| |
Records |
Links |
|
Author |
Legrand, S. |
|
| |
Title |
Advanced chemical imaging of artworks |
Type |
Doctoral thesis |
| |
Year  |
2021 |
Publication |
|
Abbreviated Journal |
|
|
| |
Volume |
|
Issue |
|
Pages |
315 p. |
|
| |
Keywords |
Doctoral thesis; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation) |
|
| |
Abstract |
Last century the field of heritage sciences expanded beyond imagination. The inventions of X-ray radiography and infrared reflectography allowed experts to investigate paintings below the surface as well. More recent developments led to the advent of the field of hyperspectral imaging, to which the advanced chemical imaging methods, used in this thesis work, belong. These techniques not only allow to identify the components present in artworks, but also to visualize their distribution over these objects. The resulting distribution maps permit a broader public to interpret the scientific data and to relate these results with the artwork itself. During this thesis work a range of flat artworks were investigated in a non-destructive manner using mainly two macroscopic imaging techniques: macroscopic X-ray fluorescence scanning and macroscopic Fourier transformed mid-infrared scanning in reflectance mode. The resulting images were sometimes supplemented with microscopic techniques on a minute selection of samples to fully understand the layer build-up, composition and distribution of these materials over the stratigraphy. Illuminated manuscripts pushed the interpretation of the macroscopic imaging techniques: due to the impossibility of sampling, all answers had to be obtained non-destructively. Documenting masterpieces such as the Ghent Altarpiece by means of chemical imaging techniques, helped the restoration team, assisted by the international commission to make the daring decision of manually removing the non-original paint layers. Scanning stained-glass windows allowed experts to document the panels, create situation reports, identify later infills and guide the restoration process in a more efficient manner. By initially applying non-destructive imaging techniques, many of the research/conservation questions could already be answered. Based on the resulting distribution maps, only a very limited amount of sampling was required to obtain a representative set to answer the remaining questions. In most cases the combination of multiple methods was necessary to fully understand the situation. A similar trend could be seen in the research field: the collaboration between divergent disciples was often required in order to explain all observations. In order to completely break through, the scanning speed of these techniques has to increase even more in order to cover an acceptable surface in one workday. Parallel with the operational speed, the (basic) data treatment should also be streamlined more in order to allow a broader user group to access the results. Once these two improvements are carried out, these techniques become accessible to a larger public. |
|
| |
Address |
|
|
| |
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
| |
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
| |
Language |
|
Wos |
|
Publication Date |
|
|
| |
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
| |
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
| |
ISSN |
|
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record |
|
| |
Impact Factor |
|
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
|
|
| |
Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
|
| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:176342 |
Serial |
7420 |
|
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
|
Author |
Xie, Y. |
|
| |
Title |
Bioreactor strategies for sustainable nitrogen cycling based on mineralization/nitrification, partial nitritation/anammox or sulfur-based denitratation |
Type |
Doctoral thesis |
| |
Year |
2021 |
Publication |
|
Abbreviated Journal |
|
|
| |
Volume |
|
Issue |
|
Pages |
iv, 205 p. |
|
| |
Keywords |
Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
|
| |
Abstract |
In the biogeochemical flows on Earth, the reactive nitrogen (Nr) level has three times surpassed the safe boundary. The severe transgression of this boundary goes against sustainable planetary development. The modern food production process excessively relies on synthetic Nr fertilizers from the Haber– Bosch process. However, the massive loss of valuable nitrogen resources (i.e., 78-89%) from agriculture has been causing severe nitrogen cascade. Besides, the domestic wastewater in some local areas is discharged without proper treatment, making it a nonnegligible source of Nr pollution for local water bodies. Anthropogenic activities keep pumping out Nr pollution via point-source and non-point-source (NPS) emissions. Compared to the NPS emissions, point sources give visible and identified waste streams. It is vital to intervene the nitrogen cascade from point sources and facilitate humanity back to the safe Nr boundary. The collected and collectible Nr streams from food production, waste management, and recycling secondary raw materials can be used as waste-based fertilizers for agricultural cultivation. Besides the well-investigated recovery of inorganic Nr, organic Nr accounts for a massive Nr proportion on the Earth. Proper handling and treatment make these useful organic fertilizers for soil-based cultivation. However, these organic Nr fertilizers cannot directly apply to fertigation or hydroponic cultivation systems, and further biological conversion via nitrogen mineralization and nitrification to nitrate is essential. Besides the direct Nr cycling, the indirect Nr cycling ‘over the atmosphere’ should also be considered. In this way, the nitrogen cycle can be completed via converting the waste Nr back to nitrogen gas (i.e., Nr removal) and then synthesizing into Nr again. The municipal wastewater treatment plants receive a vast amount of low-strength Nr wastewater (mainly as ammonium) daily. Compared to the conventional nitrification/denitrification process, partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A) is considered a resource- and cost-effective technology for wastewater with a low COD/N ratio. Moreover, the novel autotrophic denitratation/anammox process could be a good Nr removal process for wastewater containing both ammonium and nitrate. This Ph.D. thesis aimed to develop Nr recovery, conversion, and removal bioreactor strategies for different types of waste streams and biomass. Nr recovery was investigated on high-strength Nr waste streams for fertigation or hydroponic applications in Chapters 2 and 3. On the other hand, Nr removal was studied on the medium- to low-strength Nr waste streams in Chapters 4 and 5. In Chapter 2, a novel mineralization and nitrification system was proposed, producing nutrient solutions from solid organic fertilizers for hydroponic systems. Batch tests showed that aerobic incubation at 35°C could realize the NO₃⁻-N production efficiency above 90% from a novel microbial fertilizer. Subsequently, in the stirred tank bioreactor test, NO₃⁻-N production efficiency stabilized in a range of 44-51% under the influent loading rate of 400 mg TN L⁻¹ d⁻¹ at a 5-day HRT. Using Ca(OH)₂ and Mg(OH)₂ as pH control reagents generated the nutrient solutions with different P, Ca, and Mg nutrient levels. After modeling the nutrient balancing process, the proportion of organic-sourced NO₃⁻-N in the Hoagland nutrient solution (HNS) of Ca(OH)₂ scenario was 92.7%, while only 37.4% in the Mg(OH)₂ scenario. Compared to commercial scenarios, the total costs of the organic-sourced HNS can be cost-competitive for hydroponic cultivation. In Chapter 3, the Nr recovery as nitrate (NO₃⁻-N) from diluted human urine (around 670 mg N L⁻¹) was explored in a trickling filter (TF) for the first time. A novel concept of in-situ integrating the TF system into hydroponic systems was proposed as meaningful progress towards sustainable agriculture. The difference between synthetic and real urine in nitrification efficiency was found to be negligible. The full nitrification of alkalinized real urine was realized in the pH-controlled TF by calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) at around pH 6. The TF could handle different urine collection batches and maintain relatively stable nitrification performance, with NO₃⁻-N production efficiency and rate of 88±3% and 136±4 mg N L⁻¹ d⁻¹, respectively. The optimal HLR to realize this nitrification performance was 2 m³ m⁻² h⁻¹, with energy consumption of 1.8 kWh electricity kg⁻¹ NO₃⁻-N production. Ca(OH)₂, as a cheap base, its triple advantages on urine alkalinization, full nitrification, and macronutrient supplementation were successfully demonstrated in our proposed concept. In Chapter 4, towards more sustainable wastewater treatment, the feasibility of one-stage partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A) was investigated in three parallel packed-bed trickling filters (TFs), with three types of carrier materials of different specific surface areas. Synthetic wastewater containing 100-250 mg NH₄⁺-N L⁻¹ was tested to mimic medium-strength household waste streams after carbon removal. Interestingly, the cheap carrier based on expanded clay achieved similar rates as commercially used plastic carrier materials. The top passive ventilation combined with an optimum hydraulic loading rate of 1.8 m³ m⁻² h⁻¹ could reach approximately 60% total nitrogen (TN) removal at a rate of 300 mg N L⁻¹ d⁻¹. A relatively low NO₃⁻-N production (13%) via PN/A was achieved in TFs. Most of the TN removal took place in the top compartment, where anammox activity was the highest. Energy consumption estimation (0.78 kWh electricity g⁻¹ N removed) suggested that the proposed process could be a suitable low-cost alternative for nitrogen removal. In Chapter 5, coupling sulfur-driven denitratation (SDN) with anammox was proposed to treat the wastewater containing both NO₃⁻-N and NH₄⁺-N, like the secondary effluents of mainstream PN/A processes. To explore the feasibility of sufficient and stable NO₂⁻-N accumulation via SDN in the long term, the effects of pH setpoints, residual NO₃⁻-N level, and biomass-specific NO₃⁻-N loading rate (BSNLR) were investigated. Alternating the pH setpoints between 7.0 and 8.5 could temporarily stimulate the NO₂⁻-N accumulation. Both the residual NO₃⁻-N and BSNLR showed highly positive correlations with the NO₂⁻-N accumulation efficiency. Under the control of pH 8.5, 1.0±0.8 mg NO₃⁻-N L⁻¹ and 150±42 mg NO₃⁻-N g⁻¹ VSS d⁻¹, SDN could produce 6.4±1.0 mg NO₂⁻-N L⁻¹ in the short term. Thiobacillus members may play a crucial role in managing the NO₂⁻-N accumulation, but the reduction of abundance and possible adaptation significantly impaired the efficacy of control strategies in the long run. Overall, novel technologies have been proposed to sustainably convert Nr in waste streams and biomass. The decision for Nr recovery versus removal and synthesis should be based on specific cases with the best environmental, economic, and human-health sustainability. In the future, the Nr management concepts should be further improved to make the nitrogen cycle more sustainable with higher resource use efficiency and less Nr emissions to the environment. Although the thesis is mainly focused on limited types of Nr waste streams, it pointed out the direction of sustainable Nr management and could facilitate the Nr back to the safe boundary in the long run. |
|
| |
Address |
|
|
| |
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
| |
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
| |
Language |
|
Wos |
|
Publication Date |
|
|
| |
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
| |
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
| |
ISSN |
|
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record |
|
| |
Impact Factor |
|
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
|
|
| |
Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
|
| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:182099 |
Serial |
7563 |
|
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
|
Author |
Sleegers, N. |
|
| |
Title |
Cephalosporin antibiotics : electrochemical fingerprints and redox pathways investigated by mass spectral analysis |
Type |
Doctoral thesis |
| |
Year |
2021 |
Publication |
|
Abbreviated Journal |
|
|
| |
Volume |
|
Issue |
|
Pages |
208 p. |
|
| |
Keywords |
Doctoral thesis; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab) |
|
| |
Abstract |
|
|
| |
Address |
|
|
| |
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
| |
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
| |
Language |
|
Wos |
|
Publication Date |
|
|
| |
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
| |
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
| |
ISSN |
|
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record |
|
| |
Impact Factor |
|
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
|
|
| |
Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
|
| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:181014 |
Serial |
7588 |
|
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
|
Author |
Zhang, L. |
|
| |
Title |
Characteristic diagnosis of atmospheric discharge plasma and kinetics study of reactive species |
Type |
Doctoral thesis |
| |
Year |
2021 |
Publication |
|
Abbreviated Journal |
|
|
| |
Volume |
|
Issue |
|
Pages |
XVIII, 148 p. |
|
| |
Keywords |
Doctoral thesis; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT) |
|
| |
Abstract |
Low-temperature plasma has received extensive attention due to its promising application prospects in the field of air pollutants degradation and energy conversion. To fulfill the need for particular applications, constructing stable plasma sources and investigating the interaction mechanisms between plasma and substances have been hot research topics. This thesis reports the diagnosis and improvement of plasma sources, diagnosis of the active species in plasma and a modeling study of chemical kinetics processes. The main research contents are as follows: In Chapter 3, a diffuse sine AC dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) is successfully obtained by optimizing the electrode structure. It is found that using double-layer dielectric plates can limit the discharge current intensity and significantly improve the discharge uniformity. The electrical characteristics and gas temperature with different operating time show that the discharge stability is also improved by using double-layer dielectric plates. In Chapter 4, nanosecond pulses are employed to generate diffuse DBD plasmas. Three main discharge stages are distinguished by ICCD images, i.e., the streamer breakdown from the needle tip to the plate electrode, the regime transition from streamer to diffuse plasma, and the propagation of surface discharge on the plate electrode surface. The chapter reveales that in nanosecond pulsed discharges the vibrational temperature of N2 increases with the discharge duration, while the rotational temperature mainly stays constant, which means electron energy is transferred into the vibrational levels, but gas heating is not obvious during the discharge pulse. In Chapter 5, both sine AC DBD and nanosecond pulsed DBD, studied in Chapter 2 and 3, are used for formaldehyde degradation. It is found that nanosecond pulsed DBD has more homogenous characteristics, better stability, and lower plasma gas temperature. Moreover, the energy consumption of nanosecond pulsed DBD is much lower than that of AC DBD. In Chapter 6, a 0D chemical kinetics model is developed to investigate the underlying plasma chemistry of methane dry reforming in a nanosecond pulsed discharge. An overview of the dominant reaction pathways of CO2 and CH4 conversion into the major products is given. Furthermore, most of the CO2 molecules are populated into vibrational states during the pulse. Hence, the vibrational states of CO2 play an important role in its dissociation process. In general, this PhD thesis contributes to a better insight in the mechanisms of sinusoidal AC DBD and nanosecond pulsed DBD plasmas and their applications, i.e., decomposition of formaldehyde and dry reforming of methane. |
|
| |
Address |
|
|
| |
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
| |
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
| |
Language |
|
Wos |
|
Publication Date |
|
|
| |
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
| |
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
| |
ISSN |
|
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record |
|
| |
Impact Factor |
|
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
|
|
| |
Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
|
| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:183166 |
Serial |
7605 |
|
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
|
Author |
Alemam, E. |
|
| |
Title |
Cleaning of wall paintings by Polyvinyl alcohol–Borax/Agarose (PVA–B/AG) double network hydrogels : characterization, assessment, and applications |
Type |
Doctoral thesis |
| |
Year |
2021 |
Publication |
|
Abbreviated Journal |
|
|
| |
Volume |
|
Issue |
|
Pages |
184 p. |
|
| |
Keywords |
Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Art; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES); Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS) |
|
| |
Abstract |
Wall paintings make up an important section of cultural heritage. They resemble time portals that can be used to travel back into the past and witness the life of our ancestors. In these paintings, the ancient artists depicted the different aspects of their life, such as cooking, baking, farming, manufacturing, as well as thoughts and beliefs. Unfortunately, wall paintings are susceptible to degradation over time in the form of the accumulations of dirt and deposits on the painted surfaces and loss of adhesion of the paint layers at the surface. Therefore, the removal of these deposits is one of the primary duties of conservator-restorers. Such operations are intended to restore the painted surface to a condition close enough to its original state. Since cleaning artworks may cause undesirable physicochemical alterations and is nonreversible, the proper cleaning procedure should be adopted. In this regard, numerous gels have been developed and exploited for the cleaning of various artwork surfaces. Lately, polyvinyl alcohol-borax (PVA-B) and agarose (AG) hydrogels have been widely employed as cleaning materials by conservator-restorers. However, both hydrogels have shown limitations in specific cleaning practices. In this work, we investigated a new double network hydrogel based on blending PVA-B and agarose to avoid the limitations posed by the constituting hydrogels. For this reason, a detailed characterization of the PVA–B/AG double network hydrogel was performed, including chemical structure, liquid phase retention, mechanical strength, rheological behavior, and self-healing behavior of various PVA-B/AG hydrogels. These new hydrogels revealed better properties than PVA-B and agarose hydrogels and obviated their limitations. A laboratory experiment on the removal of deteriorated Paraloid® B72 proved that the PVA-B/AG hydrogel loaded 10%/10% MEK/1-PeOH was able to remove these layers efficiently. Therefore, the hydrogel was tested on a wall painting from the Temple of Seti I in Abydos – Egypt. It removed the glossy/darkened consolidant from the wall painting and restored the original matt appearance of the painted surface. In another application on the painted ceiling of the same temple, the hydrogel was tested for removing thick soot layers. The hydrogel formulation (loaded with 5% ammonia, 0.3% ammonium carbonate, and 0.3% EDTA) removed these layers with no noticeable damage to the paint layers. In a wide-scale application of the hydrogel (loaded with 10% propylene carbonate), it removed a highly deteriorated varnish layer from a 19-c wall painting. All the traditional cleaning methods employed caused damage to the paint layers, proving that gel cleaning can be a safer cleaning alternative in some cases. |
|
| |
Address |
|
|
| |
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
| |
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
| |
Language |
|
Wos |
|
Publication Date |
|
|
| |
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
| |
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
| |
ISSN |
|
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record |
|
| |
Impact Factor |
|
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
|
|
| |
Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
|
| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:183381 |
Serial |
7671 |
|
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
|
Author |
Blidar, A.-M. |
|
| |
Title |
The development of sensitive and selective electrochemical methods for the detection of antibiotics |
Type |
Doctoral thesis |
| |
Year |
2021 |
Publication |
|
Abbreviated Journal |
|
|
| |
Volume |
|
Issue |
|
Pages |
139 p. |
|
| |
Keywords |
Doctoral thesis; Pharmacology. Therapy; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab) |
|
| |
Abstract |
The discovery of antibiotics represented one of the greatest breakthroughs in medicine. Their success combined with an increasing intensive use is apparently bound to be also their undoing. This is due to the development of acquired antibiotic resistance, leading to inefficient antibiotherapy and even to the impossibility of treatment and death. The development and spread of antibiotic resistance are fueled by the widespread presence of trace levels of antibiotics residue, in various media, from environment to aliments. One of the solutions is the rigorous monitoring of the levels of antibiotics, which in term requires an almost constant development of new, more accessible analytical methods, especially screening methods, capable of decentralized analysis. In this direction, the electrochemical detection of antibiotics represents a very viable alternative. In this context, the aim of this thesis was to develop new electrochemical methods for the detection of antibiotics by employing and expanding on several strategies, like biomimetic sensors and electrochemical fingerprinting. Five studies were described in this thesis, that can be roughly divided in three categories, based on the analytical strategy employed. The first group is represented by direct electrochemical methods. The second group focuses on the use of biomimetic elements, molecularly imprinted polymers and aptamers. The hyphenation of electrochemical methods with other analytical methods was explored in the last group. In the last study, included in this group, the singlet oxygen-based photoelectrochemical approach was used for the detection of a phenolic antibiotic, rifampicin. The originality of the thesis consists in the testing and development of new approaches to various strategies used in electrochemical detection, revealing new insights in the field of electrochemical detection of antibiotics. The complex electrochemical fingerprint and the mechanism of the electrochemical oxidation were created and investigated, respectively, for the antibiotic vancomycin. New sensitive nanoplatforms were prepared by employing and combining new protocols. Additionally, important contributions were brought through the study involving the singlet oxygen-based detection of rifampicin. We demonstrated how a photocatalyst can exhibit analyte selectivity by strongly interacting with a complex phenolic compound, rifampicin. Summing up, the studies presented in this thesis will have an important impact in the field of electrochemical detection of antibiotics. |
|
| |
Address |
|
|
| |
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
| |
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
| |
Language |
|
Wos |
|
Publication Date |
|
|
| |
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
| |
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
| |
ISSN |
|
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record |
|
| |
Impact Factor |
|
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
|
|
| |
Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
|
| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:182955 |
Serial |
7804 |
|
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
|
Author |
Shaw, P. |
|
| |
Title |
Dual action of reactive species as signal and stress agents in plasma medicine : combined computational and experimental research |
Type |
Doctoral thesis |
| |
Year |
2021 |
Publication |
|
Abbreviated Journal |
|
|
| |
Volume |
|
Issue |
|
Pages |
191 p. |
|
| |
Keywords |
Doctoral thesis; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Center for Oncological Research (CORE) |
|
| |
Abstract |
Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) generated by cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) can activate discrete signaling transduction pathways or disrupt redox cellular homeostasis, depending on their concentration. This makes that CAP possesses therapeutic potential towards wound healing, cancer, and other diseases. In order to effectively use CAP in the clinic, a clear understanding of the interaction of RONS with biomolecules (lipids, proteins and nucleic acids) from the atomic to the macro scale, and their biological significance, is needed. In this work, I have therefore studied the dual role of CAP-derived RONS, i.e., (i) in the signaling pathways involved in wound healing, and (ii) in their reaction with biomolecules to cause oxidation-mediated damage. I performed computer simulations to provide fundamental insight about the occurring processes that are difficult or even impossible to obtain experimentally. Furthermore, next to computational studies, I used both 2D and 3D tissue cultures. 3D model allows proliferation in a more physiologically relevant geometry that stimulates the production of extracellular matrix proteins. I investigated the treatment of human gingival fibroblasts with low doses of CAP-generated RONS. This treatment demonstrated that it can inhibit colony formation but does not induce cell death, induce the expression of metalloprotease proteins, induce extracellular matrix degradation, and promote cell migration, which could result in enhanced wound healing. In contrast, at high concentrations, RONS can disrupt the cell membrane integrity and induce cancer cell death through oxidative stress-mediated pathways. I discovered how oxidation of the cell membrane (lipid-peroxidation) can facilitate the access of a drug (Melittin) into cancer cells, and in this way, reduce the required therapeutic dose of Melittin in melanoma and breast cancer cells (demonstrated using in vitro, in ovo and in silico approaches). Furthermore, I studied how excessive lipid-oxidation in chemoresistant pancreatic cancer cells promotes ferroptotic cell death. This was due to the stimulation of the iron-dependent Fenton reaction by targeting a redox specific signaling network. However, upon oxidative stress, cells protect themselves via a sophisticated intracellular antioxidant system that involves the regulation of glutathione/glutathione peroxidase 4 (lipid repair enzyme). Cancer cells exhibited increased levels of intracellular RONS due to their hyper metabolism, leading to high expression of anti-oxidant systems. I therefore focus on the effect of reactive species on the intracellular anti-oxidant system and corresponding DNA damages in both temozolomide-sensitive as well as temozolomide-resistant glioblastoma spheroids, in a 3-dimensional tumor model with a more complex tumor microenvironment than cell monolayers. |
|
| |
Address |
|
|
| |
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
| |
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
| |
Language |
|
Wos |
|
Publication Date |
|
|
| |
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
| |
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
| |
ISSN |
|
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record |
|
| |
Impact Factor |
|
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
|
|
| |
Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
|
| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:183751 |
Serial |
7828 |
|
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
|
Author |
Cui, Z. |
|
| |
Title |
Experimental and theoretical study on SF6 degradation by packed-bed DBD plasma |
Type |
Doctoral thesis |
| |
Year |
2021 |
Publication |
|
Abbreviated Journal |
|
|
| |
Volume |
|
Issue |
|
Pages |
|
|
| |
Keywords |
Doctoral thesis; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT) |
|
| |
Abstract |
Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), as a man-made gas, is widely used in power industry, semiconductor industry and metal-processing industry. However, SF6 is a greenhouse gas and its global warming potential is 23500 times that of CO2. Besides, SF6 is very stable, with a lifetime in the atmosphere for more than one thousand years. Under natural conditions, only the ultraviolet light can make it slowly decomposed. Thus, the emission of SF6 has a great threat to the environment. In recent years, with the development of our national economy, the use of SF6 increased dramatically. And 90% of the SF6 emissions come from the power industry. In the meantime, the emission of SF6 exists a ‘hysteresis effect’, as many of the SF6-gas insulation equipment will retire in next decades, the emission of SF6 may increase sharply, and this may put great pressure on the environment. Therefore, it’s necessary to make efforts in controlling and treating the SF6 emission. Among the SF6 abatement technologies, the non-thermal plasma(NTP) represented by the dielectric barrier discharge(DBD) can effectively degrade SF6 and is suitable for large-scale industry applications. However, its energy efficiency still gets room for improvement and this kind of method has a defect that it’s hard to regulate the degradation by-products. Therefore, this paper proposed the combination of the packed bed reactor and the DBD technology to form a packed DBD discharge system for SF6 degradation, so that to further improve the energy efficiency and regulate the selectivity of by-products. By experiment and simulation research, the following innovations have been achieved: (1) Based on the packed bed DBD platform, the power parameter and gas-phase parameters of SF6 degradation were studied. It was found that the discharge process was significantly enhanced with the addition of packing particles, and the discharge energy efficiency was improved. The increase of input voltage can obviously increase the degradation rate, but reduces the energy efficiency. The increase of SF6 initial concentration and gas flow rate can improve the energy efficiency, but reduce the degradation rate. Therefore, both degradation rate and energy efficiency should be considered in deciding basic experimental conditions. (2) Active gases, such as O2, H2O and NH3, could effectively promote the degradation rate of SF6, and changed the product selectivity. In our packed bed DBD system, O2 and H2O have the optimal concentration conditions, which are 2% and 1%, respectively. The addition of O2 can promote the generation of S-O-F products, and inhibit the selectivity of SO2, while the addition of H2O had the opposite effects. In addition, the synergistic degradation of NH3 and SF6 will produce solid products, such as NH3HF, NH4HF2 and elemental S. For gaseous products, the increase of NH3 will lead to the generation of SO2 in the final degradation products and inhibit the generation of S-O-F products. (3) Different kinds of packing materials have great impacts on the degradation system in the discharge parameters, degradation rate and energy efficiency, as well as the products distribution. In the experiment, we compared the degradation results in three systems: glass beads packing, γ-Al2O3 packing and no-packing system. The packing of glass beads effectively improved the discharge voltage amplitude and discharge power, while had a limited effect on the equivalent capacitance of the dielectric. Besides, γ-Al2O3 packing had little effect on voltage amplitude, but obviously increased the equivalent capacitance of the dielectric. Furthermore, the degradation rate and energy efficiency in γ-Al2O3 system was higher than that of glass bead system. For products selectivity, γ-Al2O3 system was more desirable, where S-O-F type of product selectivity was suppressed and the SO2 selectivity increased significantly. By contrast, the glass beads system hardly affected the product selectivity. This results are presumably due to the relatively high dielectric constant of γ-Al2O3 particles and γ-Al2O3 itself may act as a reactant or a catalyst participating in the degradation reactions. (4) The size and status of the packing particles also have significant effects on the degradation process. The systems packed with 1, 2 and 4mm γ-Al2O3 particles for SF6 degradation were compared, and the 2mm system had the best performance, which may because the 2mm system had a good balance between the active contact area and the gas residence time. In addition, the packing pellets suffered from a hydration process slightly reduced the discharge parameters in the γ-Al2O3 packing system and significantly reduced the degradation rate was, which may because the H2O molecules pre-occupied the active sites on the γ-Al2O3 surface and reduced the discharge process. (5) Based on density functional theory (DFT), the degradation process of SF6 in the packed bed DBD system was studied at atomic scale. It was found that the SF6 can occur a physical adsorption at AlⅢ active sites on γ-Al2O3 surface. The activation barrier for the first degradation step of SF6 on γ-Al2O3 surface is much lower than in gas phase, which proved that the SF6 molecule is activated on the γ-Al2O3 surface. In addition, the plasma may affect the γ-Al2O3 surface to generate excess electrons or external electric fields. This two effects can change the adsorbed SF6 molecules from physical adsorption to chemisorption, together with an obvious stretching of S-F bonds, indicating that the plasma surface effects prmote the activation and decomposition of SF6 molecules. Furthermore, the stepwise degradation process of SF6 on γ-Al2O3 surface were investigated. The influence of radicals produced by plasma on the degradation process was analyzed. It was found that via Eley–Rideal (ER) reactions, high-energy radicals could effectively reduce the activation barriers and promote the surface reactions. Finally, the degradation mechanism of SF6 molecules in the packed bed plasma system was summarized, which may provide a theoretical basis for the study of harmless degradation of SF6. Keywords: SF6; Packed Bed DBD; Discharge Parameters; Products Analysis; Degradation Mechanism |
|
| |
Address |
|
|
| |
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
| |
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
| |
Language |
|
Wos |
|
Publication Date |
|
|
| |
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
| |
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
| |
ISSN |
|
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record |
|
| |
Impact Factor |
|
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
|
|
| |
Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
|
| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:180819 |
Serial |
7946 |
|
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
|
Author |
Gielis, J.; Shi, P.; Beirinckx, B.; Caratelli, D.; Ricci, P.E. |
|
| |
Title |
Lamé-Gielis curves in biology and geometry |
Type |
P3 Proceeding |
| |
Year |
2021 |
Publication |
|
Abbreviated Journal |
|
|
| |
Volume |
|
Issue |
|
Pages |
|
|
| |
Keywords |
P3 Proceeding; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
|
| |
Abstract |
|
|
| |
Address |
|
|
| |
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
| |
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
| |
Language |
|
Wos |
|
Publication Date |
|
|
| |
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
| |
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
| |
ISSN |
|
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record |
|
| |
Impact Factor |
|
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
|
|
| |
Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
|
| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:178828 |
Serial |
8145 |
|
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
|
Author |
Zhu, W. |
|
| |
Title |
Microbial resource management for mainstream partial nitritation/anammox : strategies to enhance the nitrogen conversion efficiency |
Type |
Doctoral thesis |
| |
Year |
2021 |
Publication |
|
Abbreviated Journal |
|
|
| |
Volume |
|
Issue |
|
Pages |
207 p. |
|
| |
Keywords |
Doctoral thesis; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
|
| |
Abstract |
This thesis provides three potential ways to enhance the nitrogen removal efficiency of mainstream partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A), a key technology to enable energy-positive sewage treatment. In Chapter 1, the typical technologies to promote nitrogen removal efficiency are summarized. In Chapters 2 and 3, the concept ‘winter bioaugmentation with stored summer surplus sludge’ is proposed. Applying that, a cost-effective sludge preservation strategy is required. Preserving PN/A biomass without cooling and redox adjustment proved to be the cost-effective strategy. The reactivation of these stored sludges was also tested in low-temperature systems (15 and 10℃). Respectively 56% and 41% of granules activity compared to pre-storage activity (after Arrhenius-based temperature correction) could be recovered within a month (41% and 32% for flocs activity). In the end, the stored AnAOB bioaugmentation was successfully validated in the lab (20℃). In Chapter 4, a return-sludge nursery concept, applying the sidestream nitritation and blending the resulting effluent with mainstream effluent to achieve an intermediate temperature and nitrogen concentrations, is proposed. That led to a 33 – 36% increase in nitrogen removal efficiency. Arrhenius’ expectations (10 ℃ higher temperature, θ = 1.09) could only explain 49-51% of the activity increase in the nursery reactor, pointing to the role of other factors, e.g., the ~400% elevated electrical conductivity (15-16%), the 56-335% higher effluent nitrogen concentrations (12-14%), and the synergy and unknown factors (20-23%). Thus, the return-sludge biostimulation approach could also enhance nitrogen efficiency in the mainstream. In Chapter 5, the N2O emissions, linked to three typical nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) suppression strategies (low dissolved oxygen (DO) level, free ammonia (FA), and free nitrous acids (FNA) treatments) were tested in a biofilm system. A low emerged DO level (~0.60 mg O2 L-1) was effective to suppress NOB activity and decrease N2O emissions, but NOB adaptation gradually appeared after 200 days. Further NOB inhibition was successfully achieved by periodical (3 hours per week) FA (~30 mg NH3-N L-1) or FNA (~3 mg HNO2-N L-1) treatments. The FA treatment promoted N2O production, while the FNA treatment had no effect. Thus, PN/A systems should be operated at relatively low DO levels with periodical FNA treatment. In Chapter 6, the major findings proposed and the main conclusions drawn in this thesis are outlined. Beyond that, the possible design of a mainstream PN/A configuration that combined all described three technologies is demonstrated. Overall, the novel insights from this thesis potential to improve nitrogen removal efficiency in the mainstream. |
|
| |
Address |
|
|
| |
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
| |
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
| |
Language |
|
Wos |
|
Publication Date |
|
|
| |
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
| |
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
| |
ISSN |
|
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record |
|
| |
Impact Factor |
|
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
|
|
| |
Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
|
| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:184236 |
Serial |
8245 |
|
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
|
Author |
Marchetti, A. |
|
| |
Title |
Novel insights and approaches for the analytical characterization of tangible cultural heritage objects |
Type |
Doctoral thesis |
| |
Year |
2021 |
Publication |
|
Abbreviated Journal |
|
|
| |
Volume |
|
Issue |
|
Pages |
333 p. |
|
| |
Keywords |
Doctoral thesis; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation) |
|
| |
Abstract |
Cultural heritage represents the vehicle of our cultural identity, handed over from past to future generations throughout human history. As a repository of fundamental cultural and social values, the preservation of all forms of cultural heritage is a responsibility of every society and of humankind as a whole. When it comes to tangible cultural heritage, preservation of heritage translates into preservation of objects and, therefore, of the materials they are constituted of. This crucial task relies heavily on the application of scientific analytical methods to answer material and conservation-related questions. The fundamental contribution of this analytical approach led, in the past decades, to an ever-deepening understanding of the factors governing the degradation of cultural heritage. However, the extreme complexity of the heritage object-environment system results in a massive research field, which inevitably presents relevant open questions. This is where the present PhD work comes into play, attempting to fill knowledge gaps in literature by starting from specific case studies and un-answered research questions. The multianalytical research conducted during this PhD unraveled fundamental information on the properties governing the reactivity and long-term behavior of different classes of materials, from α-brass in an indoor environment to artists’ pigments in the presence of light, moisture and soluble particulate matter (PM). The paramount importance of the synthesis conditions on the composition, physical properties and reactivity of heritage materials was also demonstrated, in particular for stable lead pyroantimonate and unstable Geranium lake artists’ pigments. Moreover, the study and characterization of specific heritage objects, namely a series of 16th century reliquary altarpieces and the painting L’Arlesienne, by Vincent Van Gogh, allowed to obtain relevant insights into their composition and on potential risks for their conservation. The challenging nature of the samples considered, created the perfect opportunity to test an innovative spectroscopic technique, optical photo-thermal IR (O-PTIR), for the characterization of heritage materials. Striking results were obtained, highlighting a great potential for the application of this non-destructive sub-micron molecular spectroscopy to the analysis of cultural heritage. Finally, in the last section of this work, strategies to implement the continuous monitoring of PM levels in indoor environmental quality studies were also considered, with a particular focus on the identification of environmental hazards for the collections housed in specific conservation environments (War Heritage Institute in Brussels and St. Martin’s church in Aalst, BE). |
|
| |
Address |
|
|
| |
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
| |
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
| |
Language |
|
Wos |
|
Publication Date |
|
|
| |
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
| |
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
| |
ISSN |
|
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record |
|
| |
Impact Factor |
|
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
|
|
| |
Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
|
| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:177849 |
Serial |
8319 |
|
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
|
Author |
Cong, S. |
|
| |
Title |
Numerical study on low-pressure hollow cathode argon arc plasma |
Type |
Doctoral thesis |
| |
Year |
2021 |
Publication |
|
Abbreviated Journal |
|
|
| |
Volume |
|
Issue |
|
Pages |
XIX, 126 p. |
|
| |
Keywords |
Doctoral thesis; Philosophy; Educational sciences; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT) |
|
| |
Abstract |
The low-pressure hollow cathode discharge made of a hollow circular tube and an anode is a type of simple structure discharge system. In particular, under the arc discharge mode, hollow cathodes have high plasma density and energy density with a wide range of adaptability of pressure and current. Low-pressure hollow cathode arc (HCA) discharges have been widely used as plasma sources in various fields such as manufacturing, vacuum welding, and aerospace since the 1960s. Despite the early experimental and applied researches on low-pressure HCA discharges, the basic theoretical study was relatively lagged much behind, resulting in many unanswered questions, such as the optimal discharge operating parameters, the power deposition inside the cathode, the causes of plasma instability, and how to effectively reduce cathode erosion and so on. Due to the special discharge structure of the hollow cathode, it is difficult to make an accurate experimental diagnosis, so a reasonable numerical simulation is an effective study method. However, up to now, there is still a lack of complete and effective numerical models which can evaluate various physical fields in the low-pressure hollow cathode discharges. To address the above problems and difficulties, a comprehensive and self-consistent 2D multi-physical coupling numerical model based on a commercial program of finite element method, the COMSOL Multiphysics, was provided in this paper. The model involves plasma transport, arc flow and heat transfer, and cathode thermal equilibrium, and can consider the effect of an applied magnetic field. The processes of secondary electron emission, thermal-field electron emission, ions and backflow high-energy electrons bombardment, and thermal radiation from the cathode surface are considered in the cathode thermal equilibrium process. Based on the above background, this paper works from the following aspects： In Chapter 1, the basic concepts of low-pressure HCA discharge including the hollow cathode effect, the basic characteristics, and operation modes were introduced firstly; Secondly, the application fields, development history, and overseas and domestic research status of hollow cathode discharge were reviewed; finally, the problems were presented and the research background was explained, and the research purpose of this paper was clarified. In Chapter 2, a complete and self-consistent numerical model of low-pressure hollow cathode discharge was proposed based on the fundamental theory and assumptions, and the set of control equations and boundary conditions in the model were elaborated. In addition, the electron energy distribution function, the collision processes, the solving tools of this model, and calculation schemes were introduced in detail. Finally, a validation example was given to test the rationality and applicability of the numerical model. In Chapter 3, the fundamental plasma properties of low-pressure hollow cathode arcs were investigated. Firstly, the ion Joule heating effect was studied. The results showed that the temperature distributions of the arc and cathode are only able to approach the experimental measurements after considering the ion Joule heating, which shows that the Joule heating of ions is crucial for the heating of the arc plasma. Secondly, by comparing the radial distribution of electron and ion density inside the cathode, the structure of the cathode sheath could be simulated well using this model. Finally, it was shown that the thermal radiation from the cathode surface is an important cooling mechanism of the cathode and only under higher surface emissivity can balance the larger heat flow given by the plasma to the cathode, and the temperature distribution of the cathode shows a non-monotonic increasing trend and is consistent with the profile of experimental measurement so that the so-called active zone is formed. In Chapter 4, the power deposition in the low-pressure HCA was studied in simulation. Two main aspects were considered: the power deposition into particles (both electrons and heavy particles) and the power deposition onto the cathode. It was found that the deposited power into particles increases with the rise of discharge current, but there is no effect on the total power deposition onto the cathode. In high-density plasmas, Coulomb collisions between electrons and ions also become very important, especially since a portion of the deposition energy on heavy particles comes mainly from the energy transfer from electrons to ions. It was also found that regardless of external parameters, half of the power deposition onto the cathode always comes from the particle contribution, while the other half is the net contribution of heat transfer and cathode radiation. The HCA model also allows the simulation of multiple discharge modes for low-pressure HCA discharges over a wide range of gas flow rates. It was also shown that the discharge operating conditions and the external magnetic field can change the distribution of the particle flow on the cathode wall. In Chapter 5, the ion sputtering erosion process on the cathode was simulated by coupling the HCA numerical model with the moving grid technique. The results showed that the ion sputtering erosion on the cathode depends on the ion flux and the plasma potential near the cathode wall and that their distribution and magnitude jointly determine the erosion morphology of the cathode. It was also found that the location of the most severe erosion on the cathode is located in the region of the densest ion flux on the cathode wall, rather than in the longitudinal correspondence with the central region of the internal positive column (IPC). The external magnetic fields can mitigate the cathode erosion and reduce the erosion depth, but stronger magnetic fields lead to a concentration of current density at the cathode tip, which can enhance erosion slightly at the cathode outlet end. Finally, the conclusions and innovation highlights were summarized, and prospects for future work were discussed. |
|
| |
Address |
|
|
| |
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
| |
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
| |
Language |
|
Wos |
|
Publication Date |
|
|
| |
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
| |
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
| |
ISSN |
|
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record |
|
| |
Impact Factor |
|
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
|
|
| |
Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
|
| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:178725 |
Serial |
8323 |
|
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
|
Author |
Van Hal, M. |
|
| |
Title |
Photo(electro)catalytic air purification and soot degradation with simultaneous energy recovery |
Type |
Doctoral thesis |
| |
Year |
2021 |
Publication |
|
Abbreviated Journal |
|
|
| |
Volume |
|
Issue |
|
Pages |
XXXII, 203 p. |
|
| |
Keywords |
Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
|
| |
Abstract |
Today’s society is increasingly challenged by a range of urgent environmental problems. Air pollution is one of these pressing topics. This thesis will mainly focus on the degradation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM) – more specifically soot. A second globally urging topic is the quest for sustainable energy production. To simultaneously target both environmental problems, a photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell will be studied in this thesis, combining air purification and sustainable energy production in a single device. Photocatalysis is used at the anode of the PEC cell to drive the air purification process, while the energy contained in the degraded compounds is (partially) recovered at the cathode, either as H2 gas or electricity. The first two experimental chapters focus on the proof of concept of such an unbiased all-gas phase PEC cell targeting VOC degradation, using both TiO2- and WO3-based photocatalysts. In the two following experimental chapters the photocatalytic soot oxidation capacity of these TiO2- and WO3-based photocatalysts was studied. In the final experimental chapter the previously obtained results were combined, striving towards an efficient, sunlight-driven and soot-degrading waste gas-to-energy PEC cell. |
|
| |
Address |
|
|
| |
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
| |
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
| |
Language |
|
Wos |
|
Publication Date |
|
|
| |
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
| |
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
| |
ISSN |
|
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record |
|
| |
Impact Factor |
|
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
|
|
| |
Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
|
| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:184521 |
Serial |
8378 |
|
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
|
Author |
Daems, E. |
|
| |
Title |
Shaping up oligonucleotides : aptamer-target recognition investigated by native mass spectrometry |
Type |
Doctoral thesis |
| |
Year |
2021 |
Publication |
|
Abbreviated Journal |
|
|
| |
Volume |
|
Issue |
|
Pages |
235 p. |
|
| |
Keywords |
Doctoral thesis; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation) |
|
| |
Abstract |
Aptamers are short, synthetic DNA or RNA molecules that are characterized by a specific 3D conformation which enables specific target recognition. Aptamers are promising tools in many application fields from sensing to therapeutics. One of the major challenges in the aptamer field is understanding the relationship between the sequence and what determines the higher-order structure and specific interactions with targets. Therefore, this PhD thesis focuses on the use of different mass spectrometry (MS) based approaches to characterize aptamers and their interactions. Several of these approaches are already widely applied to study other biomolecules, such as proteins, but are still largely unexplored for aptamers and oligonucleotides in general. A first focus was put on obtaining information on the higher-order structure and conformational stability of aptamers using a combination of MS and with ion mobility (IM) spectrometry by performing collision-induced unfolding (CIU) experiments. CIU was shown to hold great promise to analyze the conformational dynamics and gas-phase stabilities of aptamers. Next, the capabilities and limitations of native IM-MS for the analysis of noncovalent interactions of aptamers were demonstrated. The conformational behavior and interactions of cocaine-binding aptamers were studied and it was found that relative binding affinities of aptamers that only differ slightly in sequence and structure can be determined using native MS. Moreover, native IM-MS allowed the detection of small conformational changes upon binding of a target, which were found to be dependent on the binding mode of the aptamer. An adaptive binding mechanism was suggested for flexible aptamers that require more reorganization upon binding. In the final part of this thesis, the importance of thoroughly characterizing and validating aptamer-target interactions before using them in an application was emphasized. Moreover, the gathered insights were applied in our own development of a proof-of-concept aptamer-based sensor. This was shown by investigating the interactions of ampicillin aptamers which were found to not bind the target they were selected for in the first place. A multi-analytical approach combining complementary techniques was used for this purpose since no single technique is generally applicable to characterize all aptamers and their interactions and to obtain a comprehensive picture of the aptamer-target interactions. Furthermore, such multi-analytical approach was used to characterize a testosterone-binding aptamer while developing an aptamer-based electrochemiluminescent sensing strategy for this target. This shows the importance of native MS, in combination with other techniques, to thoroughly understand the aptamer-target interactions in the development of a designed application. |
|
| |
Address |
|
|
| |
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
| |
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
| |
Language |
|
Wos |
|
Publication Date |
|
|
| |
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
| |
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
| |
ISSN |
|
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record |
|
| |
Impact Factor |
|
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
|
|
| |
Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
|
| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:178116 |
Serial |
8517 |
|
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
|
Author |
Van Loenhout, J. |
|
| |
Title |
Targeting pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and glioblastoma with oxidative stress-mediated treatment strategies : focus on tumor cell death and modulation of the tumor microenvironment |
Type |
Doctoral thesis |
| |
Year |
2021 |
Publication |
|
Abbreviated Journal |
|
|
| |
Volume |
|
Issue |
|
Pages |
167 p. |
|
| |
Keywords |
Doctoral thesis; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Center for Oncological Research (CORE) |
|
| |
Abstract |
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are two of the most malignant solid tumor types with poor survival rates, which underscore the urgency of novel and efficacious treatment strategies. Within the last decade, immunotherapy has been established as a breakthrough in cancer therapy. This mainly has been driven by the clinical data and approval associated with several immune checkpoint inhibitors (e.g. anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1/L1). Despite the clinical benefit in specific tumor types, these inhibitors have not yet fulfilled their promise in low immunogenic tumors such as PDAC and GBM. Oxidative stress in cancer cells due to elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) and an inability to balance intracellular redox state has recently been highlighted as promising target for anticancer treatment strategies with possible immunogenic effects. In this PhD dissertation, I investigated novel oxidative stress-mediated treatment approaches to target PDAC and GBM and to enhance immunogenicity by inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD). In the first part of this thesis (chapter 2), I reviewed the mechanistic responses of cancer cells towards different oxidative stress-inducing treatment strategies and their immunomodulating effects. The resulting literature demonstrated that different exogenous and endogenous ROS-inducing therapies show direct and indirect immunomodulating effects, which can be either immunostimulatory or immunosuppressive. One of the indirect immunostimulatory effects of the ROS-mediating therapies is the capacity of inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD) in tumor cells, which can increase the immunogenicity and consequently can trigger an antitumoral immune response. In chapter 3, I investigated a novel exogenous ROS-inducing treatment method, namely cold atmospheric plasma, to determine the therapeutic and ICD-inducing effects in PDAC, in vitro. I revealed that plasma-treated PBS (pPBS) has the potential to induce ICD in pancreatic cancer cells (PCCs) and to reduce the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) by attacking the tumor supportive pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs). Although the cell death induced in PSCs was non-immunogenic as seen by the lack of danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) emission and DC activation, I showed that pPBS could disrupt the physical barrier and lower the immunosuppressive secretion profile (lower TGF-β) of PSCs. In contrast, DAMPs were released by PCCs after treatment with pPBS which resulted in activation and maturation of DCs and a more immunostimulatory secretion profile (higher TNF-α, IFN-γ). Hence, indirect plasma treatment via pPBS has the potential to enhance immunogenicity in PDAC by triggering ICD and by attacking the immunosuppressive PSCs. Tumor cells can evolve adaptation mechanisms to protect themselves against intrinsic oxidative stress by upregulation of pro-survival molecules and their antioxidant defense system to maintain the redox balance. As such, tumor cells can become resistant towards exogenous ROS-inducing therapies, like plasma. Dual targeting of the redox balance of tumor cells by increasing exogenous levels of ROS and inhibiting the antioxidant defense system can maximally exploit ROS-mediated cell death mechanisms as therapeutic anticancer strategy. In this regard, cold atmospheric plasma was combined with auranofin, a thioredoxin reductase inhibitor, in GBM (chapter 4). A synergistic effect was shown after this combination treatment in 2D and 3D, however, in 3D only high concentrations of auranofin synergized with plasma treatment. I confirmed a ROS-mediated response after combination treatment, which was able to induce distinct cell death mechanisms, specifically apoptosis and ferroptosis. Additionally, the auranofin and plasma combined treatment strategy induced cell death, which resulted in an increased release of DAMPs. Together with the observed DC maturation, these results indicates the potential increase in immunogenicity, though, the phagocytotic capacity of DCs was inhibited by auranofin. In chapter 5, I evaluated this promising oxidative stress combination therapy in GBM, in vivo. A decrease in tumor kinetics and an increased survival in GBM-bearing mice was observed when auranofin was sequentially combined with direct plasma treatment. No T cell infiltration was observed after auranofin monotherapy. However, further characterization of the TME after the combination therapy is necessary to provide more insight in the immunogenic effects in vivo. In conclusion, this PhD dissertation comprises novel and important therapeutic and immunogenic insights in cold atmospheric plasma and auranofin as promising oxidative stress-mediated treatment strategies for low immunogenic tumors, like PDAC and GBM. These preclinical results provide a solid basis for future research towards combinations with immunotherapeutic approaches. |
|
| |
Address |
|
|
| |
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
| |
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
| |
Language |
|
Wos |
|
Publication Date |
|
|
| |
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
| |
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
| |
ISSN |
|
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record |
|
| |
Impact Factor |
|
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
|
|
| |
Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
|
| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:181309 |
Serial |
8643 |
|
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
|
Author |
Chen, L.; Elibol, K.; Cai, H.; Jiang, C.; Shi, W.; Chen, C.; Wang, H.S.; Wang, X.; Mu, X.; Li, C.; Watanabe, K.; Taniguchi, T.; Guo, Y.; Meyer, J.C.; Wang, H. |
|
| |
Title |
Direct observation of layer-stacking and oriented wrinkles in multilayer hexagonal boron nitride |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2021 |
Publication |
2d Materials |
Abbreviated Journal |
2D Mater |
|
| |
Volume |
8 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
024001 |
|
| |
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT) |
|
| |
Abstract |
Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) has long been recognized as an ideal substrate for electronic devices due to its dangling-bond-free surface, insulating nature and thermal/chemical stability. These properties of the h-BN multilayer are mainly determined by its lattice structure. Therefore, to analyse the lattice structure and orientation of h-BN crystals becomes important. Here, the stacking order and wrinkles of h-BN are investigated by transmission electron microscopy. It is experimentally confirmed that the layers in the h-BN flakes are arranged in the AA ' stacking. The wrinkles in a form of threefold network throughout the h-BN crystal are oriented along the armchair direction, and their formation mechanism was further explored by molecular dynamics simulations. Our findings provide a deep insight about the microstructure of h-BN and shed light on the structural design/electronic modulations of two-dimensional crystals. |
|
| |
Address |
|
|
| |
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
| |
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
| |
Language |
|
Wos |
000605937500001 |
Publication Date |
2020-12-16 |
|
| |
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
| |
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
| |
ISSN |
2053-1583 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
|
| |
Impact Factor |
6.937 |
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
OpenAccess |
|
| |
Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: 6.937 |
|
| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:174950 |
Serial |
6723 |
|
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
|
Author |
Yildiz, A.; Chouki, T.; Atli, A.; Harb, M.; Verbruggen, S.W.; Ninakanti, R.; Emin, S. |
|
| |
Title |
Efficient iron phosphide catalyst as a counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2021 |
Publication |
ACS applied energy materials |
Abbreviated Journal |
|
|
| |
Volume |
4 |
Issue |
10 |
Pages |
10618-10626 |
|
| |
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
|
| |
Abstract |
Developing an efficient material as a counter electrode (CE) with excellent catalytic activity, intrinsic stability, and low cost is essential for the commercial application of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Transition metal phosphides have been demonstrated as outstanding multifunctional catalysts in a broad range of energy conversion technologies. Here, we exploited different phases of iron phosphide as CEs in DSSCs with an I–/I3–-based electrolyte. Solvothermal synthesis using a triphenylphosphine precursor as a phosphorus source allows to grow a Fe2P phase at 300 °C and a FeP phase at 350 °C. The obtained iron phosphide catalysts were coated on fluorine-doped tin oxide substrates and heat-treated at 450 °C under an inert gas atmosphere. The solar-to-current conversion efficiency of the solar cells assembled with the Fe2P material reached 3.96 ± 0.06%, which is comparable to the device assembled with a platinum (Pt) CE. DFT calculations support the experimental observations and explain the fundamental origin behind the improved performance of Fe2P compared to FeP. These results indicate that the Fe2P catalyst exhibits excellent performance along with desired stability to be deployed as an efficient Pt-free alternative in DSSCs. |
|
| |
Address |
|
|
| |
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
| |
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
| |
Language |
|
Wos |
000711236300022 |
Publication Date |
2021-10-08 |
|
| |
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 |
|
Open Access |
OpenAccess |
|
| |
Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
|
| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:181953 |
Serial |
7853 |
|
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
|
Author |
Peng, X.; Peng, H.; Zhao, K.; Zhang, Y.; Xia, F.; Lyu, J.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Sun, C.; Wu, J. |
|
| |
Title |
Direct visualization of atomic-scale heterogeneous structure dynamics in MnO₂ nanowires |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2021 |
Publication |
Acs Applied Materials & Interfaces |
Abbreviated Journal |
Acs Appl Mater Inter |
|
| |
Volume |
13 |
Issue |
28 |
Pages |
33644-33651 |
|
| |
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT) |
|
| |
Abstract |
Manganese oxides are attracting great interest owing to their rich polymorphism and multiple valent states, which give rise to a wide range of applications in catalysis, capacitors, ion batteries, and so forth. Most of their functionalities are connected to transitions among the various polymorphisms and Mn valences. However, their atomic-scale dynamics is still a great challenge. Herein, we discovered a strong heterogeneity in the crystalline structure and defects, as well as in the Mn valence state. The transitions are studied by in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and they involve a complex ordering of [MnO6] octahedra as the basic building tunnels. MnO2 nanowires synthesized using solution-based hydrothermal methods usually exhibit a large number of multiple polymorphism impurities with different tunnel sizes. Upon heating, MnO2 nanowires undergo a series of stoichiometric polymorphism changes, followed by oxygen release toward an oxygen-deficient spinel and rock-salt phase. The impurity polymorphism exhibits an abnormally high stability with interesting small-large-small tunnel size transition, which is attributed to a preferential stabilizer (K+) concentration, as well as a strong competition of kinetics and thermodynamics. Our results unveil the complicated intergrowth of polymorphism impurities in MnO2, which provide insights into the heterogeneous kinetics, thermodynamics, and transport properties of the tunnel-based building blocks. |
|
| |
Address |
|
|
| |
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
| |
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
| |
Language |
|
Wos |
000677540900101 |
Publication Date |
2021-07-08 |
|
| |
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
| |
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
| |
ISSN |
1944-8244 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
|
| |
Impact Factor |
7.504 |
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
Not_Open_Access |
|
| |
Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: 7.504 |
|
| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:180450 |
Serial |
6861 |
|
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
|
Author |
Zhang, T.; Schilling, W.; Khan, S.U.; Ching, H.Y.V.; Lu, C.; Chen, J.; Jaworski, A.; Barcaro, G.; Monti, S.; De Wael, K.; Slabon, A.; Das, S. |
|
| |
Title |
Atomic-level understanding for the enhanced generation of hydrogen peroxide by the introduction of an aryl amino group in polymeric carbon nitrides |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2021 |
Publication |
Acs Catalysis |
Abbreviated Journal |
Acs Catal |
|
| |
Volume |
11 |
Issue |
22 |
Pages |
14087-14101 |
|
| |
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Organic synthesis (ORSY); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab) |
|
| |
Abstract |
Heterogeneous catalysts are often & ldquo;black boxes & rdquo; due to the insufficient understanding of the detailed mechanisms at the catalytic sites. An atomic-level elucidation of the processes taking place in those regions is, thus, mandatory to produce robust and selective heterogeneous catalysts. We have improved the description of the whole reactive scenario for polymeric carbon nitrides (PCN) by combining atomic-level characterizations with magic-angle spinning (MAS) solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, classical reactive molecular dynamics (RMD) simulations, and quantum chemistry (QC) calculations. We disclose the structure & minus;property relationships of an ad hoc modified PCN by inserting an aryl amino group that turned out to be very efficient for the production of H2O2. The main advancement of this work is the development of a difluoromethylene-substituted aryl amino PCN to generate H2O2 at a rate of 2.0 mM & middot;h & minus;1 under the irradiation of household blue LEDs and the identification of possible active catalytic sites with the aid of 15N and 19F MAS solid-state NMR without using any expensive labeling reagent. RMD simulations and QC calculations confirm and further extend the experimental descriptions by revealing the role and locations of the identified functionalities, namely, NH linkers, & minus;NH2 terminal groups, and difluoromethylene units, reactants, and products. <comment>Superscript/Subscript Available</comment |
|
| |
Address |
|
|
| |
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
| |
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
| |
Language |
|
Wos |
000758012900020 |
Publication Date |
2021-11-05 |
|
| |
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
| |
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
| |
ISSN |
2155-5435 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
|
| |
Impact Factor |
10.614 |
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
Not_Open_Access |
|
| |
Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: 10.614 |
|
| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:187276 |
Serial |
7534 |
|
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
|
Author |
Scolfaro, D.; Finamor, M.; Trinchao, L.O.; Rosa, B.L.T.; Chaves, A.; Santos, P., V.; Iikawa, F.; Couto, O.D.D., Jr. |
|
| |
Title |
Acoustically driven stark effect in transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2021 |
Publication |
Acs Nano |
Abbreviated Journal |
Acs Nano |
|
| |
Volume |
15 |
Issue |
9 |
Pages |
15371-15380 |
|
| |
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT) |
|
| |
Abstract |
The Stark effect is one of the most efficient mechanisms to manipulate many-body states in nanostructured systems. In mono- and few-layer transition metal dichalcogenides, it has been successfully induced by optical and electric field means. Here, we tune the optical emission energies and dissociate excitonic states in MoSe2 monolayers employing the 220 MHz in-plane piezoelectric field carried by surface acoustic waves. We transfer the monolayers to high dielectric constant piezoelectric substrates, where the neutral exciton binding energy is reduced, allowing us to efficiently quench (above 90%) and red-shift the excitonic optical emissions. A model for the acoustically induced Stark effect yields neutral exciton and trion in-plane polarizabilities of 530 and 630 x 10(-5) meV/(kV/cm)(2), respectively, which are considerably larger than those reported for monolayers encapsulated in hexagonal boron nitride. Large in-plane polarizabilities are an attractive ingredient to manipulate and modulate multiexciton interactions in two-dimensional semiconductor nanostructures for optoelectronic applications. |
|
| |
Address |
|
|
| |
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
| |
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
| |
Language |
|
Wos |
000703553600129 |
Publication Date |
2021-08-27 |
|
| |
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
| |
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
| |
ISSN |
1936-0851 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
|
| |
Impact Factor |
13.942 |
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
OpenAccess |
|
| |
Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: 13.942 |
|
| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:182545 |
Serial |
7415 |
|
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
|
Author |
Bafekry, A.; Shahrokhi, M.; Shafique, A.; Jappor, H.R.; Fadlallah, M.M.; Stampfl, C.; Ghergherehchi, M.; Mushtaq, M.; Feghhi, S.A.H.; Gogova, D. |
|
| |
Title |
Semiconducting chalcogenide alloys based on the (Ge, Sn, Pb) (S, Se, Te) formula with outstanding properties : a first-principles calculation study |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2021 |
Publication |
ACS Omega |
Abbreviated Journal |
|
|
| |
Volume |
6 |
Issue |
14 |
Pages |
9433-9441 |
|
| |
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT) |
|
| |
Abstract |
Very recently, a new class of the multicationic and -anionic entropy-stabilized chalcogenide alloys based on the (Ge, Sn, Pb) (S, Se, Te) formula has been successfully fabricated and characterized experimentally [Zihao Deng et al., Chem. Mater. 32, 6070 (2020)]. Motivated by the recent experiment, herein, we perform density functional theory-based first-principles calculations in order to investigate the structural, mechanical, electronic, optical, and thermoelectric properties. The calculations of the cohesive energy and elasticity parameters indicate that the alloy is stable. Also, the mechanical study shows that the alloy has a brittle nature. The GeSnPbSSeTe alloy is a semiconductor with a direct band gap of 0.4 eV (0.3 eV using spin-orbit coupling effect). The optical analysis illustrates that the first peak of Im(epsilon) for the GeSnPbSSeTe alloy along all polarization directions is located in the visible range of the spectrum which renders it a promising material for applications in optical and electronic devices. Interestingly, we find an optically anisotropic character of this system which is highly desirable for the design of polarization-sensitive photodetectors. We have accurately predicted the thermoelectric coefficients and have calculated a large power factor value of 3.7 x 10(11) W m(-1) K-2 s(-1) for p-type. The high p-type power factor is originated from the multiple valleys near the valence band maxima. The anisotropic results of the optical and transport properties are related to the specific tetragonal alloy unit cell. |
|
| |
Address |
|
|
| |
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
| |
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
| |
Language |
|
Wos |
000640649500012 |
Publication Date |
2021-03-30 |
|
| |
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
| |
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
| |
ISSN |
2470-1343 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
|
| |
Impact Factor |
|
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
OpenAccess |
|
| |
Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
|
| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:178395 |
Serial |
7017 |
|
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
|
Author |
McLachlan, G.; Majdak, P.; Reijniers, J.; Peremans, H. |
|
| |
Title |
Towards modelling active sound localisation based on Bayesian inference in a static environment |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2021 |
Publication |
Acta Acustica |
Abbreviated Journal |
|
|
| |
Volume |
5 |
Issue |
|
Pages |
45 |
|
| |
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT) |
|
| |
Abstract |
Over the decades, Bayesian statistical inference has become a staple technique for modelling human multisensory perception. Many studies have successfully shown how sensory and prior information can be combined to optimally interpret our environment. Because of the multiple sound localisation cues available in the binaural signal, sound localisation models based on Bayesian inference are a promising way of explaining behavioural human data. An interesting aspect is the consideration of dynamic localisation cues obtained through self-motion. Here we provide a review of the recent developments in modelling dynamic sound localisation with a particular focus on Bayesian inference. Further, we describe a theoretical Bayesian framework capable to model dynamic and active listening situations in humans in a static auditory environment. In order to demonstrate its potential in future implementations, we provide results from two examples of simplified versions of that framework. |
|
| |
Address |
|
|
| |
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
| |
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
| |
Language |
|
Wos |
000709050000001 |
Publication Date |
2021-10-21 |
|
| |
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 |
Most recent IF: NA |
|
| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:182453 |
Serial |
7035 |
|
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
|
Author |
Baral, P.; Orekhov, A.; Dohmen, R.; Coulombier, M.; Raskin, J.P.; Cordier, P.; Idrissi, H.; Pardoen, T. |
|
| |
Title |
Rheology of amorphous olivine thin films characterized by nanoindentation |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2021 |
Publication |
Acta Materialia |
Abbreviated Journal |
Acta Mater |
|
| |
Volume |
219 |
Issue |
|
Pages |
117257 |
|
| |
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT) |
|
| |
Abstract |
The rheological properties of amorphous olivine thin films deposited by pulsed laser deposition have been studied based on ambient temperature nanoindentation under constant strain-rate as well as re-laxation conditions. The amorphous olivine films exhibit a viscoelastic-viscoplastic behavior with a significant rate dependency. The strain-rate sensitivity m is equal to similar to 0 . 05 which is very high for silicates, indicating a complex out-of-equilibrium structure. The minimum apparent activation volume determined from nanoindentation experiments corresponds to Mg and Fe atomic metallic sites in the (Mg,Fe)(2)SiO4 crystalline lattice. The ambient temperature creep behavior of the amorphous olivine films differs very much from the one of single crystal olivine. This behavior directly connects to the recent demonstration of the activation of grain boundary sliding in polycrystalline olivine following grain boundary amorphization under high-stress. (C) 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Acta Materialia Inc. |
|
| |
Address |
|
|
| |
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
| |
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
| |
Language |
|
Wos |
000706867800004 |
Publication Date |
2021-08-19 |
|
| |
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
| |
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
| |
ISSN |
1359-6454 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
|
| |
Impact Factor |
5.301 |
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
OpenAccess |
|
| |
Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: 5.301 |
|
| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:182592 |
Serial |
6882 |
|
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
|
Author |
Yang, M.; Orekhov, A.; Hu, Z.-Y.; Feng, M.; Jin, S.; Sha, G.; Li, K.; Samaee, V.; Song, M.; Du, Y.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Schryvers, D. |
|
| |
Title |
Shearing and rotation of β'' and β' precipitates in an Al-Mg-Si alloy under tensile deformation : in-situ and ex-situ studies |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2021 |
Publication |
Acta Materialia |
Abbreviated Journal |
Acta Mater |
|
| |
Volume |
220 |
Issue |
|
Pages |
117310 |
|
| |
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT) |
|
| |
Abstract |
The interaction between dislocations and nano-precipitates during deformation directly influences hardening response of precipitation-strengthening metals such as Al-Mg-Si alloys. However, how coherent and semi-coherent nano-precipitates accommodate external deformation applied to an Al alloy remains to be elucidated. In-situ tensile experiments in a transmission electron microscope (TEM) were conducted to study the dynamic process of dislocations cutting through coherent needle-like beta '' precipitates with diameters of 3 similar to 8 nm. Comprehensive investigations using in-situ, ex-situ TEM and atom probe tomography uncovered that beta '' precipitates were firstly sheared into small fragments, and then the rotation of the fragments, via sliding along precipitate/matrix interfaces, destroyed their initially coherent interface with the Al matrix. In contrast, semi-coherent beta' precipitates with sizes similar to beta '' were more difficult to be fragmented and accumulation of dislocations at the interface increased interface misfit between beta' and the Al matrix. Consequently, beta' precipitates could basically maintain their needle-like shape after the tensile deformation. This research gains new insights into the interaction between nano-precipitates and dislocations. (C) 2021 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
|
| |
Address |
|
|
| |
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
| |
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
| |
Language |
|
Wos |
000705535300005 |
Publication Date |
2021-09-12 |
|
| |
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
| |
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
| |
ISSN |
1359-6454 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
|
| |
Impact Factor |
5.301 |
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
OpenAccess |
|
| |
Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: 5.301 |
|
| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:182528 |
Serial |
6884 |
|
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
|
Author |
Liang, Q.; Yang, D.; Xia, F.; Bai, H.; Peng, H.; Yu, R.; Yan, Y.; He, D.; Cao, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Li, G.; Zhang, Q.; Tang, X.; Wu, J. |
|
| |
Title |
Phase-transformation-induced giant deformation in thermoelectric Ag₂Se semiconductor |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2021 |
Publication |
Advanced Functional Materials |
Abbreviated Journal |
Adv Funct Mater |
|
| |
Volume |
|
Issue |
|
Pages |
2106938 |
|
| |
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT) |
|
| |
Abstract |
In most semiconducting metal chalcogenides, a large deformation is usually accompanied by a phase transformation, while the deformation mechanism remains largely unexplored. Herein, a phase-transformation-induced deformation in Ag2Se is investigated by in situ transmission electron microscopy, and a new ordered high-temperature phase (named as alpha '-Ag2Se) is identified. The Se-Se bonds are folded when the Ag+-ion vacancies are ordered and become stretched when these vacancies are disordered. Such a stretch/fold of the Se-Se bonds enables a fast and large deformation occurring during the phase transition. Meanwhile, the different Se-Se bonding states in alpha-, alpha '-, beta-Ag2Se phases lead to the formation of a large number of nanoslabs and the high concentration of dislocations at the interface, which flexibly accommodate the strain caused by the phase transformation. This study reveals the atomic mechanism of the deformation in Ag2Se inorganic semiconductors during the phase transition, which also provides inspiration for understanding the phase transition process in other functional materials. |
|
| |
Address |
|
|
| |
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
| |
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
| |
Language |
|
Wos |
000695142800001 |
Publication Date |
2021-09-13 |
|
| |
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
| |
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
| |
ISSN |
1616-301x |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
|
| |
Impact Factor |
12.124 |
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
Not_Open_Access |
|
| |
Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: 12.124 |
|
| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:181527 |
Serial |
6879 |
|
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
|
Author |
Parrilla, M.; De Wael, K. |
|
| |
Title |
Wearable self‐powered electrochemical devices for continuous health management |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2021 |
Publication |
Advanced Functional Materials |
Abbreviated Journal |
Adv Funct Mater |
|
| |
Volume |
31 |
Issue |
50 |
Pages |
2107042 |
|
| |
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab) |
|
| |
Abstract |
The wearable revolution is already present in society through numerous gadgets. However, the contest remains in fully deployable wearable (bio)chemical sensing. Its use is constrained by the energy consumption which is provided by miniaturized batteries, limiting the autonomy of the device. Hence, the combination of materials and engineering efforts to develop sustainable energy management is paramount in the next generation of wearable self-powered electrochemical devices (WeSPEDs). In this direction, this review highlights for the first time the incorporation of innovative energy harvesting technologies with top-notch wearable self-powered sensors and low-powered electrochemical sensors toward battery-free and self-sustainable devices for health and wellbeing management. First, current elements such as wearable designs, electrochemical sensors, energy harvesters and storage, and user interfaces that conform WeSPEDs are depicted. Importantly, the bottlenecks in the development of WeSPEDs from an analytical perspective, product side, and power needs are carefully addressed. Subsequently, energy harvesting opportunities to power wearable electrochemical sensors are discussed. Finally, key findings that will enable the next generation of wearable devices are proposed. Overall, this review aims to bring new strategies for an energy-balanced deployment of WeSPEDs for successful monitoring of (bio)chemical parameters of the body toward personalized, predictive, and importantly, preventive healthcare. |
|
| |
Address |
|
|
| |
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
| |
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
| |
Language |
|
Wos |
000694642500001 |
Publication Date |
2021-09-09 |
|
| |
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
| |
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
| |
ISSN |
1616-301x |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
|
| |
Impact Factor |
12.124 |
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
OpenAccess |
|
| |
Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: 12.124 |
|
| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:181306 |
Serial |
8750 |
|
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
|
Author |
Vishwakarma, M.; Kumar, M.; Hendrickx, M.; Hadermann, J.; Singh, A.P.; Batra, Y.; Mehta, B.R. |
|
| |
Title |
Enhancing the hydrogen evolution properties of kesterite absorber by Si-doping in the surface of CZTS thin film |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2021 |
Publication |
Advanced Materials Interfaces |
Abbreviated Journal |
Adv Mater Interfaces |
|
| |
Volume |
|
Issue |
|
Pages |
2002124 |
|
| |
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT) |
|
| |
Abstract |
In this work, the effects of Si-doping in Cu2ZnSnS4 are examined computationally and experimentally. The density functional theory calculations show that an increasing concentration of Si (from x = 0 to x = 1) yields a band gap rise due to shifting of the conduction band minimum towards higher energy states in the Cu2Zn(Sn1-xSix)S-4. CZTSiS thin film prepared by co-sputtering process shows Cu2Zn(Sn1-xSix)S-4 (Si-rich) and Cu2ZnSnS4 (S-rich) kesterite phases on the surface and in the bulk of the sample, respectively. A significant change in surface electronic properties is observed in CZTSiS thin film. Si-doping in CZTS inverts the band bending at grain-boundaries from downward to upward and the Fermi level of CZTSiS shifts upward. Further, the coating of the CdS and ZnO layer improves the photocurrent to approximate to 5.57 mA cm(-2) at -0.41 V-RHE in the CZTSiS/CdS/ZnO sample, which is 2.39 times higher than that of pure CZTS. The flat band potential increases from CZTS approximate to 0.43 V-RHE to CZTSiS/CdS/ZnO approximate to 1.31 V-RHE indicating the faster carrier separation process at the electrode-electrolyte interface in the latter sample. CdS/ZnO layers over CZTSiS significantly reduce the charge transfer resistance at the semiconductor-electrolyte interface. |
|
| |
Address |
|
|
| |
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
| |
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
| |
Language |
|
Wos |
000635804900001 |
Publication Date |
2021-04-02 |
|
| |
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
| |
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
| |
ISSN |
2196-7350 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
|
| |
Impact Factor |
4.279 |
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
OpenAccess |
|
| |
Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: 4.279 |
|
| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:177688 |
Serial |
6780 |
|
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
|
Author |
Gielis, J.; Ricci, P.E.; Tavkhelidze, I. |
|
| |
Title |
The Möbius phenomenon in Generalized Möbius-Listing surfaces and bodies, and Arnold's Cat phenomenon |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2021 |
Publication |
Advanced Studies : Euro-Tbilisi Mathematical Journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
|
|
| |
Volume |
14 |
Issue |
4 |
Pages |
17-35 |
|
| |
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL) |
|
| |
Abstract |
Möbius bands have been studied extensively, mainly in topology. Generalized Möbius-Listing surfaces and bodies providing a full geometrical generalization, is a quite new field, motivated originally by solutions of boundary value problems. Analogous to cutting of the original Möbius band, for this class of surfaces and bodies, results have been obtained when cutting such bodies or surfaces. In general, cutting leads to interlinked and intertwined different surfaces or bodies, resulting in very complex systems. However, under certain conditions, the result of cutting can be a single surface or body, which reduces complexity considerably. Our research is motivated by this reduction of complexity. In the study of cutting Generalized Möbius-Listing bodies with polygons as cross section, the conditions under which a single body results, displaying the Möbius phenomenon of a one-sided body, have been determined for even and odd polygons. These conditions are based on congruence and rotational symmetry of the resulting cross sections after cutting, and on the knife cutting the origin. The Möbius phenomenon is important, since the process of cutting (or separation of zones in a GML body in general) then results in a single body, not in different, intertwined domains. In all previous works it was assumed that the cross section of the GML bodies is constant, but the main result of this paper is that it is sufficient that only one cross section on the whole GML structure meets the conditions for the Möbius phenomenon to occur. Several examples are given to illustrate this. |
|
| |
Address |
|
|
| |
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
| |
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
| |
Language |
|
Wos |
000774655100002 |
Publication Date |
|
|
| |
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
| |
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
| |
ISSN |
|
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record |
|
| |
Impact Factor |
|
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
OpenAccess |
|
| |
Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
|
| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:183081 |
Serial |
8258 |
|
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
|
Author |
Alvarez-Martin, A.; Wilcop, M.; Anderson, R.; Wendt, D.; Barden, R.; Kavich, G.M. |
|
| |
Title |
Investigation of volatile organic compounds in museum storage areas |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2021 |
Publication |
Air Quality Atmosphere And Health |
Abbreviated Journal |
Air Qual Atmos Hlth |
|
| |
Volume |
14 |
Issue |
11 |
Pages |
1797-1809 |
|
| |
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS) |
|
| |
Abstract |
This study investigates the complex mixture of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by and accumulated within a collection of historic medicinal, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic artifacts housed at the National Museum of American History (Smithsonian Institution). In recent years, staff have become concerned, both for the safety of the objects and for personnel working in the collection, about strong unremediated odors accumulating within several storage cabinets. Museum staff also wondered if non-odorous off-gassing might need remediation. Solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis (SPME–GC–MS) was used to identify VOCs present in the storage room housing the collection. Over 160 compounds were detected and identified overall. Among these, 49 appeared to be directly related to ingredients used in the manufacture of many collection items. The results of the study suggest that SPME–GC–MS can be a strong tool for the rapid screening of multicomponent museum collections exhibiting off-gassing problems, before the pursuit of other more tedious analytical approaches. Additionally, the study reveals valuable insight into the characteristic volatile emission of historic medicinal, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic artifacts, increasing understanding of, and decision-making for, similar collections of objects. Eventually, it is hoped that this information can be used to inform mitigation strategies for the capture and reduction of VOCs in collections storage areas. |
|
| |
Address |
|
|
| |
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
| |
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
| |
Language |
|
Wos |
000659058300001 |
Publication Date |
2021-06-08 |
|
| |
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
| |
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
| |
ISSN |
1873-9318 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
|
| |
Impact Factor |
3.184 |
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
Not_Open_Access |
|
| |
Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: 3.184 |
|
| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:181923 |
Serial |
8129 |
|
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
|
Author |
Daems, E.; Moro, G.; Berghmans, H.; Moretto, L.M.; Dewilde, S.; Angelini, A.; Sobott, F.; De Wael, K. |
|
| |
Title |
Native mass spectrometry for the design and selection of protein bioreceptors for perfluorinated compounds |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2021 |
Publication |
Analyst |
Abbreviated Journal |
Analyst |
|
| |
Volume |
146 |
Issue |
6 |
Pages |
2065-2073 |
|
| |
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation) |
|
| |
Abstract |
Biosensing platforms are answering the increasing demand for analytical tools for environmental monitoring of small molecules, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). By transferring toxicological findings in bioreceptor design we can develop innovative pathways for biosensor design. Indeed, toxicological studies provide fundamental information about PFAS-biomolecule complexes that can help evaluate the applicability of the latter as bioreceptors. The toolbox of native mass spectrometry (MS) can support this evaluation, as shown by the two case studies reported in this work. The analysis of model proteins’ (i.e. albumin, haemoglobin, cytochrome c and neuroglobin) interactions with well-known PFAS, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), demonstrated the potential of this native MS screening approach. In the first case study, untreated albumin and delipidated albumin were compared in the presence and absence of PFOA confirming that the delipidation step increases albumin affinity for PFOA without affecting protein stability. In the second case study, the applicability of our methodology to identify potential bioreceptors for PFOS/PFOA was extended to other proteins. Structurally related haemoglobin and neuroglobin revealed a 1 : 1 complex, whereas no binding was observed for cytochrome c. These studies have value as a proof-of-concept for a general application of native MS to identify bioreceptors for toxic compounds. |
|
| |
Address |
|
|
| |
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
| |
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
| |
Language |
|
Wos |
000631575100031 |
Publication Date |
2021-01-18 |
|
| |
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
| |
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
| |
ISSN |
0003-2654; 1364-5528 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record |
|
| |
Impact Factor |
3.885 |
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
OpenAccess |
|
| |
Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: 3.885 |
|
| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:177074 |
Serial |
8294 |
|
| Permanent link to this record |
