Atualmente, o CBM (coalbed methane) representa uma importante fonte de energia alternativa. A mais importante sucessão sedimentar portadora de carvão ocorre na Bacia do Paraná. Este trabalho tem por objetivo analisar as características químicas e petrológicas das camadas de carvão de três furos de sondagens, realizados recentemente na jazida Sul Catarinense no estado de Santa Catarina, com o intuito de avaliar a capacidade de geração de gás metano associado. As sondagens realizadas (CBM-SC-2011, CBM-SC-2012 e CBM-SC-2013) localizam-se no município de Araranguá e Treviso (SC). A metodologia utilizada teve início com a coleta de amostras de carvão que foram preparadas e submetidas à análise petrográfica e química. Foram amostradas sete camadas de carvão da Formação Rio Bonito: Barro Branco, Irapuá, camada A, Bonito Superior, Bonito Inferior, Pré- Bonito Superior e Pré-Bonito Inferior. A descrição de litotipos mostrou um predomínio de carvão fosco bandado (BD) no furo CBM-SC-2012 e carvão fosco (D) no furo CBM-SC-2013. Os resultados petrográficos obtidos indicaram valores médios de 0,60 a 1,26% Rrandom nas camadas analisadas, classificando as camadas segundo o rank desde betuminoso alto volátil C até betuminoso médio volátil. A análise de macerais mostra variação na composição das camadas, com predomínio de vitrinita e inertinita. Quanto a análise imediata, as amostras apresentaram uma variação de 34,93 a 65,70% em peso de cinza, já o poder calorífico superior varia de 1858,0 a 5074,8 cal/g. O conteúdo de carbono varia de 4,15 a 65,81 % em peso, e o enxofre varia de 0,22 a 12,43 % em peso. De acordo com os parâmetros analisados, as camadas Barro Branco e Irapuá apresentam as condições necessárias para a geração de gás natural. / Currently, CBM (coalbed methane) is an important source of alternative energy. The most important coal bearing sedimentary succession in Brazil occurs in the Paraná Basin, with major coal reserves occurring in the states of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina.. The objectives of this study areto detrmine the chemical and petrological characteristics of coal seams from three boreholes (CBM-SC-2011, CBM-SC-2012 and CBM-SC-2013), conducted recently in South Santa Catarina coalfield located in the areas of Treviso and Araranguá (SC), in order to assess the capacity of the coal seams to generate and store methane. From these boreholes seven coal seams of the Rio Bonito Formation were sampled: Barro Branco, Irapuá, seam A, Bonito Superior, Bonito Inferior, Pré-Bonito Superior and Pré-Bonito Inferior and were prepared for petrographical and chemical analyses. The description of lithotypes showed a predominance of banded dull (BD) in hole CBM-SC-2012 and dull (D) in hole CBM-SC-2013. Petrographic results indicated average vitrinite reflectance values from 0.60 to 1.26 % Rrandom, classifying the seams according to rank ranging from high volatile bituminous C to medium volatile bituminous. Maceral analysis shows significant variations in maceral composition of the seams, with a predominance of vitrinite and inertinite. Results from proximate analysis showed a variation from 34.93 to 65.70 wt% in ash yields, whereas the gross calorific value varied from 1858.0 to 5074.8 cal /g. The carbon content ranged from 4.15 to 65.81 wt%, and sulfur content ranged from 0.22 to 12.43 wt%. According to petrographical and chemical characteristics the Barro Branco and Irapuá seams are considered to have good gas generation and storage capacity, whereas the Bonito seam has less potential because of its richness in mineral matter (ash yield).

Atualmente, o CBM (coalbed methane) representa uma importante fonte de energia alternativa. A mais importante sucessão sedimentar portadora de carvão ocorre na Bacia do Paraná. Este trabalho tem por objetivo analisar as características químicas e petrológicas das camadas de carvão de três furos de sondagens, realizados recentemente na jazida Sul Catarinense no estado de Santa Catarina, com o intuito de avaliar a capacidade de geração de gás metano associado. As sondagens realizadas (CBM-SC-2011, CBM-SC-2012 e CBM-SC-2013) localizam-se no município de Araranguá e Treviso (SC). A metodologia utilizada teve início com a coleta de amostras de carvão que foram preparadas e submetidas à análise petrográfica e química. Foram amostradas sete camadas de carvão da Formação Rio Bonito: Barro Branco, Irapuá, camada A, Bonito Superior, Bonito Inferior, Pré- Bonito Superior e Pré-Bonito Inferior. A descrição de litotipos mostrou um predomínio de carvão fosco bandado (BD) no furo CBM-SC-2012 e carvão fosco (D) no furo CBM-SC-2013. Os resultados petrográficos obtidos indicaram valores médios de 0,60 a 1,26% Rrandom nas camadas analisadas, classificando as camadas segundo o rank desde betuminoso alto volátil C até betuminoso médio volátil. A análise de macerais mostra variação na composição das camadas, com predomínio de vitrinita e inertinita. Quanto a análise imediata, as amostras apresentaram uma variação de 34,93 a 65,70% em peso de cinza, já o poder calorífico superior varia de 1858,0 a 5074,8 cal/g. O conteúdo de carbono varia de 4,15 a 65,81 % em peso, e o enxofre varia de 0,22 a 12,43 % em peso. De acordo com os parâmetros analisados, as camadas Barro Branco e Irapuá apresentam as condições necessárias para a geração de gás natural. / Currently, CBM (coalbed methane) is an important source of alternative energy. The most important coal bearing sedimentary succession in Brazil occurs in the Paraná Basin, with major coal reserves occurring in the states of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina.. The objectives of this study areto detrmine the chemical and petrological characteristics of coal seams from three boreholes (CBM-SC-2011, CBM-SC-2012 and CBM-SC-2013), conducted recently in South Santa Catarina coalfield located in the areas of Treviso and Araranguá (SC), in order to assess the capacity of the coal seams to generate and store methane. From these boreholes seven coal seams of the Rio Bonito Formation were sampled: Barro Branco, Irapuá, seam A, Bonito Superior, Bonito Inferior, Pré-Bonito Superior and Pré-Bonito Inferior and were prepared for petrographical and chemical analyses. The description of lithotypes showed a predominance of banded dull (BD) in hole CBM-SC-2012 and dull (D) in hole CBM-SC-2013. Petrographic results indicated average vitrinite reflectance values from 0.60 to 1.26 % Rrandom, classifying the seams according to rank ranging from high volatile bituminous C to medium volatile bituminous. Maceral analysis shows significant variations in maceral composition of the seams, with a predominance of vitrinite and inertinite. Results from proximate analysis showed a variation from 34.93 to 65.70 wt% in ash yields, whereas the gross calorific value varied from 1858.0 to 5074.8 cal /g. The carbon content ranged from 4.15 to 65.81 wt%, and sulfur content ranged from 0.22 to 12.43 wt%. According to petrographical and chemical characteristics the Barro Branco and Irapuá seams are considered to have good gas generation and storage capacity, whereas the Bonito seam has less potential because of its richness in mineral matter (ash yield).

Atualmente, o CBM (coalbed methane) representa uma importante fonte de energia alternativa. A mais importante sucessão sedimentar portadora de carvão ocorre na Bacia do Paraná. Este trabalho tem por objetivo analisar as características químicas e petrológicas das camadas de carvão de três furos de sondagens, realizados recentemente na jazida Sul Catarinense no estado de Santa Catarina, com o intuito de avaliar a capacidade de geração de gás metano associado. As sondagens realizadas (CBM-SC-2011, CBM-SC-2012 e CBM-SC-2013) localizam-se no município de Araranguá e Treviso (SC). A metodologia utilizada teve início com a coleta de amostras de carvão que foram preparadas e submetidas à análise petrográfica e química. Foram amostradas sete camadas de carvão da Formação Rio Bonito: Barro Branco, Irapuá, camada A, Bonito Superior, Bonito Inferior, Pré- Bonito Superior e Pré-Bonito Inferior. A descrição de litotipos mostrou um predomínio de carvão fosco bandado (BD) no furo CBM-SC-2012 e carvão fosco (D) no furo CBM-SC-2013. Os resultados petrográficos obtidos indicaram valores médios de 0,60 a 1,26% Rrandom nas camadas analisadas, classificando as camadas segundo o rank desde betuminoso alto volátil C até betuminoso médio volátil. A análise de macerais mostra variação na composição das camadas, com predomínio de vitrinita e inertinita. Quanto a análise imediata, as amostras apresentaram uma variação de 34,93 a 65,70% em peso de cinza, já o poder calorífico superior varia de 1858,0 a 5074,8 cal/g. O conteúdo de carbono varia de 4,15 a 65,81 % em peso, e o enxofre varia de 0,22 a 12,43 % em peso. De acordo com os parâmetros analisados, as camadas Barro Branco e Irapuá apresentam as condições necessárias para a geração de gás natural. / Currently, CBM (coalbed methane) is an important source of alternative energy. The most important coal bearing sedimentary succession in Brazil occurs in the Paraná Basin, with major coal reserves occurring in the states of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina.. The objectives of this study areto detrmine the chemical and petrological characteristics of coal seams from three boreholes (CBM-SC-2011, CBM-SC-2012 and CBM-SC-2013), conducted recently in South Santa Catarina coalfield located in the areas of Treviso and Araranguá (SC), in order to assess the capacity of the coal seams to generate and store methane. From these boreholes seven coal seams of the Rio Bonito Formation were sampled: Barro Branco, Irapuá, seam A, Bonito Superior, Bonito Inferior, Pré-Bonito Superior and Pré-Bonito Inferior and were prepared for petrographical and chemical analyses. The description of lithotypes showed a predominance of banded dull (BD) in hole CBM-SC-2012 and dull (D) in hole CBM-SC-2013. Petrographic results indicated average vitrinite reflectance values from 0.60 to 1.26 % Rrandom, classifying the seams according to rank ranging from high volatile bituminous C to medium volatile bituminous. Maceral analysis shows significant variations in maceral composition of the seams, with a predominance of vitrinite and inertinite. Results from proximate analysis showed a variation from 34.93 to 65.70 wt% in ash yields, whereas the gross calorific value varied from 1858.0 to 5074.8 cal /g. The carbon content ranged from 4.15 to 65.81 wt%, and sulfur content ranged from 0.22 to 12.43 wt%. According to petrographical and chemical characteristics the Barro Branco and Irapuá seams are considered to have good gas generation and storage capacity, whereas the Bonito seam has less potential because of its richness in mineral matter (ash yield).

Atualmente, o CBM (coalbed methane) representa uma importante fonte de energia alternativa. A mais importante sucessão sedimentar portadora de carvão ocorre na Bacia do Paraná. Este trabalho tem por objetivo analisar as características químicas e petrológicas das camadas de carvão de três furos de sondagens, realizados recentemente na jazida Sul Catarinense no estado de Santa Catarina, com o intuito de avaliar a capacidade de geração de gás metano associado. As sondagens realizadas (CBM-SC-2011, CBM-SC-2012 e CBM-SC-2013) localizam-se no município de Araranguá e Treviso (SC). A metodologia utilizada teve início com a coleta de amostras de carvão que foram preparadas e submetidas à análise petrográfica e química. Foram amostradas sete camadas de carvão da Formação Rio Bonito: Barro Branco, Irapuá, camada A, Bonito Superior, Bonito Inferior, Pré- Bonito Superior e Pré-Bonito Inferior. A descrição de litotipos mostrou um predomínio de carvão fosco bandado (BD) no furo CBM-SC-2012 e carvão fosco (D) no furo CBM-SC-2013. Os resultados petrográficos obtidos indicaram valores médios de 0,60 a 1,26% Rrandom nas camadas analisadas, classificando as camadas segundo o rank desde betuminoso alto volátil C até betuminoso médio volátil. A análise de macerais mostra variação na composição das camadas, com predomínio de vitrinita e inertinita. Quanto a análise imediata, as amostras apresentaram uma variação de 34,93 a 65,70% em peso de cinza, já o poder calorífico superior varia de 1858,0 a 5074,8 cal/g. O conteúdo de carbono varia de 4,15 a 65,81 % em peso, e o enxofre varia de 0,22 a 12,43 % em peso. De acordo com os parâmetros analisados, as camadas Barro Branco e Irapuá apresentam as condições necessárias para a geração de gás natural. / Currently, CBM (coalbed methane) is an important source of alternative energy. The most important coal bearing sedimentary succession in Brazil occurs in the Paraná Basin, with major coal reserves occurring in the states of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina.. The objectives of this study areto detrmine the chemical and petrological characteristics of coal seams from three boreholes (CBM-SC-2011, CBM-SC-2012 and CBM-SC-2013), conducted recently in South Santa Catarina coalfield located in the areas of Treviso and Araranguá (SC), in order to assess the capacity of the coal seams to generate and store methane. From these boreholes seven coal seams of the Rio Bonito Formation were sampled: Barro Branco, Irapuá, seam A, Bonito Superior, Bonito Inferior, Pré-Bonito Superior and Pré-Bonito Inferior and were prepared for petrographical and chemical analyses. The description of lithotypes showed a predominance of banded dull (BD) in hole CBM-SC-2012 and dull (D) in hole CBM-SC-2013. Petrographic results indicated average vitrinite reflectance values from 0.60 to 1.26 % Rrandom, classifying the seams according to rank ranging from high volatile bituminous C to medium volatile bituminous. Maceral analysis shows significant variations in maceral composition of the seams, with a predominance of vitrinite and inertinite. Results from proximate analysis showed a variation from 34.93 to 65.70 wt% in ash yields, whereas the gross calorific value varied from 1858.0 to 5074.8 cal /g. The carbon content ranged from 4.15 to 65.81 wt%, and sulfur content ranged from 0.22 to 12.43 wt%. According to petrographical and chemical characteristics the Barro Branco and Irapuá seams are considered to have good gas generation and storage capacity, whereas the Bonito seam has less potential because of its richness in mineral matter (ash yield).

ABSTRACT Background: The most common species associated with dental caries is Streptococcus mutans. Different Streptococcus mutans adhesion biotypes, SpaP A/B/C and Cnm/Cbm, with ability to predict individual caries development have recently been identified. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate if there was a difference in growth ability of the Streptococcus mutans adhesion biotypes and their relative sensitivity to biocides such as fluoride and chlorhexidine in vitro. We also aim to compare the potency of biocides in vitro to those concentrations used in the clinic. Methods: Culturing of the Streptococcus mutans biotypes in a planktonic solution with and without fluoride and chlorhexidine. Used concentrations: 3.5-4500 parts per million fluoride and 15-500 parts per million chlorhexidine. Optical density was used to measure growth under the different conditions. Results: The tests with fluoride showed a similar dose dependent inhibition of growth for all 6 biotypes of Streptococcus mutans. The tests with chlorhexidine showed a major inhibition of growth for the concentration 62 parts per million which inhibited growth more than 500 parts per million. All biotypes had a similar proliferation pattern without any biocide present. Conclusion: All tested biotypes of Streptococcus mutans had a similar pattern of sensitivity to the different concentrations of biocides and cultivation conditions used.

The power transformer is a critical equipment in which the protection process is essential for modern societies where continuous electric power supplies are required. Copper corrosion problems due to the formation of sulfur deposits on the copper windings of mineral oil-filled power transformers are considered a major issue that can lead to sudden failures, and in some cases, to costly fire and explosion accidents in the power plants. These kinds of problems are still being reported regardless of available condition monitoring (CM) parameters applied in power transformers' maintenance strategy. The currently applied CM parameters are based on three different types of technologies. The first is oil analysis focuses more on measurable variables such as measuring the concentration of the corrosive sulfur compounds in the insulating oil, evaluating the oil's capability to form sulfur deposits, and measuring an increase in the concentration of specific gases. The second is on-site electrical testing focuses on the variation of the transformer's electrical properties due to the sulfur deposits. The measurable variables used in the electrical testing are Frequency Domain Spectroscopy test and Polarization/Depolarization Current test. The last is online sensor technology using Corrosive Sulfur Sensor, where the sensor's outcome data provide information about the oil's capability to form sulfur deposits. The research problem addressed is how to establish more effective CM parameters for early detection of copper corrosion problems.  The research problem is divided into three concretized research problems: What are the strengths and weaknesses of the currently applied condition monitoring parameters? Which measurable variables could be utilized to improve the currently applied condition monitoring parameters to be more effective for early detection of copper corrosion problems? And how to establish a procedure for the condition monitoring for detecting copper corrosion? Two research methodologies were applied to answer these questions, literature review and experimental work. The literature review showed significant gaps in the currently applied CM parameters for early detection of copper corrosion problems due to incomplete data of the corrosion reaction mechanism. Therefore, qualitative and quantitative investigations in the experimental work were carried out. The most important result was finding new relevant measurable variables, i.e. hydrogen sulfide gas and toluene compound, which are by-products of corrosion reaction. These measurable variables are utilized to establish more effective CM parameters for early detection of copper corrosion problems. The main conclusion of this thesis is the importance of detection corrosion problems in the initial stage by implementing more effective CM parameters to prevent catastrophic and costly failures, reduce the negative impacts on human life and the environment, and save the economic losses. Another conclusion is the importance of regularly following the measurable variables' uptrend during transformer useful life to avoid incorrect evaluation of corrosion conditions.

Prevention science has suggested that universal screening can enhance educational and mental health outcomes in the schools (Greenberg et al., 2003). A three-tier model of prevention has been proposed by Albers, Glover, and Kratochwill (2007) and Brown-Chidsey and Steege (2005) employing universal screening assessments of basic academic skills at Tier-1. Curriculum-based measurement maze (CBM-maze) probes are universal screeners that were developed as measures of reading comprehension. They are characterized as easy to administer, time-efficient, valid, and reliable (Parker, Hasbrouck, & Tindal, 1992). CBM-maze probes are short stories consisting of 400 words where every seventh word is omitted and replaced with three answer choices. Students are given 3-minutes to read the passage silently and select a word from the answer choices that restores the meaning of the story. Maze probes have been utilized as reading comprehension assessments for universal screening (Tier 1) and progress monitoring (Tier 2 and Tier 3; Espin, Deno, Maruyama, & Cohen, 1989; D. Fuchs & Fuchs, 1992). The current research study was conducted to further extend the research on the reliability and validity of CBM-maze probes. More specifically, it investigated if there were any differences between 1-minute, 2-minute, and 3-minute time frames, alternate form reliability, concurrent validity, and social validity of the maze probes. Results indicated differences in correct word selections (CWS) between 1-minute, 2-minute, and 3-minute time frames with significant interaction effects noted for the 2-minute maze probe. Alternate form reliability correlation were statistically significant and moderately strong (r = .47 to .71). Concurrent validity correlations between the STAR Reading norm referenced test (computer adaptive reading comprehension test) and CBM-maze probes yielded statistically significant and moderate correlations (r = .30 to .50). Tabulations of the assessment rating scale indicated that students perceived maze probes as acceptable measures for reading comprehension. Implications for practice, cautions in interpreting the results, and future directions are discussed. / School Psychology

Das Schicksal aktivierter T-Zellen wird durch eine Vielzahl NF-kappaB regulierter Ziel-Gene bestimmt, wobei aktivierende und deaktivierende Signale für die Ausbalancierung einer adäquaten T-Zell Antwort benötigt werden. Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit konnte gezeigt werden, dass die negativ-regulatorische Modulierung des Carma1-Bcl10-Malt1 (CBM)-Proteinkomplexes für die Steuerung der NF-kappaB Aktivität in T-Zellen von großer Bedeutung ist. Überraschenderweise ist die Bildung des CBM-Komplexes abhängig von IKKbeta, einer Kinase, die zuvor ausschließlich mit CBM-nachgelagerten Effektorfunktionen in Verbindung gebracht wurde. IKKbeta übernimmt eine duale Funktion bei der Regulation des CBM-Komplexes: Obwohl IKKbeta zunächst für die Bildung des CBM-Komplexes benötigt wird, führt die Phosphorylierung der CBM-Komplexkomponente Bcl10 durch IKKbeta bereits kurze Zeit nach Beginn der T-Zell Aktivierung zu einer Dämpfung der Signalübertragung. Biochemische Analysen zeigen, dass die Phosphorylierung von Bcl10 die Proteinaffinitäten innerhalb des CBM-Komplexes beeinflusst, wodurch es zu einer Umlagerung des Komplexes mit negativ-regulatorischem Effekt kommt. Weiterführende Experimente haben aufgedeckt, dass Bcl10 im Zuge anhaltender T-Zell Stimulation lysosomal degradiert wird. Die Degradation von Bcl10 führt zum Zerfall des CBM-Komplexes und unterbindet die weitere Signalübertragung trotz persistenter Stimulation. Die Tatsache, dass beide in dieser Arbeit identifizierten negativ-regulatorischen Mechanismen am CBM-Komplex angreifen, unterstreicht die Bedeutung dieses Komplexes für die Signalübertragung in T-Zellen. Weiterhin besteht aufgrund der präsentierten Daten Anlass zur Annahme, dass in aktivierten T-Zellen ein vielfältig positiv und negativ regulierter Multikomponentenkomplex gebildet wird, der eine nicht-hierarchische Signalübertragung unterstützt. / A multitude of NF-kappaB regulated target genes determines the fate of activated T cells, whereas activating and de-activating signals are crucial for balancing adequate T cell responses. The presented data illustrate that negative-regulatory modulation of the Carma1-Bcl10-Malt1 (CBM)-complex is of great importance for the control of NF-kappaB activity in T cells. Surprisingly IKKbeta, a kinase that so far was thought to be involved in CBM-downstream effector functions, is needed for CBM-complex formation. IKKbeta exhibits a dual function regulating the CBM-complex: while initially being essential for the formation of the CBM-complex, phosphorylation of the CBM-complex component Bcl10 by IKKbeta shortly after the onset of T cell activation leads to a damping of signal transduction. Biochemical analysis reveal that Bcl10 phosphorylation influences the intermolecular protein affinities of the CBM-complex components causing a remodeling of the complex with a negative-regulatory effect. Further experiments uncover that upon persistent T cell activation Bcl10 is degraded by the lysosome. Bcl10 degradation promotes the collapse of the CBM-complex and thereby interferes with ongoing signal transduction despite persistent stimulation. Considering the fact that both negative-regulatory processes affect CBM-complex activity underscores the important role of this complex in T cell signal transduction. Moreover, the presented data demonstrate that formation of a multi-component signaling complex in activated T cells facilitates versatile positive, negative and non-hierarchical regulation.

In the public and political spheres, sustainability and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) have become an even more essential topic of conversation, as expressed through consumer behavior but also through more demands from policy makers. Changing consumption patterns and increasing sustainability requirements are in turn forcing businesses to adapt, something the vast majority of companies have also adopted in one way or another to demonstrate to their customers that they are sustainable. It is now more important than ever to integrate sustainability into their business and act according to a Circular Business Model (CBM). The UN Global Goals, Goal 9: Sustainable Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (Agenda 2030, Goal 9), the Ecodesign Directive, the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS Directive) and CSRD, are some requirements that act as tools to promote the circular economy and become particularly relevant for the lighting manufacturing industry which is the focus of the study. Meeting all sustainability requirements may be a greater challenge for Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that do not have the same resources as larger companies, the study therefore examines how small and medium-sized enterprises are affected by the sustainability requirements, as they constitute 99.9% of all companies in Sweden. Through qualitative methods, the study examines how rules, laws and values in society linked to sustainability affect SMEs. The study aims to identify through qualitative interviews and surveys what obstacles and challenges SMEs experience with today's sustainability requirements. Through an analysis supported by legitimacy theory and stakeholder theory, the study focuses on business development linked to sustainability. It also provides tools for policy makers to, for example, provide financial resources or offer tax breaks to give SMEs more opportunities and fewer obstacles to be ecologically sustainable. The report also highlights opportunities that may be important for SMEs to be aware of during their transition to a CBM. / I de allmänna och politiska rummen har hållbarhet och Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) blivit ett än mer väsentligt samtalsämne. vilket uttrycks genom konsumenternas beteende men även genom fler krav från beslutsfattare. Förändrade konsumtionsmönster och allt fler hållbarhetskrav leder i sin tur till att företagen blir tvungna att anpassa sig, något de allra flesta företag också har anammat på ett eller annat sätt för att visa för sina kunder att de är hållbara. Det är nu viktigare än någonsin att integrera hållbarhet i sin verksamhet och agera efter en Circular Business Model (CBM). FNs globala mål, Mål 9: Hållbar industri, innovationer och infrastruktur (Agenda 2030, mål 9), Ekodesigndirektivet, Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS-direktivet) och Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, CSRD-rapportering, är några krav som agerar verktyg för att främja cirkulär ekonomi och blir särskilt relevanta för belysnings tillverkningsbranschen som är studiens fokus. Att möta alla hållbarhetskrav kan tänkas vara en större utmaning för Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) som inte har samma resurser som större företag, studien undersöker därför att hur små och medelstora företag påverkas av hållbarhetskraven, då de utgör 99.9% av alla företag i Sverige. Genom kvalitativa metoder undersöks hur regler, lagar och värderingar i samhället kopplat till hållbarhet påverkar SMEs. Studien syftar till att genom kvalitativa intervjuer och enkäter identifiera vilka hinder och utmaningar SMEs upplever med dagens hållbarhetskrav. Genom en analys med stöd av legitimitetsteorin och intressentteorin fokuserar studien på affärsutveckling kopplat till hållbarhet. Den ger också verktyg till makthavare för att exempelvis kunna tillföra ekonomiska medel eller erbjuda skattelättnader för att ge SMEs fler möjligheter och färre hinder att vara ekologiskt hållbara. Rapporten belyser även möjligheter som kan vara viktiga för SMEs kännedom under deras övergång till en CBM.

The Circular Business Model (CBM) is one way to achieve a more sustainable future. Its goal is to reduce the use of natural resources which are becoming more scarce on our planet. The aim of the study is to investigate the consumer behavior and the determinants of the willingness to adopt Product Service System (PSS), one of the models of CBM. Through previous research, five main factors were identified: Economical Value, Flexibility, Trust, Desire to Own and Peer Influence. Furthermore, some literature argue that environmental awareness has an influence on the consumers’ choice of consumption. Therefore, this factor is considered and used as a moderating variable in the conceptual model. The primary data was collected through an online questionnaire and the hypotheses were tested through multiple regression analyses. Seven out of the twelve hypotheses were accepted. The study also concludes that environmental awareness does not have a high impact on the model. The environmental awareness did only have a positive moderating effect in the peer influence factor. It was determined in the study that economical value has the highest impact on the model.