Records |
Author |
Naderi Mahdei, K.; Esfahani, S.M.J.; Lebailly, P.; Dogot, T.; Van Passel, S.; Azadi, H. |
Title |
Environmental impact assessment and efficiency of cotton : the case of Northeast Iran |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Environment, development and sustainability |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
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Issue |
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Pages |
1-21 |
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM) |
Abstract |
Cotton is one of the important crops that play an important role in creating a livelihood for rural people in many parts of Iran. Cotton production necessitates a large amount of resources (e.g., fossil energy and agrochemicals, all of which have the potential to damage the environment in various ways). The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the environmental effects of cotton production in the South Khorasan Province of Iran. For this purpose, life cycle assessment (LCA) and data envelopment analysis (DEA) techniques have been applied to investigate the environmental impacts of cotton production. LCA is a practical method to evaluate the environment on the product flow, in which all aspects of the product life cycle are examined by a comprehensive approach. Furthermore, combining the LCA method with other managerial strategies such as DEA could allow researchers to provide decision-makers with more practical and interpretable data. The findings of the efficiency test showed that the average technical efficiency, pure technical efficiency, and scale efficiency were 0.81, 0.92, and 0.87, respectively. Respiratory inorganics (i.e., respiratory effects resulting from winter smog caused by emissions of dust, sulfur, and nitrogen oxides to air) posed the greatest environmental burden in cotton production, followed by non-renewable energy, carcinogens, and global warming. In addition, the highest effects were on human health, and then, on resources and climate change. Energy, on-system pollution, and waste played a crucial role in the environmental impacts of cotton processing. This study suggests improving farmers' knowledge toward the optimum application of chemical fertilizers, or their substitution with green fertilizers, which reduces the environmental effect of growing cotton in the area. |
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Place of Publication |
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Wos |
000826851400001 |
Publication Date ![sorted by Publication Date field, ascending order (up)](img/sort_asc.gif) |
2022-07-18 |
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 |
Impact Factor |
4.9 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 4.9 |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:189630 |
Serial |
7356 |
Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Admasu, W.F.; Van Passel, S.; Minale, A.S.; Tsegaye, E.A.; Nyssen, J. |
Title |
Nexus between land development and the value of ecosystem services in Ethiopia : a contingent valuation study |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
Year |
2023 |
Publication |
Environment, development and sustainability |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
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Issue |
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Pages |
1-21 |
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM) |
Abstract |
In Ethiopia, the state owns all lands within the territory of the country. Cities are incorporating large parcels of land from their surrounding rural agricultural areas through land expropriation. However, these land developments do not consider the nonmarket value of ecosystem services (ES), which is causing a deterioration of the existing ES and reduction on the potential supply of ES from agricultural land. The aim of this study was to estimate the monetary value of nonmarketable ES from the agricultural land using a double-bounded dichotomous choice contingent valuation method. A survey of 524 smallholder farmers was conducted. In the survey, respondents were asked to state their willingness to pay for the improvement of some of the nonmarketable ES: erosion control, air and climate regulation, water regulation, and soil fertility. The estimation was carried out using a bivariate probit model. The results revealed that farmers are willing to pay on average 276 ETB (7.9 USD) per hectare per year for a period of 10 years. We found that individual characteristics such as age, family size, and a recent land expropriation experience adversely affect the willingness to pay by the farmers. On the other hand, individuals with higher income and larger land size are willing to pay more. In general, the study indicated that the nonmarket ES, which are affected by the land expropriation for urban expansion, are valuable for the farmers. Therefore, we recommend that the government consider the value of nonmarketable ES in its land use decisions and hence achieve sustainable land development. |
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Wos |
000907898700002 |
Publication Date ![sorted by Publication Date field, ascending order (up)](img/sort_asc.gif) |
2023-01-05 |
Series Editor |
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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 |
Impact Factor |
4.9 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
Not_Open_Access: Available from 05.01.2024 |
Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 4.9; 2023 IF: NA |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:193432 |
Serial |
7363 |
Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Maes, R.R.; Potters, G.; Fransen, E.; Geuens, J.; Van Schaeren, R.; Lenaerts, S. |
Title |
Can we find an optimal fatty acid composition of biodiesel in order to improve oxidation stability? |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
Year |
2023 |
Publication |
Sustainability |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
15 |
Issue |
13 |
Pages |
10310-10 |
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Medical Genetics (MEDGEN) |
Abstract |
Air quality currently poses a major risk for human health. Currently, diesel is widely used as fuel and is a significant source of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM), both hazardous to human health. A good alternative for mineral diesel is biodiesel, not only for the improvement of hazardous components in the exhaust gases but also because it can be produced in view of a circular economy. Biodiesel consists of a mix of different fatty acid methyl esters, which can react with oxygen. As a consequence, the oxidation stability of biodiesel has to be studied, because the oxidation of biodiesel could affect the performance of the engine due to the wear of injectors and fuel pumps. The oxidation stability could also affect the quality of the exhaust gases due to increases in NOx and PM. The basic question we try to answer in this communication is: 'Can we find an optimal fatty acid composition in order to have a maximal oxidation stability?' In this article, we try to find the optimal fatty acid composition according to the five most common fatty acid methyl esters present in biodiesel in order to reach a maximal oxidation stability. The measurements and statistical analysis show, however, that there is no useful regression model because there are statistically significant two- and three-way interactions among the different fatty acids. |
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Wos |
001028597300001 |
Publication Date ![sorted by Publication Date field, ascending order (up)](img/sort_asc.gif) |
2023-06-30 |
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 |
2071-1050 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record |
Impact Factor |
3.9 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
OpenAccess |
Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 3.9; 2023 IF: 1.789 |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:198241 |
Serial |
8839 |
Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Chekol Zewdie, M.; Moretti, M.; Tenessa, D.B.; Van Passel, S. |
Title |
Farmers' preferences and willingness to pay for improved irrigation water supply program : a discrete choice experiment |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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 |
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM) |
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 ![sorted by Publication Date field, ascending order (up)](img/sort_asc.gif) |
2023-08-14 |
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 |
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 |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:198283 |
Serial |
9204 |
Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Watson, G.; Kummamuru, N.B.; Verbruggen, S.W.; Perreault, P.; Houlleberghs, M.; Martens, J.; Breynaert, E.; Van Der Voort, P. |
Title |
Engineering of hollow periodic mesoporous organosilica nanorods for augmented hydrogen clathrate formation |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
Year |
2023 |
Publication |
Journal of materials chemistry A : materials for energy and sustainability |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
11 |
Issue |
47 |
Pages |
26265-26276 |
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology |
Abstract |
Hydrogen (H2) storage, in the form of clathrate hydrates, has emerged as an attractive alternative to classical storage methods like compression or liquefaction. Nevertheless, the sluggish enclathration kinetics along with low gas storage capacities in bulk systems is currently impeding the progress of this technology. To this end, unstirred systems coupled with porous materials have been shown to tackle the aforementioned drawbacks. In line with this approach, the present study explores the use of hydrophobic periodic organosilica nanoparticles, later denoted as hollow ring-PMO (HRPMO), for H2 storage as clathrate hydrates under mild operating conditions (5.56 mol% THF, 7 MPa, and 265–273 K). The surface of the HRPMO nanoparticles was carefully decorated/functionalized with THF-like moieties, which are well-known promoter agents in clathrate formation when applied in classical, homogeneous systems. The study showed that, while the non-functionalized HRPMO can facilitate the formation of binary H2-THF clathrates, the incorporation of surface-bound promotor structures enhances this process. More intriguingly, tuning the concentration of these surface-bound promotor agents on the HRPMO led to a notable effect on solid-state H2 storage capacities. An increase of 3% in H2 storage capacity, equivalent to 0.26 wt%, along with a substantial increase of up to 28% in clathrate growth kinetics, was observed when an optimal loading of 0.14 mmol g−1 of promoter agent was integrated into the HRPMO framework. Overall, the findings from this study highlight that such tuning effects in the solid-state have the potential to significantly boost hydrate formation/growth kinetics and H2 storage capacities, thereby opening new avenues for the ongoing development of H2 clathrates in industrial applications. |
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Place of Publication |
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Wos |
001108752600001 |
Publication Date ![sorted by Publication Date field, ascending order (up)](img/sort_asc.gif) |
2023-11-24 |
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 |
2050-7488; 2050-7496 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
Impact Factor |
11.9 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 11.9; 2023 IF: 8.867 |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:201007 |
Serial |
9031 |
Permanent link to this record |
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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. |
Title |
Undoing the development army : a paradigm shift from transfer of technology to agricultural innovation system in Ethiopian extension |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
Year |
2023 |
Publication |
Environment, development and sustainability |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
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Issue |
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Pages |
1-27 |
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM) |
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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Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Language |
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Wos |
001126500500006 |
Publication Date ![sorted by Publication Date field, ascending order (up)](img/sort_asc.gif) |
2023-12-19 |
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 |
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 |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:202804 |
Serial |
9238 |
Permanent link to this record |