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Author Hoat, D.M.; Nguyen, D.K.; Bafekry, A.; Van On, V.; Ul Haq, B.; Rivas-Silva, J.F.; Cocoletzi, G.H. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Strain-driven modulation of the electronic, optical and thermoelectric properties of beta-antimonene monolayer : a hybrid functional study Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Materials Science In Semiconductor Processing Abbreviated Journal Mat Sci Semicon Proc  
  Volume 131 Issue Pages 105878  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)  
  Abstract Electronic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of the beta-antimonene (beta-Sb) monolayer under the external biaxial strain effects are fully investigated through the first-principles calculations. The studied two-dimensional (2D) system is dynamically and structurally stable as examined via phonon spectrum and cohesive energy. At equilibrium, the beta-Sb single layer exhibits an indirect band gap of 1.310 and 1.786 eV as predicted by the PBE and HSE06 functionals, respectively. Applying external strain may induce the indirect-direct gap transition and significant variation of the energy gap. The calculated optical spectra indicate the enhancement of the optical absorption in a wide energy range from infrared to ultraviolet as induced by the applied strain. In the visible and ultraviolet regime, the absorption coefficient can reach values as large as 82.700 (10(4)/cm) and 91.458 (10(4)/cm). Results suggest that the thermoelectric performance may be improved considerably by applying proper external strain with the figure of merit reaching a value of 0.665. Our work demonstrates that the external biaxial strains may be an effective method to make the beta-Sb monolayer prospective 2D material for optoelectronic and thermoelectric applications.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000663422800002 Publication Date 2021-04-23  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1369-8001 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.359 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.359  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179565 Serial 7021  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Alvarez-Martin, A.; Kavich, G. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title SPME-GC–MS for the off-gassing analysis of a complex museum object Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Microchemical Journal Abbreviated Journal Microchem J  
  Volume 167 Issue Pages 106276  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)  
  Abstract The identification of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by a complex museum object, composed of materials of different nature, has been optimized by solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC–MS). The performance of two fiber coatings and four sampling times were tested and compared in order to define the best sampling conditions. The method allowed a fair extraction of volatile and semivolatile compounds emitted naturally by the object, without any type of accelerating aging. In addition, on-fiber derivatization was applied to improve the extraction efficiency and reduce the sampling time of harmful carboxylic acids emitted by the object. The results obtained are of prime importance to show the off-gassing activity of a valuable museum object in order to take further decisions related with its storage and display conditions.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000662640500001 Publication Date 2021-04-21  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0026-265x; 0026-265x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 3.034 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.034  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:181924 Serial 8577  
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Author Admasu, W.F.; Van Passel, S.; Nyssen, J.; Minale, A.S.; Tsegaye, E.A. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Eliciting farmers' preferences and willingness to pay for land use attributes in Northwest Ethiopia : a discrete choice experiment study Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Land Use Policy Abbreviated Journal Land Use Policy  
  Volume 109 Issue Pages  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract This study investigates farmers' preferences and willingness to pay for cropland attributes in Bahir Dar, north-west Ethiopia. A choice experiment is used to elicit farmers' preferences between different land use attributes, including a monetary attribute. The study was conducted in the croplands that are threatened by land expro-priation for urban expansion. A survey was undertaken with 144 farmers in four rural kebeles surrounding the city (Addis Alem, Weramit, Wereb and Zenzelima). In the survey, respondents were provided with hypothetical land purchasing decisions, with three alternatives (i.e., two hypothetical parcels and an opt-out option). A choice experiment was undertaken to measure farmers' interest in different types of croplands, which varies with respect to irrigability, number of trees per ha, soil erosion resistance and water holding capacity of the cropland. Estimation of two mixed logit models was carried out. The estimation results show that, although the farmers did not show strong preferences for each attribute of the cropland, many farmers in the area showed interest in the proposed alternative croplands. Farmers show more interest for the land that is irrigable, gentle slope and with medium water holding capacity. The results also indicate that farmers assign highest marginal willingness to pay (MWTP) (79.01 ETB per square meter) for irrigated land, followed by medium water holding capacity with MWTP of 52.13 ETB per square meter. We believe that the results of this study would help land use policy and decision makers in the study area to consider the various attributes of cropland in land use planning, including land expropriation programs, which assures the sustainability of ecosystem services.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000702844000009 Publication Date 2021-07-02  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0264-8377 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 3.089 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.089  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:182489 Serial 6921  
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Author Peeters, M.; Compernolle, T.; Van Passel, S. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Leasing out unused meeting room capacity to reduce future office space needs : a case study of The Hague, Netherlands Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Journal of building engineering Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 44 Issue Pages 102953  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract Meeting rooms are reserved 30% of working hours but only used for 20% of that time. By implementing a strategy where the available capacity is leased to the wider market rather than just the building users, there is a positive impact on the economic, environmental, and social factors of the building and its surroundings. This study uses the building 'The Globe' in The Hague as a case study, and then projects the results to the entire city. In case of The Globe, implementing a lease out strategy achieves a reduction of 36% of the annual rent of the meeting rooms to the building's tenant. The owner benefits from a revenue increase of 12.5%, with the same operational expenses (except the reservation system), leading to a proportional higher valuation of the building. Annual energy consumption may be lowered by 6.2%. This study contributes to the literature by considering the total benefits that could be obtained by more efficient use of office space that is currently underused. The application of technology generates added value for economic, environmental, and social factors. These factors are important in real estate as they (among others) have a direct link to the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) analysis that investors make before proceeding with an investment.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000701698300003 Publication Date 2021-07-05  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2352-7102 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:182469 Serial 6936  
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Author Tschulkow, M.; Compernolle, T.; Van Passel, S. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Optimal timing of multiple investment decisions in a wood value chain : a real options approach Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Journal Of Environmental Management Abbreviated Journal J Environ Manage  
  Volume 290 Issue Pages 112590  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract A new reductive catalytic fractionation biorefinery process (RCF) is currently being developed transforming wood into high-value end-products. RCF is considered to be in the pilot stage with a technology readiness level of 5–6. Apart from the RCF-process characteristics, the economic feasibility also depends on the investment decisions that are made upstream and downstream within the wood value chain, increasing the level of uncertainty. Two investment options within the value chain are considered: an option to invest in harvesting equipment and an option to invest in the RCF. To understand the impact of multiple sources of uncertainty on the decision to invest in an innovative RCF-driven wood value chain, an analytical two-factor real options model is presented, accounting for correlated cost and price uncertainties. Two different scenarios, separated and united investments in harvesting equipment and RCF, are analyzed. In both scenarios, market uncertainty postpones investment in comparison to the traditional NPV approach. When both investments are considered separately, the investment in RCF is expected to be earlier than the investment in harvesting equipment. When both investment decisions are united, the probability of investment increases. The study reveals that RCF has the potential to stimulate investments from different investors, –upstream and midstream–, within the wood value chain. Besides, the introduced real options model proofs its ability to assess the economic feasibility of innovative technologies (e.g RCF) individually or within the value chain, taking into account multiple sources of uncertainty.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000656438000005 Publication Date 2021-04-25  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0301-4797 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 4.01 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.01  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179487 Serial 6937  
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Author Azadi, H.; Moghaddam, S.M.; Burkart, S.; Mahmoudi, H.; Van Passel, S.; Kurban, A.; Lopez-Carr, D. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Rethinking resilient agriculture : from Climate-Smart Agriculture to Vulnerable-Smart Agriculture Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Journal Of Cleaner Production Abbreviated Journal J Clean Prod  
  Volume 319 Issue Pages 128602  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) is seeking to overcome the food security problem and develop rural livelihoods while minimizing negative impacts on the environment. However, when such synergies exist, the situation of small-scale farmers is often overlooked, and they are unable to implement new practices and technologies. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to improve CSA by adding the neglected but very important element “small-scale farmer”, and introduce Vulnerable-Smart Agriculture (VSA) as a complete version of CSA. VSA indicates, based on the results of this study, that none of the decisions made by policymakers can be realistic and functional as long as the voice of the farmers influenced by their decisions is not heard. Therefore, to identify different levels for possible interventions and develop VSA monitoring indicators, a new conceptual framework needs to be developed. This study proposed such a framework consisting of five elements: prediction of critical incidents by farmers, measuring the consequences of incidents, identifying farmers' coping strategies, assessing farmers' livelihood capital when facing an incident, and adapting to climate incidents. The primary focus of this study is on farmers' learning and operational preparation to deal with tension and disasters at farm level. Understanding the implications of threats from climate change and the recognizing of coping mechanisms will contribute to an increase in understanding sustainable management.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000728681500005 Publication Date 2021-08-10  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0959-6526 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 5.715 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.715  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:184869 Serial 6942  
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Author Buyle, M.; Maes, B.; Van Passel, S.; Boonen, K.; Vercalsteren, A.; Audenaert, A. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Ex-ante LCA of emerging carbon steel slag treatment technologies : fast forwarding lab observations to industrial-scale production Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Journal Of Cleaner Production Abbreviated Journal J Clean Prod  
  Volume 313 Issue Pages 127921  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Energy and Materials in Infrastructure and Buildings (EMIB)  
  Abstract The valuable properties of carbon steel slag are currently underexploited. To date, research mainly focusses on valorising a single property of the slag. In this study an ex-ante life cycle assessment (LCA) was applied to evaluate the environmental profile of a novel technological pathway aimed at the extraction of chromium from carbon steel slag in combination with high quality valorisation of the residual matrix material. A comparison with current practice was made, not only by calculating the environmental impact of the lab scale observations, but more importantly by estimating the impact on an industrial scale. Practical guidance on ex-ante LCA is limited, so this study contributes by incorporating simulations on thermodynamic behaviour, complemented with empirical calculation rules and including information derived from similar technologies to perform the upscaling. These principles of ex-ante LCA were applied to the lab results of two consecutive research iterations. Substantial improvements of the environmental profile were observed: ex-ante results turned out to be a factor 20 lower compared to the results from the lab observations after the first iteration and had decreased by a factor 2 compared to the small pilot scale of the second iteration. All upscaled results are better than those from the worst case reference scenario (landfill). Based on the experience gained after this iterative research cycle, a practical recommendation is that at a low technology readiness level using more simple calculation rules in combination with a flowsheet based on elementary design principles for processes at an industrial scale is a more efficient way of modelling compared to a fully-fledged process design from the start.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000693416000002 Publication Date 2021-06-14  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0959-6526 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 5.715 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.715  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179313 Serial 6922  
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Author Zhao, H.; Li, C.-F.; Hu, Z.-Y.; Liu, J.; Li, Y.; Hu, J.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Chen, L.-H.; Su, B.-L. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Size effect of bifunctional gold in hierarchical titanium oxide-gold-cadmium sulfide with slow photon effect for unprecedented visible-light hydrogen production Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Journal Of Colloid And Interface Science Abbreviated Journal J Colloid Interf Sci  
  Volume 604 Issue Pages 131-139  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) with surface plasmonic resonance (SPR) effect and excellent internal electron transfer ability have widely been combined with semiconductors for photocatalysis. However, the in-depth effects of Au NPs in multicomponent photocatalysts have not been completely understood. Herein, ternary titanium oxide-gold-cadmium sulfide (TiO2-Au-CdS, TAC) photocatalysts, based on hierarchical TiO2 inverse opal photonic crystal structure with different Au NPs sizes have been designed to reveal the SPR effect and internal electron transfer of Au NPs in the presence of slow photon effect. It appears that the SPR effect and internal electron transfer ability of Au NPs, depending on their sizes, play a synergistic effect on the photocatalytic enhancement. The ternary TAC-10 photocatalyst with – 10 nm Au NPs demonstrates an unprecedented hydrogen evolution rate of 47.6 mmolh-1g 1 under visible-light, demonstrating- 48% enhancement comparing to the sample without slow photon effect. In particular, a 9.83% apparent quantum yield under 450 nm monochromatic light is achieved for TAC-10. A model is proposed and finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations reveal the size influence of Au NPs in ternary TAC photocatalysts. This work suggests that the rational design of bifunctional Au NPs coupling with slow photon effect could largely promote hydrogen production from visible-light driven water splitting. (c) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000704428600004 Publication Date 2021-07-01  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0021-9797 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.233 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.233  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:182531 Serial 6886  
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Author Stefan, G.; Hosu, O.; De Wael, K.; Jesus Lobo-Castanon, M.; Cristea, C. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Aptamers in biomedicine : selection strategies and recent advances Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Electrochimica Acta Abbreviated Journal Electrochim Acta  
  Volume 376 Issue Pages 137994  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)  
  Abstract Aptamers have come in the spotlight as bio-mimetic molecular recognition elements in the field of biomedicine due to various applications in diagnostics, drug delivery, therapeutics, and pharmaceutical analysis. Aptamers are composed of nucleic acid strands (DNA or RNA) that can specifically interact in a three-dimensional tailored design with the target molecule. The basic method to generate aptamers is Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX). Recent technological advances in aptamer selection allow for faster and cheaper production of a new generation of high-affinity aptamers compared to the traditional SELEX, which can last up to several months. Rigorous characterization performed by multiple research groups endorsed several well-defined aptamer sequences. Binding affinity, nature of the biomolecular interactions and structural characterization are of paramount importance for aptamer screening and development of applications. However, remarkable challenges still need to be dealt with before the aptamers can make great contributions to the biomedical field. Poor specificity and sensitivity, questionable clinical use, low drug loading, in vivo stability and toxicity are only some of the identified challenges. This review accounts for the 30th celebration of the SELEX technology underlining the most important aptamers' achievements in the biomedical field within mostly the past five years. Aptamers' advantages over antibodies are discussed. Because of potential clinical translational utility, insights of remarkable developments in aptamer-based methods for diagnosis and monitoring of disease biomarkers and pharmaceuticals are discussed focusing on the recent studies (2015-2020). The current challenges and promising opportunities for aptamers for therapeutic and theragnostic purposes are also presented. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000634761900003 Publication Date 2021-02-22  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0013-4686 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.798 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.798  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:177677 Serial 7491  
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Author Schram, J.; Thiruvottriyur Shanmugam, S.; Sleegers, N.; Florea, A.; Samyn, N.; van Nuijs, A.L.N.; De Wael, K. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Local conversion of redox inactive molecules into redox active ones : a formaldehyde based strategy for the electrochemical detection of illicit drugs containing primary and secondary amines Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Electrochimica Acta Abbreviated Journal Electrochim Acta  
  Volume 367 Issue Pages 137515  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Toxicological Centre  
  Abstract Electrochemical techniques have evidenced to be highly suitable for the development of portable, rapid and accurate screening methods for the detection of illicit drugs in seized samples. However, the redox inactivity of primary amines, one of the most common functional groups of illicit drugs, masks voltammetric detection in aqueous environment at carbon electrodes and, therefore, leads to false negative results if only these primary amines are present in the structures. This work explores the feasibility of a derivatisation approach that introduces formaldehyde in the measuring conditions in order to achieve methylation, via an Eschweiler-Clarke mechanism, of illicit drugs containing primary and secondary amines, using amphetamine (AMP) and methamphetamine (MET) as model molecules. As a result the electrochemical fingerprint is enriched and thereby the detectability enhanced. A combination of liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOFMS) and square-wave voltammetric (SWV) measurements is employed to identify reaction products and link them to the observed redox peaks. Although an alkaline environment (pH 12.0) proved to increase the reaction yield, a richer electrochemical fingerprint (EF) is obtained in neutral conditions (pH 7.0). Similarly, the addition of formate improved the reaction conversion but reduced the EF by eliminating a redox peak that is attributed to side products formed in the absence of formate. To illustrate the applicability, the derivatisation strategy is applied to several prominent illicit drugs containing primary and secondary amines to demonstrate its EF enriching capabilities. Finally, real street samples from forensic seizures are analysed. Overall, this strategy unlocks the detectability of the hitherto undetectable AMP and other drugs only containing primary amines, while strongly facilitating the identification of MET and analogues. These findings are not limited to illicit drugs, the insights can ultimately be applied to other target molecules containing similar functional groups. (C) 2020 Published by Elsevier Ltd.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000607620700010 Publication Date 2020-11-21  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0013-4686 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.798 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.798  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:176083 Serial 8177  
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Author Moretti, M.; Vanschoenwinkel, J.; Van Passel, S. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Accounting for externalities in cross-sectional economic models of climate change impacts Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Ecological Economics Abbreviated Journal Ecol Econ  
  Volume 185 Issue Pages 107058  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract Environmental effects and natural resources depletion associated with agriculture production affect the agriculture response to climate change. Traditional cross-sectional climate response models ignore this requirement. This research estimates the impact of climate on European agriculture using a continental scale Ricardian analysis. We correct farm income by accounting for resources (energy, fertilisers, pesticides, and water) use intensity and calculate the sustainable value for a sample of 9497 specialized field crop farms. Compared with the traditional Ricardian method, the marginal effects of temperature remain positive (but less positive) in Northern countries, while it leads to less damages in Southern countries when net revenue and farms? sustainable values are used as dependent variables. Accounting for the environmental effects and depletion of natural capital improves the ability of the Ricardian method to estimate agriculture climate response functions in the long run.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000647544700012 Publication Date 2021-04-05  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0921-8009; 1873-6106 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 2.965 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.965  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:178955 Serial 6911  
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Author Gonzalez-Quiroga, A.; Shtern, V.; Perreault, P.; Vandewalle, L.; Marin, G.B.; Van Geem, K.M. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Intensifying mass and heat transfer using a high-g stator-rotor vortex chamber Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Chemical Engineering And Processing Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng Process  
  Volume 169 Issue Pages 108638-11  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Vortex reactors take advantage of the synergy between enhanced heat and mass transfer rates and multifunctional phenomena at different temporal and spatial scales. Proof-of-concept experiments with our novel and innovative STAtor-Rotor VOrtex Chamber (STARVOC) confirm its advantageous features for the sustainable production of chemicals and fuels. STARVOC is a high-g contactor that uses carrier flow (gas or liquid) tangential injection to drive a rotor attached to low-friction bearings. The vortex chamber inside the rotor contains a secondary phase or phases, such as a solids bed, a liquid layer, or a suspension. Carrier fluid passes through the perforated rotor wall and contacts a densely and uniformly distributed secondary phase with enhanced slip velocities. Experiments focused on pressure profiles, rotor angular velocity, and solids azimuthal velocity. With air as the carrier fluid and different solid particle beds as the secondary phase, STARVOC reached bed azimuthal velocities up to four-fold compared to those reached in Gas-Solid Vortex Units with fully static geometry. These results show its potential to improve interfacial heat and mass transfer rates and take advantage of flow energy and angular momentum. Due to its process intensification capabilities, STARVOC is a promising alternative for the state-of-the-art chemical industry.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000704946900008 Publication Date 2021-09-17  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0255-2701 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.234 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.234  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:181062 Serial 8111  
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Author Dehdast, M.; Valiollahi, Z.; Neek-Amal, M.; Van Duppen, B.; Peeters, F.M.; Pourfath, M. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Tunable natural terahertz and mid-infrared hyperbolic plasmons in carbon phosphide Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Carbon Abbreviated Journal Carbon  
  Volume 178 Issue Pages 625-631  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)  
  Abstract Hyperbolic polaritons in ultra thin materials such as few layers of van derWaals heterostructures provide a unique control over light-matter interaction at the nanoscale and with various applications in flat optics. Natural hyperbolic surface plasmons have been observed on thin films of WTe2 in the light wavelength range of 16-23 mu m (similar or equal to 13-18 THz) [Nat. Commun. 11, 1158 (2020)]. Using time-dependent density functional theory, it is found that carbon doped monolayer phosphorene (beta-allotrope of carbon phosphide monolayer) exhibits natural hyperbolic plasmons at frequencies above similar or equal to 5 THz which is not observed in its parent materials, i.e. monolayer of black phosphorous and graphene. Furthermore, we found that by electrostatic doping the plasmonic frequency range can be extended to the mid-infrared. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000648729800057 Publication Date 2021-03-26  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0008-6223 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.337 Times cited 6 Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 6.337  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179033 Serial 7039  
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Author Bafekry, A.; Faraji, M.; Fadlallah, M.M.; Ziabari, A.A.; Khatibani, A.B.; Feghhi, S.A.H.; Ghergherehchi, M.; Gogova, D. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Adsorption of habitat and industry-relevant molecules on the MoSi₂N₄ monolayer Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Applied Surface Science Abbreviated Journal Appl Surf Sci  
  Volume 564 Issue Pages 150326  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)  
  Abstract The adsorption of various environmental gas molecules, including H-2, N-2, CO, CO2, O-2, NO, NO2, SO2 H2O, H2S, NH3 and CH4, on the surface of the recently synthesized two dimensional MoSi2N4 (MSN) monolayer has been investigated by means of spin-polarized first-principles calculations. The most stable adsorption configuration, adsorption energy, and charge transfer have been computed. Due to the weak interaction between molecules studied with the MSN monolayer surface, the adsorption energy is small and does not yield any significant distortion of the MSN lattice, i.e., the interaction between the molecules and MSN monolayer surface is physisorption. We find that all molecules are physisorbed on the MSM surface with small charge transfer, acting as either charge acceptors or donors. The MSN monolayer is a semiconductor with an indirect band gap of 1.79 eV. Our theoretical estimations reveal that upon adsorption of H-2, N-2, CO, CO2, NO, H2O, H2S, NH3 and CH4 molecules, the semiconducting character of MSN monolayer is preserved and the band gap value is decreased to similar to 1.5 eV. However, the electronic properties of the MSN monolayer can be significantly altered by adsorption of O-2, NO and SO2, and a spin polarization with magnetic moments of 2, 1, 2 mu(B), respectively, can be introduced. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the band gap and the magnetic moment of adsorbed MSN monolayer can be significantly modulated by the concentration of NO and SO2 molecules. As the concentration of NO2 molecule increases, the magnetic moment increase from 1 mu(B) to 2 and 3 mu(B). In the case of the SO2 molecule with increasing of concentration, the band gap decreases from 1.2 eV to 1.1 and 0.9 eV. Obviously, our theoretical studies indicate that MSN monolayer-based sensor has a high application potential for O-2, NO, NO2 and SO2 detection.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000675534500002 Publication Date 2021-06-21  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0169-4332 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.387 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.387  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:180421 Serial 6970  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Volykhov, A.A.; Frolov, A.S.; Neudachina, V.S.; Vladimirova, N.V.; Gerber, E.; Callaert, C.; Hadermann, J.; Khmelevsky, N.O.; Knop-Gericke, A.; Sanchez-Barriga, J.; Yashina, L.V. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Impact of ordering on the reactivity of mixed crystals of topological insulators with anion substitution: Bi₂SeTe₂ and Sb₂SeTe₂ Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Applied Surface Science Abbreviated Journal Appl Surf Sci  
  Volume 541 Issue Pages 148490  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Three-dimensional topological insulators are exotic materials with unique properties. Tetradymite type binary chalcogenides of bismuth and antimony, as well as their mixed crystals, belong to prototypical TIs. Potential device applications of these materials require in-depth knowledge of their stability in the ambient atmosphere and other media maintained during their processing. Here we investigated the reactivity of mixed crystals with anion substitution, Bi-2(Se1-xTex)(3) and Sb2(Se1-xTex)(3), towards molecular oxygen using both in situ and ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results indicate that, in contrast to cation substitution, partial substitution of tellurium by selenium atoms leads to anomalously high surface reactivity, which even exceeds that of the most reactive binary constituent. We attribute this effect to anion ordering that essentially modifies the bond geometry, especially the respective bond angles as modeled by DFT.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000608492900003 Publication Date 2020-11-18  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0169-4332 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.387 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.387  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:176067 Serial 6728  
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Author Bafekry, A.; Yagmurcukardes, M.; Shahrokhi, M.; Ghergherehchi, M.; Kim, D.; Mortazavi, B. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Electro-optical and mechanical properties of Zinc antimonide (ZnSb) monolayer and bilayer : a first-principles study Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Applied Surface Science Abbreviated Journal Appl Surf Sci  
  Volume 540 Issue 1 Pages 148289  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)  
  Abstract Latest synthesis of ZnSb monolayer, encouraged us to conduct density functional theory (DFT) simulations in order to study the structural, magnetic, electronic/optical and mechanical features of the sp2-hybridized honeycomb ZnSb monolayer (ML-ZnSb) and bilayer (BL-ZnSb). Our structural optimizations reveal that ML-ZnSb is an anisotropic hexagonal structure while BL-ZnSb is composed of shifted ZnSb layers which are covalently binded. ML-ZnSb is found to be a ferromagnetic metal, in contrast BL-ZnSb has a non-magnetic indirect band gap semiconducting ground state. For the in-plane polarization, first absorption peak of ML-ZnSb and BL-ZnSb confirm the absorbance of the light within the infrared domain wand visible range, respectively. Moreover, our results reveal that the layer-layer chemical bonding in BL-ZnSb significantly enhances the mechanical response of ML-ZnSb whose in-plane stiness is the smallest among all 2D materials (2DM). Notably, the strong in-plane anisotropy of ML-ZnSb in its stiness reduces in BL-ZnSb.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000599883200005 Publication Date 2020-11-09  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0169-4332 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.387 Times cited 1 Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes ; This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (MSIT) (NRF-2017R1A2B2011989). Computational resources were provided by the Flemish Supercomputer Center (VSC). M.Y. is supported by the Flemish Science Foundation (FWO-Vl) by a postdoctoral fellowship. B.M. and X. Z. appreciate the funding by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) under Germanys Excellence Strategy within the Cluster of Excellence PhoenixD (EXC 2122, Project ID 390833453). ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.387  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:174956 Serial 6688  
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Author Kahraman, Z.; Baskurt, M.; Yagmurcukardes, M.; Chaves, A.; Sahin, H. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Stable Janus TaSe₂ single-layers via surface functionalization Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Applied Surface Science Abbreviated Journal Appl Surf Sci  
  Volume 538 Issue Pages 148064  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)  
  Abstract First-principles calculations are performed in order to investigate the formation of Janus structures of single layer TaSe2. The structural optimizations and phonon band dispersions reveal that the formation and stability of hydrogenated (HTaSe2), fluorinated (FTaSe2), and the one-side hydrogenated and one-side fluorinated (Janus-HTaSe2F) single-layers are feasible in terms of their phonon band dispersions. It is shown that bare metallic single-layer TaSe2 can be turned into a semiconductor as only one of its surface is functionalized while it remains as a metal via its two surfaces functionalization. In addition, the semiconducting nature of single-layers HTaSe2 and FTaSe2 and the metallic behavior of Janus TaSe2 are found to be robust under applied uniaxal strains. Further analysis on piezoelectric properties of the predicted single-layers reveal the enhanced in-plane and out of-plane piezoelectricity via formed Janus-HTaSe2F. Our study indicates that single-layer TaSe2 is a suitable host material for surface functionalization via fluorination and hydrogenation which exhibit distinctive electronic and vibrational properties.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000595860900001 Publication Date 2020-10-16  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0169-4332 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.387 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes ; Computational resources were provided by TUBITAK ULAKBIM, High Performance and Grid Computing Center (TR-Grid eInfrastructure). HS acknowledges support from Turkiye Bilimler Akademisi -Turkish Academy of Sciences under the GEBIP program. This work was supported by the Flemish Science Foundation (FWO-Vl) by a postdoctoral fellowship (M.Y.). ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.387  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:174964 Serial 6699  
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Author Foumani, A.A.; Forster, D.J.; Ghorbanfekr, H.; Weber, R.; Graf, T.; Niknam, A.R. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Atomistic simulation of ultra-short pulsed laser ablation of metals with single and double pulses : an investigation of the re-deposition phenomenon Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Applied Surface Science Abbreviated Journal Appl Surf Sci  
  Volume 537 Issue Pages 147775  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract The demand for higher throughput in the processing of materials with ultra-short pulsed lasers has motivated studies on the use of double pulses (DP). It has been observed in such studies that at relatively high time delays between the two pulses, the ablated volume is lower than that for a single pulse (SP). This has been attributed to the shielding of the second pulse and the re-deposition of the material removed by the first pulse. The investigation of re-deposition in copper with the aid of atomistic simulations is the main objective of this study. Nevertheless, a computational investigation of SP-ablation and experimental measurement of the SP-ablation depths and threshold fluence are also covered. The applied computational apparatus comprises a combination of molecular dynamics with the two-temperature model and the Helmholtz wave equation. The analysis of the simulation results shows that the derived quantities like the SP-ablation threshold fluence and the ratio of DP ablation depth to SP-ablation depth are in agreement with the experimental values. An important finding of this study is that the characteristics of the re-deposition process are highly dependent on the fluence.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000582798700006 Publication Date 2020-09-13  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0169-4332 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.387 Times cited 2 Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes ; The authors thank the Center for High-Performance Computing at Shahid Beheshti University of Iran (SARMAD) for making available the computational resources required for this work. ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.387  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:174299 Serial 6683  
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Author Fu, Y.; Ding, L.; Singleton, M.L.; Idrissi, H.; Hermans, S. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Synergistic effects altering reaction pathways : the case of glucose hydrogenation over Fe-Ni catalysts Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Applied Catalysis B-Environmental Abbreviated Journal Appl Catal B-Environ  
  Volume 288 Issue Pages 119997  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Carbon black (CB) supported Ni, Fe, or Fe-Ni alloy catalysts were synthesized by sol-gel to elucidate the reaction pathways over each catalyst, as well as synergistic effects in glucose to sorbitol hydrogenation. The bimetallic materials presented small and alloyed nanoparticles that were richer in reduced metallic sites at the surface than their monometallic counterparts. Glucose isomerization to fructose was favoured over Fe/CB, while glucose hydrogenation to sorbitol is the dominating pathway over Ni/CB catalyst. By contrast, sorbitol production was promoted and undesired isomerization was suppressed when Fe and Ni formed a nanoalloy. In addition, the alloy catalyst presented better stability than the corresponding monometallic catalyst. A comparison with a mechanical mixture of Fe/CB and Ni/CB monometallic catalysts demonstrated the synergy at the nanoscale in the alloy. By comparing different Fe:Ni ratios, the 1:1 formulation was identified as the best compromise to achieve a high activity while maintaining high sorbitol selectivity.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000632996500002 Publication Date 2021-02-17  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0926-3373 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.446 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 9.446  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:177621 Serial 6789  
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Author Alvarez-Martin, A.; Wilcop, M.; Anderson, R.; Wendt, D.; Barden, R.; Kavich, G.M. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Investigation of volatile organic compounds in museum storage areas Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Air Quality Atmosphere And Health Abbreviated Journal Air Qual Atmos Hlth  
  Volume 14 Issue 11 Pages 1797-1809  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)  
  Abstract This study investigates the complex mixture of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by and accumulated within a collection of historic medicinal, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic artifacts housed at the National Museum of American History (Smithsonian Institution). In recent years, staff have become concerned, both for the safety of the objects and for personnel working in the collection, about strong unremediated odors accumulating within several storage cabinets. Museum staff also wondered if non-odorous off-gassing might need remediation. Solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis (SPME–GC–MS) was used to identify VOCs present in the storage room housing the collection. Over 160 compounds were detected and identified overall. Among these, 49 appeared to be directly related to ingredients used in the manufacture of many collection items. The results of the study suggest that SPME–GC–MS can be a strong tool for the rapid screening of multicomponent museum collections exhibiting off-gassing problems, before the pursuit of other more tedious analytical approaches. Additionally, the study reveals valuable insight into the characteristic volatile emission of historic medicinal, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic artifacts, increasing understanding of, and decision-making for, similar collections of objects. Eventually, it is hoped that this information can be used to inform mitigation strategies for the capture and reduction of VOCs in collections storage areas.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000659058300001 Publication Date 2021-06-08  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1873-9318 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.184 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.184  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:181923 Serial 8129  
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Author Ghorbani, A.; Mousazadeh, H.; Taheri, F.; Ehteshammajd, S.; Azadi, H.; Yazdanpanah, M.; Khajehshahkohi, A.; Tanaskovik, V.; Van Passel, S. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title An attempt to develop ecotourism in an unknown area : the case of Nehbandan County, South Khorasan Province, Iran Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Environment, development and sustainability Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 23 Issue 8 Pages 11792-11817  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract This study is an attempt to develop ecotourism in Nehbandan County, in the South Khorasan Province, Iran, by representing unknown areas that have tourism potential. The most important obstacle in the development of tourism industry is the lack of strong marketing plans, tourism management, accommodations for overnight and long stays, and medical and health clinic in the desert. This is a qualitative, exploratory case study investigating the status of environmental, sociocultural, and economic impacts of ecotourism development on the native people's livelihood in Nehbandan County in Iran. The methodology is based on field observations, secondary data sources, and field survey. It is an interpretive approach that avoids numbers but focuses on issues linked to culture and nature. In the present study, the grounded theory was used to perform data analysis. Based on the findings, ecotourism has undoubtedly proven to be an effective environmental conservation tool in the study site and enables local people to increase their livelihood security through employment in activities relating to ecotourism and the development of rural livelihood.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000604534700011 Publication Date 2021-01-04  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1387-585x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:174994 Serial 6914  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Girma, H.; Huge, J.; Gebrehiwot, M.; Van Passel, S. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Farmers' willingness to contribute to the restoration of an Ethiopian Rift Valley lake : a contingent valuation study Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Environment, development and sustainability Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 23 Issue 7 Pages 10646-10665  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract Lakes provide considerable social, economic, and ecological benefits. However, lakes are shrinking and the water quality is declining, due to human pressures such as water withdrawal and land use change, particularly in the developing world. Despite this, information regarding the economic impact of lake level reduction and local willingness to support restoration programs is lacking. This study employed a contingent valuation method to estimate willingness to pay and to contribute labor to Lake Ziway restoration program, Ethiopia. Face-to-face interviews were administered to 259 randomly selected respondents. Our findings revealed that about one-third of the respondents are willing to pay and about two-third are willing to contribute labor to restore the lake. From the interval regression models, the annual mean willingness to pay was estimated about 21.0 USD for the status quo scenario (the program works to keep water levels constant at current levels) and 31.1 USD for the improvement scenario (the program works to increase the water levels permanently). The annual mean willingness to contribute labor was estimated about 27.7 man-days for the status quo and 39.3 man-days for the improvement scenarios. 'Farm income' positively influenced the willingness to pay together with 'farm plot area.' Similarly, labor contribution was positively influenced by 'farm plot area' and 'education' and negatively by 'farm plot distance.' The economic values derived from this study reflect societal preferences and can form a significant input for policymakers, in support of informed and evidence-based decision-making regarding lake management and restoration in developing countries like Ethiopia.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000590038300001 Publication Date 2020-11-16  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1387-585x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:174271 Serial 6926  
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Author Gomes, N.O.; Mendonça, C.D.; Machado, S.A.S.; Oliveira, O.N., Jr.; Raymundo-Pereira, P.A. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Flexible and integrated dual carbon sensor for multiplexed detection of nonylphenol and paroxetine in tap water samples Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Microchimica Acta Abbreviated Journal Microchim Acta  
  Volume 188 Issue 10 Pages 359  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)  
  Abstract Multiplex detection of emerging pollutants is essential to improve quality control of water treatment plants, which requires portable systems capable of real-time monitoring. In this paper we describe a flexible, dual electrochemical sensing device that detects nonylphenol and paroxetine in tap water samples. The platform contains two voltammetric sensors, with different working electrodes that were either pretreated or functionalized. Each working electrode was judiciously tailored to cover the concentration range of interest for nonylphenol and paroxetine, and square wave voltammetry was used for detection. An electrochemical pretreatment with sulfuric acid on the printed electrode enabled a selective detection of nonylphenol in 1.0-10 x 10(-6) mol L-1 range with a limit of detection of 8.0 x 10(-7) mol L-1. Paroxetine was detected in the same range with a limit of detection of 6.7 x 10(-7) mol L-1 using the printed electrode coated with a layer of carbon spherical shells. Simultaneous detection of the two analytes was achieved in tap water samples within 1 min, with no fouling and no interference effects. The long-term monitoring capability of the dual sensor was demonstrated in phosphate buffer for 45 days. This performance is statistically equivalent to that of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for water analysis. The dual-sensor platform is generic and may be extended to other water pollutants and clinical biomarkers in real-time monitoring of the environment and health conditions.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000702722700001 Publication Date 2021-10-01  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0026-3672; 1436-5073 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.58 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.58  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:182649 Serial 7973  
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Author Dillen, A.; Vandezande, W.; Daems, D.; Lammertyn, J. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Unraveling the effect of the aptamer complementary element on the performance of duplexed aptamers : a thermodynamic study Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Analytical And Bioanalytical Chemistry Abbreviated Journal Anal Bioanal Chem  
  Volume 413 Issue 19 Pages 4739-4750  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)  
  Abstract Duplexed aptamers (DAs) are widespread aptasensor formats that simultaneously recognize and signal the concentration of target molecules. They are composed of an aptamer and aptamer complementary element (ACE) which consists of a short oligonucleotide that partially inhibits the aptamer sequence. Although the design principles to engineer DAs are straightforward, the tailored development of DAs for a particular target is currently based on trial and error due to limited knowledge of how the ACE sequence affects the final performance of DA biosensors. Therefore, we have established a thermodynamic model describing the influence of the ACE on the performance of DAs applied in equilibrium assays and demonstrated that this relationship can be described by the binding strength between the aptamer and ACE. To validate our theoretical findings, the model was applied to the 29-mer anti-thrombin aptamer as a case study, and an experimental relation between the aptamer-ACE binding strength and performance of DAs was established. The obtained results indicated that our proposed model could accurately describe the effect of the ACE sequence on the performance of the established DAs for thrombin detection, applied for equilibrium assays. Furthermore, to characterize the binding strength between the aptamer and ACEs evaluated in this work, a set of fitting equations was derived which enables thermodynamic characterization of DNA-based interactions through thermal denaturation experiments, thereby overcoming the limitations of current predictive software and chemical denaturation experiments. Altogether, this work encourages the development, characterization, and use of DAs in the field of biosensing.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000659366300001 Publication Date 2021-06-10  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1618-2642; 1618-2650 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.431 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.431  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179163 Serial 8713  
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Author Maso, L.; Trande, M.; Liberi, S.; Moro, G.; Daems, E.; Linciano, S.; Sobott, F.; Covaceuszach, S.; Cassetta, A.; Fasolato, S.; Moretto, L.M.; De Wael, K.; Cendron, L.; Angelini, A. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Unveiling the binding mode of perfluorooctanoic acid to human serum albumin Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Protein Science Abbreviated Journal Protein Sci  
  Volume 30 Issue 4 Pages 830-841  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)  
  Abstract Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a toxic compound that is absorbed and distributed throughout the body by noncovalent binding to serum proteins such as human serum albumin (hSA). Though the interaction between PFOA and hSA has been already assessed using various analytical techniques, a high resolution and detailed analysis of the binding mode is still lacking. We report here the crystal structure of hSA in complex with PFOA and a medium-chain saturated fatty acid (FA). A total of eight distinct binding sites, four occupied by PFOAs and four by FAs, have been identified. In solution binding studies confirmed the 4:1 PFOA-hSA stoichiometry and revealed the presence of one high and three low affinity binding sites. Competition experiments with known hSA-binding drugs allowed locating the high affinity binding site in sub-domain IIIA. The elucidation of the molecular basis of the interaction between PFOA and hSA might provide not only a better assessment of the absorption and elimination mechanisms of these compounds in vivo but also have implications for the development of novel molecular receptors for diagnostic and biotechnological applications.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000625392600001 Publication Date 2021-02-08  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0961-8368 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.523 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.523  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:176725 Serial 8714  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Liang, Q.; Yang, D.; Xia, F.; Bai, H.; Peng, H.; Yu, R.; Yan, Y.; He, D.; Cao, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Li, G.; Zhang, Q.; Tang, X.; Wu, J. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Phase-transformation-induced giant deformation in thermoelectric Ag₂Se semiconductor Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Advanced Functional Materials Abbreviated Journal Adv Funct Mater  
  Volume Issue Pages 2106938  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract In most semiconducting metal chalcogenides, a large deformation is usually accompanied by a phase transformation, while the deformation mechanism remains largely unexplored. Herein, a phase-transformation-induced deformation in Ag2Se is investigated by in situ transmission electron microscopy, and a new ordered high-temperature phase (named as alpha '-Ag2Se) is identified. The Se-Se bonds are folded when the Ag+-ion vacancies are ordered and become stretched when these vacancies are disordered. Such a stretch/fold of the Se-Se bonds enables a fast and large deformation occurring during the phase transition. Meanwhile, the different Se-Se bonding states in alpha-, alpha '-, beta-Ag2Se phases lead to the formation of a large number of nanoslabs and the high concentration of dislocations at the interface, which flexibly accommodate the strain caused by the phase transformation. This study reveals the atomic mechanism of the deformation in Ag2Se inorganic semiconductors during the phase transition, which also provides inspiration for understanding the phase transition process in other functional materials.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000695142800001 Publication Date 2021-09-13  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1616-301x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 12.124 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 12.124  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:181527 Serial 6879  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Skorikov, A. openurl 
  Title Fast approaches for investigating 3D elemental distribution in nanomaterials Type Doctoral thesis
  Year 2021 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 143 p.  
  Keywords Doctoral thesis; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:178855 Serial 6795  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Pedrazo Tardajos, A. openurl 
  Title Advanced graphene supports for 3D in situ transmission electron microscopy Type Doctoral thesis
  Year 2021 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 247 p.  
  Keywords Doctoral thesis; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is an ideal tool to investigate nanomaterials. The information from TEM experiments allows us to link the structure and composition of nanomaterials to their intrinsic physical properties. However, despite the significant evolution of the TEM field during the last two decades, major progress is still possible through the development of optimal TEM techniques and supports. The results presented in this thesis focus on the optimization of sample supports and their application. Among the different options, graphene has previously been reported as useful sample support for electron microscopy due to its unparalleled properties, for example, it is the thinnest known support and provides a protective effect to the sample under investigation. Unfortunately, commercial graphene grids show poor quality, in terms of intactness and cleanness, inhibiting their wide application within the field. Therefore, this thesis focuses on the application of optimized graphene TEM grids, obtained by transferring high quality graphene using an advanced procedure. This improvement on the transfer has enabled the visualization of materials with low contrast and high sensitivity towards the electron beam, such as surface ligands capping gold nanoparticles or metal halide perovskites. Furthermore, the implemented protocol is not only of interest for conventional TEM grids but also a major benefit for in situ TEM studies, where the sample is investigated in real time under certain stimuli. Hence, the same graphene transfer technology can be also applied to advanced in situ MEMS holders dedicated for both heating and gas experiments, where the thickness and insulating nature of the silicon nitride (Si3N4) support may hamper some applications. By engineering periodic arrays of holes in their Si3N4 membrane by focused ion beam, onto which the graphene is transferred, it has been possible to get proof-of-concept 3D in situ investigations of heat-induced morphological and compositional transformations of complex nanosystems. As an example, it has enabled the investigation of the possible phase-transition of metal halide perovskites upon heating using 2D and 3D structural characterization. Moreover, it has allowed the study of in situ three-dimensional nanoparticle dynamics during gas phase catalysis as well as the first steps that would lead towards the design and creation of the first Graphene Gas Cell. Consequently, implementation of the advanced graphene transfer technology described in this thesis is envisaged to impact a broad range of future experiments.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:181143 Serial 6836  
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Author Roegiers, J. file  openurl
  Title Development of combined photocatalytic and active carbon fiber technology for indoor air purification based on Multiphysics models Type Doctoral thesis
  Year 2021 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages XXX, 197 p.  
  Keywords Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) remains a major public health concern. Indoor VOC concentrations typically far exceed outdoor levels due to a variety of emission sources and the stringent insulation measures that are imposed today. Many attempts have been made to use photocatalysis for indoor air purification. In an ideal situation, photocatalysis is capable of complete mineralization of VOCs to H2O and CO2, without any byproduct formation. Moreover, the process can take place at standard atmospheric conditions, i.e. ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure. However, successful exploitation is still impeded due to low conversion efficiency, significant pressure loss (and hence a high energy consumption) and byproduct formation. In the first part of this thesis an attempt was made to tackles these problems by designing a novel type of photocatalytic (PCO) reactor. The PCO device consists of a cylindrical vessel filled with TiO2-coated glass tubes and equipped with UV fluorescence lamps. It was investigated in terms of fluid dynamics, coating properties, UV-light distribution and photocatalytic activity. Experimental data was later used to develop and calibrate a Multiphysics model. The model proved to be a useful tool for designing and upscaling the PCO reactor. Consequently, an optimized prototype reactor was constructed and tested according the CEN-EN-16846-1 standard for VOC removal. Although the prototype showed promising results for lab-scale conditions, it struggled with byproduct formation when purifying ppb-level VOCs. In the second part of this thesis, activated carbon adsorption was investigated in order to combine it with photocatalysis. Activated carbon fiber was opted for its fast kinetics, high adsorption capacity and thermo-electrical regeneration. The filter was studied in detail regarding the adsorption of polar and apolar VOCs at indoor air concentration levels and regeneration capabilities. Experimental data was used to develop a Multiphysics model for activated carbon adsorption as well. Consequently, a novel type of ACF filter was developed using the Multiphysics model, which was equipped with electrodes in the tips of the pleats for effective thermal regeneration. In the last part, the combination of both ACF and PCO was studied using a realistic case study. Based on the Multiphysics model, the feasibility of a so-called hybrid air purification device could be investigated. The Multiphysics model shows promising results for this hybrid PCO-ACF system and hence, a demo setup was constructed for future research.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:181137 Serial 6860  
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Author Peeters, M. openurl 
  Title The added value of Smart Product-Service Systems to real estate developments Type Doctoral thesis
  Year 2021 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 117 p.  
  Keywords Doctoral thesis; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM); Internet Data Lab (IDLab)  
  Abstract Socially responsible investments can be defined as an investment process that integrates ethical values and environmental protection, improving social conditions, and good governance into a traditional investment decision. This integration is mainly a consequence of the growing importance that investors give to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria, resulting in more sustainable development. Also, in the real estate sector, increased attention is being paid to the contributions made to integrate economic, environmental, and social factors into decisions. The ESG framework looks closely at how companies are managed, and the impact related to their market value. The factors for investors’ focus are summarized as environmental, social, and governance. The term ESG was coined in a 2004 United Nations (UN) report titled “Who Cares Wins,” aimed at raising awareness regarding the importance of environmental, social, and corporate governance issues in financial markets. The ESG criteria’s specific purpose is to guide investors in recognizing sustainable investments without evaluating how sustainable the asset is or the investment value represented by sustainability. It is essential to underline that ESG does not take specific economic interests into account. The rationale behind this apparent gap is that investors investigate the economic aspects before investing. However, by not explicitly linking ESG and economic criteria, attractive investments are often misjudged and not implemented. For example, investments that only show their value in the longer term or indirectly influence value by achieving a higher retention rate among incumbent tenants, reducing or eliminating friction costs. A product–service system (PSS) refers to a market proposition (business model) that builds on a product’s traditional functionality by incorporating additional services. Although services are already offered, the PSS function is to link the service to a product. The service thereby supports the operation of the product and generates additional benefits. It encompasses the integrated solutions of products and services to satisfy customers' needs and generate maximum value. According to Sutanto et al., a PSS is designed to focus on sustainability characterized in three dimensions. 1. The economic dimension 2. The environmental dimension 3. The social dimension When discussing sustainability in this thesis, we use the criteria listed above related to socially responsible investments. The link between PSS and ESG is that a PSS focuses on creating a sustainable system, and ESG makes sustainability more visible to investors. Therefore, when PSS are recognized and implemented in buildings, they must be evaluated using ESG analysis methods. Product-Service Systems (PSS) try to find a way to offer services on top of a product. The product is essentially secondary to the result that is delivered from the services. For example, the modem (product) that a cable company provides will be of secondary importance to the connectivity (service). Alternatively, it will be less critical how heat is made (product) than the intended set point is achieved in the building. PSSs transform the supply of products into services. In doing so, the responsibility shifts from delivering a product (once only) to continuous service delivery. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the service provider to deliver the outcome of the service as efficiently (read: lowest cost) as possible. A direct consequence of this is that the service provider will want to use the product as efficiently as possible and as long as possible to reduce his costs. Therefore, the supplier will also want to recover and maximize the reuse of his product based on the same rationale. A positive impact on the environment and the used raw materials is thus to be expected. The whole process of servitization (transforming products into services) in real estate will positively impact the Economic, Environmental and Social factors. Therefore, demonstrating this proposition is the main objective of this thesis. Smart PSS is the same idea as Product-Service systems but in which the digitization of the services plays a key role. It will be shown that by digitizing services, a broader range can be offered. It will be demonstrated that products that provide services at the building level can, through their interconnectedness, also provide services to external systems (e.g. electricity grid, urban planning, mobility, ...). At the same time, digitizing the products and services will also underpin trust in the systems and allow for proper remuneration. In this PhD, different standard systems in a building, such as the reservation system, the water heater, or the fire detection system, are equipped with additional services. A PSS is often specifically designed to focus on economic, social, and environmental dimensions. These dimensions correspond to the investor’s examination as part of the ESG analysis before investing. As the PSS is often specifically designed to integrate sustainability, there is a close link between the sustainability performance of the PSS and the ESG criteria evaluated by the investor. Throughout the work, the owner is considered to be the user of the building. It is not the case that only an owner-user can generate cash flow. In essence, if they have sufficient rights to the underlying product, any building user can activate services that generate cash flow. In today's market, it is logical that this is viewed in the owner-user context as they will usually choose the products to be installed in larger technical installations. They may have previously used a PSS or choose to move to one. However, a building’s tenant could choose to lease out their meeting rooms if they are not contractually prohibited from doing so since, in practice, contracts have begun to prohibit certain services. For example, rental contracts that actively prohibit renting out a property through platforms such as Airbnb. Thus, the user’s function could potentially impact how the PSS is designed. This work does not explicitly explore the impact of this aspect. The owner-user is assumed throughout this manuscript. The second chapter describes the state of affairs concerning PSSs in a broad framework evolving towards focusing on the real estate sector. After which, in the second chapter, ESG and the link to real estate and how smart real estate (smart buildings) is missing from this evaluation are discussed in more detail. Chapter 3 shows from a fire alarm system, which was extended with an evacuation support system, the usefulness, and the risk of data. Further work was done to demonstrate the added value in terms of Economic, Environmental and Social factors of standard installations in buildings. In Chapter 4, a simple sanitary hot water boiler is extended with a service that allows controlling this boiler according to the status of the electricity grid (surplus or shortage of energy). The supply and demand of energy on the power grid must be equal at all times. By equipping a classic water heater (product) with additional intelligence (service), it becomes possible to adjust the energy use to the grid's needs. The grid operators are prepared to pay for this. This payment can be linked to different energy markets (long term market, spot market, ...). This study looked at the fee that would have to be paid when the adjustment of the energy use can be made instantaneously so that the fee must be settled according to the prices on the imbalance market. In chapter 5, we look at the impact of the service to rent out free spaces as co-working places on a broad market (external to the building), compared to a regular reservation system. By renting out unused workplaces on a broad market, the utilization of the existing patrimony will be higher. The demand for new square meters with the same function will decrease as the supply-demand curve changes, and so will the price. This makes it less interesting to build new buildings. Less construction of new buildings will result in fewer resources being used, which will positively affect the environment. In addition, fewer new buildings with an office function will leave more space for buildings with another function. Also, the city's infrastructure will be less burdened (roads, sewerage, electricity grid,...). In The Hague, the decreasing need for new square meters of office buildings can lead to more space for affordable housing, for which the city has a great need. Chapter 6 will frame the valuation of service as a real options method that gives an impetus to a general valuation methodology to value the flexibility that Smart PSS inherently has. Finally, this thesis demonstrates that (smart) PSSs impact real estate profitability, while positively influencing environmental and social factors. Further research and the limitations of the studies conducted are documented. This PhD concludes that Product-Service systems should break the silos between different stakeholders, resulting in a lower total cost of ownership of buildings in the longer term. This can only be achieved if the valuation of Product-Service systems is done correctly and is recognized by every stakeholder in the real estate process.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:183415 Serial 6912  
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