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“Seasonality of ship emission related atmospheric pollution over coastal and open waters of the North Sea”. Bencs L, Horemans B, Buczyńska AJ, Deutsch F, Degraeuwe B, Van Poppel M, Van Grieken R, Atmospheric Environment: X 7, 100077 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.AEAOA.2020.100077
Abstract: The seasonal changes of a large set of atmospheric pollutants (i.e., gases, water-soluble aerosols, metallic/elemental components and black carbon (BC) content) have been studied over the southern bight of the North Sea (the Belgian Continental Shelf) and the English Channel during several marine sampling campaigns, carried out in 2010-2011. A coastal research station at De Haan, Belgium was concurrently used as a background air monitoring site. Size-segregated aerosols (PM1, PM2.5-1, PM10-2.5) were analyzed for particulate mass, elemental content and water-soluble (ionic) compounds, while the equivalent BC content in PM10 was monitored with an Aethalometer. The results clearly demonstrated that the aerosols originating from ship exhaust emissions contributed mostly to fine fraction (PM1), and to a lesser extent to medium-sized fraction (PM2.5-1), whereas components of sea spray and of mineral/soil origin were dominating in the medium-size and coarse aerosol fractions. Looking at seasonal differences, more ship emission related components occurred in the fine and medium-sized PM during winter. Mineral aerosol components were more apparent in coarse PM and especially during the cold season, increased levels were noted. Similarly, higher concentrations of marine fine PM were found during winter, likely due to more extensive ship emissions and/or calm weather conditions. Gaseous pollutants (e.g., HNO2, HNO3, HCl, SO2, NH3) originating from exhaust fumes of ocean-going ships mostly reached the maximum levels in the cold season as well, thus supporting the more intense formation of secondary aerosols. The seasonal trends of total (inorganic) ionic species sampled on the open sea and at the coastal station were usually similar to those of the corresponding PM masses, peaking in the cold season. Sea salt bound fine sulfate and nitrate peaked in spring or the cold season for marine areas, whereas for the coastal site they clearly reached the maximum in the cold season. Ammonium-bound nitrates and sulfates in each PM fraction reached their peak air levels in the cold season over marine sites. Similar seasonal trends could be observed for the coastal station. The general tendency of aerosol distribution over the study areas was independent of the sampling site: the higher the aerosol mass on the open sea with ship traffic, the higher the suspended particulate mass sampled at the coast.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.AEAOA.2020.100077
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“Highly-translucent, strong and aging-resistant 3Y-TZP ceramics for dental restoration by grain boundary segregation”. Zhang F, Vanmeensel K, Batuk M, Hadermann J, Inokoshi M, Van Meerbeek B, Naert I, Vleugels J, Acta biomaterialia 16, 215 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.actbio.2015.01.037
Abstract: Latest trends in dental restorative ceramics involve the development of full-contour 3Y-TZP ceramics which can avoid chipping of veneering porcelains. Among the challenges are the low translucency and the hydrothermal stability of 3Y-TZP ceramics. In this work, different trivalent oxides (Al2O3, Sc2O3, Nd2O3 and La2O3) were selected to dope 3Y-TZP ceramics. Results show that dopant segregation was a key factor to design hydrothermally stable and high-translucent 3Y-TZP ceramics and the cation dopant radius could be used as a controlling parameter. A large trivalent dopant, oversized as compared to Zr4+, exhibiting strong segregation at the ZrO2 grain boundary was preferred. The introduction of 0.2 mol% La2O3 in conventional 0.10.25 wt.% Al2O3-doped 3Y-TZP resulted in an excellent combination of high translucency and superior hydrothermal stability, while retaining excellent mechanical properties.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 6.319
Times cited: 54
DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2015.01.037
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“On-chip very low strain rate rheology of amorphous olivine films”. Coulombier M, Baral P, Orekhov A, Dohmen R, Raskin JP, Pardoen T, Cordier P, Idrissi H, Acta materialia 266, 119693 (2024). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ACTAMAT.2024.119693
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.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.4
DOI: 10.1016/J.ACTAMAT.2024.119693
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“The effect of microstructure and film composition on the mechanical properties of linear antenna CVD diamond thin films”. Mary Joy R, Pobedinskas P, Baule N, Bai S, Jannis D, Gauquelin N, Pinault-Thaury M-A, Jomard F, Sankaran KJ, Rouzbahani R, Lloret F, Desta D, D’Haen J, Verbeeck J, Becker MF, Haenen K, Acta materialia 264, 119548 (2024). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.actamat.2023.119548
Abstract: This study reports the impact of film microstructure and composition on the Young’s modulus and residual stress in nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) thin films ( thick) grown on silicon substrates using a linear antenna microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (CVD) system. Combining laser acoustic wave spectroscopy to determine the elastic properties with simple wafer curvature measurements, a straightforward method to determine the intrinsic stress in NCD films is presented. Two deposition parameters are varied: (1) the substrate temperature from 400 °C to 900 °C, and (2) the [P]/[C] ratio from 0 ppm to 8090 ppm in the H2/CH4/CO2/PH3 diamond CVD plasma. The introduction of PH3 induces a transition in the morphology of the diamond film, shifting from NCD with larger grains to ultra-NCD with a smaller grain size, concurrently resulting in a decrease in Young’s modulus. Results show that the highest Young’s modulus of (113050) GPa for the undoped NCD deposited at 800 °C is comparable to single crystal diamond, indicating that NCD with excellent mechanical properties is achievable with our process for thin diamond films. Based on the film stress results, we propose the origins of tensile intrinsic stress in the diamond films. In NCD, the tensile intrinsic stress is attributed to larger grain size, while in ultra-NCD films the tensile intrinsic stress is due to grain boundaries and impurities.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.4
DOI: 10.1016/j.actamat.2023.119548
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“Shear banding-activated dynamic recrystallization and phase transformation during quasi-static loading of β-metastable Ti &ndash, 12 wt % Mo alloy”. Choisez L, Ding L, Marteleur M, Kashiwar A, Idrissi H, Jacques PJ, Acta materialia 235, 118088 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ACTAMAT.2022.118088
Abstract: Dynamic recrystallization (DRX) within adiabatic shear bands forming during the fracture of TRIP-TWIP β−metastable Ti-12Mo (wt %) alloy was recently reported. The formation of 1-3 µm thick-adiabatic shear bands, and of dynamic recrystallization, was quite surprising as their occurrence generally requires high temperature and/or high strain rate loading while these samples were loaded in quasi-static conditions at room temperature. To better understand the fracture mechanism and associated microstructural evolution, thin foils representative of different stages of the fracture process were machined from the fracture surface by Focused Ion Beam (FIB) and analyzed by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Automated Crystal Orientation mapping (ACOM-TEM). Complex microstructure transformations involving severe plastic deformed nano-structuration, crystalline rotation and local precipitation of the omega phase were identified. The spatial and temporal evolution of the microstructure during the propagation of the crack was explained through dynamic recovery and continuous dynamic recrystallization, and linked to the modelled distribution of temperature and strain level where TEM samples were extracted.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.4
DOI: 10.1016/J.ACTAMAT.2022.118088
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“Shearing and rotation of β'' and β' precipitates in an Al-Mg-Si alloy under tensile deformation : in-situ and ex-situ studies”. Yang M, Orekhov A, Hu Z-Y, Feng M, Jin S, Sha G, Li K, Samaee V, Song M, Du Y, Van Tendeloo G, Schryvers D, Acta Materialia 220, 117310 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ACTAMAT.2021.117310
Abstract: The interaction between dislocations and nano-precipitates during deformation directly influences hardening response of precipitation-strengthening metals such as Al-Mg-Si alloys. However, how coherent and semi-coherent nano-precipitates accommodate external deformation applied to an Al alloy remains to be elucidated. In-situ tensile experiments in a transmission electron microscope (TEM) were conducted to study the dynamic process of dislocations cutting through coherent needle-like beta '' precipitates with diameters of 3 similar to 8 nm. Comprehensive investigations using in-situ, ex-situ TEM and atom probe tomography uncovered that beta '' precipitates were firstly sheared into small fragments, and then the rotation of the fragments, via sliding along precipitate/matrix interfaces, destroyed their initially coherent interface with the Al matrix. In contrast, semi-coherent beta' precipitates with sizes similar to beta '' were more difficult to be fragmented and accumulation of dislocations at the interface increased interface misfit between beta' and the Al matrix. Consequently, beta' precipitates could basically maintain their needle-like shape after the tensile deformation. This research gains new insights into the interaction between nano-precipitates and dislocations. (C) 2021 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.301
DOI: 10.1016/J.ACTAMAT.2021.117310
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“Rheology of amorphous olivine thin films characterized by nanoindentation”. Baral P, Orekhov A, Dohmen R, Coulombier M, Raskin JP, Cordier P, Idrissi H, Pardoen T, Acta Materialia 219, 117257 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ACTAMAT.2021.117257
Abstract: The rheological properties of amorphous olivine thin films deposited by pulsed laser deposition have been studied based on ambient temperature nanoindentation under constant strain-rate as well as re-laxation conditions. The amorphous olivine films exhibit a viscoelastic-viscoplastic behavior with a significant rate dependency. The strain-rate sensitivity m is equal to similar to 0 . 05 which is very high for silicates, indicating a complex out-of-equilibrium structure. The minimum apparent activation volume determined from nanoindentation experiments corresponds to Mg and Fe atomic metallic sites in the (Mg,Fe)(2)SiO4 crystalline lattice. The ambient temperature creep behavior of the amorphous olivine films differs very much from the one of single crystal olivine. This behavior directly connects to the recent demonstration of the activation of grain boundary sliding in polycrystalline olivine following grain boundary amorphization under high-stress. (C) 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Acta Materialia Inc.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.301
DOI: 10.1016/J.ACTAMAT.2021.117257
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“Novel class of nanostructured metallic glass films with superior and tunable mechanical properties”. Ghidelli M, Orekhov A, Bassi AL, Terraneo G, Djemia P, Abadias G, Nord M, Béché, A, Gauquelin N, Verbeeck J, Raskin J-p, Schryvers D, Pardoen T, Idrissi H, Acta Materialia , 116955 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.actamat.2021.116955
Abstract: A novel class of nanostructured Zr50Cu50 (%at.) metallic glass films with superior and tunable mechanical
properties is produced by pulsed laser deposition. The process can be controlled to synthetize a wide
range of film microstructures including dense fully amorphous, amorphous embedded with nanocrystals
and amorphous nano-granular. A unique dense self-assembled nano-laminated atomic arrangement
characterized by alternating Cu-rich and Zr/O-rich nanolayers with different local chemical enrichment
and amorphous or amorphous-crystalline composite nanostructure has been discovered, while
significant in-plane clustering is reported for films synthetized at high deposition pressures. This unique
nanoarchitecture is at the basis of superior mechanical properties including large hardness and elastic
modulus up to 10 and 140 GPa, respectively and outstanding total elongation to failure (>9%), leading to
excellent strength/ductility balance, which can be tuned by playing with the film architecture. These
results pave the way to the synthesis of novel class of engineered nanostructured metallic glass films
with high structural performances attractive for a number of applications in microelectronics and
coating industry.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.301
Times cited: 27
DOI: 10.1016/j.actamat.2021.116955
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“Characterization of (Ti,Mo,Cr)C nanoprecipitates in an austenitic stainless steel on the atomic scale”. Cautaerts N, Delville R, Stergar E, Schryvers D, Verwerft M, Acta materialia 164, 90 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.actamat.2018.10.018
Abstract: Nanometer sized (Ti,Mo,Cr)C (MX-type) precipitates that grew in a 24% cold worked Ti-stabilized austenitic stainless steel (grade DIN 1.4970, member of the 15-15Ti austenitic stainless steels) after heat treatment were fully characterized with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), probe corrected high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HR-HAADF STEM), and atom probe tomography (APT). The precipitates shared the cube-on-cube orientation with the matrix and were facetted on {111} planes, yielding octahedral and elongated octahedral shapes. The misfit dislocations were believed to have Burgers vectors a/6<112> which was verified by geometrical phase analysis (GPA) strain mapping of a matrix-precipitate interface. The dislocations were spaced five to seven atomic
planes apart, on average slightly wider than expected for the lattice parameters of steel and TiC. Quantitative atom probe tomography analysis of the precipitates showed that precipitates were significantly enriched in Mo, Cr and V, and that they were hypostoichiometric with respect to C. These findings were consistent with a reduced lattice parameter. The precipitates were found primarily on Shockley
partial dislocations originating from the original perfect dislocation network. These novel findings could contribute to the understanding of how TiC nanoprecipitates interact with point defects and matrix dislocations. This is essential for the application of these Ti-stabilized steels in high temperature environments or fast spectrum nuclear fission reactors.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.301
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1016/j.actamat.2018.10.018
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“Homogeneous flow and size dependent mechanical behavior in highly ductile Zr 65 Ni 35 metallic glass films”. Ghidelli M, Idrissi H, Gravier S, Blandin J-J, Raskin J-P, Schryvers D, Pardoen T, Acta materialia 131, 246 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.actamat.2017.03.072
Abstract: Motivated by recent studies demonstrating a high strength – high ductility potential of nano-scale metallic glass samples, the mechanical response of freestanding Zr65Ni35 film with sub-micron thickness has been investigated by combining advanced on-chip tensile testing and electron microscopy. Large deformation up to 15% is found for specimen thicknesses below 500 nm with variations depending on specimen size and frame compliance. The deformation is homogenous until fracture, with no evidence of shear banding. The yield stress is doubled when decreasing the specimen cross-section, reaching ~3 GPa for small cross-sections. The fracture strain variation is related to both the stability of the test device and to the specimen size. The study concludes on clear disconnect between the mechanisms controlling the onset of plasticity and the fracture process.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.301
Times cited: 42
DOI: 10.1016/j.actamat.2017.03.072
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“Dislocation/hydrogen interaction mechanisms in hydrided nanocrystalline palladium films”. Amin-Ahmadi B, Connétable D, Fivel M, Tanguy D, Delmelle R, Turner S, Malet L, Godet S, Pardoen T, Proost J, Schryvers D, Idrissi H, Acta materialia 111, 253 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.actamat.2016.03.054
Abstract: The nanoscale plasticity mechanisms activated during hydriding cycles in sputtered nanocrystalline Pd films have been investigated ex-situ using advanced transmission electron microscopy techniques. The internal stress developing within the films during hydriding has been monitored in-situ. Results showed that in Pd films hydrided to β-phase, local plasticity was mainly controlled by dislocation activity in spite of the small grain size. Changes of the grain size distribution and the crystallographic texture have not been observed. In contrast, significant microstructural changes were not observed in Pd films hydrided to α-phase. Moreover, the effect of hydrogen loading on the nature and density of dislocations has been investigated using aberration-corrected TEM. Surprisingly, a high density of shear type stacking faults has been observed after dehydriding, indicating a significant effect of hydrogen on the nucleation energy barriers of Shockley partial dislocations. Ab-initio calculations of the effect of hydrogen on the intrinsic stable and unstable stacking fault energies of palladium confirm the experimental observations.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.301
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1016/j.actamat.2016.03.054
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“Effect of lipid oxidation on the channel properties of Cx26 hemichannels : a molecular dynamics study”. Oliveira MC, Cordeiro RM, Bogaerts A, Archives of biochemistry and biophysics 746, 109741 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ABB.2023.109741
Abstract: Intercellular communication plays a crucial role in cancer, as well as other diseases, such as inflammation, tissue degeneration, and neurological disorders. One of the proteins responsible for this, are connexins (Cxs), which come together to form a hemichannel. When two hemichannels of opposite cells interact with each other, they form a gap junction (GJ) channel, connecting the intracellular space of these cells. They allow the passage of ions, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), and signaling molecules from the interior of one cell to another cell, thus playing an essential role in cell growth, differentiation, and homeostasis. The importance of GJs for disease induction and therapy development is becoming more appreciated, especially in the context of oncology. Studies have shown that one of the mechanisms to control the formation and disruption of GJs is mediated by lipid oxidation pathways, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, we performed atomistic molecular dynamics simulations to evaluate how lipid oxidation influences the channel properties of Cx26 hemichannels, such as channel gating and permeability. Our results demonstrate that the Cx26 hemichannel is more compact in the presence of oxidized lipids, decreasing its pore diameter at the extracellular side and increasing it at the amino terminus domains, respectively. The permeability of the Cx26 hemichannel for water and RONS molecules is higher in the presence of oxidized lipids. The latter may facilitate the intracellular accumulation of RONS, possibly increasing oxidative stress in cells. A better understanding of this process will help to enhance the efficacy of oxidative stress-based cancer treatments.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.9
DOI: 10.1016/J.ABB.2023.109741
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“Distribution of lipid aldehydes in phase-separated membranes: A molecular dynamics study”. Oliveira MC, Yusupov M, Bogaerts A, Cordeiro RM, Archives Of Biochemistry And Biophysics 717, 109136 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.abb.2022.109136
Abstract: It is well established that lipid aldehydes (LAs) are able to increase the permeability of cell membranes and induce their rupture. However, it is not yet clear how LAs are distributed in phase-separated membranes (PSMs), which are responsible for the transport of selected molecules and intracellular signaling. Thus, we investigate here the distribution of LAs in a PSM by coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations. Our results reveal that LAs derived from mono-unsaturated lipids tend to accumulate at the interface between the liquid-ordered/liquiddisordered domains, whereas those derived from poly-unsaturated lipids remain in the liquid-disordered domain. These results are important for understanding the effects caused by oxidized lipids in membrane structure, properties and organization.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.9
DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2022.109136
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“How do nitrated lipids affect the properties of phospholipid membranes?”.Oliveira MC, Yusupov M, Bogaerts A, Cordeiro RM, Archives Of Biochemistry And Biophysics 695, 108548 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.abb.2020.108548
Abstract: Biological membranes are under constant attack of free radicals, which may lead to lipid nitro-oxidation, pro ducing a complex mixture of nitro-oxidized lipids that are responsible for structural and dynamic changes on the membrane. Despite the latter, nitro-oxidized lipids are also associated with several inflammatory and neuro degenerative diseases, the underlying mechanisms of which remain elusive. We perform atomistic molecular dynamics simulations using several isomers of nitro-oxidized lipids to study their effect on the structure and permeability of the membrane, as well as the interaction between the mixture of these products in the phospholipid membrane environment. Our results show that the stereo- and positional isomers have a stronger effect on the properties of the membrane composed of oxidized lipids compared to that containing nitrated lipids. Nevertheless, nitrated lipids lead to three-fold increase in water permeability compared to oxidized lipids. In addition, we show that in a membrane consisting of combined nitro-oxidized lipid products, the presence of oxidized lipids protects the membrane from transient pores. Is well stablished that plasma application and photodynamic therapy produces a number of oxidative species used to kill cancer cells, through membrane damage induced by nitro-oxidative stress. This study is important to elucidate the mechanisms and the molecular level properties involving the reactive species produced during that cancer therapies.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.9
DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2020.108548
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“Effect of oxidative stress on cystine transportation by xC&oline, antiporter”. Ghasemitarei M, Yusupov M, Razzokov J, Shokri B, Bogaerts A, Archives of biochemistry and biophysics 674, 108114 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.abb.2019.108114
Abstract: We performed computer simulations to investigate the effect of oxidation on the extracellular cystine (CYC) uptake by the xC− antiporter. The latter is important for killing of cancer cells. Specifically, applying molecular dynamics (MD) simulations we studied the transport of CYC across xCT, i.e., the light subunit of the xC− antiporter, in charge of bidirectional transport of CYC and glutamate. We considered the outward facing (OF) configuration of xCT, and to study the effect of oxidation, we modified the Cys327 residue, located in the vicinity of the extracellular milieu, to cysteic acid (CYO327). Our computational results showed that oxidation of Cys327 results in a free energy barrier for CYC translocation, thereby blocking the access of CYC to the substrate binding site of the OF system. The formation of the energy barrier was found to be due to the conformational changes in the channel. Analysis of the MD trajectories revealed that the reorganization of the side chains of the Tyr244 and CYO327 residues play a critical role in the OF channel blocking. Indeed, the calculated distance between Tyr244 and either Cys327 or CYO327 showed a narrowing of the channel after oxidation. The obtained free energy barrier for CYC translocation was found to be 33.9kJmol−1, indicating that oxidation of Cys327, by e.g., cold atmospheric plasma, is more effective in inhibiting the xC− antiporter than in the mutation of this amino acid to Ala (yielding a barrier of 32.4kJmol−1). The inhibition of the xC− antiporter may lead to Cys starvation in some cancer cells, eventually resulting in cancer cell death.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.165
DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2019.108114
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“Transport of cystine across xC-antiporter”. Ghasemitarei M, Yusupov M, Razzokov J, Shokri B, Bogaerts A, Archives of biochemistry and biophysics 664, 117 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.abb.2019.01.039
Abstract: Extracellular cystine (CYC) uptake by xC antiporter is important for the cell viability. Especially in cancer cells, the upregulation of xC activity is observed, which protects these cells from intracellular oxidative stress. Hence, inhibition of the CYC uptake may eventually lead to cancer cell death. Up to now, the molecular level mechanism of the CYC uptake by xC antiporter has not been studied in detail. In this study, we applied several different simulation techniques to investigate the transport of CYC through xCT, the light subunit of the xC antiporter, which is responsible for the CYC and glutamate translocation. Specifically, we studied the permeation of CYC across three model systems, i.e., outward facing (OF), occluded (OCC) and inward facing (IF) configurations of xCT. We also investigated the effect of mutation of Cys327 to Ala within xCT, which was also studied experimentally in literature. This allowed us to qualitatively compare our computation results with experimental observations, and thus, to validate our simulations. In summary, our simulations provide a molecular level mechanism of the transport of CYC across the xC antiporter, more specifically, which amino acid residues in the xC antiporter play a key role in the uptake, transport and release of CYC.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.165
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2019.01.039
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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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“Sub-ppm H2S sensing by tubular ZnO-Co3O4 nanofibers”. Rumyantseva MN, Vladimirova SA, Platonov VB, Chizhov AS, Batuk M, Hadermann J, Khmelevsky NO, Gaskov AM, Sensors And Actuators B-Chemical 307, 127624 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.snb.2019.127624
Abstract: Tubular ZnO – Co3O4 nanofibers were co-electrospun from polymer solution containing zinc and cobalt acetates. Phase composition, cobalt electronic state and element distribution in the fibers were investigated by XRD, SEM, HRTEM, HAADF-STEM with EDX mapping, and XPS. Bare ZnO has high selective sensitivity to NO and NO2, while ZnO-Co3O4 composites demonstrate selective sensitivity to H2S in dry and humid air. This effect is discussed in terms of transformation of cobalt oxides into cobalt sulfides and change in the acidity of ZnO oxide surface upon cobalt doping. Reduction in response and recovery time is attributed to the formation of a tubular structure facilitating gas transport through the sensitive layer.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.401
DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2019.127624
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“Detection of CO2 using CNT-based sensors: Role of Fe catalyst on sensitivity and selectivity”. Tit N, Al Ezzi MM, Abdullah HM, Yusupov M, Kouser S, Bahlouli H, Yamani ZH, Materials chemistry and physics 186, 353 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.MATCHEMPHYS.2016.11.006
Abstract: The adsorption of CO2 on surfaces of graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), decorated with Fe atoms, are investigated using the self-consistent-charge density-functional tight-binding (SCC-DFTB) method, neglecting the heat effects. Fe ad-atoms are more stable when they are dispersed on hollow sites. They introduce a large density of states at the Fermi level (N-F); where keeping such density low would help in gas sensing. Furthermore, the Fe ad-atom can weaken the C=O double bonds of the chemisorbed CO2 molecule, paving the way for oxygen atoms to drain more charges from Fe. Consequently, chemisorption of CO2 molecules reduces both N-F and the conductance while it enhances the sensitivity with the increasing gas dose. Conducting armchair CNTs (ac-CNTs) have higher sensitivity than graphene and semiconducting zigzag CNTs (zz-CNT5). Comparative study of sensitivity of ac-CNT-Fe composite towards various gases (e.g., O-2, N-2, H-2, H2O, CO and CO2) has shown high sensitivity and selectivity towards CO, CO2 and H2O gases. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.084
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1016/J.MATCHEMPHYS.2016.11.006
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“The role of Ti and TiC nanoprecipitates in radiation resistant austenitic steel: A nanoscale study”. Cautaerts N, Delville R, Stergar E, Pakarinen J, Verwerft M, Yang Y, Hofer C, Schnitzer R, Lamm S, Felfer P, Schryvers D, Acta Materialia 197, 184 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ACTAMAT.2020.07.022
Abstract: This work encompasses an in-depth transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography study of Ti-stabilized austenitic steel irradiated with Fe-ions. The focus is on radiation induced segregation and precipitation, and in particular on how Ti and TiC affect these processes. A 15-15Ti steel (grade: DIN 1.4970) in two thermo-mechanical states (cold-worked and aged) was irradiated at different temperatures up to a dose of 40 dpa. At low irradiation temperatures, the cold-worked and aged materials evolved to a similar microstructure dominated by small Si and Ni clusters, corresponding to segregation to small point defect clusters. TiC precipitates, initially present in the aged material, were found to be unstable under these irradiation conditions. Elevated irradiation temperatures resulted in the nucleation of nanometer sized Cr enriched TiC precipitates surrounded by Si and Ni enriched shells. In addition, nanometer sized Ti- and Mn-enriched G-phase (M6Ni16Si7) precipitates formed, often attached to TiC precipitates. Post irradiation, larger number densities of TiC were observed in the cold-worked material compared to the aged material. This was correlated with a lower volume fraction of G-phase. The findings suggest that at elevated irradiation temperatures, the precipitate-matrix interface is an important point defect sink and contributes to the improved radiation resistance of this material. The study is a first of its kind on stabilized steel and demonstrates the significance of the small Ti addition to the evolution of the microstructure under irradiation. (C) 2020 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.4
DOI: 10.1016/J.ACTAMAT.2020.07.022
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Finizola e Silva M, Van Schoubroeck S, Cools J, Aboge DO, Ouma M, Olweny C, Van Passel S (2024) Local actors' perspectives on sustainable food value chains : evidence from a Q-methodology study in Kenya. 36–51
Abstract: Governments and international organizations are increasingly determined to create more sustainable food value chains (SFVCs). However, only little empirical evidence is available on how SFVCs are understood. Enquiring African food value chain actors allows gathering valuable insights into their perception of sustainability, which characteristics of sustainable food value chains they prioritize, and which obstacles to a sustainable transformation they identify. By means of a Q-methodology involving interviews with 33 Kenyan respondents, four perspectives were distinguished. The first perspective, “economic productivity and growth,” prioritizes economic growth and has only limited attention to the social dimension of sustainability. The second perspective, “food security and food availability,” believes that ensuring food security should be the key goal of SFVCs. The third perspective, “environment first,” is dedicated to the environmental dimension of sustainability; the perspective implies that protecting natural resources is the primary way to sustain this level of production. The fourth perspective, “transformative knowledge,” entails that by innovating and sharing knowledge, food value chains can become more sustainable in different areas. Overall, this study provides reliable insights into how Kenyan food value chain actors perceive sustainability in their sector and which elements they believe should be prioritized when rethinking food systems. The study results are valuable for policy-making to further define an SFVC in Kenya and to pave the way for a sustainable transformation of the food sector in developing countries.
Keywords: Administrative Services; A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
DOI: 10.1007/S13412-023-00854-5
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“OrBITS : label-free and time-lapse monitoring of patient derived organoids for advanced drug screening”. Deben C, Cardenas De La Hoz E, Le Compte M, Van Schil P, Hendriks JMH, Lauwers P, Yogeswaran SK, Lardon F, Pauwels P, van Laere S, Bogaerts A, Smits E, Vanlanduit S, Lin A, Cellular Oncology (2211-3428) , 1 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1007/S13402-022-00750-0
Abstract: Background Patient-derived organoids are invaluable for fundamental and translational cancer research and holds great promise for personalized medicine. However, the shortage of available analysis methods, which are often single-time point, severely impede the potential and routine use of organoids for basic research, clinical practise, and pharmaceutical and industrial applications. Methods Here, we developed a high-throughput compatible and automated live-cell image analysis software that allows for kinetic monitoring of organoids, named Organoid Brightfield Identification-based Therapy Screening (OrBITS), by combining computer vision with a convolutional network machine learning approach. The OrBITS deep learning analysis approach was validated against current standard assays for kinetic imaging and automated analysis of organoids. A drug screen of standard-of-care lung and pancreatic cancer treatments was also performed with the OrBITS platform and compared to the gold standard, CellTiter-Glo 3D assay. Finally, the optimal parameters and drug response metrics were identified to improve patient stratification. Results OrBITS allowed for the detection and tracking of organoids in routine extracellular matrix domes, advanced Gri3D (R)-96 well plates, and high-throughput 384-well microplates, solely based on brightfield imaging. The obtained organoid Count, Mean Area, and Total Area had a strong correlation with the nuclear staining, Hoechst, following pairwise comparison over a broad range of sizes. By incorporating a fluorescent cell death marker, infra-well normalization for organoid death could be achieved, which was tested with a 10-point titration of cisplatin and validated against the current gold standard ATP-assay, CellTiter-Glo 3D. Using this approach with OrBITS, screening of chemotherapeutics and targeted therapies revealed further insight into the mechanistic action of the drugs, a feature not achievable with the CellTiter-Glo 3D assay. Finally, we advise the use of the growth rate-based normalised drug response metric to improve accuracy and consistency of organoid drug response quantification. Conclusion Our findings validate that OrBITS, as a scalable, automated live-cell image analysis software, would facilitate the use of patient-derived organoids for drug development and therapy screening. The developed wet-lab workflow and software also has broad application potential, from providing a launching point for further brightfield-based assay development to be used for fundamental research, to guiding clinical decisions for personalized medicine.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Antwerp Surgical Training, Anatomy and Research Centre (ASTARC); Center for Oncological Research (CORE)
Impact Factor: 6.6
DOI: 10.1007/S13402-022-00750-0
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“Plasma for cancer treatment: How can RONS penetrate through the cell membrane? Answers from computer modeling”. Bogaerts A, Yusupov M, Razzokov J, Van der Paal J, Frontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering (2019). http://doi.org/10.1007/s11705-018-1786-8
Abstract: Plasma is gaining increasing interest for cancer
treatment, but the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully
understood. Using computer simulations at the molecular
level, we try to gain better insight in how plasma-generated
reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) can
penetrate through the cell membrane. Specifically, we
compare the permeability of various (hydrophilic and
hydrophobic) RONS across both oxidized and nonoxidized cell membranes. We also study pore formation,
and how it is hampered by higher concentrations of
cholesterol in the cell membrane, and we illustrate the
much higher permeability of H2O2 through aquaporin
channels. Both mechanisms may explain the selective
cytotoxic effect of plasma towards cancer cells. Finally, we
also discuss the synergistic effect of plasma-induced
oxidation and electric fields towards pore formation.
Keywords plasma medicine, cancer treatment, computer
modelling, cell membrane, reactive oxygen and nitrogen
species
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 1.712
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1007/s11705-018-1786-8
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“New indices to balance α-diversity against tree size inequality”. Zhang L, Quinn BK, Hui C, Lian M, Gielis J, Gao J, Shi P, Journal of forestry research 35, 31 (2024). http://doi.org/10.1007/S11676-023-01686-3
Abstract: The number and composition of species in a community can be quantified with alpha-diversity indices, including species richness (R), Simpson's index (D), and the Shannon-Wiener index (HGREEK TONOS). In forest communities, there are large variations in tree size among species and individuals of the same species, which result in differences in ecological processes and ecosystem functions. However, tree size inequality (TSI) has been largely neglected in studies using the available diversity indices. The TSI in the diameter at breast height (DBH) data for each of 999 20 m x 20 m forest census quadrats was quantified using the Gini index (GI), a measure of the inequality of size distribution. The generalized performance equation was used to describe the rotated and right-shifted Lorenz curve of the cumulative proportion of DBH and the cumulative proportion of number of trees per quadrat. We also examined the relationships of alpha-diversity indices with the GI using correlation tests. The generalized performance equation effectively described the rotated and right-shifted Lorenz curve of DBH distributions, with most root-mean-square errors (990 out of 999 quadrats) being < 0.0030. There were significant positive correlations between each of three alpha-diversity indices (i.e., R, D, and H') and the GI. Nevertheless, the total abundance of trees in each quadrat did not significantly influence the GI. This means that the TSI increased with increasing species diversity. Thus, two new indices are proposed that can balance alpha-diversity against the extent of TSI in the community: (1 – GI) x D, and (1 – GI) x H'. These new indices were significantly correlated with the original D and HGREEK TONOS, and did not increase the extent of variation within each group of indices. This study presents a useful tool for quantifying both species diversity and the variation in tree sizes in forest communities, especially in the face of cumulative species loss under global climate change.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 3
DOI: 10.1007/S11676-023-01686-3
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“Precipitation behaviors in Ti-2.3 Wt Pct Cu alloy during isothermal and two-step aging”. Akamine H, Mitsuhara M, Nishida M, Samaee V, Schryvers D, Tsukamoto G, Kunieda T, Fujii H, Metallurgical And Materials Transactions A-Physical Metallurgy And Materials Science 52, 2760 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1007/S11661-021-06265-X
Abstract: Time evolution of precipitates related to age-hardening in Ti-2.3 wt pct Cu alloys was investigated by electron microscopy. In isothermal aging at 723 K, the hardness increases continuously owing to precipitation strengthening, whereas in two-step aging where the aging temperature is switched from 673 K to 873 K after 100 hours, the hardness is found to drastically drop after the aging temperature switches. In isothermal aging, metastable and stable precipitates are independently nucleated, whereas characteristic V-shaped clusters of precipitates are observed during the two-step aging. It is revealed by atomic-scale observations that the V-shaped clusters are composed of metastable and stable precipitates and each type of precipitate has a different orientation relationship with the alpha phase: (10 (3) over bar)//(0001)(alpha) and [0 (1) over bar0]//respectively. The drop in hardness during two-step aging can be explained by a synergistic effect of decreased precipitation strengthening and solid solution strengthening. (C) The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society and ASM International 2021
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.874
DOI: 10.1007/S11661-021-06265-X
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“Electronic properties of 2H-stacking bilayer MoS₂, measured by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy”. Cheng X, Xu W, Wen H, Zhang J, Zhang H, Li H, Peeters FM, Chen Q, Frontiers of physics 18, 53303 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1007/S11467-023-1295-1
Abstract: Bilayer (BL) molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is one of the most important electronic structures not only in valleytronics but also in realizing twistronic systems on the basis of the topological mosaics in moire superlattices. In this work, BL MoS2 on sapphire substrate with 2H-stacking structure is fabricated. We apply the terahertz (THz) time-domain spectroscopy (TDS) for examining the basic optoelectronic properties of this kind of BL MoS2. The optical conductivity of BL MoS2 is obtained in temperature regime from 80 K to 280 K. Through fitting the experimental data with the theoretical formula, the key sample parameters of BL MoS2 can be determined, such as the electron density, the electronic relaxation time and the electronic localization factor. The temperature dependence of these parameters is examined and analyzed. We find that, similar to monolayer (ML) MoS2, BL MoS2 with 2H-stacking can respond strongly to THz radiation field and show semiconductor-like optoelectronic features. The theoretical calculations using density functional theory (DFT) can help us to further understand why the THz optoelectronic properties of BL MoS2 differ from those observed for ML MoS2. The results obtained from this study indicate that the THz TDS can be applied suitably to study the optoelectronic properties of BL MoS2 based twistronic systems for novel applications as optical and optoelectronic materials and devices.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 7.5
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1007/S11467-023-1295-1
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“A critical view on social performance assessment at company level : social life cycle analysis of an algae case”. Rafiaani P, Kuppens T, Thomassen G, Van Dael M, Azadi H, Lebailly P, Van Passel S, International Journal Of Life Cycle Assessment (2020). http://doi.org/10.1007/S11367-019-01702-X
Abstract: Purpose Social indicators are not easy to be quantitatively analyzed, although at the local scale, the social impacts might be relevant and important. Using the existing approaches for both quantitative and semi-qualitative measurements, this study aims to assess the social impacts of a company working on algae production systems in Belgium through social life cycle analysis (SLCA). By highlighting the opportunities and challenges on the way of applying the existing SLCA approaches at company level, the objective of this study is to contribute to the development of a suitable and clear SLCA approach when a company is considered as the unit of analysis. Methods Based on the list of potential social impact categories suggested by the United Nations Environment Program/Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (UNEP/SETAC) guidelines (2009) for SLCA, three stakeholder groups (workers, consumers, and local community) and three subcategories associated with each stakeholder group were identified as the most relevant for carbon capture and utilization technologies. Company and sector level data were collected using existing documents and reports, and the data were analyzed and scored using a combined quantitative and semi-quantitative approach to develop a social assessment model for the case study. Results and discussion The company appears to perform well for all the evaluated social indicators except the one related to the subcategory “equal opportunity/discrimination for workers” for which the share of women employed is lower compared with the sector-level data. The results of our assessment were further discussed regarding the challenges and limitations of performing SLCA at the company level. Based on our experience, the validity of the outcomes is significantly influenced by the data availability, the generality of the indicators introduced within the UNEP/SETAC guidelines, and the subjectivity in data collection for the semi-quantitative assessment among others. Conclusions By highlighting the difficulties and challenges of applying the SLCA at the company level, our study provides a starting point for improving the quantitative assessment and monitoring social implications at the company level within a regional foreground in Europe.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 4.8
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1007/S11367-019-01702-X
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“Photocatalytic soot degradation under UV and visible light”. Van Hal M, Lenaerts S, Verbruggen SW, Environmental Science and Pollution Research , 1 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1007/S11356-022-23804-0
Abstract: Particulate matter is one of the most persistent global air pollutants that is causing health problems, climate disturbance and building deterioration. A sustainable technique that is able to degrade soot using (sun)light is photocatalysis. Currently, research on photocatalytic soot oxidation focusses on large band gap TiO2-based photocatalysts and thus requires the use of UV light. It would prove useful if visible light, and thus a larger fraction of the (freely available) solar spectrum, could additionally be utilised to drive this process. In this work, a visible light-active photocatalyst, WO3, is benchmarked to TiO2 under both UV and visible light. At the same time, the versatility and drastic improvement of a recently introduced digital image-based soot degradation detection method are demonstrated. An additional step correcting for non-soot related catalyst colour changes is applied, resulting in accurate detection and quantification of soot degradation for all studied photocatalysts, even for materials such as WO3 that are inherently coloured. With this study, we aim to broaden the scope of photocatalytic soot oxidation technology to visible light-active photocatalyst. Along with this study, we provide a versatile soot degradation detection methodology based on digital image analysis that is made widely applicable.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology
Impact Factor: 5.8
DOI: 10.1007/S11356-022-23804-0
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“Light-induced processes in plasmonic Gold/TiO2 photocatalysts studied by electron paramagnetic resonance”. Caretti I, Keulemans M, Verbruggen SW, Lenaerts S, Van Doorslaer S, Topics in catalysis 58, 776 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1007/S11244-015-0419-4
Abstract: X-band and W-band continuous-wave (CW) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) was used to study in situ light-induced (LI) mechanisms in commercial P90 titania (90 % anatase/10 % rutile) compared to plasmon-enhanced Au-P90 photocatalyst. These materials were excited using UV and 532 nm visible light to generate different excitation states and distinguish pure charge separation from plasmon-assisted resonance processes. Up to nine different photoinduced species of trapped electrons and holes were identified. LI CW EPR of P90 is presented for the first time, showing a UV excitation response similar to the well-known mixed-phase P25 titania. It is shown that incorporation of Au nanoparticles in Au-P90 and formation of a Schottky junction affects the charge separation state of the catalyst under UV light. Moreover, Au impregnation activated P90 through plasmon hot electron injection under visible light excitation (plasmonic sensitization effect). In general, EPR proved to be crucial to determine the different photoexciation paths and reactions that regulate plasmonic photocatalysis.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 2.486
Times cited: 22
DOI: 10.1007/S11244-015-0419-4
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“Identifying Social Indicators for Sustainability Assessment of CCU Technologies: A Modified Multi-criteria Decision Making”. Rafiaani P, Dikopoulou Z, Van Dael M, Kuppens T, Azadi H, Lebailly P, Van Passel S, Social Indicators Research 147, 15 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-019-02154-4
Abstract: Carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies capture CO2 waste emissions and utilize them to generate new products (such as fuels, chemicals, and materials) with various environmental, economic, and social opportunities. As most of these CCU technologies are in the R&D stage, their technical and economic viability are examined with less attention to the social aspect which is an important pillar for a holistic sustainability assessment. The lack of systematic social impact research is mainly due to the difficulty of identifying and quantifying social aspects through the entire life cycle of products. We will fill this gap for CCU technologies and identify the main social indicators. A multi-criteria decision making tool: TOPSIS (technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution) was applied to empirically determine which indicators are more relevant for assessing the social impact of a company operating CCU activities within a European context. First, seeing that social impact categories are linked to key stakeholder groups, we considered workers, consumers, and local communities as relevant stakeholders. Second, the main social impact categories and their potential performance indicators associated to each group of stakeholders were listed using the United Nations Environment Program/Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (UNEP/SETAC) guidelines. In the third step, an online questionnaire was distributed to identify the main social categories and indicators for CCU, to which 33 European CCU experts responded. Finally, a modified TOPSIS was applied to rank the indicators based on their relevance. We found that the indicators related to “end of life responsibility” and “transparency” within a CCU company achieved the highest rank affecting the consumers group, whereas “fair salary” and “equal opportunities/discriminations” were determined as the most relevant impact categories for the workers. For the local community group, “secure living conditions” and “local employment” received the highest priority from the experts’ point of view. Furthermore, “health and safety” considerations were identified as one of the most important criteria affecting all three groups of stakeholders. The ranking list of the main social indicators identified in our study provides the basis for the next steps in the social sustainability assessment of CCU technologies; that is, data collection and impact assessment. Our outcomes can also be used to inform the producers regarding the most and least relevant social aspects of CCU so that the potential social impacts caused by their production activities can be improved or prevented.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM) ;
Impact Factor: 1.743
DOI: 10.1007/s11205-019-02154-4
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