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Author Zhou, S.; Zhang, C.; Xu, W.; Zhang, J.; Xiao, Y.; Ding, L.; Wen, H.; Cheng, X.; Hu, C.; Li, H.; Li, X.; Peeters, F.M.
Title Observation of temperature induced phase transitions in TiO superconducting thin film via infrared measurement Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Infrared physics and technology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 137 Issue (down) Pages 105160-105169
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract In contrast to conventional polycrystalline titanium oxide (TiO), it was found recently that the superconducting transition temperature Tc can be significantly enhanced from about 2 K to 7.4 K in cubic TiO thin films grown epitaxially on alpha-Al2O3 substrates. This kind of TiO film is also expected to have distinctive optoelectronic properties, which are still not very clear up to now. Herein, by using infrared (IR) reflection measurement we investigate the temperature-dependent optoelectronic response of a cubic TiO thin film, in which temperature induced phase transitions are observed. The semiconductor-, metallic- and semiconductor-like electronic phases of this superconducting film are found in the temperature regimes from 10 to 110 K, 110 to 220 K and above 220 K, respectively. The results obtained optically are consistent with those measured by transport experiment. Furthermore, based on an improved reflection model developed here, we extract the complex optical conductivity of the cubic TiO thin film. We are able to approximately determine the characteristic parameters (e.g., effective electron mass, carrier density, scattering time, etc.) for different electronic phases by fitting the optical conductivity with the modified Lorentz formula. These results not only deepen our understanding of the fundamental physics for cubic TiO thin films but also may find applications in optoelectronic devices based on superconductors.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001170490200001 Publication Date 2024-01-21
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1350-4495 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 3.3 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.3; 2024 IF: 1.713
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:204853 Serial 9162
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Author Coulombier, M.; Baral, P.; Orekhov, A.; Dohmen, R.; Raskin, J.P.; Pardoen, T.; Cordier, P.; Idrissi, H.
Title On-chip very low strain rate rheology of amorphous olivine films Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Acta materialia Abbreviated Journal
Volume 266 Issue (down) Pages 119693-12
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Recent observations made by the authors revealed the activation of stress induced amorphization and sliding at grain boundary in olivine [1], a mechanism which is expected to play a pivotal role in the viscosity drop at the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary and the brittle -ductile transition in the lithospheric mantle. However, there is a lack of information in the literature regarding the intrinsic mechanical properties and the elementary deformation mechanisms of this material, especially at time scales relevant for geodynamics. In the present work, amorphous olivine films were obtained by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The mechanical response including the rate dependent behavior are investigated using a tension -on -chip (TOC) method developed at UCLouvain allowing to perform creep/relaxation tests on thin films at extremely low strain rates. In the present work, strain rate down to 10-12 s- 1 was reached which is unique. High strain rate sensitivity of 0.054 is observed together with the activation of relaxation at the very early stage of deformation. Furthermore, digital image correlation (DIC), used for the first time on films deformed by TOC, reveals local strain heterogeneities. The relationship between such heterogeneities, the high strain rate sensitivity and the effect of the electron beam in the scanning electron microscope is discussed and compared to the literature.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001170513400001 Publication Date 2024-01-17
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1359-6454 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 9.4 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 9.4; 2024 IF: 5.301
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:204864 Serial 9163
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Author Long, Y.; Wang, X.; Zhang, H.; Wang, K.; Ong, W.-L.; Bogaerts, A.; Li, K.; Lu, C.; Li, X.; Yan, J.; Tu, X.; Zhang, H.
Title Plasma chemical looping : unlocking high-efficiency CO₂ conversion to clean CO at mild temperatures Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication JACS Au Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue (down) Pages
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract We propose a plasma chemical looping CO2 splitting (PCLCS) approach that enables highly efficient CO2 conversion into O-2-free CO at mild temperatures. PCLCS achieves an impressive 84% CO2 conversion and a 1.3 mmol g(-1) CO yield, with no O-2 detected. Crucially, this strategy significantly lowers the temperature required for conventional chemical looping processes from 650 to 1000 degrees C to only 320 degrees C, demonstrating a robust synergy between plasma and the Ce0.7Zr0.3O2 oxygen carrier (OC). Systematic experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations unveil the pivotal role of plasma in activating and partially decomposing CO2, yielding a mixture of CO, O-2/O, and electronically/vibrationally excited CO2*. Notably, these excited CO2* species then efficiently decompose over the oxygen vacancies of the OCs, with a substantially reduced activation barrier (0.86 eV) compared to ground-state CO2 (1.63 eV), contributing to the synergy. This work offers a promising and energy-efficient pathway for producing O-2-free CO from inert CO2 through the tailored interplay of plasma and OCs.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001225139200001 Publication Date 2024-05-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:205970 Serial 9166
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Author Lu, Q.
Title Precipitation behavior and heat resistance properties of Al-Cu-Mg-Ag-(Si) alloy Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2024 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue (down) Pages VIII, 212 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract With the rapid increase in the speed of new-generation aerospace vehicles, conventional heat-resistant aluminum alloys cannot meet the long-term service of the equipment. Therefore, the development of new high-strength heat-resistant aluminum alloys is of great strategic for the sustainable and high-quality development of industries. Al-Cu-Mg-Ag alloy is an age-hardenable heat-resistant aluminum alloy and has high strength and heat resistance. The addition of alloying elements such as Si and Sc to Al-Cu-Mg-Ag alloy introduces a competitive relationship among the σ-Al5Cu6Mg2, θ′-Al2Cu, and Ω phases. Therefore, a systematic investigation of precipitation behavior and heat resistance of Al-Cu-Mg-Ag-(Si) is essential for guiding the design of high-strength heat-resistant aluminum alloys. Combined characterization testing methods such as scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atom probe tomography, microhardness testing, and tensile testing with simulation calculation methods such as calculation of phase diagram, first-principles calculations, and Ab initio molecular dynamics, the effects of heat treatment processes and element content on the precipitation behavior, mechanical properties, and heat resistance of Al-Cu-Mg-Ag-(Si) alloys were systematically investigated. Furthermore, a multiple interface segregation structure was constructed at the θ′/Al interface, and a new Al-Cu-Mg-Ag-Si-Sc alloy with synergistically improved strength and heat resistance was developed. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) Based on the Kampmann-Wagner-Numerical theory, the relationship between the coarsening rate of the Ω phase and the aging process was analyzed, revealing for the first time that the critical size of Ω phase ( ) under thermal exposure temperature was the key factor determining the coarsening rate of Ω phase during long time thermal exposure heat treatment. After artificial ageing, when the size of Ω phase was smaller than the critical size , the dissolution of smaller Ω phase leaded to a rapid decrease in the number density of Ω phases, thereby reducing the heat resistance of the alloy. When the size of Ω phase was greater than or equal to the critical size , the coarsening rate of Ω phase was consistent, but a larger initial size would result in a larger final size after long-term thermal exposure. Therefore, the closer the size of Ω phase in the alloy is to the critical size under heat exposure temperature, the better the heat resistance of the alloy. (2) A concept of constructing a multiple interface segregation structure at the precipitate/matrix interface was proposed, and based on this concept, a multiple interface segregation structure containing the C/L-AlMgSiCu interfacial phase, newly discovered χ-AgMg interfacial phase, and Sc segregation layer was successfully constructed at the θ′/Al interface. The existence of the multiple interface segregation structure ensured that the designed Al-Cu-Mg-Ag-Si-Sc alloy maintains a yield strength of 400 MPa after thermal exposure at 200 C for 100 h, with a strength retention rate of 97%, creating a new record for the synergistic improvement of strength and heat resistance in aluminum alloys. In addition, combining transmission electron microscopy ex-situ/in-situ characterization with first-principles calculations, it is shown that the χ-AgMg interface phase will be destroyed due to the diffusion of the outer Ag layer during thermal exposure, and gradually dissolve into the matrix, but it can still delay the coarsening behavior of θ′-Al2Cu phase. (3) The criteria for determining whether Ω phase can precipitate are updated in Al-Cu-Mg-Ag-Si alloys with low Mg/Si ratio based on phase diagram thermodynamic calculations and multi-scale structural characterization. When W(Mg)/W(Si) > 1.4 and X(Ag)/X(Mgexcess) > 1, Ω phase can precipitate in Al-Cu-Mg-Ag-Si alloys, where X(Mgexcess) represents the atomic percentage of residual Mg elements after the formation of the AlMgSiCu quaternary precipitate phase C/L phase in the supersaturated solid solution, and the W(Mg) is the mass fraction of Mg in the supersaturated solid solution before artificial ageing. (4) The effects of alloy element content on precipitation behavior and heat resistance of Al-Cu-Mg-Ag-Si alloys were systematically analyzed. Critical conditions for the precipitation of σ-Al5Cu6Mg2 and Ω phase in Al-Cu-Mg-Ag-Si alloys are revealed. Based on calculation of phase diagram results, the conditions for precipitating σ-Al5Cu6Mg2 phase in the alloy are: ① W(Mg)/W(Si) > 1.8; ② W(Cu) > 2.7W(Mg) – 5W(Si). When W(Mg)/W(Si) < 1.8, the alloy is mainly precipitated with C/L/Q′-AlMgSiCu. When W(Cu) < 2.7W(Mg) – 5W(Si), the alloy will generate GPB zone. In addition, W(Ag)/W(Si) > 4 is the critical condition which the Ω phase can the main precipitates in Al-Cu-Mg-Ag-Si alloys. Furthermore, the correlation between precipitate types and heat resistance was summarized, showing that Al-Cu-Mg-Ag-(Si) alloys with Ω phase as the main strengthening phase are more suitable for the preparation of structures with short service time but high temperature, while Al-Cu-Mg-Ag-(Si) alloys with low Mg content and multiple segregation structures are more suitable for structures requiring long-term service at medium to high temperatures. This study, for the first time, combines calculation of phase diagram with multi-scale microstructure characterization, systematically unraveling the effects of element content on precipitation behavior, strength, and heat resistance of Al-Cu-Mg-Ag-(Si) alloys. In addition, a concept of constructing a multiple interface segregation structure at the precipitate/matrix interface was proposed to synergistically improve alloy strength and heat resistance. This work provides theoretical guidance for optimizing the composition and processing of Al-Cu-Mg-Ag-(Si) alloy and regulating the microstructure. Furthermore, it also offers new ideas and theoretical guidance for the development of novel high-strength heat-resistant alloys in other systems.
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:206180 Serial 9167
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Author Cioni, M.; Delle Piane, M.; Polino, D.; Rapetti, D.; Crippa, M.; Arslan Irmak, E.; Van Aert, S.; Bals, S.; Pavan, G.M.
Title Sampling real-time atomic dynamics in metal nanoparticles by combining experiments, simulations, and machine learning Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Advanced Science Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue (down) Pages 1-13
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Even at low temperatures, metal nanoparticles (NPs) possess atomic dynamics that are key for their properties but challenging to elucidate. Recent experimental advances allow obtaining atomic-resolution snapshots of the NPs in realistic regimes, but data acquisition limitations hinder the experimental reconstruction of the atomic dynamics present within them. Molecular simulations have the advantage that these allow directly tracking the motion of atoms over time. However, these typically start from ideal/perfect NP structures and, suffering from sampling limits, provide results that are often dependent on the initial/putative structure and remain purely indicative. Here, by combining state-of-the-art experimental and computational approaches, how it is possible to tackle the limitations of both approaches and resolve the atomistic dynamics present in metal NPs in realistic conditions is demonstrated. Annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy enables the acquisition of ten high-resolution images of an Au NP at intervals of 0.6 s. These are used to reconstruct atomistic 3D models of the real NP used to run ten independent molecular dynamics simulations. Machine learning analyses of the simulation trajectories allow resolving the real-time atomic dynamics present within the NP. This provides a robust combined experimental/computational approach to characterize the structural dynamics of metal NPs in realistic conditions. Experimental and computational techniques are bridged to unveil atomic dynamics in gold nanoparticles (NPs), using annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy and molecular dynamics simulations informed by machine learning. The approach provides unprecedented insights into the real-time structural behaviors of NPs, merging state-of-the-art techniques to accurately characterize their dynamics under realistic conditions. image
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001206888000001 Publication Date 2024-04-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2198-3844 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 15.1 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 15.1; 2024 IF: 9.034
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:205442 Serial 9171
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Author Arisnabarreta, N.; Hao, Y.; Jin, E.; Salame, A.; Muellen, K.; Robert, M.; Lazzaroni, R.; Van Aert, S.; Mali, K.S.; De Feyter, S.
Title Single-layered imine-linked porphyrin-based two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks targeting CO₂ reduction Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Advanced energy materials Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue (down) Pages
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) using porphyrin-containing 2D covalent organic frameworks (2D-COFs) catalysts is widely explored nowadays. While these framework materials are normally fabricated as powders followed by their uncontrolled surface heterogenization or directly grown as thin films (thickness >200 nm), very little is known about the performance of substrate-supported single-layered (approximate to 0.5 nm thickness) 2D-COFs films (s2D-COFs) due to its highly challenging synthesis and characterization protocols. In this work, a fast and straightforward fabrication method of porphyrin-containing s2D-COFs is demonstrated, which allows their extensive high-resolution visualization via scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) in liquid conditions with the support of STM simulations. The as-prepared single-layered film is then employed as a cathode for the electrochemical reduction of CO2. Fe porphyrin-containing s2D-COF@graphite used as a single-layered heterogeneous catalyst provided moderate-to-high carbon monoxide selectivity (82%) and partial CO current density (5.1 mA cm(-2)). This work establishes the value of using single-layered films as heterogene ous catalysts and demonstrates the possibility of achieving high performance in CO2 reduction even with extremely low catalyst loadings.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001177577200001 Publication Date 2024-02-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1614-6832; 1614-6840 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 27.8 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 27.8; 2024 IF: 16.721
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:204856 Serial 9172
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Author Manaigo, F.
Title Study of a gliding arc discharge for sustainable nitrogen fixation into NOx Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2024 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue (down) Pages xxiv, 114 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract With the growth of the world population, the agricultural sector is required to meet an increasing demand for nutrients and currently relies on industrially produced fertilizers. Among them, nitrogen-based fertilizers are the most common choice and require N2 to be converted into more reactive molecules in a process called “nitrogen fixation”. This is mainly performed through the Haber-Bosch process, which, is not ideal since it requires large-scale facilities to be economical and is associated with a high energy cost and high CO2 emissions, resulting in an environmental impact that is pushing for the study of greener alternatives. Among these, plasma-based nitrogen fixation into NOx is promising, and gliding arc plasma, specifically, proved to be suitable for nitrogen fixation. This thesis aims to study plasma-based nitrogen fixation focusing on an atmospheric pressure gliding arc plasma on three different levels. On a fundamental level, an approach dealing with laser-based excitation of separate rotational lines was successfully developed. This method can be implemented on atmospheric discharges that produce rather high NOx densities and, thus, can impose essential restrictions for the use of “classical” laser-induced fluorescence methods. The approach is then implemented, providing a discussion on the two-dimensional distributions of both the gas temperature and the NO ground state density. A clear correlation between these quantities is found and the effects of both the gas temperature and the plasma power on NO and NO2 concentrations are discussed, revealing how the NO oxidation is already significant in the plasma afterglow region and how the gas flow rate is a crucial parameter affecting the temperature gradients. >From a technological level, the conventional approach of introducing external resistors to stabilize the arc is challenged by studying both its performance and its stability replacing the external resistor with an inductor. We conclude that similar stabilization results can be obtained while significantly lowering the overall energy cost, which decreased from up to a maximum of 7.9 MJ/mol N to 3 MJ/mol N. Finally, we study whether a small-scale fertilizer production facility based on a gliding arc plasma can be a local competitive alternative. This is done by proposing a comparative model to understand how capital, operative expenditures and transport costs affect the production costs. The model highlights how, with the current best available technology, plasma-based nitrogen fixation, while being an interesting alternative for NOx synthesis, still requires a more efficient use of H2 for direct NH3 production.
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:205259 Serial 9175
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Author Brognara, A.; Kashiwar, A.; Jung, C.; Zhang, X.; Ahmadian, A.; Gauquelin, N.; Verbeeck, J.; Djemia, P.; Faurie, D.; Dehm, G.; Idrissi, H.; Best, J.P.; Ghidelli, M.
Title Tailoring mechanical properties and shear band propagation in ZrCu metallic glass nanolaminates through chemical heterogeneities and interface density Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Small Structures Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue (down) Pages 2400011-11
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The design of high‐performance structural thin films consistently seeks to achieve a delicate equilibrium by balancing outstanding mechanical properties like yield strength, ductility, and substrate adhesion, which are often mutually exclusive. Metallic glasses (MGs) with their amorphous structure have superior strength, but usually poor ductility with catastrophic failure induced by shear bands (SBs) formation. Herein, we introduce an innovative approach by synthesizing MGs characterized by large and tunable mechanical properties, pioneering a nanoengineering design based on the control of nanoscale chemical/structural heterogeneities. This is realized through a simplified model Zr 24 Cu 76 /Zr 61 Cu 39 , fully amorphous nanocomposite with controlled nanoscale periodicity ( Λ , from 400 down to 5 nm), local chemistry, and glass–glass interfaces, while focusing in‐depth on the SB nucleation/propagation processes. The nanolaminates enable a fine control of the mechanical properties, and an onset of crack formation/percolation (>1.9 and 3.3%, respectively) far above the monolithic counterparts. Moreover, we show that SB propagation induces large chemical intermixing, enabling a brittle‐to‐ductile transition when Λ  ≤ 50 nm, reaching remarkably large plastic deformation of 16% in compression and yield strength ≈2 GPa. Overall, the nanoengineered control of local heterogeneities leads to ultimate and tunable mechanical properties opening up a new approach for strong and ductile materials.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2024-05-20
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2688-4062 ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:205798 Serial 9176
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Xiao, H.; Wen, H.; Xu, W.; Cheng, Y.; Zhang, J.; Cheng, X.; Xiao, Y.; Ding, L.; Li, H.; He, B.; Peeters, F.M.
Title Terahertz magneto-optical properties of Nitrogen-doped diamond Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Infrared physics and technology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 138 Issue (down) Pages 105237-105239
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Nitrogen-doped diamond (N-D) is one of the most important carbon-based electronic and optical materials. Here we study the terahertz (THz) magneto-optical (MO) properties of N-D grown by microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The optical microscope, SEM, XRD, Raman spectrum, FTIR spectroscopy and XPS are used for the characterization of N-D samples. Applying THz time-domain spectroscopy (TDS), in combination with the polarization test and the presence of magnetic field in Faraday geometry, THz MO transmissions through N-D are measured from 0 to 8 T at 80 K. The complex right- and left-handed circular transmission coefficients and MO conductivities for N-D are obtained accordingly. Through fitting the experimental results with theoretical formulas of the dielectric constant and MO conductivities for an electron gas, we are able to determine magneto-optically the key electronic parameters of N-D, such as the static dielectric constant epsilon b, the electron density ne, the electronic relaxation time tau, the electronic localization factor alpha and, particularly, the effective electron mass m* obtained under non-resonant condition. The dependence of these parameters upon magnetic field is examined and analyzed. We find that the MO conductivities of N-D can be described rightly by the MO Drude-Smith formulas developed by us previously. It is shown that N-doping and the presence of the magnetic field can lead towards the larger epsilon b and heavier m* in diamond, while ne/tau/alpha in N-D decreases/increases/decreases with increasing magnetic field. The results obtained from this work are benefit to us in gaining an in-depth understanding of the electronic and optoelectronic properties of N-D.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001200173100001 Publication Date 2024-02-15
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1350-4495 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 3.3 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.3; 2024 IF: 1.713
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:205523 Serial 9178
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Author Hassani, N.; Movafegh-Ghadirli, A.; Mahdavifar, Z.; Peeters, F.M.; Neek-Amal, M.
Title Two new members of the covalent organic frameworks family : crystalline 2D-oxocarbon and 3D-borocarbon structures Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Computational materials science Abbreviated Journal
Volume 241 Issue (down) Pages 1-9
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Oxocarbons, known for over two centuries, have recently revealed a long-awaited facet: two-dimensional crystalline structures. Employing an intelligent global optimization algorithm (IGOA) alongside densityfunctional calculations, we unearthed a quasi -flat oxocarbon (C 6 0 6 ), featuring an oxygen -decorated hole, and a novel 3D-borocarbon. Comparative analyses with recently synthesized isostructures, such as 2D -porous carbon nitride (C 6 N 6 ) and 2D -porous boroxine (B 6 0 6 ), highlight the unique attributes of these compounds. All structures share a common stoichiometry of X 6 Y 6 (which we call COF-66), where X = B, C, and Y = B, N, O (with X not equal Y), exhibiting a 2D -crystalline structure, except for borocarbon C 6 B 6 , which forms a 3D crystal. In our comprehensive study, we conducted a detailed exploration of the electronic structure of X 6 Y 6 compounds, scrutinizing their thermodynamic properties and systematically evaluating phonon stability criteria. With expansive surface areas, diverse pore sizes, biocompatibility, pi-conjugation, and distinctive photoelectric properties, these structures, belonging to the covalent organic framework (COF) family, present enticing prospects for fundamental research and hold potential for biosensing applications.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001215960700001 Publication Date 2024-04-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0927-0256 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 3.3 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.3; 2024 IF: 2.292
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:206005 Serial 9179
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Author Chai, Z.-N.; Wang, X.-C.; Yusupov, M.; Zhang, Y.-T.
Title Unveiling the interaction mechanisms of cold atmospheric plasma and amino acids by machine learning Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Plasma processes and polymers Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue (down) Pages 1-26
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Plasma medicine has attracted tremendous interest in a variety of medical conditions, ranging from wound healing to antimicrobial applications, even in cancer treatment, through the interactions of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) and various biological tissues directly or indirectly. The underlying mechanisms of CAP treatment are still poorly understood although the oxidative effects of CAP with amino acids, peptides, and proteins have been explored experimentally. In this study, machine learning (ML) technology is introduced to efficiently unveil the interaction mechanisms of amino acids and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in seconds based on the data obtained from the reactive molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, which are performed to probe the interaction of five types of amino acids with various ROS on the timescale of hundreds of picoseconds but with the huge computational load of several days. The oxidative reactions typically start with H-abstraction, and the details of the breaking and formation of chemical bonds are revealed; the modification types, such as nitrosylation, hydroxylation, and carbonylation, can be observed. The dose effects of ROS are also investigated by varying the number of ROS in the simulation box, indicating agreement with the experimental observation. To overcome the limits of timescales and the size of molecular systems in reactive MD simulations, a deep neural network (DNN) with five hidden layers is constructed according to the reaction data and employed to predict the type of oxidative modification and the probability of occurrence only in seconds as the dose of ROS varies. The well-trained DNN can effectively and accurately predict the oxidative processes and productions, which greatly improves the computational efficiency by almost ten orders of magnitude compared with the reactive MD simulation. This study shows the great potential of ML technology to efficiently unveil the underpinning mechanisms in plasma medicine based on the data from reactive MD simulations or experimental measurements. In this study, since reactive molecular dynamics simulation can currently only describe interactions between a few hundred atoms in a few hundred picoseconds, deep neural networks (DNN) are introduced to enhance the simulation results by predicting more data efficiently. image
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001202061200001 Publication Date 2024-04-15
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1612-8850 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 3.5 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.5; 2024 IF: 2.846
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:205512 Serial 9181
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Author O'Modhrain, C.; Trenchev, G.; Gorbanev, Y.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Upscaling plasma-based CO₂ conversion : case study of a multi-reactor gliding arc plasmatron Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication ACS Engineering Au Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue (down) Pages
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Atmospheric pressure plasmas have shifted in recent years from being a burgeoning research field in the academic setting to an actively investigated technology in the chemical, oil, and environmental industries. This is largely driven by the climate change mitigation efforts, as well as the evident pathways of value creation by converting greenhouse gases (such as CO2) into useful chemical feedstock. Currently, most high technology readiness level (TRL) plasma-based technologies are based on volumetric and power-based scaling of thermal plasma systems, which results in large capital investment and regular maintenance costs. This work investigates bringing a quasi-thermal (so-called “warm”) plasma setup, namely, a gliding arc plasmatron, from a lab-scale to a pilot-scale capacity with an increase in throughput capacity by a factor of 10. The method of scaling is the parallelization of plasmatron reactors within a single housing, with the aim of maintaining a warm plasma regime while simultaneously improving build cost and efficiency (compared to separate reactors operating in parallel). Special attention is also given to the safety and control features implemented in the setup, a key component required for integration into industrial systems. The performance of the multi-reactor gliding arc plasmatron (MRGAP) reactor is investigated, focusing on the influence of flow rate and the number of active reactors. The location of active reactors was deemed to have a negligible effect on the monitored metrics of conversion, energy efficiency, and energy cost. The optimum operating conditions were found to be with the most active reactors (five) at the highest investigated flow rate (80 L/min). Analysis of results suggests that an optimum conversion (9%) and plug power-based energy efficiency (19%) can be maintained at a specific energy input (SEI) around 5.3 kJ/L (or 1 eV/molecule). The concept of parallelization of plasmatron reactors within a singular housing was demonstrated to be a viable method for scaling up from a lab-scale to a prototype-scale device, with performance analysis suggesting that increasing the power (through adding more reactor channels) and total flow rate, while maintaining an SEI around 5.3 or 4.2 kJ/L, i.e., 1.3 or 1 eV/molecule (based on plug power and plasma-deposited power, respectively), can result in increased conversion rate without sacrificing absolute conversion or energy efficiency.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001166625200001 Publication Date 2024-02-14
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
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:204749 Serial 9182
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Author Verbruggen, L.; Verheggen, L.; Vanhoutte, G.; Loly, C.; Lybaert, W.; Borbath, I.; Vergauwe, P.; Hendrickx, K.; Debeuckelaere, C.; de Haar-Holleman, A.; Van Laethem, J.-L.; Peeters, M.
Title A real-world analysis on the efficacy and tolerability of liposomal irinotecan plus 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid in metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in Belgium Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Therapeutic advances in medical oncology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 15 Issue (down) Pages 1-13
Keywords A1 Journal article; Center for Oncological Research (CORE)
Abstract Background: Currently, nanoliposomal irinotecan (nal-IRI) + 5-fluorouracil/folinic acid (5-FU/ LV) is the only approved second-line treatment for patients suffering from metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC). However, also other chemotherapeutic regimens are used in this setting and due to the lack of clear real-world data on the efficacy of the different regimens, there is no consensus on the optimal treatment sequence for mPDAC patients. Objectives: To provide information on the safe and efficacious use of nal-IRI + 5-FU/LV in clinical practice in Belgium, which is needed for healthcare professionals to estimate the risk-benefit ratio of the intervention. Methods: Medical data of adult patients with mPDAC who were treated with nal-IRI + 5-FU/ LV in one of the participating Belgian hospitals were retrospectively collected. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to obtain survival curves to estimate the median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). All other results were presented descriptively. Results: A total of 56 patients [median age at diagnosis: 69 years (range 43 years), 57.1% male] were included. Patients received a median of 5 (range 49 cycles) nal-IRI + 5-FU/LV cycles, extended over 10 weeks (range 130.8 weeks). The median start dose for nal-IRI was 70 mg/ m(2) (range 49.24 mg/m(2)) and chemotherapy dose reduction and delay occurred in, respectively, 42.8% and 37.5% of the patients. The median OS was 6.8 months (95% CI: 5.6-8.4 months) with a 6-month survival rate of 57.4% and a 1-year survival rate of 27.8% in the overall study population. The median OS for patients treated with nal-IRI as second-line therapy or as laterline treatment was, respectively, 6.8 months (95% CI: 5.9-7.0 months) and 5.6 months (95% CI: 4.2-no upper limit). In the overall study population, a median PFS of 3.1 months (95% CI: 2.4-4.6 months) and a disease control rate of 48.3%, comprising 30.4% stable disease, 16.1% partial and 1.8% complete response, was observed. The median PFS for patients treated with nal-IRI as second-line therapy was 3.9 months (95% CI: 2.8-4.8 months) while this was 2.4 months (95% CI: 1.9-9.1 months) for those that received nal-IRI in a later-line treatment. In terms of safety, gastrointestinal problems occurred most (64.3% of the patients) and from all reported treatment emergent adverse events, 39.2% were grade 3 or 4. Conclusion: Nal-IRI + 5-FU/LV is a valuable, effective, and safe sequential treatment option following gemcitabine-based therapy in patients with mPDAC.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001051446400001 Publication Date 2023-08-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1758-8340; 1758-8359 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 4.9 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.9; 2023 IF: 6.294
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199296 Serial 9183
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Author Fabri, C.; Tsagris, M.; Moretti, M.; Van Passel, S.
Title Adaptation to climate change : the irrigation technology mix of Italian farmers Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Applied economic perspectives and policy Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue (down) Pages 1-22
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Farmers should increasingly adopt more water‐efficient irrigation technologies—such as drip irrigation—as a result of climate warming and aggravating water scarcity. We analyze how Italian farmers adapt to climate change by changing their irrigation technology mix. We apply a two‐stage econometric model to data from 5876 Italian farms. We find that farmers' initial reaction to increasing temperatures is reducing their surface‐irrigated fractions. When temperatures increase further, farmers switch toward more sprinkler irrigation. Our results show that farmers are not autonomously moving to drip irrigation in response to climate change, suggesting that government incentives are needed to encourage this transition.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001125360800001 Publication Date 2023-12-16
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2040-5790 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 5.8 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.8; 2023 IF: 1.361
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:201688 Serial 9184
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Author Teleshkan, E.; Van Schoubroeck, S.; Spiller, M.; Van Passel, S.
Title Assessing policy impacts on nutrient circularity : a comprehensive review Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Nutrient cycling in agroecosystems Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue (down) Pages 1-15
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Nutrient circularity is an emerging concept that seeks to address the environmental problems and nutrient losses caused by agriculture and food consumption. The implementation of circular nutrient technologies and practices (CNTPs), that recover, reuse, and recycle nutrients from agricultural and urban waste is an important policy objective. Yet, which policies govern the adoption of CNTPs is not well defined. This study presents the first systematic review of impact evaluations of policy measures that aim to improve nutrient circularity regulating components of the biological cycle of the circular economy, particularly focusing on bioaccessible nutrients. The key CNTPs that were subject to existing impact evaluations were identified. CNTPs were categorized into nutrient circularity themes, with manure management emerging as a prominent focus. The reviewed studies implemented several methods to assess the impacts of policies on various dependent variables, associated with nutrient circularity. Economic simulation models and linear programming were the most prevalent methods for impact evaluation. Policy measures were labeled as either enabling or not-enabling nutrient circularity based on whether they sufficiently promoted nutrient circularity through facilitating the adoption of CNTPs, and controlling for soil, water and air health, preventing its contamination. It is concluded that incentive policies, harmonizing market support, tax incentives, and technological advancements, as well as coherence of local, national and cross-country legislation prove indispensable in steering the economic feasibility and sustainability of CNTPs, offering a promising avenue for progress and a transformative shift towards nutrient circularity.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001175764500001 Publication Date 2024-02-29
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1385-1314; 1573-0867 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 3.1 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.1; 2024 IF: 1.843
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:204250 Serial 9185
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Author Vasilakou, K.; Nimmegeers, P.; Thomassen, G.; Billen, P.; Van Passel, S.
Title Assessing the future of second-generation bioethanol by 2030 : a techno-economic assessment integrating technology learning curves Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Applied energy Abbreviated Journal
Volume 344 Issue (down) Pages 121263-15
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM); Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS)
Abstract Lignocellulosic biomass is the most abundant source of renewable biomass and is seen as a high-potential replacement for petroleum-based resources. The conversion technologies to advanced biofuels are still at a low maturity level, thus allowing for future cost reductions through technological learning. This fact is barely considered in state-of-the-art techno-economic assessments and a structured approach to account for technological learning in techno-economic assessments is needed. In this study, a framework for techno-economic assessments of advanced biofuels, integrating learning curves, is proposed. As a validation of this framework, the economic feasibility of the valorization of corn stover for the production of second-generation bioethanol in Belgium is studied. Process flowsheet simulations in Aspen Plus are developed, with an emphasis on the comparison of four different pretreatment technologies and two plant capacities at 156 dry kt biomass/y and 667 dry kt/y. The dilute acid pretreatment model of the large-scale biorefinery required the lowest minimum learning rate to reach an economically feasible biorefinery by 2030, being 3.9%, almost half as the one calculated for the smaller scale plant. This learning rate seems to be achievable based on learning rates commonly estimated in literature. We conclude that there is a potential for advanced ethanol production in Belgium under the current state of technology for large-scale biorefineries, which require additional biomass imports, when accounting for future cost reductions through learning
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001007488700001 Publication Date 2023-05-22
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0306-2619 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 11.2 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 11.2; 2023 IF: 7.182
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:196509 Serial 9186
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Author Verbruggen, S.; Van Acker, M.; Furlan, C.; Mercelis, S.; Durt, A.
Title ATLANTES : the mATeriaL spAtial dimeNsion of wasTE flowS: visualising waste streams in the Province of Antwerp Type Minutes and reports
Year 2023 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue (down) Pages
Keywords Minutes and reports; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Internet Data Lab (IDLab); Research Group for Urban Development; Henry van de Velde
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:199837 Serial 9187
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Author Reynaert, S.; D’Hose, T.; de Boeck, H.J.; Laorden, D.; Dult, L.; Verbruggen, E.; Nijs, I.
Title Can permanent grassland soils with elevated organic carbon buffer negative effects of more persistent precipitation regimes on forage grass performance? Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication The science of the total environment Abbreviated Journal
Volume 918 Issue (down) Pages 170623-15
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plant and Ecosystems (PLECO) – Ecology in a time of change
Abstract Agricultural practices enhancing soil organic carbon (SOC) show potential to buffer negative effects of climate change on forage grass performance. We tested this by subjecting five forage grass varieties differing in fodder quality and drought/flooding resistance to increased persistence in summer precipitation regimes (PR) across sandy and sandy-loam soils from either permanent (high SOC) or temporary grasslands (low SOC) in adjacent parcels. Over the course of two consecutive summers, monoculture mesocosms were subjected to rainy/dry weather alternation either every 3 days or every 30 days, whilst keeping total precipitation equal. Increased PR persistence induced species-specific drought damage and productivity declines. Soils from permanent grasslands with elevated SOC buffered plant quality, but buffering effects of SOC on drought damage, nutrient availability and yield differed between texture classes. In the more persistent PR, Festuca arundinacea FERMINA was the most productive species but had the lowest quality under both ample water supply and mild soil drought, whilst under the most intense soil droughts, Festulolium FESTILO maintained the highest yields. The hybrid Lolium × boucheanum kunth MELCOMBI had intermediate productivity and both Lolium perenne varieties showed the lowest yields under soil drought, but the highest forage quality (especially the tetraploid variety MELFORCE). Performance varied with plant maturity stage and across seasons/years and was driven by altered water and nutrient availability and related nitrogen nutrition among species during drought and upon rewetting. Moreover, whilst permanent grassland soils showed the most consistent positive effects on plant performance, their available water capacity also declined under increased PR persistence. We conclude that permanent grassland soils with historically elevated SOC likely buffer negative effects of increasing summer weather persistence on forage grass performance, but may also be more sensitive to degradation under climate change.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001183615800001 Publication Date 2024-02-04
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0048-9697; 1879-1026 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 9.8 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 9.8; 2024 IF: 4.9
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:204498 Serial 9191
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Author Van Hoecke, L.
Title CFD-Assisted design of fluidized reactors for H2 release from LOHC Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2024 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue (down) Pages XXXIII, 181 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology
Abstract Hydrogen (H2) is expected to become a key molecule in the transition towards a society running on renewable energy. It can be used to store excess renewable energy at peak production moments and release this energy at a later stage when renewable energy production is less. However, storing H2 is challenging due to the low density of this gas. As a solution, Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers or LOHC molecules have been proposed in the passed to increase volumetric energy density of H2. LOHC are a class of molecules that have storage sites available, to which the H2 gas can be chemically bounded. The LOHC molecule under investigation was dibenzyltoluene (DBT), which is an oil like liquid, that is easy to transport and poses little fire or explosion risks. To release the H2 from the DBT carrier, via a so-called dehydrogenation reaction, efficient mass and heat transfer is required during the process, since a large volume increase is expected from H2 release and the reaction is endothermic, i.e., a self – cooling process that takes place at temperatures around 300 C. The heat has to be supplied specifically to the active sites of catalyst particles that are present inside the reactor and which enable the dehydrogenation to proceed. For heat transfer limited processes fluidized bed reactors are often used, which is a type of reactor where the particle phase is being agitated by the fluid flow. The research proposed in this work, was to explore via computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations the possibilities and challenges of using fluidized bed reactors for the dehydrogenation of LOHC. The model selection required for CFD simulations of a three-phase system was investigated in this work, with a main emphasis on the drag model selection. The CFD modelling study was focused on the use of swirling fluidized bed reactors, since it was hypothesised that the swirling effect could also aid in increased removal of the gas phase from the reaction medium to increase the efficiency of the process. Ultimately, it was shown that the main challenges in the design of fluidized bed reactors will be to create uniform particle distribution inside the reactor. A new design for a dehydrogenation reactor is proposed based on the insights gained in this thesis.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2024-06-14
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:205645 Serial 9192
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Author Deleu, N.; Hillen, M.; Steenackers, G.; Borms, G.; Janssens, K.; Van der Stighelen, K.; Van der Snickt, G.
Title Combined macro X-ray fluorescence (MA-XRF) and pulse phase thermography (PPT) imaging for the technical study of panel paintings Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Talanta : the international journal of pure and applied analytical chemistry Abbreviated Journal
Volume 270 Issue (down) Pages 125533-11
Keywords A1 Journal article; Art; Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES); Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)
Abstract Museum staff usually relies on a proven combination of X-ray radiography (XRR) and infrared reflectography (IRR) to study paintings in a non-destructive manner. In the last decades, however, the research toolbox of heritage scientists has expanded considerably, with a prime example being macro X-ray fluorescence (MA-XRF), producing element-specific images. The goal of this article is to illustrate the added value of augmenting MA-XRF with pulse phase thermography (PPT), a variant of active infrared thermographic imaging (IRT), which is an innovative diagnostic method that is able to reveal variations between or in materials, based on a different response to minor fluctuations in temperature when irradiated with optical radiation. By examining three 16thand 17th-century panel paintings we assess the extent in which combined MA-XRF and PPT contributes to a better understanding of two commonly encountered interventions to panel paintings: (a) Anstuckungen (enlargement of the panel) or (b) substitutions (replacement of part of the panel). Yielding information from different depths of the painting, these two techniques proved highly complementary with IRR and XRR, expanding the understanding of the build-up, genesis, and material history of the paintings. While MA-XRF documented the interventions to the wooden substrate indirectly by revealing variations in painting materials, paint handling and/ or layer sequence between the original part and the extended or replaced planks, PPT proved beneficial for the study of the wooden support itself, by providing a clear image of the wood structure quasi-free of distortion by the superimposed paint or cradling. XRR, on the other hand, revealed other features from the wood structure, not visible with PPT, and allowed looking through the wooden panels, revealing e.g. the dowels used for joining the planks. Additionally, IRR visualised dissimilarities in the underdrawings. In this way, the results indicate that PPT has the potential to become an acknowledged add-on to the expanding set of imaging methods for paintings, especially when used in combination with MA-XRF, IRR and XRR.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001144098200001 Publication Date 2023-12-09
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
Impact Factor 6.1 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 6.1; 2024 IF: 4.162
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:203764 Serial 9193
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Author Ducatteeuw, V.; Biltereyst, D.; Meers, P.; Verbruggen, C.; Moreels, D.; Noordegraaf, J.; Chambers, S.; De Potter, P.; Cachet, T.; Franck, N.; Deroo, F.
Title Critical reflections on Cinema Belgica : the database for New Cinema History in Belgium Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Journal of open humanities data Abbreviated Journal
Volume 9 Issue (down) Pages 1-16
Keywords A1 Journal article; Mass communications; Art; History; Visual and Digital Cultures Research Center (ViDi)
Abstract New Cinema History broadened film studies by emphasising the complexity of cinema as a multifaceted phenomenon that includes the socio-economic context in which films were made, circulated, shown and received. As part of the digital turn, the discipline adopted computational methods and created quantitative research data to research this socio-economic context at scale. However, not all datasets created in this context adhere to FAIR principles, decreasing their reusability. By reconciling 14 cinema-related datasets, Cinema Belgica facilitates research into the history of Belgian cinema. This research paper documents and critically reflects on the choices made when selecting, modelling and reconciling information for the Cinema Belgica database.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2023-01-13
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:193303 Serial 9196
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Author Pastorelli, G.; Miranda, A.S.O.; Avranovich Clerici, E.; d'Imporzano, P.; Hansen, B.V.; Janssens, K.; Davies, G.R.; Borring, N.
Title Darkening of lead white in old master drawings and historic prints : a multi-analytical investigation Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Microchemical journal Abbreviated Journal
Volume 199 Issue (down) Pages 109912-10
Keywords A1 Journal article; Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)
Abstract Old master drawings and historic prints often feature white highlights, which are typically painted using lead white, one of the most widely used historical white pigments. However, it has been observed that many of these highlights discolour over time, becoming dark brown or black due to unclear degradation processes. This phenomenon not only misrepresents the original artefacts, threatening their suitability for public display, but also diminishes their longevity. To ensure their preservation, it is essential to determine why some lead white highlights in these museum objects retain their light tones while others are prone to darkening. The objective of this study was to identify the relationships between the composition, provenance, and production methods of lead white pigments, and their role in the discolouration observed on drawings, lithographs and early photographs. Selected samples and artefacts were examined using a range of analytical techniques, namely X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), and lead isotope analysis. While XRF analyses confirmed the presence of lead as the primary element in the majority of the highlights, XRPD measurements identified a variety of lead compounds such as the carbonates cerussite and hydrocerussite alongside galena-a black crystalline sulfide-and lead sulfates. Additionally, isotope analyses classified the lead raw materials into five main groups. Through these measurements, the examined lead white pigments were categorised based on their compositional properties in relation to the raw materials used, as well as their geographical and temporal origin. A significant finding is that lead white pigments from different production periods, spanning from older to more modern, may be characterised by varying proneness to discolouration irrespective of their provenance.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001166502200001 Publication Date 2024-01-03
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0026-265x; 0026-265x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 4.8 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.8; 2024 IF: 3.034
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:205450 Serial 9197
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Author Lembrechts, J.; Clavel, J.; Lenoir, J.; Haider, S.; McDougall, K.; Nunez, M.; Alexander, J.; Barros, A.; Milbau, A.; Seipel, T.; Verbruggen, E.; Nijs, I.
Title Dataset: Roadside disturbance promotes plant communities with arbuscular mycorrhizal associations in mountain regions worldwide Type Dataset
Year 2024 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue (down) Pages
Keywords Dataset; Plant and Ecosystems (PLECO) – Ecology in a time of change
Abstract Aim: We aimed to assess the impact of road disturbances on the dominant mycorrhizal types in ecosystems at the global level and how this mechanism can potentially lead to lasting plant community changes. Location: Globally distributed mountain regions Time Period: 2007-2018 Taxa studied: Plants (linked to their associated mycorrhizal fungi) Methods: We used a database of coordinated plant community surveys following mountain roads from 894 plots in 11 mountain regions across the globe in combination with an existing database of mycorrhizal-plant associations in order to approximate the relative abundance of mycorrhizal types in natural and disturbed environments. Results: Our findings show that roadside disturbance promotes the cover of plants associated with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. This effect is especially strong in colder mountain environments and in mountain regions where plant communities are dominated by ectomycorrhizal (EcM) or ericoid-mycorrhizal (ErM) associations. Furthermore, non-native plant species, which we confirmed to be mostly AM plants, are more successful in environments dominated by AM associations. Main Conclusions: These biogeographical patterns suggest that changes in mycorrhizal types could be a crucial factor in the worldwide impact of anthropogenic disturbances on mountain ecosystems. Indeed, roadsides foster AM-dominated systems, where AM-fungi might aid AM-associated plant species while potentially reducing the biotic resistance against invasive non-native species, often also associated with AM networks. Restoration efforts in mountain ecosystems will have to contend with changes in the fundamental make-up of EcM- and ErM plant communities induced by roadside disturbance.
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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:206132 Serial 9198
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Author Larraín, M.; Billen, P.; Cifuentes, L.; Van Passel, S.
Title Economic and environmental implications of policy instruments for the circular economy : a case study for postconsumer polyethylene film recycling in Europe Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Resources, conservation and recycling Abbreviated Journal
Volume 204 Issue (down) Pages 107519-11
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM); Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS)
Abstract The objective of this paper is to examine the recycling rates for mechanical and thermochemical recycling of postconsumer polyethylene flexible packaging after the implementation of different policy instruments. The study uses a supply chain equilibrium model that incorporates market data and techno-economic assessments to simulate market equilibrium. It combines this with a life cycle assessment to explore the environmental implications of implementing different policy instruments. The results show that instruments that do not target a specific technology are more likely to increase thermochemical recycling than mechanical recycling. Furthermore, a higher recycling rate is not equivalent to a better environmental outcome. An increased collection target that ensures a supply of plastic waste would increase the overall recycling rates the most. A recycled content standard for mechanical recycling would lead to the highest increase in mechanical recycling, with top results for environmental indicators, but low results for economic indicators.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2024-02-29
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0921-3449 ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor 13.2 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 13.2; 2024 IF: 3.313
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:203485 Serial 9202
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Author Chekol Zewdie, M.; Moretti, M.; Tenessa, D.B.; Van Passel, S.
Title Farmers' preferences and willingness to pay for improved irrigation water supply program : a discrete choice experiment Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Environment, development and sustainability Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue (down) Pages 1-24
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract This study examines smallholder farmers' preferences and willingness to pay for an improved irrigation water supply program in northwest Ethiopia. We employed a discrete choice experiment with five attributes and three levels. Data were collected from randomly selected sample households of both irrigation users and non-users. A total of 379 respondents participated, and a mixed logit model was used to analyze the household-level survey data. The result indicates that to deviate from the business-as-usual scenario, smallholder farmers are willing to pay between 3,228 and 8,327 Ethiopian Birr per hectare of irrigated land. Furthermore, the results showed a strong public preference for access to produce cash crops, followed by irrigation water availability in the dry season, and adequate access to improved farm inputs. The results also provide useful information for policymakers and suggested possibilities for generating finance from farmers to cover the operation and maintenance costs of irrigation schemes. Also, this study result reveals that irrigation development and expansion must be integrated into a comprehensive support package that combines irrigation water with access to improved farm inputs and access to produce cash crops on farmers' farm plots.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001048896000004 Publication Date 2023-08-14
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1387-585x; 1573-2975 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.9 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.9; 2023 IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:198283 Serial 9204
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Author Vasilakou, K.; Nimmegeers, P.; Billen, P.; Van Passel, S.
Title Geospatial environmental techno-economic assessment of pretreatment technologies for bioethanol production Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Renewable and sustainable energy reviews Abbreviated Journal
Volume 187 Issue (down) Pages 113743-16
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM); Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS)
Abstract Second-generation biofuels, starting from lignocellulosic biomass, are considered as a renewable alternative for fossil fuels with lower environmental impact and potentially higher supply and energy security. The economic and environmental performance of second-generation bioethanol production from corn stover in the European Union (EU) is studied, starting in Belgium as base case. A comparative environmental techno-economic assessment has been conducted, with process simulations in Aspen Plus and corn stover availability data in thirteen EU countries to calculate minimum ethanol selling prices (MESP) and Greenhouse gas emissions (GHGe). In this analysis, the emphasis is on the comparison of different pretreatment technologies, namely (i) dilute acid, (ii) alkaline, (iii) steam explosion and (iv) liquid hot water. Dilute acid showed the best economic and environmental performance for the base case scenario. Within the EU, Hungary and Romania presented the lowest MESP for the steam explosion model at 0.39 and 0.43 EUR/L respectively. Poland showed the lowest GHGe, at 0.46 kg CO2eq/L for the alkaline model, mainly due to the avoided product allocation on electricity and its high carbon intensity in the electricity generation sector. The second lowest GHGe were obtained in France for the dilute acid model and are attributed to its low agricultural emissions intensity. This study identifies a location-dependence of the economic and environmental performance of pretreatment technologies, which can be extrapolated from the EU to other large regions around the world and should be taken into consideration by decision-makers.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001082526000001 Publication Date 2023-09-15
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1364-0321; 1879-0690 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 15.9 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 15.9; 2023 IF: 8.05
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:198804 Serial 9205
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Author Van Oijstaeijen, W.
Title Green infrastructure and local implementation : (green) bridging the gap between research and practice Type Administrative Services
Year 2023 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue (down) Pages xvii, 194 p.
Keywords Administrative Services; Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Climate change is an ever-increasing threat to our planet, with the urbanisation of previously open spaces exacerbating the issue. The loss of open space leads to a decrease in ecosystem services, which negatively impacts the liveability in urbanised environments, and beyond. The incorporation of green infrastructure (GI) into the built environment is acknowledged as an effective and multi-functional measure to make our living environment resilient and future-proof. Notwithstanding that the local level is essential for effective GI implementation, research into local decision making is very limited. This thesis therefore aims to address two significant gaps in the implementation of GI. The first objective is to bridge the science-policy gap by integrating scientific knowledge on ES and GI into local decision-making processes. In this context, the policy dimension within this thesis involves the process of translating overarching policy objectives into practical actions within local decision-making practices, abstracting from the intricacies of higher-level policymaking itself. The second objective focuses on the people-policy gap, which involves understanding stakeholders' perspectives and priorities regarding GI and its associated ecosystem services. Through stated preference valuation techniques (discrete choice experiments and a best-worst scaling experiment), multi-stakeholder GI perceptions are gathered. Finally, a novel tool to GI valuation is developed, acknowledging the different stakeholder views and building on the insights of collaborative tool development and design. By gaining insights into the demand, prioritisation, and provision of GI from the two most important stakeholder groups at the local level (residents and local decision-makers), this research aims to foster effective communication and alignment between public preferences and policy implementation. Ultimately, addressing these gaps will contribute to more informed planning and decision-making practices related to green infrastructure. The overall goal of this thesis is to enhance the uptake of GI knowledge in the local decision-making context, proposing pathways to facilitate and optimise investments in public GI.
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 978-90-5728-814-2 Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199925 Serial 9206
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Li, L.; Nijs, I.; De Boeck, H.; Vinduskova, O.; Reynaert, S.; Donnelly, C.; Zi, L.; Verbruggen, E.
Title Longer dry and wet spells alter the stochasticity of microbial community assembly in grassland soils Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Soil biology and biochemistry Abbreviated Journal
Volume 178 Issue (down) Pages 108969-9
Keywords A1 Journal article; ADReM Data Lab (ADReM); Integrated Molecular Plant Physiology Research (IMPRES); Plant and Ecosystems (PLECO) – Ecology in a time of change
Abstract Climate change is increasing the duration of alternating wet and dry spells. These fluctuations affect soil water availability and other soil properties which are crucial drivers of soil microbial communities. While soil microbial communities have a moderate capacity to recover once a drought ceases, the expected alternation of strongly opposing regimes can challenge their capacity to adapt. Here, we set up experimental grassland mesocosms where precipitation frequency was adjusted along a gradient while holding total precipitation constant. The gradient varied the duration of wet and dry spells from 1 to 60 days during a total of 120 days, where we hy-pothesized that especially intermediate durations would increase the importance of stochastic community as-sembly due to frequent alternation of opposing environmental regimes. We examined bacterial and fungal community composition, diversity, co-occurrence patterns and assembly mechanisms across these different precipitation treatments. Our results show that 1) intermediate regimes of wet and dry spells increased the stochasticity of microbial community assembly whereas microbial communities at low and high regimes were subjected to more deterministic assembly, and 2) more persistent precipitation regimes (>6 days duration) reduced the fungal diversity and network connectivity but had little effect on bacterial communities. Collec-tively, these findings indicate that longer alternating wet and dry events lead to a less predictable and connected soil microbial community. This study provides new insight into the likely mechanisms through which precipi-tation persistence alters soil microbial communities and their predictability.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000930582500001 Publication Date 2023-01-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0038-0717 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 9.7 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 9.7; 2023 IF: 4.857
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:195257 Serial 9211
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Author De Keyzer, M.; Soens, T.; Verbruggen, C.
Title Mens en natuur : een geschiedenis Type MA2 Book as author
Year 2024 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue (down) Pages 313 p.
Keywords MA2 Book as author; History; Centre for Urban History
Abstract Onze relatie met de natuur om ons heen is, op zijn zachtst gezegd, ingewikkeld. Mensen gingen niet plots een bedreiging vormen voor het leven op aarde nadat ze er eeuwenlang mee in harmonie hadden geleefd. Verschillende ideeën over de omgang met de natuurlijke omgeving – sommige duurzaam, andere ronduit desastreus – hebben altijd naast elkaar bestaan. We waren er ons al verrassend vroeg van bewust dat ons handelen een nefaste impact kon hebben op de natuur. Maar die bezwaren werden geregeld aan de kant geschoven. Deze inleiding tot de milieugeschiedenis helpt de lezer te begrijpen hoe onze hedendaagse problematische omgang met de natuur en ons milieu tot stand is gekomen. Het is een introductie tot het recente onderzoek naar de relatie tussen mens en natuur doorheen de eeuwen, in de Lage Landen en ver daarbuiten.
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 978-94-014-0395-5 Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:205213 Serial 9212
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Author Li, L.; Lin, Q.; Nijs, I.; De Boeck, H.; Beemster, G.T.S.; Asard, H.; Verbruggen, E.
Title More persistent weather causes a pronounced soil microbial legacy but does not impact subsequent plant communities Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication The science of the total environment Abbreviated Journal
Volume 903 Issue (down) Pages 166570-166578
Keywords A1 Journal article; Integrated Molecular Plant Physiology Research (IMPRES); Plant and Ecosystems (PLECO) – Ecology in a time of change
Abstract A soil history of exposure to extreme weather may impact future plant growth and microbial community assembly. Currently, little is known about whether and how previous precipitation regime (PR)-induced changes in soil microbial communities influence plant and soil microbial community responses to a subsequent PR. We exposed grassland mesocosms to either an ambient PR (1 day wet-dry alternation) or a persistent PR (30 days consecutive wet-dry alternation) for one year. This conditioned soil was then inoculated as a 10 % fraction into 90 % sterilized “native” soil, after which new plant communities were established and subjected to either the ambient or persistent PR for 60 days. We assessed whether past persistent weather-induced changes in soil microbial community composition affect soil microbial and plant community responses to subsequent weather persistence. The historical regimes caused enduring effects on fungal communities and only temporary effects on bacterial communities, but did not trigger soil microbial legacy effects on plant productivity when exposed to either current PR. This study provides experimental evidence for soil legacy of climate persistence on grassland ecosystems in response to subsequent climate persistence, helping to understand and predict the influences of future climate change on soil biota.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001116596100001 Publication Date 2023-08-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0048-9697; 1879-1026 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 9.8 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 9.8; 2023 IF: 4.9
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:200463 Serial 9213
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