“Spastin gene mutations in Bulgarian patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia”. Ivanova N, Löfgren A, Tournev I, Rousev R, Andreeva A, Jordanova A, Georgieva V, Deconinck T, Timmerman V, Kremensky I, De Jonghe P, Mitev V, Clinical genetics 70, 490 (2006). http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1399-0004.2006.00705.x
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Neurogenetics Group; Peripheral Neuropathies Group
Impact Factor: 3.326
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0004.2006.00705.x
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“Cultural heritage research in “The Micro and Trace Analysis Center&rdquo, of the University of Antwerp”. Godoi RHM, Kontozova V, Godoi AFL, Bencs L, Spolnik Z, Janssens K, Van Grieken R, Coalition 7, 11 (2004)
Keywords: A3 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
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“Tailoring Mechanical Properties of a-C:H:Cr Coatings”. Bagherpour A, Baral P, Colla M-S, Orekhov A, Idrissi H, Haye E, Pardoen T, Lucas S, Coatings 13, 2084 (2023). http://doi.org/10.3390/coatings13122084
Abstract: The development of coatings with tunable performances is critical to meet a wide range of technological applications each one with different requirements. Using the plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process, scientists can create hydrogenated amorphous carbon coatings doped with metal (a-C:H:Me) with a broad range of mechanical properties, varying from those resembling polymers to ones resembling diamond. These diverse properties, without clear relations between the different families, make the material selection and optimization difficult but also very rich. An innovative approach is proposed here based on projected performance indices related to fracture energy, strength, and stiffness in order to classify and optimize a-C:H:Me coatings. Four different a-C:H:Cr coatings deposited by PECVD with Ar/C2H2 discharge under different bias voltage and pressures are investigated. A path is found to produce coatings with a selective critical energy release rate between 5–125 J/m2 without compromising yield strength (1.6–2.7 GPa) and elastic limit (≈0.05). Finally, fine-tuned coatings are categorized to meet desired applications under different testing conditions.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
DOI: 10.3390/coatings13122084
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“Protection of stone monuments using a brushing treatment with ammonium oxalate”. Mudronja D, Vanmeert F, Fazinic S, Janssens K, Tibljas D, Desnica V, Coatings 11, 379 (2021). http://doi.org/10.3390/COATINGS11040379
Abstract: Stone monuments and buildings are susceptible to weathering. Carbonate-based stones are especially vulnerable in acidic environments, whereas magmatic acidic stones are more susceptible to chemical weathering in basic environments. To slow down surface corrosion of limestone and marble artworks/buildings, protective coatings which inhibit calcite dissolution have been proposed. In this work, samples from two stone types with different porosity were treated with ammonium oxalate (AmOx) to create a protective layer of calcium oxalate (CaOx) using the previously developed brushing method. Two different synchrotron microscopy experiments were performed to determine its protective capability. X-ray powder diffraction (SR-mu-XRPD) in transmission geometry allowed visualization of the distributions of calcium carbonate and oxalates along the sample depths. In a second step, X-ray fluorescence (SR-mu-XRF) was used to check the efficiency/integrity of the protective surface coating layer. This was done by measuring the sulfur distribution on the stone surface after exposing the protected stones to sulfuric acid. XRPD showed the formation of a protective oxalate layer with a thickness of 5-15 mu m on the less porous stone, while a 20-30 mu m thick layer formed on the more porous stone. The XRF study showed that the optimal treatment time depends on the stone porosity. Increasing the treatment time from 1 to 3 h resulted in a decreased efficiency of the protective layer for the low porosity stone. We assume that this is due to the formation of vertical channels (cracks) in the protective layer.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 2.175
DOI: 10.3390/COATINGS11040379
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“Determinants of internal governance quality : evidence from corporations in Ethiopia”. Adane YG, Engida TG, Asfaw YA, Azadi H, Van Passel S, Cogent economics &, finance 6, 1537051 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1080/23322039.2018.1537051
Abstract: The study analysed the factors that affect the internal governance quality of corporations in Ethiopia. It performed an ordered logistic regression analysis on a randomly selected sample of 76 corporations to analyse the effect of the ownership structure, form of ownership (private or government), leverage, corporate size, and sales growth on the internal governance quality score (IGQS). The governance quality score was measured using 20 indices categorized into four perspectives: disclosure, board characteristics, ethics, and shareholder rights. In this study, a significant positive effect of the corporate size and sales growth on the IGQS was found. In addition, government-owned corporations were found to perform better than privately owned corporations. It is recommended that appropriate authorities and officials should encourage the use of the corporate governance system in privately owned corporations and the convergence of internal governance quality of the two groups of corporations to the highest level.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
DOI: 10.1080/23322039.2018.1537051
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“Effect of size distribution, skewness and roughness on the optical properties of colloidal plasmonic nanoparticles”. Borah R, Verbruggen SW, Colloids and surfaces: A: physicochemical and engineering aspects 640, 128521 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2022.128521
Abstract: It is a generally accepted idea that the particle size distribution strongly affects the optical spectra of colloidal plasmonic nanoparticles. It is often quoted as one of the main reasons while explaining the mismatch between the theoretical and experimental optical spectra of such nanoparticles. In this work, these aspects are critically analyzed by means of a bottom up statistical approach that considers variables such as mean, standard deviation and skewness of the nanoparticle size distribution independently from one another. By assuming normal and log-normal distributions of the particle size, the effect of the statistical parameters on the Mie analytical optical spectra of colloidal nanoparticles was studied. The effect of morphology was also studied numerically in order to understand to what extent it can play a role. It is our finding that the particle polydispersity, skewness and surface morphology in fact only weakly impact the optical spectra. While, the selection of suitable optical constants with regard to the crystallinity of the nanoparticles is a far more influential factor for correctly predicting both the plasmon band position and the plasmon bandwidth in theoretical simulations of the optical spectra. It is shown that the mean particle size can be correctly estimated directly from the plasmon band position, as it is the mean that determines the resonance wavelength. The standard deviation can on the other hand be estimated from the intensity distribution data obtained from dynamic light scattering experiments. The results reported herein clear the ambiguity around particle size distribution and optical response of colloidal plasmonic nanoparticles.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 5.2
DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2022.128521
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“Stripping voltammetry of tinidazole in solubilized system and biological fluids”. Jain R, Rather JA, Colloids and surfaces: A: physicochemical and engineering aspects 378, 27 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.COLSURFA.2011.01.045
Abstract: The adsorptive voltammetric behaviour of tinidazole onto the HMDE was investigated and validated in solubilized system and biological fluids by CV, SWCAdSV and DPCAdSV. Addition of CTAB to the solution containing drug enhanced the peak current while anionic and non-ionic surfactants showed an opposite effect. The electrode process is irreversible and adsorption controlled. Various chemical and instrumental parameters affecting the monitored electroanalytical response were investigated and optimized for tinidazole determination. Under optimized conditions; the adsorptive stripping peak current is linear over the concentration range 7.0 × 10−9 to 6.2 × 10−7 mol/L with detection limit of 4.5 × 10−10 mol/L. The precision of the proposed method in terms of RSD is 1.2% and mean recovery of 100.01%. The applicability of proposed method is further extended to in vitro determination of the drug in biological fluids.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.COLSURFA.2011.01.045
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“Voltammetric assay of anti-vertigo drug betahistine hydrochloride in sodium lauryl sulphate”. Jain R, Yadav RK, Rather JA, Colloids and surfaces: A: physicochemical and engineering aspects 366, 63 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.COLSURFA.2010.05.027
Abstract: Assay and electrochemical behaviour of betahistine hydrochloride in BrittonRobinsons (BR) buffer of pH range 2.512.0 at a glassy carbon electrode have been investigated. Addition of anionic surfactant (sodium lauryl sulphate) to the betahistine hydrochloride solution containing electrolyte enhanced the reduction current signal while neutral surfactant (Tween-20) and cationic surfactant cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) showed an opposite effect. Voltammograms of betahistine hydrochloride exhibited a single wave. Based on reduction behaviour of betahistine hydrochloride, a direct square-wave voltammetric method has been developed for the assay of betahistine hydrochloride in pharmaceutical formulation. The proposed method has been validated as per ICH guideline. System and method precision in terms of RSD were 1.88% and 1.60% respectively, whereas the method accuracy was indicated by the recovery of 97.6101.9%. Reduction peak current was linear over the target concentration with correlation coefficient 0.998. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of betahistine hydrochloride in pharmaceutical formulation. The results were compared with those obtained by the reference high performance liquid chromatographic method. No significant differences were found between results of proposed and reference methods.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.COLSURFA.2010.05.027
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“Adsorption of sulfur onto a surface of silver nanoparticles stabilized with sago starch biopolymer”. Djoković, V, Krsmanović, R, Božanić, DK, McPherson M, Van Tendeloo G, Nair PS, Georges MK, Radhakrishnan T, Colloids and surfaces: B : biointerfaces 73, 30 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfb.2009.04.022
Abstract: Adsorption of sulfide ions onto a surface of starch capped silver nanoparticles upon addition of thioacetamide was investigated. UVvis absorption spectroscopy revealed that the adsorption of the sulfide ion on the surface of the silver nanoparticles induced damping as well as blue shift of the silver surface plasmon resonance band. Further increase in thioacetamide concentration led to shift of the resonance band toward higher wavelengths indicating the formation of the continuous Ag2S layer on the silver surface. Thus fabricated nanoparticles were investigated using electron microscopy techniques (TEM, HRTEM, and HAADF-STEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), which confirmed their coreshell structure.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.887
Times cited: 41
DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2009.04.022
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“Core-shell-corona doxorubicin-loaded superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles for cancer theranostics”. Semkina A, Abakumov M, Grinenko N, Abakumov A, Skorikov A, Mironova E, Davydova G, Majouga AG, Nukolova N, Kabanov A, Chekhonin V;, Colloids and surfaces: B : biointerfaces 136, 1073 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfb.2015.11.009
Abstract: Superparamagnetic iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are successfully used as contrast agents in magnetic-resonance imaging. They can be easily functionalized for drug delivery functions, demonstrating great potential for both imaging and therapeutic applications. Here we developed new pH-responsive theranostic core-shell-corona nanoparticles consisting of superparamagentic Fe3O4 core that displays high T2 relaxivity, bovine serum albumin (BSA) shell that binds anticancer drug, doxorubicin (Dox) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) corona that increases stability and biocompatibility. The nanoparticles were produced by adsorption of the BSA shell onto the Fe3O4 core followed by crosslinking of the protein layer and subsequent grafting of the PEG corona using monoamino-terminated PEG via carbodiimide chemistry. The hydrodynamic diameter, zeta-potential, composition and T2 relaxivity of the resulting nanoparticles were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, thermogravimetric analysis and T2-relaxometry. Nanoparticles were shown to absorb Dox molecules, possibly through a combination of electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. The loading capacity (LC) of the nanoparticles was 8 wt.%. The Dox loaded nanoparticles release the drug at a higher rate at pH 5.5 compared to pH 7.4 and display similar cytotoxicity against C6 and HEK293 cells as the free Dox. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.887
Times cited: 37
DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2015.11.009
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“Voltammetric behaviour of drotaverine hydrochloride in surfactant media and its enhancement determination in Tween-20”. Jain R, Vikas, Rather JA, Colloids and surfaces: B : biointerfaces 82, 333 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.COLSURFB.2010.09.005
Abstract: Simple, sensitive and rapid adsorptive voltammetric behaviour of drotaverine hydrochloride onto the HMDE has been explored and validated in surfactant media by using cyclic, differential pulse and square-wave voltammetry. Addition of Tween-20 to the drotaverine hydrochloride containing electrolyte enhances the reduction current signal. The voltammograms of the drug with Tween-20 in phosphate buffers of pH 2.511.0 exhibit a single well defined reduction peak which may be due to the reduction of Cdouble bond; length as m-dashC group. The cyclic voltammetric studies indicated the reduction of drotaverine hydrochloride at the electrode surface through two electron irreversible step and diffusion-controlled. The peak current showed a linear dependence with the drug concentration over the range 0.87.2 μg mL−1. The calculated LOD and LOQ are 1.8 and 6.0 ng mL−1 by SWCAdSV and 8.1 and 27.2 ng mL−1 by DPCAdSV, respectively. The procedure was applied to the assay of the drug in tablet form with mean percentage recoveries of 100.2% with SWCAdSV and 99.7% with DPCAdSV. The validity of the proposed methods was further assessed by applying a standard addition technique.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.COLSURFB.2010.09.005
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“Voltammetric determination of antibacterial drug gemifloxacin in solubilized systems at multi-walled carbon nanotubes modified glassy carbon electrode”. Jain R, Rather JA, Colloids and surfaces: B : biointerfaces 83, 340 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.COLSURFB.2010.12.003
Abstract: A sensitive electroanalytical method for determination of gemifloxacin in pharmaceutical formulation has been investigated on the basis of the enhanced electrochemical response at multi-walled carbon nanotubes modified glassy carbon electrode in the presence of CTAB. Solubilized system of different surfactants including SDS, Tween-20 and CTAB were taken for the study of electrochemical behaviour of gemifloxacin at modified electrode. The reduction peak current increases in the presence of CTAB while other surfactants show opposite effect. The modified electrode exhibits catalytic activity, high sensitivity, stability and is applicable over wide range of concentration for the determination of gemifloxacin. The mechanism of electrochemical reduction of gemifloxacin has been proposed on the basis of CV, SWV, DPV and coulometeric techniques. The proposed squarewave voltammetric method shows linearity over the concentration range 2.4715.5 μg/mL. The achieved limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) are 0.90 ng/mL and 3.0 ng/mL respectively.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.COLSURFB.2010.12.003
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“Digitally reconstructing Van Gogh's Field with Irises near Arles. Part 2: Pigment concentration maps”. Kirchner E, van der Lans I, Ligterink F, Geldof M, Gaibor ANP, Hendriks E, Janssens K, Delaney J, Color research and application 43, 158 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1002/COL.22164
Abstract: Colors in many paintings of great art historical value have changed over time, due to the combined effects of natural ageing, accumulated surface grime, and materials added during later conservation treatments. The physical restoration of the colors in such paintings is not possible. This article describes one part of work done to digitally restore the colors of Van Gogh's painting Field with Irises near Arles, dating from May 1888. We have used multispectral reflectance data to estimate absorption K and backscattering S parameters of Kubelka-Munk 2-constant theory. This was done for all 13 pigments known to have been used by Van Gogh in this painting, and based on this the concentration maps for each of these pigments were calculated. We validated the calculated concentration maps in several ways. For some pigments, we were able to predict spots on the painting where the pigment is expected to occur in unmixed form based on visual examination. For several other pigments, the concentration maps could be shown to agree with XRF data. Finally, for some other pigments the concentration maps were supported by additional evidence from microscopic examinations, remarks in Van Gogh's letters and from early color reproductions. For the 1.7 million pixels for which multispectral data is available, the average color difference between the calculated and measured spectral reflectance curves is CIEDE2000 = 1.05. This further confirms that the Kubelka-Munk calculations are well suited to describe the variety of spectral reflectance on the painting.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 0.798
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1002/COL.22164
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“Why, how, when, and for whom does digital disconnection work? A process-based framework of digital disconnection”. Vanden Abeele MMP, Vandebosch H, Koster EHW, De Leyn T, Van Gaeveren K, de Segovia Vicente D, Van Bruyssel S, van Timmeren T, De Marez L, Poels K, DeSmet A, De Wever B, Verbruggen M, Baillien E, Communication theory 34, 3 (2024). http://doi.org/10.1093/CT/QTAD016
Abstract: Digital disconnection has emerged as a concept describing the actions people take to limit their digital connectivity to enhance their well-being. To date, evidence on its effectiveness is mixed, leading to calls for greater consideration of why, how, when, and for whom digital disconnection works. This article responds to these calls, presenting a framework that differentiates four key harms that contribute to experiences of digital ill-being (time displacement, interference, role blurring, and exposure effects). Using these four harms as a starting point, the framework explains: (1) why people are motivated to digitally disconnect; (2) how specific disconnection strategies (i.e., placing limits on time, access, channels, and contents, interactions and features) may help them; and for whom (3) and under which conditions (when) these strategies can be effective.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Mass communications; Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)
DOI: 10.1093/CT/QTAD016
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“Diatom silica-titania materials for photocatalytic air purification”. Van Eynde E, Tytgat T, Smits M, Verbruggen S, Hauchecorne B, Blust R, Lenaerts S, Communications in agricultural and applied biological sciences 1, 141 (2013)
Keywords: A2 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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“Exhaust composition of a small diesel engine”. Smits M, Vanpachtenbeke F, Hauchecorne B, van Langenhove H, Demeestere K, Lenaerts S, Communications in agricultural and applied biological sciences 77, 85 (2012)
Keywords: A2 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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“Study of a TiO2 photocatalytic coating for use in plasma catalysis”. Van Wesenbeeck K, Hauchecorne B, Lenaerts S, Communications in agricultural and applied biological sciences 78, 227 (2013)
Keywords: A2 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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“Can nitrification bring us to Mars? The role of microbial interactions on nitrogen recovery in Life Support Systems”. Ilgrande C, Christiaens M, Clauwaert P, Vlaeminck SE, Boon N, Communications in agricultural and applied biological sciences 81, 74 (2016)
Abstract: The development cost-effective life support technologies is a highly relevant topic for space biology. Currently, food and water supply during space flights is currently restricted by technical and economic constraints: daily water consumption of an average crew of 6 members is about 72 L, with an estimated cost of 2,160,000 d-1. To reduce these costs and sustain long term space missions, the European Space Agency designed MELiSSA, an artificial ecosystem based on 5 compartments for the recycling gas, liquid and solid waste (Lasseur et al., 2011). In the CI stage, crew and inedible solid waste is fermented by thermophilic anaerobic bacteria, producing volatile fatty acids (VFAs), CO2 and ammonium (NH4+). In the CII compartment the VFAs are converted into edible biomass, using the photoheterotroph Rodospirillum rubrum. Afterwards, the nitrifying CIII unit converts toxic levels of ammonia/ammonium into nitrate, which enables the effluent to be fed to the photoautotrohopic CIV stage, that provides food and oxygen for the crew (Godia et al., 2002). The highest nitrogen flux in a Life Support System is human urine. As nitrate is the preferred form of nitrogen fertilizer for hydroponic plant cultivation, urine nitrification is an essential process in the MELiSSA loop. The development of the Additional Unit for Water Treatment or Urine NItrification ConsortiUM (UNICUM) requires the selection and characterization of the microorganisms that will be used. The key microorganisms in the biological treatment of urine are heterotrophs, for the hydrolysis of urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide, Ammonia Oxidizing Bacteria (AOB), for the ammonia oxidation into nitrite and Nitrite Oxidizing Bacteria (NOB), for the conversion of nitrite into nitrate. The strains were selected according to predefined safety (non sporogenic and BSL 1) and metabolic (Ks, μmax) criteria. To evaluate functional consortia for space applications, ureolysis, nitritation and nitratation of the selected microorganisms and synthetic communities were elucidated. Additionally, urine is a matrix with a high salt content. Unhydrolised urine's EC ranges from 1.1 to 33.9 mS/cm, the mean value being 21.5 mS/cm (Marickar, 2010), while hydrolysed urine can reach higher levels, up to 75 mS/cm. This conditions could inhibit microbial metabolism, therefore the effect of salinity on urine nitrification was also elucidated.
Keywords: A2 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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“Exploring Dunaliella salina as single cell protein (SCP) : the influence of light/dark regime on the growth and protein synthesis”. Sui Y, Vlaeminck SE, Communications in agricultural and applied biological sciences 82, 6 (2017)
Abstract: Single cell protein (SCP), or originally named microbial protein, is the edible microbial biomass derived from e.g. microalgae, bacteria and fungi, which can be used as protein sources replacing conventional protein sources for animal feed or human food such as fishmeal and soybean (Anupama & Ravindra 2000). SCP presents great potential as protein supplement to alleviate the problem of food scarcity in the future (Nasseri et al. 2011). In general, microalgae as SCP contains above 50% protein over dry weight and specifically for the marine microalgae Dunaliella salina the amount stays around 57% (Becker 2007). Commercially the most common system for Dunaliella sp. production is the outdoor open pond, thus the microalgal cells are subjected to a natural light/dark cycle (Hosseini Tafreshi & Shariati 2009). Being photo-autotrophic microorganisms, the lack of light energy sources is a risk leading to night biomass loss (Ogbonna & Tanaka 1996). On the other hand, for some microalgae species cell division occurs primarily during the night suggesting its night protein synthesis (Cuhel et al. 1984). As a consequence, day and night metabolisms of microalgae introduced by light/dark cycles potentially will have big impacts on the biomass development, both in growth and biochemical composition. In this study, the effect of the light/dark cycle on the growth and protein synthesis of Dunaliella salina was explored in comparison with continuous light cultivation.
Keywords: A2 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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“Fertilizer type influences dynamics of the microbial community structure in the rhizosphere of tomato and impact the nutrient turnover and plant performance”. Grunert O, Robles Aguilar AA, Hernandez-Sanabria E, Reheul D, Vlaeminck SE, Boon N, Jablonowski ND, Communications in agricultural and applied biological sciences 81, 67 (2016)
Abstract: Ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms (AOB and AOA) and nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) are the most important organisms responsible for ammonia and nitrite oxidation in agricultural ecosystems and growing media. Ammonia and nitrite oxidation are critical steps in the soil nitrogen cycle and can be affected by the application of mineral fertilizers or organic fertilizers. The functionality of the microbial community has a major impact on the nutrient turnover and will finally influence plant performance. The microbial community associated with the growing medium and its functionality will also be influenced by the rhizosphere and the bulk soil. In our study, we used a tomato plant with a high root exudation capacity in order to stimulate microbial activity. We studied plant performance in rhizotrons (a phentotyping system for imaging roots), including an optical method (planar optodes) for non-invasive, quantitative and high-resolution imaging of pH dynamics in the rhizosphere and adjacent medium. The horticultural growing medium was supplemented with organic-derived nitrogen or ammonium derived from struvite. The possible differences in the root structure between treatments is compared with the total root length. Destructive growing medium sampling and high throughput sequencing analysis of the bacterial abundance of the communities present in the rhizosphere and the bulk soil is used to study the growing medium-associated microbial community structure and functionality, and this will be related to pH changes in the rhizosphere and the bulk soil. Our hypothesis is that the growing medium-associated microbial community structure changes depending on the nitrogen form provided and we expect a higher abundance of bacteria in the treatment with organic fertilizer and a higher abundance of AOB and NOB in the rhizosphere in comparison to the bulk soil.
Keywords: A2 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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“Solubilization of struvite as a sustainable nutrient source for single cell protein production”. Muys M, Derese S, Verliefde A, Vlaeminck SE, Communications in agricultural and applied biological sciences 81, 179 (2016)
Abstract: By 2050, the world population will have considerably expanded and the life standard of many will increase, yielding a 50% higher demand in protein (FAO, 2011), and even increases of 82 and 102% for diary and meat products, respectively (Boland et al., 2013). To provide in this increasing demand we are highly dependent on our classical fertilizer to food chain which has a high environmental impact and lacks efficiency. Nutrient losses cause eutrophication and biodiversity loss and the input of resources is already beyond the boundaries of environmental sustainability (Steffen et al., 2015). Phosphate fertilizers are made from phosphate rock (apatite), of which the reserves are predicted to be depleted within 50 100 years if we continue business as usual (Cordell et al., 2009). Next to problems related to the unbalanced geopolitical distribution with dominance in China and Morocco, the decreasing quality of the remaining apatite will result in an increasing environmental impact of fertilizer production. Finally, our traditional food production model requires 30% of all ice-free land, 70% of all available freshwater and produces up to one third of the global greenhouse gas emission, of which 80 to 86% is linked to agricultural production (Vermeulen et al., 2012). To ensure food security, nutrient recovery from waste streams can provide an important strategy. In this context, struvite ( ) crystallisation may be applied to recover phosphorus, along with some nitrogen. Reusing these nutrients as agricultural fertilizer on the field will lead to considerable losses to the environment. In contrast, their use to cultivate micro-organisms, e.g. for single cell protein (SCP), offers to potential of a near perfect conversion efficiency (Moed et al., 2015). At this moment, microalgae represent the most developed type of SCP, and are a promising protein source due to their growth rate, high nutritional quality and extremely high nutrient usage efficiency (Becker, 2007). Reliable solubilisation data are essential to design a technological strategy for struvite dosage in bioreactors for SCP production. The effect on solubility and solubilisation rate of relevant physicochemical parameters was studied experimentally in aqueous solutions. Because pH and temperature greatly affect solubilisation kinetics they were set at a constant value of 7 and 20°C respectively. The effect of some parameters on struvite solubility was already studied (Bhuiyan et al., 2007; Ariyanto et al., 2014; Roncal-Herrero and Oelkers, 2011), but solubilisation rates were not yet considered and pH was not controlled at a constant value. The chemical parameters considered in this study include the concentration of different common ions ( and ), foreign ions ( and the chelating agent ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, EDTA) present in micro-algal cultivation media as well as ionic strength (as set by NaCl). The main physical parameter included was contact surface, through variation in initial particle size and as well as in struvite dosage concentration.
Keywords: A2 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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“The Split-operator technique for the study of spinorial wavepacket dynamics”. Chaves A, Farias GA, Peeters FM, Ferreira R, Communications in computational physics 17, 850 (2015). http://doi.org/10.4208/cicp.110914.281014a
Abstract: The split-operator technique for wave packet propagation in quantum systems is expanded here to the case of propagatingwave functions describing Schrodinger particles, namely, charge carriers in semiconductor nanostructures within the effective mass approximation, in the presence of Zeeman effect, as well as of Rashba and Dresselhaus spin-orbit interactions. We also demonstrate that simple modifications to the expanded technique allow us to calculate the time evolution of wave packets describing Dirac particles, which are relevant for the study of transport properties in graphene.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.004
Times cited: 24
DOI: 10.4208/cicp.110914.281014a
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“Base cation fluxes in mountain landscapes of Lake Baikal southern shore”. Semenov MY, Van Grieken R, Communications in soil science and plant analysis 38, 2635 (2007). http://doi.org/10.1080/00103620701662851
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1080/00103620701662851
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“On improving accuracy of finite-element solutions of the effective-mass Schrodinger equation for interdiffused quantum wells and quantum wires”. Topalovic DB, Arsoski VV, Pavlovic S, Cukaric NA, Tadic MZ, Peeters FM, Communications in theoretical physics 65, 105 (2016)
Abstract: We use the Galerkin approach and the finite-element method to numerically solve the effective-mass Schrodinger equation. The accuracy of the solution is explored as it varies with the range of the numerical domain. The model potentials are those of interdiffused semiconductor quantum wells and axially symmetric quantum wires. Also, the model of a linear harmonic oscillator is considered for comparison reasons. It is demonstrated that the absolute error of the electron ground state energy level exhibits a minimum at a certain domain range, which is thus considered to be optimal. This range is found to depend on the number of mesh nodes N approximately as alpha(0) log(e)(alpha 1) (alpha N-2), where the values of the constants alpha(0), alpha(1), and alpha(2) are determined by fitting the numerical data. And the optimal range is found to be a weak function of the diffusion length. Moreover, it was demonstrated that a domain range adaptation to the optimal value leads to substantial improvement of accuracy of the solution of the Schrodinger equation.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 0.989
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“Misfit phase (BiSe)1.10NbSe2 as the origin of superconductivity in niobium-doped bismuth selenide”. Kamminga ME, Batuk M, Hadermann J, Clarke SJ, Communications Materials 1, 82 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1038/s43246-020-00085-z
Abstract: Topological superconductivity is of great contemporary interest and has been proposed in doped Bi<sub>2</sub>Se<sub>3</sub>, in which electron-donating atoms such as Cu, Sr or Nb have been intercalated into the Bi<sub>2</sub>Se<sub>3</sub>structure. For Nb<sub><italic>x</italic></sub>Bi<sub>2</sub>Se<sub>3</sub>, with<italic>T</italic><sub>c</sub> ~ 3 K, it is assumed in the literature that Nb is inserted in the van der Waals gap. However, in this work an alternative origin for the superconductivity in Nb-doped Bi<sub>2</sub>Se<sub>3</sub>is established. In contrast to previous reports, it is deduced that Nb intercalation in Bi<sub>2</sub>Se<sub>3</sub>does not take place. Instead, the superconducting behaviour in samples of nominal composition Nb<sub><italic>x</italic></sub>Bi<sub>2</sub>Se<sub>3</sub>results from the (BiSe)<sub>1.10</sub>NbSe<sub>2</sub>misfit phase that is present in the sample as an impurity phase for small<italic>x</italic>(0.01 ≤ <italic>x</italic> ≤ 0.10) and as a main phase for large<italic>x</italic>(<italic>x</italic> = 0.50). The structure of this misfit phase is studied in detail using a combination of X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy techniques.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
DOI: 10.1038/s43246-020-00085-z
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“Thermodynamic equilibrium theory revealing increased hysteresis in ferroelectric field-effect transistors with free charge accumulation”. Bizindavyi J, Verhulst AS, Sorée B, Vandenberghe WG, Communications Physics 4, 86 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1038/S42005-021-00583-7
Abstract: At the core of the theoretical framework of the ferroelectric field-effect transistor (FeFET) is the thermodynamic principle that one can determine the equilibrium behavior of ferroelectric (FERRO) systems using the appropriate thermodynamic potential. In literature, it is often implicitly assumed, without formal justification, that the Gibbs free energy is the appropriate potential and that the impact of free charge accumulation can be neglected. In this Article, we first formally demonstrate that the Grand Potential is the appropriate thermodynamic potential to analyze the equilibrium behavior of perfectly coherent and uniform FERRO-systems. We demonstrate that the Grand Potential only reduces to the Gibbs free energy for perfectly non-conductive FERRO-systems. Consequently, the Grand Potential is always required for free charge-conducting FERRO-systems. We demonstrate that free charge accumulation at the FERRO interface increases the hysteretic device characteristics. Lastly, a theoretical best-case upper limit for the interface defect density D-FI is identified. The ferroelectric field-effect transistor, which has attracted much attention for application as both a highly energy-efficient logic device and a non-volatile memory device, has often been studied within the framework of equilibrium thermodynamics. Here, the authors theoretically demonstrate the importance of utilizing the correct thermodynamic potential and investigate the impact of free charge accumulation on the equilibrium performance of ferroelectric-based systems.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
DOI: 10.1038/S42005-021-00583-7
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“Determination of protein-bound copper and zinc in some organs of the cuttlefish Sepia officinalis L”. Decleir W, Vlaeminck A, Geladi P, Van Grieken R, Comparative biochemistry and physiology : B : biochemistry and molecular biology 60, 347 (1978). http://doi.org/10.1016/0305-0491(78)90057-3
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/0305-0491(78)90057-3
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“Fostering crack deviation via local internal stresses in Al/NiTi composites and its correlation with fracture toughness”. Zhao L, Ding L, Soete J, Idrissi H, Kerckhofs G, Simar A, Composites: part A: applied science and manufacturing 126, 105617 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.COMPOSITESA.2019.105617
Abstract: In the framework of metal matrix composites, a research gap exists regarding tailoring damage mechanisms. The present work aims at developing an Al/NiTi composite incorporating internal stresses in the vicinity of reinforcements. The composite is manufactured by friction stir processing which allows a homogenous NiTi distribution and a good Al/NiTi interface bonding. The internal stresses are introduced via shape memory effect of the embedded NiTi particles. The induced internal strain field is confirmed by digital image correlation and the corresponding stress field is evaluated by finite element simulation. It is found that the damage mechanism is modified in the presence of internal stresses. The consequent enhancement of fracture toughness arises by the fact that the internal stresses foster discrete damages shifted from the fracture ligament line. These damages release the stress concentration at the main crack tip and lead to a deviated crack path when coalescing to accommodate fracture propagation.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.075
DOI: 10.1016/J.COMPOSITESA.2019.105617
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“Emerging halogenated flame retardants in the indoor environment”. Poma G, McGrath TJ, Christia C, Govindan M, Covaci A, Comprehensive analytical chemistry 88, 107 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/BS.COAC.2019.10.004
Abstract: Indoor environments are considered an important contributor to external human exposure to halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) due to the large amounts of chemicals currently incorporated in indoor equipment and the time humans spend every day in indoor environments. In this chapter, the presence and use of novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs), dechlorane plus (DPs), chlorinated organophosphorus flame retardants (Cl-PFRs) and chlorinated paraffins (CPs) in indoor dust, air and consumer products collected from different indoor microenvironments (homes, public indoor spaces, and vehicles) are discussed. While data on the concentrations of HFRs in indoor dust and air are widely available, figures are still scarce for consumer products, such as textiles and foams, furnishings, flooring, electric and electronic products and building materials. This knowledge gaps still represents the biggest obstacle in linking eventual sources of contamination to the presence and chemical patterns in indoor dust and air.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Toxicological Centre
DOI: 10.1016/BS.COAC.2019.10.004
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“Networking strategies of the microscopy community for improved utilisation of advanced instruments : (3) two European initiatives to support TEM infrastructures and promote electron microscopy over Europe, ESTEEM (20062011) and ESTEEM 2 (20122016)”. Snoeck E, Van Tendeloo G, Comptes rendus : physique 15, 281 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.crhy.2013.12.002
Abstract: The ESTEEM consortium of electron microscopy laboratories for materials science and solid-state physics has been created as an EU-supported delocalized infrastructure (I3) to bring together the major electron microscopy centres in Europe. Its main objectives were to develop networking, to offer transnational access to these centres with specialized and complementary techniques and skills and to upgrade in close collaboration different technical and methodological aspects such as tomography, spectroscopy, holography, detectors, and specimen holders. These efforts were aimed to strengthen the position of European microscopy and to generate new technologies potentially of high relevance in many domains identified as strategic. Following the success of the first program, ESTEEM has been reconducted in 2012 for four more years with an enlarged set of partners.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.048
DOI: 10.1016/j.crhy.2013.12.002
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