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Author Admasu, W.F.; Van Passel, S.; Minale, A.S.; Tsegaye, E.A.; Nyssen, J. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Nexus between land development and the value of ecosystem services in Ethiopia : a contingent valuation study Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 1-21  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract In Ethiopia, the state owns all lands within the territory of the country. Cities are incorporating large parcels of land from their surrounding rural agricultural areas through land expropriation. However, these land developments do not consider the nonmarket value of ecosystem services (ES), which is causing a deterioration of the existing ES and reduction on the potential supply of ES from agricultural land. The aim of this study was to estimate the monetary value of nonmarketable ES from the agricultural land using a double-bounded dichotomous choice contingent valuation method. A survey of 524 smallholder farmers was conducted. In the survey, respondents were asked to state their willingness to pay for the improvement of some of the nonmarketable ES: erosion control, air and climate regulation, water regulation, and soil fertility. The estimation was carried out using a bivariate probit model. The results revealed that farmers are willing to pay on average 276 ETB (7.9 USD) per hectare per year for a period of 10 years. We found that individual characteristics such as age, family size, and a recent land expropriation experience adversely affect the willingness to pay by the farmers. On the other hand, individuals with higher income and larger land size are willing to pay more. In general, the study indicated that the nonmarket ES, which are affected by the land expropriation for urban expansion, are valuable for the farmers. Therefore, we recommend that the government consider the value of nonmarketable ES in its land use decisions and hence achieve sustainable land development.  
  Address (up)  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000907898700002 Publication Date 2023-01-05  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1387-585x; 1573-2975 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 4.9 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 05.01.2024  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.9; 2023 IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:193432 Serial 7363  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Fabri, C.; Moretti, M.; Van Passel, S. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title On the (ir)relevance of heatwaves in climate change impacts on European agriculture Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Climatic Change Abbreviated Journal Climatic Change  
  Volume 174 Issue 1-2 Pages 16-20  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract The Ricardian model is a widely used approach based on cross-sectional regression analysis to estimate climate change impacts on agricultural productivity. Up until now, researchers have focused on the impacts of gradual changes in temperature and precipitation, even though climate change is known to encompass also changes in the severity and frequency of extreme weather events. This research investigates the impact of heatwaves on European agriculture, additional to the impact of average climate change. Using a dataset of more than 60,000 European farms, the study examines whether adding a measure for heatwaves to the Ricardian model influences its results. We find that heatwaves have a minor impact on agricultural productivity and that this impact is moderated by average temperature. In colder regions, farm productivity increases with the number of heatwave days. For warmer regions, land values decrease with heatwave frequency. Despite the moderating effect, the marginal effect of heatwave frequency, i.e. the percentage change in agricultural land values caused by one more heatwave day per year, is small in comparison to the effect of average temperature increases. Non-marginal effects are found to be relevant, but only in the case of increased heatwave frequency. According to our results, farms are not expected to suffer more from extreme weather than from mean climate change, as was claimed by several previous studies.  
  Address (up)  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000861873100002 Publication Date 2022-09-29  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0165-0009; 1573-1480 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 4.8 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.8  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:191483 Serial 7364  
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Author Buyle, M.; Audenaert, A.; Brusselaers, J.; Van Passel, S. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Rebound effects following technological advancement? The case of a global shock in ferrochrome supply Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Journal of Cleaner Production Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 391 Issue Pages 136264-11  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM); Energy and Materials in Infrastructure and Buildings (EMIB)  
  Abstract Novel recycling technologies aim at increasing material efficiency by turning former waste products into valuable reclaimed resources. A key question is whether such technologies really reduce primary resource consumption or instead stimulate aggregated market demand. In this study the consequences of a positive shock in ferrochrome supply to the global stainless steel value chain is assessed quantitatively. This new source might be unlocked by technology under development for the recovery of chromium from carbon and stainless steel slags. The aim of this study is to quantitatively assess the income and substitution effects of reclaimed ferrochrome along a part of the stainless steel value chain. The impact of the supply shock is analysed by means of a vector autoregression (VAR), a dynamic model where lagged values of all included variables estimate current state of the system. Additionally, the VAR model is extended to a structural vector autoregression (SVAR) to account for contemporary effects as well. Both the VAR and SVAR model indicate that additional ferrochrome supply leads to an increase in aggregated supply of stainless steel, in combination with a substitution effect between ferrochrome and nickel. The extended SVAR model additionally highlights that contemporaneous effects do play an important role as well to capture the direct rebound effect in the ferrochrome market when working with quarterly data. In other words, an additional supply of reclaimed ferrochrome triggers a complex combination of interactions and consequences, yet it does not necessarily lead to a lower overall material consumption. The main contributions of this paper are the assessment of direct rebound effects of supplying reclaimed metals along the value chain and the demonstration that quantifying the effects of circular strategies is feasible.  
  Address (up)  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date 2023-01-30  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0959-6526 ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor 11.1 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 11.1; 2023 IF: 5.715  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:193569 Serial 7365  
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Author Thomassen, G.; Van Passel, S.; Alaerts, L.; Dewulf, J. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Retrospective and prospective material flow analysis of the post-consumer plastic packaging waste management system in Flanders Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Waste Management Abbreviated Journal Waste Manage  
  Volume 147 Issue Pages 10-21  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract The post-consumer plastic packaging waste management in Flanders was analyzed by performing a retrospective material flow analysis, covering an extensive period from 1985 to 2019. In addition, a prospective material flow analysis of 32 improvement scenarios was performed, based on expected changes in the waste management system. Mass recovery rates were calculated based on different interpretations of the calculation rules. Moreover, various cascading levels were identified to differentiate between the quality level of the secondary applications. The mass recovery rate including only recycling evolved from a value of 0% in 1985 to 31% in 2019 and could be increased to 36-62% depending on the improvement scenario selected. However, the different interpretations of the calculation rules led to a variation of up to 20 and 41% on this mass recovery rates for the retrospective and prospective analysis, respectively. The introduction of monostream recycling for additional post-consumer plastic packaging flows, such as low-density polyethylene, did not lead to increasing mass recovery rates, if no differentiation for the cascading levels was made. The Belgian recycling target of 65% for 2023 will be challenging if the strictest calculation method needs to be followed or if the improvements in the Flemish postconsumer plastic packaging waste system do not follow the best-case collection scenarios under the given assumptions. To harmonize the calculation and monitoring of these targets, clear calculation rules need to be accompanied with a harmonized monitoring system over the entire waste management system.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000802961100002 Publication Date 2022-05-17  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0956-053x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.1 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 8.1  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:188651 Serial 7367  
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Author Fitawok, M.B.; Derudder, B.; Minale, A.S.; Van Passel, S.; Adgo, E.; Nyssen, J. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Stakeholder perspectives on farmers' resistance towards urban land-use changes in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Journal of Land Use Science Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 18 Issue 1 Pages 25-38  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract Owing to growing uncontrolled land-use change and urban expansion, farmers in urban fringes are struggling to sustain their livelihood. Farmers have been expressing their dissatisfaction at different times. This study analyzes the stakeholders' perspectives on the causes and outcomes of farmers' resistance to land-use change and urban expansion processes by zooming in on Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. The paper is based on focus group discussions with farmers in the neighboring villages, local agricultural extension experts, and, subsequently, key informant interviews of local government officials. Juxtaposing farmers' and local experts' positions reveals that inadequate compensations during land expropriation, lack of good governance in the urban expansion process, and inaccessibility of infrastructures are primary reasons for the farmers' struggle against urban expansion in the urban fringes. This study provides insights into the consequences of unplanned urban development challenges and may inform research and policymaking on sustainable urban development in the area and beyond.  
  Address (up)  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000936397600001 Publication Date 2023-02-22  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1747-423x; 1747-4248 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 3.2 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.2; 2023 IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:195109 Serial 7368  
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Author Larraín, M.; Billen, P.; Van Passel, S. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title The effect of plastic packaging recycling policy interventions as a complement to extended producer responsibility schemes : a partial equilibrium model Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Waste Management Abbreviated Journal Waste Manage  
  Volume 153 Issue Pages 355-366  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM); Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS)  
  Abstract Extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes have effectively increased the plastic waste that is separately collected. However, due to the structure of the recycling industry, EPR cannot increase recycling rates up to the target levels.Additional policy instruments to increase recycling rates such as recycled content targets, green dot fees bonus for recycled content, recycling targets and taxes on non-recycled plastic packaging have been discussed on a political level in the last years. However, very little research has quantitatively studied the effectiveness of these policy interventions.Using a partial equilibrium model, this paper examines the effectiveness of the implementation of the aforementioned policy instruments to increase recycling rates and the impact on different stakeholders of the value chain: plastic producers, consumers, producer responsibility organization and recyclers.Results show that direct interventions (recycled content standards and recycling targets) have the benefit of decoupling the recycling industry from external markets such as the oil market. They can be a good starting point to increase recycling, but in the long term they may be restricting by not presenting incentives to achieve recycling levels beyond the targeted amounts and by limiting technological innovation. On the contrary, eco-nomic interventions such as a green dot fee bonus or a packaging tax create economic incentives for recycling. However, these incentives are diminished by the lower perceived quality of packaging with higher recycled content levels.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000868915000004 Publication Date 2022-09-30  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0956-053x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.1 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 8.1  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:191367 Serial 7370  
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Author Van Oijstaeijen, W.; Van Passel, S.; Back, P.; Cools, J. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title The politics of green infrastructure : a discrete choice experiment with Flemish local decision-makers Type Administrative Services
  Year 2022 Publication Ecological Economics Abbreviated Journal Ecol Econ  
  Volume 199 Issue Pages 107493-18  
  Keywords Administrative Services; A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract Being confronted with increasing and expanding urbanisation and the loss of natural green spaces, our living environment is threatened more and more by the effects of global climate change. Green infrastructure is often thought of as the solution to increase climate resilience and reinforce the quality of the lived environment simultaneously. While the benefits, or ecosystem services, that are generated through green infrastructure have been studied intensively, forces that influence green infrastructure decision-making have been far less subjected to thorough research. In this study a discrete choice experiment was conducted with local decision makers in Flemish municipalities to reveal crucial factors in the decision process applied to green infrastructure projects. Flanders is one of the most densely built regions in Europe, stressing the urgency to understand local spatial decision factors to guarantee green space. 568 decision makers active in the local administration of 235 Flemish municipalities participated in the experiment, set in a hypothetical neighbourhood park. Every choice alternative exists of five attributes: investment cost, maintenance cost, deferred investment, recreational value, and climate impact. We find that barriers hampering Flemish munipalities' GI implementation, differ over size of the municipality: smallers municipalities are more affected by knowledge gaps, while larger municipalities are experiencing prioritization issues. Results from hierarchical Bayes choice models indicate that municipal decisions on green infrastructure are highly – almost solely -cost-driven, rarely consider the full range of benefits, and centre around short-term and immediate arguments. Moreover, interaction models reveal that a municipalities' financial result is a key determinant of its willingness to invest in public greening and consider long term benefits, suggesting that GI is a luxury good. The results expose some of the heuristics in GI decision making and can be used to inform higher authorities on ways to overcome barriers towards informed decision-making and to facilitate GI investment.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000811715200008 Publication Date 2022-06-08  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0921-8009; 1873-6106 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 7 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 7  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189018 Serial 7371  
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Author Zhang, Y.; Sahoo, P.K.; Ren, P.; Qin, Y.; Cauwenbergh, R.; Nimmegeers, P.; Gandhi, S.R.; Van Passel, S.; Guidetti, A.; Das, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Transition metal-free approach for the late-stage benzylic C(sp3)-H etherifications and esterifications Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Chemical Communications Abbreviated Journal Chem Commun  
  Volume 58 Issue 81 Pages 11454-11457  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM); Organic synthesis (ORSY); Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS)  
  Abstract Herein, we report a transition metal-free approach for the regioselective functionalisation of benzylic C(sp3)-H bonds using alcohols and carboxylic acids as the nucleophiles. This approach provides a straightforward route for the synthesis of various benzylic ethers and esters to provide a wide generality of this system. Expediently, twelve pharmaceutically relevant compounds have been synthesized using this strategy.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000857171200001 Publication Date 2022-09-05  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1359-7345; 1364-548x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.9 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.9  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:190191 Serial 7372  
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Author Brienza, F.; Van Aelst, K.; Devred, F.; Magnin, D.; Tschulkow, M.; Nimmegeers, P.; Van Passel, S.; Sels, B.F.; Gerin, P.; Debecker, D.P.; Cybulska, I. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Unleashing lignin potential through the dithionite-assisted organosolv fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Chemical Engineering Journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J  
  Volume 450 Issue 3 Pages 138179-14  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM); Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS)  
  Abstract The development of biomass pretreatment approaches that, next to (hemi)cellulose valorization, aim at the conversion of lignin to chemicals is essential for the long-term success of a biorefinery. Herein, we discuss a dithionite-assisted organosolv fractionation (DAOF) of lignocellulose in n-butanol and water to produce cellulosic pulp and mono-/oligo-aromatics. The study frames the technicalities of this biorefinery process and relates them to the features of the obtained product streams. We comprehensively identify and quantify all products of interest: solid pulp (acid hydrolysis-HPLC, ATR-FTIR, XRD, SEM, enzymatic hydrolysis-HPLC), lignin derivatives (GPC, GC-MS/FID, 1H-13C HSQC NMR, ICP-AES), and carbohydrate derivatives (HPLC). These results were used for inspecting the economic feasibility of DAOF. In the best process configuration, a high yield of monophenolics was reached (~20%, based on acid insoluble lignin in birch sawdust). Various other lignocellulosic feedstocks were also explored, showing that DAOF is particularly effective on hardwood and herbaceous biomass. Overall, this study demonstrates that DAOF is a viable fractionation method for the sustainable upgrading of lignocellulosic biomass.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000888204900005 Publication Date 2022-07-20  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1385-8947; 1873-3212 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 15.1 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 15.1  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189322 Serial 7373  
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Author Biely, K.; Von Muenchhausen, S.; Van Passel, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Vertical integration as a strategy to increase value absorption by primary producers : the Belgian sugar beet and the German rapeseed case Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication AIMS Agriculture and Food Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 7 Issue 3 Pages 659-682  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract Vertical integration is a means of increasing market power. For some agricultural products, it is easier for farmers to exert control over their product beyond the farm gate, but for others it is more difficult. Cases in the latter category have two main characteristics. First, the farmer cannot sell the respective product to final consumers without processing. Second, processing is capital-intensive. Consequently, farmers have limited sales channels, and vertical integration of the supply chain is complex and challenging. It implies cooperation among farmers to process the raw material at a profitable scale and to finance the installation of processing facilities. Thus, for these product categories, farmers are prone to market power issues, since they depend on private businesses that have the financial means to install processing facilities and the logistical capacities to organize the collection of large amounts of raw material. This paper aims to identify and analyze the role of supply chain integration for farmers who are already cooperating horizontally. Two case studies serve as the basis for the analysis: sugar beet in Flanders, Belgium, and oilseed rape in Hessen, Germany. The analysis is based on a qualitative research approach combining interviews, focus groups, and workshops with farmers and processors. While for sugar beet, the effects of market power are emerging only now with the termination of the quota system, farmers growing oilseed rape have been experiencing these problems since the 1990s. Our analysis concludes that most strategies to maintain or improve farm income have been exhausted. Even various forms of vertical integration supported by European policies do not necessarily work as a successful strategy.  
  Address (up)  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000860666800001 Publication Date 2022-08-17  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2471-2086 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 1.8 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 1.8  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:191514 Serial 7374  
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Author Bjørnåvold, A.; David, M.; Bohan, D.A.; Gibert, C.; Rousselle, J.-M.; Van Passel, S. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Why does France not meet its pesticide reduction targets? Farmers' socio-economic trade-offs when adopting agro-ecological practices Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Ecological Economics Abbreviated Journal Ecol Econ  
  Volume 198 Issue Pages 107440-28  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract Despite substantial policy efforts made by the French government to reduce dependence on pesticides, farming practices are only changing slowly. This paper analyses the socio-economic trade-offs that 110 farmers are currently facing in the transition to agro-ecological practices. A mixed-method approach – a quantitative discrete choice experiment (DCE) and qualitative interviews – was set up to understand these farmers' motivations and perspectives, and how policy can improve to accompany them on the road to low chemical input farming. Results of the DCE indicate that the majority of the farmers in our sample are keen to change practices but are at a loss as to how this can be done, as a number of preferences for this transition came out as inconclusive. Qualitative interviews with a representative sample of the farmers that took part in the DCE complemented this result by illustrating a deep uncertainty for the future and a disconnect felt between authorities and themselves as a group. We argue that this uncertainty contributed to a lack of clear-cut solutions established through the DCE. The indepth discussions with farmers illustrated the wish for concrete and local policy measures based on farmers' networks and peer support.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000802083900003 Publication Date 2022-05-07  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0921-8009; 1873-6106 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 7 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 7  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:188764 Serial 7375  
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Author Gezahegn, T.W.; Van Passel, S.; Berhanu, T.; D'haese, M.; Maertens, M. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Do bottom-up and independent agricultural cooperatives really perform better? Insights from a technical efficiency analysis in Ethiopia Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Agrekon Abbreviated Journal Agrekon  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract The cooperative landscape in Ethiopia is very heterogeneous with a mixture of remains of the pre-1991 government-controlled system and new post-1991 bottom-up collective action initiatives. This heterogeneity, coupled with a large growth in the number of cooperatives in the country, offers an interesting perspective to study the determinants of the (in)efficiency of cooperatives. In this paper, we analyse the performance of Ethiopian agricultural cooperatives, focusing on the degree of technical (in)efficiency and its determinants. We use the stochastic frontier approach in which we account for heteroskedasticity and the monotonicity of production functions, presenting a methodological improvement with respect to previous technical efficiency studies. The results show that NGO- and government-initiated cooperatives are less efficient than community-initiated ones, implying that governments and NGOs should not interfere too strongly in cooperative formation. Cooperatives with a high degree of heterogeneity in members' participation are found to be about 98% less efficient, while cooperatives that have paid employees are 33% more efficient. Besides, results show that cooperatives in Ethiopia function more efficiently if they incentivize committee members through monetary compensation.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000487651200001 Publication Date 2019-09-24  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0303-1853 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 1.3 Times cited Open Access  
  Notes ; The authors acknowledge funding from the VLIR-UOS TEAM Program (VLIR-UOS-ZEIN2015PR406 (13V95615T), Belgium. ; Approved Most recent IF: 1.3; 2020 IF: 0.224  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:163772 Serial 6184  
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Author Rafiaani, P.; Kuppens, T.; Thomassen, G.; Van Dael, M.; Azadi, H.; Lebailly, P.; Van Passel, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title A critical view on social performance assessment at company level : social life cycle analysis of an algae case Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication International Journal Of Life Cycle Assessment Abbreviated Journal Int J Life Cycle Ass  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract Purpose Social indicators are not easy to be quantitatively analyzed, although at the local scale, the social impacts might be relevant and important. Using the existing approaches for both quantitative and semi-qualitative measurements, this study aims to assess the social impacts of a company working on algae production systems in Belgium through social life cycle analysis (SLCA). By highlighting the opportunities and challenges on the way of applying the existing SLCA approaches at company level, the objective of this study is to contribute to the development of a suitable and clear SLCA approach when a company is considered as the unit of analysis. Methods Based on the list of potential social impact categories suggested by the United Nations Environment Program/Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (UNEP/SETAC) guidelines (2009) for SLCA, three stakeholder groups (workers, consumers, and local community) and three subcategories associated with each stakeholder group were identified as the most relevant for carbon capture and utilization technologies. Company and sector level data were collected using existing documents and reports, and the data were analyzed and scored using a combined quantitative and semi-quantitative approach to develop a social assessment model for the case study. Results and discussion The company appears to perform well for all the evaluated social indicators except the one related to the subcategory “equal opportunity/discrimination for workers” for which the share of women employed is lower compared with the sector-level data. The results of our assessment were further discussed regarding the challenges and limitations of performing SLCA at the company level. Based on our experience, the validity of the outcomes is significantly influenced by the data availability, the generality of the indicators introduced within the UNEP/SETAC guidelines, and the subjectivity in data collection for the semi-quantitative assessment among others. Conclusions By highlighting the difficulties and challenges of applying the SLCA at the company level, our study provides a starting point for improving the quantitative assessment and monitoring social implications at the company level within a regional foreground in Europe.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000492643600001 Publication Date 2019-10-26  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0948-3349; 1614-7502 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.8 Times cited 1 Open Access  
  Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.8; 2020 IF: 3.173  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:164676 Serial 6141  
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Author Srivastava, A.; Van Passel, S.; Kessels, R.; Valkering, P.; Laes, E. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Reducing winter peaks in electricity consumption: A choice experiment to structure demand response programs Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2020 Publication Energy Policy Abbreviated Journal Energ Policy  
  Volume 137 Issue Pages 111183  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM) ;  
  Abstract Winter peaks in Belgian electricity demand are significantly higher than the summer peaks, creating a greater potential for imbalances between demand and supply. This potential is exacerbated because of the risk of outages in its ageing nuclear power plants, which are being phased out in the medium term. This paper conducts a choice experiment to investigate the acceptability of a load control-based demand response program in the winter months. It surveys 186 respondents on their willingness to accept limits on the use of home appliances in return for a compensation. Results indicate that respondents are most affected by the days of the week that their appliance usage would be curtailed, and by the compensation they would receive. The willingness to enroll in a program increases with age, environmental consciousness, home ownership, and lower privacy concerns. The analysis predicts that 95% of the sample surveyed could enroll in a daily load control program for a compen- sation of €41 per household per year. Thus while an initial rollout among older and more pro-environment homeowners could be successful, a wider implementation would require an explanation of its environmental and financial benefits to the population, and a greater consideration of their data privacy concerns.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000515439900040 Publication Date 2019-12-13  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0301-4215 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9 Times cited Open Access  
  Notes The authors gratefully acknowledge the guidance offered by the Flemish Electricity Regulatory Agency (VREG), the Flemish Department for Environment, Nature, and Energy (LNE), and Guido Pepermans in designing the experiment. We are also grateful for the translations provided by Loic De Weerdt, and the support extended by Macarena MacLean Larrain in pre-testing the experiment. Finally, Roselinde Kes- sels thanks the Flemish Research Foundation (FWO) for her postdoctoral fellowship and the JMP Division of SAS Institute for further financial support. Approved Most recent IF: 9; 2020 IF: 4.14  
  Call Number ENM @ enm @c:irua:167253 Serial 6348  
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Author Hugé, J.; Rochette, Aj.; de Béthune, S.; Parra Paitan, Cc.; Vanderhaegen, K.; Vandervelden, T.; Van Passel, S.; Vanhove, Mp.m.; Verbist, B.; Verheyen, D.; Waas, T.; Janssens, I.; Janssens de Bisthoven, L. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Ecosystem services assessment tools for African Biosphere Reserves: A review and user-informed classification Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2020 Publication Ecosystem Services Abbreviated Journal Ecosyst Serv  
  Volume 42 Issue Pages 101079  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM) ;  
  Abstract While the concept of ecosystem services which links biodiversity to human wellbeing, is by now well-known, its translation into actual management decisions is still uneven. African Biosphere Reserves, which are to be living labs for sustainable development, embody the idea of synergies between people and nature. Gaining knowledge about the provision, the use and the trends of ecosystem services in these reserves is essential to ensure their global change-proof management. The diversity of rapidly evolving ecosystem services assessment tools requires a systematic and informed selection, in order to ensure that prospective tool users select the most adequate tool, aligned to their needs and context. Based on a Delphi survey of future tool users, and on a review of ecosystem services assessment tools, we propose guidance to users to select the most suited tool based on the context of African Biosphere Reserves, and on tool requirements regarding data input, necessary skills, outputs and types of ecosystem services addressed. The use of the Delphi survey and the focus on African Biosphere Reserves are new elements that contribute to the theory and practice of ecosystem services assessment.  
  Address (up)  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000522223700008 Publication Date 2020-03-19  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2212-0416 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 7.6 Times cited Open Access  
  Notes The authors wish to thank all Delphi participants. The authors ac- knowledge the financial support of the UNESCO MAB Programme and the Belgian Science Policy, within the frame of the EVAMAB project; the Belgian Development Cooperation for its support to CEBioS; the KLIMOS Acropolis Research Platform funded by the Flemish Inter- University Council – University Development Cooperation VLIR UOS; the Global Minds Post-Doctoral Fellowship Program of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel and VLIR UOS. This manuscript is one of the out- puts of Work Package 1 of the EVAMAB Project (Economic valuation of ecosystem services in Biosphere Reserves: testing effective rapid as- sessment methods in selected African Biosphere Reserves). Approved Most recent IF: 7.6; 2020 IF: 4.072  
  Call Number ENM @ enm @c:irua:167256 Serial 6349  
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Author Vanschoenwinkel, J.; Moretti, M.; Van Passel, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title The effect of policy leveraging climate change adaptive capacity in agriculture Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2020 Publication European Review Of Agricultural Economics Abbreviated Journal Eur Rev Agric Econ  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract Agricultural adaptation to climate change is indispensable. However, the degree of adaptation depends on adaptive capacity levels and it only takes place if the appropriate resources are present. Cross-sectional climate response models ignore this requirement. This paper adapts the Ricardian method to control for a generic territorial adaptive capacity index. The results for a sample of over 60.000 European farms show a significant non-linear positive relationship between adaptive capacity and climate responsiveness and that some regions in Europe can increase their climate responsiveness significantly. This confirms that improvement of adaptive capacity is an important policy tool to enhance adaptation.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000558982300007 Publication Date 2019-03-14  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0165-1587 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.4 Times cited Open Access  
  Notes This paper was supported by the Horizon 2020 project SUFISA (Grant Agreement No. 635577). Approved Most recent IF: 3.4; 2020 IF: 1.6  
  Call Number ENM @ enm @c:irua:167258 Serial 6350  
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Author Bjørnåvold, A.; Lizin, S.; Van Dael, M.; Arnold, F.; Van Passel, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Eliciting policymakers’ preferences for technologies to decarbonise transport: A discrete choice experiment Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2020 Publication Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions Abbreviated Journal Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions  
  Volume 35 Issue Pages 21-34  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM) ;  
  Abstract Socio-technical transitions are often hindered by the resilience of existing infrastructures, as policymakers are reluctant to invest in novel products or services. Using the example of carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) based fuels, we set up a discrete choice experiment to assess whether European policymakers have a tendency to avoid investing in novel, and more disruptive technologies, and rather prefer to invest in technologies that resemble the incumbent. Results indicate that policymakers prefer to allocate funding to dominant technologies. The results also revealed an overall positive perception of CCU technologies among policymakers. As the commercialisation of such products and processes continues, acceptance among this group of stakeholders is key.  
  Address (up)  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000540750600002 Publication Date 2020-02-14  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2210-4224 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 7.2 Times cited Open Access  
  Notes The authors would like to express their thanks to the participants that took part in this study. Financial support from the Flemish University Research Fund (BOF) (for Amalie Bjørnåvold) and the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) Postdoctoral Grant 12G5418N (for Sebastien Lizin) is gratefully acknowledged. The authors have no competing interests to declare. Approved Most recent IF: 7.2; 2020 IF: NA  
  Call Number ENM @ enm @c:irua:167254 Serial 6351  
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Author De Weerdt, L.; Sasao, T.; Compernolle, T.; Van Passel, S.; De Jaeger, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title The effect of waste incineration taxation on industrial plastic waste generation: A panel analysis Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2020 Publication Resources Conservation And Recycling Abbreviated Journal Resour Conserv Recy  
  Volume 157 Issue Pages 104717  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM) ;  
  Abstract Waste treatment taxation is a popular policy instrument in many European countries and regions. Its impact on household waste has extensively been researched. However, only little research exists which looks into the impact of waste treatment taxation on industrial waste generation. Nevertheless, industrial waste constitutes more than ninety percent of waste generated in the European Union. This study assesses the impact of an incineration tax on the generation of industrial plastic waste in Flanders, Belgium. We conduct different types of econometrical panel analyzes and provide statistical evidence that firms show lagged behavior, which means that the previous year’s waste generation partly determines the current year’s. The dynamic panel estimations show robust results, indicating that a growth of incineration taxes exert significant negative effects on the growth of industrial plastic waste generation. This result offers no argument to iteratively raise incineration taxes. We conclude that incineration taxation is meaningful if tax rates are set according to the prevailing market conditions, i.e. taking into account the marginal costs of alternatives for incineration. In the short run, the effectiveness of taxation will quickly diminish due to the rapidly rising marginal costs of waste reduction. In the long run, extra recycling capacity is needed to recycle the minimized waste fraction. The role of taxation in the long run is to maintain an equilibrium in which recycling is preferred by the market.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000540606400023 Publication Date 2020-02-18  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0921-3449 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 13.2 Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Flemish Circular Economy Policy Research Centre; Research Foundation Flanders, 12M7417N ; Approved Most recent IF: 13.2; 2020 IF: 3.313  
  Call Number ENM @ enm @c:irua:167590 Serial 6352  
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Author Zewdie, M.C.; Van Passel, S.; Moretti, M.; Annys, S.; Tenessa, D.B.; Ayele, Z.A.; Tsegaye, E.A.; Cools, J.; Minale, A.S.; Nyssen, J. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Pathways how irrigation water affects crop revenue of smallholder farmers in northwest Ethiopia: A mixed approach Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Agricultural Water Management Abbreviated Journal Agr Water Manage  
  Volume 233 Issue Pages 106101  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract The relationship between irrigation water availability and crop revenue is multifaceted. However, most of the previous studies focused only on the direct effect of irrigation water on crop revenue or considered that the indirect effect passes only through the farmers’ improved farm inputs usage. Nevertheless, unlike previous studies, this study argues that a one-sided argument that irrigation water directly causes high crop revenue or indirectly affects crop revenue only via the farmers’ improved farm inputs usage is incomplete, as irrigation water not only directly contributes to crop revenue but also indirectly conduces to crop revenue via both the type of crops produced and the farmers’ improved farm inputs usage. Considering the previous studies’ limitations, this study investigates pathways how small-scale irrigation water affects crop revenue and identifies challenges of small-scale irrigation farming in Fogera district, Ethiopia. Results endorsed that irrigation water has both direct and indirect effects on crop revenue. The indirect effect is 67 percent of the total effect and it is mediated by both the type of crops produced and farmers’ improved farm inputs usage. The result also indicated that irrigation user farmers have a higher income, more livestock assets and resources and better food, housing, and cloths than the non-users. Moreover, challenges related to agricultural output and input market were identified as the most severe problem followed by crop disease. The findings of our study suggest that to utilize the benefits of irrigation water properly, it is crucial to encourage farmers to use more improved farm inputs and to shift from staple to cash crop production. Moreover, farmers are frequently exposed to cheating by illegal brokers in the output market, therefore it is also important to increase farmers’ accessibility to output and input markets, the quality of improved farm inputs, and the bargaining power of farmers with market information.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000525291200025 Publication Date 2020-02-29  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0378-3774 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.7 Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Bahir Dar University – Institutional University Cooperation; Approved Most recent IF: 6.7; 2020 IF: 2.848  
  Call Number ENM @ enm @c:irua:167592 Serial 6353  
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Author Rafiaani, P.; Dikopoulou, Z.; Van Dael, M.; Kuppens, T.; Azadi, H.; Lebailly, P.; Van Passel, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Identifying Social Indicators for Sustainability Assessment of CCU Technologies: A Modified Multi-criteria Decision Making Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2020 Publication Social Indicators Research Abbreviated Journal Soc Indic Res  
  Volume 147 Issue 1 Pages 15-44  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM) ;  
  Abstract Carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies capture CO2 waste emissions and utilize them to generate new products (such as fuels, chemicals, and materials) with various environmental, economic, and social opportunities. As most of these CCU technologies are in the R&D stage, their technical and economic viability are examined with less attention to the social aspect which is an important pillar for a holistic sustainability assessment. The lack of systematic social impact research is mainly due to the difficulty of identifying and quantifying social aspects through the entire life cycle of products. We will fill this gap for CCU technologies and identify the main social indicators. A multi-criteria decision making tool: TOPSIS (technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution) was applied to empirically determine which indicators are more relevant for assessing the social impact of a company operating CCU activities within a European context. First, seeing that social impact categories are linked to key stakeholder groups, we considered workers, consumers, and local communities as relevant stakeholders. Second, the main social impact categories and their potential performance indicators associated to each group of stakeholders were listed using the United Nations Environment Program/Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (UNEP/SETAC) guidelines. In the third step, an online questionnaire was distributed to identify the main social categories and indicators for CCU, to which 33 European CCU experts responded. Finally, a modified TOPSIS was applied to rank the indicators based on their relevance. We found that the indicators related to “end of life responsibility” and “transparency” within a CCU company achieved the highest rank affecting the consumers group, whereas “fair salary” and “equal opportunities/discriminations” were determined as the most relevant impact categories for the workers. For the local community group, “secure living conditions” and “local employment” received the highest priority from the experts’ point of view. Furthermore, “health and safety” considerations were identified as one of the most important criteria affecting all three groups of stakeholders. The ranking list of the main social indicators identified in our study provides the basis for the next steps in the social sustainability assessment of CCU technologies; that is, data collection and impact assessment. Our outcomes can also be used to inform the producers regarding the most and least relevant social aspects of CCU so that the potential social impacts caused by their production activities can be improved or prevented.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000511863600002 Publication Date 2019-07-06  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0303-8300 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 1.743 Times cited Open Access  
  Notes We would also like to thank James Morrison from the JamesEdits agency for proof reading and editing the article. Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number ENM @ enm @c:irua:166591 Serial 6354  
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Author Maes, D.; Vancauteren, M.; Van Passel, S. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Investigating market power in the Belgian pork production chain Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2019 Publication Review of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Studies Abbreviated Journal Rev Agric Food Environ Stud  
  Volume 100 Issue 1-4 Pages 93-117  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM) ;  
  Abstract Belgian pork production has faced stagnating prices for decades. It remains unclear whether excessive market power from slaughterhouses or meat retailers has played a role in this trend. While market power studies can reveal some of the market dynamics in this setting, this type of research has not yet been applied to the Belgian pork market. The present paper investigates oligopolies and oligopsonies in the pork production sector. We build a new model that focuses on market power dynamics in the market for live pigs and distinguishes horizontal and vertical market power parameters, both for pig farmers and for slaughterhouses. The results follow from an empirical application using unique slaughterhouse data for 2001–2015. The results indicate that the farmers benefit from a significant power advantage in the live pig market, when very modest price demands are taken as a reference. The final market price of live pigs approaches the price requested by the farmers. On the other hand, the measured vertical market power also suggests that a pig farmer does not receive the (modest) full-wage-based salary. The market power of the slaughterhouses is also limited. Market power as a result of collusion—that is, horizontal market power—is present, but is not strong. However, there are significant differences between the slaughterhouses in terms of mark-up on the input prices. These differences reflect differences in company strategy, and this diversity further reduces the possibility to create sector-wide collusive behaviour.  
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  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date 2019-11-27  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2425-6870 ISBN Additional Links  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes H2020 Food, 635577 ; TUL Impuls (transnational university Limburg) Interuniversity fund; Approved no  
  Call Number ENM @ enm @ Serial 6377  
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Author Jamshidi, O.; Asadi, A.; Kalantari, K.; Movahhed Moghaddam, S.; Dadrass Javan, F.; Azadi, H.; Van Passel, S.; Witlox, F. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Adaptive capacity of smallholder farmers toward climate change: evidence from Hamadan province in Iran Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2020 Publication Climate And Development Abbreviated Journal Clim Dev  
  Volume Issue Pages 1-11  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; Adaptive capacity; cross sectional survey; socio-economic variables; adaptation strategies; Hamadan province; Engineering Management (ENM) ;  
  Abstract The global climate is changing, and farmers must increase their adaptive capacity to avoid negative impacts. This study aimed to examine the adaptive capacity of farmers’ household to tolerate climate changes and identify factors affecting the climate in Hamadan province, Iran. The adaptive capacity was evaluated quantitatively by using 23 indicators and was categorized into high, moderate, low, and very low adaptive capacity. The study was based on a cross sectional survey and was conducted with a random sample of 280 household farmers distributed in five counties of Hamadan province in the west of the country whose climatic data revealed signs of climate change. The result showed that farmers’ negative perception toward climate change generally increases during dry seasons and decreases when the precipitation and water resources are more available. Regarding the available information, only 15% of farmers had a high level of adaptive capacity, while 10% of them were highly adapted, and 27.5% showed a very low level of adaptive capacity. Adaptive capacity in the current study was influenced by some socio-economic variables including total farm size, irrigated farm size, number of agricultural land plots, and perception and knowledge of climate change.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000509193400001 Publication Date 2020-01-25  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1756-5529 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.051 Times cited Open Access  
  Notes The authors appreciate the comments of the anonymous reviewers and would like to thank them for their constructive feedback. Frank Witlox acknowledges funding received from the Estonian Research Council (PUT PRG306). Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number ENM @ enm @c:irua:166572 Serial 6378  
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Author Sebhatu, K.T.; Gezahegn, T.W.; Berhanu, T.; Maertens, M.; Van Passel, S.; D’Haese, M. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Conflict, fraud, and distrust in Ethiopian agricultural cooperatives Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2020 Publication Journal of Co-operative Organization and Management Abbreviated Journal Journal of Co-operative Organization and Management  
  Volume 8 Issue 1 Pages 100106  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; Agricultural cooperatives; Cooperative size; Conflict; Fraud; Distrust; Ethiopia; Engineering Management (ENM) ;  
  Abstract Agricultural cooperatives are seen as an efficient way for smallholder farmers to create bargaining power in order to achieve poverty reduction and food security. However, the success of these cooperatives depends on their ability to maintain their social capital, which is at the core of collective action. A few studies have addressed issues of member participation, commitment, and trust, yet less is known about rural cooperatives in developing countries as a social organization. It is also unclear whether a relationship exists between cooperative size and the incidence of conflict, fraud, and distrust. Using unique data collected from 511 agricultural cooperatives in 12 districts of Tigray region in northern Ethiopia, this paper examines the effects of cooperative size on conflict, fraud, and distrust. We used instrumental variables (IV) probit estimation techniques, accounting for endogeneity of membership size, to confirm that cooperative size does affect the occurrence of conflict, fraud, and trust. The results also indicate that other influencing factors include: cooperative age, number of employees, payment of dividends based on transaction volume, and heterogeneity of member goals.  
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  Language Wos 000536594400001 Publication Date 2020-04-28  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2213297X ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes The authors would like to thank the office of the twelve districts, facilitators and Cooperative Promotion Agency staff for their collaboration in facilitating the field survey, most of all the chair- and vice-chairpersons of the study Agricultural Cooperatives who had to respond to all our questions with seriousness and patience. Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number ENM @ enm @c:irua:170073 Serial 6379  
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Author Sharafi, L.; Zarafshani, K.; Keshavarz, M.; Azadi, H.; Van Passel, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Drought risk assessment: Towards drought early warning system and sustainable environment in western Iran Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2020 Publication Ecological Indicators Abbreviated Journal Ecological Indicators  
  Volume 114 Issue Pages 106276  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; Drought; Early warning system; Risk management; Vulnerability; Environmental risk; Resilient farming; Engineering Management (ENM) ;  
  Abstract Prolonged drought is considered as a creeping natural hazard, which has created a financial burden and unsustainable environment in Iran. Moreover, the effect of drought phenomenon in rural areas is more extensive, causing significant challenges to the rural economy in general and agricultural production in particular. A common strategy to manage drought is based on crisis management (ex-ante). However, for effective drought management, risk management seems to be more in line with drought early warning systems. This quantitative study used risk assessment, which is the function of two elements such as hazard (SPI and SDI indices) and vulnerability (exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity). This study aims to build the foundations for drought early warning systems in limited resource areas such as Kermanshah Township in the northwestern part of Iran. The population of this study comprised of wheat farmers in which 293 farmers were selected using multistage cluster sampling method. In the next step, the drought risk map for Kermanshah Township was developed, which revealed that the majority of villages are at intense environmental risk. The result of this study has implications for drought management practitioners. For example, the results can aid policymakers in the design of an early warning system in order to reduce risk and thus empower farmers toward resilient farming.  
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  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000559966500006 Publication Date 2020-04-09  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1470160X ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number ENM @ enm @c:irua:170071 Serial 6380  
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Author Fitawok, M.B.; Derudder, B.; Minale, A.S.; Van Passel, S.; Adgo, E.; Nyssen, J. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Modeling the Impact of Urbanization on Land-Use Change in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia: An Integrated Cellular Automata–Markov Chain Approach Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2020 Publication Land Abbreviated Journal Land  
  Volume 9 Issue 4 Pages 115  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; analytical hierarchy process; cellular automata; land-use change; Markov chain; urbanization; Engineering Management (ENM) ;  
  Abstract The fast-paced urbanization of recent decades entails that many regions are facing seemingly uncontrolled land-use changes (LUCs) that go hand in hand with a range of environmental and socio-economic challenges. In this paper, we use an integrated cellular automata–Markov chain (CA–MC) model to analyze and predict the urban expansion of and its impact on LUC in the city of Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. To this end, the research marshals high-resolution Landsat images of 1991, 2002, 2011, and 2018. An analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method is then used to identify the biophysical and socioeconomic factors underlying the expansion in the research area. It is shown that, during the period of study, built-up areas are rapidly expanding in the face of an overall decline of the farmland and vegetation cover. Drawing on a model calibration for 2018, the research predicts the possible geographies of LUC in the Bahir Dar area for 2025, 2034, and 2045. It is predicted that the conversions of other land-use types into built-up areas will persist in the southern, southwestern, and northeastern areas of the sprawling city, which can mainly be traced back to the uneven geographies of road accessibility, proximity to the city center, and slope variables. We reflect on how our findings can be used to facilitate sustainable urban development and land-use policies in the Bahir Dar area.  
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  Language Wos 000533901100026 Publication Date 2020-04-09  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2073-445X ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes The authors would like to thank the VLIR-UOS project for funding this research through Bahir Dar University—Institutional University Cooperation (BDU-IUC) program. Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number ENM @ enm @c:irua:169600 Serial 6381  
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Author Finizola e Silva, M.; Van Passel, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Climate-Smart Agriculture in the Northeast of Brazil: An Integrated Assessment of the Aquaponics Technology Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2020 Publication Sustainability Abbreviated Journal Sustainability-Basel  
  Volume 12 Issue 9 Pages 3734  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; aquaponics; Aquaponova; Brazil; semi-arid region; food insecurity; cost–benefit analysis; socio-economic approach; climate-smart agriculture; Engineering Management (ENM) ;  
  Abstract The purpose of this study is to determine if aquaponic systems can reduce food insecurity in the semi-arid regions of Brazil and generate income for the beneficiaries. Aquaponics is a potentially sustainable way to produce food based on gardening, hydroponics and aquaculture. A case study, based on a project called Aquaponova, was developed. The aquaponic systems currently used in the project are non-commercial and designed for households with limited resources. The data based on six existing systems within this project were used to compare the costs and the benefits. The cost–benefit analysis covers four scenarios and three financing options. The results show that aquaponic systems have a large potential and can reduce food insecurity in semi-arid regions while generating income for the beneficiaries. Even if the system only produces 40% of the total estimated production, the system will still be feasible. However, the low opportunity cost of labour is an essential factor for obtaining these positive results. Moreover, the social benefits, such as a community spirit and the health benefits of the system, should not be underestimated.  
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  Language Wos 000537476200232 Publication Date 2020-05-05  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2071-1050 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.9 Times cited Open Access  
  Notes We would like to express our gratitude to Francisco Fechine Borges who introduced Maíra Finizola e Silva the basics of aquaponics and gave her the opportunity to base her research on the data from the Aquaponova project. We would also like to thank the participants of the 2nd LA SDEWES conference in Buenos Aires (9–12 February 2020) for the useful comments and suggestions. Approved Most recent IF: 3.9; 2020 IF: 1.789  
  Call Number ENM @ enm @c:irua:170074 Serial 6382  
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Author Tschulkow, M.; Compernolle, T.; Van den Bosch, S.; Van Aelst, J.; Storms, I.; Van Dael, M.; Van den Bossche, G.; Sels, B.; Van Passel, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Integrated techno-economic assessment of a biorefinery process: The high-end valorization of the lignocellulosic fraction in wood streams Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2020 Publication Journal Of Cleaner Production Abbreviated Journal J Clean Prod  
  Volume 266 Issue Pages 122022  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM) ;  
  Abstract A new lignin-first biorefinery with a reductive catalytic fractionation process, which targets the valorization of the lignin and the carbohydrate fraction into higher value end-products, is currently being designed. To identify the various R&D drivers for projects with a low technology readiness level (TRL), we developed an integrated techno-economic assessment (TEA) that directly integrates the results of lab studies with economic costs and benefits. Furthermore, different linkages are made to upstream wood availability and downstream demand to understand its fit into existing wood value chains. By making the relations across the wood value chain explicit within the integrated TEA, we find that the scale of the plant, the feedstock-specific output quantities, and output prices highly determine the economic feasibility. Furthermore, this detailed analysis reveals the importance of assessing different types of feedstock. If only virgin wood is available as feedstock, minimum capacity levels between 190 and 234 kilotons per year are needed for the investment to be profitable. Waste wood proves to be the most profitable feedstock with an NPV of M€ 59 and an IRR of 26%. Using only waste wood as feedstock makes the investment profitable at a lower capacity level of 80 kilotons per year and economic shocks can be absorbed. Based on these results we show that an integrated and detailed TEA is indispensable to define future development paths for early-stage, innovative technologies.  
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  Language Wos 000573461000008 Publication Date 2020-05-07  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0959-6526 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 11.1 Times cited Open Access  
  Notes This project has received funding from the Research FoundationFlanders (FWO)-SBO BIOWOOD project. Tine Compernolle thanksthe (FWO) for funding her postdoctoral mandate with Grantnumber 12M7417N. G. V.d.B. acknowledges funding from FISCH-ICON project MAIA. J.V.A. and S.V.d.B acknowledge Flanders Inno-vation&Entrepreneurship (VLAIO) for their innovation mandate. Approved Most recent IF: 11.1; 2020 IF: 5.715  
  Call Number ENM @ enm @c:irua:170069 Serial 6383  
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Author Van Oijstaeijen, W.; Van Passel, S.; Cools, J. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Urban green infrastructure: A review on valuation toolkits from an urban planning perspective Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2020 Publication Journal Of Environmental Management Abbreviated Journal J Environ Manage  
  Volume 267 Issue Pages 110603  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM) ;  
  Abstract As a response to increasing urbanization and changing weather and climatic patterns, urban green infrastructure (UGI) emerged as a concept to increase resilience within the urban boundaries. Given that implementing these (semi-) natural solutions in practice requires a clear overview of the costs and benefits, valuation becomes ever important. A range of decision-support tools for green infrastructure and ecosystem services exist, developed for various purposes. This paper reviews the potential of 10 shortlisted and existing valuation tools to support investment decisions of urban green infrastructure. In the assessment, the functionality is regarded specifically from the urban planning and decision-making viewpoint. The toolkits were evaluated on 12 different criteria. After analyzing the toolkits on these criteria, the findings are evaluated on the (mis)match with specific requirements in the urban planning and management context. Secondly, recommendations and guidelines are formulated to support the design of simple valuation tools, tailored to support the development of green infrastructure in urban areas. Approaching the valuation toolkits biophysically and (socio-)economically provides an integral overview of the challenges and opportunities of the capacities of each framework. It was found that most tools are not designed for the peculiarities of the urban context. Several elements contribute to the hampering uptake of GI valuation tools. Firstly, the limited effort in the economic case for green infrastructure remains a burden to use toolkits to compare grey and green alternatives. Secondly, tools are currently seldom designed for the peculiarities of cities: urban ecosystem (dis)services, multi-scalability, life-span assessments of co-benefits and the importance of social benefits. Thirdly, toolkits should be the result of co-development between the scientific community and local authorities in order to create toolkits that are tailor made to the specific needs in the urban planning process. It can be concluded that current tools, are not readily applicable to support decision making as such. However, if applied cautiously, they can have an indicative role to pinpoint further targeted and in-depth analyses.  
  Address (up)  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000533525100040 Publication Date 2020-04-27  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0301-4797 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.7 Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Nature Smart Cities across the 2 Seas is an Interreg 2 Seas co-funded project to the value of €6,380,472. It consists of a total of 11 Partners from 4 EU Member States, who will work together to develop a business model that local authorities can use to justify the use of ‘city finance’ to fund their urban greening programmes. This project has received funding from the Interreg 2 Seas programme 2014-2020 co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund under subsidy contract No 2S05-048. Approved Most recent IF: 8.7; 2020 IF: 4.01  
  Call Number ENM @ enm @c:irua:169448 Serial 6384  
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Author Larrain, M.; Van Passel, S.; Thomassen, G.; Kresovic, U.; Alderweireldt, N.; Moerman, E.; Billen, P. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Economic performance of pyrolysis of mixed plastic waste: Open-loop versus closed-loop recycling Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2020 Publication Journal Of Cleaner Production Abbreviated Journal J Clean Prod  
  Volume Issue Pages 122442  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM) ;  
  Abstract In recent decades new recycling technologies for mixed plastic waste have emerged. In pyrolysis, the polymer chains are thermally broken (pyrolyzed) to obtain hydrocarbon materials of different molecular weights such as naphtha, oil or waxes, whose yields can be controlled by varying the reaction parameters. Naphtha represents a closed-loop recycling process as it is a feedstock for (poly)olefins; while the co-production of waxes, having several applications in e.g. the construction industry, exemplifies an open-loop recycling process. This paper compares the economic performance of the pyrolysis of mixed polyolefin waste in a closed-loop and open-loop scheme, including a probabilistic approach to the most important variables. From an economic perspective, open-loop pyrolysis as presented outperforms closed-loop recycling, due to the high prices of wax. However, the results present a high dispersion caused by the volatility of the prices of crude oil and its derivates. Considering the current oil price projections, our case study analysis showed that for open-loop recycling there is a future probability of almost a 98 % of observing positive results and around 57 % of probability in the case of closed-loop recycling, under the assumptions made. Yet, in a future scenario where decarbonized electricity would decrease oil prices, the probability of a positive outcome reduces to 57 % for the open-loop case and to less than 8 % in the case of closed-loop recycling. To make these pathways attractive to investors, the nameplate capacity should be at least 70 kt/year for open-loop recycling and 115 kt/year for closed-loop recycling. A 120 kt/year plant should operate minimally at 80 % of its capacity for open-loop recycling, while closed-loop recycling would demand running close to maximum capacity. Security of feedstock supply therefore is required.  
  Address (up)  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000579071300078 Publication Date 2020-05-28  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0959-6526 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 11.1 Times cited Open Access  
  Notes This work was supported by the VLAIO Catalisti-ICON project MATTER (Mechanical and Thermochemical Recycling of mixed plastic waste; project HBC.2018.0262). Approved Most recent IF: 11.1; 2020 IF: 5.715  
  Call Number ENM @ enm @c:irua:170005 Serial 6385  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Larrain, M.; Van Passel, S.; Thomassen, G.; Kresovic, U.; Alderweireldt, N.; Moerman, E.; Billen, P. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Economic performance of pyrolysis of mixed plastic waste: Open-loop versus closed-loop recycling Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2020 Publication Journal Of Cleaner Production Abbreviated Journal J Clean Prod  
  Volume Issue Pages 122442  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM) ;  
  Abstract In recent decades new recycling technologies for mixed plastic waste have emerged. In pyrolysis, the polymer chains are thermally broken (pyrolyzed) to obtain hydrocarbon materials of different molecular weights such as naphtha, oil or waxes, whose yields can be controlled by varying the reaction parameters. Naphtha represents a closed-loop recycling process as it is a feedstock for (poly)olefins; while the co-production of waxes, having several applications in e.g. the construction industry, exemplifies an open-loop recycling process. This paper compares the economic performance of the pyrolysis of mixed polyolefin waste in a closed-loop and open-loop scheme, including a probabilistic approach to the most important variables. From an economic perspective, open-loop pyrolysis as presented outperforms closed-loop recycling, due to the high prices of wax. However, the results present a high dispersion caused by the volatility of the prices of crude oil and its derivates. Considering the current oil price projections, our case study analysis showed that for open-loop recycling there is a future probability of almost a 98 % of observing positive results and around 57 % of probability in the case of closed-loop recycling, under the assumptions made. Yet, in a future scenario where decarbonized electricity would decrease oil prices, the probability of a positive outcome reduces to 57 % for the open-loop case and to less than 8 % in the case of closed-loop recycling. To make these pathways attractive to investors, the nameplate capacity should be at least 70 kt/year for open-loop recycling and 115 kt/year for closed-loop recycling. A 120 kt/year plant should operate minimally at 80 % of its capacity for open-loop recycling, while closed-loop recycling would demand running close to maximum capacity. Security of feedstock supply therefore is required.  
  Address (up)  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000579071300078 Publication Date 2020-05-28  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0959-6526 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 11.1 Times cited Open Access  
  Notes This work was supported by the VLAIO Catalisti-ICON project MATTER (Mechanical and Thermochemical Recycling of mixed plastic waste; project HBC.2018.0262). Approved Most recent IF: 11.1; 2020 IF: 5.715  
  Call Number ENM @ enm @c:irua:170005 Serial 6386  
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