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Author Jorgensen, M.; Shea, P.T.; Tomich, A.W.; Varley, J.B.; Bercx, M.; Lovera, S.; Cerny, R.; Zhou, W.; Udovic, T.J.; Lavallo, V.; Jensen, T.R.; Wood, B.C.; Stavila, V.
Title Understanding superionic conductivity in lithium and sodium salts of weakly coordinating closo-hexahalocarbaborate anions Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal
Volume 32 Issue 4 Pages 1475-1487
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Solid-state ion conductors based on closo-polyborate anions combine high ionic conductivity with a rich array of tunable properties. Cation mobility in these systems is intimately related to the strength of the interaction with the neighboring anionic network and the energy for reorganizing the coordination polyhedra. Here, we explore such factors in solid electrolytes with two anions of the weakest coordinating ability, [HCB11H5Cl6](-) and [HCB11H5Br6](-), and a total of 11 polymorphs are identified for their lithium and sodium salts. Our approach combines ab initio molecular dynamics, synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and AC impedance measurements to investigate their structures, phase-transition behavior, anion orientational mobilities, and ionic conductivities. We find that M(HCB11H5X6) (M = Li, Na, X = Cl, Br) compounds exhibit order-disorder polymorphic transitions between 203 and 305 degrees C and display Li and Na superionic conductivity in the disordered state. Through detailed analysis, we illustrate how cation disordering in these compounds originates from a competitive interplay among the lattice symmetry, the anion reorientational mobility, the geometric and electronic asymmetry of the anion, and the polarizability of the halogen atoms. These factors are compared to other closo-polyborate-based ion conductors to suggest guidelines for optimizing the cation-anion interaction for fast ion mobility. This study expands the known solid-state poly(carba)borate-based materials capable of liquid-like ionic conductivities, unravels the mechanisms responsible for fast ion transport, and provides insights into the development of practical superionic solid electrolytes.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000517351300014 Publication Date 2020-01-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited 5 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes ; The authors gratefully acknowledge support from the Hydrogen Materials-Advanced Research Consortium (HyMARC), established as part of the Energy Materials Network under the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Fuel Cell Technologies Office, under Contract no. AC04-94AL85000. Sandia National Laboratories is a multimission laboratory managed and operated by National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC., a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International, Inc., for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration under Contract no. DE-NA-0003525. A portion of this work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract no. ACS2-07NA27344. We also gratefully thank Kyoung Kweon for useful discussions. The views and opinions of the authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government or any agency thereof. Neither the United States Government nor any agency thereof nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, expressed or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. The Danish council for independent research, technology and production, HyNanoBorN (4181-00462) and SOS-MagBat (9041-00226B) and NordForsk, The Nordic Neutron Science Program, project FunHy (81942), and the Carlsberg Foundation are acknowledged for funding. Affiliation with the Center for Integrated Materials Research (iMAT) at Aarhus University is gratefully acknowledged. V.L. acknowledges the NSF for partial support of this project (DMR-1508537). The authors would like to thank the Swiss-Norwegian beamlines (BM01) at the ESRF, Grenoble, for the help with the data collection, DESY for access to Petra III, at beamline P02.1, and Diamond for access to beamline I11. ; Approved (up) Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:167754 Serial 6645
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Author Kleinhans, K.; Hallemans, M.; Huysveld, S.; Thomassen, G.; Ragaert, K.; Van Geem, K.M.; Roosen, M.; Mys, N.; Dewulf, J.; De Meester, S.
Title Development and application of a predictive modelling approach for household packaging waste flows in sorting facilities Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2021 Publication Waste Management Abbreviated Journal Waste Management
Volume 120 Issue Pages 290-302
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM) ;
Abstract Household packaging waste sorting facilities consist of complex networks of processes to separate diverse waste streams. These facilities are a key first step to re-enter materials into the recycling chain. However, so far there are no general methods to predict the performance of such sorting facilities, i.e.

how efficiently the heterogeneous packaging waste is sorted into fractions with value for further recycling. In this paper, a model of the material flow in a sorting facility is presented, which allows changing the incoming waste composition, split factors on the sorting units as well as the setup of the sorting facility. The performance of the sorting facility is judged based on the purity of the output material (grade) and the recovery of the input material. A validation of the model was performed via a case study on Belgian post-consumer packaging waste with a selection of typical waste items that can be found in this stream. Moreover, the model was used to predict the possible sorting qualities of future Belgian postconsumer packaging waste after an extension of the allowed waste packaging items in the waste stream. Finally, a sensitivity analysis was performed on the split factors, which are a key data source in the model. Overall, the developed model is flexible and able to predict the performance of packaging waste sorting facilities as well as support waste management and design for recycling decisions, including future

design of packaging, to ensure proper sorting and separation.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2020-12-16
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0956053X ISBN Additional Links
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes We would like to thank Indaver (https://www.indaver.com/been/home/), especially Erik Huybrechts, Eric Goddaert, Eline Meyvis and Erik Moerman, for their great support on this research. Furthermore, we would like to acknowledge the help of Colruyt (https://www.colruyt.be/) and CEFLEX (https://ceflex.eu/) for the pre-studies for this research. Moreover, we would like to show our appreciation for the financial support by the Catalisti-ICON project (HBC.2018.0262) MATTER (Mechanical and Thermochemical Recycling of mixed plastic waste) funded by Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship (VLAIO). We also thank the Interreg 2 Seas program PlastiCity that is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund under subsidy contract No. 2S05-021 and the province of East-Flanders for funding this research. Approved (up) Most recent IF: NA
Call Number ENM @ enm @ Serial 6667
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Author Marinov, D.; de Marneffe, J.-F.; Smets, Q.; Arutchelvan, G.; Bal, K.M.; Voronina, E.; Rakhimova, T.; Mankelevich, Y.; El Kazzi, S.; Nalin Mehta, A.; Wyndaele, P.-J.; Heyne, M.H.; Zhang, J.; With, P.C.; Banerjee, S.; Neyts, E.C.; Asselberghs, I.; Lin, D.; De Gendt, S.
Title Reactive plasma cleaning and restoration of transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication npj 2D Materials and Applications Abbreviated Journal npj 2D Mater Appl
Volume 5 Issue 1 Pages 17
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract The cleaning of two-dimensional (2D) materials is an essential step in the fabrication of future devices, leveraging their unique physical, optical, and chemical properties. Part of these emerging 2D materials are transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). So far there is limited understanding of the cleaning of “monolayer” TMD materials. In this study, we report on the use of downstream H<sub>2</sub>plasma to clean the surface of monolayer WS<sub>2</sub>grown by MOCVD. We demonstrate that high-temperature processing is essential, allowing to maximize the removal rate of polymers and to mitigate damage caused to the WS<sub>2</sub>in the form of sulfur vacancies. We show that low temperature in situ carbonyl sulfide (OCS) soak is an efficient way to resulfurize the material, besides high-temperature H<sub>2</sub>S annealing. The cleaning processes and mechanisms elucidated in this work are tested on back-gated field-effect transistors, confirming that transport properties of WS<sub>2</sub>devices can be maintained by the combination of H<sub>2</sub>plasma cleaning and OCS restoration. The low-damage plasma cleaning based on H<sub>2</sub>and OCS is very reproducible, fast (completed in a few minutes) and uses a 300 mm industrial plasma etch system qualified for standard semiconductor pilot production. This process is, therefore, expected to enable the industrial scale-up of 2D-based devices, co-integrated with silicon technology.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000613258900001 Publication Date 2021-01-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2397-7132 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Daniil Marinov has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement No 752164. Ekaterina Voronina, Yuri Mankelevitch, and Tatyana Rakhimova are thankful to the Russian Science Foundation (RSF) for financial support (Grant No. 16-12-10361). This study was carried out using the equipment of the shared research facilities of high-performance computing resources at Lomonosov Moscow State University and the computational resources and services of the HPC core facility CalcUA of the University of Antwerp, and VSC (Flemish Supercomputer Center), funded by the Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO) and the Flemish Government. Patrick With gratefully acknowledges imec’s CTO office for financial support during his stay at imec. The authors thank Mr. Surajit Sutar (imec) for his help during sample electrical characterization, and Patrick Verdonck for lab processing. Jean-François de Marneffe thank Prof. Simone Napolitano from the Free University of Brussels for useful discussions on irreversibly adsorbed polymer layers, and Cédric Huyghebaert (imec) for his continuous support in the framework of the Graphene FET Flagship core project. All authors acknowledge the support of imec’s pilot line and materials characterization and analysis (MCA) group, namely Jonathan Ludwig, Stefanie Sergeant, Thomas Nuytten, Olivier Richard, and Thierry Conard. Finally, Daniil Marinov thank Mikhail Krishtab (imec/KU Leuven) for his help in selecting the optimal plasma etch system for this work. Part of this project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 649953. Approved (up) Most recent IF: NA
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:175871 Serial 6671
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Author Benito Llorens, J.; Embon, L.; Correa, A.; Gonzalez, J.D.; Herrera, E.; Guillamon, I.; Luccas, R.F.; Azpeitia, J.; Mompean, F.J.; Garcia-Hernandez, M.; Munuera, C.; Aragon Sanchez, J.; Fasano, Y.; Milošević, M.V.; Suderow, H.; Anahory, Y.
Title Observation of a gel of quantum vortices in a superconductor at very low magnetic fields Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Physical review research Abbreviated Journal
Volume 2 Issue 1 Pages 013329
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract A gel consists of a network of particles or molecules formed for example using the sol-gel process, by which a solution transforms into a porous solid. Particles or molecules in a gel are mainly organized on a scaffold that makes up a porous system. Quantized vortices in type-II superconductors mostly form spatially homogeneous ordered or amorphous solids. Here we present high-resolution imaging of the vortex lattice displaying dense vortex clusters separated by sparse or entirely vortex-free regions in beta-Bi2Pd superconductor. We find that the intervortex distance diverges upon decreasing the magnetic field and that vortex lattice images follow a multifractal behavior. These properties, characteristic of gels, establish the presence of a novel vortex distribution, distinctly different from the well-studied disordered and glassy phases observed in high-temperature and conventional superconductors. The observed behavior is caused by a scaffold of one-dimensional structural defects with enhanced stress close to the defects. The vortex gel might often occur in type-II superconductors at low magnetic fields. Such vortex distributions should allow to considerably simplify control over vortex positions and manipulation of quantum vortex states.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000602698100008 Publication Date 2020-03-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited 14 Open Access
Notes ; We acknowledge support, discussions and critical reading of the manuscript from Eli Zeldov, who also devised and setup the SOT system. We also acknowledge critical reading and suggestions of Vladimir Kogan and Alexander Buzdin. Work performed in Spain was supported by the MINECO (FIS2017-84330-R, MAT2017-87134-C2-2-R, RYC-2014-16626 and RYC-2014-15093) and by the Region of Madrid through programs NANOFRONTMAG-CM (S2013/MIT-2850) and MAD2D-CM (S2013/ MIT-3007). The SEGAINVEX at UAM is also acknowledged as well as PEOPLE, Graphene Flagship, NMP programs of EU (Grant Agreements FP7-PEOPLE-2013-CIG 618321, 604391 and AMPHIBIAN H2020-NMBP-03-2016 NMP3-SL 2012-310516). Work in Israel was supported by the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (Grant No. 802952). Y.F. acknowledges the support of grant PICT 2017-2182 from the ANPCyT. R.F.L. acknowledges the support of grant PICT 2017-2898 from the ANPCyT. E.H. acknowledges support of Departamento Administrativo de Ciencia, Tecnologia e Innovacion, COLCIENCIAS (Colombia) Programa de estancias Postdoctorales convocatoria 784-2017 and the Cluster de investigacin en ciencias y tecnologas convergentes de la Universidad Central (Colombia). I.G. was supported by the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (Grant No. 679080). M.V.M. acknowledges support from Research FoundationFlanders (FWO). The international collaboration on this work was fostered by the EU-COST Action CA16218 Nanoscale Coherent Hybrid Devices for Superconducting Quantum Technologies (NANOCOHYBRI). J.D.G. and M.V.M. gratefully acknowledge support from the Research Fund (FONCIENCIAS) of Universidad del Magdalena. ; Approved (up) Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:175138 Serial 6694
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Author Yagmurcukardes, M.
Title Stable anisotropic single-layer of ReTe₂ : a first principles prediction Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Turkish Journal of Physics Abbreviated Journal
Volume 44 Issue 5 Pages 450-457
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract In order to investigate the structural, vibrational, electronic, and mechanical features of single-layer ReTe2 first-principles calculations are performed. Dynamical stability analyses reveal that single-layer ReTe2 crystallize in a distorted phase while its 1H and 1T phases are dynamically unstable. Raman spectrum calculations show that single-layer distorted phase of ReTe2 exhibits 18 Raman peaks similar to those of ReS2 and ReSe2. Electronically, single-layer ReTe2 is shown to be an indirect gap semiconductor with a suitable band gap for optoelectronic applications. In addition, it is found that the formation of Re-units in the crystal induces anisotropic mechanical parameters. The in-plane stiffness and Poisson ratio are shown to be significantly dependent on the lattice orientation. Our findings indicate that single-layer form of ReTe2 can only crystallize in a dynamically stable distorted phase formed by the Re-units. Single-layer of distorted ReTe2 can be a potential in-plane anisotropic material for various nanotechnology applications.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000585330600004 Publication Date 2020-09-20
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1300-0101 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes ; Computational resources were provided by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) Turkish Academic Network and Information Center (ULAKBIM), High Performance and Grid Computing Center (TR-Grid e-Infrastructure) and by Flemish Supercomputer Center (VSC). This work was supported by the Flemish Science Foundation (FWO-Vl) by a postdoctoral fellowship (M.Y.). ; Approved (up) Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:174296 Serial 6698
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Author Kamminga, M.E.; Batuk, M.; Hadermann, J.; Clarke, S.J.
Title Misfit phase (BiSe)1.10NbSe2 as the origin of superconductivity in niobium-doped bismuth selenide Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Communications Materials Abbreviated Journal Commun Mater
Volume 1 Issue 1 Pages 82
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Topological superconductivity is of great contemporary interest and has been proposed in doped Bi<sub>2</sub>Se<sub>3</sub>, in which electron-donating atoms such as Cu, Sr or Nb have been intercalated into the Bi<sub>2</sub>Se<sub>3</sub>structure. For Nb<sub><italic>x</italic></sub>Bi<sub>2</sub>Se<sub>3</sub>, with<italic>T</italic><sub>c</sub> ~ 3 K, it is assumed in the literature that Nb is inserted in the van der Waals gap. However, in this work an alternative origin for the superconductivity in Nb-doped Bi<sub>2</sub>Se<sub>3</sub>is established. In contrast to previous reports, it is deduced that Nb intercalation in Bi<sub>2</sub>Se<sub>3</sub>does not take place. Instead, the superconducting behaviour in samples of nominal composition Nb<sub><italic>x</italic></sub>Bi<sub>2</sub>Se<sub>3</sub>results from the (BiSe)<sub>1.10</sub>NbSe<sub>2</sub>misfit phase that is present in the sample as an impurity phase for small<italic>x</italic>(0.01 ≤ <italic>x</italic> ≤ 0.10) and as a main phase for large<italic>x</italic>(<italic>x</italic> = 0.50). The structure of this misfit phase is studied in detail using a combination of X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy techniques.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000610580800001 Publication Date 2020-11-10
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2662-4443 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes M.E.K. was supported by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO, grant code 019.181EN.003). We also acknowledge support from the EPSRC (EP/ R042594/1, EP/P018874/1, EP/M020517/1) and the Leverhulme Trust (RPG-2018-377). J.H. acknowledges support from the University of Antwerp through BOF Grant No. 31445. We thank DLS Ltd for beam time (EE18786), Dr Clare Murray for assistance on I11 and Dr Jon Wade from the Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford for performing the SEM measurements. We also thank Dr Michal Dušak and Dr Václav Petřiček for their advice concerning the use of the Jana2006 software. Approved (up) Most recent IF: NA
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:176116 Serial 6705
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Author Lin, A.; Razzokov, J.; Verswyvel, H.; Privat-Maldonado, A.; De Backer, J.; Yusupov, M.; Cardenas De La Hoz, E.; Ponsaerts, P.; Smits, E.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Oxidation of Innate Immune Checkpoint CD47 on Cancer Cells with Non-Thermal Plasma Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Cancers Abbreviated Journal Cancers
Volume 13 Issue 3 Pages 579
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Laboratory for Experimental Hematology (LEH); Center for Oncological Research (CORE)
Abstract Non-thermal plasma (NTP) therapy has been emerging as a promising cancer treatment strategy, and recently, its ability to locally induce immunogenic cancer cell death is being unraveled. We hypothesized that the chemical species produced by NTP reduce immunosuppressive surface proteins and checkpoints that are overexpressed on cancerous cells. Here, 3D in vitro tumor models, an in vivo mouse model, and molecular dynamics simulations are used to investigate the effect of NTP on CD47, a key innate immune checkpoint. CD47 is immediately modulated after NTP treatment and simulations reveal the potential oxidized salt-bridges responsible for conformational changes. Umbrella sampling simulations of CD47 with its receptor, signal-regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα), demonstrate that the induced-conformational changes reduce its binding affinity. Taken together, this work provides new insight into fundamental, chemical NTP-cancer cell interaction mechanisms and a previously overlooked advantage of present NTP cancer therapy: reducing immunosuppressive signals on the surface of cancer cells.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000614960600001 Publication Date 2021-02-02
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2072-6694 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes We thank Erik Fransen (University of Antwerp; Antwerp, Belgium) for his help and guidance on the statistical analysis. Approved (up) Most recent IF: NA
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:176455 Serial 6709
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Author Zhao, H.; Li, C.-F.; Yong, X.; Kumar, P.; Palma, B.; Hu, Z.-Y.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Siahrostami, S.; Larter, S.; Zheng, D.; Wang, S.; Chen, Z.; Kibria, M.G.; Hu, J.
Title Coproduction of hydrogen and lactic acid from glucose photocatalysis on band-engineered Zn1-xCdxS homojunction Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication iScience Abbreviated Journal
Volume 24 Issue 2 Pages 102109
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Photocatalytic transformation of biomass into value-added chemicals coupled with co-production of hydrogen provides an explicit route to trap sunlight into the chemical bonds. Here, we demonstrate a rational design of Zn1-xCdxS solidsolution homojunction photocatalyst with a pseudo-periodic cubic zinc blende (ZB) and hexagonal wurtzite (WZ) structure for efficient glucose conversion to simultaneously produce hydrogen and lactic acid. The optimized Zn0.6Cd0.4S catalyst consists of a twinning superlattice, has a tuned bandgap, and displays excellent efficiency with respect to hydrogen generation (690 +/- 27.6 mu mol.h(-1).g(cat).(-1)), glucose conversion (similar to 90%), and lactic acid selectivity (similar to 87%) without any co-catalyst under visible light irradiation. The periodic WZ/ZB phase in twinning superlattice facilitates better charge separation, while superoxide radical (center dot O-2(-)) and photogenerated holes drive the glucose transformation and water oxidation reactions, respectively. This work demonstrates that rational photocatalyst design could realize an efficient and concomitant production of hydrogen and value-added chemicals from glucose photocatalysis.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000621266700080 Publication Date 2021-01-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2589-0042 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved (up) Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:176744 Serial 6720
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Author Ding, L.; Jidkova, S.; Greuter, M.J.W.; Van Herck, K.; Goossens, M.; Martens, P.; de Bock, G.H.; Van Hal, G.
Title Coverage determinants of breast cancer screening in Flanders : an evaluation of the past decade Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication International journal for equity in health Abbreviated Journal
Volume 19 Issue 1 Pages 212
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Social Epidemiology & Health Policy (SEHPO)
Abstract Background Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women in the developed world. In order to find developing cancers in an early stage, BC screening is commonly used. In Flanders, screening is performed in and outside an organized breast cancer screening program (BCSP). However, the determinants of BC screening coverage for both screening strategies are yet unknown. Objective To assess the determinants of BC screening coverage in Flanders. Methods Reimbursement data were used to attribute a screening status to each woman in the target population for the years 2008-2016. Yearly coverage data were categorized as screening inside or outside BCSP or no screening. Data were clustered by municipality level. A generalized linear equation model was used to assess the determinants of screening type. Results Over all years and municipalities, the median screening coverage rate inside and outside BCSP was 48.40% (IQR: 41.50-54.40%) and 14.10% (IQR: 9.80-19.80%) respectively. A higher coverage rate outside BSCP was statistically significantly (P < 0.001) associated with more crowded households (OR: 3.797, 95% CI: 3.199-4.508), younger age, higher population densities (OR: 2.528, 95% CI: 2.455-2.606), a lower proportion of unemployed job seekers (OR: 0.641, 95% CI: 0.624-0.658) and lower use of dental care (OR: 0.969, 95% CI: 0.967-0.972). Conclusion Coverage rate of BC screening is not optimal in Flanders. Women with low SES that are characterized by younger age, living in a high population density area, living in crowded households, or having low dental care are less likely to be screened for BC in Flanders. If screened, they are more likely to be screened outside the BCSP.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000595753100002 Publication Date 2020-11-27
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved (up) Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:174374 Serial 6721
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Author Herzog, M.J.; Gauquelin, N.; Esken, D.; Verbeeck, J.; Janek, J.
Title Facile dry coating method of high-nickel cathode material by nanostructured fumed alumina (Al2O3) improving the performance of lithium-ion batteries Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Energy technology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 9 Issue 4 Pages 2100028
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Surface coating is a crucial method to mitigate the aging problem of high-Ni cathode active materials (CAMs). By avoiding the direct contact of the CAM and the electrolyte, side reactions are hindered. Commonly used techniques like wet or ALD coating are time consuming and costly. Therefore, a more cost-effective coating technique is desirable. Herein, a facile and fast dry powder coating process for CAMs with nanostructured fumed metal oxides are reported. As the model case, the coating of high-Ni NMC (LiNi0.7Mn0.15Co0.15O2) by nanostructured fumed Al2O3 is investigated. A high coverage of the CAM surface with an almost continuous coating layer is achieved, still showing some porosity. Electrochemical evaluation shows a significant increase in capacity retention, cycle life and rate performance of the coated NMC material. The coating layer protects the surface of the CAM successfully and prevents side reactions, resulting in reduced solid electrolyte interface (SEI) formation and charge transfer impedance during cycling. A mechanism on how the coating layer enhances the cycling performance is hypothesized. The stable coating layer effectively prevents crack formation and particle disintegration of the NMC. In depth analysis indicates partial formation of LixAl2O3/LiAlO2 in the coating layer during cycling, enhancing lithium ion diffusivity and thus, also the rate performance.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000621000700001 Publication Date 2021-01-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2194-4296; 2194-4288 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited 25 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes The authors would like to thank Erik Peldszus and Steve Rienecker for the support with scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. The Qu-Ant-EM microscope and the direct electron detector were partly funded by the Hercules fund from the Flemish Government. N.G. and J.V. acknowledge funding from GOA project “Solarpaint” of the University of Antwerp. Funding from the Flemish Research Fund (FWO) project G0F1320N is acknowledged.; Open access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL. Approved (up) Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:176670 Serial 6724
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Author Sun, M.-H.; Zhou, J.; Hu, Z.-Y.; Chen, L.-H.; Li, L.-Y.; Wang, Y.-D.; Xie, Z.-K.; Turner, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Hasan, T.; Su, B.-L.
Title Hierarchical zeolite single-crystal reactor for excellent catalytic efficiency Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Matter Abbreviated Journal
Volume 3 Issue 4 Pages 1226-1245
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract As a size- and shape-selective catalyst, zeolites are widely used in petroleum and fine-chemicals processing. However, their small micropores severely hinder molecular diffusion and are sensitive to coke formation. Hierarchically porous zeolite single crystals with fully interconnected, ordered, and tunable multimodal porosity at macro-, meso-, and microlength scale, like in leaves, offer the ideal solution. However, their synthesis remains highly challenging. Here, we report a versatile confined zeolite crystallization process to achieve these superior properties. Such zeolite single crystals lead to significantly improved mass transport properties by shortening the diffusion length while maintaining shape-selective properties, endowing them with a high efficiency of zeolite crystals, enhanced catalytic activities and lifetime, highly reduced coke formation, and reduced deactivation rate in bulky-molecule reactions and methanol-to-olefins process. Their industrial utilization can lead to the design of innovative and intensified reactors and processes with highly enhanced efficiency and minimum energy consumption.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000581132600021 Publication Date 2020-08-12
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved (up) Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:174329 Serial 6727
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Author Xia, C.; Pedrazo-Tardajos, A.; Wang, D.; Meeldijk, J.D.; Gerritsen, H.C.; Bals, S.; de Donega, C.M.
Title Seeded growth combined with cation exchange for the synthesis of anisotropic Cu2-xS/ZnS, Cu2-xS, and CuInS2 nanorods Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal
Volume 33 Issue 1 Pages 102-116
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Colloidal copper(I) sulfide (Cu2-xS) nanocrystals (NCs) have attracted much attention for a wide range of applications because of their unique optoelectronic properties, driving scientists to explore the potential of using Cu2-xS NCs as seeds in the synthesis of heteronanocrystals to achieve new multifunctional materials. Herein, we developed a multistep synthesis strategy toward Cu2-xS/ZnS heteronanorods. The Janus-type Cu2-xS/ZnS heteronanorods are obtained by the injection of hexagonal high-chalcocite Cu2-xS seed NCs in a hot zinc oleate solution in the presence of suitable surfactants, 20 s after the injection of sulfur precursors. The Cu2-xS seed NCs undergo rapid aggregation and coalescence in the first few seconds after the injection, forming larger NCs that act as the effective seeds for heteronucleation and growth of ZnS. The ZnS heteronucleation occurs on a single (100) facet of the Cu2-xS seed NCs and is followed by fast anisotropic growth along a direction that is perpendicular to the c-axis, thus leading to Cu2-xS/ZnS Janus-type heteronanorods with a sharp heterointerface. Interestingly, the high-chalcocite crystal structure of the injected Cu2-xS seed NCs is preserved in the Cu2-xS segments of the heteronanorods because of the highthermodynamic stability of this Cu2-xS phase. The Cu2-xS/ZnS heteronanorods are subsequently converted into single-component Cu2-xS and CuInS2 nanorods by postsynthetic topotactic cation exchange. This work expands the possibilities for the rational synthesis of colloidal multicomponent heteronanorods by allowing the design principles of postsynthetic heteroepitaxial seeded growth and nanoscale cation exchange to be combined, yielding access to a plethora of multicomponent heteronanorods with diameters in the quantum confinement regime.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000610984700009 Publication Date 2020-12-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited 10 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes C.X. acknowledges China Scholarship Council (CSC) for the financial support (grant number 201406330055). C.d.M.D. acknowledges funding from the European Commission for access to the EMAT facilities (grant number EUSMI E180900184). D.W. acknowledges an Individual Fellowship funded by the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) in Horizon 2020 program (grant 894254 SuprAtom). S.B. acknowledges support by means of the ERC Consolidator grant no. 815128 REALNANO. The authors thank Donglong Fu for XRD measurements.; sygma Approved (up) Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:176587 Serial 6732
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Author Herzog, M.J.; Gauquelin, N.; Esken, D.; Verbeeck, J.; Janek, J.
Title Increased Performance Improvement of Lithium-Ion Batteries by Dry Powder Coating of High-Nickel NMC with Nanostructured Fumed Ternary Lithium Metal Oxides Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication ACS applied energy materials Abbreviated Journal ACS Appl. Energy Mater.
Volume 4 Issue 9 Pages 8832-8848
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Dry powder coating is an effective approach to protect the surfaces of layered cathode active materials (CAMs) in lithium-ion batteries. Previous investigations indicate an incorporation of lithium ions in fumed Al2O3, ZrO2, and TiO2 coatings on LiNi0.7Mn0.15Co0.15O2 during cycling, improving the cycling performance. Here, this coating approach is transferred for the first time to fumed ternary LiAlO2, Li4Zr3O8, and Li4Ti5O12 and directly compared with their lithium-free equivalents. All materials could be processed equally and their nanostructured small aggregates accumulate on the CAM surfaces to quite homogeneous coating layers with a certain porosity. The LiNixMnyCozO2 (NMC) coated with lithium-containing materials shows an enhanced improvement in overall capacity, capacity retention, rate performance, and polarization behavior during cycling, compared to their lithium-free analogues. The highest rate performance was achieved with the fumed ZrO2 coating, while the best long-term cycling stability with the highest absolute capacity was obtained for the fumed LiAlO2-coated NMC. The optimal coating agent for NMC to achieve a balanced system is fumed Li4Ti5O12, providing a good compromise between high rate capability and good capacity retention. The coating agents prevent CAM particle cracking and degradation in the order LiAlO2 ≈ Al2O3 > Li4Ti5O12 > Li4Zr3O8 > ZrO2 > TiO2. A schematic model for the protection and electrochemical performance enhancement of high-nickel NMC with fumed metal oxide coatings is sketched. It becomes apparent that physical and chemical characteristics of the coating significantly influence the performance of NMC. A high degree of coating-layer porosity is favorable for the rate capability, while a high coverage of the surface, especially in vulnerable grain boundaries, enhances the long-term cycling stability and improves the cracking behavior of NMCs. While zirconium-containing coatings possess the best chemical properties for high rate performances, aluminum-containing coatings feature a superior chemical nature to protect high-nickel NMCs.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000703338600018 Publication Date 2021-09-27
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2574-0962 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited 15 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes For his support in scanning electron microscopy analysis, the authors thank Erik Peldszus. N. G. and J. V. acknowledge funding from GOA project “Solarpaint” of the University of Antwerp and from the Flemish Research Fund (FWO) project G0F1320N. The Qu-Ant-EM microscope and the direct electron detector were partly funded by the Hercules fund from the Flemish Government Approved (up) Most recent IF: NA
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:183949 Serial 6823
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Author Van Loenhout, J.; Freire Boullosa, L.; Quatannens, D.; De Waele, J.; Merlin, C.; Lambrechts, H.; Lau, H.W.; Hermans, C.; Lin, A.; Lardon, F.; Peeters, M.; Bogaerts, A.; Smits, E.; Deben, C.
Title Auranofin and Cold Atmospheric Plasma Synergize to Trigger Distinct Cell Death Mechanisms and Immunogenic Responses in Glioblastoma Type A1 Journal Article;oxidative stress
Year 2021 Publication Cells Abbreviated Journal Cells
Volume 10 Issue 11 Pages 2936
Keywords A1 Journal Article;oxidative stress; auranofin; cold atmospheric plasma; glioblastoma; cancer cell death; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Abstract Targeting the redox balance of malignant cells via the delivery of high oxidative stress unlocks a potential therapeutic strategy against glioblastoma (GBM). We investigated a novel reactive oxygen species (ROS)-inducing combination treatment strategy, by increasing exogenous ROS via cold atmospheric plasma and inhibiting the endogenous protective antioxidant system via auranofin (AF), a thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR) inhibitor. The sequential combination treatment of AF and cold atmospheric plasma-treated PBS (pPBS), or AF and direct plasma application, resulted in a synergistic response in 2D and 3D GBM cell cultures, respectively. Differences in the baseline protein levels related to the antioxidant systems explained the cell-line-dependent sensitivity towards the combination treatment. The highest decrease of TrxR activity and GSH levels was observed after combination treatment of AF and pPBS when compared to AF and pPBS monotherapies. This combination also led to the highest accumulation of intracellular ROS. We confirmed a ROS-mediated response to the combination of AF and pPBS, which was able to induce distinct cell death mechanisms. On the one hand, an increase in caspase-3/7 activity, with an increase in the proportion of annexin V positive cells, indicates the induction of apoptosis in the GBM cells. On the other hand, lipid peroxidation and inhibition of cell death through an iron chelator suggest the involvement of ferroptosis in the GBM cell lines. Both cell death mechanisms induced by the combination of AF and pPBS resulted in a significant increase in danger signals (ecto-calreticulin, ATP and HMGB1) and dendritic cell maturation, indicating a potential increase in immunogenicity, although the phagocytotic capacity of dendritic cells was inhibited by AF. In vivo, sequential combination treatment of AF and cold atmospheric plasma both reduced tumor growth kinetics and prolonged survival in GBM-bearing mice. Thus, our study provides a novel therapeutic strategy for GBM to enhance the efficacy of oxidative stress-inducing therapy through a combination of AF and cold atmospheric plasma.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000807134000001 Publication Date 2021-10-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2073-4409 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Olivia Hendrickx Research Fund, 21OCL06 ; University of Antwerp, FFB160231 ; The authors would express their gratitude to Hans de Reu for technical assistance with flow cytometry. Approved (up) Most recent IF: NA
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:182915 Serial 6826
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Author Skorikov, A.; Heyvaert, W.; Albrecht, W.; Pelt, D.M.; Bals, S.
Title EMAT Simulated 3D Nanoparticle Structures Dataset Type Dataset
Year 2021 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords Dataset; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract This dataset contains 1000 simulated nanoparticle-like 3D structures and noisy EDX-like elemental maps based on them. These data are intended to be used for quantitative analysis of data processing methods in (EDX) tomography of nanoparticles and training the data-driven approaches for these tasks. The dataset is structured as follows: voxel_data/clean 3D voxel grid representation of the simulated nanoparticles. Voxel intensities are adjusted so that the total intensity equals 103. All 3D structures have unique identifiers in 0..999 range. The data derived from a 3D structure preserves this unique identifier. sinograms/clean Tilt series of projection images obtained from the corresponding 3D structures over an angular range of -75..75 degrees with a tilt step of 10 degrees to simulate a typical tilt series used in EDX tomography. Total intensity in each projection image equals 103. sinograms/noisy Tilt series of projection images corrupted with Poisson noise and an additional spatially uniform background noise. projections/clean Projection images extracted from the clean tilt series at 0 degrees tilt angle. projections/noisy Projection images extracted from the noisy tilt series at 0 degrees tilt angle. images/clean Visualizations of the clean projections as PNG images with the intensity range adjusted to 0..255 images/noisy Visualizations of the noisy projections as PNG images with the intensity range adjusted to 0..255
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 Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved (up) Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:180615 Serial 6838
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Author Abakumov, A.M.; Li, C.; Boev, A.; Aksyonov, D.A.; Savina, A.A.; Abakumova, T.A.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Bals, S.
Title Grain boundaries as a diffusion-limiting factor in lithium-rich NMC cathodes for high-energy lithium-ion batteries Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication ACS applied energy materials Abbreviated Journal
Volume 4 Issue 7 Pages 6777-6786
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract High-energy lithium-rich layered transition metal oxides are capable of delivering record electrochemical capacity and energy density as positive electrodes for Li-ion batteries. Their electrochemical behavior is extremely complex due to sophisticated interplay between crystal structure, electronic structure, and defect structure. Here we unravel an extra level of this complexity by revealing that the most typical representative Li1.2Ni0.13Mn0.54Co0.13O2 material, prepared by a conventional coprecipitation technique with Na2CO3 as a precipitating agent, contains abundant coherent (001) grain boundaries with a Na-enriched P2-structured block due to segregation of the residual sodium traces. The trigonal prismatic oxygen coordination of Na triggers multiple nanoscale twinning, giving rise to incoherent (104) boundaries. The cationic layers at the (001) grain boundaries are filled with transition metal cations being Mn-depleted and Co-enriched; this makes them virtually not permeable for the Li+ cations, and therefore they negatively influence the Li diffusion in and out of the spherical agglomerates. These results demonstrate that besides the mechanisms intrinsic to the crystal and electronic structure of Li-rich cathodes, their rate capability might also be depreciated by peculiar microstructural aspects. Dedicated engineering of grain boundaries opens a way for improving inherently sluggish kinetics of these materials.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000678382900042 Publication Date 2021-07-02
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2574-0962 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited 4 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes We thank Dr. M. V. Berekchiian (MSU) for assisting in ICPMS measurements. We acknowledge Russian Science Foundation (Grant 20-43-01012) and Research Foundation Flanders (FWO Vlaanderen, Project No. G0F1320N) for financial support. Approved (up) Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:180556 Serial 6841
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Author Zhang, Z.; Bourgeois, L.; Zhang, Y.; Rosalie, J.M.; Medhekar, N.
Title Advanced imaging and simulations of precipitate interfaces in aluminium alloys and their role in phase transformations Type P1 Proceeding
Year 2020 Publication MATEC web of conferences T2 – 17th International Conference on Aluminium Alloys (ICAA), October 26-29, 2020 Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 09003
Keywords P1 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Precipitation is accompanied by the formation and migration of heterophase interfaces. Using the combined approach of advanced imaging and atomistic simulations, we studied the precipitate-matrix interfaces in various aluminium alloy systems, aiming to resolve their detailed atomic structures and illuminate their role in phase transformations.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000652552200053 Publication Date 2020-11-05
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume 326 Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2261-236x; 2274-7214 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved (up) Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179147 Serial 6851
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Author Psilodimitrakopoulos, S.; Orekhov, A.; Mouchliadis, L.; Jannis, D.; Maragkakis, G.M.; Kourmoulakis, G.; Gauquelin, N.; Kioseoglou, G.; Verbeeck, J.; Stratakis, E.
Title Optical versus electron diffraction imaging of Twist-angle in 2D transition metal dichalcogenide bilayers Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication npj 2D Materials and Applications Abbreviated Journal
Volume 5 Issue 1 Pages 77
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Atomically thin two-dimensional (2D) materials can be vertically stacked with van der Waals bonds, which enable interlayer coupling. In the particular case of transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) bilayers, the relative direction between the two monolayers, coined as twist-angle, modifies the crystal symmetry and creates a superlattice with exciting properties. Here, we demonstrate an all-optical method for pixel-by-pixel mapping of the twist-angle with a resolution of 0.55(degrees), via polarization-resolved second harmonic generation (P-SHG) microscopy and we compare it with four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D STEM). It is found that the twist-angle imaging of WS2 bilayers, using the P-SHG technique is in excellent agreement with that obtained using electron diffraction. The main advantages of the optical approach are that the characterization is performed on the same substrate that the device is created on and that it is three orders of magnitude faster than the 4D STEM. We envisage that the optical P-SHG imaging could become the gold standard for the quality examination of TMD superlattice-based devices.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000694849200001 Publication Date 2021-09-09
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2397-7132 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited 4 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This research has been co-financed by the European Union and Greek national funds through the Operational Program Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, under the call European R & T Cooperation-Grant Act of Hellenic Institutions that have successfully participated in Joint Calls for Proposals of European Networks ERA NETS (National project code: GRAPH-EYE T8 Epsilon Rho Alpha 2-00009 and European code: 26632, FLAGERA). L.M., G.Ko. and G.Ki. acknowledge funding by the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation (H.F.R.I.) under the “First Call for H.F.R.I. Research Projects to support Faculty members and Researchers and the procurement of high-cost research equipment grant” (Project No: HFRI-FM17-3034). GKi, S.P. and G.M.M. acknowledge funding from a research co-financed by Greece and the European Union (European Social Fund-ESF) through the Operational Programme “Human Resources Development, Education and Lifelong Learning 2014-2020” in the context of the project “Crystal quality control of two-dimensional materials and their heterostructures via imaging of their non-linear optical properties” (MIS 5050340)“. J.V acknowledges funding from FWO G093417N ('Compressed sensing enabling low dose imaging in transmission electron microscopy') from the Flanders Research Fund, EU. J.V. and N.G. acknowledge funding from the European Union under the Horizon 2020 programme within a contract for Integrating Activities for Advanced Communities No 823717-ESTEEM3. J.V. N.G. and A.O. acknowledge funding through a GOA project ”Solarpaint" of the University of Antwerp. Approved (up) Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:181610 Serial 6877
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Author Mallick, S.; Khalsa, G.; Kaaret, J.Z.; Zhang, W.; Batuk, M.; Gibbs, A.S.; Hadermann, J.; Halasyamani, P.S.; Benedek, N.A.; Hayward, M.A.
Title The influence of the 6s² configuration of Bi³+ on the structures of A ' BiNb₂O₇ (A ' = Rb, Na, Li) layered perovskite oxides Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Journal of the Chemical Society : Dalton transactions Abbreviated Journal
Volume 50 Issue 42 Pages 15359-15369
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Solid state compounds which exhibit non-centrosymmetric crystal structures are of great interest due to the physical properties they can exhibit. The 'hybrid improper' mechanism – in which two non-polar distortion modes couple to, and stabilize, a further polar distortion mode, yielding an acentric crystal structure – offers opportunities to prepare a range of novel non-centrosymmetric solids, but examples of compounds exhibiting acentric crystal structures stabilized by this mechanism are still relatively rare. Here we describe a series of bismuth-containing layered perovskite oxide phases, RbBiNb2O7, LiBiNb2O7 and NaBiNb2O7, which have structural frameworks compatible with hybrid-improper ferroelectricity, but also contain Bi3+ cations which are often observed to stabilize acentric crystal structures due to their 6s(2) electronic configurations. Neutron powder diffraction analysis reveals that RbBiNb2O7 and LiBiNb2O7 adopt polar crystal structures (space groups I2cm and B2cm respectively), compatible with stabilization by a trilinear coupling of non-polar and polar modes. The Bi3+ cations present are observed to enhance the magnitude of the polar distortions of these phases, but are not the primary driver for the acentric structure, as evidenced by the observation that replacing the Bi3+ cations with Nd3+ cations does not change the structural symmetry of the compounds. In contrast the non-centrosymmetric, but non-polar structure of NaBiNb2O7 (space group P2(1)2(1)2(1)) differs significantly from the centrosymmetric structure of NaNdNb2O7, which is attributed to a second-order Jahn-Teller distortion associated with the presence of the Bi3+ cations.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000706651100001 Publication Date 2021-10-05
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1477-9234 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved (up) Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:182584 Serial 6893
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Author Lezaack, M.B.; Hannard, F.; Zhao, L.; Orekhov, A.; Adrien, J.; Miettinen, A.; Idrissi, H.; Simar, A.
Title Towards ductilization of high strength 7XXX aluminium alloys via microstructural modifications obtained by friction stir processing and heat treatments Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Materialia Abbreviated Journal
Volume 20 Issue Pages 101248
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract High strength 7XXX aluminium series reach exceptional strength, higher than all other industrial aluminium alloys. However, they suffer from a lack of ductility compared to softer series. This work presents a procedure to improve the ductility of 7475 Al alloy in high strength condition, reaching a true fracture strain of 70% at full 500 MPa T6 yield strength. Using friction stir processing (FSP) and post-FSP heat treatments, 100% of industrial rolled material T6 yield stress is maintained but a 180% increase in fracture strain is measured for the processed material. This ductility improvement is studied by in-situ synchrotron X-ray tomography and is explained by the reduction of intermetallic particles size and the homogenization of their spatial distribution. Furthermore, the microstructure after FSP shows equiaxed refined grains which favour crack deviation as opposed to large cracks parallel to the elongated coarse grains in rolled plate. These results are paving the way to better formability and crashworthiness of 7XXX alloys.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000718127100006 Publication Date 2021-10-19
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2589-1529 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved (up) Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:184145 Serial 6894
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Author Lavor, I.R.; da Costa, D.R.; Covaci, L.; Milošević, M.V.; Peeters, F.M.; Chaves, A.
Title Zitterbewegung of moiré excitons in twisted MoS₂/WSe₂ heterobilayers Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Physical review letters Abbreviated Journal
Volume 127 Issue 10 Pages 106801
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract The moire pattern observed in stacked noncommensurate crystal lattices, such as heterobilayers of transition metal dichalcogenides, produces a periodic modulation of their band gap. Excitons subjected to this potential landscape exhibit a band structure that gives rise to a quasiparticle dubbed the moire exciton. In the case of MoS2/WSe2 heterobilayers, the moire trapping potential has honeycomb symmetry and, consequently, the moire exciton band structure is the same as that of a Dirac-Weyl fermion, whose mass can be further tuned down to zero with a perpendicularly applied field. Here we show that, analogously to other Dirac-like particles, the moire exciton exhibits a trembling motion, also known as Zitterbewegung, whose long timescales are compatible with current experimental techniques for exciton dynamics. This promotes the study of the dynamics of moire excitons in van der Waals heterostructures as an advantageous solid-state platform to probe Zitterbewegung, broadly tunable by gating and interlayer twist angle.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000692200800020 Publication Date 2021-08-31
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1079-7114 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited 5 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved (up) Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:181599 Serial 6896
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Author Zheng, Y.-R.; Vernieres, J.; Wang, Z.; Zhang, K.; Hochfilzer, D.; Krempl, K.; Liao, T.-W.; Presel, F.; Altantzis, T.; Fatermans, J.; Scott, S.B.; Secher, N.M.; Moon, C.; Liu, P.; Bals, S.; Van Aert, S.; Cao, A.; Anand, M.; Nørskov, J.K.; Kibsgaard, J.; Chorkendorff, I.
Title Monitoring oxygen production on mass-selected iridium–tantalum oxide electrocatalysts Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Nature Energy Abbreviated Journal Nat Energy
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
Abstract Development of low-cost and high-performance oxygen evolution reaction catalysts is key to implementing polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolyzers for hydrogen production. Iridium-based oxides are the state-of-the-art acidic oxygen evolution reactio catalysts but still suffer from inadequate activity and stability, and iridium's scarcity motivates the discovery of catalysts with lower iridium loadings. Here we report a mass-selected iridium-tantalum oxide catalyst prepared by a magnetron-based cluster source with considerably reduced noble-metal loadings beyond a commercial IrO2 catalyst. A sensitive electrochemistry/mass-spectrometry instrument coupled with isotope labelling was employed to investigate the oxygen production rate under dynamic operating conditions to account for the occurrence of side reactions and quantify the number of surface active sites. Iridium-tantalum oxide nanoparticles smaller than 2 nm exhibit a mass activity of 1.2 ± 0.5 kA “g” _“Ir” ^“-1” and a turnover frequency of 2.3 ± 0.9 s-1 at 320 mV overpotential, which are two and four times higher than those of mass-selected IrO2, respectively. Density functional theory calculations reveal that special iridium coordinations and the lowered aqueous decomposition free energy might be responsible for the enhanced performance.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000728458000001 Publication Date 2021-12-09
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2058-7546 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited 95 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Y.-R.Z. and Z.W acknowledge funding from the Toyota Research Institute. This project has received funding from VILLUM FONDEN (grant no. 9455) and the European Research Council under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grants no. 741860-CLUNATRA, no. 815128−REALNANO and no. 770887−PICOMETRICS). S.B. and S.V.A. acknowledge funding from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, G026718N and G050218N). T.A. acknowledges the University of Antwerp Research Fund (BOF). STEM measurements were supported by the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research Infrastructure-Integrating Activities for Advanced Communities under grant agreement No 823717 – ESTEEM3.; sygmaSB Approved (up) Most recent IF: NA
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:184794 Serial 6903
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Author Laroussi, M.; Bekeschus, S.; Keidar, M.; Bogaerts, A.; Fridman, A.; Lu, X.; Ostrikov, K.; Hori, M.; Stapelmann, K.; Miller, V.; Reuter, S.; Laux, C.; Mesbah, A.; Walsh, J.; Jiang, C.; Thagard, S.M.; Tanaka, H.; Liu, D.; Yan, D.; Yusupov, M.
Title Low-Temperature Plasma for Biology, Hygiene, and Medicine: Perspective and Roadmap Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication IEEE transactions on radiation and plasma medical sciences Abbreviated Journal IEEE Trans. Radiat. Plasma Med. Sci.
Volume 6 Issue 2 Pages 127-157
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Plasma, the fourth and most pervasive state of matter in the visible universe, is a fascinating medium that is connected to the beginning of our universe itself. Man-made plasmas are at the core of many technological advances that include the fabrication of semiconductor devices, which enabled the modern computer and communication revolutions. The introduction of low temperature, atmospheric pressure plasmas to the biomedical field has ushered a new revolution in the healthcare arena that promises to introduce plasma-based therapies to combat some thorny and long-standing medical challenges. This article presents an overview of where research is at today and discusses innovative concepts and approaches to overcome present challenges and take the field to the next level. It is written by a team of experts who took an in-depth look at the various applications of plasma in hygiene, decontamination, and medicine, made critical analysis, and proposed ideas and concepts that should help the research community focus their efforts on clear and practical steps necessary to keep the field advancing for decades to come.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000750257400005 Publication Date 2021-12-14
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2469-7311 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Research Foundation—Flanders, 1200219N ; Approved (up) Most recent IF: NA
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:185875 Serial 6907
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Author Peeters, M.
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.
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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 (up) Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:183415 Serial 6912
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Author Chekol Zewdie, M.; Moretti, M.; Tenessa, D.B.; Ayele, Z.A.; Nyssen, J.; Tsegaye, E.A.; Minale, A.S.; Van Passel, S.
Title Agricultural technical efficiency of smallholder farmers in Ethiopia : a stochastic frontier approach Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Land Abbreviated Journal
Volume 10 Issue 3 Pages 246
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract In the past decade, to improve crop production and productivity, Ethiopia has embarked on an ambitious irrigation farming expansion program and has introduced new large- and small-scale irrigation initiatives. However, in Ethiopia, poverty remains a challenge, and crop productivity per unit area of land is very low. Literature on the technical efficiency (TE) of large-scale and small-scale irrigation user farmers as compared to the non-user farmers in Ethiopia is also limited. Investigating smallholder farmers' TE level and its principal determinants is very important to increase crop production and productivity and to improve smallholder farmers' livelihood and food security. Using 1026 household-level cross-section data, this study adopts a technology flexible stochastic frontier approach to examine agricultural TE of large-scale irrigation users, small-scale irrigation users and non-user farmers in Ethiopia. The results indicate that, due to poor extension services and old-style agronomic practices, the mean TE of farmers is very low (44.33%), implying that there is a wider room for increasing crop production in the study areas through increasing the TE of smallholder farmers without additional investment in novel agricultural technologies. Results also show that large-scale irrigation user farmers (21.05%) are less technically efficient than small-scale irrigation user farmers (60.29%). However, improving irrigation infrastructure shifts the frontier up and has a positive impact on smallholder farmers' output.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000633846200001 Publication Date 2021-03-01
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2073-445x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved (up) Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:177647 Serial 6913
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Author Ghorbani, A.; Mousazadeh, H.; Taheri, F.; Ehteshammajd, S.; Azadi, H.; Yazdanpanah, M.; Khajehshahkohi, A.; Tanaskovik, V.; Van Passel, S.
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 (up) Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:174994 Serial 6914
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Author Sebhatu, K.T.; Taheri, F.; Berhanu, T.; Maertens, M.; Van Passel, S.; D'Haese, M.
Title Beyond focus : exploring variability of service provision of agricultural cooperatives Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Annals of public and cooperative economics Abbreviated Journal
Volume 92 Issue 2 Pages 207-231
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract The wide array of services provided by agricultural cooperatives for their members is often not considered in academic studies. Addressing this gap in the literature, our paper explores the wide array of services provided by agricultural cooperatives and how these extend beyond those they were initially intended to provide. We study the extent and characteristics of service portfolios from 511 agricultural cooperatives in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. Results from two-limit Tobit models confirm that government and NGO-initiated cooperatives have a wide service portfolio compared to member-initiated cooperatives. In many of the studied cooperatives, the services they provide and their portfolios are more diverse than expected. Cooperatives seem to go beyond their focal areas of intervention. Also, those cooperatives that are more outward-oriented and where the chair has contact with other cooperatives or businesses, have a wider service portfolio. These results may help to explain the mixed findings on the impact of cooperative membership.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000583855500001 Publication Date 2020-10-27
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1370-4788; 1467-8292 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved (up) Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:173574 Serial 6916
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Author Sebhatu, K.T.; Gezahegn, T.W.; Berhanu, T.; Maertens, M.; Van Passel, S.; D'Haese, M.
Title Exploring variability across cooperatives : economic performance of agricultural cooperatives in northern Ethiopia Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication The international food and agribusiness management review Abbreviated Journal
Volume 24 Issue 3 Pages 397-419
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract The number of agricultural cooperatives increased quickly in Ethiopia since the 1990s. While many papers studied the impact of membership of Ethiopian cooperatives, not much is known on their performance. This study takes a cooperative-level perspective which is unique in an African context. It compares the economic performance proxied by sales revenue and profit of a wide range of agricultural cooperatives in northern Ethiopia. Data were collected from 511 agricultural cooperatives in 12 districts of Tigray. The contributing factors of the performance are analyzed with Ordinary Least Squares regression (OLS) and Heckman selection models. Our results underscore the importance of membership size, total assets, presence of conflict among members, and union membership. Chairperson characteristics and the internal organization of a cooperative seem to be less correlated to performance.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000645416400002 Publication Date 2021-03-01
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1096-7508; 1559-2448 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved (up) Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179025 Serial 6923
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Author Girma, H.; Huge, J.; Gebrehiwot, M.; Van Passel, S.
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 (up) Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:174271 Serial 6926
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Author Chekol Zewdie, M.
Title How irrigation water impacts Ethiopian agriculture : an applied economics study Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2021 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages xiv, 152 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract In recent decades, as crop production has increased in many areas where irrigation projects have been implemented, the global agricultural development community has promoted irrigation investments. However, due to the disappointing performance of irrigation farming in developing countries, irrigation intervention in Africa South of the Sahara including Ethiopia is an issue of debate. Moreover, several gaps exist in the Ethiopian irrigation farming literature. For instance, evidence about the direct and indirect effects of irrigation water on agriculture is not well documented. The irrigation farming literature has not disentangled the indirect effects of having access to irrigation water from the direct effect and the indirect effects have been underrepresented. Furthermore, most previous studies have applied either a quantitative or qualitative approach and have relied only on revealed data as main type of methodology, making studies that combine qualitative and quantitative research and that use both stated and revealed data underrepresented. In this study, different approaches have been applied to investigate how irrigation water impacts Ethiopia agriculture with special attention being given to disentangling the direct and indirect effects of irrigation water on Ethiopian agriculture. Using a structural equation model, a stochastic production frontier approach, and a discrete choice experiment, I drew evidence regarding the direct and indirect effects of irrigation water on crop revenue of smallholder farmers, the technical efficiency of irrigation user farmers, and the farmers’ willingness to pay to improve poor irrigation schemes from field observations, semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with farmers, and key informant interviews with the local agricultural agents from the Koga and Fogera Districts of Amhara Region Ethiopia. The results indicate that irrigation water in general has both direct and indirect positive effects on agriculture, and the indirect effect is mediated by both improved farm inputs and the type of crops produced. The results also show that – due to poor extension services and backward agronomic practices, the mean technical efficiency of farmers in Ethiopia is very low, and that large-scale irrigation users are less technically efficient than small-scale irrigation users. Moreover, the results show that improving irrigation schemes shifts the frontier up, and smallholder farmers are strongly willing to contribute financially to the maintenance costs of irrigation schemes. The results offer relevant lessons for policymakers that providing irrigation water supply must be embedded in a comprehensive support package including access to extension services, improved input supply, and access to stable markets.
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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 978-90-5728-700-8 Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved (up) Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:180816 Serial 6928
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