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Records |
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Author |
Teleshkan, E.; Van Schoubroeck, S.; Spiller, M.; Van Passel, S. |
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Title |
Assessing policy impacts on nutrient circularity : a comprehensive review |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2024 |
Publication |
Nutrient cycling in agroecosystems |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
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Issue  |
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Pages |
1-15 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM) |
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Abstract |
Nutrient circularity is an emerging concept that seeks to address the environmental problems and nutrient losses caused by agriculture and food consumption. The implementation of circular nutrient technologies and practices (CNTPs), that recover, reuse, and recycle nutrients from agricultural and urban waste is an important policy objective. Yet, which policies govern the adoption of CNTPs is not well defined. This study presents the first systematic review of impact evaluations of policy measures that aim to improve nutrient circularity regulating components of the biological cycle of the circular economy, particularly focusing on bioaccessible nutrients. The key CNTPs that were subject to existing impact evaluations were identified. CNTPs were categorized into nutrient circularity themes, with manure management emerging as a prominent focus. The reviewed studies implemented several methods to assess the impacts of policies on various dependent variables, associated with nutrient circularity. Economic simulation models and linear programming were the most prevalent methods for impact evaluation. Policy measures were labeled as either enabling or not-enabling nutrient circularity based on whether they sufficiently promoted nutrient circularity through facilitating the adoption of CNTPs, and controlling for soil, water and air health, preventing its contamination. It is concluded that incentive policies, harmonizing market support, tax incentives, and technological advancements, as well as coherence of local, national and cross-country legislation prove indispensable in steering the economic feasibility and sustainability of CNTPs, offering a promising avenue for progress and a transformative shift towards nutrient circularity. |
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Wos |
001175764500001 |
Publication Date |
2024-02-29 |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
1385-1314; 1573-0867 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record |
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Impact Factor |
3.1 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 3.1; 2024 IF: 1.843 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:204250 |
Serial |
9185 |
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Author |
Vasilakou, K.; Nimmegeers, P.; Thomassen, G.; Billen, P.; Van Passel, S. |
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Title |
Assessing the future of second-generation bioethanol by 2030 : a techno-economic assessment integrating technology learning curves |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2023 |
Publication |
Applied energy |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
344 |
Issue |
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Pages |
121263-15 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM); Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS) |
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Abstract |
Lignocellulosic biomass is the most abundant source of renewable biomass and is seen as a high-potential replacement for petroleum-based resources. The conversion technologies to advanced biofuels are still at a low maturity level, thus allowing for future cost reductions through technological learning. This fact is barely considered in state-of-the-art techno-economic assessments and a structured approach to account for technological learning in techno-economic assessments is needed. In this study, a framework for techno-economic assessments of advanced biofuels, integrating learning curves, is proposed. As a validation of this framework, the economic feasibility of the valorization of corn stover for the production of second-generation bioethanol in Belgium is studied. Process flowsheet simulations in Aspen Plus are developed, with an emphasis on the comparison of four different pretreatment technologies and two plant capacities at 156 dry kt biomass/y and 667 dry kt/y. The dilute acid pretreatment model of the large-scale biorefinery required the lowest minimum learning rate to reach an economically feasible biorefinery by 2030, being 3.9%, almost half as the one calculated for the smaller scale plant. This learning rate seems to be achievable based on learning rates commonly estimated in literature. We conclude that there is a potential for advanced ethanol production in Belgium under the current state of technology for large-scale biorefineries, which require additional biomass imports, when accounting for future cost reductions through learning |
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Wos |
001007488700001 |
Publication Date |
2023-05-22 |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0306-2619 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
11.2 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 11.2; 2023 IF: 7.182 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:196509 |
Serial |
9186 |
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Author |
Reynaert, S.; D’Hose, T.; de Boeck, H.J.; Laorden, D.; Dult, L.; Verbruggen, E.; Nijs, I. |
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Title |
Can permanent grassland soils with elevated organic carbon buffer negative effects of more persistent precipitation regimes on forage grass performance? |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2024 |
Publication |
The science of the total environment |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
918 |
Issue |
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Pages |
170623-15 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Plant and Ecosystems (PLECO) – Ecology in a time of change |
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Abstract |
Agricultural practices enhancing soil organic carbon (SOC) show potential to buffer negative effects of climate change on forage grass performance. We tested this by subjecting five forage grass varieties differing in fodder quality and drought/flooding resistance to increased persistence in summer precipitation regimes (PR) across sandy and sandy-loam soils from either permanent (high SOC) or temporary grasslands (low SOC) in adjacent parcels. Over the course of two consecutive summers, monoculture mesocosms were subjected to rainy/dry weather alternation either every 3 days or every 30 days, whilst keeping total precipitation equal. Increased PR persistence induced species-specific drought damage and productivity declines. Soils from permanent grasslands with elevated SOC buffered plant quality, but buffering effects of SOC on drought damage, nutrient availability and yield differed between texture classes. In the more persistent PR, Festuca arundinacea FERMINA was the most productive species but had the lowest quality under both ample water supply and mild soil drought, whilst under the most intense soil droughts, Festulolium FESTILO maintained the highest yields. The hybrid Lolium × boucheanum kunth MELCOMBI had intermediate productivity and both Lolium perenne varieties showed the lowest yields under soil drought, but the highest forage quality (especially the tetraploid variety MELFORCE). Performance varied with plant maturity stage and across seasons/years and was driven by altered water and nutrient availability and related nitrogen nutrition among species during drought and upon rewetting. Moreover, whilst permanent grassland soils showed the most consistent positive effects on plant performance, their available water capacity also declined under increased PR persistence. We conclude that permanent grassland soils with historically elevated SOC likely buffer negative effects of increasing summer weather persistence on forage grass performance, but may also be more sensitive to degradation under climate change. |
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Place of Publication |
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Wos |
001183615800001 |
Publication Date |
2024-02-04 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0048-9697; 1879-1026 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record |
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Impact Factor |
9.8 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 9.8; 2024 IF: 4.9 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:204498 |
Serial |
9191 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Deleu, N.; Hillen, M.; Steenackers, G.; Borms, G.; Janssens, K.; Van der Stighelen, K.; Van der Snickt, G. |
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Title |
Combined macro X-ray fluorescence (MA-XRF) and pulse phase thermography (PPT) imaging for the technical study of panel paintings |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2024 |
Publication |
Talanta : the international journal of pure and applied analytical chemistry |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
270 |
Issue |
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Pages |
125533-11 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Art; Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES); Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS) |
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Abstract |
Museum staff usually relies on a proven combination of X-ray radiography (XRR) and infrared reflectography (IRR) to study paintings in a non-destructive manner. In the last decades, however, the research toolbox of heritage scientists has expanded considerably, with a prime example being macro X-ray fluorescence (MA-XRF), producing element-specific images. The goal of this article is to illustrate the added value of augmenting MA-XRF with pulse phase thermography (PPT), a variant of active infrared thermographic imaging (IRT), which is an innovative diagnostic method that is able to reveal variations between or in materials, based on a different response to minor fluctuations in temperature when irradiated with optical radiation. By examining three 16thand 17th-century panel paintings we assess the extent in which combined MA-XRF and PPT contributes to a better understanding of two commonly encountered interventions to panel paintings: (a) Anstuckungen (enlargement of the panel) or (b) substitutions (replacement of part of the panel). Yielding information from different depths of the painting, these two techniques proved highly complementary with IRR and XRR, expanding the understanding of the build-up, genesis, and material history of the paintings. While MA-XRF documented the interventions to the wooden substrate indirectly by revealing variations in painting materials, paint handling and/ or layer sequence between the original part and the extended or replaced planks, PPT proved beneficial for the study of the wooden support itself, by providing a clear image of the wood structure quasi-free of distortion by the superimposed paint or cradling. XRR, on the other hand, revealed other features from the wood structure, not visible with PPT, and allowed looking through the wooden panels, revealing e.g. the dowels used for joining the planks. Additionally, IRR visualised dissimilarities in the underdrawings. In this way, the results indicate that PPT has the potential to become an acknowledged add-on to the expanding set of imaging methods for paintings, especially when used in combination with MA-XRF, IRR and XRR. |
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Wos |
001144098200001 |
Publication Date |
2023-12-09 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0039-9140; 1873-3573 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record |
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Impact Factor |
6.1 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 6.1; 2024 IF: 4.162 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:203764 |
Serial |
9193 |
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Author |
Ducatteeuw, V.; Biltereyst, D.; Meers, P.; Verbruggen, C.; Moreels, D.; Noordegraaf, J.; Chambers, S.; De Potter, P.; Cachet, T.; Franck, N.; Deroo, F. |
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Title |
Critical reflections on Cinema Belgica : the database for New Cinema History in Belgium |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2023 |
Publication |
Journal of open humanities data |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
9 |
Issue |
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Pages |
1-16 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Mass communications; Art; History; Visual and Digital Cultures Research Center (ViDi) |
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Abstract |
New Cinema History broadened film studies by emphasising the complexity of cinema as a multifaceted phenomenon that includes the socio-economic context in which films were made, circulated, shown and received. As part of the digital turn, the discipline adopted computational methods and created quantitative research data to research this socio-economic context at scale. However, not all datasets created in this context adhere to FAIR principles, decreasing their reusability. By reconciling 14 cinema-related datasets, Cinema Belgica facilitates research into the history of Belgian cinema. This research paper documents and critically reflects on the choices made when selecting, modelling and reconciling information for the Cinema Belgica database. |
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Wos |
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Publication Date |
2023-01-13 |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record |
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Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:193303 |
Serial |
9196 |
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Author |
Pastorelli, G.; Miranda, A.S.O.; Avranovich Clerici, E.; d'Imporzano, P.; Hansen, B.V.; Janssens, K.; Davies, G.R.; Borring, N. |
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Title |
Darkening of lead white in old master drawings and historic prints : a multi-analytical investigation |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2024 |
Publication |
Microchemical journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
199 |
Issue |
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Pages |
109912-10 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS) |
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Abstract |
Old master drawings and historic prints often feature white highlights, which are typically painted using lead white, one of the most widely used historical white pigments. However, it has been observed that many of these highlights discolour over time, becoming dark brown or black due to unclear degradation processes. This phenomenon not only misrepresents the original artefacts, threatening their suitability for public display, but also diminishes their longevity. To ensure their preservation, it is essential to determine why some lead white highlights in these museum objects retain their light tones while others are prone to darkening. The objective of this study was to identify the relationships between the composition, provenance, and production methods of lead white pigments, and their role in the discolouration observed on drawings, lithographs and early photographs. Selected samples and artefacts were examined using a range of analytical techniques, namely X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), and lead isotope analysis. While XRF analyses confirmed the presence of lead as the primary element in the majority of the highlights, XRPD measurements identified a variety of lead compounds such as the carbonates cerussite and hydrocerussite alongside galena-a black crystalline sulfide-and lead sulfates. Additionally, isotope analyses classified the lead raw materials into five main groups. Through these measurements, the examined lead white pigments were categorised based on their compositional properties in relation to the raw materials used, as well as their geographical and temporal origin. A significant finding is that lead white pigments from different production periods, spanning from older to more modern, may be characterised by varying proneness to discolouration irrespective of their provenance. |
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Wos |
001166502200001 |
Publication Date |
2024-01-03 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0026-265x; 0026-265x |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record |
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Impact Factor |
4.8 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 4.8; 2024 IF: 3.034 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:205450 |
Serial |
9197 |
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Author |
Larraín, M.; Billen, P.; Cifuentes, L.; Van Passel, S. |
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Title |
Economic and environmental implications of policy instruments for the circular economy : a case study for postconsumer polyethylene film recycling in Europe |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2024 |
Publication |
Resources, conservation and recycling |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
204 |
Issue |
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Pages |
107519-11 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM); Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS) |
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Abstract |
The objective of this paper is to examine the recycling rates for mechanical and thermochemical recycling of postconsumer polyethylene flexible packaging after the implementation of different policy instruments. The study uses a supply chain equilibrium model that incorporates market data and techno-economic assessments to simulate market equilibrium. It combines this with a life cycle assessment to explore the environmental implications of implementing different policy instruments. The results show that instruments that do not target a specific technology are more likely to increase thermochemical recycling than mechanical recycling. Furthermore, a higher recycling rate is not equivalent to a better environmental outcome. An increased collection target that ensures a supply of plastic waste would increase the overall recycling rates the most. A recycled content standard for mechanical recycling would lead to the highest increase in mechanical recycling, with top results for environmental indicators, but low results for economic indicators. |
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Wos |
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Publication Date |
2024-02-29 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0921-3449 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record |
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Impact Factor |
13.2 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 13.2; 2024 IF: 3.313 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:203485 |
Serial |
9202 |
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Author |
Chekol Zewdie, M.; Moretti, M.; Tenessa, D.B.; Van Passel, S. |
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Title |
Farmers' preferences and willingness to pay for improved irrigation water supply program : a discrete choice experiment |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2023 |
Publication |
Environment, development and sustainability |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
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Issue |
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Pages |
1-24 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM) |
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Abstract |
This study examines smallholder farmers' preferences and willingness to pay for an improved irrigation water supply program in northwest Ethiopia. We employed a discrete choice experiment with five attributes and three levels. Data were collected from randomly selected sample households of both irrigation users and non-users. A total of 379 respondents participated, and a mixed logit model was used to analyze the household-level survey data. The result indicates that to deviate from the business-as-usual scenario, smallholder farmers are willing to pay between 3,228 and 8,327 Ethiopian Birr per hectare of irrigated land. Furthermore, the results showed a strong public preference for access to produce cash crops, followed by irrigation water availability in the dry season, and adequate access to improved farm inputs. The results also provide useful information for policymakers and suggested possibilities for generating finance from farmers to cover the operation and maintenance costs of irrigation schemes. Also, this study result reveals that irrigation development and expansion must be integrated into a comprehensive support package that combines irrigation water with access to improved farm inputs and access to produce cash crops on farmers' farm plots. |
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Wos |
001048896000004 |
Publication Date |
2023-08-14 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
1387-585x; 1573-2975 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
4.9 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 4.9; 2023 IF: NA |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:198283 |
Serial |
9204 |
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Author |
Vasilakou, K.; Nimmegeers, P.; Billen, P.; Van Passel, S. |
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Title |
Geospatial environmental techno-economic assessment of pretreatment technologies for bioethanol production |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2023 |
Publication |
Renewable and sustainable energy reviews |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
187 |
Issue |
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Pages |
113743-16 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM); Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS) |
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Abstract |
Second-generation biofuels, starting from lignocellulosic biomass, are considered as a renewable alternative for fossil fuels with lower environmental impact and potentially higher supply and energy security. The economic and environmental performance of second-generation bioethanol production from corn stover in the European Union (EU) is studied, starting in Belgium as base case. A comparative environmental techno-economic assessment has been conducted, with process simulations in Aspen Plus and corn stover availability data in thirteen EU countries to calculate minimum ethanol selling prices (MESP) and Greenhouse gas emissions (GHGe). In this analysis, the emphasis is on the comparison of different pretreatment technologies, namely (i) dilute acid, (ii) alkaline, (iii) steam explosion and (iv) liquid hot water. Dilute acid showed the best economic and environmental performance for the base case scenario. Within the EU, Hungary and Romania presented the lowest MESP for the steam explosion model at 0.39 and 0.43 EUR/L respectively. Poland showed the lowest GHGe, at 0.46 kg CO2eq/L for the alkaline model, mainly due to the avoided product allocation on electricity and its high carbon intensity in the electricity generation sector. The second lowest GHGe were obtained in France for the dilute acid model and are attributed to its low agricultural emissions intensity. This study identifies a location-dependence of the economic and environmental performance of pretreatment technologies, which can be extrapolated from the EU to other large regions around the world and should be taken into consideration by decision-makers. |
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Wos |
001082526000001 |
Publication Date |
2023-09-15 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
1364-0321; 1879-0690 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record |
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Impact Factor |
15.9 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 15.9; 2023 IF: 8.05 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:198804 |
Serial |
9205 |
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Author |
Li, L.; Nijs, I.; De Boeck, H.; Vinduskova, O.; Reynaert, S.; Donnelly, C.; Zi, L.; Verbruggen, E. |
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Title |
Longer dry and wet spells alter the stochasticity of microbial community assembly in grassland soils |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2023 |
Publication |
Soil biology and biochemistry |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
178 |
Issue |
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Pages |
108969-9 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; ADReM Data Lab (ADReM); Integrated Molecular Plant Physiology Research (IMPRES); Plant and Ecosystems (PLECO) – Ecology in a time of change |
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Abstract |
Climate change is increasing the duration of alternating wet and dry spells. These fluctuations affect soil water availability and other soil properties which are crucial drivers of soil microbial communities. While soil microbial communities have a moderate capacity to recover once a drought ceases, the expected alternation of strongly opposing regimes can challenge their capacity to adapt. Here, we set up experimental grassland mesocosms where precipitation frequency was adjusted along a gradient while holding total precipitation constant. The gradient varied the duration of wet and dry spells from 1 to 60 days during a total of 120 days, where we hy-pothesized that especially intermediate durations would increase the importance of stochastic community as-sembly due to frequent alternation of opposing environmental regimes. We examined bacterial and fungal community composition, diversity, co-occurrence patterns and assembly mechanisms across these different precipitation treatments. Our results show that 1) intermediate regimes of wet and dry spells increased the stochasticity of microbial community assembly whereas microbial communities at low and high regimes were subjected to more deterministic assembly, and 2) more persistent precipitation regimes (>6 days duration) reduced the fungal diversity and network connectivity but had little effect on bacterial communities. Collec-tively, these findings indicate that longer alternating wet and dry events lead to a less predictable and connected soil microbial community. This study provides new insight into the likely mechanisms through which precipi-tation persistence alters soil microbial communities and their predictability. |
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Address |
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Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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| |
Language |
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Wos |
000930582500001 |
Publication Date |
2023-01-28 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
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| |
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
| |
ISSN |
0038-0717 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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| |
Impact Factor |
9.7 |
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
|
|
| |
Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: 9.7; 2023 IF: 4.857 |
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| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:195257 |
Serial |
9211 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Li, L.; Lin, Q.; Nijs, I.; De Boeck, H.; Beemster, G.T.S.; Asard, H.; Verbruggen, E. |
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| |
Title |
More persistent weather causes a pronounced soil microbial legacy but does not impact subsequent plant communities |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2023 |
Publication |
The science of the total environment |
Abbreviated Journal |
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|
| |
Volume |
903 |
Issue |
|
Pages |
166570-166578 |
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| |
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Integrated Molecular Plant Physiology Research (IMPRES); Plant and Ecosystems (PLECO) – Ecology in a time of change |
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| |
Abstract |
A soil history of exposure to extreme weather may impact future plant growth and microbial community assembly. Currently, little is known about whether and how previous precipitation regime (PR)-induced changes in soil microbial communities influence plant and soil microbial community responses to a subsequent PR. We exposed grassland mesocosms to either an ambient PR (1 day wet-dry alternation) or a persistent PR (30 days consecutive wet-dry alternation) for one year. This conditioned soil was then inoculated as a 10 % fraction into 90 % sterilized “native” soil, after which new plant communities were established and subjected to either the ambient or persistent PR for 60 days. We assessed whether past persistent weather-induced changes in soil microbial community composition affect soil microbial and plant community responses to subsequent weather persistence. The historical regimes caused enduring effects on fungal communities and only temporary effects on bacterial communities, but did not trigger soil microbial legacy effects on plant productivity when exposed to either current PR. This study provides experimental evidence for soil legacy of climate persistence on grassland ecosystems in response to subsequent climate persistence, helping to understand and predict the influences of future climate change on soil biota. |
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Address |
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Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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Language |
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Wos |
001116596100001 |
Publication Date |
2023-08-24 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
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| |
ISSN |
0048-9697; 1879-1026 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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| |
Impact Factor |
9.8 |
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
|
|
| |
Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: 9.8; 2023 IF: 4.9 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:200463 |
Serial |
9213 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Smets, B.; Boschker, H.T.S.; Wetherington, M.T.; Lelong, G.; Hidalgo-Martinez, S.; Polerecky, L.; Nuyts, G.; De Wael, K.; Meysman, F.J.R. |
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Title |
Multi-wavelength Raman microscopy of nickel-based electron transport in cable bacteria |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2024 |
Publication |
Frontiers in microbiology |
Abbreviated Journal |
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| |
Volume |
15 |
Issue |
|
Pages |
1208033-16 |
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| |
Keywords |
A1 Journal article |
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| |
Abstract |
Cable bacteria embed a network of conductive protein fibers in their cell envelope that efficiently guides electron transport over distances spanning up to several centimeters. This form of long-distance electron transport is unique in biology and is mediated by a metalloprotein with a sulfur-coordinated nickel (Ni) cofactor. However, the molecular structure of this cofactor remains presently unknown. Here, we applied multi-wavelength Raman microscopy to identify cell compounds linked to the unique cable bacterium physiology, combined with stable isotope labeling, and orientation-dependent and ultralow-frequency Raman microscopy to gain insight into the structure and organization of this novel Ni-cofactor. Raman spectra of native cable bacterium filaments reveal vibrational modes originating from cytochromes, polyphosphate granules, proteins, as well as the Ni-cofactor. After selective extraction of the conductive fiber network from the cell envelope, the Raman spectrum becomes simpler, and primarily retains vibrational modes associated with the Ni-cofactor. These Ni-cofactor modes exhibit intense Raman scattering as well as a strong orientation-dependent response. The signal intensity is particularly elevated when the polarization of incident laser light is parallel to the direction of the conductive fibers. This orientation dependence allows to selectively identify the modes that are associated with the Ni-cofactor. We identified 13 such modes, some of which display strong Raman signals across the entire range of applied wavelengths (405–1,064 nm). Assignment of vibrational modes, supported by stable isotope labeling, suggest that the structure of the Ni-cofactor shares a resemblance with that of nickel bis(1,2-dithiolene) complexes. Overall, our results indicate that cable bacteria have evolved a unique cofactor structure that does not resemble any of the known Ni-cofactors in biology. |
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Address |
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Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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Language |
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Wos |
001189511900001 |
Publication Date |
2024-03-08 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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| |
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
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| |
ISSN |
1664-302x |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record |
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| |
Impact Factor |
|
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
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| |
Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
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| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:205115 |
Serial |
9214 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Pankratov, D.; Hidalgo Martinez, S.; Karman, C.; Gerzhik, A.; Gomila, G.; Trashin, S.; Boschker, H.T.S.; Geelhoed, J.S.; Mayer, D.; De Wael, K.; Meysman, F.J.R. |
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Title |
The organo-metal-like nature of long-range conduction in cable bacteria |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2024 |
Publication |
Bioelectrochemistry: an international journal devoted to electrochemical aspects of biology and biological aspects of electrochemistry |
Abbreviated Journal |
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| |
Volume |
157 |
Issue |
|
Pages |
108675-10 |
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| |
Keywords |
A1 Journal article |
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| |
Abstract |
Cable bacteria are filamentous, multicellular microorganisms that display an exceptional form of biological electron transport across centimeter-scale distances. Currents are guided through a network of nickel-containing protein fibers within the cell envelope. Still, the mechanism of long-range conduction remains unresolved. Here, we characterize the conductance of the fiber network under dry and wet, physiologically relevant, conditions. Our data reveal that the fiber conductivity is high (median value: 27 S cm−1; range: 2 to 564 S cm−1), does not show any redox signature, has a low thermal activation energy (Ea = 69 ± 23 meV), and is not affected by humidity or the presence of ions. These features set the nickel-based conduction mechanism in cable bacteria apart from other known forms of biological electron transport. As such, conduction resembles that of an organic semi-metal with a high charge carrier density. Our observation that biochemistry can synthesize an organo-metal-like structure opens the way for novel bio-based electronic technologies. |
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Address |
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Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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Language |
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Wos |
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Publication Date |
2024-02-25 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
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| |
ISSN |
1567-5394 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record |
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| |
Impact Factor |
5 |
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
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| |
Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 5; 2024 IF: 3.346 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:205117 |
Serial |
9215 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Vasilakou, K.; Billen, P.; Van Passel, S.; Nimmegeers, P. |
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Title |
A Pareto aggregation approach for environmental-economic multi-objective optimization applied on a second-generation bioethanol production model |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2024 |
Publication |
Energy conversion and management |
Abbreviated Journal |
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| |
Volume |
303 |
Issue |
|
Pages |
118184-11 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM); Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS) |
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Abstract |
Multi-objective optimization is an important decision-making tool for energy processes, as multiple targets need to be achieved. These objectives are usually conflicting since a single solution cannot be optimal for all objectives, resulting in a set of Pareto-optimal solutions. Multiple indicators might be available to describe a sustainability objective, such as the environmental impact which is commonly evaluated by performing a life cycle assessment. In this study, Pareto aggregation is proposed as a method which employs a novel multi-objective optimization-based approach as an alternative to the classically used aggregation in life cycle assessment. This method identifies conflicting environmental indicators and performs an aggregation among those that require a trade-off. An environmental-economic optimization of a second-generation bioethanol plant is used to illustrate and evaluate the proposed method. Process parameters from a biochemical conversion pathway flowsheet simulation model are chosen as optimization variables. To reduce the computational time, surrogate models, based on artificial neural networks, are used. Out of the eighteen ReCiPe Midpoint environmental indicators, five were identified as conflicting, resulting in an aggregated environmental objective, which was then traded off with the economic objective function, chosen as the levelized cost of ethanol. Comparison with the widely used single-score EcoIndicator99 showed that the Pareto aggregation method can reduce most of the environmental indicators by up to 6.5%. This research provides an insight on non-redundant objective functions, aiming at reducing the dimensionality of multi-objective optimization problems, while taking into consideration decision-makers’ preferences. |
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Address |
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Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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| |
Language |
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Wos |
001185718400001 |
Publication Date |
2024-02-10 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| |
ISSN |
0196-8904; 1879-2227 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record |
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| |
Impact Factor |
10.4 |
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
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| |
Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 10.4; 2024 IF: 5.589 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:203046 |
Serial |
9216 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Raes, A.; Minja, A.C.; Ag, K.R.; Verbruggen, S.W. |
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Title |
Recent advances in metal-doped defective TiO₂ for photocatalytic CO₂ conversion |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2024 |
Publication |
Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
44 |
Issue |
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Pages |
101013-11 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology |
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Abstract |
Introducing defects in TiO2-based photocatalytic materials is a promising strategy for improving light-driven CO2 reduction. However, defects such as oxygen vacancies are generally unstable. As a solution and to further enhance the photocatalytic activity, metal doping has been applied. This mini review aims to summarize recent progress in this particular field. Herein, we have classified metal-doped architectures into three different categories: single metal doping, alloy- and co-doping, and doping of morphologically nanoengineered TiO2−x substrates. The direct relationship between specific metals and product selectivity remains complex, as selectivity can vary significantly among seemingly similar materials. However, numerous methods do show promise in fine-tuning selectivity towards either CO or CH4. In terms of photocatalytic turnover, remarkable yields have been reported in isolated reports, but insufficient experimental data and divergent reaction conditions hamper a true comparison. This puts an emphasis on the need for standardized activity testing. |
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Address |
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Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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Language |
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Wos |
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Publication Date |
2024-03-16 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
|
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| |
ISSN |
2211-3398 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record |
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| |
Impact Factor |
6.6 |
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 6.6; 2024 IF: 3.403 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:204462 |
Serial |
9221 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Clavel, J.; Lembrechts, J.; Lenoir, J.; Haider, S.; McDougall, K.; Nunez, M.A.; Alexander, J.; Barros, A.; Milbau, A.; Seipel, T.; Pauchard, A.; Fuentes-Lillo, E.; Backes, A.R.; Dar, P.; Reshi, Z.A.; Aleksanyan, A.; Zong, S.; Sierra, J.R.A.; Aschero, V.; Verbruggen, E.; Nijs, I. |
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Title |
Roadside disturbance promotes plant communities with arbuscular mycorrhizal associations in mountain regions worldwide |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2024 |
Publication |
Ecography |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
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Issue |
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Pages |
e07051-14 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Plant and Ecosystems (PLECO) – Ecology in a time of change |
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Abstract |
We assessed the impact of road disturbances on the dominant mycorrhizal types in ecosystems at the global level and how this mechanism can potentially lead to lasting plant community changes. We used a database of coordinated plant community surveys following mountain roads from 894 plots in 11 mountain regions across the globe in combination with an existing database of mycorrhizal-plant associations in order to approximate the relative abundance of mycorrhizal types in natural and disturbed environments. Our findings show that roadside disturbance promotes the cover of plants associated with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. This effect is especially strong in colder mountain environments and in mountain regions where plant communities are dominated by ectomycorrhizal (EcM) or ericoid-mycorrhizal (ErM) associations. Furthermore, non-native plant species, which we confirmed to be mostly AM plants, are more successful in environments dominated by AM associations. These biogeographical patterns suggest that changes in mycorrhizal types could be a crucial factor in the worldwide impact of anthropogenic disturbances on mountain ecosystems. Indeed, roadsides foster AM-dominated systems, where AM-fungi might aid AM-associated plant species while potentially reducing the biotic resistance against invasive non-native species, often also associated with AM networks. Restoration efforts in mountain ecosystems will have to contend with changes in the fundamental make-up of EcM- and ErM plant communities induced by roadside disturbance. |
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Address |
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Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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Language |
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Wos |
001198654900001 |
Publication Date |
2024-04-09 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| |
ISSN |
0906-7590 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record |
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Impact Factor |
5.9 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 5.9; 2024 IF: 4.902 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:205605 |
Serial |
9224 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Vetters, J.; Thomassen, G.; Van Passel, S. |
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Title |
Sailing through end-of-life challenges : a comprehensive review for offshore wind |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2024 |
Publication |
Renewable and sustainable energy reviews |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
199 |
Issue |
|
Pages |
114486-16 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM) |
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Abstract |
Over the past thirty years, European offshore wind farm development surged, yet end-of-life and decommissioning considerations were overshadowed by initial climate and energy security objectives during design and construction. As the first major projects near their final decade, numerous unanswered questions persist. Through a comprehensive literature review, this study identifies, maps, and evaluates challenges across technical, economic, environmental, social, and policy dimensions spanning five end-of-life phases: planning, dismantling, transport and logistics, waste management, and site recovery. Examining 42 publications reveals 46 distinct challenges affecting stakeholders such as the end-of-life supply chain, policy makers, and society. While 33% of the challenges manifested in the technical dimension, 48% of the challenges covered the planning phase. Notably, the economic challenge of vessel cost and availability was raised most often. Less-explored challenges underscore the importance of consideration before the end-of-life phase intensifies. The study illustrates the complex interconnection of numerous end-of-life challenges across phases, dimensions, and disciplines, emphasizing the imperative of addressing bottlenecks in a comprehensive and integrated manner. The results of this study help steering future research, while also improving awareness of challenges for stakeholders, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts between governmental bodies and industry stakeholders to address imminent challenges through transparent guidelines, data exchange, and circular design principles. The novelty of this study lies in its holistic, multidisciplinary approach, systematic framework for identifying challenges, and critical perspective unveiling interconnectedness. |
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Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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Language |
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Wos |
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Publication Date |
2024-05-02 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| |
ISSN |
1364-0321; 1879-0690 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record |
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| |
Impact Factor |
15.9 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 15.9; 2024 IF: 8.05 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:205652 |
Serial |
9226 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Le Noir de Carlan, C.; Kaarlejarvi, E.; De Tender, C.; Heinecke, T.; Eskelinen, A.; Verbruggen, E. |
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Title |
Shifts in mycorrhizal types of fungi and plants in response to fertilisation, warming and herbivory in a tundra grassland |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2024 |
Publication |
New phytologist |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
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Issue |
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Pages |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Plant and Ecosystems (PLECO) – Ecology in a time of change |
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Abstract |
Climate warming is severely affecting high-latitude regions. In the Arctic tundra, it may lead to enhanced soil nutrient availability and interact with simultaneous changes in grazing pressure. It is presently unknown how these concurrently occurring global change drivers affect the root-associated fungal communities, particularly mycorrhizal fungi, and whether changes coincide with shifts in plant mycorrhizal types. We investigated changes in root-associated fungal communities and mycorrhizal types of the plant community in a 10-yr factorial experiment with warming, fertilisation and grazing exclusion in a Finnish tundra grassland. The strongest determinant of the root-associated fungal community was fertilisation, which consistently increased potential plant pathogen abundance and had contrasting effects on the different mycorrhizal fungal types, contingent on other treatments. Plant mycorrhizal types went through pronounced shifts, with warming favouring ecto- and ericoid mycorrhiza but not under fertilisation and grazing exclusion. Combination of all treatments resulted in dominance by arbuscular mycorrhizal plants. However, shifts in plant mycorrhizal types vs fungi were mostly but not always aligned in their magnitude and direction. Our results show that our ability to predict shifts in symbiotic and antagonistic fungal communities depend on simultaneous consideration of multiple global change factors that jointly alter plant and fungal communities. |
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Address |
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Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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Language |
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Wos |
001220955000001 |
Publication Date |
2024-05-14 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0028-646x |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record |
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| |
Impact Factor |
9.4 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 9.4; 2024 IF: 7.33 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:206016 |
Serial |
9228 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Thiruvottriyur Shanmugam, S.; Campos, R.; Trashin, S.; Daems, E.; Carneiro, D.; Fraga, A.; Ribeiro, R.; De Wael, K. |
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Title |
Singlet oxygen-based photoelectrochemical detection of miRNAs in prostate cancer patients’ plasma : a novel diagnostic tool for liquid biopsy |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
| |
Year |
2024 |
Publication |
Bioelectrochemistry: an international journal devoted to electrochemical aspects of biology and biological aspects of electrochemistry |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
158 |
Issue |
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Pages |
108698-108699 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab) |
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Abstract |
Dysregulation of miRNA expression occurs in many cancers, making miRNAs useful in cancer diagnosis and therapeutic guidance. In a clinical context using methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the limited amount of miRNAs in circulation often limits their quantification. Here, we present a PCR-free and sensitive singlet oxygen (1O2)-based strategy for the detection and quantification of miRNAs in untreated human plasma from patients diagnosed with prostate cancer. A target miRNA is specifically captured by functionalised magnetic beads and a detection oligonucleotide probe in a sandwich-like format. The formed complex is concentrated at the sensor surface via magnetic beads, providing an interface for the photoinduced redox signal amplification. The detection oligonucleotide probe bears a molecular photosensitiser, which produces 1O2 upon illumination, oxidising a redox reporter and creating a redox cycling loop, allowing quantification of pM level miRNA in diluted human plasma within minutes after hybridisation and without target amplification. |
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Address |
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Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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Language |
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Wos |
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Publication Date |
2024-04-04 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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| |
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
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Edition |
|
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| |
ISSN |
1567-5394 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record |
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| |
Impact Factor |
5 |
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
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| |
Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: 5; 2024 IF: 3.346 |
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| |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:205281 |
Serial |
9229 |
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Author |
Kummamuru, N.B.; Ciocarlan, R.-G.; Houlleberghs, M.; Martens, J.; Breynaert, E.; Verbruggen, S.W.; Cool, P.; Perreault, P. |
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Title |
Surface modification of mesostructured cellular foam to enhance hydrogen storage in binary THF/H₂ clathrate hydrate |
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A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2024 |
Publication |
Sustainable energy & fuels |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
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Pages |
1-15 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA) |
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Abstract |
This study introduces solid-state tuning of a mesostructured cellular foam (MCF) to enhance hydrogen (H-2) storage in clathrate hydrates. Grafting of promoter-like molecules (e.g., tetrahydrofuran) at the internal surface of the MCF resulted in a substantial improvement in the kinetics of formation of binary H-2-THF clathrate hydrate. Identification of the confined hydrate as sII clathrate hydrate and enclathration of H-2 in its small cages was performed using XRD and high-pressure H-1 NMR spectroscopy respectively. Experimental findings show that modified MCF materials exhibit a similar to 1.3 times higher H-2 storage capacity as compared to non-modified MCF under the same conditions (7 MPa, 265 K, 100% pore volume saturation with a 5.56 mol% THF solution). The enhancement in H-2 storage is attributed to the hydrophobicity originating from grafting organic molecules onto pristine MCF, thereby influencing water interactions and fostering an environment conducive to H-2 enclathration. Gas uptake curves indicate an optimal tuning point for higher H-2 storage, favoring a lower density of carbon per nm(2). Furthermore, a direct correlation emerges between higher driving forces and increased H-2 storage capacity, culminating at 0.52 wt% (46.77 mmoles of H-2 per mole of H2O and 39.78% water-to-hydrate conversions) at 262 K for the modified MCF material with fewer carbons per nm(2). Notably, the substantial H-2 storage capacity achieved without energy-intensive processes underscores solid-state tuning's potential for H-2 storage in the synthesized hydrates. This study evaluated two distinct kinetic models to describe hydrate growth in MCF. The multistage kinetic model showed better predictive capabilities for experimental data and maintained a low average absolute deviation. This research provides valuable insights into augmenting H-2 storage capabilities and holds promising implications for future advancements. |
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Wos |
001208396000001 |
Publication Date |
2024-04-15 |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record |
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Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:205764 |
Serial |
9232 |
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Author |
Tschulkow, M.; Pizzol, M.; Compernolle, T.; Van den Bosch, S.; Sels, B.; Van Passel, S. |
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Title |
The environmental impacts of the lignin-first biorefineries : a consequential life cycle assessment approach |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2024 |
Publication |
Resources, conservation and recycling |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
204 |
Issue |
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Pages |
107466-107469 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM) |
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Abstract |
The emerging reductive catalytic fractionation biorefinery which is currently under development aims to convert woody biomass efficiently into high-value products. Despite its potential, the environmental consequences of its implementation are not well known. Therefore, a forward-looking consequential life cycle assessment examines greenhouse gas emissions associated with its products (pulp, phenolic monomers, and oligomers) compared to alternative market options. Findings indicate that current greenhouse gas emissions exceed those of the existing alternatives, with by-products and the gaseous waste stream as major contributors. Process adaption to (i) produce higher-valued products (bleached pulps, phenols, and propylene) and (ii) incinerate gaseous waste stream for energy are proposed, potentially reducing emissions by up to 50 %, outperforming alternative options. Compared to land-based transportation, waterways can increase feedstock availability by up to 1000 km without an increase in emissions. In conclusion, the consequential approach provides valuable insights for enhancing and optimizing the environmental performance of the process. |
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Wos |
001186282000001 |
Publication Date |
2024-02-14 |
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Series Volume |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0921-3449 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record |
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Impact Factor |
13.2 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 13.2; 2024 IF: 3.313 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:205493 |
Serial |
9234 |
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Author |
Gebremariam, Y.A.; Dessein, J.; Wondimagegnhu, B.A.; Breusers, M.; Lenaerts, L.; Adgo, E.; Van Passel, S.; Minale, A.S.; Nyssen, J. |
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Title |
Undoing the development army : a paradigm shift from transfer of technology to agricultural innovation system in Ethiopian extension |
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A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2023 |
Publication |
Environment, development and sustainability |
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Pages |
1-27 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM) |
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Abstract |
Appropriate use of agricultural technologies and diversifying the farming activities is critical to addressing food security problems in Africa, including Ethiopia. The country is experimenting with the new Agricultural Innovation System (AIS) approach alongside the well-established Transfer of Technology (ToT) approach. This paper analyzes the gaps between policy discourses (as reflected in policy documents and strategic orientation documents) and extension practices (as reflected in the daily exchanges between farmers and the frontline staff of the Ethiopian extension system). It provides insights into the challenges faced and emphasizes the need for better coordination between policy formulation and implementation to enhance extension services. Policymakers, practitioners, and researchers can benefit from the valuable perspectives the findings offer. The study contributes to understanding the relationship between policy discourses and extension practices, and its implications can inform policy design and implementation in similar contexts. A qualitative research approach was deployed to analyze policy discourse and practice. Data were collected in Fogera, a district in Northwest Ethiopia, between August 2018 and February 2019. The data for the paper were obtained from 23 Focus Group Discussions conducted with men and women. 13 Informant Interviews (KIIs) were also carried out with personnel at different levels of government agricultural services and departments. Transcripts of recordings of the Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were analyzed using a deductive approach. The study focuses on rice crops in the Fogera district, which are crucial for food security and reducing poverty. Although the geographic area is limited, the results can be used to improve the extension system in other areas facing similar challenges. Specifically, the study suggests switching from the traditional transfer of technology approach to the agricultural innovation system approach. Furthermore, the study's techniques, such as qualitative interviews, may have limitations and not fully capture the intricacies of policy and extension practices. The findings demonstrate that, although the policy documents strongly adhere to agricultural innovation system principles, top-down transfer of technology approaches continues to dominate in practice. Moreover, we have found potential discrepancies between the training content delivered and the specific needs of smallholder farmers. Practically, prescriptive systems are still used because agricultural innovation system approaches are not well understood by the Extension Agents. To realize a genuine agricultural innovation system, Ethiopia's extension apparatus should move forward with building committed and robust relationships between farmers, extension agents, researchers, private sectors, and non-governmental organizations. To this end, more research, enhanced training, and improved institutions are needed on what genuine agricultural innovation system could look like at the grass-roots level. This also includes understanding the roles that different actors within Ethiopia's development army should assume how a multi-actor policy dialogue can be organized. |
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Wos |
001126500500006 |
Publication Date |
2023-12-19 |
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ISSN |
1387-585x; 1573-2975 |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record |
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Impact Factor |
4.9 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 4.9; 2023 IF: NA |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:202804 |
Serial |
9238 |
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Author |
Gios, E.; Verbruggen, E.; Audet, J.; Burns, R.; Butterbach-Bahl, K.; Espenberg, M.; Fritz, C.; Glatzel, S.; Jurasinski, G.; Larmola, T.; Mander, U.; Nielsen, C.; Rodriguez, A.F.; Scheer, C.; Zak, D.; Silvennoinen, H.M. |
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Title |
Unraveling microbial processes involved in carbon and nitrogen cycling and greenhouse gas emissions in rewetted peatlands by molecular biology |
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A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2024 |
Publication |
Biogeochemistry |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Plant and Ecosystems (PLECO) – Ecology in a time of change |
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Abstract |
Restoration of drained peatlands through rewetting has recently emerged as a prevailing strategy to mitigate excessive greenhouse gas emissions and re-establish the vital carbon sequestration capacity of peatlands. Rewetting can help to restore vegetation communities and biodiversity, while still allowing for extensive agricultural management such as paludiculture. Belowground processes governing carbon fluxes and greenhouse gas dynamics are mediated by a complex network of microbial communities and processes. Our understanding of this complexity and its multi-factorial controls in rewetted peatlands is limited. Here, we summarize the research regarding the role of soil microbial communities and functions in driving carbon and nutrient cycling in rewetted peatlands including the use of molecular biology techniques in understanding biogeochemical processes linked to greenhouse gas fluxes. We emphasize that rapidly advancing molecular biology approaches, such as high-throughput sequencing, are powerful tools helping to elucidate the dynamics of key biogeochemical processes when combined with isotope tracing and greenhouse gas measuring techniques. Insights gained from the gathered studies can help inform efficient monitoring practices for rewetted peatlands and the development of climate-smart restoration and management strategies. |
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001185747700001 |
Publication Date |
2024-03-16 |
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ISSN |
0168-2563; 1573-515x |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
4 |
Times cited |
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Most recent IF: 4; 2024 IF: 3.428 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:204875 |
Serial |
9239 |
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Author |
Borms, L.; Multani, M.; Bachus, K.; Dams, Y.; Brusselaers, J.; Van Passel, S. |
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Title |
Using natural language processing to monitor circular activities and employment |
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A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2024 |
Publication |
Sustainable Production and Consumption |
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46 |
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42-53 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM); Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy |
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Abstract |
In Europe, NACE codes are used for the official classification of sectors, however, the circular economy is not sufficiently captured in this classification. Therefore, this paper improves previous attempts for defining circular activities and jobs by web scraping techniques applied to each company in Belgium. We analyze their first, second, and third official NACE codes and compare these to the NACE codes they should have been allocated to according to the web scraping data. Subsequently, we calculate circularity scores for every sector to construct an indicator for the number of circular companies and jobs. The results show that the number of circular companies is lower than the baseline from official statistics when we only consider the companies' first and main NACE code. The estimates are higher than the baseline when we also take the second and third NACE codes into account and the estimated number of circular jobs is far higher than the baseline. This research upgrades previous classifications of circular sectors and demonstrates how web scraping and novel data might improve our understanding and capacity to build data. Based on the results in this paper, we recommend a uniform data collection such as reporting standards, and an inclusion of all circular strategies in sectoral classifications. |
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001198897900001 |
Publication Date |
2024-02-15 |
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ISSN |
2352-5509 |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record |
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Impact Factor |
12.1 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
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Most recent IF: 12.1; 2024 IF: NA |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:204552 |
Serial |
9241 |
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Author |
Borms, L.; Van Opstal, W.; Brusselaers, J.; Van Passel, S. |
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Title |
The working future : an analysis of skills needed by circular startups |
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A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2023 |
Publication |
Journal of cleaner production |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
409 |
Issue |
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Pages |
137261-137269 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM) |
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Abstract |
Aside from potential environmental benefits, the implementation of circular economy principles in businesses can have merits for the labour market. The current unemployment in several regions of Europe and the qualitative mismatch between supply and demand could be countered by reskilling the labour force to adjust supply and demand to one another for increased reuse, repair, or recycling, among others. This study uses interviews to increase the focus of the research question and uses survey data to perform an ordered probit regression analysis to sketch the current and future landscape of startups’ skills in Flanders (Belgium), and to analyse the relationship between circular strategies and different types of skills. The results show that design to lower material use increases the need for transport and logistics skills, digitalisation increases the need for R&D and IT skills, and the recuperation of waste requires technical knowledge. Furthermore, gender, age, and experience of the entrepreneur influence the needed skills. The paper probed for policy recommendations for the uptake of circular strategies and recommendations for future research. The most asked policy measures by the respondents are innovation and collaboration support (subsidies), fiscal measures that support circular goods and services, and public procurement for circular goods and services. This research is of relevance for several stakeholders, such as startup ecosystems, sector organisations, policy makers in innovation policy and labour market policy, and educational institutions. |
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Wos |
000988763400001 |
Publication Date |
2023-04-21 |
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ISSN |
0959-6526 |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
11.1 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 11.1; 2023 IF: 5.715 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:195706 |
Serial |
9246 |
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