Atmospheric Oxidation of Linalool

within the framework of the BEMA project on the role of natural hydrocarbon emissions on photochemical oxidant formation ,we have been studying the gas phase oxidation of linaool in order to assess its possible contribution to the formation of ozone,the formation of photooxidation products and theweffect of humudity on their distribution.JRC.(EI)-Environment Institut

Diesel exhaust rapidly degrades floral odours used by honeybees

Honeybees utilise floral odours when foraging for flowers; we investigated whether diesel exhaust pollution could interrupt these floral odour stimuli. A synthetic blend of eight floral chemicals, identified from oilseed rape, was exposed to diesel exhaust pollution. Within one minute of exposure the abundances of four of the chemicals were significantly lowered, with two components rendered undetectable. Honeybees were trained to recognise the full synthetic odour mix; altering the blend, by removing the two chemicals rendered undetectable, significantly reduced the ability of the trained honeybees to recognize the altered odour. Furthermore, we found that at environmentally relevant levels the mono-nitrogen oxide (NOx) fraction of the exhaust gases was a key facilitator of this odour degradation. Such changes in recognition may impact upon a honeybee's foraging efficiency and therefore the pollination services that they provid

Key strategies, resources, and capabilities for implementing circular economy in industrial small and medium enterprises

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are key actors in the implementation of the circular economy (CE) concept as a basis for creating sustainable societies. Thus, the main objective of this study is to identify key strategies and resources that may favor CE implementation in SMEs. These key strategies should encourage SMEs to develop eco-innovations to gain competitive advantage and create and capture value that is coherent with nature. A mixed-method approach that consisted of a literature review and a focus group for gathering qualitative data was used. This focus group was made up of experts such as researchers and practitioners from universities, sustainable SMEs, and consultancy firms in Spain. A set of strategies and internal and external factors were identified to help SMEs to implement the CE. Finally, some useful dynamic capabilities for implementing the CE in business performance were identified

Langmuir-Blodgett films of composite calixarene/polyphenylsulphide compounds for ozone sensing

Composite Langmuir-Blodgett films of polyphenylsulphide/calix-4-resorcinarene (PPS/C-4-RA) with different molar ratios were deposited on quartz crystals and silicon wafers. Using ellipsometric and quartz-crystal microbalance methods, the thickness and mass of the film were found to increase linearly with the number of deposited layers. An optimal molar ratio for the deposition of C-4-RA/PPS films was found to be about 1/3, yielding a thickness of 9,25nm/layer and frequency changes of 1.5kHz/layer corresponding to surface concentration of PPS of 2 . 10(22)m(-2). The frequency of C-4-RA/PPS-coated quartz crystals decreases with time on exposure to ozone. Both the mass gain and concentration of oxygen appearing in the film during oxidation were calculated. The highest response was observed for LB films with the C-4-RA/PPS molar ratio of 1/3. An average ozone concentration of 0.5ppm was recorded by QCM transducers near a standard photocopier

Logiques d’appropriation et politiques de l’espace urbain : jeunes skateurs dans la ville de La Plata en Argentine

International audienceThe purpose of this article is to describe and analyse the forms of appropriation of urban space through the informal practice of skateboarding. Our hypothesis is that this pastime, which basically unites youth, is not as futile as it appears but rather signifies a political act that leads to the consideration of these protagonists as citizens. Semi-directional interviews and field observations of these stakeholders in the town of La Plata in Argentina have made it possible to complete a socio-anthropology of skateboarding and to reveal the logics of appropriating space – especially streets – which create tension with other citizens and various public institutions.L’objectif de cet article consiste à décrire et analyser les formes d’appropriation de l’espace urbain à travers la pratique informelle du skateboard. Nous posons comme hypothèse que cette pratique de loisirs, qui rassemble essentiellement des jeunes, n’est pas si futile qu’elle y paraît mais signe un acte politique qui invite à penser ces protagonistes comme des citoyens. Des entretiens semi-directifs et des observations de terrain de ces acteurs de la ville de La Plata en Argentine ont permis de réaliser une socio-anthropologie du skateboard et de déceler les logiques d’appropriation de l’espace – en particulier de la rue – qui créent des tensions avec d’autres citoyens et diverses institutions publiques