Is Territorial Cohesion Necessary for the Sustainable Development of the European Regions?

The Regional policy of the EU is pursuing the harmonious development of the European territory; this is a necessary condition for the creation of an environment that is favourable to the convergence of the Union’s policies. But, for these policies to converge, it is necessary that there are common objectives and these can arise only from the existence of common needs. It is obvious that a very different level of development leads to different needs for people and territories and therefore, to the pursuit of different objectives. The introduction of the territorial cohesion as an objective of the European Union through the Treaty of Lisbon has concluded many years of debate over the essence and future of the EU. But is this a prerequisite for the sustainable development of the EU regions? To answer this question, in this paper we will try to show the importance of the territorial cohesion in the EU. In order to do this, we will place the evolution of this concept in parallel with that of development and also with the process of enlargement and of deepening of the EU. We will thus try to determine the influence that territorial cohesion has on regions and on the European construction so that in the end we should be able to explain the effects that it has on their sustainable development

Urban Attractiveness. Why Put People’s Money into Cycling Facilities?

Due to the advantages offered by agglomerations, human activities have always concentrated, and cities have become multifunctional places: living places, places where goods and services are produced, culture and socialisation places. Nowadays however, the negative effects produced by agglomerations often get to overbalance the positive effects and to repel people and activities. Agglomerations often become impersonal and unfamiliar. They are no longer a “lived space” and people can hardly wait to “evade” at least during the weekend. Among the development factors for which a city should be attractive, Qualified Workforce (QwF) has become the main one, due to the knowledge society we live in. In the Western societies, the QwF has met its basic, material needs, also aiming to meet the others that are linked to the Quality of Life (QoL) (safety, health, mobility, leisure, etc.). That is why the attractiveness for the development factors is more and more linked to the QoL that a city offers, the bicycle being able to bring a large number of answers in this direction. By means of this study, we will try to show the influence that the bicycle has on the urban attractiveness factors. We will find out that the bicycle influences them all and, moreover, without producing any drawbacks in other domains. It exercises however the most powerful effects on two of the most important soft factors of attractiveness, namely QoL and image. By noting the increasing importance of the soft factors in relation to the hard factors, we will be able to sustain the opportunity of investing in facilities for bicycle. Moreover, we will show that a city which aims to remain competitive on the global market of the development factors has no more choices and has to become bicycle-friendly

Les randonneurs itinérants de la haute montagne pyrénéenne : quelles représentations pour quelles pratiques ?

Cet article réalise un portrait des randonneurs itinérants de la haute montagne pyrénéenne. Présentés parfois comme différents de ceux parcourant les Alpes, on suppose que cela proviendrait d'une construction imaginaire différente, que ce soit en termes de représentation particulière sur la haute montagne pyrénéenne ou sur leur pratique. Afin de mieux évaluer ces aspects, nous avons réalisé 25 entretiens avec des professionnels de la montagne, membres d’associations, représentants d’institutions, et des randonneurs itinérants. Un questionnaire a été ensuite soumis à 166 randonneurs et parmi eux, quelques-uns ont été suivis pendant plusieurs mois sur les chemins pyrénéens de grande randonnée GR10, GR11 et HRP. Cette approche multicritère nous a permis de mieux les connaître, de comprendre leurs représentations et leurs motivations, mais aussi d'actualiser des connaissances plus générales sur l’itinérance en montagne et sur la haute montagne des Pyrénées. Nous avons finalement été en mesure de voir que la « possibilité d’autres regards » sur la montagne, due à la différence d’altitude par rapport aux Alpes, conduit à une pratique plus contemplative et vers la recherche d’une aventure plutôt liée à la nature, vue comme sauvage, préservée et authentique

Mechanism of hydrochar formation from black liquor

Hydrothermal carbonization is gaining increasing attention, since hydrochar demonstrates benefits for a large range of applications (biofuel, energy storage, electrodes…) [1]. The generation of solid is basically performed from solid materials (biomass or waste) making difficult the understanding of the phenomena involved. The aim of this study is to better understand the generation of hydrochar in subcritical conditions using black liquor. Black liquor (BL) is an alkaline liquid residue of paper industry containing high concentration of dissolved organics (lignin, partially hydrolyzed cellulose), and a high inorganics content (K, Na, Ca, S…). that makes it a high-value biomass. BL was chosen for its high water, organic and inorganic contents of respectively 80, 14 and 6 wt%. The study has been performed in batch reactor at 350°C, under autogenous pressure for various reaction times (0.5 to 24h). Please click Additional Files below to see the full abstract

Etude de procédés de conversion de biomasse en eau supercritique pour l'obtention d'hydrogène. (Application au glucose, glycérol et bio-glycérol)

Des nouveaux procédés éco-efficients basés sur une meilleure utilisation des ressources renouvelables sont nécessaires pour assurer la continuité du développement énergétique. La thèse étudie le procédé de gazéification en eau supercritique (T>374C et P>22,1 MPa) de la biomasse très humide pour l obtention de l hydrogène, molécule ayant un potentiel énergétique très intéressant à valoriser avec un impact environnemental très favorable. L étude porte sur l application du procédé à la biomasse modèle (solutions de glucose, glycérol et leur mélange) ainsi qu au bioglycérol, résidu de la fabrication du biodiesel. Les propriétés du solvant et les mécanismes prépondérants développés par l eau en phase souset supercritique peuvent être contrôlés par les paramètres opératoires imposés au processus : température, pression, concentration en molécules organiques et catalyseur alcalin, temps de réaction... Les études paramétriques des systèmes réactionnels ont été menées dans des réacteurs batch à deux échelles différentes, les phases résultantes étant caractérisées par des protocoles analytiques élaborés et validés dans le cadre de l étude. Le suivi du milieu réactionnel en batch lors de son déplacement vers l état supercritique a mis en évidence une conversion avancée des molécules organiques et une identification de certains intermédiaires générés. Parmi les paramètres étudiés, la température et le temps de réaction influent le plus le rendement à l obtention d hydrogène en présence de catalyseur (K2CO3) dans les réacteurs batch, rendements de 1,5 et 2 mol d H2 respectivement par mol de glycérol et de glucose introduites. Les gaz obtenus contiennent des proportions variables d hydrocarbures légers et du CO2. Environ 75% du carbone est converti en phase gaz et liquide (sous forme de carbone organique et inorganique), le restant étant déposé sous forme solide ou huileuse. L analyse du solide généré (plus de 90% de C) laisse apparaître différentes phases, y compris la formation de nanoparticules sphériques. Enfin, la gazéification en réacteur continu du glycérol préchauffé a montré de meilleurs rendements en hydrogène que le procédé batch, pendant que celle du bioglycérol demande une évolution du procédé à cause de la précipitation en phase supercritique des sels contenus dans le réactant. En conclusion, la gazéification en eau supercritique de la biomasse peut être considérée comme une alternative intéressante à d autres procédés physico-chimiques de production de l hydrogène. L amélioration du procédé sera possible par son intensification menée en parallèle avec l utilisation de matériaux plus performants et le contrôle de la salinité de la phase réactante.Supercritical water (T > 374 C and P > 22.1 MPa) gasification of wet biomass for hydrogen production is investigated. This process converts a renewable resource into a gas, which is mainly composed of hydrogen and hydrocarbons with interesting energy potential, and which can be separated at high pressure. In addition, the greenhouse gas effect of the process is zero or negative. Model biomasses (glucose, glycerol and their mixture) and bio-glycerol, residue from bio-diesel production, have been gasified by different processes: two-scale batch reactors (5 mL and 500 mL) and a continuous gasification system. Supercritical water acts as a reactive solvent, its properties can be adjusted by the choice of the experimental (P, T) couple. The operating parameters, e.g. temperature, pressure, concentration of biomass and alkaline catalysts, reaction time allow favoring certain reaction mechanisms. In order to characterize the processes, specific analytical protocols have been developed and validated. The intermediates, formed during the heating time in the batch reactors, have been identified. Among the investigated operating parameters, temperature and reaction time have the greatest influence on the hydrogen production in batch reactors. In the presence of catalyst (K2CO3), H2 yields of 1.5 mol/mol glucose and 2 mol/mol glycerol have been respectively observed. The obtained gas contains different proportions of light hydrocarbons and CO2. About 75% of the carbon is converted into gas and liquid (in form of organic and inorganic carbon). The conversion leads also to a solid or oily residue. In the generated solid phase (composed over 90% of C), spherical nanoparticles are observed via electronic microscopy. The hydrogen production from glycerol is improved in the continuous process compared to batch reactors, however, bio-glycerol supercritical water gasification requests process improvement due to the precipitation of the salt contained in the reactant. In conclusion, supercritical water gasification of biomass can be considered as an promising alternative process for hydrogen production. The process should be improved by more performing equipments and by the control of the salinity content of the crude biomass.TOULOUSE-ENSIACET (315552325) / SudocSudocFranceF

Workgroup A. BioBricks. The Fate and Effetct of Sewage Sludge-Based Bricks on Human Health and Water Resource Quality

The overall project goal is to prevent water pollution in the River Basin of the Danube’s stretch crossing Croatia, Serbia and Hungary, coming from the use of sewage sludge-based bricks in house construction, which despite representing a solution to the ever increasing problem of waste management and determining a reduction of the clay needed for construction, may pose environmental and health dangers if not properly used, due to leaching of toxic substances and heavy metals into the waters. The project aims at creating a comprehensive database on SSBB environmental and health effects; developing a guideline for SSBB manufacturers on standardised SSBB production, and increasing the awareness and knowledge of manufacturers and consumers on possible negative effects and the proper handling/use of SSBBs

Canagliflozin and renal outcomes in type 2 diabetes and nephropathy

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of kidney failure worldwide, but few effective long-term treatments are available. In cardiovascular trials of inhibitors of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2), exploratory results have suggested that such drugs may improve renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS In this double-blind, randomized trial, we assigned patients with type 2 diabetes and albuminuric chronic kidney disease to receive canagliflozin, an oral SGLT2 inhibitor, at a dose of 100 mg daily or placebo. All the patients had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 30 to <90 ml per minute per 1.73 m2 of body-surface area and albuminuria (ratio of albumin [mg] to creatinine [g], >300 to 5000) and were treated with renin–angiotensin system blockade. The primary outcome was a composite of end-stage kidney disease (dialysis, transplantation, or a sustained estimated GFR of <15 ml per minute per 1.73 m2), a doubling of the serum creatinine level, or death from renal or cardiovascular causes. Prespecified secondary outcomes were tested hierarchically. RESULTS The trial was stopped early after a planned interim analysis on the recommendation of the data and safety monitoring committee. At that time, 4401 patients had undergone randomization, with a median follow-up of 2.62 years. The relative risk of the primary outcome was 30% lower in the canagliflozin group than in the placebo group, with event rates of 43.2 and 61.2 per 1000 patient-years, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.59 to 0.82; P=0.00001). The relative risk of the renal-specific composite of end-stage kidney disease, a doubling of the creatinine level, or death from renal causes was lower by 34% (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.81; P<0.001), and the relative risk of end-stage kidney disease was lower by 32% (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.86; P=0.002). The canagliflozin group also had a lower risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke (hazard ratio, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.95; P=0.01) and hospitalization for heart failure (hazard ratio, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.80; P<0.001). There were no significant differences in rates of amputation or fracture. CONCLUSIONS In patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease, the risk of kidney failure and cardiovascular events was lower in the canagliflozin group than in the placebo group at a median follow-up of 2.62 years

Potential hazards from waste based/recycled building materials

International audienceThis chapter presents the main waste categories used in construction materials with a focus on aggregates and cement-based materials. The chemical composition and properties of the selected wastes are presented in relation to their intrinsic toxic or ecotoxic hazard potential. The factors influencing the leaching of hazardous substances and the toxicity of construction materials in relation to their utilisation scenario are discussed. Methods and tools (including leaching and ecotoxicity tests and models) for assessing the toxic/ecotoxic properties of construction materials are presented and their relevance and application are discussed through practical case examples available in the literature

Assessing the potential environmental hazards of concrete made using recycled aggregates (RAs)

International audienceThis chapter starts with widely recommended and used methodologies for environmental assessment, with an overview of their application to construction materials. The concept of pollutant emission by leaching and its dependence on the materials involved is introduced, along with the parameters influencing the leaching process. The manner in which water contact with materials causes transfer, transport and dispersion of the contained contaminants is explained. Then the most relevant experimental tools dedicated to hazard identification and environmental performances are presented. These tools comprise laboratory leaching tests whose suitability for future standardisation in the field of construction materials is considered. Ecotoxicology tests could potentially be adapted to this standard testing method. The second part discusses recent research and discoveries concerning the leaching properties and potential hazards of materials of concern. The chemical behaviour of several pollutants in cement matrix is explained and examples of results obtained by leaching studies on concrete materials are discussed. Examples of studies on recycled aggregates (RA) from demolition as well as new concrete materials containing these wastes are also presented

Trekkers in the High-altitude Pyrenees: What Representation for Which Practice?

This article paints a portrait of trekkers in the high-altitude Pyrenees. Sometimes depicted as different from the trekkers of the Alps, this image may stem from a different imaginary construct, be it in terms of a particular representation of the high-altitude Pyrenees, or of their practice. In order to better evaluate said aspects, we have conducted 25 interviews with professionals of the mountains, members of mountain associations, representatives of institutions and the trekkers themselves. As a follow-up, we have asked 166 trekkers to fill out a questionnaire and we have followed some of them for several months on the Pyrenean trekking trails GR10, GR11 and HRP. This multi-criteria approach allowed us to get to know them better, to understand their representations and motivations, as well as to update more general knowledge about mountain trekking and trekking in the high-altitude Pyrenees. We were finally able to see that “the possibilities of another look” on these mountains, driven in part by the difference in altitude with regard to the Alps, leads to a more contemplative practice and to seeking an adventure that is more linked to enjoying nature, seen here as wild, preserved and authentic