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Author Clavel, J.; Lembrechts, J.; Lenoir, J.; Haider, S.; McDougall, K.; Nunez, M.A.; Alexander, J.; Barros, A.; Milbau, A.; Seipel, T.; Pauchard, A.; Fuentes-Lillo, E.; Backes, A.R.; Dar, P.; Reshi, Z.A.; Aleksanyan, A.; Zong, S.; Sierra, J.R.A.; Aschero, V.; Verbruggen, E.; Nijs, I.
Title Roadside disturbance promotes plant communities with arbuscular mycorrhizal associations in mountain regions worldwide Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Ecography Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages e07051-14
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plant and Ecosystems (PLECO) – Ecology in a time of change
Abstract We assessed the impact of road disturbances on the dominant mycorrhizal types in ecosystems at the global level and how this mechanism can potentially lead to lasting plant community changes. We used a database of coordinated plant community surveys following mountain roads from 894 plots in 11 mountain regions across the globe in combination with an existing database of mycorrhizal-plant associations in order to approximate the relative abundance of mycorrhizal types in natural and disturbed environments. Our findings show that roadside disturbance promotes the cover of plants associated with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. This effect is especially strong in colder mountain environments and in mountain regions where plant communities are dominated by ectomycorrhizal (EcM) or ericoid-mycorrhizal (ErM) associations. Furthermore, non-native plant species, which we confirmed to be mostly AM plants, are more successful in environments dominated by AM associations. These biogeographical patterns suggest that changes in mycorrhizal types could be a crucial factor in the worldwide impact of anthropogenic disturbances on mountain ecosystems. Indeed, roadsides foster AM-dominated systems, where AM-fungi might aid AM-associated plant species while potentially reducing the biotic resistance against invasive non-native species, often also associated with AM networks. Restoration efforts in mountain ecosystems will have to contend with changes in the fundamental make-up of EcM- and ErM plant communities induced by roadside disturbance.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001198654900001 Publication Date 2024-04-09
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue (down) Edition
ISSN 0906-7590 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 5.9 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.9; 2024 IF: 4.902
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:205605 Serial 9224
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Author Kummamuru, N.B.; Ciocarlan, R.-G.; Houlleberghs, M.; Martens, J.; Breynaert, E.; Verbruggen, S.W.; Cool, P.; Perreault, P.
Title Surface modification of mesostructured cellular foam to enhance hydrogen storage in binary THF/H₂ clathrate hydrate Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Sustainable energy & fuels Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-15
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Abstract This study introduces solid-state tuning of a mesostructured cellular foam (MCF) to enhance hydrogen (H-2) storage in clathrate hydrates. Grafting of promoter-like molecules (e.g., tetrahydrofuran) at the internal surface of the MCF resulted in a substantial improvement in the kinetics of formation of binary H-2-THF clathrate hydrate. Identification of the confined hydrate as sII clathrate hydrate and enclathration of H-2 in its small cages was performed using XRD and high-pressure H-1 NMR spectroscopy respectively. Experimental findings show that modified MCF materials exhibit a similar to 1.3 times higher H-2 storage capacity as compared to non-modified MCF under the same conditions (7 MPa, 265 K, 100% pore volume saturation with a 5.56 mol% THF solution). The enhancement in H-2 storage is attributed to the hydrophobicity originating from grafting organic molecules onto pristine MCF, thereby influencing water interactions and fostering an environment conducive to H-2 enclathration. Gas uptake curves indicate an optimal tuning point for higher H-2 storage, favoring a lower density of carbon per nm(2). Furthermore, a direct correlation emerges between higher driving forces and increased H-2 storage capacity, culminating at 0.52 wt% (46.77 mmoles of H-2 per mole of H2O and 39.78% water-to-hydrate conversions) at 262 K for the modified MCF material with fewer carbons per nm(2). Notably, the substantial H-2 storage capacity achieved without energy-intensive processes underscores solid-state tuning's potential for H-2 storage in the synthesized hydrates. This study evaluated two distinct kinetic models to describe hydrate growth in MCF. The multistage kinetic model showed better predictive capabilities for experimental data and maintained a low average absolute deviation. This research provides valuable insights into augmenting H-2 storage capabilities and holds promising implications for future advancements.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001208396000001 Publication Date 2024-04-15
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue (down) 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:205764 Serial 9232
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Author Finizola e Silva, M.; Cools, J.; Cools, J.; Van Passel, S.
Title A systematic review identifying the drivers and barriers to the adoption of climate-smart agriculture by smallholder farmers in Africa Type Administrative Services
Year 2024 Publication Frontiers in environmental economics Abbreviated Journal
Volume 3 Issue Pages 1356335-14
Keywords Administrative Services; A3 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Climate change impact, food security concerns, and greenhouse gas emissions are pressuring agricultural production systems in developing countries. There is a need for a shift toward sustainable food systems. One of the concepts introduced to drive this shift is climate-smart agriculture (CSA), endorsed by international organizations to address multifaceted challenges. Despite widespread attention and support, the adoption of CSA among African farmers remains low. This systematic literature review aims to shed light on the factors influencing CSA adoption amongst African farmers. Within the articles identified as relevant, over 50 CSA practices and more than 40 factors influencing CSA adoption were distinguished. These influencing factors can be categorized as personal, farm- related, financial, environmental, and informational. The focus of this review is to identify and explain the overall impact (positive, negative, or mixed) of these factors on CSA adoption. Overall, many factors result in mixed effects, only some factors have an unambiguous positive or negative effect on CSA adoption. For instance, educational level emerges as a key personal factor, positively impacting CSA adoption, along with positive influences from farmers’ experience and farm size among farm-related factors. Financial factors reveal distinct patterns, with income from farming and access to credit positively influencing adoption, while off-farm income exhibits a negative effect. Environmental factors, though less researched, indicate positive impacts related to changes in rainfall patterns, temperature, and droughts. Lastly, informational factors consistently exhibit a positive effect on CSA adoption, with training, access to extension, group memberships, climate information, and CSA awareness playing crucial roles. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers seeking to enhance CSA adoption in Africa, offering a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted dynamics at play.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2024-04-03
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue (down) 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:205017 Serial 9233
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Author Tschulkow, M.; Pizzol, M.; Compernolle, T.; Van den Bosch, S.; Sels, B.; Van Passel, S.
Title The environmental impacts of the lignin-first biorefineries : a consequential life cycle assessment approach Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Resources, conservation and recycling Abbreviated Journal
Volume 204 Issue Pages 107466-107469
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract The emerging reductive catalytic fractionation biorefinery which is currently under development aims to convert woody biomass efficiently into high-value products. Despite its potential, the environmental consequences of its implementation are not well known. Therefore, a forward-looking consequential life cycle assessment examines greenhouse gas emissions associated with its products (pulp, phenolic monomers, and oligomers) compared to alternative market options. Findings indicate that current greenhouse gas emissions exceed those of the existing alternatives, with by-products and the gaseous waste stream as major contributors. Process adaption to (i) produce higher-valued products (bleached pulps, phenols, and propylene) and (ii) incinerate gaseous waste stream for energy are proposed, potentially reducing emissions by up to 50 %, outperforming alternative options. Compared to land-based transportation, waterways can increase feedstock availability by up to 1000 km without an increase in emissions. In conclusion, the consequential approach provides valuable insights for enhancing and optimizing the environmental performance of the process.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001186282000001 Publication Date 2024-02-14
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue (down) Edition
ISSN 0921-3449 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 13.2 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 13.2; 2024 IF: 3.313
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:205493 Serial 9234
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Author Van Oijstaeijen, W.; Finizola e Silva, M.; Back, P.; Collins, A.; Verheyen, K.; De Beelde, R.; Cools, J.; Van Passel, S.
Title The Nature Smart Cities business model : a rapid decision-support and scenario analysis tool to reveal the multi-benefits of green infrastructure investments Type Administrative Services
Year 2023 Publication Urban forestry & urban greening Abbreviated Journal
Volume 84 Issue Pages 127923-14
Keywords Administrative Services; A1 Journal article; Art; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Incorporating natural spaces within urban areas has been shown to have multiple benefits. However, despite greening and adaptation strategies at different levels of government, progress remains slow with a lack of easy to use and comprehensive tools identified as key to overcoming this. This paper presents a co-designed tool with academic and local authority partners to demonstrate the ecosystem service benefits of small-scale urban green infrastructure projects. Through the tool, users can readily assess the impact of green infrastructure investments on the delivery of a selection of ecosystem services in the early stages of a project. Furthermore, the tool provides a standardised assessment of cultural ecosystem services' contributions, as well as offering a method to score spatial designs on the impact on habitat for biodiversity. Use of the tool is demonstrated using a pilot study in Kapelle, the Netherlands. The results set out an overview of the impacts of the spatial design on estimated ecosystem service delivery. They also show the tool's potential to add value in early project stages and as a planning and design tool, helping to maximise the benefits that can be achieved through green infrastructure design. Complementing these arguments with ball-park estimations on green infrastructure costs, the Nature Smart Cities Business Model aims to offer public sector officers the means to create a business case for green infrastructure measures, facilitating the translation from strategies to actual plans, thus benefitting green infrastructure implementation in the public realm.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000982199900001 Publication Date 2023-04-11
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue (down) Edition
ISSN 1618-8667 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.4 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 6.4; 2023 IF: 2.113
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:196748 Serial 9235
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Author Bjørnåvold, A.; David, M.; Mermet-Bijon, V.; Beaumais, O.; Crastes dit Sourd, R.; Van Passel, S.; Martinet, V.
Title To tax or to ban? A discrete choice experiment to elicit public preferences for phasing out glyphosate use in agriculture Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication PLoS ONE Abbreviated Journal
Volume 18 Issue 3 Pages 1-12
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract In 2023, the European Union will vote on the reauthorization of glyphosate use, renewed in 2017 despite concern on impacts on the environment and public health. A ban is supported by several Member States but rejected by most farmers. What are citizens’ preferences to phase out glyphosate? To assess whether taxation could be an alternative to a ban, we conducted a discrete choice experiment in five European countries. Our results reveal that the general public is strongly willing to pay for a reduction in glyphosate use. However, while 75.5% of respondents stated to support a ban in the pre-experimental survey, experimental results reveal that in 73.35% of cases, earmarked taxation schemes are preferred when they lead to a strong reduction in glyphosate use for an increase in food price lower than that induced by a ban. When glyphosate reduction is balanced against its costs, a tax may be preferred.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000985134400084 Publication Date 2023-03-16
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue (down) Edition
ISSN 1932-6203 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.7 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.7; 2023 IF: 2.806
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:196999 Serial 9236
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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
Volume Issue 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 Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001126500500006 Publication Date 2023-12-19
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue (down) Edition
ISSN 1387-585x; 1573-2975 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 4.9 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.9; 2023 IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202804 Serial 9238
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Author Gios, E.; Verbruggen, E.; Audet, J.; Burns, R.; Butterbach-Bahl, K.; Espenberg, M.; Fritz, C.; Glatzel, S.; Jurasinski, G.; Larmola, T.; Mander, U.; Nielsen, C.; Rodriguez, A.F.; Scheer, C.; Zak, D.; Silvennoinen, H.M.
Title Unraveling microbial processes involved in carbon and nitrogen cycling and greenhouse gas emissions in rewetted peatlands by molecular biology Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Biogeochemistry Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plant and Ecosystems (PLECO) – Ecology in a time of change
Abstract Restoration of drained peatlands through rewetting has recently emerged as a prevailing strategy to mitigate excessive greenhouse gas emissions and re-establish the vital carbon sequestration capacity of peatlands. Rewetting can help to restore vegetation communities and biodiversity, while still allowing for extensive agricultural management such as paludiculture. Belowground processes governing carbon fluxes and greenhouse gas dynamics are mediated by a complex network of microbial communities and processes. Our understanding of this complexity and its multi-factorial controls in rewetted peatlands is limited. Here, we summarize the research regarding the role of soil microbial communities and functions in driving carbon and nutrient cycling in rewetted peatlands including the use of molecular biology techniques in understanding biogeochemical processes linked to greenhouse gas fluxes. We emphasize that rapidly advancing molecular biology approaches, such as high-throughput sequencing, are powerful tools helping to elucidate the dynamics of key biogeochemical processes when combined with isotope tracing and greenhouse gas measuring techniques. Insights gained from the gathered studies can help inform efficient monitoring practices for rewetted peatlands and the development of climate-smart restoration and management strategies.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001185747700001 Publication Date 2024-03-16
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue (down) Edition
ISSN 0168-2563; 1573-515x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4; 2024 IF: 3.428
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:204875 Serial 9239
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Author Borms, L.; Multani, M.; Bachus, K.; Dams, Y.; Brusselaers, J.; Van Passel, S.
Title Using natural language processing to monitor circular activities and employment Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Sustainable Production and Consumption Abbreviated Journal
Volume 46 Issue Pages 42-53
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM); Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy
Abstract In Europe, NACE codes are used for the official classification of sectors, however, the circular economy is not sufficiently captured in this classification. Therefore, this paper improves previous attempts for defining circular activities and jobs by web scraping techniques applied to each company in Belgium. We analyze their first, second, and third official NACE codes and compare these to the NACE codes they should have been allocated to according to the web scraping data. Subsequently, we calculate circularity scores for every sector to construct an indicator for the number of circular companies and jobs. The results show that the number of circular companies is lower than the baseline from official statistics when we only consider the companies' first and main NACE code. The estimates are higher than the baseline when we also take the second and third NACE codes into account and the estimated number of circular jobs is far higher than the baseline. This research upgrades previous classifications of circular sectors and demonstrates how web scraping and novel data might improve our understanding and capacity to build data. Based on the results in this paper, we recommend a uniform data collection such as reporting standards, and an inclusion of all circular strategies in sectoral classifications.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001198897900001 Publication Date 2024-02-15
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue (down) Edition
ISSN 2352-5509 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 12.1 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 12.1; 2024 IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:204552 Serial 9241
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Author Vanden Abeele, M.M.P.; Vandebosch, H.; Koster, E.H.W.; De Leyn, T.; Van Gaeveren, K.; de Segovia Vicente, D.; Van Bruyssel, S.; van Timmeren, T.; De Marez, L.; Poels, K.; DeSmet, A.; De Wever, B.; Verbruggen, M.; Baillien, E.
Title Why, how, when, and for whom does digital disconnection work? A process-based framework of digital disconnection Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Communication theory Abbreviated Journal
Volume 34 Issue 1 Pages 3-17
Keywords A1 Journal article; Mass communications; Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)
Abstract Digital disconnection has emerged as a concept describing the actions people take to limit their digital connectivity to enhance their well-being. To date, evidence on its effectiveness is mixed, leading to calls for greater consideration of why, how, when, and for whom digital disconnection works. This article responds to these calls, presenting a framework that differentiates four key harms that contribute to experiences of digital ill-being (time displacement, interference, role blurring, and exposure effects). Using these four harms as a starting point, the framework explains: (1) why people are motivated to digitally disconnect; (2) how specific disconnection strategies (i.e., placing limits on time, access, channels, and contents, interactions and features) may help them; and for whom (3) and under which conditions (when) these strategies can be effective.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001154547700001 Publication Date 2024-02-01
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue (down) Edition
ISSN 1050-3293; 1468-2885 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:203874 Serial 9245
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