“Tomography using annular dark field imaging in TEM”. Bals S, Kisielowski C, Croitoru M, Van Tendeloo G, Microscopy and microanalysis 11, 2118 (2005)
Keywords: A3 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
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“Tomato plants rather than fertilizers drive microbial community structure in horticultural growing media”. Grunert O, Robles-Aguilar AA, Hernandez-Sanabria E, Schrey SD, Reheul D, Van Labeke M-C, Vlaeminck SE, Vanderkerckhove TGL, Mysara M, Monsieurs P, Temperton VM, Boon N, Jablonowski ND, Scientific reports 9, 9561 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1038/S41598-019-45290-0
Abstract: Synthetic fertilizer production is associated with a high environmental footprint, as compounds typically dissolve rapidly leaching emissions to the atmosphere or surface waters. We tested two recovered nutrients with slower release patterns, as promising alternatives for synthetic fertilizers: struvite and a commercially available organic fertilizer. Using these fertilizers as nitrogen source, we conducted a rhizotron experiment to test their effect on plant performance and nutrient recovery in juvenile tomato plants. Plant performance was significantly improved when organic fertilizer was provided, promoting higher shoot biomass. Since the microbial community influences plant nitrogen availability, we characterized the root-associated microbial community structure and functionality. Analyses revealed distinct root microbial community structure when different fertilizers were supplied. However, plant presence significantly increased the similarity of the microbial community over time, regardless of fertilization. Additionally, the presence of the plant significantly reduced the potential ammonia oxidation rates, implying a possible role of the rhizosheath microbiome or nitrification inhibition by the plant. Our results indicate that nitrifying community members are impacted by the type of fertilizer used, while tomato plants influenced the potential ammonia-oxidizing activity of nitrogen-related rhizospheric microbial communities. These novel insights on interactions between recovered fertilizers, plant and associated microbes can contribute to develop sustainable crop production systems.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-019-45290-0
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“TOF-SIMS analysis of carbocyanine dyes adsorbed on silver substrates”. Lenaerts J, Verlinden G, van Vaeck L, Gijbels R, Geuens I, , 115 (2000)
Keywords: P3 Proceeding; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
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“To tax or to ban? A discrete choice experiment to elicit public preferences for phasing out glyphosate use in agriculture”. Bjørnåvold A, David M, Mermet-Bijon V, Beaumais O, Crastes dit Sourd R, Van Passel S, Martinet V, PLoS ONE 18, 1 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0283131
Abstract: In 2023, the European Union will vote on the reauthorization of glyphosate use, renewed in 2017 despite concern on impacts on the environment and public health. A ban is supported by several Member States but rejected by most farmers. What are citizens’ preferences to phase out glyphosate? To assess whether taxation could be an alternative to a ban, we conducted a discrete choice experiment in five European countries. Our results reveal that the general public is strongly willing to pay for a reduction in glyphosate use. However, while 75.5% of respondents stated to support a ban in the pre-experimental survey, experimental results reveal that in 73.35% of cases, earmarked taxation schemes are preferred when they lead to a strong reduction in glyphosate use for an increase in food price lower than that induced by a ban. When glyphosate reduction is balanced against its costs, a tax may be preferred.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 3.7
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0283131
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“TMDlib2 and TMDplotter : a platform for 3D hadron structure studies”. Abdulov NA, Bacchetta A, Baranov S, Martinez AB, Bertone V, Bissolotti C, Candelise V, Banos LIE, Bury M, Connor PLS, Favart L, Guzman F, Hautmann F, Hentschinski M, Jung H, Keersmaekers L, Kotikov A, Kusina A, Kutak K, Lelek A, Lidrych J, Lipatov A, Lykasov G, Malyshev M, Mendizabal M, Prestel S, Barzani SS, Sapeta S, Schmitz M, Signori A, Sorrentino G, Monfared ST, van Hameren A, van Kampen AM, Vanden Bemden M, Vladimirov A, Wang Q, Yang H, European Physical Journal C 81, 752 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1140/EPJC/S10052-021-09508-8
Abstract: A common library, TMDlib2, for Transverse-Momentum-Dependent distributions (TMDs) and unintegrated parton distributions (uPDFs) is described, which allows for easy access of commonly used TMDs and uPDFs, providing a three-dimensional (3D) picture of the partonic structure of hadrons. The tool TMDplotter allows for web-based plotting of distributions implemented in TMDlib2, together with collinear pdfs as available in LHAPDF.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Particle Physics Group; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 5.331
DOI: 10.1140/EPJC/S10052-021-09508-8
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“Titanium (germano-)silicides featuring 10-9 Ω.cm2 contact resistivity and improved compatibility to advanced CMOS technology”. Yu H, Schaekers M, Chew SA, Eyeraert J-L, Dabral A, Pourtois G, Horiguchi N, Mocuta D, Collaert N, De Meyer K, 2018 18th International Workshop On Junction Technology (iwjt) , 80 (2018)
Abstract: uIn this work, we discuss three novel Ti (germano-)silicidation techniques featuring respectively the pre-contact amorphization implantation (PCAI), the TiSi co-deposition, and Ti atomic layer deposition (ALD). All three techniques form TiSix(Ge-y) contacts with ultralow contact resistivity (rho(c)) of (1-3)x10(-9) Omega.cm(2) on both highly doped n-Si and p-SiGe substrates: these techniques meet rho(c) requirement of 5-14 nm CMOS technology and feature unified CMOS contact solutions. We further discuss the compatibility of these techniques to the realistic CMOS transistor fabrication.
Keywords: P1 Proceeding; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
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Verbruggen S (2014) TiO2 gas phase photocatalysis from morphological design to plasmonic enhancement. 173 p
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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“Time to act–assessing variations in qPCR analyses in biological nitrogen removal with examples from partial nitritation/anammox systems”. Agrawal S, Weissbrodt DG, Annavajhala M, Jensen MM, Arroyo JMC, Wells G, Chandran K, Vlaeminck SE, Terada A, Smets BF, Lackner S, Water Research 190, 116604 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.WATRES.2020.116604
Abstract: Quantitative PCR (qPCR) is broadly used as the gold standard to quantify microbial community fractions in environmental microbiology and biotechnology. Benchmarking efforts to ensure the comparability of qPCR data for environmental bioprocesses are still scarce. Also, for partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A) systems systematic investigations are still missing, rendering meta-analysis of reported trends and generic insights potentially precarious. We report a baseline investigation of the variability of qPCR-based analyses for microbial communities applied to PN/A systems. Round-robin testing was performed for three PN/A biomass samples in six laboratories, using the respective in-house DNA extraction and qPCR protocols. The concentration of extracted DNA was significantly different between labs, ranged between 2.7 and 328 ng mg−1 wet biomass. The variability among the qPCR abundance data of different labs was very high (1−7 log fold) but differed for different target microbial guilds. DNA extraction caused maximum variation (3–7 log fold), followed by the primers (1–3 log fold). These insights will guide environmental scientists and engineers as well as treatment plant operators in the interpretation of qPCR data.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 6.942
DOI: 10.1016/J.WATRES.2020.116604
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Nakhaee M (2020) Tight-binding model for two-dimensional materials. 139 p
Abstract: abstract not available
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
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Taghizadeh Sisakht E (2019) Tight-binding investigation of the electronic properties of phosphorene and phosphorene nanoribbons. 150 p
Abstract: abstract not available
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
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“Three-dimensional trace element analysis by confocal X-ray microfluorescence imaging”. Vincze L, Vekemans B, Brenker FE, Falkenberg G, Rickers K, Somogyi A, Kersten M, Adams F, Analytical chemistry 76, 6786 (2004). http://doi.org/10.1021/AC049274L
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1021/AC049274L
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“Three-dimensional reconstruction of a nanoparticle at atomic resolution”. Batenburg J, Van Aert S, ERCIM news 86, 52 (2011)
Keywords: A2 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
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Altantzis T (2015) Three-dimensional characterization of atomic clusters, nanoparticles and their assemblies by advanced transmission electron microscopy. Antwerpen
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
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Milagres de Oliveira T (2020) Three-dimensional characterisation of nanomaterials : from model-like systems to real nanostructures. 230 p
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
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“Thin-window electron probe X-ray microanalysis of individual atmospheric particles above the North Sea”. de Hoog J, Osán J, Szalóki I, Eyckmans K, Worobiec A, Ro C-U, Van Grieken R, Atmospheric environment : an international journal 39, 3231 (2005). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2005.02.025
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2005.02.025
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“Thin-layer potentiometry for creatinine detection in undiluted human urine using ion-exchange membranes as barriers for charged interferences”. Liu Y, Cánovas R, Crespo GA, Cuartero M, Analytical Chemistry 92, 3315 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.ANALCHEM.9B05231
Abstract: Herein, thin-layer potentiometry combined with ion-exchange membranes as barriers for charged interferences is demonstrated for the analytical detection of creatinine (CRE) in undiluted human urine. Briefly, CRE diffuses through an anion-exchange membrane (AEM) from a sample contained in one fluidic compartment to a second reservoir, containing the enzyme CRE deiminase. There, CRE reacts with the enzyme, and the formation of ammonium is dynamically monitored by potentiometric ammonium-selective electrodes. This analytical concept is integrated into a lab-on-a-chip microfluidic cell that allows for a high sample throughput and the operation under stop-flow mode, which allows CRE to passively diffuse across the AEM. Conveniently, positively charged species (i.e., potassium, sodium, and ammonium, among others) are repelled by the AEM and never reach the ammonium-selective electrodes; thus, possible interference in the response can be avoided. As a result, the dynamic potential response of the electrodes is entirely ascribed to the stoichiometric formation of ammonium. The new CRE biosensor exhibits a Nernstian slope, within a linear range of response from 1 to 50 mM CRE concentration. As expected, the response time (15–60 min) primarily depends on the CRE diffusion across the AEM. CRE analysis in urine samples displayed excellent results, without requiring sample pretreatment (before the introduction of the sample in the microfluidic chip) and with high compatibility with development into a potential point-of-care clinical tool. In an attempt to decrease the analysis time, the presented analytical methodology for CRE detection is translated into an all-solid-state platform, in which the enzyme is immobilized on the surface of the ammonium-selective electrode and with the AEM on top. While more work is necessary in this direction, the CRE sensor appears to be promising for CRE analysis in both urine and blood.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 7.4
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.ANALCHEM.9B05231
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“Thermophilic sludge digestion improves energy balance and nutrient recovery potential in full-scale municipal wastewater treatment plants”. De Vrieze J, Smet D, Klok J, Colsen J, Angenent LT, Vlaeminck SE, Bioresource technology 218, 1237 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2016.06.119
Abstract: The conventional treatment of municipal wastewater by means of activated sludge is typically energy demanding. Here, the potential benefits of: (1) the optimization of mesophilic digestion; and (2) transitioning to thermophilic sludge digestion in three wastewater treatment plants (Tilburg-Noord, Land van Cuijk and Bath) in the Netherlands is evaluated, including a full-scale trial validation in Bath. In Tilburg-Noord, thermophilic sludge digestion covered the energy requirements of the plant (102%), whereas 111% of sludge operational treatment costs could be covered in Bath. Thermophilic sludge digestion also resulted in a strong increase in nutrient release. The potential for nutrient recovery was evaluated via: (1) stripping/absorption of ammonium; (2) autotrophic removal of ammonium via partial nitritation/anammox; and (3) struvite precipitation. This research shows that optimization of sludge digestion may lead to a strong increase in energy recovery, sludge treatment costs reduction, and the potential for advanced nutrient management in full-scale sewage treatment plants. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2016.06.119
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“Thermoelectric properties and scattering mechanisms in natural PbS”. Zuniga-Puelles E, Levytskyi V, Özden A, Guerel T, Bulut N, Himcinschi C, Sevik C, Kortus J, Gumeniuk R, Physical review B 107, 195203 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.107.195203
Abstract: X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopic analyses showed a natural galena (PbS) crystal from Freiberg in Saxony (Germany) to be a single phase specimen [rock salt (NaCl) structure type, space group Fm3m, a = 5.932(1) angstrom] with stoichiometric composition and an enhanced dislocation density (8 approximate to 1011 cm-2). The latter parameter leads to an increase of the electrical resistivity in the high-temperature regime, as well as to the appearance of phonon resonance with a characteristic frequency coPR = 3.8(1) THz. Being in the same range (i.e., 3-5.5 THz) with the sulfur optical modes of highest group velocities, it results in a drastic reduction (by similar to 75%) of thermal conductivity (K) at lower temperatures (i.e., < 100 K), as well as in the appearance of a characteristic minimum in K at T approximate to 30 K. Furthermore, the studied galena is characterized by phonon-drag behavior and by temperature dependent switch of the charge carrier scattering mechanism regime (i.e., scattering on dislocations for T < 100 K, on acoustic phonons for 100 K < T < 170 K and on both acoustic and optical phonons for 170 K < T < 300 K). The combined theoretical calculation and optical spectroscopic study confirm this mineral to be a direct gap degenerate semiconductor. The possible origins of the second-order Raman spectrum are discussed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.7
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.107.195203
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“Thermodynamically unconstrained forced concentration cycling of methane catalytic partial oxidation over CeO2FeCralloy catalysts”. Ma Z, Perreault P, Pelegrin DC, Boffito DC, Patience GS, Chemical Engineering Journal 380, 122470 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CEJ.2019.122470
Abstract: Converting waste associated natural gas from oil fields is uneconomic with current gas-to-liquid technology. Micro Gas-to-Liquids technology ( GtL) combines process intensification and numbering up economics to reduce capital costs to convert flared and vented natural gas to value-added synthetic fuel: Milli-second contact times in the catalytic partial oxidation of methane (CPOX) integrated with a tandem Fischer-Tropsch (FT) step meets the economic constraints together with remote process control. FeCralloy knitted fibres with high thermal conductivity and low pressure drop, resist thermal and mechanical stresses in the high pressure CPOX step. The FeCralloy catalysts are free of pre-reduction treatments. We deposited Pt and/or CeO2 over the fibre surface via solution combustion synthesis. Methane conversion was higher at ambient pressure compared to 2 MPa while the Pt/CeO2 FeCralloy was relatively inert from 0.1 MPa to 2 MPa. However, both catalysts demonstrated high activity in quasi-chemical looping partial oxidation of methane: during the reduction step while feeding methane, an on-line mass spectrometer only detected H2 while in the oxidation step it detected predominantly CO. Kinetic modeling of the oxidation-reduction cycles suggests that the reaction follows a direct mechanism to produce CO and H2 rather than an indirect mechanism that first produces CO2 and H2O followed by reforming.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 15.1
DOI: 10.1016/J.CEJ.2019.122470
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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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“Thermochemical conversion of coal and biomass blends in a top-lit updraft fixed bed reactor : experimental assessment of the ignition front propagation velocity”. Quintero-Coronel DA, Lenis-Rodas YA, Corredor LA, Perreault P, Gonzalez-Quiroga A, Energy 220, 119702 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ENERGY.2020.119702
Abstract: Co-thermochemical conversion of coal and biomass can potentially decrease the use of fossil carbon and pollutant emissions. This work presents experimental results for the so-called top-lit updraft fixed bed reactor, in which the ignition front starts at the top and propagates downward while the gas product flows upwards. The study focuses on the ignition front propagation velocity for the co-thermochemical conversion of palm kernel shell and high-volatile bituminous coal. Within the range of assessed air superficial velocities, the process occurred under gasification and near stoichiometric conditions. Under gasification conditions increasing coal particle size from 7.1 to 22 mm decreased ignition front velocity by around 26% regardless of the coal volume percentage. Furthermore, increasing coal volume percentage and decreasing coal particle size result in product gas with higher energy content. For the operation near stoichiometric conditions, increasing coal volume percentage from 10 to 30% negatively affected the ignition front velocity directly proportional to its particle size. Additional experiments confirmed a linear dependence of ignition front velocity on air superficial velocity. Further steps in the development of the top-lit updraft technology are implementing continuous solids feeding and variable cross-sectional area and optimizing coal particle size distribution.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 4.52
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENERGY.2020.119702
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“Thermal stability of beam sensitive atmospheric aerosol particles in electron probe microanalysis at liquid nitrogen temperature”. Worobiec A, de Hoog J, Osán J, Szalóki I, Ro C-U, Van Grieken R, Spectrochimica acta: part B : atomic spectroscopy 58, 479 (2003). http://doi.org/10.1016/S0584-8547(03)00013-2
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP); AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/S0584-8547(03)00013-2
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“Thermal conductivity engineering of bulk and one-dimensional Si-Ge nanoarchitectures”. Kandemir A, Ozden A, Cagin T, Sevik C, Science and technology of advanced materials 18, 187 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1080/14686996.2017.1288065
Abstract: Various theoretical and experimental methods are utilized to investigate the thermal conductivity of nanostructured materials; this is a critical parameter to increase performance of thermoelectric devices. Among these methods, equilibrium molecular dynamics (EMD) is an accurate technique to predict lattice thermal conductivity. In this study, by means of systematic EMD simulations, thermal conductivity of bulk Si-Ge structures (pristine, alloy and superlattice) and their nanostructured one dimensional forms with square and circular cross-section geometries (asymmetric and symmetric) are calculated for different crystallographic directions. A comprehensive temperature analysis is evaluated for selected structures as well. The results show that one-dimensional structures are superior candidates in terms of their low lattice thermal conductivity and thermal conductivity tunability by nanostructuring, such as by diameter modulation, interface roughness, periodicity and number of interfaces. We find that thermal conductivity decreases with smaller diameters or cross section areas. Furthermore, interface roughness decreases thermal conductivity with a profound impact. Moreover, we predicted that there is a specific periodicity that gives minimum thermal conductivity in symmetric superlattice structures. The decreasing thermal conductivity is due to the reducing phonon movement in the system due to the effect of the number of interfaces that determine regimes of ballistic and wave transport phenomena. In some nanostructures, such as nanowire superlattices, thermal conductivity of the Si/Ge system can be reduced to nearly twice that of an amorphous silicon thermal conductivity. Additionally, it is found that one crystal orientation, <100>, is better than the <111> crystal orientation in one-dimensional and bulk SiGe systems. Our results clearly point out the importance of lattice thermal conductivity engineering in bulk and nanostructures to produce high-performance thermoelectric materials.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
DOI: 10.1080/14686996.2017.1288065
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“Theory of the magneto-transport in a nonplanar two dimensional electron gas”. Badalian SM, Ibrahim IS, Peeters FM, , 327 (1997)
Keywords: P3 Proceeding; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
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Xiao Y (2017) Theoretical study of the optoelectronic properties of new type 2DEG materials : multilayer graphene and monolayer MoS2. 144 p
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
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“Theoretical prediction of the PtOX (X = S and Se) monolayers as promising optoelectronic and thermoelectric 2D materials”. Nguyen DK, Hoat DM, Bafekry A, Van On V, Rivas-Silva JF, Naseri M, Cocoletzi GH, Physica E-Low-Dimensional Systems &, Nanostructures 131, 114732 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.PHYSE.2021.114732
Abstract: In this paper, two new monolayers, namely PtOS and PtOSe, are theoretically predicted using first-principles calculations. Structural, electronic, optical and thermoelectric properties are explored using full-potential linearized augmented plane-wave (FP-LAPW) method and the semiclassical Boltzmann transport theory. Predicted two-dimensional (2D) materials show good dynamical, thermodynamic and structural stability. Calculated electronic structures indicate the indirect gap semiconductor nature of the PtOS and PtOSe single layers with energy gap of 1.346(2.436) and 0.978(1.978) eV as calculated with the WC(HSE06) functional, respectively. Density of states spectra and valence charge distribution maps suggest a mix of covalent and ionic characters of the chemical bonds. 2D materials at hand exhibit good absorption property in the visible regime with coefficient value reaching the order of 105/cm, even much larger in the ultraviolet, suggesting the promising optoelectronic applicability. Finally, the thermoelectric parameters including electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, power factor and figure of merit are determined and analyzed. Results indicate prospective thermoelectric performance of both considered single layers as demonstrated by large figure of merit close to unity. Our work introduces two new 2D multifunctional materials that may possess potential applications in the optoelectronic and thermoelectric nano-devices.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.221
DOI: 10.1016/J.PHYSE.2021.114732
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“Theoretical evaluation of the effective alpha and De Jongh approaches in X-ray fluorescence analysis of geological materials in borax glass beads”. Muia LM, Van Grieken R, X-ray spectrometry 18, 259 (1989). http://doi.org/10.1002/XRS.1300180604
Abstract: An evaluation of the accuracy and suitability of the LachanceTraill algorithm using effective α-coefficients, and the De Jongh α approach for x-ray fluorescence analysis of borax glass beads prepared from geological material was performed. By using theoretical α-coefficients obtained from the same standard and calculated elemental intensities, the two algorithms were compared under identical conditions. When only the monitor standard is used, the LachanceTrail1 approach is found to be inferior to the De Jongh basic α method. If multi-standard calibration is performed for both approaches, the accuracies are almost identical and no significant difference is found in the results. The LachanceTraill algorithm has the advantage of being easier to implement on a minicomputer and, when used without standards, it is found to give results within a few percent of the true values, which is a useful indicator in the choice of appropriate standards for more accurate analytical work.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1002/XRS.1300180604
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Hasnat Rubel A (2023) Theoretical characterization and optimization of nano-engineered superconducting scanning probe tip. viii, 145 p
Abstract: Using state-of-the-art simulation methods, we optimized the performance of nanoscale superconducting scanning probe tips for advanced spatial imaging of magnetic fields. The systematic studies of the tips’ static properties as a function of the tilted magnetic field, geometric parameters, and material parameters were carried out. The sensitivity of different superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) to the magnetic field emanating from the magnetic nanoparticle, where the location of a magnetic nanoparticle is considered below the primary loop's center, was examined as a function of the primary and secondary loop dimensions. The main objective of the research was to characterize and optimize the performance of a nano-sized SQUID-on-tip (SOT) device. Optimal SOT sensitivity was sought, for different loop sizes, arm linewidth, and lead dimensions. Moreover, we revealed that a constriction in the loop arms of the SOT can substantially improve the sensitivity of the device. Finally, the properties of the theta-SOT device were examined in the presence of in-plane and out-of-plane magnetic field components, enabling nanoscale imaging of 3D distributions of the magnetic field. Altogether, the obtained results deliver an engineering solution for the optimum performance of the SOT device in desired conditions.
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
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“The working future : an analysis of skills needed by circular startups”. Borms L, Van Opstal W, Brusselaers J, Van Passel S, Journal of cleaner production 409, 137261 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JCLEPRO.2023.137261
Abstract: Aside from potential environmental benefits, the implementation of circular economy principles in businesses can have merits for the labour market. The current unemployment in several regions of Europe and the qualitative mismatch between supply and demand could be countered by reskilling the labour force to adjust supply and demand to one another for increased reuse, repair, or recycling, among others. This study uses interviews to increase the focus of the research question and uses survey data to perform an ordered probit regression analysis to sketch the current and future landscape of startups’ skills in Flanders (Belgium), and to analyse the relationship between circular strategies and different types of skills. The results show that design to lower material use increases the need for transport and logistics skills, digitalisation increases the need for R&D and IT skills, and the recuperation of waste requires technical knowledge. Furthermore, gender, age, and experience of the entrepreneur influence the needed skills. The paper probed for policy recommendations for the uptake of circular strategies and recommendations for future research. The most asked policy measures by the respondents are innovation and collaboration support (subsidies), fiscal measures that support circular goods and services, and public procurement for circular goods and services. This research is of relevance for several stakeholders, such as startup ecosystems, sector organisations, policy makers in innovation policy and labour market policy, and educational institutions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 11.1
DOI: 10.1016/J.JCLEPRO.2023.137261
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De Backer J (2023) The versatile nature of cytoglobin, the Swiss army knife among globins, with a preference for oxidative stress. XVIII, 232 p
Abstract: Since its discovery 20 years ago, many studies have been performed to gain insight into the functional role of cytoglobin (Cygb). However, Cygb has been proven to be a promiscuous protein. Yet, there is a consensus that Cygb is a cytoprotective protein involved in redox homeostasis. CYGB is a ubiquitously expressed hexacoordinated globin that is highly expressed in melanocytes and is often found to be downregulated during melanocyte-to-melanoma transition. In Chapter III, we investigated the molecular mechanism through which CYGB could be involved in redox regulation. Here, we showed that CYGB contains two redox-sensitive cysteine residues and that the formation of an intramolecular disulfide bridge resulted in the heme group becoming more accessible to external ligands. This supports the hypothesis that Cys38 and Cys83 serve as sensitive redox sensors. In Chapter IV we showed that CYGB mRNA and protein levels were elevated upon exposure to hypoxia. Interestingly, this upregulation was most likely HIF-2α-dependent. We propose that in melanoma, HIF-2α, rather than HIF-1α, positively regulates CYGB under hypoxic conditions in a cell type specific way. In Chapter V, the cytotoxic effect of indirect NTP treatment in two melanoma cell lines with divergent endogenous CYGB expression levels was investigated. We confirmed that NTP endows cytotoxicity that induces cell death through apoptosis and that this was mediated through the production of ROS. Moreover, we showed that CYGB protects melanoma cells from ROS-induced apoptosis by the scavenging of ROS. Interestingly, CYGB expression influenced the expression of NRF2 and HO-1. We identified the lncRNA MEG3 as a possible mechanism through which NRF2 expression and its downstream target HO-1 can be regulated by CYGB. In chapter VI, increased basal ROS levels and higher degree of lipid peroxidation upon RSL3 treatment contributed to the increased sensitivity of CYGB knockdown G361 cells to ferroptosis. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis demonstrates the enrichment of multiple cancer malignancy pathways upon CYGB knockdown, supporting a tumor-suppressive role for CYGB. Remarkably, CYGB expression regulation was identified as a critical determinant of the ferroptosis–pyroptosis therapy response. This suggests that CYGB is involved in the regulation of multiple modes of programmed cell death. FInally, we sought to delineate the RONS that are responsible for plasma-induced ICD. Our results highlight the importance of the short-lived species. Furthermore, we are first to demonstrate that NTP-created vaccine is safely prepared and offers complete protection. Moreover, we provide conclusive evidence that direct application of NTP induces ICD in melanoma.
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Pharmacology. Therapy; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Proteinscience, proteomics and epigenetic signaling (PPES)
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