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Author Thomassen, G.; Van Dael, M.; Van Passel, S.
Title (up) 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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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000441876100034 Publication Date 2018-07-10
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0960-8524 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.651 Times cited 8 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 5.651
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:153599 Serial 6270
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Author Ang, F.; Van Passel, S.
Title (up) The sustainable value approach : a clarifying and constructive comment Type A1 Journal article
Year 2010 Publication Ecological Economics Abbreviated Journal Ecol Econ
Volume 69 Issue 12 Pages 2303-2306
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics
Abstract Recently, the original benchmarking methodology of the Sustainable Value approach became subjected to serious debate. While Kuosmanen and Kuosmanen (2009b) critically question its validity introducing productive efficiency theory, Figge and Hahn (2009) put forward that the implementation of productive efficiency theory severely conflicts with the original financial economics perspective of the Sustainable Value approach. We argue that the debate is very confusing because the original Sustainable Value approach presents two largely incompatible objectives. Nevertheless, we maintain that both ways of benchmarking could provide useful and moreover complementary insights. If one intends to present the overall resource efficiency of the firm from the investor's viewpoint, we recommend the original benchmarking methodology. If one on the other hand aspires to create a prescriptive tool setting up some sort of reallocation scheme, we advocate implementation of the productive efficiency theory. Although the discussion on benchmark application is certainly substantial, we should avoid the debate to become accordingly narrowed. Next to the benchmark concern, we see several other challenges considering the development of the Sustainable Value approach: (1) a more systematic resource selection, (2) the inclusion of the value chain and (3) additional analyses related to policy in order to increase interpretative power.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000283700900001 Publication Date 2010-07-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0921-8009; 1873-6106 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.965 Times cited 18 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.965; 2010 IF: 2.754
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:136760 Serial 6258
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Author Compernolle, T.; Van Passel, S.; Lebbe, L.
Title (up) 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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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2018-03-05
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:129867 Serial 6277
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Author Borms, L.; Van Opstal, W.; Brusselaers, J.; Van Passel, S.
Title (up) The working future : an analysis of skills needed by circular startups Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Journal of cleaner production Abbreviated Journal
Volume 409 Issue Pages 137261-137269
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Aside from potential environmental benefits, the implementation of circular economy principles in businesses can have merits for the labour market. The current unemployment in several regions of Europe and the qualitative mismatch between supply and demand could be countered by reskilling the labour force to adjust supply and demand to one another for increased reuse, repair, or recycling, among others. This study uses interviews to increase the focus of the research question and uses survey data to perform an ordered probit regression analysis to sketch the current and future landscape of startups’ skills in Flanders (Belgium), and to analyse the relationship between circular strategies and different types of skills. The results show that design to lower material use increases the need for transport and logistics skills, digitalisation increases the need for R&D and IT skills, and the recuperation of waste requires technical knowledge. Furthermore, gender, age, and experience of the entrepreneur influence the needed skills. The paper probed for policy recommendations for the uptake of circular strategies and recommendations for future research. The most asked policy measures by the respondents are innovation and collaboration support (subsidies), fiscal measures that support circular goods and services, and public procurement for circular goods and services. This research is of relevance for several stakeholders, such as startup ecosystems, sector organisations, policy makers in innovation policy and labour market policy, and educational institutions.
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000988763400001 Publication Date 2023-04-21
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 11.1 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 11.1; 2023 IF: 5.715
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:195706 Serial 9246
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Author Bjørnåvold, A.; David, M.; Mermet-Bijon, V.; Beaumais, O.; Crastes dit Sourd, R.; Van Passel, S.; Martinet, V.
Title (up) 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.
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000985134400084 Publication Date 2023-03-16
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1932-6203 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.7 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.7; 2023 IF: 2.806
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:196999 Serial 9236
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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 (up) 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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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
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 6271
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Author Jeanloz, S.; Lizin, S.; Beenaerts, N.; Brouwer, R.; Van Passel, S.; Witters, N.
Title (up) 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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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
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 6272
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Author Petitclerc, E.; Welkenhuysen, K.; Van Passel, S.; Piessens, K.; Maes, D.; Compernolle, T.
Title (up) 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 6273
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Author Zhang, Y.; Sahoo, P.K.; Ren, P.; Qin, Y.; Cauwenbergh, R.; Nimmegeers, P.; Gandhi, S.R.; Van Passel, S.; Guidetti, A.; Das, S.
Title (up) Transition metal-free approach for the late-stage benzylic C(sp3)-H etherifications and esterifications Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Chemical Communications Abbreviated Journal Chem Commun
Volume 58 Issue 81 Pages 11454-11457
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM); Organic synthesis (ORSY); Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS)
Abstract Herein, we report a transition metal-free approach for the regioselective functionalisation of benzylic C(sp3)-H bonds using alcohols and carboxylic acids as the nucleophiles. This approach provides a straightforward route for the synthesis of various benzylic ethers and esters to provide a wide generality of this system. Expediently, twelve pharmaceutically relevant compounds have been synthesized using this strategy.
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000857171200001 Publication Date 2022-09-05
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1359-7345; 1364-548x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.9 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.9
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:190191 Serial 7372
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Author Admasu, W.F.; Boerema, A.; Nyssen, J.; Minale, A.S.; Tsegaye, E.A.; Van Passel, S.
Title (up) Uncovering ecosystem services of expropriated land : the case of urban expansion in Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Land Abbreviated Journal
Volume 9 Issue 10 Pages 395-20
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM); Ecosystem Management
Abstract In Ethiopia, urban expansion happens at high rates and results in land expropriations often at the cost of agriculture and forests. The process of urban expansion does not include assessment of ecosystem services (ES). This has been causing unintended environmental problems. This study aims to uncover ES of three most important land use types (cropland, agroforestry, and grassland) that are threatened by land expropriation for urban expansion in Bahir Dar City. The study applied a participatory approach using community perception and expert judgments (N = 108). Respondents were asked to locate their perceptions on the use of 35 different ES, and then to evaluate the potential of the land use. Respondents were shown to have the ability to differentiate between ES and land use in terms of their potential to deliver ES. The results show that agroforestry is expected to have a high relevant potential to deliver 31% of all ES, but cropland 20% and grassland 14%. Food, fodder, timber, firewood, fresh water, energy, compost, climate regulation, erosion prevention, and water purification and treatment were identified as the ten most important services. It is not only the provisioning services that are being supplied by the land use types which are expropriated for urbanization, but also regulating, supporting and cultural services. To ensure sustainable urban land development, we suggest the consideration of the use of ES and the potential of the land use to supply ES when making land use decisions, including land expropriation for urban expansion.
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000586875900001 Publication Date 2020-10-19
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:173628 Serial 6948
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Hosseininia, G.; Rafiaani Khachak, P.; Nooripoor, M.; Van Passel, S.; Azadi, H.
Title (up) 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 6274
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Gebremariam, Y.A.; Dessein, J.; Wondimagegnhu, B.A.; Breusers, M.; Lenaerts, L.; Adgo, E.; Van Passel, S.; Minale, A.S.; Nyssen, J.
Title (up) 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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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001126500500006 Publication Date 2023-12-19
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue 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
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Brienza, F.; Van Aelst, K.; Devred, F.; Magnin, D.; Tschulkow, M.; Nimmegeers, P.; Van Passel, S.; Sels, B.F.; Gerin, P.; Debecker, D.P.; Cybulska, I.
Title (up) Unleashing lignin potential through the dithionite-assisted organosolv fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Chemical Engineering Journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J
Volume 450 Issue 3 Pages 138179-14
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM); Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS)
Abstract The development of biomass pretreatment approaches that, next to (hemi)cellulose valorization, aim at the conversion of lignin to chemicals is essential for the long-term success of a biorefinery. Herein, we discuss a dithionite-assisted organosolv fractionation (DAOF) of lignocellulose in n-butanol and water to produce cellulosic pulp and mono-/oligo-aromatics. The study frames the technicalities of this biorefinery process and relates them to the features of the obtained product streams. We comprehensively identify and quantify all products of interest: solid pulp (acid hydrolysis-HPLC, ATR-FTIR, XRD, SEM, enzymatic hydrolysis-HPLC), lignin derivatives (GPC, GC-MS/FID, 1H-13C HSQC NMR, ICP-AES), and carbohydrate derivatives (HPLC). These results were used for inspecting the economic feasibility of DAOF. In the best process configuration, a high yield of monophenolics was reached (~20%, based on acid insoluble lignin in birch sawdust). Various other lignocellulosic feedstocks were also explored, showing that DAOF is particularly effective on hardwood and herbaceous biomass. Overall, this study demonstrates that DAOF is a viable fractionation method for the sustainable upgrading of lignocellulosic biomass.
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000888204900005 Publication Date 2022-07-20
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1385-8947; 1873-3212 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 15.1 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 15.1
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189322 Serial 7373
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Van Oijstaeijen, W.; Van Passel, S.; Cools, J.
Title (up) Urban green infrastructure: A review on valuation toolkits from an urban planning perspective Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2020 Publication Journal Of Environmental Management Abbreviated Journal J Environ Manage
Volume 267 Issue Pages 110603
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM) ;
Abstract As a response to increasing urbanization and changing weather and climatic patterns, urban green infrastructure (UGI) emerged as a concept to increase resilience within the urban boundaries. Given that implementing these (semi-) natural solutions in practice requires a clear overview of the costs and benefits, valuation becomes ever important. A range of decision-support tools for green infrastructure and ecosystem services exist, developed for various purposes. This paper reviews the potential of 10 shortlisted and existing valuation tools to support investment decisions of urban green infrastructure. In the assessment, the functionality is regarded specifically from the urban planning and decision-making viewpoint. The toolkits were evaluated on 12 different criteria. After analyzing the toolkits on these criteria, the findings are evaluated on the (mis)match with specific requirements in the urban planning and management context. Secondly, recommendations and guidelines are formulated to support the design of simple valuation tools, tailored to support the development of green infrastructure in urban areas. Approaching the valuation toolkits biophysically and (socio-)economically provides an integral overview of the challenges and opportunities of the capacities of each framework. It was found that most tools are not designed for the peculiarities of the urban context. Several elements contribute to the hampering uptake of GI valuation tools. Firstly, the limited effort in the economic case for green infrastructure remains a burden to use toolkits to compare grey and green alternatives. Secondly, tools are currently seldom designed for the peculiarities of cities: urban ecosystem (dis)services, multi-scalability, life-span assessments of co-benefits and the importance of social benefits. Thirdly, toolkits should be the result of co-development between the scientific community and local authorities in order to create toolkits that are tailor made to the specific needs in the urban planning process. It can be concluded that current tools, are not readily applicable to support decision making as such. However, if applied cautiously, they can have an indicative role to pinpoint further targeted and in-depth analyses.
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000533525100040 Publication Date 2020-04-27
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
Impact Factor 8.7 Times cited Open Access
Notes Nature Smart Cities across the 2 Seas is an Interreg 2 Seas co-funded project to the value of €6,380,472. It consists of a total of 11 Partners from 4 EU Member States, who will work together to develop a business model that local authorities can use to justify the use of ‘city finance’ to fund their urban greening programmes. This project has received funding from the Interreg 2 Seas programme 2014-2020 co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund under subsidy contract No 2S05-048. Approved Most recent IF: 8.7; 2020 IF: 4.01
Call Number ENM @ enm @c:irua:169448 Serial 6384
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Author Merante, P.; Van Passel, S.; Pacini, C.
Title (up) 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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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
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 6275
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Author Borms, L.; Multani, M.; Bachus, K.; Dams, Y.; Brusselaers, J.; Van Passel, S.
Title (up) 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.
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Language Wos 001198897900001 Publication Date 2024-02-15
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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 Danthurebandara, M.; Van Passel, S.; Machiels, L.; Van Acker, K.
Title (up) 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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Language Wos 000356195000023 Publication Date 2015-03-14
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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 6276
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Author Biely, K.; Von Muenchhausen, S.; Van Passel, S.
Title (up) Vertical integration as a strategy to increase value absorption by primary producers : the Belgian sugar beet and the German rapeseed case Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication AIMS Agriculture and Food Abbreviated Journal
Volume 7 Issue 3 Pages 659-682
Keywords A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Vertical integration is a means of increasing market power. For some agricultural products, it is easier for farmers to exert control over their product beyond the farm gate, but for others it is more difficult. Cases in the latter category have two main characteristics. First, the farmer cannot sell the respective product to final consumers without processing. Second, processing is capital-intensive. Consequently, farmers have limited sales channels, and vertical integration of the supply chain is complex and challenging. It implies cooperation among farmers to process the raw material at a profitable scale and to finance the installation of processing facilities. Thus, for these product categories, farmers are prone to market power issues, since they depend on private businesses that have the financial means to install processing facilities and the logistical capacities to organize the collection of large amounts of raw material. This paper aims to identify and analyze the role of supply chain integration for farmers who are already cooperating horizontally. Two case studies serve as the basis for the analysis: sugar beet in Flanders, Belgium, and oilseed rape in Hessen, Germany. The analysis is based on a qualitative research approach combining interviews, focus groups, and workshops with farmers and processors. While for sugar beet, the effects of market power are emerging only now with the termination of the quota system, farmers growing oilseed rape have been experiencing these problems since the 1990s. Our analysis concludes that most strategies to maintain or improve farm income have been exhausted. Even various forms of vertical integration supported by European policies do not necessarily work as a successful strategy.
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Language Wos 000860666800001 Publication Date 2022-08-17
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ISSN 2471-2086 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 1.8 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 1.8
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:191514 Serial 7374
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Author Zarafshani, K.; Sharafi, L.; Azadi, H.; Van Passel, S.
Title (up) 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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Language Wos 000378776800084 Publication Date 2016-06-23
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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 6278
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Author Bjørnåvold, A.; David, M.; Bohan, D.A.; Gibert, C.; Rousselle, J.-M.; Van Passel, S.
Title (up) Why does France not meet its pesticide reduction targets? Farmers' socio-economic trade-offs when adopting agro-ecological practices Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Ecological Economics Abbreviated Journal Ecol Econ
Volume 198 Issue Pages 107440-28
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Despite substantial policy efforts made by the French government to reduce dependence on pesticides, farming practices are only changing slowly. This paper analyses the socio-economic trade-offs that 110 farmers are currently facing in the transition to agro-ecological practices. A mixed-method approach – a quantitative discrete choice experiment (DCE) and qualitative interviews – was set up to understand these farmers' motivations and perspectives, and how policy can improve to accompany them on the road to low chemical input farming. Results of the DCE indicate that the majority of the farmers in our sample are keen to change practices but are at a loss as to how this can be done, as a number of preferences for this transition came out as inconclusive. Qualitative interviews with a representative sample of the farmers that took part in the DCE complemented this result by illustrating a deep uncertainty for the future and a disconnect felt between authorities and themselves as a group. We argue that this uncertainty contributed to a lack of clear-cut solutions established through the DCE. The indepth discussions with farmers illustrated the wish for concrete and local policy measures based on farmers' networks and peer support.
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Language Wos 000802083900003 Publication Date 2022-05-07
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
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ISSN 0921-8009; 1873-6106 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 7 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 7
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:188764 Serial 7375
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Author Milis, K.; Peremans, H.; Springael, J.; Van Passel, S.
Title (up) 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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Language Wos 000483422600019 Publication Date 2019-07-03
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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 6279
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Author Van Dael, M.; Lizin, S.; Swinnen, G.; Van Passel, S.
Title (up) 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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Language Wos 000396946900036 Publication Date 2017-02-08
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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 6280
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