BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//CERN//INDICO//EN BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Barium Titanate Ferroelectric Thin Films for Electro-Optic Applic ations DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241119T151500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241119T153000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260520T224416Z UID:indico-contribution-685-9841@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Collieus Lebudi (Botswana International University o f Science and Technology)\nBarium titanate (BaTiO3) has great prospects in integrated and high-performance electro-optic (EO) devices due to its lar ge EO coefficient and its ability to fabricated as thin films on commercia lly substrates using conventional deposition techniques. However\, when gr own as films\, the EO performance of BaTiO3 considerably degrades with min imal improvement upon adjusting deposition parameters. The aim of this res earch was to therefore investigate strategies for improving the EO perform ance of BaTiO3 thin films through manipulation of mechanical and electrica l boundary conditions. Films were deposited on LSAT substrates by pulsed l aser deposition and laser molecular beam epitaxy. Atomic force microscopy\ , X-ray diffraction techniques\, second-harmonic generation and piezoelect ric force microscopy were used for characterization. Mechanical boundary c onditions were manipulated by inserting PrScO3 buffer layers of varying th icknesses to modulate epitaxial strains delivered by LSAT to the BaTiO3 ep ilayer. The films were smooth and single crystalline with a tetragonal pha se having a predominantly in-plane domain structure. An effective EO coeff icient of 249 pm/V was attained\, which is significantly higher compared t o films deposited on unbuffered LSAT.\n\nKeywords: ferroelectric\; barium titanate\; electro-optic effect\; pulsed laser deposition\, laser molecula r beam epitaxy\, optical second-harmonic generation\n\nDUE TO CONFIDENTIAL ITY\, slides are not uploaded.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/249/con tributions/9841/ LOCATION: URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9841/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:IAEA Activities in support of research and applications using sync hrotron-light facilities and increasing their transnational cooperation. DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241121T150000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241121T151500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260520T224416Z UID:indico-contribution-685-9900@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Sotirios Charisopoulos (IAEA)\n**Sotirios Charisopou los**\, Danas Ridikas\, Alessandro Migliori\n\n*Physics Section\, Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences\nDepartment of Nuclear Sciences and App lications\, International Atomic Energy Agency \nVienna International Cent re\, PO Box 100\, A-1400 Vienna\, Austria*\n\n\nPromotion of nuclear appli cations for peaceful purposes and related capacity building is among the m issions of the IAEA. Hereby\, accelerator applications is one of the thema tic areas\, where the IAEA supports its Member States in strengthening the ir capabilities to adopt and benefit from the usage of accelerators\, incl uding synchrotron light sources. For this purpose\, the IAEA Physics Secti on implements various activities to enhance utilization of light sources b y enabling facility access for scientists from developing countries throug h bilateral as well as Collaborating Centre agreements with a number of li ght sources and through technical support granted through the Technical Co operation Program. \nIn this context\, the IAEA has recently approved the five-year Interregional TC project INT0104 "Increasing Transnational Coope ration between Light Sources and Diversifying the User Base." This project aims to broaden geographical access to synchrotron light sources and enha nce technical expertise among Member States. By fostering collaboration an d knowledge exchange\, it seeks to empower developing Member States to add ress industrial and technological challenges\, thereby strengthening educa tional institutions\, economies\, social structures\, and global competiti veness. \nA report on IAEA’s activities in support of research and appli cations using synchrotron-light facilities and increasing their transnatio nal cooperation will be presented.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/249 /contributions/9900/ LOCATION: URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9900/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Pb-doped Bismuth Oxide Electrolyte Materials for Intermediate Temp erature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241121T151500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241121T153000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260520T224416Z UID:indico-contribution-685-9903@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Emileo Naicker (Student at The University of the Wit watersrand)\nEmileo Naicker1\, Caren Billing1\,2\, David G. Billing1\,2\n1 Molecular Science Institute\, School of Chemistry\,University of the Witw atersrand\, Johannesburg\, South Africa\n2 DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials\, University of the Witwatersrand\, Private Bag X3\, Joh annesburg\, 2050\, South Africa\nemileo.naicker1@students.wits.ac.za\n\nFu el cells provide a way to convert chemical energy into electrical energy. The electrolyte used is one of the components that can be optimized to enh ance the operation of the fuel cell. There are different types of electrol ytes with the most common electrolyte used being yttrium stabilized zircon ia. This work focuses on using doped bismuth oxide as an electrolyte due t o its extremely high conductivity in its face centered cubic(fcc) structur e while using specific dopants in a triple doped system(Y3+\, Ce4+ and Pb2 +) to promote certain characteristics with particular focus on Pb2+ for in creasing conductivity. Variable Temperature electrochemical impedance spec troscopy (EIS) and Powder x-ray diffraction (PXRD) were both used to deter mine the conductivity performance and structural stability. It was reveale d that increasing the Pb2+ concentration of the system\, while fixing the concentration of the other dopants\, resulted in increased conductivity. T he linearity of both samples on the Arrhenius plots showed that there was not any major phase change. However\, it seems that at higher temperatures \, lead migrates away from the cubic structure which was revealed with VT- PXRD as the diffraction pattern showed a degradation of the cubic structur e and discolouration of sample.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/249/co ntributions/9903/ LOCATION: URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9903/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:iThemba LABS: A multidisciplinary facility for fundamental and app lied research using accelerated particle beams DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241118T101500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241118T103000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260520T224416Z UID:indico-contribution-685-9901@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Morgan Madhuku (iThemba LABS)\nMorgan Madhuku1\, Rud olph Nchodusup>1\, Gillian Arendsesup>1\n\n 1 NRF-iThemba LABS\, P O Box 7 22 Somerset West 7129\, South Africa\n\nCorresponding author e-mail addres s: m.madhuku@ilabs.nrf.ac.za\n\nSince its establishment\, iThemba Laborato ries for Accelerator-based Sciences (iThemba LABS) has advanced knowledge\ , research\, and development in the domains of particle therapy\, isotope manufacturing\, subatomic physics\, and material and environmental science s. With up to six particle accelerators\, it is the only facility of its k ind in the southern hemisphere and the premier ion and particle accelerato r laboratory on the African continent. iThemba LABS is renowned both domes tically and abroad for being a pioneer in the development of isotopes for scientific and medical applications. iThemba LABS serves as a source of in spiration\, a career route\, and a learning and sharing tool for both high schools and students. In the business community\, iThemba LABS is well-kn own for producing medicinal isotopes and using cutting-edge accelerator te chnologies. In academia\, iThemba LABS is known as the regional hub for So uth African university researchers in material\, particle and nuclear phys ics.\n\nA quick overview of iThemba LABS\, along with the current opportun ities that align with its status as an IAEA Collaborating Centre\, will be provided.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9901/ LOCATION: URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9901/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:XRD analysis of Fibre Optic Sensors at ESRF post-Irradiation at th e SAFARI-1 reactor in South Africa DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241118T151500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241118T153000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260520T224416Z UID:indico-contribution-685-9813@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Bongani Maqabuka (University of Johannesburg)\nFibre optic sensing (FOS) is being developed for in-core\, online\, real-time s ensing of state parameters for a nuclear reactor at full power. This study focusses on assessing the damage incurred by optical fibres when exposed to a mixed radiation field in a nuclear reactor. Both the high neutron flu x and the ionizing radiation in a nuclear reactor can cause physical damag e to optical fibres by introducing optical defects through ionization or a tomic displacement mechanisms. Such radiation-induced defects can signific antly alter the material properties and performance of optical devices. To investigate these effects\, different samples of optical fibres were irra diated in the SAFARI-1 Material Test Reactor at the Nuclear Energy Corpora tion of South Africa (NECSA)\, with a differential dose up to the cumulati ve radiation dose (fluence) reaching up to 1 GGy. The SAFARI-1 reactor has a characteristic neutron flux of about 1x1014 n/cm2-s of fast energy neut rons. Silicon dioxide (SiO2) is an organic material extensively used in se miconductor circuits to electrically isolate different conducting regions. Due to its unique properties\, SiO2 plays a critical role in wide range o f applications\, including optical fibres for real-time\, online\, in-core monitoring of various nuclear reactor parameters\, such as temperature\, radiation dose\, pressure\, etc.\n\nIrradiation tests have also been carri ed out at the IRRAD facility at CERN\, up to 1.85 MGy\, in in-operando con ditions for dose\, temperature and humidity sensors\, in both radiation ha rd and radiation soft fibres. This research aims to contribute to the unde rstanding of radiation-induced defects in optical fibres and to support th e development of more radiation-resistant materials for FOS nuclear applic ations. This talk reviews previous x-ray-based studies of radiation damage in fibres\, summarizes what is known about the radiation damage effects\, and discusses what could be gained from synchrotron-based studies.\n\nhtt ps://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9813/ LOCATION: URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9813/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Taphonomy and palaeoecology of a monospecific microvertebrate bone bed: behavioural implications for the late Permian parareptile Owenetta re vealed synchrotron X-ray microcomputed tomography DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241118T143000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241118T144500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260520T224416Z UID:indico-contribution-685-9898@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Lutendo Mukwevho (University of Witwatersrand)\nSoci ality in the vertebrate fossil record is a dynamic and fast-expanding area of research. Natural history observations of living animals are crucial f or understanding and categorising sociality\, but these observations are n ot feasible for extinct species. Some monotaxic bonebeds may provide uniqu e opportunities to conceptualise the social behaviours of these extinct an imals. An unusual bonebed (SAM-PK-K11289) discovered in the uppermost Perm ian strata of the Balfour Formation\, Karoo Supergroup\, in the Eastern Ca pe presents a window into the sociality of a Late Permian parareptile. The entire bonebed SAM-PKK11289 is dish-shaped\, 160 mm long\, 85 mm wide and 55 mm thick with an elliptical planimetric shape. We used propagation ph ase-contrast synchrotron X-ray micro- computed tomography to three-dimensi onally reconstruct skeletal elements in SAM-PK-K11289\, allowing the taxon omic identification of the individuals in the bonebed as most likely belon ging to Owenetta rubidgei. This is the largest aggregation of Owenetta ind ividuals known to date\, with a minimum number of 31\, based on 314 limb b ones. The ontogenetic profile of SAM-PK-K11289 was interpreted by analysin g the size distribution of duplicate elements and by making comparisons wi th other Owenetta and procolophonid specimens. The specimens in the bonebe d are all similar in body size and osteologically immature\, indicating th at they are juveniles. The bonebed occurs in a pedogenically modified ripp le cross-laminated siltstone deposited by overbank flooding on a fluvial f loodplain that likely contributed to the modification\, disturbance and di sarticulation of many but not all elements before the bonebed was buried a t or very close to the death site. This bonebed provides novel information that directly challenges the popular belief that reptiles and their ances tors are non-social or asocial. Considering the overall circumstances of t he bonebed\, we hypothesize that Owenetta rubidgei juveniles were socially gregarious and this behaviour may have been induced or influenced by envi ronmental changes during the early extinction phase of the end- Permian ma ss extinction in the Karoo Basin.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/249/ contributions/9898/ LOCATION: URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9898/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Preferred isomerism of hydroxy-N\,N’-diarylformamidine derivativ es in the solid-state DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241122T081500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241122T083000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260520T224416Z UID:indico-contribution-685-9845@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: David Juma ( University of KwaZulu Natal)\nIntroduct ion\nThe flexibility of diarylformamidine ligands to coordinate either as monodentate or as chelating ligands render their respective complexes very promising for application in catalysis [1]. N-hydroxy-N\,N’-diarylforma midine complexes have been reported by our research group to be significan t initiators in ring opening polymerization [2]. In this work\, we explore the synthesis and characterization of hydroxy-N\,N’-diarylformamidine d erivatives with particular interest in their preferred isomerism in the so lid-state.\n\nResults\nSymmetrical and Unsymmetrical N-hydroxyformamidines were synthesized and characterized using various spectroscopic techniques . The crystals of the compounds obtained underwent X-ray diffraction analy sis\, revealing that symmetrical formamidines can adopt both zwitterionic and neutral hydroxy forms\, whereas unsymmetrical compounds exclusively ad opt the zwitterionic form in solid state. The zwitterions exhibit Zanti is omerism\, while the neutral hydroxy forms exhibit Eanti isomerism. Symmetr ical and unsymmetrical compounds with smaller substituents tend to form di meric molecular units\, described by an R_2^2 (10) graph set descriptor. I n contrast\, unsymmetrical compounds with bulkier substituents form chain- like structures. Classical hydrogen bonds (N–H…O\, N—H…N\, N—H …O\, and O–H…N) stabilize the crystal packing in dimeric units\, whi le C–H…O interactions promote packing in chain-forming molecules. Pair wise interaction energy calculations reveal that electrostatic energy (Eel e) predominates in the stability of the dimeric pairs\, whereas dispersion energy (Edis) is more dominates in chain-like structures.\n \n\nReference s\n[1] Akpan ED\, Ojwach SO\, Omondi B\, Nyamori VO.\, New J. Chem. **40** (2016) 3499-3510. \n[2] Munzeiwa WA\, Omondi B\, Nyamori VO\, Polyhedron. **138** (2017) 295-305.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contribut ions/9845/ LOCATION: URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9845/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Investigation of Biomimetic Coatings on Glassy Carbon and Ti-6Al-4 V Substrates: Impact of Varying Surface Preparation Methods DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241118T100000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241118T101500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260520T224416Z UID:indico-contribution-685-9893@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Unaisa Dockrat (University of Pretoria)\n**Investiga tion of Biomimetic Coatings on Glassy Carbon and Ti-6Al-4V Substrates: Imp act of Varying Surface Preparation Methods**\n\nUnaisa Dockrat1\, Johan.B. Malherbe 1\, Tshepo.P. Ntsoane2\, Thabsile.T. Thabethe1\n\n1Physics Depar tment\, University of Pretoria\, Hatfield\, South Africa. \n2Physics Depar tment\, South African Nuclear Energy Corporation\, Pretoria\, South Africa .\n\nCorresponding author: unaisa.dockrat@tuks.co.za\n\n 1. Introduction \ nBiomimetic coatings\, an innovative advancement in biomedical engineering \, replicate the intricate mechanisms and superior properties observed in biological systems to enhance the performance\, durability\, reliability\, and biocompatibility of biomedical implants [1-2]. These coatings aim to improve implant integration with the human body\, addressing the challenge s of traditional coatings like thermally sprayed hydroxyapatite (HAp)\, wh ich can suffer from inherent residual stress\, undesirable thermal product s\, poor biocompatibility\, infection risk\, and inadequate tissue integra tion [2]. By imitating natural biochemical processes\, biomimetic coatings with better cellular adhesion\, proliferation\, and differentiation [3] c an be produced. This study explores biomimetic deposition on Ti-6Al-4V (Ti 64) and glassy carbon (GC) substrates\, pretreated with sandblasting\, pla sma etching\, and polishing\, and then immersed in simulated bodily fluid (SBF) for 56 days. The resulting coatings were analyzed using scanning ele ctron microscopy (SEM) for surface morphology\, energy-dispersive X-ray sp ectroscopy (EDS) for elemental analysis\, atomic force microscopy (AFM)\, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to evaluate their structural and compositional properties.\n\n 2. Results\n\nEDS analysis revealed higher Ca and P on co atings deposited on plasma-etched and polished GC substrates\, while sandb lasted Ti64 substrates showed higher O\, Ca\, and P. Plasma-etched GC and sandblasted Ti64 apatite coatings resembled thermally sprayed HAp layers o n Ti64\, indicating similar elemental compositions. Ti64 substrates subjec ted to polishing and plasma etching had lower element percentages due to p re-treatment. SEM images showed distinct surface morphologies: GC substrat es had tightly packed spherical particles creating a rough texture\, while sandblasted Ti64 substrates exhibited densely packed spherical clusters a nd plasma-etched Ti64 samples had small\, uneven clusters forming a porous texture. XRD confirmed coatings on polished and plasma-etched GC and the sandblasted and plasma-etched Ti64 as hydroxyapatite with fine grain size. XRD analysis confirmed all patterns to display distinct peaks correspondi ng to apatite\, confirming successful biomimetic apatite coating formation . The AFM measured the Young's modulus of the coatings and observed values within the range comparable to that of human cortical bone (17–25 GPa) [4]. These findings highlight the success of biomimetic coatings\, which i ndeed produce the apatite coating needed for biomaterial implants. Synchro tron radiation studies will also be carried out to investigate the relatio nships between coating microstructure\, elemental composition\, and overal l coating stability. \n\n\n\nReferences\n\n[1] Smith\, A. M.\, & Callow\, J. A. (2016). Biomimetic Coatings for Biomedical Applications: Advances in Synthesis and Applications. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A\, 104(6)\, 1457-1472. doi:10.1002/jbm.a.35781.\n[2] Zhao\, L.\, Wang\, H.\, Huo\, K.\, Cui\, L.\, Zhang\, W.\, Ni\, H.\, ... & Chu\, P. K. (2011) . Antibacterial nano-structured titanium for biomedical applications. Nano medicine: Nanotechnology\, Biology and Medicine\, 7(2)\, 177-185. doi:10.1 016/j.nano.2010.10.004.\n[3] Wang\, X.\, Li\, Y.\, Wei\, J.\, & de Groot\, K. (2002). Development of biomimetic nano-hydroxyapatite/poly(hexamethyle ne adipamide) composites. Biomaterials\, 23(24)\, 4787-4791. doi:10.1016/S 0142-9612(02)00207-0.\n[4] D. T. Reilly and A. H. Burstein\, "The elastic and ultimate properties of compact bone tissue\," Journal of Biomechanics\ , vol. 8\, no. 6\, pp. 393-405\, 1975.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event /249/contributions/9893/ LOCATION: URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9893/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:A Tantalising\, Faster Oxide Ion Conducting Electrolyte (La2Mo2-xT axO9) DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241118T094500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241118T100000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260520T224416Z UID:indico-contribution-685-9884@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Ethan Porter (University of the Witwatersrand)\nHuma nity needs alternative energy solutions as fossil fuels deplete and climat e change threatens our world. Solid Oxide Fuel and electrolyzer cells (SOF Cs and SOECs) may not solve the problem but provide diversity to the world ’s energy sources portfolio\, these electrochemical converters improve t he efficiency at which we utilise our dwindling resources. SOECs could pro ve particularly useful in the emerging hydrogen economy. Looking at Lantha num Molybdate (La2Mo2O9 or LM9) as a more conductive electrolyte than the current industry standard Yttria Stabilised Zirconia in SOFCs could improv e this technology. LM9 undergoes an unwanted phase change (from monoclinic to cubic at ~850K) when heating up to operating temperatures (1000K – 1 120K). This work aims to stabilise the high-temperature phase of LM9 at ro om temperature via doping and confirm the structure of the resultant syste m with high-resolution ambient PXRD from the ESRF ID-31 beamline.\n\nhttps ://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9884/ LOCATION: URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9884/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Structure of a novel S8 keratinase DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241118T093000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241118T094500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260520T224416Z UID:indico-contribution-685-9853@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Michail Kruger (University of the Freestate)\n1. Int roduction \n\nKeratin is a hardy fibrous protein found in all vertebrates with many varying types\, and α and β keratin are the most abundant. α- Keratin is found in all vertebrates and consists of α-helix secondary str uctural elements. In contrast\, β-keratin is found only in sauropsids suc h as reptiles and birds\, and is formed out of β-sheet secondary structur al elements [1]. Because of their resilient nature\, many industries (such as the poultry industry) produce keratin waste\, with very few methods to be upcycled.\n\nThermal degradation methods utilize heat and pressure to break down keratin into nutrient-rich products. These methods are expensiv e\, destroy valued amino acids\, and produce toxic gases [2\, 3]. Chemical methods are very effective and utilize strong acids and bases to degrade keratin. These methods\, however\, have a high risk factor for the environ ment\, while only producing low-nutrient products. The last method is enzy matic degradation\, in which proteases with the capability to target pepti de bonds in keratin are used to degrade keratin into smaller peptides and single amino acids. This method produces nutrient-rich products\, includin g essential amino acids\, with minimal risk to the environment. The larges t drawback of this method is that very few keratinolytic organisms are kno wn and even fewer stable keratinolytic enzymes identified\, with only five known keratinase structures having been solved [1\, 2].\n \n2. Results\n\ nThe current project is part of the ThermoK consortium and focuses on iden tifying novel keratinases from the keratinolytic thermophilic organism Fer vidobacterium pennivorans\, as well as solving their tertiary structures b y X-ray crystallography [4]. A novel protease from the S8 family has been isolated and heterologously expressed in E. coli. This protease has shown high levels of keratinolytic activity using both milled feather and kerati n azure assays. The tertiary structure of this S8 protease has been solved at a resolution 0f 1.63 Å and possibly matured in the crystallization dr oplet\, as the structure contained the cleaved pro-domain still attached t o the catalytic domain. This S8 structure can be used to further elucidate the substrate specificity of keratinases. Understanding the structure-fun ction relationship of this enzyme could aid in the identification of addit ional keratinases for the upcycling of keratin-laden waste.\n\n3. Referenc es\n\n[1] J. De Oliveira Martinez\, G. Cai\, M. Nachtschatt et al. Catalys ts 10(2) (2020) 184.\n[2] T. Kumar Kumawat\, A. Sharma\, V. Sharma\, et al . Keratin (2018).\n[3] M. Brebu\, I. Spiridon. Journal of Analytical and A pplied Pyrolysis\, 91(2) (2011) 288.\n[4] R. Javier-Lopez\, E. Mandolini\, M. Dzhuraeva\, K. Bobodzhanova\, et al. Microorganisms 11 (2023) 22.\n\n https://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9853/ LOCATION: URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9853/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:First Optimization of Plasma-Wakefield Acceleration in Virtual FLA SHForward DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241122T080000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241122T081500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260520T224416Z UID:indico-contribution-685-9820@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Alfred Haavaan Mishi (Paris-Saclay University)\n**In troduction**\n\nRecent developments in plasma wakefield technology have en hanced the potential of compact particle accelerators with high energy eff iciency and minimal energy spread. At the FLASHForward facility at Deutsch es Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY)\, researchers have experimentally validat ed optimal beam loading in a nonlinear plasma wakefield\, achieving excell ent energy-transfer efficiency and minimal energy spreads [1]. Locating mo re optimal plasma wakefield acceleration working points virtually is impor tant to increase the efficacy of plasma wakefield acceleration research an d consequently to enhance the results of these experiments. By doing this\ , we can increase the depth of our experimental discoveries and shorten th e duration of our investigations.\n\nThis study focuses on optimizing thre e key parameters in virtual FLASHForward: notch width\, notch position\, a nd plasma density\, crucial for analyzing the witness electron bunch and e nhancing the effectiveness of plasma wakefield acceleration. Virtual FLASH Forward aims to replicate actual experiments through computational tools O celot for beamline tracking and Wake-T for plasma simulations. \n\n**Optim ization Parameter**\n\nThe analysis of the witness electron bunch was carr ied out using an optimization parameter $P$. This parameter $P$ was aimed at making the witness bunch have a very high energy gain\, high witness ch arge\, and a low energy spread [1].\n\n\\begin{equation}\nP = \\frac{\\Del ta E_{\\text{acc}}^2 \\cdot Q_{\\text{acc}}}{\\sigma_E}\n\\end{equation}\n \nwhere $\\Delta E_{\\text{acc}}$\, $Q_{\\text{acc}}$\, and $\\sigma_E$ re present the energy gain\, charge\, and energy spread of the witness bunch. \n\n\n**Results**\n\nWe present the results of the first optimization of p lasma wakefield acceleration in virtual FLASHForward\, achieving the ideal acceleration regime using a trailing bunch and 500 simulations of a 3D pa rameter scan varying plasma density\, notch position\, and width. Points 1 and 2 on the scan show low values for the optimization parameter $P$\, in dicating insufficient beam loading. At point 3\, high plasma densities res ult in strong acceleration and field flattening with the highest $P$ value . This point represents optimal beam loading with a charge of 59.75 pC\, a n energy gain of 100 MeV\, and an energy spread of 13.44 MeV. This point c an be further investigated for more experimental working points at higher plasma density profiles.\n\n![Description of the image](https://www.dropbo x.com/scl/fi/bxxqzew2dmoufayinqz55/screen.png?rlkey=qumgzpx6584jvnrzs8fcdb jds&st=jmoq6yfb&raw=1)\n\n\n`\n\n**References**\n\n[1] Lindstrøm\, C. A.\ , Garland\, J. M.\, Schröder\, S.\, Boulton\, L.\, Boyle\, G.\, Chappell\ , J.\, ... & Osterhoff\, J. (2021). Phys. Rev. Lett. 126\, 014801. https:/ /doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.126.014801\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/even t/249/contributions/9820/ LOCATION: URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9820/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Simulated X-ray Radiography for Synthetic TB Data Generation DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241121T124500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241121T130000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260520T224416Z UID:indico-contribution-685-9823@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Preveshin Maduray (University of Johannesburg)\n1. I ntroduction \n\nThe project focuses on training Machine Learning (ML) algo rithms to detect pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB) infections in clinical imagin g. We have identified 5 publicly available datasets of TB infected lung ra diographs in medical literature. These datasets have been used repeatedly to train ML algorithms to detect TB.1 The main reason for improvements in accuracy of TB detection has been the use of increasingly sophisticated al gorithms.1234 To introduce a high volume of new data with known TB indicat ors\, we propose to generate synthetic data from high-resolution digital t win lungs. The study will leverage Hierarchical Phase-Contrast Tomography (HiP-CT) scans which are produced at the European Synchrotron Research Fac ility (ESRF) beamline BM18. These are high-resolution 3D scans (~20 µm) o f whole organs\, with regions of sub 2.5 µm resolution. Scans will be tak en of ex-vivo healthy and TB-infected lungs. The data will be processed in to a large number of 3D models that include a known set of TB indicators. These models will be reprojected into simulated Chest X-rays (CXR) with so ftware using the Geant4 toolkit which simulates the passage of particles t hrough matter. These simulated radiographs with their labelled pathologies will then be used to train classification algorithms for the detection of TB in the lung. This method could be extended to various other organs in future\, and as such can assist us in improving the diversity of datasets utilized by the ML community.\n\n2. Results\n\nFigure 1 is a CXR of a pati ent infected with TB. The dark region on the left side is a pulmonary cavi tation. This occurs when normal lung tissue dies from the infection\, thus becoming gas filled. Figure 2 is a demonstration of simulating a CXR usin g a low-resolution 2D model. The X-rays passing from source to detector in teract with several tissue classes and scatter realistically. The detector element can record the X-ray dose absorbed to build a 2D radiograph like in figure 1. We intend to use high resolution HiP-CT data which\, due to t he non-linear progression of TB\, can provide a detailed understanding of the evolution of pathologies down to a cellular level. We aim to combine s cans into many digital organs which will exhibit differing presentations o f the infection and include truth data allowing optimised training of ML a lgorithms.\n\n \n\n\n\n3. References\n\ n[1] T. Rahman et al.\, "Reliable Tuberculosis Detection Using Chest X-Ray With Deep Learning\, Segmentation and Visualization\," 2020\, doi: 10.110 9/ACCESS.2020.3031384\n[2] Showkatian E\, Salehi M\, Ghaffari H\, Reiazi R \, Sadighi N. Deep learning-based automatic detection of tuberculosis dise ase in chest X-ray images. Pol J Radiol. 2022\, doi: 10.5114/pjr.2022.1134 35. PMID: 35280947\; PMCID: PMC8906182\n[3] Rajesh\, T. Babu\, R. R. Nair and P. Pechetti\, "Detection of Tuberculosis using a Multi-model Classific ation Approach on CXR Images\," 2022\, doi: 10.1109/AIDE57180.2022.1006067 5\n[4] D. Capellán-Martín\, J. J. Gómez-Valverde\, D. Bermejo-Peláez a nd M. J. Ledesma-Carbayo\, "A Lightweight\, Rapid and Efficient Deep Convo lutional Network for Chest X-Ray Tuberculosis Detection\," 2023\, doi: 10. 1109/ISBI53787.2023.10230500\n[5] Ravimohan\, S.\, Kornfeld\, H.\, Weissma n\, D.\, & Bisson\, G. P. (2018). Tuberculosis and lung damage: from epide miology to pathophysiology. https://doi.org/10.1183/16000617.0077-2017\n\n https://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9823/ LOCATION: URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9823/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Synthesis and characterization of Iron tungstate Nanoparticles as a Photocatalyst and Nano-adsorbent DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241118T131500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241118T133000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260520T224416Z UID:indico-contribution-685-9824@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Oluwaseun Ajala (Federal University of Technology Mi nna\, Nigeria)\nSynthesis and characterization of Iron tungstate Nanoparti cles as a Photocatalyst and Nano-adsorbent \nO.J. Ajala1\,3\, J.O. Tijani1 \,3\, R.B Salau1\, A.S. Abdulkareem1\,2 \n1 Department of Chemistry\, Fede ral University of Technology\, P. M. B. 65\, Bosso Campus\, Minna\, Niger state\, Nigeria.\n2 Department of Chemical Engineering\, Federal Universit y of Technology\, P. M. B. 65\, Gidan Kwano Campus\, Minna\, Niger State\, Nigeria.\n3 Nanotechnology Research group\, Africa Center of Excellence f or Mycotoxin and Food Safety\, Federal University of Technology\, Minna\, P. M. B. 65\, Niger State\, Nigeria.\nAbstract\nIron tungstate (FeWO4) nan oparticles were synthesized using a simple sol-gel method\, employing sodi um tungstate dihydrate and iron(II) sulfate as precursors\, with distilled water serving as the solvent. The synthesized nanoparticles underwent a t horough characterization process utilizing various techniques\, including Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy\, high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM)\, high-resolution transmission electron micros copy (HRTEM)\, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX)\, X-ray diffract ion (XRD)\, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) nitrogen adsorption-desorptio n analysis.\nFTIR spectroscopy revealed key vibrational modes: peaks at 77 1 cm−1 and 948 cm−1 were attributed to O–W–O vibrations and W–O bond stretching\, respectively. Additionally\, a peak at 567 cm−1 corres ponded to Fe–O bending vibrations\, while peaks at 3423 cm−1 and 1620 cm−1 were assigned to H–O–H stretching modes and bending vibrations\ , indicating the presence of free or adsorbed water. HRSEM and HRTEM analy ses confirmed that the nanoparticles had an aggregated\, spherical morphol ogy. Furthermore\, XRD analysis demonstrated the formation of a highly cry stalline monoclinic phase of FeWO4 under optimal synthesis conditions: a s olution pH of 7\, a reaction temperature of 30°C\, and a stirring speed o f 500 rpm. This comprehensive characterization underscores the successful synthesis of FeWO4 nanoparticles and highlights their potential for variou s applications across multiple fields.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event /249/contributions/9824/ LOCATION: URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9824/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:High-Pressure dependence of structure evolution and adsorption beh avior in Nano-Layered Double Hydroxides (LDHs): impact for their uses in C ements DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241122T101500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241122T103000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260520T224416Z UID:indico-contribution-685-9862@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Maximiliano Fastelli (Department of Physics and Geol ogy\, University of Perugia)\n1.Introduction\n\nEnsuring the sustainabilit y of cement production is crucial in the construction sector. One effectiv e approach to achieve this goal is by integrating suitable additives into traditional cement formulations. Layered Double Hydroxides (LDHs) offer pr omising potential as additives\, as they can capture CO$_2$\, enhance the carbonation resistance of cement\, and remove CO$_2$\, SO$_4$$^{2-}$\, and Cl⁻ ions that may compromise the durability of cement paste. Classified as ionic solids with a layered structure\, LDHs are known as anionic clay s with controllable supramolecular structures and unique physicochemical p roperties\, such as anion exchange\, which make them particularly attracti ve in the field of cementitious materials [1\,2]. In nature\, these minera ls are found in ultramafic rocks and form through high-temperature carbona tion of spinel-type minerals or low-temperature carbonation of brucite (Mg (OH)$_2$). Investigating the structural evolution\, phase transitions\, an d amorphization conditions of both natural and synthesized LDHs under high pressure using synchrotron light is of significant interest. Pressure-ind uced irreversible phase transition in hydrotalcite-like minerals comes tog ether with a decrease in electrical resistivity and a progressive amorphiz ation of the crystal structure [3]. Different microstructural characterist ics of LDHs evolve as a function of pressure and temperature and influence the interlayer space\, which is reflected in an increase in CO$_2$ adsorp tion [4]. \n\n2.Results and discussions\n\nNano Mg-Al-NO$_3$ LDHs were syn thesized using both direct and ultrasound co-precipitation methods. The na nometric size and purity of the LDHs were confirmed through X-ray powder d iffraction (XRPD)\, transmission electron microscopy (TEM)\, scanning elec tron microscopy (SEM)\, dynamic light scattering (DLS)\, and Fourier-trans form infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The ultrasound co-precipitation methods provide nanometric 2D size crystals and high purity of the LDHs species. The initial findings presented here contribute to understanding the precis e role of selected nanomaterials in cement paste\, particularly regarding how pressure influences their shape memory and the stability of trapped CO $_2$ and other anions responsible for the chemical attack of cement\, such as Cl$^-$ and SO$_4$$^{2-}$. At high pressure\, the anion absorption incr eases exponentially [4] and to understand this behaviour\, the knowledge o f the evolution in interlayer distance and dehydration and dihydroxylation processes of the brucite-type layers is essential. The ongoing HP single- crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) data will be collected at the ID15B bea mline at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF\, Grenoble\, Fr ance) using diamond anvil cell (DAC) and\, given the high-resolution and v ery small size of the beam spot\, is being essential to characterize the n anomaterial structure of the synthesized LDHs. These results could also re veal potential adverse effects and aid in refining the procedures for inco rporating LDHs additives into cement pastes. This abstract is one of the c ontributions from Commission of Physics of Minerals (CPM)\, International Mineralogical Association (IMA).\n\n3.Acknowledgements\n\nThis work is fun ded by the European Union – Next Generation EU under the Italian Ministr y of University and Research (MUR) National Innovation Ecosystem grant ECS 00000041 - VITALITY - CUP J97G22000170005.\n\n4.References\n[1] M.A. Yazdi \, E. Gruyaert\, K. Van Tittelboom\, and N. De Belie. New findings on the contribution of Mg-Al-NO$_3$ layered double hydroxides to the hydration a nd chloride binding capacity of cement pastes. *Cem. Concr. Res.*(2023) 16 3\, 107037.\n[2] G. Mishr\, B. Dash and S. Pandey 2018. Layered double hyd roxides: A brief review from fundamentals to application as evolving bioma terials. *Appl. Clay Sci.*\, (2018) 153\, 172-186.\n[3] G. Parthasarathy\, M. L. Kantam\, B. M. Choudary\, and C. V. Reddy. Pressure-induced phase t ransitions of hydrotalcite by electrical resistivity\, structural and ther mal studies. *Microporous Mesoporous Mater.* (2002) 56(2)\, 147-152.\n[4] M. J. Ramírez-Moreno\, I. C. Romero-Ibarra\,M. A. Hernández-Pérez and P feiffer\, H. CO$_2$ adsorption at elevated pressure and temperature on Mg –Al layered double hydroxide. *Ind. Eng. Chem. Res.*\, 53(19)\, (2024) 8 087-8094.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9862/ LOCATION: URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9862/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Exploration of the Earth’s inner core using synchrotron x-ray ra diation DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241122T100000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241122T101500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260520T224416Z UID:indico-contribution-685-9830@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Eiji Ohtani (Tohoku University)\n1.　Introduction \ n\nThe seismic model\, the Preliminary Reference Earth Model (PREM) [1]\, provides the profiles of sound velocity and density as a function of depth . Comparing the model with laboratory high-pressure experiments\, pure iro n cannot explain the sound velocity and density of the PREM core [e.g.\, 2 ]. Therefore\, the density deficit of the core suggests some light element s may be dissolved in the Earth’s core. Although the density is the prop erty often used for discussing the constituent of the core\, we need addit ional properties such as sound velocities\, which are more reliable proper ties of the core derived from seismology. It is not possible to specify th e light elements in the core without information of the sound velocities o f iron-light element alloys. However\, there are limited measurements of t he sound velocity under the core conditions because of the experimental di fficulties.\n \n2.　Results\n\nWe developed techniques to measure the sou nd velocity at high pressure and temperature by using Inelastic X-ray scat tering (IXS) and performed the sound velocity measurements in diamond anvi l cell combined with the double-heated laser heating system. The Inelastic X-ray scattering at high-pressure and high-temperature was made at the RI KEN beamline BL43LXU of SPring-8. We doubled the static pressure condition s for IXS and successfully measured the sound velocity of metallic iron at a pressure equivalent to ICB (~330 GPa) and room temperature [3]\, and ir on-nickel-silicon alloys up to the conditions of 130 GPa and 2300 K. These measurements revealed that the vp and vs of the Preliminary reference Ear th model (PREM) inner core are 4(±2) % and 36(±17) % slower than those o f the pure iron at the center of the core assuming the inner core temperat ure to be 6000 K. We also estimated the silicon and sulfur contents of the inner core by using the present and previous results on sound velocity me asurements of the pure Fe\, Fe-Ni-Si alloy\, and Fe3S compound at high pre ssure and temperature. The inner core with the density and sound velocity of the PREM inner core can be explained by addition of 3(±1) wt.% silico n and 3(±2) wt% sulfur to iron‒4~5 wt.% nickel alloy.\nThis abstract is one of the contributions from Commission of Physics of Minerals (CPM)\, I nternational Mineralogical Association (IMA).\n\n3. References\n\n[1] Dzie wonski\, A. M. & Anderson\, D. L. (1981) Phys. Earth Planet. Inter. 25\, 2 97‒356\n[2] Dewaele\, A.\, Loubeyre\, P.\, Occelli\, F.\, Mezouar\, M.\, Dorogokupets\, P. I.\, & Torrent\, M. (2006) Physical Review Letters\, 97 (21)\, 29–32.\n[3] Ikuta D\, Ohtani E\, Fukui H\, Sakai T\, Ishikawa D\, Baron AQR (2022) Nature Comm. 13:7211\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event /249/contributions/9830/ LOCATION: URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9830/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Supramolecular synthesis of cis-1-amino-2-indanol derivatives: An in vitro and in silico analysis of drug efficacy against HIV-1 South Afric an Wild-type C protease DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241121T100000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241121T101500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260520T224416Z UID:indico-contribution-685-9822@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Lorato Mokoto (Protein Structure-Function Research U nit\, School of Molecular and Cell Biology\, University of the Witwatersra nd\, Johannesburg\, Gauteng\, South Africa )\nHIV-1 protease (HIV PR) is a n aspartic protease which is considered vital in the cleaving of new viral polyprotein into functional units [1]. These polyproteins are needed in t he maturation stage of the viral replication cycle to infect other host ce lls\, this makes the HIV PR a significant drug target for possible therape utic agents [2]. Due to the distinctive patterns of pharmaceutical drug re sistance observed in HIV protease inhibitors\, South African HIV-1 subtype C presents its own unique challenges in its management due to lowered dru g efficacy [3]. Designing and synthesizing drugs which can adapt to these ever-changing macromolecules has become increasingly important for the man agement and treatment of patients living with HIV/AIDS. The constituent ci s-1-amino-2-indanol has been used as a blueprint for many types of inhibit ors including HIV-1 protease and malaria [4].\n\nCis-1-amino-2-indanol der ivatives were synthesized using ketones and aldehydes to produce Schiff ba se imines to which a series of six compounds were synthesized using one po t synthesis as well as elucidated and characterized by SC-XRD\, FTIR and R aman spectroscopy. Using in silico techniques such as molecular docking an d dynamics studies the molecules were predicted to behave as dynamic coval ent inhibitors which have a high binding affinity for the South African HI V-1 Wild-type C protease\, binding to various allosteric sites. The effect iveness of these molecules on the South African HIV-1 Wild-type C protease was evaluated using empirical studies by assessing various kinetic and th ermodynamic parameters which can be considered to inhibit proteolytic acti vity. Additionally\, the compounds were also assessed for their cytotoxic effects on Green African monkey kidney cells (Vero cells) to evaluate thei r respective cytotoxic profiles.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/249/c ontributions/9822/ LOCATION: URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9822/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:A new heterometallic heptanuclear [K4ICr3III] hybrid material: Syn thesis\, characterization and magnetic properties DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241119T101500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241119T103000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260520T224416Z UID:indico-contribution-685-9819@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: André Ghislain NGUIFO ()\nNowadays\, one of the mos t intensive investigation subject in field of materials science is organic -inorganic salts(OIHSs) of owing to their intriguing aesthetic structures and their numerous potential applications as polyfunctional materials [1]. With respect to the very large number of homometallic oxalatometalate(III ) salts\, the heterometal oxalato-bridged complexes have been much less ex plored\, given the difficulty in controlling the resulting heterometallic arrays[2]. Well-known examples are the 2-D MOFs formulated as (A)[MII/I MI II(ox)3]2-/1- that have been extensively investigated as molecular magnets [3]. Therefore\, our interest in this field is a fundamental requirement f or gaining some insight into the structural features and the magnetic tren d associated with heteropolynuclear oxalato-bridged complexes containing p yridinium derivatives as counter cations. A new heteroheptanuclear oxalato -bridged [K4ICr3III] hybrid salt\, (C6H9N2)3[K4Cr3(C2O4)8(H2O)2\,5] (1) (C 6H9N2+ = 2-amino-3-methylpyridinium cation) has been synthesized using met hatesis reaction strategy. It has been characterized by elemental and ther mal analyses\, IR spectroscopy\, single-crystal X-ray diffraction\, EPR an d variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements.\n\nhttps://ev ents.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9819/ LOCATION: URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9819/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:X-ray phase contrast imaging: An alternative approach to laborator y-based sources DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241121T101500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241121T103000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260520T224416Z UID:indico-contribution-685-9818@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Gideon Chinamatira (University of the Witwatersrand) \nX-ray phase contrast imaging: An alternative approach to laboratory-base d sources\n\n\nGideon Chinamatira1\, Kudakwashe Jakata2\, Hillary Masenda1 \, Josephine Gutekunst3\, Anton Du Plessis4\,5\n\n 1University of the Wit watersrand\, 1 Jan Smuts Ave\, Braamfontein\, Johannesburg\, 2000\, South Africa \n2Diamond Light Source\, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus\, F ermi Ave\, Didcot OX11 0DE\, United Kingdom \n3Microworks GmbH\, Schnetzle rstr. 9\, 76137 Karlsruhe\, Germany\n4Stellenbosch University\, 41 Merrima n Street\, Stellenbosch\, Western Cape\, South Africa\, \n5Comet Technolog ies Canada Inc\, Montreal\, Canada\nCorresponding author e-mail address: g ideonchinamatira@gmail.com\n\n1. Introduction \n\nConventional X-ray imagi ng\, based on the absorption of X-rays by various materials\, is the stand ard technique for non-destructive inspection of internal structures. This method is effective for high X-ray attenuation scenarios but encounters li mitations when applied to specimens which often exhibit weak absorption co ntrast due to similar densities among their components [1]. To address thi s challenge\, methods generating radiographic contrast from X-ray phase sh ifts and scattering have been explored. Among these\, grating-based interf erometric techniques\, specifically the Talbot-Lau interferometer\, show s ignificant promise for laboratory-based phase contrast X-ray imaging. This technique employs a series of gratings to create an interference pattern that encodes phase information\, enabling the visualization of structures with low absorption contrast [2]. This type of interferometer is particula rly suited for use with polychromatic X-ray sources commonly found in labo ratory settings due to the introduction of an additional source grating wh ich introduces spatial coherence to the X-ray beam. The spatial coherence is essential for creating well-defined interference patterns downstream in the system setup [3]. In this work\, we make use of the Talint-EDU system \, a ready to use Talbot-Lau-Interferometer\, for implementation to our al ready existing X-ray computed tomography imaging setup. We conducted a ser ies of characterization experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of our s ystem. These experiments included angular X-ray transmission measurements\ , system visibility measurements\, phase stepping and stability tests\, an d an assessment of the system's sensitivity as a function of distance from the phase grating. Through these experiments\, we were able to optimize t he performance of the Talbot-Lau interferometer and ensure reliable imagin g results\n \n2. Results\n\nTo demonstrate the capabilities of the system\ , we obtained preliminary images of a pencil and a circuit board. These im ages showcase the system's ability to obtain phase contrast\, absorption\, and dark-field imaging and highlight the potential of the Talbot-Lau inte rferometer system to overcome the limitations of conventional X-ray imagin g offering a powerful tool for applications in various research and indust rial environments.\n\n \n\n\n3. References\n\n[1] T. Weitk amp\, A. Diaz\, C. David\, F. Pfeiffer\, M. Stampanoni\, P. Cloetens\, and E. Ziegler. X-ray phase imaging with a grating interferometer. Optics Exp ress\, 13 (2005) 6296-6304.\n[2] H. Wen. Biomedical X-Ray Phase-Contrast I maging and Tomography. In: P.W. Hawkes\, J.C.H. Spence (eds) Springer Hand book of Microscopy. Springer Handbooks. Springer\, Cham (2019). \n[3] S.A. McDonald\, F. Marone\, C. Hintermüller\, G. Mikuljan\, C. David\, F. Pfe iffer\, and M. Stampanoni. Advanced phase-contrast imaging using a grating interferometer. Journal of Synchrotron Radiation\, 16 (2009) 562-572.\n\n https://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9818/ LOCATION: URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9818/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Harnessing Metal Organic Frameworks for CO2 Conversion: Unlocking New Pathways for Formate Synthesis DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241119T100000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241119T101500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260520T224416Z UID:indico-contribution-685-9817@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Piwai Tshuma (Midlands State University)\nCarbon dio xide (CO2) is a major greenhouse gas that significantly contributes to cli mate change\, highlighting the urgent need for effective capture and conve rsion technologies ¹. This research explores the development of palladium -immobilized metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as catalysts for transforming CO2 into formate\, a valuable chemical for various industrial application s ². By utilizing the unique properties of MOFs\, such as their high surf ace area and tunable pore structures\, we achieved remarkable CO2 conversi on rates at low temperatures ³. The synthesis of palladium@MOF composites was optimized to enhance active site accessibility and improve catalytic efficiency. Experimental results demonstrate that these materials facilita te significant CO2 reduction under mild reaction conditions\, showcasing t heir potential for sustainable CO2 valorisation. The results further indic ate that the catalytic activity of homogeneous systems can be improved by incorporating them into MOFs as organic linkers bearing catalytic sites.\n \nReferences\nJ. Wang\, X. Chen and Y. Zhang\, RSC Adv.\, 2023\, 13\, 4567 -4575.\nK. Patel\, M. Li and R. Kumar\, RSC Adv.\, 2023\, 13\, 7890-7898.\ nL. Yang\, S. Gupta and T. Smith\, RSC Adv.\, 2022\, 12\, 2345-2353.\nH. K im\, N. Lee and D. Choi\, RSC Adv.\, 2023\, 13\, 1122-1130.\n\nhttps://eve nts.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9817/ LOCATION: URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9817/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:INFLUENCE OF Cu2+ / Ti4+ CO-DOPING ON THE MORPHOLOGY\, MICROSRUCTU RE AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF ZnO\, SYNTHESIZED BY CARAMBOLA FRUIT JUICE ME THOD. DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241121T081500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241121T083000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260520T224416Z UID:indico-contribution-685-9814@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Ekane Peter Etape (University of Buea\,)\nZnO and Zn 1-(y+x) O /CuyTix \, (Ti\, Cu\, Cu/Ti-doped ZnO) were synthesized by modif ied oxalate route using carambola fruit juice as a precipitating agent. Th e wurtzite hexagonal structure formed saw the space group change from P63m c to p3 with crystallite sizes varying from 15.1 to 17.5 nm. Infrared spec tra (IR)of the single molecular precursor\, indicated the formation of met allic oxalates. The influence of Cu2+\, Ti4+ and Cu2+/Ti4+-doping on the m icrostructure\, morphology and optical properties of the synthesized ZnO w as studied. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) confirmed modification of m orphology from cuboidal to porous spherical nano structures. The PXRD resu lts revealed an insignificant contraction in cell volume as the dopant ele ments replaced Zn ions in the microstructure (Ti0.02Cu0.02Zn0.96O\, 0.5271 nm3 and ZnO\, 0.5288 nm3) but improved mechanical properties such as dislo cation density\, microstrain and specific surface area\, and optical prope rties such as absorbance and optical band gap. Ti0.02Cu0.02Zn0.98O showed a 17.17 % drop in microstrain\, 9.63 % drop in dislocation density and 5.6 1 % increase in specific surface area and decrease in optical band gap wit hin the rang 3.116eV to 2.998eV. Also\, EDS results confirmed the incorpor ation of various dopant ions in the corresponding microstructures of ZnO. The results also revealed a modification in the crystallite size distribu tions. The new materials (Cu0.42Zn0.58O and Ti0.02Cu0.02Zn0.96O) have exhi bited a greater propensity to better\, microstructural and optical propert ies which could improve the electrical properties such as conductivity. Th erefore\, the newly synthesized samples have been confirmed to have improv ed mechanical\, electrical and optical properties relative to the synthesi zed Zinc Oxide.\n \nScheme: Synthesis procedure of the co-doped ZnO by car ambola fruit juice coprecipitation route\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/eve nt/249/contributions/9814/ LOCATION: URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9814/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Isolation of anti-CCHF B cell lymphocytes from a convalescent Sout h African survivor by single-cell analysis DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241121T080000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241121T081500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260520T224416Z UID:indico-contribution-685-9812@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Kegomoditswe Malebo (University of the Free State)\n Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a life-threatening anthropo-zoo nosis that is characterized by high fatality rates 5-40%. Currently there are no approved vaccines or treatment available. Recently\, antibody-based therapies have proved promising approaches to mitigating severe disease c aused by other haemorrhagic viruses . CCHFV is made up of two structural g lycoproteins\, Gc and Gn\, the sole targets of neutralizing antibodies and the nucleocapsid protein (NP)\, which is antigenically well-conserved amo ng different strains. This study seeks to utilize Fluorescence Activated C ell Sorting (FACS) analysis to isolate Gc\, Gn and NP targeting resting me mory B cells from PBMCs of a convalescent donor.\n\nIn this study\, Gc and NP were cloned into pcDNA3.1+ and the resulting recombinant plasmids were used to transfect 293-F mammalian cells. Both Gc and NP proteins were pur ified by affinity chromatography and gel filtration\, and the donor serum IgG reactivity to the antigens was measured by ELISA. Gc and NP were furth er biotinylated in preparation for B cell sorting and verified by ELISA on an avidin coated plate. The donor PBMCs were stained with anti-human APC- Cy7 labeled CD3\, CD14\, CD16\, PE-Cy7 CD19\, and IgD-FITC\, as well as th e Gc/NP-PE/AF647 antigen baits\, and the LIVE/DEAD stain prior to loading onto a BDFACS Melody. The total Gc/NP- specific B cells CD19+ were sorted into 96-well plates for cloning and expression of anti-CCHF monoclonal ant ibodies (mAbs).\n\nCCHFV Gc and NP were successfully cloned\, expressed an d purified as confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. ELISA confirmed the presence of binding anti-CCHF IgG antibodies in donor sera. The biotin ylation of both Gc and NP was successful\, and these antigens were used to isolate B cell lymphocytes from a South African CCHF survivor to isolate potent and protective mAbs by single-cell analysis.\n\nWe have successfull y expressed CCHFV Gc and NP which can be used for various applications inc luding antigen-targeted B cell isolation. Furthermore\, these antigens con stitute valuable reagents for the development of diagnostic assays like EL ISA and lateral flow assays which could be useful in low-income sub-Sahara n African countries.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions /9812/ LOCATION: URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9812/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Sychrotron Techniques On Moisture Triggered Crystallization Of Tri ple-Cation Perovskite To Elucidate Phase Progressive Nucleation DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241119T150000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241119T151500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260520T224416Z UID:indico-contribution-685-9811@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Elly Miller Shatsala (Masinde Muliro University of S cience and Technology)\nSynchrotron techniques have been used extensively to characterize the structure and interactions of the perovskite crystals and their complexes with both ex situ/in situ approaches. From the Grazin g Incident Wide Angle X-ray Scattering/Small Angle X-ray Scattering (GIWA XS/GISAXS)\, literature reports the chemical pathways from the plumbate in termediates or meta-stable phase to perovskite crystal identified using in situ X-ray diffraction. However\, time evolution of crystallization and p hase transition in situ cases usually begins with the prepared solvent to inter-mediated complex film and finally to the perovskite crystal. A compr ehensive investigation of perovskites crystallization dynamics and morphol ogy evolution from original precursor solution of CH3NH3PbI3 pristine to s olid phase crystals operando and in real time shows perovskite crystal int ermediate\, comprised of an octahedral [PbI6]4+ centre surrounded by coope rative ions. We present an exciting triple cation film degeneration when probed with humidity by GIWAXS and Mirco-Diffraction synchrotron technique s done at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. High resolution Atomic Fo rce Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Miscrosopy (SEM) gave polymorph y\, crystallinity and molecular interactions with good surface morphology from the maps. On elevated Relative Humidities of about 50%\, the films se gregate back producing intermediate phases from GISAXS and microdiffractio n results. We thus propose optimized film formation protocols for high per forming perovskites to lucid crystallization pathways and irreversible fil ms used to develop highly efficient and stable photovoltaic devices.\n\nht tps://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9811/ LOCATION: URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9811/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Funding opportunities with PAST DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241118T150000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241118T151500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260520T224416Z UID:indico-contribution-685-9892@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Kimberleigh Tommy (Human Variation and Identificatio n Research Unit\, School of Anatomical Science\, Faculty of Health Science \, University of the Witwatersrand)\nTo be added\n\nhttps://events.saip.or g.za/event/249/contributions/9892/ LOCATION: URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9892/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Paleontology DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241118T144500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241118T150000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260520T224416Z UID:indico-contribution-685-9891@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Chandelé Montgomery (Evolutionary Studies Institute )\nTo be added\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9891/ LOCATION: URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9891/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:The fate of Arsenic in the Carletti Spring System (Viterbo\, Italy ): a XAS speciation study DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241121T123000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241121T124500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260520T224416Z UID:indico-contribution-685-9831@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Francesco Di Benedetto (Università degli Studi di F errara)\nA study aimed at unravelling arsenic (As) speciation in the carbo nate sediments and the total suspended particulate (TSP) occurring at the Carletti spring system (CSS)\, part of the larger Bullicame (Viterbo\, Cen tral Italy) system\, by means of XAS spectroscopy\, has been undertaken. \ nIn the CSS\, As occurs as a geogenic anomaly\, its mobility and speciatio n being likely affected by inorganic and/or microbiological processes. The determination of As speciation in the encrustation and TSP\, highly dilut ed samples\, is essential to validate the models on the fate of As in this “natural laboratory”.\n\n8 rock and 8 TSP samples were collected in t he CSS\, following relevant changes in temperature\, distance from the spr ing and physicochemical features of the water/TSP/rock interfaces. All sol id samples were analysed\, without manipulation\, by means of X-ray Absorp tion Spectroscopy at the As K edge in fluorescence mode and at low tempera ture (range 77-20 K). Experiments on rock and TSP samples were carried out at two beamlines (BM08 and BM26\, respectively) at the ESRF facility.\n\n The main results point to an almost constant As(III) over total As ratio o ver the whole spring system in the rock samples\, As(III) being about 30% of the total Arsenic. Detailed investigation concerned with subsamples dis criminated by colour (with reference to different abundances and speciatio n of co-localised microbiologic populations)\, finding no apparent changes in As speciation. TSP samples\, analysed with a specific procedure due to their ultra-diluted nature\, appear also constant and slightly enriched i n As(III) with respect to the corresponding rocky samples. These data have to be compared to a water environment\, which increases its oxidising pot ential and its pH while increasing the distance from the spring\, as testi fied from the change of the As(III)/total As ratio from an initial 70% dow n to a final 40%. \n\nThis complex set of experimental results will be dis cussed on the light of two possible interpretive schemes\, i.e. a kinetica lly constrained precipitation mechanism\, and a microbiologically constrai ned change of As speciation\, taking also into account of laboratory refer ence systems where the inorganic and biotic uptake of As(III) and As(V) we re reproduced.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9831/ LOCATION: URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9831/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Updates on Synchrotron and Crystallography Human Capacity and Inf rastructure Building in Developing Countries DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241119T081500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241119T083000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260520T224416Z UID:indico-contribution-685-9792@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Sekazi Mtingwa (LAAAMP)\nA number of initiatives are in progress for creating and enhancing research and training via the util ization of synchrotron light sources and crystallography. For synchrotron s\, there are the African Light Source\, Greater Caribbean Light Source\, and Central Asian Synchrotron Light Source inititiaves. For crystallograp hy research and training hubs\, there are X-TechLab in Benin (currently op erating)\, CRXSTAL in Jamaica (soon to be operating)\, and another being c reated in Uzbekistan. In this presentation\, we will give the latest upda tes on those initiatives and give projections about future activities.\n\n https://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9792/ LOCATION: URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9792/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Partial melting of Pyroxenite-H2O-CO2 at 3 GPa and genesis of prim itive arc magmas DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241118T130000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241118T131500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260520T224416Z UID:indico-contribution-685-9852@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Jitendra Kumar Dash (IIT Kharagpur)\nSubduction zone s link the mass transfer\, element cycling and magma differentiation proce sses in which the release of C-O-H fluids from the slab plays a key role. Geochemical characteristics of basaltic magmas suggest that olivine-poor l ithologies like pyroxenites may be produced from the reaction between subd ucting slab and ambient mantle peridotite in conjunction with variable add itions of a hydrous slab component. Numerous experimental data on water so lubility in nominally anhydrous minerals (NAMs) are available for hydrous peridotitic and basaltic systems. However\, the extent of H migration to t he sub-arc mantle wedge from the subducting crust and storage of water in theNAMs present in pyroxenites in presence of both H2O and CO2 are not ava ilable. Here we report new partial melting experiments of hydrous carbonat ed secondary pyroxenite and discuss the partial melt compositions with res pect to the genesis of primitive tholeiitic basalts tocalc-alkaline basalt s. \nHigh-pressure experiments were performed using a Piston-cylinder appa ratus and Platinum/Graphite capsule at 3 GPa and 1350 to 1525°C. A silica -deficient pyroxenite (SPX-15-1) with varying XCO2 [=molar CO2/ (H2O+CO2)] from 0.08 to 0.29 were used as the starting material. To facilitate the g rowth of single crystals for FTIR analyses\, temperature was increased by ~200 °C above the final desired run temperature for 0.5 to 2 hrs to reduc e the number of nuclei available for grain growth and finally lower the te mperature at 0.4 to 1 °C/min to the final run temperature. Clinopyroxene\ , orthopyroxene and hydrous carbonated silicate melts (> 30 wt.%) were pre sent in all the experiments in the presence or absence of garnet. Hydrogen incorporation in clinopyroxenes and orthopyroxenes decreases with an incr ease in the XH2O of pyroxenites and a decrease in Al content in their stru cture\, which suggest Al3+ + H+ substitution. With the increased degree of melting\, the partial melt compositions\, on volatile-free basis\, formed tholeiitic arc basalts to calc-alkaline basalts (45.17 to 51.81 wt.% SiO2 \, 8.42 to 10.75 wt.% CaO). Comparison of the major element compositions o f hydrous carbonated silicate melts (14.85-22.69 wt.% Al2O3\, 10.77-15.02 wt.% MgO\, CaO/Al2O3 of 0.45-0.67) with natural arc magmas suggest that hy drous carbonated-fluxed melting of secondary pyroxenite over 90 km depth c an produce partial melts similar to primitive tholeiitic basalts from Japa nese\, Sunda and Lesser Antilles arc magmatism.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org .za/event/249/contributions/9852/ LOCATION: URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9852/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:NEPHEWS - funding and training opportunities for students and rese archers DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241119T080000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20241119T081500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260520T224416Z UID:indico-contribution-685-9878@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Cormac McGuinness (European Synchrotron and FEL User Organisation (ESUO) / Trinity College Dublin)\nNEutrons and PHotons Eleva ting Worldwide Science (NEPHEWS) delivers access to the world-class collec tive of Europe’s premiere open advanced neutron (N)\, synchrotron (SR) a nd free-electron laser (FEL) complementary research infrastructures (RI)\, to promote curiosity driven excellence in research. In NEPHEWS the RI ins titute a novel approach with their 40k+ user base of scientists through Us ers Organisations to provide a user-driven access program targeting new an d non-expert communities\, with a focus on Widening countries\, Ukraine an d Africa\, a priority. NEPHEWS community building activities in Africa wil l provide twinning opportunities at RI for experienced researchers\, to th en act as future ambassadors for SR/FEL and N science in their regions. In -person training opportunities at the HERCULES school for PhD students are available as well as virtual training on SR\, FEL and N science inclusive of proposal writing.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contribution s/9878/ LOCATION: URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/249/contributions/9878/ END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR