultural cultivation. Besides the well-investigated recovery of inorganic Nr, organic Nr accounts for a massive Nr proportion on the Earth. Proper handling and treatment make these useful organic fertilizers for soil-based cultivation. However, these organic Nr fertilizers cannot directly apply to fertigation or hydroponic cultivation systems, and further biological conversion via nitrogen mineralization and nitrification to nitrate is essential. Besides the direct Nr cycling, the indirect Nr cycling ‘over the atmosphere’ should also be considered. In this way, the nitrogen cycle can be completed via converting the waste Nr back to nitrogen gas (i.e., Nr removal) and then synthesizing into Nr again. The municipal wastewater treatment plants receive a vast amount of low-strength Nr wastewater (mainly as ammonium) daily. Compared to the conventional nitrification/denitrification process, partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A) is considered a resource- and cost-effective technology for wastewater with a low COD/N ratio. Moreover, the novel autotrophic denitratation/anammox process could be a good Nr removal process for wastewater containing both ammonium and nitrate. This Ph.D. thesis aimed to develop Nr recovery, conversion, and removal bioreactor strategies for different types of waste streams and biomass. Nr recovery was investigated on high-strength Nr waste streams for fertigation or hydroponic applications in Chapters 2 and 3. On the other hand, Nr removal was studied on the medium- to low-strength Nr waste streams in Chapters 4 and 5. In Chapter 2, a novel mineralization and nitrification system was proposed, producing nutrient solutions from solid organic fertilizers for hydroponic systems. Batch tests showed that aerobic incubation at 35°C could realize the NO₃⁻-N production efficiency above 90% from a novel microbial fertilizer. Subsequently, in the stirred tank bioreactor test, NO₃⁻-N production efficiency stabilized in a range of 44-51% under the influent loading rate of 400 mg TN L⁻¹ d⁻¹ at a 5-day HRT. Using Ca(OH)₂ and Mg(OH)₂ as pH control reagents generated the nutrient solutions with different P, Ca, and Mg nutrient levels. After modeling the nutrient balancing process, the proportion of organic-sourced NO₃⁻-N in the Hoagland nutrient solution (HNS) of Ca(OH)₂ scenario was 92.7%, while only 37.4% in the Mg(OH)₂ scenario. Compared to commercial scenarios, the total costs of the organic-sourced HNS can be cost-competitive for hydroponic cultivation. In Chapter 3, the Nr recovery as nitrate (NO₃⁻-N) from diluted human urine (around 670 mg N L⁻¹) was explored in a trickling filter (TF) for the first time. A novel concept of in-situ integrating the TF system into hydroponic systems was proposed as meaningful progress towards sustainable agriculture. The difference between synthetic and real urine in nitrification efficiency was found to be negligible. The full nitrification of alkalinized real urine was realized in the pH-controlled TF by calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) at around pH 6. The TF could handle different urine collection batches and maintain relatively stable nitrification performance, with NO₃⁻-N production efficiency and rate of 88±3% and 136±4 mg N L⁻¹ d⁻¹, respectively. The optimal HLR to realize this nitrification performance was 2 m³ m⁻² h⁻¹, with energy consumption of 1.8 kWh electricity kg⁻¹ NO₃⁻-N production. Ca(OH)₂, as a cheap base, its triple advantages on urine alkalinization, full nitrification, and macronutrient supplementation were successfully demonstrated in our proposed concept. In Chapter 4, towards more sustainable wastewater treatment, the feasibility of one-stage partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A) was investigated in three parallel packed-bed trickling filters (TFs), with three types of carrier materials of different specific surface areas. Synthetic wastewater containing 100-250 mg NH₄⁺-N L⁻¹ was tested to mimic medium-strength household waste streams after carbon removal. Interestingly, the cheap carrier based on expanded clay achieved similar rates as commercially used plastic carrier materials. The top passive ventilation combined with an optimum hydraulic loading rate of 1.8 m³ m⁻² h⁻¹ could reach approximately 60% total nitrogen (TN) removal at a rate of 300 mg N L⁻¹ d⁻¹. A relatively low NO₃⁻-N production (13%) via PN/A was achieved in TFs. Most of the TN removal took place in the top compartment, where anammox activity was the highest. Energy consumption estimation (0.78 kWh electricity g⁻¹ N removed) suggested that the proposed process could be a suitable low-cost alternative for nitrogen removal. In Chapter 5, coupling sulfur-driven denitratation (SDN) with anammox was proposed to treat the wastewater containing both NO₃⁻-N and NH₄⁺-N, like the secondary effluents of mainstream PN/A processes. To explore the feasibility of sufficient and stable NO₂⁻-N accumulation via SDN in the long term, the effects of pH setpoints, residual NO₃⁻-N level, and biomass-specific NO₃⁻-N loading rate (BSNLR) were investigated. Alternating the pH setpoints between 7.0 and 8.5 could temporarily stimulate the NO₂⁻-N accumulation. Both the residual NO₃⁻-N and BSNLR showed highly positive correlations with the NO₂⁻-N accumulation efficiency. Under the control of pH 8.5, 1.0±0.8 mg NO₃⁻-N L⁻¹ and 150±42 mg NO₃⁻-N g⁻¹ VSS d⁻¹, SDN could produce 6.4±1.0 mg NO₂⁻-N L⁻¹ in the short term. Thiobacillus members may play a crucial role in managing the NO₂⁻-N accumulation, but the reduction of abundance and possible adaptation significantly impaired the efficacy of control strategies in the long run. Overall, novel technologies have been proposed to sustainably convert Nr in waste streams and biomass. The decision for Nr recovery versus removal and synthesis should be based on specific cases with the best environmental, economic, and human-health sustainability. In the future, the Nr management concepts should be further improved to make the nitrogen cycle more sustainable with higher resource use efficiency and less Nr emissions to the environment. Although the thesis is mainly focused on limited types of Nr waste streams, it pointed out the direction of sustainable Nr management and could facilitate the Nr back to the safe boundary in the long run.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:182099 Serial 7563
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Author Sleegers, N.
Title Cephalosporin antibiotics : electrochemical fingerprints and redox pathways investigated by mass spectral analysis Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2021 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue (down) Pages 208 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Abstract
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:181014 Serial 7588
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Zhang, L.
Title Characteristic diagnosis of atmospheric discharge plasma and kinetics study of reactive species Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2021 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue (down) Pages XVIII, 148 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Low-temperature plasma has received extensive attention due to its promising application prospects in the field of air pollutants degradation and energy conversion. To fulfill the need for particular applications, constructing stable plasma sources and investigating the interaction mechanisms between plasma and substances have been hot research topics. This thesis reports the diagnosis and improvement of plasma sources, diagnosis of the active species in plasma and a modeling study of chemical kinetics processes. The main research contents are as follows: In Chapter 3, a diffuse sine AC dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) is successfully obtained by optimizing the electrode structure. It is found that using double-layer dielectric plates can limit the discharge current intensity and significantly improve the discharge uniformity. The electrical characteristics and gas temperature with different operating time show that the discharge stability is also improved by using double-layer dielectric plates. In Chapter 4, nanosecond pulses are employed to generate diffuse DBD plasmas. Three main discharge stages are distinguished by ICCD images, i.e., the streamer breakdown from the needle tip to the plate electrode, the regime transition from streamer to diffuse plasma, and the propagation of surface discharge on the plate electrode surface. The chapter reveales that in nanosecond pulsed discharges the vibrational temperature of N2 increases with the discharge duration, while the rotational temperature mainly stays constant, which means electron energy is transferred into the vibrational levels, but gas heating is not obvious during the discharge pulse. In Chapter 5, both sine AC DBD and nanosecond pulsed DBD, studied in Chapter 2 and 3, are used for formaldehyde degradation. It is found that nanosecond pulsed DBD has more homogenous characteristics, better stability, and lower plasma gas temperature. Moreover, the energy consumption of nanosecond pulsed DBD is much lower than that of AC DBD. In Chapter 6, a 0D chemical kinetics model is developed to investigate the underlying plasma chemistry of methane dry reforming in a nanosecond pulsed discharge. An overview of the dominant reaction pathways of CO2 and CH4 conversion into the major products is given. Furthermore, most of the CO2 molecules are populated into vibrational states during the pulse. Hence, the vibrational states of CO2 play an important role in its dissociation process. In general, this PhD thesis contributes to a better insight in the mechanisms of sinusoidal AC DBD and nanosecond pulsed DBD plasmas and their applications, i.e., decomposition of formaldehyde and dry reforming of methane.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:183166 Serial 7605
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Navare, K.; Muys, B.; Vrancken, K.C.; Van Acker, K.
Title Circular economy monitoring – How to make it apt for biological cycles? Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Resources Conservation And Recycling Abbreviated Journal Resour Conserv Recy
Volume 170 Issue (down) Pages 105563
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Circular economy (CE) principles distinguish between technical and biological cycles. Technical cycles involve the management of stocks of non-renewable abiotic resources that cannot be appropriately returned to the biosphere, whereas, biological cycles involve the flows of renewable biotic resources that can safely cycle in and out of the biosphere. Despite this distinction, existing CE monitors are typically developed for technical cycles, and focus mainly on the extent to which resources are looped back in the technosphere. These monitors seem less apt to assess the circularity of biological cycles. This study aims to identify this gap by critically reviewing the CE monitoring criteria and CE assessment tools, and evaluate if they include the four key characteristics of biological cycles. Firstly, biotic resources, although renewable, require to be harvested sustainably. Secondly, while abiotic resources can be restored and recycled to their original quality, biotic resources degrade in quality with every subsequent use and are, hence, cascaded in use. Thirdly, biotic resources should safely return as nutrients to the biosphere to support the regeneration of ecosystems. Fourthly, biological cycles have environmental impacts due to resource extraction, resulting from land-use and resource-depletion and biogenic carbon flows. The CE monitoring criteria lack in thoroughly assessing these characteristics. With the growing demand for biotic resources, the gap in the assessment could exacerbate the overexploitation of natural resources and cause the degradation of ecosystems. The study discusses measures to bridge this gap and suggests ways to design a CE assessment framework that is also apt for biological cycles.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000667309200009 Publication Date 2021-03-31
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0921-3449 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.313 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.313
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:191685 Serial 7666
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Alemam, E.
Title Cleaning of wall paintings by Polyvinyl alcohol–Borax/Agarose (PVA–B/AG) double network hydrogels : characterization, assessment, and applications Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2021 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue (down) Pages 184 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Art; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES); Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)
Abstract Wall paintings make up an important section of cultural heritage. They resemble time portals that can be used to travel back into the past and witness the life of our ancestors. In these paintings, the ancient artists depicted the different aspects of their life, such as cooking, baking, farming, manufacturing, as well as thoughts and beliefs. Unfortunately, wall paintings are susceptible to degradation over time in the form of the accumulations of dirt and deposits on the painted surfaces and loss of adhesion of the paint layers at the surface. Therefore, the removal of these deposits is one of the primary duties of conservator-restorers. Such operations are intended to restore the painted surface to a condition close enough to its original state. Since cleaning artworks may cause undesirable physicochemical alterations and is nonreversible, the proper cleaning procedure should be adopted. In this regard, numerous gels have been developed and exploited for the cleaning of various artwork surfaces. Lately, polyvinyl alcohol-borax (PVA-B) and agarose (AG) hydrogels have been widely employed as cleaning materials by conservator-restorers. However, both hydrogels have shown limitations in specific cleaning practices. In this work, we investigated a new double network hydrogel based on blending PVA-B and agarose to avoid the limitations posed by the constituting hydrogels. For this reason, a detailed characterization of the PVA–B/AG double network hydrogel was performed, including chemical structure, liquid phase retention, mechanical strength, rheological behavior, and self-healing behavior of various PVA-B/AG hydrogels. These new hydrogels revealed better properties than PVA-B and agarose hydrogels and obviated their limitations. A laboratory experiment on the removal of deteriorated Paraloid® B72 proved that the PVA-B/AG hydrogel loaded 10%/10% MEK/1-PeOH was able to remove these layers efficiently. Therefore, the hydrogel was tested on a wall painting from the Temple of Seti I in Abydos – Egypt. It removed the glossy/darkened consolidant from the wall painting and restored the original matt appearance of the painted surface. In another application on the painted ceiling of the same temple, the hydrogel was tested for removing thick soot layers. The hydrogel formulation (loaded with 5% ammonia, 0.3% ammonium carbonate, and 0.3% EDTA) removed these layers with no noticeable damage to the paint layers. In a wide-scale application of the hydrogel (loaded with 10% propylene carbonate), it removed a highly deteriorated varnish layer from a 19-c wall painting. All the traditional cleaning methods employed caused damage to the paint layers, proving that gel cleaning can be a safer cleaning alternative in some cases.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:183381 Serial 7671
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Alloul, A.; Muys, M.; Hertoghs, N.; Kerckhof, F.-M.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Cocultivating aerobic heterotrophs and purple bacteria for microbial protein in sequential photo- and chemotrophic reactors Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Bioresource Technology Abbreviated Journal Bioresource Technol
Volume 319 Issue (down) Pages 124192
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Aerobic heterotrophic bacteria (AHB) and purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB) are typically explored as two separate types of microbial protein, yet their properties as respectively a bulk and added-value feed ingredient make them appealing for combined use. The feasibility of cocultivation in a sequential photo- and chemotrophic approach was investigated. First, mapping the chemotrophic growth kinetics for four Rhodobacter, Rhodopseudomonas and Rhodospirillum species on different carbon sources showed a preference for fructose (µmax 2.4–3.9 d−1 28 °C; protein 36–59%DW). Secondly, a continuous photobioreactor inoculated with Rhodobacter capsulatus (VFA as C-source) delivered the starter culture for an aerobic batch reactor (fructose as C-source). This two-stage system showed an improved nutritional quality compared to AHB production: higher protein content (45–71%DW), more attractive amino/fatty acid profile and contained up to 10% PNSB. The findings strengthen protein production with cocultures and might enable the implementation of the technology for resource recovery on streams such as wastewater.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000613136600013 Publication Date 2020-09-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0960-8524 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.651 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.651
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:171766 Serial 7677
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Puglisi, A.; Bassini, S.; Reimhult, E.
Title Cyclodextrin-appended superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles as cholesterol-mopping agents Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Frontiers In Chemistry Abbreviated Journal Front Chem
Volume 9 Issue (down) Pages 795598
Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Abstract Cholesterol plays a crucial role in major cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and rare genetic disorders showing altered cholesterol metabolism. Cyclodextrins (CDs) have shown promising therapeutic efficacy based on their capacity to sequester and mobilise cholesterol. However, the administration of monomeric CDs suffers from several drawbacks due to their lack of specificity and poor pharmacokinetics. We present core-shell superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) functionalised with CDs appended to poly (2-methyl-2-oxazoline) polymers grafted in a dense brush to the iron oxide core. The CD-decorated nanoparticles (CySPIONs) are designed so that the macrocycle is specifically cleaved off the nanoparticle’s shell at a slightly acidic pH. In the intended use, free monomeric CDs will then mobilise cholesterol out of the lysosome to the cytosol and beyond through the formation of an inclusion complex. Hence, its suitability as a therapeutic platform to remove cholesterol in the lysosomal compartment. Synthesis and full characterization of the polymer as well as of the core-shell SPION are presented. Cholesterol-binding activity is shown through an enzymatic assay.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2021-11-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2296-2646 ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor 3.994 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.994
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:192273 Serial 7749
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Author Parrilla, M.; Montiel, F.N.; Van Durme, F.; De Wael, K.
Title Derivatization of amphetamine to allow its electrochemical detection in illicit drug seizures Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Sensors And Actuators B-Chemical Abbreviated Journal Sensor Actuat B-Chem
Volume 337 Issue (down) Pages 129819
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Abstract Amphetamine (AMP) is posing critical issues in our society being one of the most encountered drugs-of-abuse in the current illicit market. The continuous drug production in Europe urges the development of new tools for the rapid on-site determination of illicit drugs such as AMP. However, the direct electrochemical detection of AMP is a challenge because the molecule is non-electroactive at the potential window of conventional graphite SPEs. For this reason, a derivatization step is needed to convert the primary amine into an electroactive oxidizable group. Herein, the rapid electrochemical detection of AMP in seized samples based on the derivatization by 1,2-naphthoquinone-4-sulfonate (NQS) is presented by using square wave voltammetry (SWV) at graphite screen-printed electrodes (SPEs). First, a detailed optimization of the key parameters and the analytical performance is provided. The method showed a sensitivity of 7.9 µA mM-1 within a linear range from 50 to 500 µM, a limit of detection of 22.2 µM, and excellent reproducibility (RSD = 4.3%, n = 5 at 500 µM). Subsequently, the effect of NQS on common cutting agents for the selective detection of AMP is addressed. The comparison of the method with drugs-of-abuse containing secondary and tertiary amines confirms the selectivity of the method. Finally, the concept is applied to quantify AMP in 20 seized samples provided by forensic laboratories, exhibiting an accuracy of 97.3 ± 10.5%. Overall, the fast analysis of samples with the electrochemical profiling of derivatized AMP exhibits a straightforward on-site screening aiming to facilitate the tasks of law enforcement agents in the field.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000640386500001 Publication Date 2021-03-19
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0925-4005 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.401 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.401
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:176353 Serial 7762
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Author Roegiers, J.; Denys, S.
Title Development of a novel type activated carbon fiber filter for indoor air purification Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Chemical Engineering Journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J
Volume 417 Issue (down) Pages 128109
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract A novel type of activated carbon fiber filter was developed for indoor air purification. The filter is equipped with electrodes for thermo-electrical regeneration at the point of saturation. The electrodes are arranged in such a way that the filter forms a pleated structure with an electrode in the tip of each pleat. This allows for a uniform temperature distribution on the filter surface during the regeneration process and the pleated structure reduces the overall pressure drop across the filter. The latter was validated by Computational Fluid Dynamics, using Darcy-Forchheimer parameters derived in previous work. The CFD model was further used to perform a virtual sensitivity study in search for the optimal ACF filter design by varying the pleat length, pleat height and filter thickness. Finally, adsorption and desorption properties were investigated with acetaldehyde and toluene as model compounds. Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption parameters, derived in previous work were successfully validated with a Multiphysics model.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000653229500132 Publication Date 2020-12-15
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1385-8947; 1873-3212 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.216 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 6.216
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:174105 Serial 7800
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Author Blidar, A.-M.
Title The development of sensitive and selective electrochemical methods for the detection of antibiotics Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2021 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue (down) Pages 139 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Pharmacology. Therapy; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Abstract The discovery of antibiotics represented one of the greatest breakthroughs in medicine. Their success combined with an increasing intensive use is apparently bound to be also their undoing. This is due to the development of acquired antibiotic resistance, leading to inefficient antibiotherapy and even to the impossibility of treatment and death. The development and spread of antibiotic resistance are fueled by the widespread presence of trace levels of antibiotics residue, in various media, from environment to aliments. One of the solutions is the rigorous monitoring of the levels of antibiotics, which in term requires an almost constant development of new, more accessible analytical methods, especially screening methods, capable of decentralized analysis. In this direction, the electrochemical detection of antibiotics represents a very viable alternative. In this context, the aim of this thesis was to develop new electrochemical methods for the detection of antibiotics by employing and expanding on several strategies, like biomimetic sensors and electrochemical fingerprinting. Five studies were described in this thesis, that can be roughly divided in three categories, based on the analytical strategy employed. The first group is represented by direct electrochemical methods. The second group focuses on the use of biomimetic elements, molecularly imprinted polymers and aptamers. The hyphenation of electrochemical methods with other analytical methods was explored in the last group. In the last study, included in this group, the singlet oxygen-based photoelectrochemical approach was used for the detection of a phenolic antibiotic, rifampicin. The originality of the thesis consists in the testing and development of new approaches to various strategies used in electrochemical detection, revealing new insights in the field of electrochemical detection of antibiotics. The complex electrochemical fingerprint and the mechanism of the electrochemical oxidation were created and investigated, respectively, for the antibiotic vancomycin. New sensitive nanoplatforms were prepared by employing and combining new protocols. Additionally, important contributions were brought through the study involving the singlet oxygen-based detection of rifampicin. We demonstrated how a photocatalyst can exhibit analyte selectivity by strongly interacting with a complex phenolic compound, rifampicin. Summing up, the studies presented in this thesis will have an important impact in the field of electrochemical detection of antibiotics.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:182955 Serial 7804
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