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Author Rafiaani, P.; Kuppens, T.; Van Dael, M.; Azadi, H.; Lebailly, P.; Van Passel, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Social sustainability assessments in the biobased economy : towards a systemic approach Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews Abbreviated Journal Renew Sust Energ Rev  
  Volume 82 Issue (up) 2 Pages 1839-1853  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract The majority of impact assessments for the biobased economy are primarily focused on the environmental and (techno-)economic aspects, while social aspects are rarely considered. This study proposes a modified systemic approach for a social sustainability impact assessment of the biobased economy, based on a review on the common methodologies for assessing social impacts. Accordingly, the proposed approach follows the four general iterative steps of social life cycle analysis (SLCA) as it considers all life cycle phases of the biobased economy. The systemic approach considers the potential social impacts on local communities, workers, and consumers as the main three groups of the stakeholders. The review showed that the most common social indicators for inventory analysis within the biobased economy include health and safety, food security, income, employment, land- and worker-related concerns, energy security, profitability, and gender issues. Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) was also highlighted as the broadly utilized methodology for aggregating the results of impact assessments within the biobased economy. Taking a life cycle perspective, this study provides a holistic view of the full sustainability of research, design, and innovation in the biobased economy by suggesting the integration of the social aspects with techno-economic and an environmental life cycle assessment. Our proposed systemic approach makes possible to integrate the social impacts that are highly valued by the affected stakeholders into the existing sustainability models that focus only on environmental and techno-economic aspects. We discuss the steps of the proposed systemic approach in order to identify the challenges of applying them within the biobased economy. These challenges refer mainly to the definition of the functional unit and system boundaries, the selection and the analysis of social indicators (inventory analysis), the aggregation of the inventory to impact categories, and the uncertainties associated with the social sustainability evaluation. The result of this review and the proposed systemic approach serve as a foundation for industry and policy makers to gain a better insight into the importance of social sustainability impacts assessment within the biobased economy.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000423371300014 Publication Date 2017-08-01  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1364-0321; 1879-0690 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.05 Times cited 28 Open Access  
  Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 8.05  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:149031 Serial 6250  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Thomassen, G.; Van Dael, M.; Lemmens, B.; Van Passel, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title A review of the sustainability of algal-based biorefineries : towards an integrated assessment framework Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews Abbreviated Journal Renew Sust Energ Rev  
  Volume 68 Issue (up) 2 Pages 876-887  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract Algal-based bioenergy products have faced multiple economic and environmental problems. To counter these problems, algal-based biorefineries have been proposed as a promising solution. Multiple environmental and economic assessments have analyzed this concept. However, a wide variation in results was reported. This study performs a review to evaluate the methodological reasons behind this variation. Based on this review, four main challenges for a sustainability assessment were identified: 1) the use of a clear framework; 2) the adaptation of the methodology to all stages of technological maturity; 3) the use of harmonized assumptions; 4) the integration of the technological process. A generic methodology, based on the integration of a techno-economic assessment methodology and a streamlined life cycle assessment was proposed. This environmental techno-economic assessment can be performed following an iterative approach during each stage of technology development. In this way, crucial technological parameters can be directly identified and evaluated during the maturation of the technology. The use of this assessment methodology can therefore act as guidance to decrease the time-to-market for innovative and sustainable technologies.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000391899400005 Publication Date 2016-03-16  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1364-0321; 1879-0690 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.05 Times cited 23 Open Access  
  Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 8.05  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:139038 Serial 6245  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Shahraki, M.R.; Abedi-Sarvestani, A.; Seyedi, M.S.; Rafiaani Khachak, P.; Nieto-Garibay, A.; Van Passel, S.; Azadi, A. doi  openurl
  Title The perception by pastoralists of the factors influencing the appropriate distribution of livestock in the rangelands of north-east Iran Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication The Rangeland Journal Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 37 Issue (up) 2 Pages 191-197  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract The distribution of livestock grazing is a key principle of range management. This study examines pastoralists perceptions of the factors that affect the distribution of livestock in the rangelands of the Neqab region of the Kashmar County in north-east Iran. Data were collected from the pastoralists on their perceptions of the managerial, biological and physical factors that influences the distribution of livestock, using both qualitative and quantitative assessments. Results showed that, the perception of the majority of pastoralists was that the distribution of livestock was average or good in the study area. It was perceived that the experience of herders and the size of the rangeland were the main factors influencing the distribution of livestock. Regression analyses showed that it was perceived that managerial factors had a more important role than biological and physical factors in the distribution of livestock and the proper use of the rangelands in north-east Iran.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000351863200007 Publication Date 2015-02-18  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:129879 Serial 6234  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Meul, M.; Van Passel, S.; Nevens, F.; Dessein, J.; Rogge, E.; Mulier, A.; Van Hauwermeiren, A. doi  openurl
  Title MOTIFS : a monitoring tool for integrated farm sustainability Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2008 Publication Agronomy For Sustainable Development Abbreviated Journal Agron Sustain Dev  
  Volume 28 Issue (up) 2 Pages 321-332  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics  
  Abstract Indicator-based monitoring tools are frequently applied for sustainability assessments, also in agriculture. However, many indicators focus on a rather restricted number of sustainability aspects such as economy or ecology. Moreover the choice of the indicator is rarely explained. The aim of our study was to develop an indicator-based monitoring tool for integrated farm sustainability – i.e. taking into account economic and ecological and social aspects – based on a supported vision of sustainable agriculture and using a set of relevant indicators. Hereby, specific attention was paid to aspects of communication and user-friendliness. Four methodological steps were considered: (i) translating the major principles of a supported vision of sustainable Flemish agriculture into concrete and relevant themes; (ii) designing indicators to monitor progress towards sustainability for each of those themes; (iii) aggregating the indicators into an integrated farm sustainability monitoring tool and (iv) applying the monitoring tool on a practical farm, as a first attempt at end-use validation. Stakeholder participation and expert consulting played an important part in each of these methodological steps. As a case study, the methodology was applied to Flemish dairy farms. As a result, we developed MOTIFS, a user-friendly and strongly communicative indicator-based monitoring tool that allows the measurement of progress towards integrated sustainable dairy farming systems and fits within a well-founded methodological framework. MOTIFS is based on the equality of the economic, ecological and social sustainability dimensions, and this equality is inherently built into the system. Through the applied methodology, we founded the selected themes and indicators and we avoided using indicators that are not relevant to the problem at hand.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000256235500018 Publication Date 2008-03-21  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1774-0746 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.101 Times cited 97 Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.101; 2008 IF: 1.649  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:136763 Serial 6229  
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Author Milis, K.; Peremans, H.; Van Passel, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title The impact of policy on microgrid economics : a review Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews Abbreviated Journal Renew Sust Energ Rev  
  Volume 81 Issue (up) 2 Pages 3111-3119  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract This paper investigates the impact of government policy on the optimal design of microgrid systems from an economic cost minimisation perspective, and provides both an overview of the current state of the art of the field, as well as highlighting possible avenues of future research. Integer programming, to select microgrid components and to economically dispatch these components, is the optimisation method of choice in the literature. Using this methodology, a broad range of policy topics is investigated: impact of carbon taxation, economic incentives and mandatory emissions reduction or mandatory minimum percentage participation of renewables in local generation. However, the impact of alternative tariff systems, such as capacity tariffs are still unexplored. Additionally, the investigated possible benefits of microgrids are confined to emissions reduction and a possible decrease in total energy procurement costs. Possible benefits such as increased security of supply, increased power quality or energy independence are not investigated yet. Under the expected policy measures the optimal design of a microgrid will be based on a CHP-unit to provide both heat and electricity, owning to the lower capital costs associated with CHP-units when compared to those associated with renewable technologies. This means that current economic analyses indicate that the adoption of renewable energy sources within microgrids is not economically rational.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000417078200117 Publication Date 2017-09-12  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1364-0321; 1879-0690 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.05 Times cited 11 Open Access  
  Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 8.05  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:145397 Serial 6213  
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Author Gebrehiwot, N.T.; Azadi, H.; Taheri, F.; Van Passel, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title How participation in vegetables market affects livelihoods : empirical evidence from Northern Ethiopia Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication Journal of international food and agribusiness marketing Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 30 Issue (up) 2 Pages 107-131  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract Vegetable farmers face a number of challenges in marketing. Having first-hand information about vegetable marketing is essential to devise appropriate strategies aimed at enhancing the value of the vegetable chain. It was in line with this view that the study was conducted to characterize vegetable markets in Northern Ethiopia. In an effort to identify the factors influencing vegetable marketing among farmers, data were collected from 283 farm households who were selected using stratified random sampling. Furthermore, the data were triangulated through focus group discussion (FGD) and key informant interviews. Descriptive statistics and the binary logistic regression model were used to identify the variables and test the probability of their influence in regard to farmers decisions in vegetable marketing. From the 13 explanatory variables included in the binary logistic regression model, six predictors were found to be statistically significant in determining the effects of participation decision on vegetable market. These variables are as follows: household family size, total land holding of the household, amount of vegetable produced and marketed, use of irrigation technologies, contact with extension agents, and access to market information. Relying on a survey result and observations, the findings of the study indicated that vegetable marketing is significantly improving the livelihood of smallholder producers.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date 2017-12-01  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0897-4438 ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:154141 Serial 6210  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Fatemi, M.; Azadi, H.; Rafiaani, P.; Taheri, F.; Dubois, T.; Van Passel, S.; Witlox, F. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Effects of supply chain management on tomato export in Iran : application of structural equation modeling Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication Journal of food products marketing Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 24 Issue (up) 2 Pages 177-195  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM); Government and Law  
  Abstract Although Iran is one of the top 10 countries in the world that produce tomatoes, the level that they are exported into the global market is low. This issue may have resulted from a major problem within tomatoes supply chain management. This paper aims to develop an empirical model of the supply chain management (SCM) of tomato companies. Throughout the reviewed literature, a SCM construct with different six indicators has been developed, including information sharing, long-term relationship, cooperation, quality, flexibility, and delivery. In this study, the influence of the SCM components on tomato export was identified through the use of empirical data that were collected from 20 different tomato companies in Northeast Iran. Using structural equation modeling, the major elements of SCM were found to have significant impacts on the export of tomatoes. The results also showed that information sharing, cooperation, flexibility, quality, and delivery had significant positive effects on the export of tomatoes.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000424803000004 Publication Date 2017-03-06  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1045-4446 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited 2 Open Access  
  Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:149044 Serial 6192  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Van Meensel, J.; Lauwers, L.; Van Huylenbroeck, G.; Van Passel, S. doi  openurl
  Title Comparing frontier methods for economic-environmental trade-off analysis Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2010 Publication European Journal Of Operational Research Abbreviated Journal Eur J Oper Res  
  Volume 207 Issue (up) 2 Pages 1027-1040  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics  
  Abstract This paper uses a mechanistic frontier approach as a reference to evaluate the ability of conventional parametric (SFA) and non-parametric (DEA) frontier approaches for analyzing economicenvironmental trade-offs. Conventional frontier approaches are environmentally adjusted through incorporating the materials balance principle. The analysis is worked out for the Flemish pig finishing case, which is both representative and didactic. Results show that, on average, SFA and DEA yield adequate economicenvironmental trade-offs. Both methods are good estimators for technical efficiency. Cost allocative and environmental allocative efficiency scores are less robust, due to the well-known methodological advantages and disadvantages of SFA and DEA. For particular firms, SFA, DEA and the mechanistic approach may yield different economicenvironmental trade-offs. One has therefore to be careful when using conventional frontier approaches for firm-specific decision support. The mechanistic approach allows for optimizing performances per average present finisher, which is the production unit in pig finishing. Conventional frontier methods do not allow for this optimization since the number of average present finishers varies along the production functions. Since the mechanistic production function is based on underlying growth, feed uptake and mortality functions, additional firm-specific indicators can also be calculated at each point of the production function.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000281107200045 Publication Date 2010-05-25  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0377-2217 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.297 Times cited 18 Open Access  
  Notes ; This research is funded by the Institute for the Promotion of Innovation by Science and Technology in Flanders (IWT Vlaanderen). ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.297; 2010 IF: 2.159  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:136761 Serial 6171  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Ghanian, M.; Ghoochani, O.M.; Kitterlin, M.; Jahangiry, S.; Zarafshani, K.; Van Passel, S.; Azadi, H. doi  openurl
  Title Attitudes of agricultural experts toward genetically modified crops : a case study in Southwest Iran Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Science And Engineering Ethics Abbreviated Journal Sci Eng Ethics  
  Volume 22 Issue (up) 2 Pages 509-524  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract The production of genetically modified (GM) crops is growing around the world, and with it possible opportunities to combat food insecurity and hunger, as well as solutions to current problems facing conventional agriculture. In this regard the use of GMOs in food and agricultural applications has increased greatly over the past decade. However, the development of GM crops has been a matter of considerable interest and worldwide public controversy. This, in addition to skepticism, has stifled the use of this practice on a large scale in many areas, including Iran. It stands to reason that a greater understanding of this practice could be formed after a review of the existing expert opinions surrounding GM crops. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the predictors that influence agricultural experts attitudes toward the development of and policies related to GM crops. Using a descriptive correlational research method, questionnaire data was collected from 65 experts from the Agricultural Organization in the Gotvand district in Southwest Iran. Results indicated that agricultural experts were aware of the environmental benefits and possible risks associated with GM crops. The majority of participants agreed that GM crops could improve food security and accelerate rural development, and were proponents of labeling practices for GM crops. Finally, there was a positive correlation between the perception of benefits and attitudes towards GM crops.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000373378100011 Publication Date 2015-06-04  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1353-3452 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.229 Times cited 5 Open Access  
  Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.229  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:136751 Serial 6158  
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Author Sebhatu, K.T.; Taheri, F.; Berhanu, T.; Maertens, M.; Van Passel, S.; D'Haese, M. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Beyond focus : exploring variability of service provision of agricultural cooperatives Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Annals of public and cooperative economics Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 92 Issue (up) 2 Pages 207-231  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract The wide array of services provided by agricultural cooperatives for their members is often not considered in academic studies. Addressing this gap in the literature, our paper explores the wide array of services provided by agricultural cooperatives and how these extend beyond those they were initially intended to provide. We study the extent and characteristics of service portfolios from 511 agricultural cooperatives in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. Results from two-limit Tobit models confirm that government and NGO-initiated cooperatives have a wide service portfolio compared to member-initiated cooperatives. In many of the studied cooperatives, the services they provide and their portfolios are more diverse than expected. Cooperatives seem to go beyond their focal areas of intervention. Also, those cooperatives that are more outward-oriented and where the chair has contact with other cooperatives or businesses, have a wider service portfolio. These results may help to explain the mixed findings on the impact of cooperative membership.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000583855500001 Publication Date 2020-10-27  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1370-4788; 1467-8292 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:173574 Serial 6916  
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Author Tessema, G.A.; van der Borg, J.; Minale, A.S.; Van Rompaey, A.; Adgo, E.; Nyssen, J.; Asrese, K.; Van Passel, S.; Poesen, J. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Inventory and assessment of geosites for geotourism development in the eastern and southeastern Lake Tana Region, Ethiopia Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Geoheritage Abbreviated Journal Geoheritage  
  Volume 13 Issue (up) 2 Pages 43  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract Geotourism is a niche form of sustainable tourism that focuses on the geological and geomorphological features of an area, and the associated culture and biodiversity. Geosites are important resources for geotourism development. The eastern and southeastern Lake Tana region in Ethiopia has several geosites with a potential for geotourism development. Despite the diversity of potential geosites and the strategic location of the area in the Northern Tourist Circuit of Ethiopia, only a few attractions such as Lake Tana and the Blue Nile Falls are currently being visited. The objective of this paper is twofold: to inventory geosites in the eastern and southeastern Lake Tana region and assess their potential for geotourism development; and to propose a geosite inventory and assessment methodology for geotourism purposes with adaptations from previous studies. Several studies were reviewed and finally nine of them used as the main references to prepare the criteria, indicators, and sub-indicators for this study. The indicators used for assessing the potential of geosites relate to scientific, educational, scenic, recreational, protection, functional, and ecological values. This research presents the first inventory of geosites in the Lake Tana basin. A first list of 120 geosites has been inventoried. Further screening and clustering resulted in 61 geosites, of which 17 are viewpoints. Among the major geosites are waterfalls, a lake with islands and island monasteries, a flood plain, caves and cave churches, lava tubes, a mountain (shield volcano), volcanic plugs, volcanic cones, rock-hewn churches, and viewpoints. Quantitative assessment of the geotouristic potential of these geosites revealed that clustered (complex area) geosites received higher scientific, scenic, and recreational value scores.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000646574000002 Publication Date 2021-05-03  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1867-2477 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 1.472 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 1.472  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:178962 Serial 6933  
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Author Gezahegn, T.W.; Van Passel, S.; Berhanu, T.; D'Haese, M.; Maertens, M. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Structural and institutional heterogeneity among agricultural cooperatives in Ethiopia : does it matter for farmers' welfare? Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Journal Of Agricultural And Resource Economics Abbreviated Journal J Agr Resour Econ  
  Volume 46 Issue (up) 2 Pages 325-342  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract This paper analyzes how structural and institutional heterogeneity among irrigation cooperatives shapes the impact of membership on farmers' welfare in northern Ethiopia, using a novel heteroskedasticity-based identification strategy. More specifically, we estimate how cooperative characteristics influence members' income and poverty level. We find that stricter water use regulations have income-enhancing and poverty-reducing effects for farmers. We also find that farmers benefit more from membership in larger, younger, and bottom-up cooperatives initiated through grassroots collective action. Our findings have implications for irrigation development in Ethiopia and call for a better deliberation of organizational heterogeneity in cooperative impact studies  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000656121100010 Publication Date  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1068-5502; 2327-8285 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 1 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 1  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179190 Serial 6945  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Thomassen, G.; Van Dael, M.; You, F.; Van Passel, S. doi  openurl
  Title A multi-objective optimization-extended techno-economic assessment : exploring the optimal microalgal-based value chain Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Green Chemistry Abbreviated Journal Green Chem  
  Volume 21 Issue (up) 21 Pages 5945-5959  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract The use of fossil-based products induces a large environmental burden. To lighten this burden, green technologies are required that can replace their fossil-based counterparts. To enable the development of economically viable green technologies, an optimization towards both economic and environmental objectives is required. To perform this multi-objective optimization (MOO), the environmental techno-economic assessment (ETEA) methodology is extended towards a MOO-extended ETEA. The development of this MOO-extended ETEA is the main objective of this manuscript. As an example of a green technology, the concept of microalgae biorefineries is used as a case study to illustrate the MOO-extended ETEA. According to the results, all optimal value chains include open pond cultivation, a membrane for medium recycling and spray drying. The optimal economic value chain uses Nannochloropsis sp. in a one-stage cultivation to produce fish larvae feed, while the optimal environmental design uses Dunaliella salina or Haematococcus pluvialis to produce carotenoids and fertilizer or energy products, by means of anaerobic digestion or gasification. The crucial parameters for both environmental and economic feasibility are the content, price and reference impact of the main end product, the growth parameters and the biomass and carotenoid recovery efficiency alongside the different process steps. By identifying the economic and environmentally optimal algal-based value chain and the crucial drivers, the MOO-extended ETEA provides insights on how algae-based value chains can be developed in the most economic and environmentally-friendly way. For example, the inclusion of a medium recycling step to lower the water and salt consumption is required in all Pareto-optimal scenarios. Another major insight is the requirement of high-value products such as carotenoids or specialty food to obtain and economically and environmentally feasible algal-based value chain. Due to the modular nature of the MOO-extended ETEA, multiple processes can be included or excluded from the superstructure. Although this case study is limited to current microalgae biorefinery technologies, the MOO-extended ETEA can also be used to assess the economic and environmental effect of more innovative technologies. This way, the MOO-extended ETEA provides a methodology to assess the economic and environmental potential of innovative green technologies and shorten their time-to-market.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000493077100016 Publication Date 2019-10-01  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1463-9262; 1463-9270 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.125 Times cited 1 Open Access  
  Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 9.125  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:164296 Serial 6230  
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Author Chekol Zewdie, M.; Van Passel, S.; Cools, J.; Tenessa, D.B.; Ayele, Z.A.; Tsegaye, E.A.; Minale, A.S.; Nyssen, J. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Direct and indirect effect of irrigation water availability on crop revenue in northwest Ethiopia : a structural equation model Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Agricultural Water Management Abbreviated Journal Agr Water Manage  
  Volume 220 Issue (up) 220 Pages 27-35  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract Development of a clear understanding of the relationship between the availability of dam-driven irrigation water and crop revenue is important in poverty reduction and food security process. As a result, large research efforts are devoted to understanding the relationship between the availability of irrigation water and crop revenue. However, earlier studies do have several limitations. For example, without considering its indirect effect, prior studies focused solely on the direct effect of availability of irrigation water on crop revue. In this study, using a structural equation model analysis, the direct and indirect effect of availability of dam-driven irrigation water on crop revenue is decomposed and quantified specifically for the Koga irrigation scheme, located in the Mecha district of Amhara region in Ethiopia. A primary data set was collected from a randomly selected sample of 450 households in the Koga irrigation scheme. More than half of the households (254) are supported by the Koga Dam irrigation water during the dry season, and the other 196 households depended only on rainfall. The results of the study showed that, in addition to its direct effect, the availability of irrigation water indirectly affected crop revenue through receptivity of the farmers to use modern farm inputs. Around 27 percent of the total effect of dam-driven irrigation water on crop revenue was mediated by farmers’ receptivity to use yield-enhancing modern farm inputs. The results of this study suggested that the availability of irrigation water is essential to improve both crop revenue and receptivity of the farmers to use modern farm inputs. This finding also drives a strategic framework that the receptivity of the farmers to use modern farm inputs is crucial for utilizing the positive effects of irrigation water availability on crop revenue.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000470941300003 Publication Date 2019-04-25  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0378-3774 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 2.848 Times cited 1 Open Access  
  Notes ; The authors would like to thank Bahir Dar University – Institutional University Cooperation (BDU-IUC) VLIR_UOS project for providing us enough funds for the completion of this study. Special gratitude is given to Abrehet Kahassay and Kassahun Birhanu for helping us to map the study area; and to the data collectors (Hilemichael Fentahun, Etsehewot Birara, and Tsegachewu Degu) for their commitment. The authors gratefully acknowledge the Koga Irrigation Scheme office managers, Tewachewu Abebe, and his colleagues for their support during the data collection. The authors also acknowledge the farmers (respondents) for their willingness to spend time responding honestly to questions. ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.848  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:159246 Serial 6182  
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Author Thomassen, G.; Van Dael, M.; Van Passel, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title The potential of microalgae biorefineries in Belgium and India : an environmental techno-economic assessment Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication Bioresource Technology Abbreviated Journal Bioresource Technol  
  Volume 267 Issue (up) 267 Pages 271-280  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract This study performs an environmental techno-economic assessment (ETEA) for multiple microalgae biorefinery concepts at different locations, those being Belgium and India. The ETEA methodology, which integrates aspects of the TEA and LCA methodologies and provides a clear framework for an integrated assessment model, has been proposed and discussed. The scenario in India has a higher profitability with a NPV of (sic)40 million over a period of 10 years, while the environmental impact in Belgium is lower. The inclusion of a medium recycling step provides the best scenario from both perspectives. The crucial parameters for feasibility are the beta-caroteneprice and content, the upstream environmental impact of electricity and the maximum biomass concentration during cultivation. The identification of these parameters by the ETEA guides future technology developments and shortens the time-to-market for microalgal-based biorefineries.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000441876100034 Publication Date 2018-07-10  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0960-8524 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 5.651 Times cited 8 Open Access  
  Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 5.651  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:153599 Serial 6270  
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Author Peeters, M.; Compernolle, T.; Van Passel, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Simulation of a controlled water heating system with demand response remunerated on imbalance market pricing Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Journal of building engineering Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 27 Issue (up) 27 Pages 100969  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract Buildings are responsible for 40% of our worldwide energy consumption and 50% of this energy is converted for Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems in buildings. The increasing share of renewable energy production required to make the transition towards a carbon neutral energy system challenges the stability of the grid. Through demand response it becomes possible to activate these systems in support of grid balancing. However, this flexibility is currently not rewarded in the market. We simulate a domestic water heater participating in the balancing of the electricity net and calculated the revenue from this action. We simulate a water heater in connection with an Economic Model Predictive Controller (EMPC) which takes future usage, energy cost, and reward for delivering balanced power into account. We show that the choice of an EMPC controller is valid as it allows the setpoint to change if certain conditions are met, leading to a more optimal revenue stream from selling flexibility. We find that the economic benefits of participating in delivering balancing power is considerable and offset an increase in energy costs. The increase in energy consumption could be justified as the participation in net stabilisation allows the macro-system to integrate more renewable energy sources. More importantly, the simulations also show that the poorer the energy performance of the water heater, the more flexibility can be sold. From a policy point of view, a minimal energy performance should be determined before allowing participation in net stabilisation.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000502361000075 Publication Date 2019-09-27  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes ; Tine Compernolle thanks the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) for funding her postdoctoral mandate [grant number 12M7417N]. ; Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:164236 Serial 6248  
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Author Compernolle, T.; Van Passel, S.; Lebbe, L. doi  openurl
  Title The value of groundwater modeling to support a pump and treat design Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2013 Publication Groundwater monitoring & remediation Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 33 Issue (up) 3 Pages 111-118  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics  
  Abstract A wide range of rules, algorithms, and models are available to design an effective pump and treat remediation system. Often, one refers to the effectiveness of the developed pump and treat system to demonstrate how valuable the use of a groundwater model can be. An economic valuation of the groundwater model is usually missing. This study provides a framework that puts the discussion concerning the use of groundwater models in an economic perspective. It is not only demonstrated that a more effective pump and treat system can be designed using a groundwater model, but also the economic implications of using a groundwater model are calculated. A set of economic decision rules is applied to determine the economic value of a groundwater model. It is shown that investing in a groundwater model can be economically worthwhile. The remediation time is reduced, remediation costs are saved and the property can be sold more early. These benefits outweigh the costs of developing a groundwater model, and hence a positive net benefit (NB) is determined.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date 2018-03-05  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:129867 Serial 6277  
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Author Bjornavold, A.; Van Passel, S. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title The lock-in effect and the greening of automotive cooling systems in the European Union Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Journal Of Environmental Management Abbreviated Journal J Environ Manage  
  Volume 203 Issue (up) 3 Pages 1199-1207  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract As of 2017, the sale and use of the refrigerants most commonly used in automotive cooling systems – hydrofluorocarbons – are entirely banned in all new vehicles placed on the market in the European Union. These refrigerants have been recognised as potent greenhouse gases and, therefore, direct contributors to climate change. It is within this regulation-driven market that the technologies for a sustainable solution have been developed. However, this paper argues that the market for automotive cooling systems has been 'locked-in', which means that competing technologies, operating under dynamic increasing returns, will allow for one – potentially inferior technology – to dominate the market. Whilst such a situation is not uncommon, this paper discusses the way that regulation has reinforced a patented monopoly in 'picking winners': to the advantage of a synthetic chemical, R-1234yf, as opposed to the natural solution, which is CO2. By developing a generic conceptual framework of path dependence and lock-in, the presented evidence seeks to show how a snowballing effect has led to the intensification of differences in market share. We also argue that the automotive industry is potentially promoting short-term fixes, rather than long-term, sustainable and economically viable solutions. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000413886300035 Publication Date 2017-06-24  
  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; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.01 Times cited 5 Open Access  
  Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.01  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:147374 Serial 6268  
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Author Creemers, S.; Van Passel, S.; Vigani, M.; Vlahos, G. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Relationship between farmers' perception of sustainability and future farming strategies : a commodity-level comparison Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication AIMS Agriculture and Food Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 4 Issue (up) 3 Pages 613-642  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract The environmental challenges have become increasingly integrated into the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The Europe 2020 CAP Framework defines new rules for farmers and targets on innovation, resource efficiency, economic viability, and environmental sustainability. Given the continual evolution of the CAP, it is relevant to focus on sustainable agriculture and which indicators can be employed to aid our understanding of the future farming strategies. This study examines the relationship between perceived sustainability and future farming strategies for three different commodities: sugar beet, dairy, and feta cheese. Survey data collected between 2017-2018 from 191 Belgian sugar beet farmers, 524 dairy farmers (from UK, Denmark, France, and Latvia), and 150 Greek sheep and goat farmers producing milk for feta cheese were analysed using multinomial logistic regressions. Our results show that the farmers' attitude towards sustainability affects intentions to implement specific farming strategies. Belgian sugar beet farmers who perceive their supply chain arrangements (SCAs) environmentally sustainable are less likely to reduce the scale of their farms' operations rather than to maintain them. Dairy farmers are more likely to change the existing scale than to maintain scale if they perceive that production choices affect environmental sustainability to a higher extent. Dairy farmers who perceive their SCAs economically sustainable are less likely to abandon farming. Greek sheep and goat farmers who perceive their SCAs economically sustainable are more likely to expand the existing scale. The observed differences at commodity-level show the importance of well targeted policy measures towards more sustainable farming systems in the European Union.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000488251600009 Publication Date 2019-08-08  
  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 Times cited 1 Open Access  
  Notes ; This research was performed within the frame of the EU's HORIZON 2020 project SUFISA with the grant agreement number 635577. The authors want to thank colleagues from the SUFISA project for stimulating and inspiring discussions on this topic. In particular we would like to thank all the participants of the 2019 SUFISA final conference at the Jagiellonian University of Krakow for fruitful discussions. ; Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:163832 Serial 6242  
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Author Meul, M.; Van Passel, S.; Fremaut, D.; Haesaert, G. doi  openurl
  Title Higher sustainability performance of intensive grazing versus zero-grazing dairy systems Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2012 Publication Agronomy For Sustainable Development Abbreviated Journal Agron Sustain Dev  
  Volume 32 Issue (up) 3 Pages 629-638  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract Although grazing of dairy cows is an integral part of dairy farming in many European countries, farmers today more often choose for zero-grazing systems, where cows are housed throughout the year. Some studies already compared grazing and zero-grazing systems for specific issues such as labor efficiency, environmental impact, or animal welfare. In our study, we perform a more integrated evaluation, considering relevant ecological, economic, and social aspects. This allows for a balanced and more complete comparison of the sustainability performance of the two production methods. We evaluated ten intensive grazing and ten zero-grazing specialized Flemish dairy farms on the use of nutrients and energy, productivity and profitability, labor input, and animal welfare. In addition, we put special effort in formulating useful management advice for farmers. Therefore, we combined a detailed analysis of the sustainability indicators with an intensive interaction and discussion with farmers and farm advisors. Results show that, on average, the zero-grazing farms performed significantly worse from an ecological and economic point of view. This fact is explained mainly due to a less efficient use of concentrates and byproducts. Social sustainability performance did not differ significantly between the two groups. As a result, the integrated sustainability performance was significantly lower for the zero-grazing group. This finding shows that a further shift from intensive grazing to zero-grazing can move dairy farming in Flanders further away from sustainability. An important advice to improve the ecological and economic performance of zero-grazing farms is to optimize cows' rations to include more forages and optimize forage production and use. More detailed site- and case-specific management advice for farmers of both groups was provided during a discussion meeting. We consider this an essential additional step to any sustainability evaluation, since progress can only be made when monitoring results are translated into practical measures.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000306061800003 Publication Date 2012-01-11  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1774-0746 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.101 Times cited 26 Open Access  
  Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.101; 2012 IF: 3.573  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:127557 Serial 6209  
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Author Vaitkeviciute, J.; Chakir, R.; Van Passel, S. doi  openurl
  Title Climate variable choice in Ricardian studies of European Agriculture Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Revue économique Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 70 Issue (up) 3 Pages 375-401  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract The Ricardian model has been employed frequently to study the impact of climate change on European agriculture. This paper contributes to this literature by using a panel data of FADN EU regions and the period 2004-2012 and by taking into account both individual heterogeneity as well as spatial autocorrelation among EU regions. We tested three hypotheses related to the degree days model. Our results show that climate outside the defined growing season matters for European agriculture, and excluding it could underestimate climate change impacts. Our results should support public policy decisions about efficient and effective mitigation and adaptation policy measures in EU agriculture.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000469914100005 Publication Date 2019-05-23  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0035-2764; 1950-6694 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes ; We thank the two anonymous referees and the editors of the Revue economique for their useful comments which have helped us to improve the paper significantly. The usual disclaimers apply. The research leading to these results received funding from the European Union within the European Commission Seventh Framework Programme in the frame of RURAGRI ERA-NET under Grant Agreement 235175 TRUSTEE (ANR-13-RURA-0001-01) and from the Agence Nationale de la Recherche within STIMUL (Scenarios Towards integrating multi-scale land use tools) flagship project as part of the “Investissements d'Avenir” Programme (LabEx BASC; ANR-11-LABX-0034). This work was also supported by the metaprogramme Adaptation of Agriculture and Forest to Climate Change (AAFCC) of the French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA). Neither the French Agence Nationale de la Recherche nor the European Union or European Commission organization is accountable for the content of this research. The authors are solely responsible for any omissions or deficiencies. ; Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:160346 Serial 6167  
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Author Biely, K.; Mathijs, E.; Van Passel, S. doi  openurl
  Title Causal loop diagrams to systematically analyze market power in the Belgian sugar value chain Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication AIMS Agriculture and Food Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 4 Issue (up) 3 Pages 711-730  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract It has been acknowledged that power is a fundamental aspect that needs to be considered when performing a value chain analysis. The structure of the value chain is indicative of the power distribution along the chain. By employing systems thinking the structure of the value chain can be further investigated and inferences on market power issues can be made. This novel approach connects value chain research with insights from Industrial Organization (IO) literature. Depending on the case, market power may not be measurable by traditional economic tools. Systems thinking offers an alternative tool, allowing the employment of qualitative and quantitative data, overcoming drawbacks of IO methods and providing more depth to value chain analysis. In this paper the valuable contribution of systems thinking to market power analysis is exemplified by the Belgian sugar beet case. The analysis showed that transportability and perishability of sugar beet are key causes of market failure in the Belgian sugar value chain. Systems thinking can support understanding potential future behavior of the market based on the thorough understanding of the current market structure. We illustrate how to integrate factors determining the market structure into causal loop diagrams. This novel approach allows a comprehensive evaluation and thus opens up market power analysis to interdisciplinary research.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000488251600014 Publication Date 2019-08-09  
  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 Times cited Open Access  
  Notes ; This research was performed within the frame of the EU's HORIZON 2020 project SUFISA with the grant agreement number 635577. The authors want to thank colleagues from the SUFISA project for stimulating and inspiring discussions on this topic. ; Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:163833 Serial 6165  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Ang, F.; Van Passel, S. doi  openurl
  Title Beyond the environmentalist's paradox and the debate on weak versus strong sustainability Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2012 Publication Bioscience Abbreviated Journal Bioscience  
  Volume 62 Issue (up) 3 Pages 251-259  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract Environmentalists generally argue that ecological damage will (eventually) lead to declines in human well-being. From this perspective, the recent introduction of the “environmentalist's paradox” in BioScience by Raudsepp-Hearne and colleagues (2010) is particularly significant. In essence, Raudsepp-Hearne and colleagues (2010) claimed that although ecosystem services have been degraded, human well-being-paradoxically-has increased. In this article, we show that this debate is in fact rooted in a broader discussion on weak sustainability versus strong sustainability (the substitutability of human-made capital for natural capital). We warn against the reductive nature of focusing only on a stock flow framework in which a natural-capital stock produces ecosystem services. Concretely, we recommend a holistic approach in which the complexity, irreversibility, uncertainty, and ethical predicaments intrinsic to the natural environment and its connections to humanity are also considered.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000301561900008 Publication Date 2012-03-07  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0006-3568 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 5.378 Times cited 17 Open Access  
  Notes ; We thank three anonymous reviewers for their helpful comments. This aiticle has benefited considerably from interesting discussions (especially with Liesbet Vranken) at the 13th Belgian PhD Symposium of Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics, Brussels, on 27 April 2011. We are grateful for the financial support of the European Fund for Regional Development project 475, Closing the Circle. ; Approved Most recent IF: 5.378; 2012 IF: 4.739  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:127559 Serial 6160  
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Author Saviuc, I.; Milis, K.; Peremans, H.; Van Passel, S. doi  openurl
  Title A cross-European analysis of the impact of electricity pricing on battery uptake in residential microgrids with photovoltaic units Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Journal of Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 9 Issue (up) 3 Pages 1080368  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract As decentralized electricity generation is supporting grid development into the prosumer era, this paper investigates the economic viability of adding batteries to residential microgrids powered by photovoltaic units, under various electricity pricing schemes. Batteries bring the benefits of grid-stabilization and congestion relief, and they are also becoming cheaper. The problem identified is that the main grid effectively acts as a lossless storage system, especially under the net-metering scheme, whereas using a battery involves investment costs and energy losses. This mismatch is addressed by analysing residential microgrid projects under seven tariff designs, each in seven countries of the European Union, and compare the economic viability of photovoltaic systems with and without batteries. The findings show that the conditions most favourable to batteries are given by a capacity tariff scheme allowing price arbitrage. Based on these findings, the paper discusses possibilities for further support in order to bring the economic viability of microgrids with batteries on par with that of microgrids without batteries.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000669453200005 Publication Date 2020-10-14  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1848-9257 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179767 Serial 6910  
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Author Chekol Zewdie, M.; Moretti, M.; Tenessa, D.B.; Ayele, Z.A.; Nyssen, J.; Tsegaye, E.A.; Minale, A.S.; Van Passel, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Agricultural technical efficiency of smallholder farmers in Ethiopia : a stochastic frontier approach Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Land Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 10 Issue (up) 3 Pages 246  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract In the past decade, to improve crop production and productivity, Ethiopia has embarked on an ambitious irrigation farming expansion program and has introduced new large- and small-scale irrigation initiatives. However, in Ethiopia, poverty remains a challenge, and crop productivity per unit area of land is very low. Literature on the technical efficiency (TE) of large-scale and small-scale irrigation user farmers as compared to the non-user farmers in Ethiopia is also limited. Investigating smallholder farmers' TE level and its principal determinants is very important to increase crop production and productivity and to improve smallholder farmers' livelihood and food security. Using 1026 household-level cross-section data, this study adopts a technology flexible stochastic frontier approach to examine agricultural TE of large-scale irrigation users, small-scale irrigation users and non-user farmers in Ethiopia. The results indicate that, due to poor extension services and old-style agronomic practices, the mean TE of farmers is very low (44.33%), implying that there is a wider room for increasing crop production in the study areas through increasing the TE of smallholder farmers without additional investment in novel agricultural technologies. Results also show that large-scale irrigation user farmers (21.05%) are less technically efficient than small-scale irrigation user farmers (60.29%). However, improving irrigation infrastructure shifts the frontier up and has a positive impact on smallholder farmers' output.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000633846200001 Publication Date 2021-03-01  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2073-445x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:177647 Serial 6913  
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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 Exploring variability across cooperatives : economic performance of agricultural cooperatives in northern Ethiopia Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication The international food and agribusiness management review Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 24 Issue (up) 3 Pages 397-419  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract The number of agricultural cooperatives increased quickly in Ethiopia since the 1990s. While many papers studied the impact of membership of Ethiopian cooperatives, not much is known on their performance. This study takes a cooperative-level perspective which is unique in an African context. It compares the economic performance proxied by sales revenue and profit of a wide range of agricultural cooperatives in northern Ethiopia. Data were collected from 511 agricultural cooperatives in 12 districts of Tigray. The contributing factors of the performance are analyzed with Ordinary Least Squares regression (OLS) and Heckman selection models. Our results underscore the importance of membership size, total assets, presence of conflict among members, and union membership. Chairperson characteristics and the internal organization of a cooperative seem to be less correlated to performance.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000645416400002 Publication Date 2021-03-01  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1096-7508; 1559-2448 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179025 Serial 6923  
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Author Dehhaghi, S.; Choobchian, S.; Ghobadian, B.; Farhadian, H.; Viira, A.-H.; Stefanie, H.I.; Van Passel, S.; Azadi, H. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Five-year development plans of renewable energy policies in Iran : a content analysis Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Sustainability Abbreviated Journal Sustainability-Basel  
  Volume 14 Issue (up) 3 Pages 1501  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract Renewable energy (RE) policies can play an effective role in the development of renewable resources. The main goal of this paper was to conduct a content analysis on RE development policies in Iran's five-year National Development Plan (NDP) by investigating upstream national documents. To achieve the goal, 29 upstream documents related to RE were identified and analyzed through a systematic literature review. Then, a qualitative content analysis was applied to analyze the documents. The results showed that Iran's current RE policies need to be reviewed, reformed, and strengthened. For example, lack of sufficient attention to renewable heat and fuel was one of the deficiencies of RE policies in Iran's five-year NDP. The decentralization of policymaking in the unified organization was also one of the weaknesses in the policymaking process of the RE. Iran can develop sustainable and clean RE policies by using sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower, wave, and tidal power. The paper concludes that, although RE policies have the potential for development in Iran due to environmental, social, and economic advantages, they could face some infrastructural, managerial, socio-cultural, and economic challenges. Accordingly, effective and innovative policymaking is required to meet such challenges.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000754912800001 Publication Date 2022-01-28  
  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 OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.9  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:186501 Serial 7358  
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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 (up) 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.  
  Address  
  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 (up) 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  
  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.; Mermet-Bijon, V.; Beaumais, O.; Crastes dit Sourd, R.; Van Passel, S.; Martinet, V. url  doi
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  Title To tax or to ban? A discrete choice experiment to elicit public preferences for phasing out glyphosate use in agriculture Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication PLoS ONE Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 18 Issue (up) 3 Pages 1-12  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract In 2023, the European Union will vote on the reauthorization of glyphosate use, renewed in 2017 despite concern on impacts on the environment and public health. A ban is supported by several Member States but rejected by most farmers. What are citizens’ preferences to phase out glyphosate? To assess whether taxation could be an alternative to a ban, we conducted a discrete choice experiment in five European countries. Our results reveal that the general public is strongly willing to pay for a reduction in glyphosate use. However, while 75.5% of respondents stated to support a ban in the pre-experimental survey, experimental results reveal that in 73.35% of cases, earmarked taxation schemes are preferred when they lead to a strong reduction in glyphosate use for an increase in food price lower than that induced by a ban. When glyphosate reduction is balanced against its costs, a tax may be preferred.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000985134400084 Publication Date 2023-03-16  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1932-6203 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.7 Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.7; 2023 IF: 2.806  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:196999 Serial 9236  
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