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“Hierarchical design in nanoporous metals”. Ying J, Lenaerts S, Symes MD, Yang X-Y, Advanced Science 9, 2106117 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1002/ADVS.202106117
Abstract: Hierarchically porous metals possess intriguing high accessibility of matter molecules and unique continuous metallic frameworks, as well as a high level of exposed active atoms. High rates of diffusion and fast energy transfer have been important and challenging goals of hierarchical design and porosity control with nanostructured metals. This review aims to summarize recent important progress toward the development of hierarchically porous metals, with special emphasis on synthetic strategies, hierarchical design in structure-function and corresponding applications. The current challenges and future prospects in this field are also discussed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 15.1
DOI: 10.1002/ADVS.202106117
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“Spontaneous riboflavin-overproducing Limosilactobacillus reuteri for biofortification of fermented foods”. Spacova I, Ahannach S, Breynaert A, Erreygers I, Wittouck S, Bron PA, Van Beeck W, Eilers T, Alloul A, Blansaer N, Vlaeminck SE, Hermans N, Lebeer S, Frontiers in Nutrition 9, 916607 (2022). http://doi.org/10.3389/FNUT.2022.916607
Abstract: Riboflavin-producing lactic acid bacteria represent a promising and cost-effective strategy for food biofortification, but production levels are typically insufficient to support daily human requirements. In this study, we describe the novel human isolate Limosilactobacillus reuteri AMBV339 as a strong food biofortification candidate. This strain shows a high natural riboflavin (vitamin B2) overproduction of 18.36 mu g/ml, biomass production up to 6 x 10(10) colony-forming units/ml (in the typical range of model lactobacilli), and pH-lowering capacities to a pH as low as 4.03 in common plant-based (coconut, soy, and oat) and cow milk beverages when cultured up to 72 h at 37 degrees C. These properties were especially pronounced in coconut beverage and butter milk fermentations, and were sustained in co-culture with the model starter Streptococcus thermophilus. Furthermore, L. reuteri AMBV339 grown in laboratory media or in a coconut beverage survived in gastric juice and in a simulated gastrointestinal dialysis model with colon phase (GIDM-colon system) inoculated with fecal material from a healthy volunteer. Passive transport of L. reuteri AMBV339-produced riboflavin occurred in the small intestinal and colon stage of the GIDM system, and active transport via intestinal epithelial Caco-2 monolayers was also demonstrated. L. reuteri AMBV339 did not cause fecal microbiome perturbations in the GIDM-colon system and inhibited enteric bacterial pathogens in vitro. Taken together, our data suggests that L. reuteri AMBV339 represents a promising candidate to provide riboflavin fortification of plant-based and dairy foods, and has a high application potential in the human gastrointestinal tract.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 5
DOI: 10.3389/FNUT.2022.916607
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“A general leaf area geometric formula exists for plants evidence from the simplified Gielis equation”. Shi P, Ratkowsky DA, Li Y, Zhang L, Lin S, Gielis J, Forests (19994907) 9, 714 (2018). http://doi.org/10.3390/F9110714
Abstract: Plant leaves exhibit diverse shapes that enable them to utilize a light resource maximally. If there were a general parametric model that could be used to calculate leaf area for different leaf shapes, it would help to elucidate the adaptive evolutional link among plants with the same or similar leaf shapes. We propose a simplified version of the original Gielis equation (SGE), which was developed to describe a variety of object shapes ranging from a droplet to an arbitrary polygon. We used this equation to fit the leaf profiles of 53 species (among which, 48 bamboo plants, 5 woody plants, and 10 geographical populations of a woody plant), totaling 3310 leaves. A third parameter (namely, the floating ratio c in leaf length) was introduced to account for the case when the theoretical leaf length deviates from the observed leaf length. For most datasets, the estimates of c were greater than zero but less than 10%, indicating that the leaf length predicted by the SGE was usually smaller than the actual length. However, the predicted leaf areas approximated their actual values after considering the floating ratios in leaf length. For most datasets, the mean percent errors of leaf areas were lower than 6%, except for a pooled dataset with 42 bamboo species. For the elliptical, lanceolate, linear, obovate, and ovate shapes, although the SGE did not fit the leaf edge perfectly, after adjusting the parameter c, there were small deviations of the predicted leaf areas from the actual values. This illustrates that leaves with different shapes might have similar functional features for photosynthesis, since the leaf areas can be described by the same equation. The anisotropy expressed as a difference in leaf shape for some plants might be an adaptive response to enable them to adapt to different habitats.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.3390/F9110714
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“Analysis and synthesis of supershaped dielectric lens antennas”. Bia P, Caratelli D, Mescia L, Gielis J, IET microwaves, antennas and propagation 9, 1497 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1049/IET-MAP.2015.0091
Abstract: A novel class of supershaped dielectric lens antennas, whose geometry is described by the three-dimensional (3D) Gielis formula, is introduced and analysed. To this end, a hybrid modelling approach based on geometrical and physical optics is adopted in order to efficiently analyse the multiple wave reflections occurring within the lens and to evaluate the relevant impact on the radiation properties of the antenna under analysis. The developed modelling procedure has been validated by comparison with numerical results already reported in the literature and, afterwards, applied to the electromagnetic characterisation of Gielis dielectric lens antennas with shaped radiation pattern. Furthermore, a dedicated optimisation algorithm based on quantum particle swarm optimisation has been developed for the synthesis of 3D supershaped lens antennas with single feed, as well as with beamforming capabilities.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Mass communications; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1049/IET-MAP.2015.0091
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“Automatic absorption correction in x-ray fluorescence analysis of intermediate thickness samples using a dual external reference signal”. Van Dyck P, Markowicz A, Van Grieken R, X-ray spectrometry 9, 70 (1980). http://doi.org/10.1002/XRS.1300090209
Abstract: A method has been investigated which allows calculations from the X-ray fluorescence spectra of the absorption coefficients at any energy for any sample, without any additional measurement. Use is made of the ratio of the characteristic X-ray signals from a Zr wire positioned in front of the sample and from a Pd foil placed behind the sample, both in a fixed geometry. From the experimentally measured absorption coefficient at the Pd L energy (2.9 keV), the coefficients for higher energies are calculated. By the use of an iterative computer routine in which corrections for the enhancement of the Pd foil by the sample are also included, an accuracy of 2% or better on the absorption coefficient determination can be reached for homogenous samples in one measurement. Grain-size and heterogeneity effects induce inaccuracies on the absorption coefficient determinations which might well reach 20% for particulate samples like intermediate thickness deposits of geological materials. This approach thus has the same limitations as the classical transmission method for such heterogeneous samples.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1002/XRS.1300090209
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“Chelating 2,2′-diaminodiethylamine cellulose filters and X-ray fluorescence for preconcentration and trace analysis of natural waters”. Smits J, Van Grieken R, International journal of environmental analytical chemistry 9, 81 (1981). http://doi.org/10.1080/03067318108071902
Abstract: The 2,2′-diaminodiethylamine (DEN) functional group can be expected to have ideal properties for the chelation of transition metals and their collection from aqueous solutions, independent of the alkali and alkaline earth ions concentration. Introducing DEN into cellulose filters allows straightforward preconcentration of trace cations by a simple filtration step, and the DEN-filter constitutes a suitable target for X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. The linearity between the XRF-response on the loaded DEN-filter and the trace cation concentration in the solution appears excellent, up to a total filter capacity of ca. 3 μeq.cm−2. The detection limits are around 0.5 μg. l−1 in most practical cases. Accuracy and precision are around 10%. The applicability of the proposed procedure is illustrated on a comparative basis by XRF-analysis of drinking water and surface water, after preconcentration by DEN-filtration and by alternative procedures.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1080/03067318108071902
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“Cyclodextrin-appended superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles as cholesterol-mopping agents”. Puglisi A, Bassini S, Reimhult E, Frontiers In Chemistry 9, 795598 (2021). http://doi.org/10.3389/FCHEM.2021.795598
Abstract: Cholesterol plays a crucial role in major cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and rare genetic disorders showing altered cholesterol metabolism. Cyclodextrins (CDs) have shown promising therapeutic efficacy based on their capacity to sequester and mobilise cholesterol. However, the administration of monomeric CDs suffers from several drawbacks due to their lack of specificity and poor pharmacokinetics. We present core-shell superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) functionalised with CDs appended to poly (2-methyl-2-oxazoline) polymers grafted in a dense brush to the iron oxide core. The CD-decorated nanoparticles (CySPIONs) are designed so that the macrocycle is specifically cleaved off the nanoparticle’s shell at a slightly acidic pH. In the intended use, free monomeric CDs will then mobilise cholesterol out of the lysosome to the cytosol and beyond through the formation of an inclusion complex. Hence, its suitability as a therapeutic platform to remove cholesterol in the lysosomal compartment. Synthesis and full characterization of the polymer as well as of the core-shell SPION are presented. Cholesterol-binding activity is shown through an enzymatic assay.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Impact Factor: 3.994
DOI: 10.3389/FCHEM.2021.795598
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“Determination of BTEX by GCMS in air of offset printing plants: comparison between conventional and ecological inks”. Godoi AFL, Sawada EY, de Marchi MRR, Van Grieken R, Godoi RHM, Water, air, and soil pollution : focus 9, 163 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1007/S11267-009-9219-9
Abstract: The use of inks containing organic solvents by the offset printing process implies in the release of volatile organic compounds to the work environment. Many of these compounds such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and the xylene isomers (well known by the acronym BTEX) are extremely toxic. In this study, the BTEX concentrations were determined in two different printing plants that use distinct types of inks: the conventional and the so-called ecological, which is manufactured based on vegetal oil. Concentration ranges were 4384, 153,480, 2133, 5459, and 2236 μg m−3 for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, m + p-xylene, and o-xylene, respectively, for the conventional printing plant. At the ecological printing plant, concentration ranges were below limit of detection (<LD)-31, <LD-618, <LD-1,690, <LD-10,500, <LD-3,360 μg m−3 for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, m + p-xylene, and o-xylene, respectively. BTEX concentrations are lower at the ecological printing environment than in the conventional, where mineral oil-based inks are used. However, the worker who cleans the printing matrices is exposed to high concentrations of ethylbenzene and xylenes, due probably to the cleaning products composition (containing high amounts of BTEX). Although the BTEX concentrations found in both printing work environments were below the limits considered by the Brazilian Law for Activities and Unhealthy Operations (NR-15), the exposure to such vapors characterizes risk to the workers health for some of the evaluated samples, mainly the personal ones.
Keywords: A3 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1007/S11267-009-9219-9
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“Determination of Dynamically Stable Electrenes toward Ultrafast Charging Battery Applications”. Kocabas T, Ozden A, Demiroglu I, Cakir D, Sevik C, The journal of physical chemistry letters 9, 4267 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.JPCLETT.8B01468
Abstract: Electrenes, an atomically thin form of layered electrides, are very recent members of the 2D materials family. In this work, we employed first principle calculations to determine stable, exfoliatable, and application-promising 2D electrene materials among possible M2X compounds, where M is a group II-A metal and X is a nonmetal element (C, N, P, As, and Sb). The promise of stable electrene compounds for battery applications is assessed via their exfoliation energy, adsorption properties, and migration energy barriers toward relevant Li, Na, K, and Ca atoms. Our calculations revealed five new stable electrene candidates in addition to previously known Ca2N and Sr2N. Among these seven dynamically stable electrenes, Ba2As, Ba2P, Ba2Sb, Ca2N, Sr2N, and Sr2P are found to be very promising for either K or Na ion batteries due to their extremely low migration energy barriers (5-16 meV), which roughly demonstrates 105 times higher mobility than graphene and two to four times higher mobility than other promising 2D materials such as MXene (Mo2C).
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.JPCLETT.8B01468
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“Development of a Java-based application for environmental remote sensing data processing”. Semlali B-eddine B, El Amrani C, Denys S, International Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering 9, 1978 (2019). http://doi.org/10.11591/IJECE.V9I3.PP1978-1986
Abstract: Air pollution is one of the most serious problems the world faces today. It is highly necessary to monitor pollutants in real-time to anticipate and reduce damages caused in several fields of activities. Likewise, it is necessary to provide decision makers with useful and updated environmental data. As a solution to a part of the above-mentioned necessities, we developed a Java-based application software to collect, process and visualize several environmental and pollution data, acquired from the Mediterranean Dialog earth Observatory (MDEO) platform [1]. This application will amass data of Morocco area from EUMETSAT satellites, and will decompress, filter and classify the received datasets. Then we will use the processed data to build an interactive environmental real-time map of Morocco. This should help finding out potential correlations between pollutants and emitting sources.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.11591/IJECE.V9I3.PP1978-1986
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“Does leaf micro-morphology influence the recognition of particles on SEM images?”.Muhammad S, Wuyts K, De Wael K, Samson R, International Journal of Environmental Pollution and Remediation 9, 22 (2021). http://doi.org/10.11159/IJEPR.2021.003
Abstract: Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) remains a popular approach to determine the shape, size, density and elemental composition of particles collected on leaf surfaces, but the effect of leaf micro-morphology on particle counts is not very well known. In this study, leaves of sixteen urban plant species were examined for particle density in June and September 2016 using SEM. The investigated plant species differed in leaf micro-morphology involving trichomes, raised stomata, epicuticular wax crystals and convex epidermal cells forming deep grooves between cells. The particle density on leaves of the investigated plant species was estimated by particle size fraction and leaf side. Particle density was significantly higher on the adaxial (AD) leaf side compared to the abaxial (AB) leaf side and higher for fine-particles than coarse-particles. The effect of trichome density on particle density of the AB and the AD leaf side was indicated to be significant and positive for both coarse and fine-particles in June but not in September. The successive repeated measurements elucidated that features constructing the topography of a leaf surface such as trichomes, stomata, and epidermal cells frequently contributed towards the edge enhancement effect, resulting in exaggerated particle counts. Besides, the mechanical drift contributed to the disparity in particle density measurements. Lastly, the reduction in particle density between successive measurements were imputed on the charging effect. These results enable us to suggest that in addition to characterization of micro-morphological features on a leaf surface, SEM will continue to be a useful approach for determining the particle: shape, size, elemental composition and density of the deposited particles. Nonetheless, the disparity in particle density measurements can occur due to abnormal particle recognition. Based on the results of September, we recommend that within-session successive repeated measurements (~ n ≥ 5) need to be performed to remove measurement uncertainties and obtain reliable quantitative data of particle counts using SEM.
Keywords: A3 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
DOI: 10.11159/IJEPR.2021.003
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“Electrochemical fingerprints of illicit drugs on graphene and multi-walled carbon nanotubes”. Dragan A-M, Truta FM, Tertis M, Florea A, Schram J, Cernat A, Feier B, De Wael K, Cristea C, Oprean R, Frontiers In Chemistry 9, 641147 (2021). http://doi.org/10.3389/FCHEM.2021.641147
Abstract: Illicit drugs use and abuse remains an increasing challenge for worldwide authorities and, therefore, it is important to have accurate methods to detect them in seized samples, biological fluids and wastewaters. They are recently classified as the latest group of emerging pollutants as their consumption increased tremendously in recent years. Nanomaterials have gained much attention over the last decade in the development of sensors for a myriad of applications. The applicability of these nanomaterials, functionalized or not, significantly increases and it is therefore highly suitable for use in the detection of illicit drugs. We have assessed the suitability of various nanoplatforms, such as graphene (GPH), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) for the electrochemical detection of illicit drugs. GPH and MWCNTs were chosen as the most suitable platforms and cocaine, 3,4-methylendioxymethamfetamine (MDMA), 3-methylmethcathinone (MMC) and alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (PVP) were tested. Due to the hydrophobicity of the nanomaterials-based platforms which led to low signals, two strategies were followed namely, pretreatment of the electrodes in sulfuric acid by cyclic voltammetry and addition of Tween 20 to the detection buffer. Both strategies led to an increase in the oxidation signal of illicit drugs. Binary mixtures of illicit drugs with common adulterants found in street samples were also investigated. The proposed strategies allowed the sensitive detection of illicit drugs in the presence of most adulterants. The suitability of the proposed sensors for the detection of illicit drugs in spiked wastewaters was finally assessed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 3.994
DOI: 10.3389/FCHEM.2021.641147
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“From biogas and hydrogen to microbial protein through co-cultivation of methane and hydrogen oxidizing bacteria”. Kerckhof F-M, Sakarika M, Van Giel M, Muys M, Vermeir P, De Vrieze J, Vlaeminck SE, Rabaey K, Boon N, Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology 9, 733753 (2021). http://doi.org/10.3389/FBIOE.2021.733753
Abstract: Increasing efforts are directed towards the development of sustainable alternative protein sources among which microbial protein (MP) is one of the most promising. Especially when waste streams are used as substrates, the case for MP could become environmentally favorable. The risks of using organic waste streams for MP production–the presence of pathogens or toxicants–can be mitigated by their anaerobic digestion and subsequent aerobic assimilation of the (filter-sterilized) biogas. Even though methane and hydrogen oxidizing bacteria (MOB and HOB) have been intensively studied for MP production, the potential benefits of their co-cultivation remain elusive. Here, we isolated a diverse group of novel HOB (that were capable of autotrophic metabolism), and co-cultured them with a defined set of MOB, which could be grown on a mixture of biogas and H2/O2. The combination of MOB and HOB, apart from the CH4 and CO2 contained in biogas, can also enable the valorization of the CO2 that results from the oxidation of methane by the MOB. Different MOB and HOB combinations were grown in serum vials to identify the best-performing ones. We observed synergistic effects on growth for several combinations, and in all combinations a co-culture consisting out of both HOB and MOB could be maintained during five days of cultivation. Relative to the axenic growth, five out of the ten co-cultures exhibited 1.1–3.8 times higher protein concentration and two combinations presented 2.4–6.1 times higher essential amino acid content. The MP produced in this study generally contained lower amounts of the essential amino acids histidine, lysine and threonine, compared to tofu and fishmeal. The most promising combination in terms of protein concentration and essential amino acid profile was Methyloparacoccus murrelli LMG 27482 with Cupriavidus necator LMG 1201. Microbial protein from M. murrelli and C. necator requires 27–67% less quantity than chicken, whole egg and tofu, while it only requires 15% more quantity than the amino acid-dense soybean to cover the needs of an average adult. In conclusion, while limitations still exist, the co-cultivation of MOB and HOB creates an alternative route for MP production leveraging safe and sustainably-produced gaseous substrates.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.3389/FBIOE.2021.733753
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“Growing media constituents determine the microbial nitrogen conversions in organic growing media for horticulture”. Grunert O, Reheul D, Van Labeke M-C, Perneel M, Hernandez-Sanabria E, Vlaeminck SE, Boon N, Microbial Biotechnology 9, 389 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1111/1751-7915.12354
Abstract: Vegetables and fruits are an important part of a healthy food diet, however, the eco-sustainability of the production of these can still be significantly improved. European farmers and consumers spend an estimated Euro15.5 billion per year on inorganic fertilizers and the production of N-fertilizers results in a high carbon footprint. We investigated if fertilizer type and medium constituents determine microbial nitrogen conversions in organic growing media and can be used as a next step towards a more sustainable horticulture. We demonstrated that growing media constituents showed differences in urea hydrolysis, ammonia and nitrite oxidation and in carbon dioxide respiration rate. Interestingly, mixing of the growing media constituents resulted in a stimulation of the function of the microorganisms. The use of organic fertilizer resulted in an increase in amoA gene copy number by factor 100 compared to inorganic fertilizers. Our results support our hypothesis that the activity of the functional microbial community with respect to nitrogen turnover in an organic growing medium can be improved by selecting and mixing the appropriate growing media components with each other. These findings contribute to the understanding of the functional microbial community in growing media and its potential role towards a more responsible horticulture.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.12354
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“The half-life of 28Al”. Van Schandevijl R, Van Grieken R, Hoste J, Journal of radioanalytical chemistry 9, 55 (1971). http://doi.org/10.1007/BF02514012
Abstract: The half-life of28Al was redetermined on aluminium samples of different origin. Three different counting techniques were applied. The availability of highly purified samples (up to 99.9999%), the use of very fast electronic counting equipment and a complete automatisation allowed a good precision to be obtained in the final result of 2.2405 min.
Keywords: A3 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1007/BF02514012
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“Heavy metals distribution in the sediments of Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers”. Subramanian V, Van Grieken R, Van 't dack L, Environmental geology 9, 93 (1987). http://doi.org/10.1007/BF02449940
Abstract: Bed sediments were collected from the entire region of the Ganges basin and some parts of the Brahmaputra. In addition, selected stations were sampled for suspended sediments as well. The samples were analysed for a number of heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Ni, Cr, Cu, and Zn) by the thin-film energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence technique. There are pronounced temporal and spatial variations in the heavy metals distributions. Suspended sediments are 510 times richer than the bed sediments. None of the tributaries contribute significant heavy metal load, but around urban areas in Yamuna (tributary of Ganges), very high levels due to the distribution from the drainage network are observed. Compared to the Brahmaputra, the distribution and fractionation of heavy metals in the Ganges sediments are more erratic and highly variable. All the metals considered show high correlation among themselves. Given the high flux of suspended sediments from the Himalayan rivers (nearly 20% of the global flux), the worldwide budget for heavy metal transport may need to be suitably revised.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1007/BF02449940
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“Indoor air quality assessment of elementary schools in Curitiba, Brazil”. Godoi RHM, Avigo D, Campos VD, Tavares TM, de Marchi MRR, Van Grieken R, Godoi AFL, Water, air, and soil pollution : focus 9, 171 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1007/S11267-009-9220-3
Abstract: The promotion of good indoor air quality in schools is of particular public concern for two main reasons: (1) school-age children spend at least 30% of their time inside classrooms and (2) indoor air quality in urban areas is substantially influenced by the outdoor pollutants, exposing tenants to potentially toxic substances. Two schools in Curitiba, Brazil, were selected to characterize the gaseous compounds indoor and outdoor of the classrooms. The concentrations of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and the isomers xylenes (BTEX); NO2; SO2; O3; acetic acid (HAc); and formic acid (HFor) were assessed using passive diffusion tubes. BTEX were analyzed by gas chromatographyion trap mass spectrometry and other collected gasses by ion chromatography. The concentration of NO2 varied between 9.5 and 23 µg m−3, whereas SO2 showed an interval from 0.1 to 4.8 µg m−3. Within the schools, BTEX concentrations were predominant. Formic and acetic acids inside the classrooms revealed intermediate concentrations of 1.5 µg m−3 and 1.2 µg m−3, respectively.
Keywords: A3 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1007/S11267-009-9220-3
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“The indoor environment of a modern museum building, the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, Norwich, UK”. Brimblecombe P, Blades N, Camuffo D, Sturaro G, Valentino A, Gysels K, Van Grieken R, Busse H-J, Kim O, Ulrych U, Wieser M, Indoor air 9, 146 (1999). http://doi.org/10.1111/J.1600-0668.1999.T01-1-00002.X
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1111/J.1600-0668.1999.T01-1-00002.X
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“Metabolic and proteomic responses to salinity in synthetic nitrifying communities of Nitrosomonas spp. and Nitrobacter spp”. Ilgrande C, Leroy B, Wattiez R, Vlaeminck SE, Boon N, Clauwaert P, Frontiers in microbiology 9, 2914 (2018). http://doi.org/10.3389/FMICB.2018.02914
Abstract: Typically, nitrification is a two-stage microbial process and is key in wastewater treatment and nutrient recovery from waste streams. Changes in salinity represent a major stress factor that can trigger response mechanisms, impacting the activity and the physiology of bacteria. Despite its pivotal biotechnological role, little information is available on the specific response of nitrifying bacteria to varying levels of salinity. In this study, synthetic communities of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB Nitrosomonas europaea and/or Nitrosomonas ureae) and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB Nitrobacter winogradskyi and/or Nitrobacter vulgaris) were tested at 5, 10, and 30 mS cm-1 by adding sodium chloride to the mineral medium (0, 40, and 200 mM NaCl, respectively). Ammonia oxidation activity was less affected by salinity than nitrite oxidation. AOB, on their own or in combination with NOB, showed no significant difference in the ammonia oxidation rate among the three conditions. However, N. winogradskyi improved the absolute ammonia oxidation rate of both N. europaea and N. ureae. N. winogradskyis nitrite oxidation rate decreased to 42% residual activity upon exposure to 30 mS cm-1, also showing a similar behavior when tested with Nitrosomonas spp. The nitrite oxidation rate of N. vulgaris, as a single species, was not affected when adding sodium chloride up to 30 mS cm-1, however, its activity was completely inhibited when combined with Nitrosomonas spp. in the presence of ammonium/ammonia. The proteomic analysis of a co-culture of N. europaea and N. winogradskyi revealed the production of osmolytes, regulation of cell permeability and an oxidative stress response in N. europaea and an oxidative stress response in N. winogradskyi, as a result of increasing the salt concentration from 5 to 30 mS cm-1. A specific metabolic response observed in N. europaea suggests the role of carbon metabolism in the production of reducing power, possibly to meet the energy demands of the stress response mechanisms, induced by high salinity. For the first time, metabolic modifications and response mechanisms caused by the exposure to salinity were described, serving as a tool toward controllability and predictability of nitrifying systems exposed to salt fluctuations.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.3389/FMICB.2018.02914
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“Radiometric diameter concept and exact intensities for spherical particles in x-ray fluorescence analysis”. Markowicz A, Van Dyck P, Van Grieken R, X-ray spectrometry 9, 52 (1980). http://doi.org/10.1002/XRS.1300090205
Abstract: In X-ray fluorescence analysis the concept of radiometric diameter, d, is often introduced in considerations of the fluorescent intensity from a particulate sample. It represents the mean geometric path of the X-rays through one particle and is usually simply taken to be equal to the volume-to-area ratio of the particle. The effective radiometric path is, however, itself dependent on geometry and absorption effects. Rigorous calculations of the fluorescent intensity from a particle in the π and π/2 geometries were carried out to evaluate the errors involved. It appears that, for π geometry, the discrepancy between these exact results and the intensity calculated via the use of d does not exceed 5.2%. For the π/2 geometry, the errors are much larger and can amount to 50% in realistic cases of X-ray fluorescence analysis. These conclusions are also applicable to monolayers. The effective radiometric diameter approaches d only when absorption effects become negligible, but is smaller in other cases.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1002/XRS.1300090205
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“Die risikoprofiel van Pb en Cr in stedelike padstof”. Potgieter-Vermaak S, Van Grieken R, Potgieter H, Litnet akademies : 'n joernaal vir die geesteswetenskappe 9, 1 (2012)
Abstract: The risk profile of Cr and Pb in urban road deposited sediment Exponential urbanisation and industrial growth occur on a global scale and result in an ecological burden, of which one important part is pollution. It is well known that the extent of air pollution has escalated over the past two decades in several parts of the world, despite mitigating measures and legislation. Current research points to the fact that air pollution in urban and industrial areas is substantially different from that found in rural areas. Road dust (RD) contributes up to 35% of airborne particulate matter due to resuspension thereof, and poses a health concern due to carcinogenic and toxic components potentially present in the micron-sized fractions. Although literature does report on the concentrations of trace, toxic metals and metalloids present in RD (Hooker and Nathanail 2006), the molecular make-up of particulates generated due to the resuspension of the RD is not well documented. In vitro and animal toxicological studies have confirmed that the chemical composition of inhaled particles plays a major role in its toxic, genotoxic and carcinogenic mechanisms, but the component-specific toxic effects are still not understood. Transition metals binding to air particle matter can result in reactive oxygen species in the human body (particularly in the lungs), and this is a significant risk, especially for vulnerable population groups like elderly people, children and terminally ill patients. The characterisation of the molecular composition of the fine fraction is evidently of importance for public health. During an earlier study, road dust from an inner-city environment in the UK was collected and partially characterised (Barrett e.a. 2010). These same-size fractions were analysed for their elemental concentrations, using X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (XRFS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). In addition, single-particle analysis was performed on the different fractions by means of Computer Controlled Electron Probe X-ray Micro Analysis (CC-EPXMA) and their molecular structure probed by studying elemental associations. These findings were correlated with Micro Raman Spectroscopy (MRS) results. It was found that the fine fraction (<38 μm) had the highest Pb (238 ppm) and Cr (171 ppm) concentrations. The CC-EPXMA data showed >50% association of Cr-rich particles with Pb and the MRS data showed that the Cr was mostly present as lead chromate and therefore in the Cr(VI) oxidation state. Concentrations of both Pb and Cr decreased substantially (279 (<38 mm) 13 ppm (<1mm); 171 (<38 mm) 91 ppm (<1mm) respectively) in the larger fractions. Apart from rather alarmingly high concentrations of oxidative stressors (Cu, Fe, Mn), the carcinogenic and toxic potential of the inhalable fraction is evident. Preliminary bioaccessibility data indicated that both Cr and Pb are readily
Keywords: A2 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
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“Siberian Haze: complex study of aerosols in Siberia”. Koutsenogii PK, van Malderen H, Hoornaert S, Van Grieken R, Koutsenogii KP, Boufetov N, Makarov VI, Smoljakov BS, Nemirovski AM, Osipova LP, Krjukov JA, Ivakin EA, Posukh OL, Bronstein EL, Optics of the atmosphere and ocean 9, 712 (1996)
Keywords: A3 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
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“Soot removal from ancient Egyptian complex painted surfaces using a double network gel : empirical tests on the ceiling of the sanctuary of Osiris in the temple of Seti I-Abydos”. Al-Emam E, Motawea AG, Caen J, Janssens K, Heritage science 9, 1 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1186/S40494-020-00473-1
Abstract: In this study, we evaluated the ease of removal of soot layers from ancient wall paintings by employing double network gels as a controllable and safe cleaning method. The ceiling of the temple of Seti I (Abydos, Egypt) is covered with thick layers of soot; this is especially the case in the sanctuary of Osiris. These layers may have been accumulated during the occupation of the temple by Christians, fleeing the Romans in the first centuries A.D. Soot particulates are one of the most common deposits to be removed during conservation-restoration activities of ancient Egyptian wall paintings. They usually mask the painted reliefs and reduce the permeability of the painted surface. A Polyvinyl alcohol-borax/agarose (PVA-B/AG) double network gel was selected for this task since its properties were expected to be compatible with the cleaning treatment requirements. The gel is characterized by its flexibility, permitting to take the shape of the reliefs, while also having self-healing properties, featuring shape stability and an appropriate capacity to retain liquid. The gel was loaded with several cleaning reagents that proved to be effective for soot removal. Soot removal tests were conducted with these gel composites. The cleaned surfaces were evaluated with the naked eye, a digital microscope, and color measurements in order to select the best gel composite. The gel composite, loaded with a solution of 5% ammonia, 0.3% ammonium carbonate, and 0.3% EDTA yielded the most satisfactory results and allowed to safely remove a crust of thick soot layers from the surface. Thus, during the final phase of the study, it was used successfully to clean a larger area of the ceiling.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Art; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES)
DOI: 10.1186/S40494-020-00473-1
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“Tomato plants rather than fertilizers drive microbial community structure in horticultural growing media”. Grunert O, Robles-Aguilar AA, Hernandez-Sanabria E, Schrey SD, Reheul D, Van Labeke M-C, Vlaeminck SE, Vanderkerckhove TGL, Mysara M, Monsieurs P, Temperton VM, Boon N, Jablonowski ND, Scientific reports 9, 9561 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1038/S41598-019-45290-0
Abstract: Synthetic fertilizer production is associated with a high environmental footprint, as compounds typically dissolve rapidly leaching emissions to the atmosphere or surface waters. We tested two recovered nutrients with slower release patterns, as promising alternatives for synthetic fertilizers: struvite and a commercially available organic fertilizer. Using these fertilizers as nitrogen source, we conducted a rhizotron experiment to test their effect on plant performance and nutrient recovery in juvenile tomato plants. Plant performance was significantly improved when organic fertilizer was provided, promoting higher shoot biomass. Since the microbial community influences plant nitrogen availability, we characterized the root-associated microbial community structure and functionality. Analyses revealed distinct root microbial community structure when different fertilizers were supplied. However, plant presence significantly increased the similarity of the microbial community over time, regardless of fertilization. Additionally, the presence of the plant significantly reduced the potential ammonia oxidation rates, implying a possible role of the rhizosheath microbiome or nitrification inhibition by the plant. Our results indicate that nitrifying community members are impacted by the type of fertilizer used, while tomato plants influenced the potential ammonia-oxidizing activity of nitrogen-related rhizospheric microbial communities. These novel insights on interactions between recovered fertilizers, plant and associated microbes can contribute to develop sustainable crop production systems.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-019-45290-0
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“Understanding and optimizing Evolon®, CR for varnish removal from oil paintings”. Baij L, Liu C, Buijs J, Alvarez Martin A, Westert D, Raven L, Geels N, Noble P, Sprakel J, Keune K, Heritage science 9, 155 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1186/S40494-021-00627-9
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)
DOI: 10.1186/S40494-021-00627-9
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“Why does not the leaf weight-area allometry of bamboos follow the 3/2-power law?”.Lin S, Shao L, Hui C, Song Y, Reddy GVP, Gielis J, Li F, Ding Y, Wei Q, Shi P, Reddy GVP, Frontiers in plant science 9, 583 (2018). http://doi.org/10.3389/FPLS.2018.00583
Abstract: The principle of similarity (Thompson, 1917) states that the weight of an organism follows the 3/2-power law of its surface area and is proportional to its volume on the condition that the density is constant. However, the allometric relationship between leaf weight and leaf area has been reported to greatly deviate from the 3/2-power law, with the irregularity of leaf density largely ignored for explaining this deviation. Here, we choose 11 bamboo species to explore the allometric relationships among leaf area (A), density (ρ), length (L), thickness (T), and weight (W). Because the edge of a bamboo leaf follows a simplified two-parameter Gielis equation, we could show that A ∝ L2 and that A ∝ T2. This then allowed us to derive the density-thickness allometry ρ ∝ Tb and the weight-area allometry W ∝ A(b+3)/2 ≈ A9/8, where b approximates −3/4. Leaf density is strikingly negatively associated with leaf thickness, and it is this inverse relationship that results in the weight-area allometry to deviate from the 3/2-power law. In conclusion, although plants are prone to invest less dry mass and thus produce thinner leaves when the leaf area is sufficient for photosynthesis, such leaf thinning needs to be accompanied with elevated density to ensure structural stability. The findings provide the insights on the evolutionary clue about the biomass investment and output of photosynthetic organs of plants. Because of the importance of leaves, plants could have enhanced the ratio of dry material per unit area of leaf in order to increase the efficiency of photosynthesis, relative the other parts of plants. Although the conclusion is drawn only based on 11 bamboo species, it should also be applicable to the other plants, especially considering previous works on the exponent of the weight-area relationship being less than 3/2 in plants.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.3389/FPLS.2018.00583
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“Plant and microbial science and technology as cornerstones to Bioregenerative Life Support Systems in space”. De Micco V, Amitrano C, Mastroleo F, Aronne G, Battistelli A, Carnero-Diaz E, De Pascale S, Detrell G, Dussap C-G, Ganigué, R, Jakobsen ØM, Poulet L, Van Houdt R, Verseux C, Vlaeminck SE, Willaert R, Leys N, NPJ microgravity 9, 69 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1038/S41526-023-00317-9
Abstract: Long-term human space exploration missions require environmental control and closed Life Support Systems (LSS) capable of producing and recycling resources, thus fulfilling all the essential metabolic needs for human survival in harsh space environments, both during travel and on orbital/planetary stations. This will become increasingly necessary as missions reach farther away from Earth, thereby limiting the technical and economic feasibility of resupplying resources from Earth. Further incorporation of biological elements into state-of-the-art (mostly abiotic) LSS, leading to bioregenerative LSS (BLSS), is needed for additional resource recovery, food production, and waste treatment solutions, and to enable more self-sustainable missions to the Moon and Mars. There is a whole suite of functions crucial to sustain human presence in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and successful settlement on Moon or Mars such as environmental control, air regeneration, waste management, water supply, food production, cabin/habitat pressurization, radiation protection, energy supply, and means for transportation, communication, and recreation. In this paper, we focus on air, water and food production, and waste management, and address some aspects of radiation protection and recreation. We briefly discuss existing knowledge, highlight open gaps, and propose possible future experiments in the short-, medium-, and long-term to achieve the targets of crewed space exploration also leading to possible benefits on Earth.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1038/S41526-023-00317-9
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“The role of singlet oxygen, superoxide, hydroxide, and hydrogen peroxide in the photoelectrochemical response of phenols at a supported highly fluorinated zinc phthalocyanine”. Neven L, Barich H, Pelmuş, M, Gorun SM, De Wael K, ChemElectroChem 9, e202200108 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1002/CELC.202200108
Abstract: Photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensing of phenolic compounds using singlet oxygen (1O2)-generating photocatalysts has emerged as a powerful detection tool. However, it is currently not known how experimental parameters, such as pH and applied potential, influence the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their photocurrents. In this article, the PEC response was studied over the 6 to 10 pH range using a rotating (ring) disk (R(R)DE) set-up in combination with quenchers, to identify the ROS formed upon illumination of a supported photosensitizer, F64PcZn. The photocurrents magnitude depended on the applied potential and the pH of the buffer solution. The anodic responses were caused by the oxidation of O2.−, generated due to the quenching of 1O2 with −OH and the reaction of 3O2 with [F64Pc(3-)Zn]. The cathodic responses were assigned to the reduction of 1O2 and O2.−, yielding H2O2. These insights may benefit 1O2 – based PEC sensing applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
DOI: 10.1002/CELC.202200108
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“Correlated x-ray fluorescence and ptychographic nano-tomography on Rembrandt's The Night Watch reveals unknown lead “layer””. Broers FTH, Verslype I, Bossers KW, Vanmeert F, Gonzalez V, Garrevoet J, van Loon A, va Duijn E, Krekeler A, De Keyser N, Steeman I, Noble P, Janssens K, Meirer F, Keune K, Science Advances 9, eadj9394 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1126/SCIADV.ADJ9394
Abstract: The Night Watch, one of the most famous masterpieces by Rembrandt, is the subject of a large research and conservation project. For the conservation treatment, it is of great importance to understand its current condition. Correlated nano-tomography using x-ray fluorescence and ptychography revealed a-so far unknown-lead-containing “layer”, which likely acts as a protective impregnation layer applied on the canvas before the quartz-clay ground was applied. This layer might explain the presence of lead soap protrusions in areas where no other lead components are present. In addition to the three-dimensional elemental mapping, ptychography visualizes and quantifies components not detectable by hard x-ray fluorescence such as the organic fraction and quartz. The first-time use of this combination of synchrotron-based techniques on a historic paint micro-sample shows it to be an important tool to better interpret the results of noninvasive imaging techniques operating on the macroscale.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Art; Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)
Impact Factor: 13.6
DOI: 10.1126/SCIADV.ADJ9394
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“Critical reflections on Cinema Belgica : the database for New Cinema History in Belgium”. Ducatteeuw V, Biltereyst D, Meers P, Verbruggen C, Moreels D, Noordegraaf J, Chambers S, De Potter P, Cachet T, Franck N, Deroo F, Journal of open humanities data 9, 1 (2023). http://doi.org/10.5334/JOHD.91
Abstract: New Cinema History broadened film studies by emphasising the complexity of cinema as a multifaceted phenomenon that includes the socio-economic context in which films were made, circulated, shown and received. As part of the digital turn, the discipline adopted computational methods and created quantitative research data to research this socio-economic context at scale. However, not all datasets created in this context adhere to FAIR principles, decreasing their reusability. By reconciling 14 cinema-related datasets, Cinema Belgica facilitates research into the history of Belgian cinema. This research paper documents and critically reflects on the choices made when selecting, modelling and reconciling information for the Cinema Belgica database.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Mass communications; Art; History; Visual and Digital Cultures Research Center (ViDi)
DOI: 10.5334/JOHD.91
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