A Full Balance Sheet Two-modes Optimal Switching problem

We formulate and solve a finite horizon full balance sheet two-modes optimal switching problem related to trade-off strategies between expected profit and cost yields. Given the current mode, this model allows for either a switch to the other mode or termination of the project, and this happens for both sides of the balance sheet. A novelty in this model is that the related obstacles are nonlinear in the underlying yields, whereas, they are linear in the standard optimal switching problem. The optimal switching problem is formulated in terms of a system of Snell envelopes for the profit and cost yields which act as obstacles to each other. We prove existence of a continuous minimal solution of this system using an approximation scheme and fully characterize the optimal switching strategy.Comment: 23 pages. To appear in Stochastic

Static Sorption of Phenol and 4-Nitrophenol onto Composite Geomaterials based on Montmorillonite, Activated Carbon and Cement

International audienceThis paper studies the sorption of phenol and 4-nitrophenol (4NP) onto solid sorbents derived from mixtures of montmorillonite, activated carbon (AC) and cement, denoted herein MACC. These materials are mesoporous and some of their physicochemical properties have been measured and discussed. The weight fraction X1 (%) of montmorillonite in the mixtures strongly influences the sorbate removal rate. The sorption isotherms were experimentally established by batch testing on geomaterials with various X1 values at 20 °C and at different pH values (from 3 to 8). The Langmuir model correctly fits the sorption isotherm data (R2 > 0.95). The results show increased sorption behavior for both phenol and 4NP on the composite geomaterials compared to the pure components, yielding the order: MACC > AC > montmorillonite

Seasonal variation of microplastics density in Algerian surface waters (South-Western Mediterranean Sea)

Coastal waters worldwide are widely contaminated with various-size plastics, whose presence in aquatic ecosystems has been shown to produce a wide range of economic and social impacts and harmful effects on marine ecosystems. While microplastics have been reported from many regions of the Mediterranean Sea, very few data exist regarding microplastics concentration inn Algerian waters. In this study, we used a Manta trawl (330 μm) at six sampling stations in Bou-Ismail Bay, Algeria (South-West Mediterranean Sea) in order to provide novel information about the occurrence and composition of microplastics along the Algerian coast. Sampling was performed seasonally at six different sampling stations in 2018, providing additional information about the spatio-temporal variability of microplastics concentrations at the sea surface. Microplastics were found in all collected samples, with highly variable concentrations of 0.95, 0.88, 1.26, and 0.36 items/m3 in Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer, respectively, and an overall mean concentration of 0.86 ± 0.35 items/m3. A classification based on the shape and appearance of microplastics indicated the predominance of fibers (32%), followed by fragments (27%), films (16%), foams (13%), and granules (12%). A qualitative microplastics analysis through Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) revealed that microplastics were mainly composed of polyethylene (68.2%), polypropylene (24.7%), polystyrene (4.1%) and other polymers (3%). These data provide an initial overview of the quantity, characteristics, and spatio-temporal distribution of floating microplastics in Bou-Ismail Bay (Algeria)

Physicochemical characterization of a diatomaceous upon an acid treatment: a focus on surface properties by inverse gas chromatography

International audienceNatural diatomite from Sig/Algeria was treated with 0.5, 1.0, 3.0 and 5.0 M nitric acid solutions for 2 h under re flux at 333 K in order to improve its performance as support of catalyst. The purified silica powders obtained from frustules can also be used to reinforce composites. The solids obtained were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermal analyses, and nitrogen adsorption-desorption at 77 K. Treatment of diatomite earth with nitric acid reduced mineral impurities, such as Fe2O3 and alkali metal oxides (CaO, MgO), eliminated carbonates and increased SiO2 ratio from 88% to 98%. The SEM micrographs showed the original geometry of the pores to be preserved. The surface properties were also evaluated using inverse gas chromatography at infinite dilution (IGC-ID) and finite concentration (IGC-FC). The interest here was to establish whether the technique is sufficiently sensitive to detect variations in the surface properties of the diatomite due to this chemical treatment. The IGC analysis permitted to reach several surface energy components with organic probes. Between them, the distribution function of the adsorption energy sites obtained with the isopropanol probe revealed a silica structure after the 5 M nitric add treatment

Influence of grinding processes on the surface properties of attapulgite clay : an application of inverse gas chromatography

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The Mediterranean region under climate change

This book has been published by Allenvi (French National Alliance for Environmental Research) to coincide with the 22nd Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP22) in Marrakesh. It is the outcome of work by academic researchers on both sides of the Mediterranean and provides a remarkable scientific review of the mechanisms of climate change and its impacts on the environment, the economy, health and Mediterranean societies. It will also be valuable in developing responses that draw on “scientific evidence” to address the issues of adaptation, resource conservation, solutions and risk prevention. Reflecting the full complexity of the Mediterranean environment, the book is a major scientific contribution to the climate issue, where various scientific considerations converge to break down the boundaries between disciplines