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Author Admasu, W.F.; Van Passel, S.; Minale, A.S.; Tsegaye, E.A.; Azadi, H.; Nyssen, J.
Title Take out the farmer: An economic assessment of land expropriation for urban expansion in Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Land Use Policy Abbreviated Journal Land Use Policy
Volume 87 Issue 87 Pages 104038
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract In Ethiopia, the demand for land for urbanisation is primarily met by converting rural land through expropriation. However, land expropriations are adversely affecting the previous land users by reducing the amount of production and their sources of income. In Bahir Dar, one of the fastest-growing cities in Ethiopia, approximately 300 landholdings are expropriated each year, on average, for urban expansion. This paper assesses the land expropriations to examine whether they offer economically appropriate compensation for the previous land users. Land expropriations for urbanisation between 2007/2008 and 2016/2017 were analysed based on data on land expropriation and its compensation payment obtained from the Bahir Dar City Land Administration and Management Office. Data were analysed using an exponential growth model and a stochastic budgeting technique in which Monte Carlo simulations are performed. Between 2007/2008 and 2016/2017, more than 1500 ha of land were included in the city's boundary through expropriation from 2900 landholders. The affected farmers received compensation that represents only 37 per cent of the value of current crop yields and its growth. The current compensation scheme ignores the impact of inflation on the prices of crops and assumes constant yields. It also excludes the value of crop residuals. We propose a workable discounted compensation framework that considers crop price and yield growths. This will make the compensation scheme more appropriate and make the affected farmers better off.
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000483419100026 Publication Date 2019-06-15
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0264-8377 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 3.089 Times cited 1 Open Access
Notes ; The authors acknowledge the Bahir Dar City Administration for sharing its compensation data, Bahir Dar Zuria Wereda Agriculture Office for sharing yield data, and the Industry and Trade Development Office for sharing crop price data. The Institutional University Cooperation with Bahir Dar University (BDU-IUC), funded by the Belgian authorities, through the Flemish Interuniversity Council University Development Cooperation, funded the research activities. We also thank the two anonymous reviewers and the editor of Land Use Policy for all constructive comments and suggestions. ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.089
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:162837 Serial (up) 6261
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Author Thomassen, G.; Egiguren Vila, U.; Van Dael, M.; Lemmens, B.; Van Passel, S.
Title A techno-economic assessment of an algal-based biorefinery Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Clean Technologies And Environmental Policy Abbreviated Journal Clean Technol Envir
Volume 18 Issue 6 Pages 1849-1862
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Economic and technological assessments have identified difficulties with the commercialization of bulk products from microalgae, like biofuels. To overcome these problems, a multi-product algal-based biorefinery has been proposed. This paper performs a techno-economic assessment of such a biorefinery. Four production pathways, ranging from a base case with commercial technologies to an improved case with innovative technologies, are analyzed. All region-specific parameters were adapted to Belgian conditions. Three scenarios result in techno-economically viable production plants. The most profitable scenario is the scenario which uses a specialized membrane for medium recycling and an open pond algae cultivation. Although the inclusion of a photobioreactor decreases the culture medium costs, the higher investment costs result in lower economic profits. The carotenoid content and price are identified as critical parameters. Furthermore, the economies of scale assumption for the photobioreactor is critical for the feasibility of this cultivation technology. The techno-economic assessment is an important methodology to guide and evaluate further improvements in research and shorten the time-to-market for innovative technologies in this field.
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Language Wos 000384470700017 Publication Date 2016-03-26
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1618-954x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.331 Times cited 24 Open Access
Notes ; We would like to thank Herman Beckers, Metin Bulut, Frans Snijkers, Joris van der Have, Jan Vanderheyden, Leen Bastiaens, and Lies Eykens for the provision of technological and economic data and the useful discussions on the assumptions in the model. We would also like to thank Eva Cordery for proofreading the article and the anonymous reviewers for their valuable feedback and suggestions. Furthermore, we gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Fundacion Novia Salcedo. ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.331
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:139027 Serial (up) 6262
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Author Kuppens, T.; Van Dael, M.; Maggen, J.; Vanreppelen, K.; Yperman, J.; Carleer, R.; Elen, H.; Van Passel, S.
Title Techno-economic assessment of different conversion pathways for pyrolysis char from pig manure Type P1 Proceeding
Year 2014 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 901-911
Keywords P1 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology
Abstract The amount of animal manure that can be brought back to agricultural land is limited by legislation. Because pig manure is available in too large quantities in some areas, we investigate the techno-economic feasibility of converting it into valuable products. First, slurry is separated in water, a thick fraction and a fertilizer concentrate poor in phosphate. Then, the thick fraction is dried and pyrolyzed. Our goal is to identify the optimal pyrolysis and activation conditions for the production of biochar or activated carbon. The latter has interesting adsorption characteristics due to the presence of nitrogen. It can also be used as a soil amendment as it improves biomass quantity and quality. On top, it immobilizes toxic elements and stores carbon in the soil. Char thus has many interesting characteristics and can be valued in different ways. The economic feasibility has been explored by a first techno-economic modelling iteration. The critical factors influencing the feasibility are identified by Monte Carlo simulations for further improvement of the process design.
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Language Wos Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title 22nd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition : Setting the Course for a Biobased Economy, 23-26 June 2014, Hamburg, Germany : conference proceedings
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:127546 Serial (up) 6263
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Author Kuppens, T.; Van Dael, M.; Vanreppelen, K.; Thewys, T.; Yperman, J.; Carleer, R.; Schreurs, S.; Van Passel, S.
Title Techno-economic assessment of fast pyrolysis for the valorization of short rotation coppice cultivated for phytoextraction Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Journal Of Cleaner Production Abbreviated Journal J Clean Prod
Volume 88 Issue Pages 336-344
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract The main barrier in the commercialization of phytoextraction as a sustainable alternative for remediating metal contaminated soils is its long time period, which can be countered by biomass valorization. From an environmental point of view, fast pyrolysis of the biomass is promising because its lower process temperature prevents metal volatilization. The remaining question is whether fast pyrolysis is also preferred from an economic point of view. Therefore, a techno-economic assessment of fast pyrolysis has been performed for a case study in the Campine region in Belgium. For this region, willow trees cultivated in short rotation have the right characteristics to serve as a phytoextracting crop. A techno-economic assessment requires by definition a multidisciplinary approach. The problem statement urges for a focus on the economic profitability from the viewpoint of an investor, including economic risk analysis. Fast pyrolysis seems more profitable than gasification. The profit is dependent on the scale of operation, the policy support (subsidies) and the oil yield. The economic risk can be reduced by increasing the scale of operation by means of complementing feedstocks, and by valorization of the char byproduct by subsequent processing to activated carbon. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000347771100036 Publication Date 2014-07-19
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0959-6526 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.715 Times cited 36 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 5.715; 2015 IF: 3.844
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:127539 Serial (up) 6264
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Author Kuppens, T.; Van Dael, M.; Vanreppelen, K.; Carleer, R.; Yperman, J.; Schreurs, S.; Van Passel, S.
Title Techno-economic assessment of pyrolysis char production and application : a review Type P1 Proceeding
Year 2014 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 67-72
Keywords P1 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology
Abstract Many organic residue streams such as pig manure are not or inefficiently used, although they can be converted into valuable materials, as well as energy, using pyrolysis. The yield of the pyrolysis products (i.e. oil, gas and char) is dependent on the process conditions and the feedstock used. Char as a soil amendment or activated carbon are interesting options for valorization of biomass residues. Here, a review is presented of the techno-economic potential of both valorization options based on literature and own experiments with wood from phytoremediation, particle board and waste from beer production. The term “biochar” is specifically used to designate pyrolysis char that is intentionally applied to soil in order to enhance its structure and fertility. Biochar applications are often also motivated by the objective of climate change mitigation. Two main disadvantages for the economic feasibility of biochar applications have been discerned. Firstly, carbon sequestration in agricultural crops and soils is not yet eligible under the Clean Development Mechanism. Secondly, the impact of biochar on crop productivity is unclear. Activated carbon (AC) seems to have interesting adsorption characteristics resulting in potentially high sales prices. A preliminary techno-economic assessment showed that AC production is preferred above oil production for wood from phytoremediation as long as the market price of 2 kEUR.t(-1) for commercially available ACs can be attained. Whenever a feedstock with high nitrogen content is available (e.g. particle board with melamine urea formaldehyde resin), even higher market prices might be attained. This study shows that valorization of the pyrolysis char might be an answer to the slow adoption of pyrolysis in commercial applications. Focus in research and development, for instance in future research with regard to pig manure valorization, should therefore be on sustainable products with high economic value and direct utilization potential.
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000346540000012 Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title International Conference on BioMass (iconBM 2014), 4-7 May 2014, Florence, Italy / Ranzi, Eliseo [edit.]; et al.
Series Volume 37 Series Issue Edition
ISSN 978-88-95608-28-0 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited 8 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:127547 Serial (up) 6265
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Author Van Passel, S.; Dubois, M.; Eyckmans, J.; de Gheldere, S.; Ang, F.; Jones, P.T.; Van Acker, K.
Title The economics of enhanced landfill mining : private and societal performance drivers Type A1 Journal article
Year 2013 Publication Journal Of Cleaner Production Abbreviated Journal J Clean Prod
Volume 55 Issue Pages 92-102
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract This paper addresses the economics of Enhanced Landfill Mining (ELFM) both from a private point of view as well as from a society perspective. The private potential is assessed using a case study for which an investment model is developed to identify the impact of a broad range of parameters on the profitability of ELFM. We found that especially variations in Waste-to-Energy (WtE efficiency, electricity price, CO2-price, WtE investment and operational costs) and ELFM support explain the variation in economic profitability measured by the Internal Rate of Return. To overcome site-specific parameters we also evaluated the regional ELFM potential for the densely populated and industrial region of Flanders (north of Belgium). The total number of potential ELFM sites was estimated using a 5-step procedure and a simulation tool was developed to trade-off private costs and benefits. The analysis shows that there is a substantial economic potential for ELFM projects on the wider regional level. Furthermore, this paper also reviews the costs and benefits from a broader perspective. The carbon footprint of the case study was mapped in order to assess the project's net impact in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. Also the impacts of nature restoration, soil remediation, resource scarcity and reduced import dependence were valued so that they can be used in future social cost-benefit analysis. Given the complex trade-off between economic, social and environmental issues of ELFM projects, we conclude that further refinement of the methodological framework and the development of the integrated decision tools supporting private and public actors, are necessary. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000322802300010 Publication Date 2012-04-20
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0959-6526 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.715 Times cited 65 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 5.715; 2013 IF: 3.590
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:127550 Serial (up) 6266
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Author Lizin, S.; Van Passel, S.; De Schepper, E.; Vranken, L.
Title The future of organic photovoltaic solar cells as a direct power source for consumer electronics Type A1 Journal article
Year 2012 Publication Solar Energy Materials And Solar Cells Abbreviated Journal Sol Energ Mat Sol C
Volume 103 Issue Pages 1-10
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract As the search for marketable photovoltaic solar cells continues, organic photovoltaic (OPV) solar cells have been identified as a technology with many attractive features for commercialization. Most photovoltaic technologies on the market today were improved in the consumer electronics market segment. A similar evolution has been envisioned for OPV. Hence this paper investigates consumer preferences for solar cells directly powering consumer electronics. Choice experiments were designed and responses were collected using a random sample of 300 individuals from the Flemish region (northern part of Belgium). Results allow for computation of attribute importance, willingness to pay (WTP), and simulation of theoretical market share. These measures point towards OPV being able to reach considerable market share in the long run, bearing in mind that efforts are first needed in elevating OPV's efficiency and lifetime as they most determine consumers' preferences. Price is found to be the least important product characteristic for OPV solar cells to be incorporated in consumer electronics devices. We therefore warn against generalizing attributes' importance across the boundaries of market segments. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000306044300001 Publication Date 2012-05-03
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0927-0248 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.784 Times cited 25 Open Access
Notes ; The authors would kindly want to express their gratitude towards every survey respondent and participant for their preliminary work. Also the authors are much obliged to INTERREG and the ORGANEXT project for their financial support, without which it would have been impossible to conduct this research. Last but not least, we would like to thank the reviewers for their insightful comments which allowed for fine tuning our work. ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.784; 2012 IF: 4.630
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:127556 Serial (up) 6267
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Author Bjornavold, A.; Van Passel, S.
Title The lock-in effect and the greening of automotive cooling systems in the European Union Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Journal Of Environmental Management Abbreviated Journal J Environ Manage
Volume 203 Issue 3 Pages 1199-1207
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract As of 2017, the sale and use of the refrigerants most commonly used in automotive cooling systems – hydrofluorocarbons – are entirely banned in all new vehicles placed on the market in the European Union. These refrigerants have been recognised as potent greenhouse gases and, therefore, direct contributors to climate change. It is within this regulation-driven market that the technologies for a sustainable solution have been developed. However, this paper argues that the market for automotive cooling systems has been 'locked-in', which means that competing technologies, operating under dynamic increasing returns, will allow for one – potentially inferior technology – to dominate the market. Whilst such a situation is not uncommon, this paper discusses the way that regulation has reinforced a patented monopoly in 'picking winners': to the advantage of a synthetic chemical, R-1234yf, as opposed to the natural solution, which is CO2. By developing a generic conceptual framework of path dependence and lock-in, the presented evidence seeks to show how a snowballing effect has led to the intensification of differences in market share. We also argue that the automotive industry is potentially promoting short-term fixes, rather than long-term, sustainable and economically viable solutions. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000413886300035 Publication Date 2017-06-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0301-4797 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.01 Times cited 5 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.01
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:147374 Serial (up) 6268
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Author Compernolle, T.; Van Passel, S.; Huisman, K.; Kort, P.
Title The option to abandon : stimulating innovative groundwater remediation technologies characterized by technological uncertainty Type A1 Journal article
Year 2014 Publication Science Of The Total Environment Abbreviated Journal Sci Total Environ
Volume 496 Issue Pages 63-74
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics
Abstract Many studies on technology adoption demonstrate that uncertainty leads to a postponement of investments by integrating a wait option in the economic analysis. The aim of this study however is to demonstrate how the investment in new technologies can be stimulated by integrating an option to abandon. Furthermore, this real option analysis not only considers the ex ante decision analysis of the investment in a new technology under uncertainty, but also allows for an ex post evaluation of the investment. Based on a case study regarding the adoption of an innovative groundwater remediation strategy, it is demonstrated that when the option to abandon the innovative technology is taken into account, the decision maker decides to invest in this technology, while at the same time it determines an optimal timing to abandon the technology if its operation proves to be inefficient. To reduce uncertainty about the effectiveness of groundwater remediation technologies, samples are taken. Our analysis shows that when the initial belief in an effective innovative technology is low, it is important that these samples provide correct information in order to justify the adoption of the innovative technology. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000342245600009 Publication Date 2014-07-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0048-9697 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.9 Times cited 4 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.9; 2014 IF: 4.099
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:119931 Serial (up) 6269
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Author Thomassen, G.; Van Dael, M.; Van Passel, S.
Title The potential of microalgae biorefineries in Belgium and India : an environmental techno-economic assessment Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication Bioresource Technology Abbreviated Journal Bioresource Technol
Volume 267 Issue 267 Pages 271-280
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract This study performs an environmental techno-economic assessment (ETEA) for multiple microalgae biorefinery concepts at different locations, those being Belgium and India. The ETEA methodology, which integrates aspects of the TEA and LCA methodologies and provides a clear framework for an integrated assessment model, has been proposed and discussed. The scenario in India has a higher profitability with a NPV of (sic)40 million over a period of 10 years, while the environmental impact in Belgium is lower. The inclusion of a medium recycling step provides the best scenario from both perspectives. The crucial parameters for feasibility are the beta-caroteneprice and content, the upstream environmental impact of electricity and the maximum biomass concentration during cultivation. The identification of these parameters by the ETEA guides future technology developments and shortens the time-to-market for microalgal-based biorefineries.
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Language Wos 000441876100034 Publication Date 2018-07-10
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0960-8524 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.651 Times cited 8 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 5.651
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:153599 Serial (up) 6270
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Author Alaerts, L.; Van Acker, K.; Rousseau, S.; De Jaeger, S.; Moraga, G.; Dewulf, J.; De Meester, S.; Van Passel, S.; Compernolle, T.; Bachus, K.; Vrancken, K.; Eyckmans, J.
Title Towards a more direct policy feedback in circular economy monitoring via a societal needs perspective Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Resources, conservation and recycling Abbreviated Journal Resour Conserv Recy
Volume 149 Issue 149 Pages 363-371
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract The increasing focus on circular economy at the level of governments and policy requires the development of appropriate indicators to effectively monitor the progress towards the circular economy. Currently two very different types of indicator areas are under development: (i) monitoring frameworks based on macro indicators that summarize the progress at (supra)national level, and (ii) micro indicators tailored towards assessing circularity at the level of products. It is not possible to obtain sufficiently direct feedback about the impact of policy interventions by either macro or micro indicators alone. In this paper, a conceptual approach is developed that aims to bridge the gap between the micro and macro level with meso level indicators, and thus ultimately deliver more direct feedback for policymakers, via the insertion of an extra level of meso indicators in between the macro and the micro level. These indicators have been extracted from a dedicated workshop that involved policy, sector and societal stakeholders. The aim of these indicators is to report on progress towards circular economy objectives based on the fulfillment of societal needs. In this way the consumption perspective is given a central position, and the role of circular business models is acknowledged. Following the development of the concept, the next steps towards tailored, flexible and agile monitoring frameworks for circular economy at (supra)national and regional level are outlined. The paper concludes with an illustrative example of the framework applied to the mobility system.
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Language Wos 000483414300034 Publication Date 2019-06-21
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0921-3449 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.313 Times cited 1 Open Access
Notes ; The authors are very grateful for financial support received from the Flemish administration via the Steunpunt Circulaire Economie (Policy Research Centre Circular Economy). This publication contains the opinions of the authors, not that of the Flemish administration. The Flemish administration will not carry any liability with respect to the use that can be made of the produced data or conclusions. The authors are also grateful to the numerous stakeholders for extended discussions and comments. ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.313
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:162774 Serial (up) 6271
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Author Jeanloz, S.; Lizin, S.; Beenaerts, N.; Brouwer, R.; Van Passel, S.; Witters, N.
Title Towards a more structured selection process for attributes and levels in choice experiments : a study in a Belgian protected area Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Ecosystem Services Abbreviated Journal Ecosyst Serv
Volume 18 Issue Pages 45-57
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract The process of selecting attributes for inclusion in choice experiments frequently involves qualitative methods such as focus groups and interviews. In order for a choice experiment to be successful and the results to be valid, this qualitative selection process is essential. It often lacks rigour and is poorly described, particularly in environmental choice experiments. We propose a meticulous attribute and attribute-level selection process consisting of a scoring exercise and an interactive discussion. This paper provides a case study describing how attributes and attribute-levels were identified and selected for the National Park Hoge Kempen in Belgium. We carried out four focus groups and thirteen semi-structured interviews with various park stakeholders to select attributes from six categories: the four categories of ecosystem services (supporting, provisioning, regulating, cultural), infrastructure, and land use types. The top-ranked characteristics were nature conservation, natural forests, biodiversity refuge, wetlands, landscape variety, heathlands, air purification, and education. Both the scoring exercise and the interactive discussion contributed to the attributes selected for the CE. Following these, an ultimate expert consultation stage is recommended to approve both the attribute and attribute-level selection. The semi-qualitative protocol proposed in this paper can help practitioners and demonstrates how the results guide choice experiment design.
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Language Wos 000375213800004 Publication Date 2016-02-17
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2212-0416 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.072 Times cited 10 Open Access
Notes ; We would like to thank study informants, focus group participants and interviewees, as well as Tom Kuppens, Silvie Daniels, Janka Vanschoenwinkel and Michele Moretti of the Environmental Economics Research group of Hasselt University. Johan Van den Bosch, project leader at Regional Landschap Kempen en Maasland (RLKM), and Rolinde Demeyer from the Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO) have provided this study with valuable assistance and comments. Sarah Jeanloz was funded by the INTERREG IVB NEW program (Grant no. D1941/ 56200), Nele Witters (Grant no. 12B2913N) and Sebastien Lizin (Grant no. 12G5415N) are funded by Research Foundation- Flanders (FWD). Finally, we thank all reviewers for their constructive and insightful comments, and for their time. ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.072
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:134332 Serial (up) 6272
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Author Petitclerc, E.; Welkenhuysen, K.; Van Passel, S.; Piessens, K.; Maes, D.; Compernolle, T.
Title Towards geological-economic modelling to improve evaluating policy instruments for geothermal energy : case study for Belgium (Campine Basin) Type A3 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication European Geologist Abbreviated Journal
Volume 43 Issue Pages 10-15
Keywords A3 Journal article; Economics; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Deep geothermal energy appears to be currently on the edge of a take-off in Belgium. However, the actual emergence of this technology is subject to developments in legislation and incentives from regional governments. Different risk/return expectations across stages of the investment continuum exist and the financial structures that are employed at each stage may require different types of public support. In this context, the ALPI project aims at developing a geological-economic model to calculate the impact of different policy instruments on development of the Belgian geothermal energy sector. Due to the lack of underground information describing the Campine Basin, economic methods are used to deal with these large geological uncertainties.
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1028-267x ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:155239 Serial (up) 6273
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Author Hosseininia, G.; Rafiaani Khachak, P.; Nooripoor, M.; Van Passel, S.; Azadi, H.
Title Understanding communicational behavior among rangelands' stakeholders : application of social network analysis Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Journal Of Environmental Planning And Management Abbreviated Journal J Environ Plann Man
Volume 59 Issue 2 Pages 320-341
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Understanding communicational behavior of rangelands stakeholders is fundamental for effective development of rangeland management plans. This study aimed to understand differences between stakeholders relations among various actors involved in rangeland management using social network analysis (SNA). A survey was conducted on 334 stakeholders (89 extension agents, 110 researchers and 135 executive agents) in the Tehran province, Iran. Results showed that all the three groups of stakeholders are interested in making contact mainly within their own group. Furthermore, while the executive agents have shared the strongest technical and friendship relations with the two other groups, the extension agents established the strongest administrative interactions. The researchers, however, made a poor link especially with the extension agents. The study concluded that SNA could be an efficient tool to assess communicational behavior in rangeland management.
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000366383400008 Publication Date 2015-03-17
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0964-0568 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 1.56 Times cited 1 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 1.56
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:136755 Serial (up) 6274
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Author Merante, P.; Van Passel, S.; Pacini, C.
Title Using agro-environmental models to design a sustainable benchmark for the sustainable value method Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Agricultural Systems Abbreviated Journal Agr Syst
Volume 136 Issue Pages 1-13
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Farms contribute heavily to overall sustainability. To date, various frameworks, approaches, methods and indicators have been developed to appraise how much corporations (firms, farms) contribute to sustainability. Among these, the Sustainable Value (SV) method helps to determine by which economic entity resources should be used in order to achieve the highest contributions to sustainability, by comparing company's efficiency of capital use against the efficiency of a benchmark. In this work we argue that the SV benchmark does not include certain crucial environmental concepts, such as the carrying capacity of an ecosystem or the multiple vital functions provided by ecosystem services. Thus, it is not a suitable reference for companies to evaluate their contribution to sustainability. As an alternative benchmark to standard SV applications, we propose a farm whose resource use productivity is correlated to the fulfilment of pre-determined environmental constraints: the Environmentally Sustainable Farm (ESF). To design this farm, we created an agro-environmental farm modelling framework that includes: (i) methods and approaches to assess indicators concerning specific environmental issues; (ii) an integrated ecological-economic model based on linear programming. This farm modelling framework is employed to determine both the environmental performance and the economic returns of two farming systems, conventional (CFS) and organic (OFS), which are compared using the Sustainable Value approach. Despite the fact that the OFS environmentally outperforms the CFS, none of them reaches the sustainable performances achieved by the ESF, both performing a negative Sustainable Value. The environmental constraints forced the ESF towards management choices that, although decreasing the economic performance, increase its environmental sustainability behaviour. Hence, the ESF is a viable benchmark that can be used to evaluate llllfarms' environmental sustainability. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Language Wos 000354503000001 Publication Date 2015-02-25
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0308-521x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.571 Times cited 6 Open Access
Notes ; We wish to thank all participants to the SVAPPAS project for their inspiring contributions and challenging debates. Furthermore, we are grateful to the financial support from the 6th Framework Programme of the EU (project code: SSPECT – 2006 – DG AGRI). The authors thank the technicians Giovanna Casella and Roberto Vivoli (University of Florence) for their technical contribution. ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.571; 2015 IF: 2.906
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:127536 Serial (up) 6275
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Author Danthurebandara, M.; Van Passel, S.; Machiels, L.; Van Acker, K.
Title Valorization of thermal treatment residues in enhanced landfill mining : environmental and economic evaluation Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Journal Of Cleaner Production Abbreviated Journal J Clean Prod
Volume 99 Issue Pages 275-285
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Enhanced Landfill Mining is an innovative concept which allows the recovery of land, re-introduction of materials to the material cycles and recovery of energy from a considerably large stock of resources held in landfills. Plasma gasification is a viable candidate for combined energy and material valorization in the framework of Enhanced landfill Mining. Besides energy production, plasma gasification also delivers an environmentally stable vitrified residue called plasmastone, which can be converted into building materials. This paper presents an environmental and economic evaluation of the valorization of thermal treatment residues (plasmastone) in the context of Enhanced Landfill Mining. The most common valorization route, that is, the treatment of plasmastone via production of aggregates, is compared with two other possible, higher added value applications, which are inorganic polymer production and blended cement production. The evaluation is based on life cycle assessment and life cycle costing. The study suggests that the environmental and economic performances of the valorization routes depend mainly on the quality and quantity of the final products produced from a certain amount of plasmastone. The materials with the greatest contribution to potential global warming and to the net present value of the valorization scenarios are the process input materials of sodium silicate, sodium hydroxide and cement. The study concludes that the plasmastone valorization via inorganic polymer production yields higher environmental benefits, while the blended cement production provides higher economic profits. Plasmastone valorization via aggregates production does not yield economic or environmental benefits. Given the trade-off between environmental and economic performances, we conclude that the decisions regarding the selection of appropriate valorization routes should be made cautiously to obtain optimal environmental benefits and economic profits. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000356195000023 Publication Date 2015-03-14
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0959-6526 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.715 Times cited 17 Open Access
Notes ; The authors would like to acknowledge the funding of this study by the IWT-O&O ELFM project 'Closing the Circle & Enhanced Landfill Mining as part of the Transition to Sustainable Materials Management' and the valuable discussions with Group Machiels (Belgium). ; Approved Most recent IF: 5.715; 2015 IF: 3.844
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:127533 Serial (up) 6276
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Author Compernolle, T.; Van Passel, S.; Lebbe, L.
Title The value of groundwater modeling to support a pump and treat design Type A1 Journal article
Year 2013 Publication Groundwater monitoring & remediation Abbreviated Journal
Volume 33 Issue 3 Pages 111-118
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics
Abstract A wide range of rules, algorithms, and models are available to design an effective pump and treat remediation system. Often, one refers to the effectiveness of the developed pump and treat system to demonstrate how valuable the use of a groundwater model can be. An economic valuation of the groundwater model is usually missing. This study provides a framework that puts the discussion concerning the use of groundwater models in an economic perspective. It is not only demonstrated that a more effective pump and treat system can be designed using a groundwater model, but also the economic implications of using a groundwater model are calculated. A set of economic decision rules is applied to determine the economic value of a groundwater model. It is shown that investing in a groundwater model can be economically worthwhile. The remediation time is reduced, remediation costs are saved and the property can be sold more early. These benefits outweigh the costs of developing a groundwater model, and hence a positive net benefit (NB) is determined.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2018-03-05
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:129867 Serial (up) 6277
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Author Zarafshani, K.; Sharafi, L.; Azadi, H.; Van Passel, S.
Title Vulnerability assessment models to drought : toward a conceptual framework Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Sustainability Abbreviated Journal Sustainability-Basel
Volume 8 Issue 6 Pages 1-21
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Drought is regarded as a slow-onset natural disaster that causes inevitable damage to water resources and to farm life. Currently, crisis management is the basis of drought mitigation plans, however, thus far studies indicate that effective drought management strategies are based on risk management. As a primary tool in mitigating the impact of drought, vulnerability assessment can be used as a benchmark in drought mitigation plans and to enhance farmers ability to cope with drought. Moreover, literature pertaining to drought has focused extensively on its impact, only awarding limited attention to vulnerability assessment as a tool. Therefore, the main purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework for designing a vulnerability model in order to assess farmers level of vulnerability before, during and after the onset of drought. Use of this developed drought vulnerability model would aid disaster relief workers by enhancing the adaptive capacity of farmers when facing the impacts of drought. The paper starts with the definition of vulnerability and outlines different frameworks on vulnerability developed thus far. It then identifies various approaches of vulnerability assessment and finally offers the most appropriate model. The paper concludes that the introduced model can guide drought mitigation programs in countries that are impacted the most by drought.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000378776800084 Publication Date 2016-06-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2071-1050 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 1.789 Times cited 15 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 1.789
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:134331 Serial (up) 6278
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Author Milis, K.; Peremans, H.; Springael, J.; Van Passel, S.
Title Win-win possibilities through capacity tariffs and battery storage in microgrids Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews Abbreviated Journal Renew Sust Energ Rev
Volume 113 Issue 113 Pages 109238
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract This paper investigates the impact of capacity tariff design on microgrids. While the possible benefits for utilities of capacity tariffs are well researched, comparatively little work has been done investigating the effects of capacity pricing on prosumers. Through simulating a grid connected microgrid and solving the day-ahead dispatch problem for a calendar year, we show that a well-designed capacity tariff will not only smooth out demand profiles, but could also lead to less erratic charge/discharge cycles in a real-time pricing scenario, lessening battery degradation. These results show that a properly designed capacity tariff has the potential to be beneficial for both the utilities as well as the battery-owning prosumer. Furthermore, we propose a new, heuristic approach to solve the day-ahead economic dispatch problem, which we prove to be effective and efficient. Additionally, we demonstrate that our novel approach does not impose mathematical restrictions such as continuous differentiability of the objective function. We show that the proposed capacity tariff achieves the stated aim of promoting battery storage uptake and that our novel method allows for compression and shorter run times.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000483422600019 Publication Date 2019-07-03
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1364-0321; 1879-0690 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 8.05 Times cited 1 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 8.05
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:160566 Serial (up) 6279
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Author Van Dael, M.; Lizin, S.; Swinnen, G.; Van Passel, S.
Title Young people's acceptance of bioenergy and the influence of attitude strength on information provision Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Renewable Energy Abbreviated Journal Renew Energ
Volume 107 Issue Pages 417-430
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract This study investigated the effects of using a standardized PowerPoint lecture to provide young people with nuanced information about bioenergy. The studys aim was to understand the relationship between knowledge and participants perception of bioenergy, and the relationship of the latter to participants attitude strength and intention to use and learn about bioenergy. Data were collected from 715 participants using a survey instrument that contained mainly Likert-scale questions. Data were then processed using partial least squares structural equation modelling. Results show that providing such information increases knowledge about bioenergy, but does relatively little to create a more positive perception of bioenergy. In turn, having a more positive view about bioenergy would lead to a higher intention to use bioenergy. Attitude strength was found to mediate the previous relationship and decreases the strength of the relationship between perception and intention to use. Results also show that the lecture weakly contributed to building attitude strength, rendering opinion change less likely in the future. We conclude that listening to a lecture on bioenergy slightly improves peoples perception of bioenergy, makes it more likely that people maintain such a disposition, and translates into a slightly higher intention to use bioenergy.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000396946900036 Publication Date 2017-02-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0960-1481 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.357 Times cited 10 Open Access
Notes ; This work was supported by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO; grant number 12G5415N). The authors gratefully acknowledge Sara Leroi-Werelds (Hasselt University) for her valuable comments. ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.357
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:140683 Serial (up) 6280
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Author Srivastava, A.; Van Passel, S.; Kessels, R.; Valkering, P.; Laes, E.
Title Reducing winter peaks in electricity consumption: A choice experiment to structure demand response programs Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2020 Publication Energy Policy Abbreviated Journal Energ Policy
Volume 137 Issue Pages 111183
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM) ;
Abstract Winter peaks in Belgian electricity demand are significantly higher than the summer peaks, creating a greater potential for imbalances between demand and supply. This potential is exacerbated because of the risk of outages in its ageing nuclear power plants, which are being phased out in the medium term. This paper conducts a choice experiment to investigate the acceptability of a load control-based demand response program in the winter months. It surveys 186 respondents on their willingness to accept limits on the use of home appliances in return for a compensation. Results indicate that respondents are most affected by the days of the week that their appliance usage would be curtailed, and by the compensation they would receive. The willingness to enroll in a program increases with age, environmental consciousness, home ownership, and lower privacy concerns. The analysis predicts that 95% of the sample surveyed could enroll in a daily load control program for a compen- sation of €41 per household per year. Thus while an initial rollout among older and more pro-environment homeowners could be successful, a wider implementation would require an explanation of its environmental and financial benefits to the population, and a greater consideration of their data privacy concerns.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000515439900040 Publication Date 2019-12-13
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0301-4215 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 9 Times cited Open Access
Notes The authors gratefully acknowledge the guidance offered by the Flemish Electricity Regulatory Agency (VREG), the Flemish Department for Environment, Nature, and Energy (LNE), and Guido Pepermans in designing the experiment. We are also grateful for the translations provided by Loic De Weerdt, and the support extended by Macarena MacLean Larrain in pre-testing the experiment. Finally, Roselinde Kes- sels thanks the Flemish Research Foundation (FWO) for her postdoctoral fellowship and the JMP Division of SAS Institute for further financial support. Approved Most recent IF: 9; 2020 IF: 4.14
Call Number ENM @ enm @c:irua:167253 Serial (up) 6348
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Author Hugé, J.; Rochette, Aj.; de Béthune, S.; Parra Paitan, Cc.; Vanderhaegen, K.; Vandervelden, T.; Van Passel, S.; Vanhove, Mp.m.; Verbist, B.; Verheyen, D.; Waas, T.; Janssens, I.; Janssens de Bisthoven, L.
Title Ecosystem services assessment tools for African Biosphere Reserves: A review and user-informed classification Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2020 Publication Ecosystem Services Abbreviated Journal Ecosyst Serv
Volume 42 Issue Pages 101079
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM) ;
Abstract While the concept of ecosystem services which links biodiversity to human wellbeing, is by now well-known, its translation into actual management decisions is still uneven. African Biosphere Reserves, which are to be living labs for sustainable development, embody the idea of synergies between people and nature. Gaining knowledge about the provision, the use and the trends of ecosystem services in these reserves is essential to ensure their global change-proof management. The diversity of rapidly evolving ecosystem services assessment tools requires a systematic and informed selection, in order to ensure that prospective tool users select the most adequate tool, aligned to their needs and context. Based on a Delphi survey of future tool users, and on a review of ecosystem services assessment tools, we propose guidance to users to select the most suited tool based on the context of African Biosphere Reserves, and on tool requirements regarding data input, necessary skills, outputs and types of ecosystem services addressed. The use of the Delphi survey and the focus on African Biosphere Reserves are new elements that contribute to the theory and practice of ecosystem services assessment.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000522223700008 Publication Date 2020-03-19
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2212-0416 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 7.6 Times cited Open Access
Notes The authors wish to thank all Delphi participants. The authors ac- knowledge the financial support of the UNESCO MAB Programme and the Belgian Science Policy, within the frame of the EVAMAB project; the Belgian Development Cooperation for its support to CEBioS; the KLIMOS Acropolis Research Platform funded by the Flemish Inter- University Council – University Development Cooperation VLIR UOS; the Global Minds Post-Doctoral Fellowship Program of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel and VLIR UOS. This manuscript is one of the out- puts of Work Package 1 of the EVAMAB Project (Economic valuation of ecosystem services in Biosphere Reserves: testing effective rapid as- sessment methods in selected African Biosphere Reserves). Approved Most recent IF: 7.6; 2020 IF: 4.072
Call Number ENM @ enm @c:irua:167256 Serial (up) 6349
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Author Vanschoenwinkel, J.; Moretti, M.; Van Passel, S.
Title The effect of policy leveraging climate change adaptive capacity in agriculture Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2020 Publication European Review Of Agricultural Economics Abbreviated Journal Eur Rev Agric Econ
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Agricultural adaptation to climate change is indispensable. However, the degree of adaptation depends on adaptive capacity levels and it only takes place if the appropriate resources are present. Cross-sectional climate response models ignore this requirement. This paper adapts the Ricardian method to control for a generic territorial adaptive capacity index. The results for a sample of over 60.000 European farms show a significant non-linear positive relationship between adaptive capacity and climate responsiveness and that some regions in Europe can increase their climate responsiveness significantly. This confirms that improvement of adaptive capacity is an important policy tool to enhance adaptation.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000558982300007 Publication Date 2019-03-14
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0165-1587 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.4 Times cited Open Access
Notes This paper was supported by the Horizon 2020 project SUFISA (Grant Agreement No. 635577). Approved Most recent IF: 3.4; 2020 IF: 1.6
Call Number ENM @ enm @c:irua:167258 Serial (up) 6350
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Author Bjørnåvold, A.; Lizin, S.; Van Dael, M.; Arnold, F.; Van Passel, S.
Title Eliciting policymakers’ preferences for technologies to decarbonise transport: A discrete choice experiment Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2020 Publication Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions Abbreviated Journal Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions
Volume 35 Issue Pages 21-34
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM) ;
Abstract Socio-technical transitions are often hindered by the resilience of existing infrastructures, as policymakers are reluctant to invest in novel products or services. Using the example of carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) based fuels, we set up a discrete choice experiment to assess whether European policymakers have a tendency to avoid investing in novel, and more disruptive technologies, and rather prefer to invest in technologies that resemble the incumbent. Results indicate that policymakers prefer to allocate funding to dominant technologies. The results also revealed an overall positive perception of CCU technologies among policymakers. As the commercialisation of such products and processes continues, acceptance among this group of stakeholders is key.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000540750600002 Publication Date 2020-02-14
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2210-4224 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 7.2 Times cited Open Access
Notes The authors would like to express their thanks to the participants that took part in this study. Financial support from the Flemish University Research Fund (BOF) (for Amalie Bjørnåvold) and the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) Postdoctoral Grant 12G5418N (for Sebastien Lizin) is gratefully acknowledged. The authors have no competing interests to declare. Approved Most recent IF: 7.2; 2020 IF: NA
Call Number ENM @ enm @c:irua:167254 Serial (up) 6351
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Author De Weerdt, L.; Sasao, T.; Compernolle, T.; Van Passel, S.; De Jaeger, S.
Title The effect of waste incineration taxation on industrial plastic waste generation: A panel analysis Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2020 Publication Resources Conservation And Recycling Abbreviated Journal Resour Conserv Recy
Volume 157 Issue Pages 104717
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM) ;
Abstract Waste treatment taxation is a popular policy instrument in many European countries and regions. Its impact on household waste has extensively been researched. However, only little research exists which looks into the impact of waste treatment taxation on industrial waste generation. Nevertheless, industrial waste constitutes more than ninety percent of waste generated in the European Union. This study assesses the impact of an incineration tax on the generation of industrial plastic waste in Flanders, Belgium. We conduct different types of econometrical panel analyzes and provide statistical evidence that firms show lagged behavior, which means that the previous year’s waste generation partly determines the current year’s. The dynamic panel estimations show robust results, indicating that a growth of incineration taxes exert significant negative effects on the growth of industrial plastic waste generation. This result offers no argument to iteratively raise incineration taxes. We conclude that incineration taxation is meaningful if tax rates are set according to the prevailing market conditions, i.e. taking into account the marginal costs of alternatives for incineration. In the short run, the effectiveness of taxation will quickly diminish due to the rapidly rising marginal costs of waste reduction. In the long run, extra recycling capacity is needed to recycle the minimized waste fraction. The role of taxation in the long run is to maintain an equilibrium in which recycling is preferred by the market.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000540606400023 Publication Date 2020-02-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0921-3449 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 13.2 Times cited Open Access
Notes Flemish Circular Economy Policy Research Centre; Research Foundation Flanders, 12M7417N ; Approved Most recent IF: 13.2; 2020 IF: 3.313
Call Number ENM @ enm @c:irua:167590 Serial (up) 6352
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Author Zewdie, M.C.; Van Passel, S.; Moretti, M.; Annys, S.; Tenessa, D.B.; Ayele, Z.A.; Tsegaye, E.A.; Cools, J.; Minale, A.S.; Nyssen, J.
Title Pathways how irrigation water affects crop revenue of smallholder farmers in northwest Ethiopia: A mixed approach Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Agricultural Water Management Abbreviated Journal Agr Water Manage
Volume 233 Issue Pages 106101
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract The relationship between irrigation water availability and crop revenue is multifaceted. However, most of the previous studies focused only on the direct effect of irrigation water on crop revenue or considered that the indirect effect passes only through the farmers’ improved farm inputs usage. Nevertheless, unlike previous studies, this study argues that a one-sided argument that irrigation water directly causes high crop revenue or indirectly affects crop revenue only via the farmers’ improved farm inputs usage is incomplete, as irrigation water not only directly contributes to crop revenue but also indirectly conduces to crop revenue via both the type of crops produced and the farmers’ improved farm inputs usage. Considering the previous studies’ limitations, this study investigates pathways how small-scale irrigation water affects crop revenue and identifies challenges of small-scale irrigation farming in Fogera district, Ethiopia. Results endorsed that irrigation water has both direct and indirect effects on crop revenue. The indirect effect is 67 percent of the total effect and it is mediated by both the type of crops produced and farmers’ improved farm inputs usage. The result also indicated that irrigation user farmers have a higher income, more livestock assets and resources and better food, housing, and cloths than the non-users. Moreover, challenges related to agricultural output and input market were identified as the most severe problem followed by crop disease. The findings of our study suggest that to utilize the benefits of irrigation water properly, it is crucial to encourage farmers to use more improved farm inputs and to shift from staple to cash crop production. Moreover, farmers are frequently exposed to cheating by illegal brokers in the output market, therefore it is also important to increase farmers’ accessibility to output and input markets, the quality of improved farm inputs, and the bargaining power of farmers with market information.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000525291200025 Publication Date 2020-02-29
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0378-3774 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.7 Times cited Open Access
Notes Bahir Dar University – Institutional University Cooperation; Approved Most recent IF: 6.7; 2020 IF: 2.848
Call Number ENM @ enm @c:irua:167592 Serial (up) 6353
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Author Rafiaani, P.; Dikopoulou, Z.; Van Dael, M.; Kuppens, T.; Azadi, H.; Lebailly, P.; Van Passel, S.
Title Identifying Social Indicators for Sustainability Assessment of CCU Technologies: A Modified Multi-criteria Decision Making Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2020 Publication Social Indicators Research Abbreviated Journal Soc Indic Res
Volume 147 Issue 1 Pages 15-44
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM) ;
Abstract Carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies capture CO2 waste emissions and utilize them to generate new products (such as fuels, chemicals, and materials) with various environmental, economic, and social opportunities. As most of these CCU technologies are in the R&D stage, their technical and economic viability are examined with less attention to the social aspect which is an important pillar for a holistic sustainability assessment. The lack of systematic social impact research is mainly due to the difficulty of identifying and quantifying social aspects through the entire life cycle of products. We will fill this gap for CCU technologies and identify the main social indicators. A multi-criteria decision making tool: TOPSIS (technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution) was applied to empirically determine which indicators are more relevant for assessing the social impact of a company operating CCU activities within a European context. First, seeing that social impact categories are linked to key stakeholder groups, we considered workers, consumers, and local communities as relevant stakeholders. Second, the main social impact categories and their potential performance indicators associated to each group of stakeholders were listed using the United Nations Environment Program/Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (UNEP/SETAC) guidelines. In the third step, an online questionnaire was distributed to identify the main social categories and indicators for CCU, to which 33 European CCU experts responded. Finally, a modified TOPSIS was applied to rank the indicators based on their relevance. We found that the indicators related to “end of life responsibility” and “transparency” within a CCU company achieved the highest rank affecting the consumers group, whereas “fair salary” and “equal opportunities/discriminations” were determined as the most relevant impact categories for the workers. For the local community group, “secure living conditions” and “local employment” received the highest priority from the experts’ point of view. Furthermore, “health and safety” considerations were identified as one of the most important criteria affecting all three groups of stakeholders. The ranking list of the main social indicators identified in our study provides the basis for the next steps in the social sustainability assessment of CCU technologies; that is, data collection and impact assessment. Our outcomes can also be used to inform the producers regarding the most and least relevant social aspects of CCU so that the potential social impacts caused by their production activities can be improved or prevented.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000511863600002 Publication Date 2019-07-06
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0303-8300 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 1.743 Times cited Open Access
Notes We would also like to thank James Morrison from the JamesEdits agency for proof reading and editing the article. Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number ENM @ enm @c:irua:166591 Serial (up) 6354
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Author Maes, D.; Vancauteren, M.; Van Passel, S.
Title Investigating market power in the Belgian pork production chain Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2019 Publication Review of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Studies Abbreviated Journal Rev Agric Food Environ Stud
Volume 100 Issue 1-4 Pages 93-117
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM) ;
Abstract Belgian pork production has faced stagnating prices for decades. It remains unclear whether excessive market power from slaughterhouses or meat retailers has played a role in this trend. While market power studies can reveal some of the market dynamics in this setting, this type of research has not yet been applied to the Belgian pork market. The present paper investigates oligopolies and oligopsonies in the pork production sector. We build a new model that focuses on market power dynamics in the market for live pigs and distinguishes horizontal and vertical market power parameters, both for pig farmers and for slaughterhouses. The results follow from an empirical application using unique slaughterhouse data for 2001–2015. The results indicate that the farmers benefit from a significant power advantage in the live pig market, when very modest price demands are taken as a reference. The final market price of live pigs approaches the price requested by the farmers. On the other hand, the measured vertical market power also suggests that a pig farmer does not receive the (modest) full-wage-based salary. The market power of the slaughterhouses is also limited. Market power as a result of collusion—that is, horizontal market power—is present, but is not strong. However, there are significant differences between the slaughterhouses in terms of mark-up on the input prices. These differences reflect differences in company strategy, and this diversity further reduces the possibility to create sector-wide collusive behaviour.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2019-11-27
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2425-6870 ISBN Additional Links
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes H2020 Food, 635577 ; TUL Impuls (transnational university Limburg) Interuniversity fund; Approved no
Call Number ENM @ enm @ Serial (up) 6377
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Author Jamshidi, O.; Asadi, A.; Kalantari, K.; Movahhed Moghaddam, S.; Dadrass Javan, F.; Azadi, H.; Van Passel, S.; Witlox, F.
Title Adaptive capacity of smallholder farmers toward climate change: evidence from Hamadan province in Iran Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2020 Publication Climate And Development Abbreviated Journal Clim Dev
Volume Issue Pages 1-11
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Adaptive capacity; cross sectional survey; socio-economic variables; adaptation strategies; Hamadan province; Engineering Management (ENM) ;
Abstract The global climate is changing, and farmers must increase their adaptive capacity to avoid negative impacts. This study aimed to examine the adaptive capacity of farmers’ household to tolerate climate changes and identify factors affecting the climate in Hamadan province, Iran. The adaptive capacity was evaluated quantitatively by using 23 indicators and was categorized into high, moderate, low, and very low adaptive capacity. The study was based on a cross sectional survey and was conducted with a random sample of 280 household farmers distributed in five counties of Hamadan province in the west of the country whose climatic data revealed signs of climate change. The result showed that farmers’ negative perception toward climate change generally increases during dry seasons and decreases when the precipitation and water resources are more available. Regarding the available information, only 15% of farmers had a high level of adaptive capacity, while 10% of them were highly adapted, and 27.5% showed a very low level of adaptive capacity. Adaptive capacity in the current study was influenced by some socio-economic variables including total farm size, irrigated farm size, number of agricultural land plots, and perception and knowledge of climate change.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000509193400001 Publication Date 2020-01-25
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1756-5529 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.051 Times cited Open Access
Notes The authors appreciate the comments of the anonymous reviewers and would like to thank them for their constructive feedback. Frank Witlox acknowledges funding received from the Estonian Research Council (PUT PRG306). Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number ENM @ enm @c:irua:166572 Serial (up) 6378
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Author Sebhatu, K.T.; Gezahegn, T.W.; Berhanu, T.; Maertens, M.; Van Passel, S.; D’Haese, M.
Title Conflict, fraud, and distrust in Ethiopian agricultural cooperatives Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2020 Publication Journal of Co-operative Organization and Management Abbreviated Journal Journal of Co-operative Organization and Management
Volume 8 Issue 1 Pages 100106
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Agricultural cooperatives; Cooperative size; Conflict; Fraud; Distrust; Ethiopia; Engineering Management (ENM) ;
Abstract Agricultural cooperatives are seen as an efficient way for smallholder farmers to create bargaining power in order to achieve poverty reduction and food security. However, the success of these cooperatives depends on their ability to maintain their social capital, which is at the core of collective action. A few studies have addressed issues of member participation, commitment, and trust, yet less is known about rural cooperatives in developing countries as a social organization. It is also unclear whether a relationship exists between cooperative size and the incidence of conflict, fraud, and distrust. Using unique data collected from 511 agricultural cooperatives in 12 districts of Tigray region in northern Ethiopia, this paper examines the effects of cooperative size on conflict, fraud, and distrust. We used instrumental variables (IV) probit estimation techniques, accounting for endogeneity of membership size, to confirm that cooperative size does affect the occurrence of conflict, fraud, and trust. The results also indicate that other influencing factors include: cooperative age, number of employees, payment of dividends based on transaction volume, and heterogeneity of member goals.
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Language Wos 000536594400001 Publication Date 2020-04-28
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ISSN 2213297X ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
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Notes The authors would like to thank the office of the twelve districts, facilitators and Cooperative Promotion Agency staff for their collaboration in facilitating the field survey, most of all the chair- and vice-chairpersons of the study Agricultural Cooperatives who had to respond to all our questions with seriousness and patience. Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number ENM @ enm @c:irua:170073 Serial (up) 6379
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