AFLS2024

Session

Plenary

18 Nov 2024, 10:00

Conveners

Plenary

• Philip Oluseyi Oladijo (Botswana International University of Science and Technology)

Plenary: Plenary

• Tshepo Ntsoane (Necsa)

Plenary

• Abidemi Paul Kappo (University of Johannesburg)

Plenary

• Kudakwashe Jakata (European Synchrotron)

Plenary: Plenary

• Collieus Lebudi (Botswana International University of Science and Technology)

Plenary

• Gihan Kamel (SESAME Light Source)

Plenary: Plenar

• Simon Connell (University of Johannesburg)

Plenary

• Loan Truong ()

Plenary

• Gihan Kamel (SESAME Light Source)

Plenary

• Kathleen Dollman (ESRF)

Plenary: AfLS Plenary

• Sekazi Mtingwa (Massachusetts Institute of Technology & Brookhaven National Laboratory& African Laser Centre)

Plenary

• Lawrence Norris (National Society of Black Physicists)

Plenary

• Mashikoane Mogodi (University of Cape Town)

Plenary: Business Development - How a light source can help industry and innovation

• Emmanuel Igumbor (University of Johannesburg)

Plenary

• Emmanuel Igumbor (University of Johannesburg)

Plenary

• Sekazi Mtingwa (Massachusetts Institute of Technology & Brookhaven National Laboratory& African Laser Centre)

Plenary

• Robert Kingsford-Adaboh (University of Ghana)

Plenary

• Marcus Newton (University of Southampton)

Description

Plenary

Contribution list Timetable

252. Societal and Economic Impact of a Synchrotron Light Source

Qun Shen (Brookhaven National Laboratory)

18/11/2024, 10:00

AfLS

Qun Shen
Deputy Director for Science and Distinguished Scientist
National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II)
Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, USA

Synchrotron light sources have been developing rapidly since the 1980’s when first dedicated light source facilities started operations. These light sources essentially extend our human vision and allow us to see and...

237. Energy Resources in Africa and their Geopolitical and Geostrategic Implications for Sustainable Development in Africa

Ahmadou Wague (African Physical; Society)

18/11/2024, 11:00

AfPS

Energy and ecological transitions are currently major challenges throughout the world, particularly in Africa, where the effects of global warming are causing enormous damage to environmental and agricultural ecosystems. In addition, the war in Ukraine is demonstrating how important it is for Africa to meet the challenges of energy and food sovereignty through an appropriate approach to the...

240. Super-resolution imaging of transcription in living cells

Ibrahim Cissé (Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics)

18/11/2024, 14:00

AfPS

We will discuss the latest efforts in our laboratory to develop highly sensitive methods of microscopy, to go directly inside living cells and uncover the behavior of single biomolecules as they effect their function in transcription. Transcription is the first step in gene expression regulation, during which genetic information on DNA is decoded into RNA transcripts. Methodologically, the...

267. Studying real materials in action: Time resolved measurements of local structure in materials at synchrotrons and XFELs

Simon Billinge (Columbia University)

18/11/2024, 14:30

At the heart of materials science studies for next generation materials is an idea that we want to be studying real materials doing real things, often in real devices. In practice, this presents a number of key data analysis and interpretation challenges because it implies we are studying ever more complicated samples, often in complex heterogeneous environments and in time-resolved operando...

262. Paleontology

Kathleen Dollman (European Synchrotron and Radiation Facility)

18/11/2024, 16:00

To be added

207. What is Brilliant and BRIGHT at the Australian Synchrotron

Michael James (Australian Synchrotron, ANSTO)

19/11/2024, 09:00

AfLS

The Australian Nuclear Science & Technology Organisation (ANSTO) operates, maintains, and develops a wide range of research infrastructure (worth ~$1 billion) for the benefit of all Australians, including some of the largest research facilities in the country. The Lucas Heights campus in Sydney hosts the Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering, the Centre for Accelerator Science and the...

208. Recent topics of XAFS studies performed at Photon Factory

Hitoshi Abe (Photon Factory (PF), Institute of Materials Structure Science (IMSS), High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK))

19/11/2024, 09:30

AfLS

Institute of Materials Structure Science is one of the institutes in KEK, and runs a synchrotron facility, Photon Factory (PF), where two synchrotron rings, PF and PF-AR (Advanced Ring) are operated. PF is operated with the beam energy of 2.5 GeV, and PF-AR with 6.5 GeV or 5. 0GeV to provide higher x-ray energy. There are about 50 end stations including 6 x-ray absorption fine structure...

194. Status of the STAR Project and perspectives for a CLS in Africa

Sanae Samsam (INFN)

19/11/2024, 11:00

AfLS

The Southern European Thomson back-scattering source for Applied Research (STAR) project, led by INFN and hosted at the University of Calabria (South Italy), represents a cutting-edge platform for producing high-brilliance hard X-ray (up to 350 keV) photon beams through inverse Compton scattering (ICS). With the successful upgrade of its high-energy linac (STAR-HEL) to reach electron beam...

246. RESIDUAL STRESS ESTIMATION IN COATING TECHNOLOGY

Philip Oluseyi Oladijo (Botswana International University of Science and Technology)

19/11/2024, 11:30

AfLS

Non-destructive determination of residual stresses in the WC-Co coated systems was exceptionally challenging in that the coatings were only 200 microns thick. The best suited techniques for investigation of WC were diffraction-based strain scanning using penetrating radiation such as thermal neutrons (most penetrating), high energy synchrotron X-rays (100 keV enables 20 micron penetration) and...

256. “SESAME Synchrotron: the bright light of the Middle East”

Gihan Kamel (SESAME Light Source)

19/11/2024, 14:00

AfLS

The Synchrotron-light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East (SESAME) is the first synchrotron facility in the Middle East. Its current Members are Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Pakistan, Palestine and Türkiye. With Brazil, Canada, China (People’s Republic of), the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), the European Union (EU), France, Germany, Greece,...

254. XAFS Technique for Enhancing Research in Energy Domain

Dr Messaoud Harfouche (SESAME)

19/11/2024, 14:30

AfLS

X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (XAFS) spectroscopy has emerged as a non-destructive and powerful analytical technique for advancing research not only in physics but also in chemistry, environmental science, biology, archaeology, and, naturally, in the energy domain, offering invaluable insights into the structural, electronic, and chemical properties of materials under realistic conditions....

255. MS/XPD: The SESAME X-ray powder diffraction beamline for Materials Science and Environmental applications

Dr Mahmoud Abdellatief (SESAME synchrotron)

19/11/2024, 14:50

AfLS

X-ray diffraction (XRD) beamlines are often high-priority facilities due to their broad applications across diverse fields, including materials science, biology, pharmacology, and cultural heritage. The X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) technique, in particular, is widely used for material phase identification, quantitative phase analysis, microstructural analysis, and kinetic studies. The...

257. "The first infrared beamline at the Middle East SESAME synchrotron facility"

Gihan Kamel (SESAME Light Source)

19/11/2024, 15:10

AfLS

SESAME (Synchrotron-light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East) is the only facility of its kind in the Middle East and neighboring regions, officially opened in 2017. Infrared spectromicroscopy was selected as one of the two beamlines to be opened to the general users’ program (the so-called Day-1 beamlines). Being one of the most demanded techniques by various...

258. ALBA Synchrotron impact in society through science and innovation

Caterina Biscari (ALBA Synchrotron)

19/11/2024, 16:00

AfLS

Over the past decade, the ALBA Synchrotron has become an important pillar of the Spanish and European Research Area, providing research capabilities and a wide range of state-of-the-art instrumentation to a community of more than 8500 academic and industrial users. With its eleven operational experimental beamlines, while three more are being put into operation, and with the creation, in...

245. Antifungal and antibacterial potential of isoflavones from Millettia thonningii

Robert Kingsford-Adaboh (University of Ghana)

19/11/2024, 16:30

AfLS

This study demonstrates the antifungal and antibacterial potential of isoflavone natural products isolated from the seeds extracts of Millettia thonningii. In an effort to gain bond topological information which may have consequences for the observed bioactivities, the crystal structure of robustic acid was solved and refined using the independent atom as well as the invariom model, and the...

234. Investigating Electrolytes for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Through Advanced Synchrotron Techniques

Dr Mathias Kiefer (University of the Witwatersrand )

20/11/2024, 09:00

AfLS

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) have emerged as a promising candidate in the search for an efficient and environmentally friendly source of electrical energy. SOFCs offer several benefits over traditional sources of electricity, such as high efficiency and reduced emissions. However, SOFCs have experienced limited commercialization due to short device lifespans and high operating temperatures,...

250. Thermal expansion behaviour of BPO4 studied by X-ray thermodiffractometry

Mashikoane Mogodi (University of Cape Town)

20/11/2024, 09:30

AfLS

This talk presents the crystal structure dynamics as a function of temperature of non-porous borophosphates. Much of the work published on these materials has focused on investigating the synthetic approaches as well as exploring their fascinating structural chemistry. Little has been reported about their thermal expansion behaviour. This thermoresponsive behaviour revealed their thermal...

259. The ESRF-EBS: Highlights and notes from the ESRF

Prof. Jean Daillant (ESRF)

20/11/2024, 10:00

In this talk I will briefly present the ESRF which has just celebrated 30 years of user operation. At the ESRF, 20 partner countries, amongst which is South-Africa, join forces to exploit 46 cutting edge beamlines at the forefront of synchrotron technology. I will, in particular, show how the ESRF-EBS (Extremely Brilliant Source), a major upgrade of the facility increasing the brilliance and...

244. Minerals, Metals and Materials: Understanding the World around Us

Jeffrey Cutler (Sylter Science Inc.)

20/11/2024, 11:00

AfLS

The growth of science and technology is accelerating, with new products and processes being developed in fields such as nanoscience and biotechnology. With this growth, industry is facing increasing pressure to innovate and is discovering that traditional analytical techniques are not answering all of their questions. For example, new materials are being developed daily that may have...

228. Working with industry at the European Synchrotron

Edward Mitchell (ESRF)

20/11/2024, 11:20

AfLS

ED MITCHELL1
1 European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (Business Development Office, Grenoble, France)
Corresponding author: Ed Mitchell, mitchell@esrf.eu

Keywords: innovation, industry,
Theme: African Light Source session

The European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) has worked with industry from even before the first light was delivered in 1994. The ESRF’s Business Development...

261. ForMAX – a beamline for multiscale and multimodal structural characterization of hierarchical materials for the Swedish forest industry

Prof. Magnus Larsson (MAX IV)

20/11/2024, 11:30

Magnus W. Larsson, Joaquín B. González, Vahid Haghighat, Jackson Silva, Mira Viljanen, Santiago P. Fernandez Bordín, Anuj Prajapati, Samuel A. McDonald, and Kim Nygård
MAX IV Laboratory, Lund University, Sweden

The ForMAX beamline at the MAX IV Laboratory provides multiscale and multimodal structural characterization of hierarchical materials from nm to mm length scales, by combining...

214. The Impact of Industrial Synchrotron X-ray Powder Diffraction

Bernd Hinrichsen (Momentum Transfer)

20/11/2024, 11:45

AfLS

Industry is crucial in the development and utilization of synchrotrons, with expert companies playing a key role in both construction and value creation. Intermediary companies, in particular, facilitate the translation of synchrotron research into tangible benefits for society. This presentation will highlight how these companies enhance the impact of light sources and showcase Momentum...

270. Benefits of synchrotron imaging techniques for material characterization and product testing

Andrea Francesco Ciuffini (Novitom)

20/11/2024, 12:00

AfLS

Benefits of synchrotron imaging techniques for material characterization and product testing

Andrea Francesco Ciuffini1, Barbara Fayard1, Jean Doucet1, Caroline Boudou1

1 Novitom, 3 Avenue Doyen Louis Weil F-38000 Grenoble, France
Corresponding author e-mail address: andrea.ciuffini@novitom.com

1. Introduction

Novitom is an independent company, specialized in 3D material...

229. Shining a Light on Nanoelectronics: The IRT Nanoelec Characterisation Programme for Industry-Driven Innovation

Ennio Capria

20/11/2024, 12:15

AfLS

As nanoelectronics push the frontiers of miniaturization, precision, and functionality, advanced material characterization has become critical to driving innovation and maintaining competitiveness in industrial applications. The Platform for Advanced Characterisation - Grenoble (PAC-G), in France, stands at the intersection of scientific discovery and industrial need, offering cutting-edge...

260. Highlights and notes from the Sirius

Prof. Harry Westfahl (Sirius)

20/11/2024, 13:30

This presentation discusses the performance and scientific highlights from Sirius. The Sirius has supported the AfLS for more than a decade, and the presentation also reflects on the role that the Sirius can play to advance synchrotron based science in Africa.

220. Advancing Structural Biology in Africa: BioStruct-Africa's AlphaFold Training Initiative

Dr Emmanuel Nji (BioStruct-Africa, 10 Link Road, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana.)

21/11/2024, 09:00

AfLS

Abstract
AlphaFold is a groundbreaking AI tool developed to predict protein structures with remarkable accuracy, yet few scientists based in Africa have received training to use it effectively. From October 7–11, 2024, BioStruct-Africa (www.biostructafrica.org) held a hands-on training workshop in Douala, Cameroon, focused on structural biology. This workshop provided participants with...

248. Solving the Old Problem of Anti-schistosomal Drug Resistance: A Role for Praziquantel and Polyphenols?

Abidemi Paul Kappo (University of Johannesburg)

21/11/2024, 09:30

AfLS

Schistosomiasis is a devastating parasitic disease caused by the Schistosoma species. It affects over 260 million people worldwide, with the highest morbidity and mortality rates in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite its significant impact on public health, Schistosomiasis remains one of the neglected tropical diseases. Praziquantel (PZQ) is currently the only drug that treats all schistosomiasis...

191. Ptychography and CDI at the Diamond i13-1 beamline: Highlights

Dr Kudakwashe Jakata (European Synchrotron)

21/11/2024, 11:00

AfLS

X-ray computed tomography has proven to be a very useful technique with applications in materials science on carbon fibre composites, lithium-ion battery research, in palaeontology and geology among others. The resolution attainable is limited by lenses and the detectors. However, ptychography is a lens less technique which can ne used to obtain nanometre resolution and allows quantification...

232. Heterologous production, purification and crystallization of sterol 24C-methyltransferases from opportunistic pathogenic fungi

Carmien Tolmie (University of the Free State)

21/11/2024, 11:30

AfLS

Opportunistic pathogenic fungi cause infectious fungal disease with extremely high mortality rates, especially in immune-compromised patients [1]. Antifungal resistance and multi-drug resistance have emerged against the limited number of clinically used antifungals. Because of the high HIV/AIDS incidence in Sub-Saharan Africa [2], anti-fungal drug resistance is specifically of concern;...

231. Theory of X-ray spectroscopy of materials

Frank de Groot (Utrecht University)

21/11/2024, 14:00

AfLS

I will discuss X-ray absorption (XAS) and Resonant inelastic scattering of X-rays (RIXS). There is no practical unified theory for the interpretation of XAS spectra and one-particle models based on Density Functional Theory as well as multiplet model Hamiltonians are used for specific spectra [1,2]. In 2p3d resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS) one scans through the 2p X-ray absorption...

268. CLS, PALSA, Plant Science

Prof. Lucia Zuin (Canadian Light Source)

21/11/2024, 15:00

The value of light source science for agricultural research, and encouraging potential users to increase the use of advanced imaging synchrotron tools, by showcasing leading research in the field.

227. LAMISTAD, A SYNCHROTRON FOR THE GREATRER CARIBEEAN

Victor Castano (Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico)

21/11/2024, 16:00

AfLS

A descripotion of the history, objectives and futuro of LAMISTAD, a project forestablishing a synchrotron in the Greater Caribbean, will be offered, emphasinzing the challenges and opportunities of this enterprise.

226. The Puerto Rican Light Source (PULS) Initiative

Dr Jorge Colón (University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras) , Dr Mitk'El Santiago (University of Puerto Rico-Humacao) , Dr Keyla Soto-Hidalgo (University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras)

21/11/2024, 16:20

AfLS

Several Caribbean researchers and students, including from Puerto Rico, have been conducting materials and biological research studies at synchrotron facilities around the world. However, no synchrotron facility exists in the Greater Caribbean Region. A few years ago, a group of international researchers created the Latin American International Synchrotron for Technology, Analysis and...

271. Mexican Experience: The Mexican Society of Synchrotron Light. A short glance for the future of compact XFEL Facilities

Prof. Abel Moreno (Institute of Chemistry, UNAM, Avenida Universidad)

21/11/2024, 16:40

AfLS

Mayra Cuellar-Cruz¹, Abel Moreno²

1 Department of Biology Division of Natural and Exact Sciences, University of Guanajuato, Noria alta s/n, Guanajuato 36050, Guanajuato Guanajuato. México.
2 Institute of Chemistry, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000. Mexico City 04510. Mexico.
Corresponding author e-mail address:...

223. Comments on the Geopolitical Conceptual Design Report for an African Light Source

Prof. Sekazi Mtingwa (African Light Source Foundation)

22/11/2024, 09:00

AfLS

The African Light Source Foundation has been engaged in a variety of activities to bring a synchrotron light source facility to the African continent. A milestone along the road to that goal has been the production of a geopolitical conceptual design report that discusses the justification, history, and road ahead for the African Light Source. In this presentation, we will expound upon these items.

224. UK XFEL Overview & Science Case

Dr Paul Aden (STFC) , Prof. Jon Marangos (Imperial College) , Dr David Dunning (STFC)

22/11/2024, 09:30

AfLS

Note: Following discussions with Lawrence Norris we would like to submit for two talks. One discussing the UK XFEL Project and Facility Design, and a second discussing the UK XFEL Science Case and notable recent XFEL highlights. However we can deliver this as one talk if the schedule is limited at this stage.

UK XFEL: Overview and Facility Design.
A conceptual design and options...

216. Xray-Raman Scattering studies of interface-induced high hydrogen and ion dynamics in nanocomposite energy storage materials

Peter Ngene (Utrecht University, The Netherlands)

22/11/2024, 11:00

AfLS

The success of the energy transition hinges on the development of efficient energy storage materials and technologies to deal with the intermittency of energy from solar and wind. Metal hydrides (such as LiBH4, NaBH4, KH NaCB11H12, etc.), which are well known for their ability to reversibly store large amounts of hydrogen, have recently emerged as multi-functional energy materials[1-2] This is...

249. Evaluating the Impact of Substrate Thickness on the Structural Integrity of Plasma-Sprayed Hydroxyapatite Coatings

Tshepo Ntsoane (Necsa)

22/11/2024, 11:30

AfLS

AfLS7 abstract for Oral presentation by Dr T. Ntsoane.

266. Aspects of engagement with Industry: Key Techniques

Andrea Francesco Ciuffini (Novitom)

Aspects of engagement with Industry: Key Techniques