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Author De Schepper, E.; Van Passel, S.; Lizin, S. doi  openurl
  Title Economic benefits of combining clean energy technologies : the case of solar photovoltaics and battery electric vehicles Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication International Journal Of Energy Research Abbreviated Journal Int J Energ Res  
  Volume 39 Issue 8 Pages 1109-1119  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract The combined use of clean technologies can lead amongst other benefits to reduced environmental impacts, improved system efficiencies, better management of land scarcity, and diminishment of the effect of power variability of intermittent clean energy sources. Nonetheless, private investors facing budgetary constraints will only opt to invest in the combination of technologies if the latter is more profitable than the investment in a single technology. The aim of the paper is to provide a systematic model for decision makers that allows them to evaluate the profitability of any random combination of technologies under budgetary constraints, and to compare this profitability with that of the individual projects in isolation. This research goes beyond the state of art in the field of financial management and more specifically in the field of the rationing of capital amongst interdependent projects, by developing a method to calculate the payoff of interdependent projects undertaken together. Moreover, this paper develops a computational model from the investor's point of view, of which the purpose is threefold: First, the model allows to directly compare the economic payoff of individual complementary technologies with the economic payoff of their integrated combination, under budgetary constraints. Second, the model calculates economic synergies labeled benefits of combined technologies' (BOCT) when combining complementary technologies. Third, the model explains the rationalization behind the presence of BOCT. The model exemplifies an ex ante cost benefit analysis developed for business and non-governmental use. A four step methodology is proposed and illustrated by means of a case study of PV solar power and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) for a small Belgian enterprise. Results show that at low electricity prices (<Euro0.112/kWh) it is most profitable to invest in BEVs. When the price of electricity rises (>Euro0.134/kWh), investment in exclusively PV becomes most attractive. In all other cases, it is more profitable to invest in the combination of both technologies. Copyright (c) 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos (up) 000355732200006 Publication Date 2015-03-21  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0363-907x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.598 Times cited 14 Open Access  
  Notes ; Sebastien Lizin would like to thank the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO), grant number 12G5415N, for their funding without which it would have been impossible to review this work. ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.598; 2015 IF: 2.418  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:127535 Serial 6188  
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Author Lizin, S.; Van Passel, S.; Schreurs, E. doi  openurl
  Title Farmers' perceived cost of land use restrictions : a simulated purchasing decision using discrete choice experiments Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Land Use Policy Abbreviated Journal Land Use Policy  
  Volume 46 Issue Pages 115-124  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract This paper reports on the findings from discrete choice experiments designed to estimate farmers perceived costs of land use restrictions, i.e. crop restrictions, additional fertilizing restrictions, and usage restrictions, as opposed to having no such restrictions. To this end, hypothetical land purchasing decisions were simulated based on the information about productivity, lot size, distance to other land, driving time to home, land use restrictions, and price. Farmers from the Campine area (Belgium) were invited to participate in the survey as the agricultural land in this region still faces the effects of historical heavy metal contamination resulting in crop restrictions. For identical pieces of land, we estimate the perceived cost, calculated as a change in the consumer surplus due to having a land use restriction, to be about 46,000 /ha for the crop restriction, 50,000 /ha for the usage restriction, and 70,000 /ha for the fertilizing restrictions. Assuming this cost to represent a perpetuity, then with a discount rate of 5% the yearly fixed costs respectively equal about 2300 /ha, 2500 /ha, and 3500 /ha.  
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  Language Wos (up) 000356110500010 Publication Date 2015-03-03  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0264-8377 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.089 Times cited 12 Open Access  
  Notes ; The authors would like to thank Boerenbond for their help as well as the farmers for their time in responding to the questionnaire. Additionally, Sebastien Lizin thanks the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) for funding his postdoctoral fellowship, allowing him to revise the manuscript. The authors would also like to thank the anonymous reviewers for helping us to improve the quality of our work. ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.089; 2015 IF: 2.631  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:129877 Serial 6203  
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Author Danthurebandara, M.; Van Passel, S.; Machiels, L.; Van Acker, K. doi  openurl
  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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  Language Wos (up) 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 6276  
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Author Mahmoudi, H.; Renn, O.; Hoffmann, V.; Van Passel, S.; Azadi, H. doi  openurl
  Title Social risk screening using a socio-political ambiguity approach : the case of organic agriculture in Iran Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Journal Of Risk Research Abbreviated Journal J Risk Res  
  Volume 18 Issue 6 Pages 747-770  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Sociology; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract  
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  Language Wos (up) 000356236300009 Publication Date 2014-05-08  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1366-9877 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 1.34 Times cited 1 Open Access  
  Notes ; H.M. thanks the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology of Iran (MSRT) for a PhD fellowship. The authors wish to thank Dr. Stefan Burkart for his kind help to improve the English of the paper. ; Approved Most recent IF: 1.34; 2015 IF: 0.935  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:127534 Serial 6249  
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Author Dubois, M.; Hoogmartens, R.; Van Passel, S.; Van Acker, K.; Vanderreydt, I. doi  openurl
  Title Innovative market-based policy instruments for waste management : a case study on shredder residues in Belgium Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Waste Management & Research Abbreviated Journal Waste Manage Res  
  Volume 33 Issue 10 Pages 886-893  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract In an increasingly complex waste market, market-based policy instruments, such as disposal taxes, can give incentives for sustainable progress while leaving flexibility for innovation. However, implementation of disposal taxes is often criticised by domestic waste handlers that fear to be outcompeted by competitors in other countries. The article discusses three innovative market-based instruments that limit the impact on international competitiveness: Tradable recycling credits, refunded disposal taxes and differentiated disposal taxes. All three instruments have already been implemented for distinct environmental policies in Europe. In order to illustrate how these instruments can be used for waste policy, the literature review is complemented with a case study on shredder residues from metal-containing waste streams in Belgium. The analysis shows that a conventional disposal tax remains the most efficient, simple and transparent instrument. However, if international competition is a significant issue or if political support is weak, refunded and differentiated disposal taxes can have an added value as second-best instruments. Tradable recycling credits are not an appropriate instrument for use in small waste markets with market power. In addition, refunded taxes create similar incentives, but induce lower transactions costs.  
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  Language Wos (up) 000361818000004 Publication Date 2015-09-22  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0734-242x; 1096-3669 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 1.803 Times cited 1 Open Access  
  Notes ; The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: The research has been funded by the Flemish Government through the policy research centres programme. ; Approved Most recent IF: 1.803; 2015 IF: 1.297  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:129876 Serial 6217  
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Author Maheshi, D.; Van Passel, S.; Van Karel, A. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Environmental and economic assessment of 'open waste dump' mining in Sri Lanka Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Resources Conservation And Recycling Abbreviated Journal Resour Conserv Recy  
  Volume 102 Issue Pages 67-79  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract Open waste dumps in Sri Lanka generate adverse environmental and socio-economic impacts due to inadequate maintenance. In this study, a concept of 'open waste dump mining' is suggested in order to minimise the environmental and socio-economic impacts, together with resource recovery. A model based on life cycle assessment and life cycle costing has been used to assess the environmental and economic feasibility of the suggested open waste dump mining concept. Two scenarios have been defined for a hypothetical case, dependent on the destination of the refuse derived fuel fraction. Scenario 1 comprises direct selling of refuse derived fuel as an alternative fuel to replace coal usage in the cement industry, while Scenario 2 consists of thermal treatment of refuse derived fuel with the objective of producing electricity. The study shows that both scenarios are beneficial from an environmental point of view, but not from an economic view point. However, economic profits can be obtained by adjusting waste transport distances and the price of electricity. The environmental analysis further reveals that the higher global warming potential of open waste dumps can be eliminated to a large extent by applying suggested mining and waste valorisation scenarios. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.  
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  Language Wos (up) 000362147800008 Publication Date 2015-07-24  
  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 26 Open Access  
  Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.313; 2015 IF: 2.564  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:128753 Serial 6196  
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Author De Schepper, E.; Lizin, S.; Durlinger, B.; Azadi, H.; Van Passel, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Economic and environmental performances of small-scale rural PV solar projects under the clean development mechanism : the case of Cambodia Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Energies Abbreviated Journal Energies  
  Volume 8 Issue 9 Pages 9892-9914  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract The two core objectives of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) are cost-effective emission reduction and sustainable development. Despite the potential to contribute to both objectives, solar projects play a negligible role under the CDM. In this research, the greenhouse gas mitigation cost is used to evaluate the economic and environmental performances of small-scale rural photovoltaic solar projects. In particular, we compare the use of absolute and relative mitigation costs to evaluate the attractiveness of these projects under the CDM. We encourage the use of relative mitigation costs, implying consideration of baseline costs that render the projects profitable. Results of the mitigation cost analysis are dependent on the baseline chosen. To overcome this drawback, we complement the analysis with a multi-objective optimization approach, which allows quantifying the trade-off between economic and environmental performances of the optimal technologies without requiring a baseline.  
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  Language Wos (up) 000362553000046 Publication Date 2015-09-15  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1996-1073 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.262 Times cited 6 Open Access  
  Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.262; 2015 IF: 2.072  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:129426 Serial 6187  
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Author Danthurebandara, M.; Van Passel, S.; Vanderreydt, I.; Van Acker, K. doi  openurl
  Title Assessment of environmental and economic feasibility of Enhanced Landfill Mining Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Waste Management Abbreviated Journal Waste Manage  
  Volume 45 Issue Pages 434-447  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract This paper addresses the environmental and economic performance of Enhanced Landfill Mining (ELFM). Based on life cycle assessment and life cycle costing, a detailed model is developed and is applied to a case study, i.e. the first ELFM project in Belgium. The environmental and economic analysis is performed in order to study the valorisation of different waste types in the landfill, such as municipal solid waste, industrial waste and total waste. We found that ELFM is promising for the case study landfill as greater environmental benefits are foreseen in several impact categories compared to the landfills current situation (the Do-nothing scenario). Among the considered processes, the thermal treatment process dominates both the environmental and economic performances of ELFM. Improvements in the electrical efficiency of thermal treatment process, the calorific value of refuse derived fuel and recovery efficiencies of different waste fractions lead the performance of ELFM towards an environmentally sustainable and economically feasible direction. Although the environmental and economic profiles of ELFM will differ from case to case, the results of this analysis can be used as a benchmark for future ELFM projects.  
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  Language Wos (up) 000364796800048 Publication Date 2015-02-21  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0956-053x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.03 Times cited 30 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: 4.03; 2015 IF: 3.220  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:129878 Serial 6156  
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Author Danthurebandara, M.; Van Passel, S.; Vanderreydt, I.; Van Acker, K. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Environmental and economic performance of plasma gasification in Enhanced Landfill Mining Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Waste Management Abbreviated Journal Waste Manage  
  Volume 45 Issue Pages 458-467  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract This paper describes an environmental and economic assessment of plasma gasification, one of the viable candidates for the valorisation of refuse derived fuel from Enhanced Landfill Mining. The study is based on life cycle assessment and life cycle costing. Plasma gasification is benchmarked against conventional incineration, and the study indicates that the process could have significant impact on climate change, human toxicity, particulate matter formation, metal depletion and fossil depletion. Flue gas emission, oxygen usage and disposal of residues (plasmastone) are the major environmental burdens, while electricity production and metal recovery represent the major benefits. Reductions in burdens and improvements in benefits are found when the plasmastone is valorised in building materials instead of landfilling. The study indicates that the overall environmental performance of plasma gasification is better than incineration. The study confirms a trade-off between the environmental and economic performance of the discussed scenarios. Net electrical efficiency and investment cost of the plasma gasification process and the selling price of the products are the major economic drivers.  
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  Language Wos (up) 000364796800050 Publication Date 2015-06-25  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0956-053x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.03 Times cited 12 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 and VITO (Belgium). ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.03; 2015 IF: 3.220  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:129875 Serial 6197  
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Author van Winsen, F.; de Mey, Y.; Lauwers, L.; Van Passel, S.; Vancauteren, M.; Wauters, E. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Determinants of risk behaviour : effects of perceived risks and risk attitude on farmer's adoption of risk management strategies Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Journal Of Risk Research Abbreviated Journal J Risk Res  
  Volume 19 Issue 1 Pages 56-78  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Sociology; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract The importance of risk perception and risk attitude for understanding individual's risk behaviour are independently well described in literature, but rarely combined in an integrated approach. In this study, we propose a model assuming the choice to implement certain risk management strategies to be directly driven by both perceptions of risks and risk attitude. Other determinants influence the intention to apply different risk strategies mainly indirectly, mediated by risk perception and risk attitude. This conceptual model is empirically tested, using structural equation modelling, for understanding the intention of farmers to implement different common risk management strategies at their farms. Data are gathered in a survey completed by 500 farmers from the Flanders region in Belgium, investigating attitudes towards farming, perceived past exposure to risk, socio-demographic characteristics, farm size, perceptions of the major sources of farm business risk, risk attitudes and the intention to apply common risk management strategies. Our major findings are: (i) perception of major farm business risks have no significant impact on the intention of applying any of the risk strategies under study, (ii) risk attitude does have a significant impact. Therefore, rather than objective risk faced and the subjective interpretation thereof, it is the general risk attitude that influence intended risk strategies to be implemented. A distinction can be made between farmers willing to take risk, who are more inclined to apply ex-ante risk management strategies and risk averse farmers who are less inclined to implement ex-ante risk management strategies but rather cope with the consequences and diminish their effects ex-post when risks have occurred.  
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  Language Wos (up) 000365523100004 Publication Date 2014-07-24  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1366-9877 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 1.34 Times cited 25 Open Access  
  Notes ; This work was supported by the agency for Innovation by Science and Technology [grant number 080508]. ; Approved Most recent IF: 1.34  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:130188 Serial 6177  
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Author Hosseininia, G.; Rafiaani Khachak, P.; Nooripoor, M.; Van Passel, S.; Azadi, H. doi  openurl
  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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  Language Wos (up) 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  
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Author Mahdei, K.N.; Pouya, M.; Taheri, F.; Azadi, H.; Van Passel, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Sustainability indicators of irans developmental plans : application of the sustainability compass theory Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Sustainability Abbreviated Journal Sustainability-Basel  
  Volume 7 Issue 11 Pages 14647-14660  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract The main purpose of this study was to analyze Irans developmental plans in order to examine and compare their direction and conformity with the sustainable development theory via the compass of sustainability. The approach involves a content analysis used in line with qualitative research methodologies. The results indicated that, in the first developmental plans, there was no direct reference to sustainable development. In the second to fifth plans, the main focus was on the social, environmental, and economic dimensions of development; which were common elements seen in the policies of all the plans. An analysis of the fourth plan revealed that expressions related to sustainable development appeared more frequently, indicating a stronger emphasis on sustainable development by decision-makers.  
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  Language Wos (up) 000369088600013 Publication Date 2015-11-03  
  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 3 Open Access  
  Notes ; The authors wish to thank Bethany Gardner from the Department of Linguistics, Binghamton University for her kind help in improving the English of this text. The corresponding author is a beneficiary of Fulbright scholarship at Binghamton University-State University of New York. ; Approved Most recent IF: 1.789; 2015 IF: 0.942  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:129874 Serial 6256  
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Author Ghanian, M.; Ghoochani, O.M.; Kitterlin, M.; Jahangiry, S.; Zarafshani, K.; Van Passel, S.; Azadi, H. doi  openurl
  Title Attitudes of agricultural experts toward genetically modified crops : a case study in Southwest Iran Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Science And Engineering Ethics Abbreviated Journal Sci Eng Ethics  
  Volume 22 Issue 2 Pages 509-524  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract The production of genetically modified (GM) crops is growing around the world, and with it possible opportunities to combat food insecurity and hunger, as well as solutions to current problems facing conventional agriculture. In this regard the use of GMOs in food and agricultural applications has increased greatly over the past decade. However, the development of GM crops has been a matter of considerable interest and worldwide public controversy. This, in addition to skepticism, has stifled the use of this practice on a large scale in many areas, including Iran. It stands to reason that a greater understanding of this practice could be formed after a review of the existing expert opinions surrounding GM crops. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the predictors that influence agricultural experts attitudes toward the development of and policies related to GM crops. Using a descriptive correlational research method, questionnaire data was collected from 65 experts from the Agricultural Organization in the Gotvand district in Southwest Iran. Results indicated that agricultural experts were aware of the environmental benefits and possible risks associated with GM crops. The majority of participants agreed that GM crops could improve food security and accelerate rural development, and were proponents of labeling practices for GM crops. Finally, there was a positive correlation between the perception of benefits and attitudes towards GM crops.  
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  Language Wos (up) 000373378100011 Publication Date 2015-06-04  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1353-3452 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.229 Times cited 5 Open Access  
  Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.229  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:136751 Serial 6158  
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Author Moretti, M.; De Boni, A.; Roma, R.; Fracchiolla, M.; Van Passel, S. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Integrated assessment of agro-ecological systems : the case study of the “Alta Murgia” National park in Italy Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Agricultural Systems Abbreviated Journal Agr Syst  
  Volume 144 Issue Pages 144-155  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract Several indicators and methods are already applied for sustainability assessment in agriculture. The links between sustainability indicators, agricultural management and policies are not well explained. The aim of this study is to combine biophysical and monetary sustainability assessment tools to support agriculture policy decision-making. Three methodological steps are considered: i) the environmental impacts of farms are assessed using terrestrial acidification, freshwater eutrophication, soil and freshwater ecotoxicity as well as natural land transformation; ii) the most relevant indicators of agriculture damages on ecosystems quality are aggregated into an index; iii) the farms' index scores are integrated with farm assets, land and labor, into the Sustainable Value approach (SVA), as indicator of natural resources used by farms. As a case study, the methodology was applied to arable farms with and without animal husbandry of the “Alta Murgia” National Park. The crop farms, in our sample, have a higher sustainable value using their economic and environmental resources. Mixed farms need to improve their resources use efficiency. Although crop farms have lower land-use efficiency compared to mixed farms, our results suggest supporting, by means of policy options, the specialized crop farms that, on average, perform better in terms of ecosystems quality preservation. Finally, we find that Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to soundly measure the environmental impacts clearly enriches the SVA. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.  
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  Language Wos (up) 000373553100014 Publication Date 2016-02-27  
  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 would like to thank the editor and the anonymous referees for their helpful suggestions and insightful comments that have significantly improved the paper. The authors want to thank the “Alta Murgia” Park Authority for the support in this study and all farmers that collaborated with the authors providing data. Moreover, the authors want to thank Dr. Sylvestre Njakou Djomo for the useful discussion and suggestion to build the LCA model. ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.571  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:133254 Serial 6218  
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Author Jeanloz, S.; Lizin, S.; Beenaerts, N.; Brouwer, R.; Van Passel, S.; Witters, N. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  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 (up) 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 Zarafshani, K.; Sharafi, L.; Azadi, H.; Van Passel, S. url  doi
openurl 
  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.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos (up) 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 6278  
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Author Hoogmartens, R.; Eyckmans, J.; Van Passel, S. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Landfill taxes and enhanced waste management : combining valuable practices with respect to future waste streams Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Waste Management Abbreviated Journal Waste Manage  
  Volume 55 Issue Pages 345-354  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract Both landfill taxes and Enhanced Waste Management (EWM) practices can mitigate the scarcity issue of landfill capacity by respectively reducing landfilled waste volumes and valorising future waste streams. However, high landfill taxes might erode incentives for EWM, even though EWM creates value by valorising waste. Concentrating on Flanders (Belgium), the paper applies dynamic optimisation modelling techniques to analyse how landfill taxation and EWM can reinforce each other and how taxation schemes can be adjusted in order to foster sustainable and welfare maximising ways of processing future waste streams. Based on the Flemish simulation results, insights are offered that are generally applicable in international waste and resource management policy. As shown, the optimal Flemish landfill tax that optimises welfare in the no EWM scenario is higher than the one in the EWM scenario (93 against (sic)50/ton). This difference should create incentives for applying EWM and is driven by the positive external effects that are generated by EWM practices. In Flanders, as the current landfill tax is slightly lower than these optimal levels, the choice that can be made is to further increase taxation levels or show complete commitment to EWM. A first generally applicable insight that was found points to the fact that it is not necessarily the case that the higher the landfill tax, the more effective waste management improvements can be realised. Other insights are about providing sufficient incentives for applying EMW practices and formulating appropriate pleas in support of technological development. By these insights, this paper should provide relevant information that can assist in triggering the transition towards a resource efficient, circular economy in Europe. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos (up) 000381535200036 Publication Date 2016-04-05  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0956-053x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.03 Times cited 5 Open Access  
  Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.03  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:137150 Serial 6222  
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Author Afsharzade, N.; Papzan, A.; Ashjaee, M.; Delangizan, S.; Van Passel, S.; Azadi, H. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Renewable energy development in rural areas of Iran Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews Abbreviated Journal Renew Sust Energ Rev  
  Volume 65 Issue Pages 743-755  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract Iran's energy system is extremely dependent on fossil fuels which, in turn, have led to problems such as fossil fuels depletion, social, economic and environmental damage and territorial imbalance. The country should therefore design a sustainable energy system based on clean energy as well as renewable energy. Accordingly, and given that Iran's rural areas suffer from the unsustainable energy system, it is necessary to integrate renewable energy into comprehensive development programs in general, and into rural development programs, specifically. This review paper answers the following questions: Why is renewable energy important for Iran at national and rural levels? How is renewable energy related to sustainable rural development? and What are the challenges in the promotion of renewable energy technologies in Iran? The paper concludes that although renewable energy has potential for development in Iran's rural areas due to environmental, social and economic advantages, it could face some infrastructural, managerial, socio-cultural and economic challenges. Accordingly, aggressive and innovative policy making is required to meet these challenges. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos (up) 000383293800053 Publication Date 2016-07-23  
  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; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.05 Times cited 41 Open Access  
  Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 8.05  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:137105 Serial 6243  
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Author Lizin, S.; Van Passel, S.; Vranken, L. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Heterogeneity in the solar-powered consumer electronics market : a discrete choice experiments study Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Solar Energy Materials And Solar Cells Abbreviated Journal Sol Energ Mat Sol C  
  Volume 156 Issue Pages 140-146  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract Solar-powered consumer electronics are a likely starting point for organic photovoltaic (OPV) market development. Therefore, a generic discrete choice experiments study can determine how Flemish consumers value solar-cell characteristics for solar-poweied consumer electronics. Such characteristics include efficiency, lifetime, aesthetics, integratability, and price. We contribute to the literature by investigating preference heterogeneity in a solar-power niche market with an experimental design with a fixed reference alternative. The error components random parameter logit (ECRPL) with interactions provides a better fit than the latent class (LC) model for our choice data. The main effects had the expected signs. Consequently, aesthetics and integratability are OPV's assets. Nevertheless, heterogeneity puts the results that are valid for the average consumer into perspective. Based on our findings, OPV commercialization efforts should target the experienced, impatient user who highly values design and functionality. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos (up) 000383304100015 Publication Date 2016-06-27  
  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 2 Open Access  
  Notes ; Sebastien Lizin thanks the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) for funding his postdoctoral mandate with Grant number 12G5415N, without which it would have been impossible to revise this work. ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.784  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:137107 Serial 6207  
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Author Thomassen, G.; Egiguren Vila, U.; Van Dael, M.; Lemmens, B.; Van Passel, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  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.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos (up) 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 6262  
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Author de Mey, Y.; Wauters, E.; Schmid, D.; Lips, M.; Vancauteren, M.; Van Passel, S. doi  openurl
  Title Farm household risk balancing : empirical evidence from Switzerland Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication European Review Of Agricultural Economics Abbreviated Journal Eur Rev Agric Econ  
  Volume 43 Issue 4 Pages  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics  
  Abstract Empirical evidence on household risk balancing behaviour is presented by estimating a fixed effects seemingly unrelated regression model using Swiss Farm Accountancy Data Network data. We find that in response to changes in expected business risks, Swiss farm households not only make strategic farm financial risk decisions (original risk balancing), but also make strategic off-farm decisions (household risk balancing) by altering their share of off-farm income and relative consumption. Small farms appear to make more use of household risk balancing strategies whereas large farms conversely make more use of the original risk balancing strategy.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos (up) 000386026600005 Publication Date 2015-11-05  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0165-1587; 1464-3618 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 1.6 Times cited 15 Open Access  
  Notes ; This research was funded by a scholarship from the Agency for Innovation by Science and Technology (IWT) in Flanders. The authors are very grateful to Ludwig Lauwers and Frankwin van Winsen for many helpful discussions. They also thank the editor and two anonymous reviewers for their constructive comments and conference/workshop participants from ART, BAAE, EAAE, KU Leuven and WUR for excellent comments on earlier versions of the article. The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Agroscope Institute for Sustainability Sciences ISS. ; Approved Most recent IF: 1.6  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:138183 Serial 6202  
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Author Azadi, H.; Akbar Barati, A.; Rafiaani, P.; Raufirad, V.; Zarafshani, K.; Mamoorian, M.; Van Passel, S.; Lebailly, P. doi  openurl
  Title Agricultural land conversion drivers in Northeast Iran : application of structural equation model Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Applied Spatial Analysis And Policy Abbreviated Journal Appl Spat Anal Polic  
  Volume 9 Issue 4 Pages 591-609  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract Identifying driving forces behind agricultural land conversion (ALC) remains one of the most difficult challenges that agricultural and environmental scientists must continually deal with. The difficulty emerges from the fact that in ALC, multiple actions and interactions between different factors (i.e., economic, political, environmental, biophysical, institutional, and cultural) exist and make it difficult to understand the function of the processes behind the changes. The phenomenon of ALC in different countries is varied in terms of intensity, trends and drivers. The main goal of this study was to understand these drivers in Northeast Iran through applying structural equation model (SEM). Using multi-stage stratified random sampling, 101 executive officers participated in the study. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire. A multi-stakeholder analysis and a mixed-method (qualitative and quantitative) approach were applied. Results revealed that not only from the policy makers perspective but also based on the SEM, economic, political, technological, social and environmental factors should respectively be the five major drivers of ALC. The results also showed that among other drivers, more profitability of non-agriculture sectors, excessive rising of land prices, farmers income instability, land fragmentation, urban sprawl and inheritance laws are the main six causes of ALC. Hence, it can be concluded that policy-makers and planners need to take these drivers and subsidiaries more into consideration in order to properly respond to ALC.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos (up) 000387410900008 Publication Date 2015-06-04  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1874-463x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 1.825 Times cited 6 Open Access  
  Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 1.825  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:136749 Serial 6148  
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Author Vanschoenwinkel, J.; Mendelsohn, R.; Van Passel, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Do Western and Eastern Europe have the same agricultural climate response? Taking adaptive capacity into account Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Global Environmental Change-Human And Policy Dimensions Abbreviated Journal Global Environ Chang  
  Volume 41 Issue Pages 74-87  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract Current cross-sectional methodologies measuring climate change impacts assume that regions at the same latitude face a similar climate response and therefore have the same adaptive capacity. This paper proves that assumption to be erroneous in the European Union. It does so by ameliorating the Ricardian methodology by restricting which farmers (and therefore which adaptation options) are allowed in the dataset. In doing so, a comparative Ricardian methodology is suggested that makes it possible to examine, for the first time, how the climate responsiveness of a region changes if adaptive capacity changes. The paper combines climate, soil, geographic, socio-economic, and farm-level data in a linear mixed-effect model and examines whether Eastern and Western Europe have the same climate responses and how these responses change if regional adaptive capacity increases. The paper concludes that both regions currently have a significantly different climate response, but that if Eastern Europe were to implement the same adaptation options as Western Europe, it could avoid a large decrease in land value and even benefit from climate change depending on the climate scenario.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos (up) 000389732700007 Publication Date 2016-09-25  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0959-3780; 1872-9495 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.327 Times cited 8 Open Access  
  Notes ; Steven Van Passel would kindly want to express his gratitude towards DG AGRI for access to the Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN). The authors also thank the reviewers of this journal for their improvements to the final manuscript and they are grateful for the comments and suggestions they received at the conferences where this paper has been presented (IAMO forum 2015, EAAE PhD workshop 2015, Belgian PhD symposium 2015, EAERE conference 2016). Janka Vanschoenwinkel also wants to thank FWO and the Doctoral Schools of Hasselt University for giving a mobility grant to go to the EAAE PhD workshop in Rome. ; Approved Most recent IF: 6.327  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:139026 Serial 6185  
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Author Jouzi, Z.; Azadi, H.; Taheri, F.; Zarafshani, K.; Gebrehiwot, K.; Van Passel, S.; Lebailly, P. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Organic farming and small-scale farmers : main opportunities and challenges Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Ecological Economics Abbreviated Journal Ecol Econ  
  Volume 132 Issue Pages 144-154  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract Producing enough food to meet the needs of a growing population has always been the greatest concern of food policy-makers around the world. Given the increasing attention to organic farming (OF), we conducted this study to investigate the main opportunities and challenges of the food production system of small-scale farmers in developing countries with an emphasis on their livelihoods. The study showed that the most significant advantages of OF are environmental protection and a higher resilience to environmental changes, increasing farmers' income and reducing external input cost, enhancing social capacity and increasing employment opportunities. A s well as enhancing food security primarily by increasing the food purchasing power of local people. However, the main challenges of this food production system include lower yields in comparison to conventional systems, difficulties with soil nutrient management, certification and market barriers, and the educational and research needs of small-holders. The paper concludes that even though OF might present some significant challenges to small-scale farmers, it could/should still be considered as a part of the solution and means of improving their livelihoods.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos (up) 000390825200014 Publication Date 2016-11-06  
  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 39 Open Access  
  Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.965  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:139034 Serial 6233  
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Author Peeters, L.; Schreurs, E.; Van Passel, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Heterogeneous impact of soil contamination on farmland prices in the Belgian Campine region : evidence from unconditional quantile regressions Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Environmental & Resource Economics Abbreviated Journal Environ Resour Econ  
  Volume 66 Issue 1 Pages 135-168  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract We estimate a hedonic-pricing model using geo-coded farmland-transaction data from the Campine region, situated in the north-east of Belgium. Unlike previous hedonic studies, we use the method of unconditional quantile regression (Firpo et al., in Econometrica 77(3):953973, 2009). An important advantage of this new method over the traditional conditional quantile regression (Koenker and Bassett, in Econometrica 46(1):3350, 1978) is that it allows for the estimation of potentially heterogeneous effects of cadmium pollution along the entire (unconditional) distribution of farmland prices. Using a threshold specification of the hedonic-pricing model, we find evidence of a U-shaped valuation pattern, where cadmium pollution of the soil has a negative and significant impact on prices only in the middle range of the distribution, insofar as cadmium concentrations are above the regulatory standard of 2 parts per million for agricultural land. Results obtained from a probit model to classify land plots into different price segments further suggest that the heterogeneous impact of soil pollution on price can be directly related to the variety of amenities that farmland provides.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos (up) 000391511800007 Publication Date 2015-08-03  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0924-6460 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 1.582 Times cited 4 Open Access  
  Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 1.582  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:139029 Serial 6208  
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Author Thomassen, G.; Van Dael, M.; Lemmens, B.; Van Passel, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title A review of the sustainability of algal-based biorefineries : towards an integrated assessment framework Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews Abbreviated Journal Renew Sust Energ Rev  
  Volume 68 Issue 2 Pages 876-887  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract Algal-based bioenergy products have faced multiple economic and environmental problems. To counter these problems, algal-based biorefineries have been proposed as a promising solution. Multiple environmental and economic assessments have analyzed this concept. However, a wide variation in results was reported. This study performs a review to evaluate the methodological reasons behind this variation. Based on this review, four main challenges for a sustainability assessment were identified: 1) the use of a clear framework; 2) the adaptation of the methodology to all stages of technological maturity; 3) the use of harmonized assumptions; 4) the integration of the technological process. A generic methodology, based on the integration of a techno-economic assessment methodology and a streamlined life cycle assessment was proposed. This environmental techno-economic assessment can be performed following an iterative approach during each stage of technology development. In this way, crucial technological parameters can be directly identified and evaluated during the maturation of the technology. The use of this assessment methodology can therefore act as guidance to decrease the time-to-market for innovative and sustainable technologies.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos (up) 000391899400005 Publication Date 2016-03-16  
  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; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.05 Times cited 23 Open Access  
  Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 8.05  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:139038 Serial 6245  
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Author Moretti, M.; Njakou Djomo, S.; Azadi, H.; May, K.; De Vos, K.; Van Passel, S.; Witters, N. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title A systematic review of environmental and economic impacts of smart grids Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews Abbreviated Journal Renew Sust Energ Rev  
  Volume 68 Issue 2 Pages 888-898  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract Smart grids (SGs) have a central role in the development of the global power sector. Cost-benefit analyses and environmental impact assessments are used to support policy on the deployment of SG systems and technologies. However, the conflicting and widely varying estimates of costs, benefits, greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction, and energy savings in literature leave policy makers struggling with how to advise regarding SG deployment. Identifying the causes for the wide variation of individual estimates in the literature is crucial if evaluations are to be used in decision-making. This paper (i) summarizes and compares the methodologies used for economic and environmental evaluation of SGs (ii) identifies the sources of variation in estimates across studies, and (iii) point to gap in research on economic and environmental analyses of SG systems. Seventeen studies (nine articles and eight reports published between 2000 and 2015) addressing the economic costs versus benefits, energy efficiency, and GHG emissions of SGs were systematically searched, located, selected, and reviewed. Their methods and data were subsequently extracted and analysed. The results show that no standardized method currently exists for assessing the economic and environmental impacts of SG systems. The costs varied between 0.03 and 1143 M/yr, while the benefits ranged from 0.04 to 804 M/yr, suggesting that SG systems do not result in cost savings The primary energy savings ranged from 0.03 to 0.95 MJ/kWh, whereas the GHG emission reduction ranged from 10 to 180 gCO2/kWh, depending on the country grid mix and the system boundary of the SG system considered. The findings demonstrate that although SG systems are energy efficient and reduce GHG emissions, investments in SG systems may not yield any benefits. Standardizing some methodologies and assumptions such as discount rates, time horizon and scrutinizing some key input data will result in more consistent estimates of costs and benefits, GHG emission reduction, and energy savings.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos (up) 000391899400006 Publication Date 2016-03-24  
  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; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.05 Times cited 27 Open Access  
  Notes ; We would like to thank the editor and the anonymous referees for their helpful suggestions and insightful comments that have significantly improved the paper. This research paper has been implemented within the GREAT (Growing Renewable Energy Applications and Technologies) project funded by the European INTERREG IVB North-Western Europe Programme. Nele Witters was financed by FWO (Research Foundation Flanders). ; Approved Most recent IF: 8.05  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:139036 Serial 6260  
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Author Dadi, D.; Stellmacher, T.; Senbeta, F.; Van Passel, S.; Azadi, H. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Environmental and health impacts of effluents from textile industries in Ethiopia : the case of Gelan and Dukem, Oromia Regional State Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Environmental Monitoring And Assessment Abbreviated Journal Environ Monit Assess  
  Volume 189 Issue 1 Pages 11-30  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract This study focuses on four textile industries (DH-GEDA, NOYA, ALMHADI, and ALSAR) established between 2005 and 2008 in the peri-urban areas of Dukem and Gelan. The objectives of the study were to generate baseline information regarding the concentration levels of selected pollutants and to analyze their effects on biophysical environments. This study also attempts to explore the level of exposure that humans and livestock have to polluted effluents and the effects thereof. The findings of this study are based on data empirically collected from two sources: laboratory analysis of sample effluents from the four selected textile plants and quantitative as well as qualitative socioeconomic data collection. As part of the latter, a household survey and focus group discussions (FGDs) with elderly and other focal persons were employed in the towns of Dukem and Gelan. The results of the study show that large concentrations of biological oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), and pH were found in all the observed textile industries, at levels beyond the permissible discharge limit set by the national Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). Furthermore, sulfide (S2), R-phosphate (R-PO43), and Zn were found in large concentrations in DH-GEDA and ALMHADI, while high concentrations were also identified in samples taken from ALSAR and ALMHADI. In spite of the clear-cut legal tools, this study shows that the local environment, people, and their livestock are exposed to highly contaminated effluents. We therefore recommend that the respective federal and regional government bodies should reexamine the compliance to and actual implementation of the existing legal procedures and regulations and respond appropriately.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos (up) 000392300300011 Publication Date 2016-12-08  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0167-6369; 1573-2967 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 1.687 Times cited 6 Open Access  
  Notes ; In preparing this work, different organizations and institutions contributed immensely and therefore deserve acknowledgment. I would like to thank WHO for their financial support in collecting field samples, the purchase of chemicals, and various types of equipment required for the laboratory activities. I would also like to thank DAAD and the Post Graduate Program at Addis Ababa University for their financial support during my field stay in order to conduct the household survey. The authors wish to thank Ms. Bethany Gardner from the Department of Linguistics, the State University of New York at Binghamton, for her kind help in improving the English of this text. ; Approved Most recent IF: 1.687  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:139039 Serial 6198  
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Author Daniels, S.; Witters, N.; Beliën, T.; Vrancken, K.; Vangronsveld, J.; Van Passel, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Monetary valuation of natural predators for biological pest control in pear production Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Ecological Economics Abbreviated Journal Ecol Econ  
  Volume 134 Issue Pages 160-173  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract In spite of global actions, biodiversity is declining at an alarming rate. Despite the need for objectively comparable monetary standards to include biodiversity arguments in policymaking, research on the relationship between species diversity and its valuation from a societal perspective is still scarce. In this paper, a methodological framework for the valuation of natural predators based on their ecological role in the agroecosystem is introduced. The framework integrates a dynamic ecological model simulating interactions between species with an economic model, thereby quantifying the effect of reduced numbers of natural predators on the net farm income. The model attributes an objective monetary value to increased species diversity through the changes in the provisioning of a marketable good. Results indicate that the loss of three predators could decrease net farm income with 88.86 ha− 1 to 2186.5 ha− 1. For the pear production sector in Flanders in 2011, this constitutes to an indirect use value of 0,68 million for one predator and 16.63 million for the presence of three predators. The aim is to provide a justification for the argument for biodiversity conservation, based on the ecological function of species, through the delivery of comparable monetary standards.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos (up) 000395219300018 Publication Date 2017-01-26  
  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 4 Open Access  
  Notes ; The research was made possible with the financial aid from a BOF grant of the Centre for Environmental Sciences (CMK, Hasselt University). Nele Witters is funded by Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO). The authors would like to thank Ellen Elias from Symbio for providing relevant data and insights into the complex interplay between pest insects, natural predators and human impacts from fertilizers and pesticide use. ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.965  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:140685 Serial 6228  
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Author Van Dael, M.; Lizin, S.; Swinnen, G.; Van Passel, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  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.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos (up) 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 6280  
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