Secondary Processes Research Articles

Катодолюминесценция конодонтовых элементов

Conodont elements are used as a geochemical archive of seawater. Some compositional features of conodont elements reflect conodont ecology and trophic structure of Palaeozoic pelagic ecosystems. However, the screening of conodont elements prior to geochemical and/or isotopic studies is a real problem. This study evaluates SEM cathodoluminescence (SEM-CL), which is very sensitive to the REE and Mn content of apatite, for the detection of traces of secondary transformation in the composition of conodont bioapatite. The SEM-CL of conodont elements is similar to that of unaltered shark teeth (blue-violet), but differs significantly from that of fossil vertebrate teeth (orange-red). Thermal alteration has little effect on the SEM-CL. Elements with a CAI of 1—1.5 show a redder and more intense CL than elements with a CAI of 5. In the case of corrosion of the conodont element surface in carbonate host rocks, the CL of the outer parts of the conodont element become reddish due to invasion of the carbonate material. Conodont elements from the clay host rock show deep purple SEM-CL. Thus, SEM-CL allows detection of the results of secondary processes in conodont mineralised tissues, including enrichment by REE and/or Mn, corrosion and contamination by carbonate material. This method can be used to screen significantly altered samples prior to chemical and isotopic analyses.

Change Factors Towards Sustainability at the Example of Hospitals’ Secondary Processes

Secondary processes in hospitals are causing a major part of hospitals’ carbon footprint. At the same time, initiating change towards sustainability is more difficult in secondary processes than in other processes: Often, they are not under the complete control of hospitals and involve other actors, such as service providers or purchasing companies.
 The current research aims to shed light on factors influencing change in secondary processes at the example of hospitals in Germany. Building on a framework that distinguishes change factors on a micro-, meso- and macro-level, it is analysed which aspects are positively or negatively influencing change towards more sustainability.
 To this end, qualitative interviews with eleven experts from hospitals and service providers have been conducted and results have been assigned to the three levels of change. Results underline the importance of inter-organisational collaboration and the design of structures and processes to establish regular cooperation and coordination. They also show that business relationships between hospitals and service providers are rather cost-related than transformational. Sustainability offers the opportunity to modify existing roles and develop future-proof businesses.
 The paper contributes to existing research by focusing on multi-organisational perspectives. On a practical level, it supports hospitals in designing their change strategies and processes jointly and in collaboration with other parties that are part of secondary processes.
 
 Keywords: sustainable change, (inter-) organisational change, hospitals’ secondary processes

Resonant ultrasound spectroscopy of hybrid metal additive manufacturing

Additive manufacturing has been targeted as the next high-impact fabrication technique for parts and components. Hybrid metal additive manufacturing (AM) refers to the 3-D printed fabrication process involving secondary manufacturing processes or energy sources and multifunctional printing. Specific layers are altered within the build using additional processes (i.e., milling or peening) that are synergistic with the additive process. This combination alters the sample microstructure and can refine grains, increase dislocation density, or induce residual stresses. The effect of these hybrid layers is typically not confined within the layer alone but has a compounding effect on preceding layers. The goal is to control the changes in print parameters throughout the build to enhance component performance, but unique challenges remain for nondestructive validation of such samples. Traditional ultrasonic methods on hybrid-AM components have successfully mapped material variations with sufficient spatial resolution. However, the use of resonance ultrasound spectroscopy (RUS) for hybrid-AM is less developed. In this presentation, the use of RUS is described relative to the characterization of hybrid AM 316L stainless steel samples. The spatial organization of the hybrid samples affects the resonances relative to their mode shape. Computational models are used to quantify the impact of the hybrid processes.

Capturing photoionization shadows in streamer simulations using the discrete ordinates method

Numerical simulations of streamer propagation involving photoionization are presented, utilizing an ANSYS Fluent implementation that employs unstructured meshes and automatic mesh refinement. Two approximate methods for radiative transfer, used to handle computation of the photoionization source terms, are compared: the Eddington approximation and the discrete ordinates (DOs) method. The former is commonly employed in streamer simulations, while the latter is well-established in other branches of computational physics, such as radiative heat transfer. A 2D test case with two distinct regions, where streamer propagation can be triggered thanks to the protruded electrodes, is introduced. The two regions are partially separated by an opaque solid insulator barrier to study the effects of photoionization shadows on streamer inception and propagation. The primary positive streamer is initiated by placing a neutral plasma patch close to one of the electrode protrusions, while the secondary positive streamer, in the other region of the computational domain, is initiated by photoionization originating from the primary streamer zone. The Eddington approximation results in an excessively high photoionization source in the secondary streamer inception zone, as it fails to capture the shadowing effects of the opaque dielectric barrier. Consequently, this leads to a fast secondary streamer inception process, followed by rapid streamer propagation. On the other hand, the DOs method accurately captures the shadow, leading to a delayed secondary streamer inception. It is also shown that both methods exhibit very similar results when the dielectric barrier is transparent and the shadow is absent. This work demonstrates that using the DOs method for streamer simulations offers considerable advantages over the Eddington approximation, especially in cases involving more complex geometries where shadows need to be captured for accurate streamer inception and dynamics.

How to size regional electrolysis systems - Simple guidelines for deploying grid-supporting electrolysis in regions with renewable energy generation

Our energy system is facing major challenges in the course of the unavoidable shift from fossil fuels to fluctuating renewable energy sources. Regional hydrogen production by electrolysis, utilizing regional available excess energy, can support the expansion of renewable energy by converting surplus energy into hydrogen and supplying it to the end energy sectors as a secondary energy carrier or process media. We developed a methodology which allows the identification of the regional optimal electrolysis scaling, the achievable Levelized Costs of Hydrogen (LCOH) as well as the annually producible amount of hydrogen for Central European regions, using renewable surplus energy from PV and wind production. The results show that as best case currently LCOH of 4.5 €/kg can be achieved in regions with wind energy and LCOH of 5.6 €/kg in regions with PV energy at 1485 €/kW initial investment costs for the hydrogen production infrastructure. In these cases, regions with wind energy require electrolysis systems with a capacity of 60% of the wind peak power. Regions with PV energy require a scaling factor of only 45% of the PV peak power. However, we show that the impact of regional electricity demand and grid expansion has a significant influence on the LCOH and the scaling of the electrolysis. These effects were illustrated in clear heatmaps and serve as a guideline for the dimensioning of grid-supporting electrolysis systems by defining the renewable peak power, the regional electricity demand as well as the existing grid capacity of the region under consideration.

Ultrasonic in situ measurements for hybrid metal additive manufacturing

Hybrid additive manufacturing (AM) of metals includes synergistic secondary processes such as milling or peening that impart changes to the component for improved performance. Although a valuable concept, implementation is difficult to verify due to a current lack of in situ inspection methods. In this presentation, two different strategies are described with respect to ultrasonic inspections for hybrid metal AM. Both are used for inspections during laser-based directed energy deposition with milling as the hybrid process. The first uses a transducer mounted below the build plate. This configuration allows waves to interrogate the entire sample during all additive and subtractive manufacturing steps. Experiments with Ti6Al4V show the changes in ultrasonic wave speed and attenuation that track the manufacturing temporally. The second inspection approach uses ultrasonic surface waves at the top surface of the sample. These measurements are used on samples of 316L stainless steel at the end of additive steps as well as before and after milling to quantify localized information regarding the most recent layers. Wave speed and diffuse scattering information show the variability with respect to sample geometry, build height, and process parameters. Finally, advantages and limitations of both approaches and prospects for validated parts are discussed.

AlxCoCrFeNi (0.5 < x < 3) high-entropy alloys: from cost-effective synthesis to strengthening via thermomechanical processing

ABSTRACT In this study, the cost-effective synthesis, shaping and strengthening through hot and cold rolling of AlxCoCrFeNi (0.5 < x < 3) high-entropy alloys was investigated using an integrated processing method for the first time in the literature that involved non-centrifugal self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) followed by suction-casting. Compositions of the master alloys were well-controlled by virtue of thermochemical simulations (CALPHAD) and were acceptable for secondary processes. The FCC-based Al0.5CoCrFeNi alloy exhibited the highest hot deformability (36%) at 1000°C among the all alloys resulting in a 109% increase in hardness, with respect to its as-cast state. It was possible to obtain Al0.5CoCrFeNi plates with improved hardness (42%) compared to the SHS master alloy, with substantial area reduction (131%) through the cold-rolling route. Despite the calculated phase diagram suggesting no sigma formation around 1000°C, the hardness increase in the hot rolling process caused by the synergistic precipitation of BCC-B2 and σ phases via hot deformation. It was concluded that the FCC-based Al0.5CoCrFeNi alloy can be successfully manufactured from oxides to final or semi-final products for applications requiring various thicknesses and improved mechanical properties through static or dynamic precipitation hardening by the selection of cold and hot rolling routes, respectively.

Influence of aerosol acidity and organic ligands on transition metal solubility and oxidative potential of fine particulate matter in urban environments

The adverse health effects of air pollution around the world have been associated with the inhalation of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Such outcomes are thought to be related to the induction of oxidative stress due to the excess formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. The ability of airborne chemicals to deplete antioxidants and to form ROS is known as oxidative potential (OP). Here we studied the influence of aerosol acidity and organic ligands on the solubility of transition metals, in particular iron (Fe) and copper (Cu), and on the OP of PM2.5 from Canadian National Air Pollution Surveillance urban sites in Toronto, Vancouver, and Hamilton. Using chemical assays and model simulations of the lung redox chemistry, we quantified ROS formation in the lung lining fluid, targeting superoxide anion (O2•-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and hydroxyl radical (•OH), as well as the PM2.5 redox potential (RP). Experimental •OH formation (OPOH) showed high correlations with RP and model-predicted ROS metrics. Both aerosol acidity and oxalate content enhanced the solubility of transition metals, with oxalate showing a stronger association. While experimental OP metrics were primarily associated with species of primary origin such as elemental carbon, Fe, and Cu, model-predicted ROS were associated with secondary processes including proton- and ligand-mediated dissolution of Fe. Model simulations showed that water-soluble Cu was the main contributor to O2•- formation, while water-soluble Fe dominated the formation of highly reactive •OH radical, particularly at study sites with highly acidic aerosol and elevated levels of oxalate. This study underscores the importance of reducing transition metal emissions in urban environments to improve population health.

Advanced optical imaging reveals preferred spatial orientation of podocyte processes along the axis of glomerular capillaries

Mammalian kidneys filter enormous volumes of water and small solutes, a filtration driven by the hydrostatic pressure in glomerular capillaries, which is considerably higher than in most other tissues. Interdigitating cellular processes of podocytes form the slits for fluid filtration connected by the membrane-like slit diaphragm cell junction containing a mechanosensitive ion channel complex and allow filtration while counteracting hydrostatic pressure. Several previous publications speculated that podocyte processes may display a preferable orientation on glomerular capillaries instead of a random distribution. However, for decades, the controversy over spatially oriented filtration slits could not be resolved due to technical limitations of imaging technologies. Here, we used advanced high-resolution, three-dimensional microscopy with high data throughput to assess spatial orientation of podocyte processes and filtration slits quantitatively. Filtration-slit-generating secondary processes preferentially align along the capillaries' longitudinal axis while primary processes are preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. This preferential orientation required maturation in development of the mice but was lost in mice with kidney disease due to treatment with nephrotoxic serum or with underlying heterologous mutations in the podocyte foot process protein podocin. Thus, the observation that podocytes maintain a preferred spatial orientation of their processes on glomerular capillaries goes well in line with the role of podocyte foot processes as mechanical buttresses to counteract mechanical forces resulting from pressurized capillaries. Future studies are needed to establish how podocytes establish and maintain their orientation and why orientation is lost under pathological conditions.

Mechanical Performance of Mortars with Partial Replacement of Cement by Aluminum Dross: Inactivation and Particle Size

Although the use of primary aluminum dross as cement replacement has shown promising results in mortars and concretes, there is a knowledge gap between the effect of the secondary dross inactivation process and particle sizes on the mechanical properties and consistency. So, by using X-ray diffraction, laser granulometry, and scanning electron microscopy, this article describes first the inactivation process applied to a secondary aluminum dross. Second, this manuscript presents the fresh and hardened properties of mortar mixes containing 5, 10, and 20% inactivated secondary aluminum dross with three different particle sizes (i.e., fine, intermediate, and coarse). Mortar flow test results indicate that compressive and flexural strengths of mixes containing up to 20% fine and intermediate aluminum dross as cement replacement were satisfactory, respectively. These results have the potential to reduce the environmental and health impacts caused by cement production and secondary aluminum dross disposal, respectively. Moreover, the durability aspects of the mortar mixes, as well as the effectivity of the investigated inactivation process, are identified as future research topics.

Synthesis of acetyl ferulic 7‐hydroxyisoflavone ester and evaluating its antioxidant activity on improving fish oil thermal stability

SummaryAcetyl ferulic 7‐hydroxyisoflavone ester (AHE) was synthesized and its antioxidant capacity in vitro was evaluated by free radical scavenging assay and thermo‐oxidative stability analysis of fish oil in this study. The formation of primary and secondary oxidation products can be effectively inhibited by AHE, tert‐butylhydroxyquinone (TBHQ), ferulic acid and 7‐hydroxyisoflavone. The intensity of UV‐Vis absorption spectra increased significantly, whereas the intensity of fluorescence spectra decreased obviously with the deepening of oxidation degree of fish oil. AHE significantly alleviated the degradation of unsaturated fatty acids in fish oil. The results demonstrated that AHE was more effective than TBHQ, ferulic acid and 7‐hydroxyisoflavone in retarding the oxidative degradation of fish oil during high temperature storage (80 °C). Moreover, the formation of oxidation products in fish oil followed a first‐order kinetic model, and AHE effectively reduced reaction rate constant and delayed secondary lipid oxidation process. As a result, AHE is an effective antioxidant that can stabilise fish oil.

AN OVERVIEW OF ELECTRO-FENTON TECHNOLOGY FOR ORGANIC WASTEWATER TREATMENT: OPTIMAL CONDITIONS AND ELECTRODES SELECTION

Several conventional methods have been employed to eliminate numerous types of pollutants from domestic and industrial wastewater. Electrochemical techniques are one of these treatment methods used in wastewater treatment. Electro-Fenton technology (EFT) is one type of electrochemical technique. The present review paper aims to provide readers with extensive information about the EFT general definitions, terminologies, mechanisms, fundamental conditions, and statistical analysis based on the published articles for the recent years. The core findings of this work proved that the EFT is more applicable for removing organic contaminants than inorganic ones because of the affinity degree between the adsorbents formed in the reactor and the pollutants. The most important conditions of this technology are the type of anode, the applied current, and the period of the treatment process. The development of the conventional cathode electrode was the most interested field in the literature. The advantages of EFT provide the ability to perform it as a primary or secondary treatment process with other conventional treatment processes. The statistical analysis shows that 68% of the selected cited articles achieved a high performance of EFT when it has performed alone while 32% of these cited articles attained the best performance of EFT in the integrated system with other technologies. The electro-Fenton method is a promising technology to treat wastewater, especially that involving organic pollutants

Diurnal source apportionment of organic and inorganic atmospheric particulate matter at a high-altitude mountain site under summer conditions (Sierra Nevada; Spain)

High-altitude mountain areas are sentinel ecosystems for global environmental changes such as anthropogenic pollution. In this study, we report a source apportionment of particulate material with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 10 μm (PM10) in a high-altitude site in southern Europe (Sierra Nevada Station; SNS (2500 m a.s.l.)) during summer 2021. The emission sources and atmospheric secondary processes that determine the composition of aerosol particles in Sierra Nevada National Park (Spain) are identified from the concentrations of organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), 12 major inorganic compounds, 18 trace elements and 44 organic molecular tracer compounds in PM10 filter samples collected during day- and nighttime. The multivariate analysis of the joint dataset resolved five main PM10 sources: 1) Saharan dust, 2) advection from the urbanized valley, 3) local combustion, 4) smoke from a fire-event, and 5) aerosol from regional recirculation with high contribution of particles from secondary inorganic and organic aerosol formation processes. PM sources were clearly associated with synoptic meteorological conditions, and day- and nighttime circulation patterns typical of mountainous areas. Although a local pollution source was identified, the contribution of this source to PM10, OC and EC was small. Our results evidence the strong influence of middle- and long-range transport of aerosols, mainly from anthropogenic origin, on the aerosol chemical composition at this remote site.

Renewable energy sources and their role in the future of energy system of Republic of Srpska

In the last decades use of energy on the global level has been increased exponentially. In the global ranges participation of fossil fuels in primary energy consumption in 2019 was 84,32%., which was one of the reasons for the ncreased interest for renewable energy sources, and secone one is gobal combating climate changes. Paris agreement (bellow the level of 2,0оC). It is especially important to emphasize that the European Union in its strategic plans is going in the direction of decarbonization of society by 2050 and is trying to impose itself as a world leader in new technologies, energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources. The holder of the electric power sector of the Republic of Srpska is „Elektroprivreda Republike Srpske", which is organized as a mixed holding. It includes the thermal power plants Gacko (300 MW, lignite) and Ugljevik (300 MW, brown coal), along with their associated coal mines, and three hydropower plants on Trebišnjica (314 MW), Drina (315 MW) and Vrbas (110 MW), and four small hydropower plants. Beside of the state company in Republic of Srpska, thermal power plant Stanari (300 MW), which is private ownership, also producing electric energy. The same company is the owner of the concesion on Stanari coal mine. Beside of that, some private owned renewable energy plants also producing electric energy, and which excercize incentives for that, 16 small hydro power plants (40,82 MW), and according to data from 2018 there were 48 small and big solar electric plants. Production of coal thermal power plants in 2016 in Republic of Srpska was 4,8 TWh, while electricity production from hydro power plants was 2,5 TWh. One of general characteristics of electric power sector is non-adequate strategic planning, slow pace of reforms, and thanking to electric power sector, economy of Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the energy most inefficient and carbon most intensive in Europe. Heat energy in Republic of Srpska is mostly used in the households, which makes around 76% of the final consumprion of heat. District heating systems in Republic of Srpska exists strictly in the urban areas or some parts of the urban areas. According to available data around 40.000 of the appartments are connected to district heating systems, which is around 2,3 million of m2 and 460.000 m2 of thebussines users. They are supplied by 12 district heating systems organized as public enterprises. Taking in to consideration long-term goal of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and therefore Republic of Srpska is a full membership in European Union, it should be emphasized that renewable energy sources are very high on its priorities lists. Hydro energy potential of Republic of Srpska is currently used around 32%. By making insught in sector status, general impression is that hydro potential is not continuously realized, brcasue large projects are postponed or canceled, and development of smal hydropower projects is slow. When it comes to solar potential, Bosnia and Herzegovina belongs to the countries that are considered locationally desirable for the use of solar energy, because it has an average of 1840.9 hours of sunshine per year, while in the south the number reaches 2352.5 hours. It is considered economically feasible to install 1000-1200 MW of wind farms in Bosnia and Herzegovina. According to available data geothermal energy in Republic of Srpska is relared to the artesian wells of its north part from Una to Drina River with the temperatures from 37 – 75 oC. Technical potential of wooden biomass in Republic of Srpska, according to Biomass Atlas is estimated to 939.911 tons of dry matter annualy, while potential of biomass from secondary processes of treatmet is 449.273 tons of dry matter annualy. According to the calculations of the Energy Community of Southeast Europe, BiH had a real opportunity to increase the share of renewable sources in the total energy potential from 26.5% in 2005 to 33% by 2020, a similar relationship in Republika Srpska. Looking back two decades and the development of processes related to the use of renewable energy sources in Republika Srpska, the conclusion is that this development is slow and does not follow the trends of the European Union, but also the obligations that Bosnia and Herzegovina undertook in the Energy Community Treaty. There are many reasons for that, and some of the key barriers are corruption at all levels of government, but also insufficient development of transmission systems to be able to receive significant capacities of intermittent RES. Renewable energy sources can play a significant role in the economy of Republika Srpska, but how much that role will really be, primarily depends on the decision makers in Republika Srpska according to this resource.

Furan Release via Force-Promoted Retro-[4+2][3+2] Cycloaddition.

Mechanophores (mechanosensitive molecules) have been instrumental in the development of various force-controlled release systems. However, the release of functional organic molecules is often the consequence of a secondary (nonmechanical) process triggered by an initial bond scission. Here we present a new mechanophore, built around an oxanorbornane-triazoline core, that is able to release a furan molecule following a force-promoted double retro-[4+2][3+2] cycloaddition. We explored this unprecedented transformation experimentally (sonication) and computationally (DFT, CoGEF) and found that the observed reactivity is controlled by the geometry of the adduct, as this reaction pathway is only accessible to the endo-exo-cis isomer. These results further demonstrate the unique reactivity of molecules under tension and offer a new mechanism for the force-controlled release of small molecules.

The potential of electron beams for the removal of microplastics from wastewater and sewage sludge

Wastewater and sewage sludge treatment plants are known to be important entrance routes for microplastics (MPs) into the aquatic environment. Although traditional wastewater treatment plants with primary and secondary purification processes can remove over 99 % of MPs, the majority of these are believed to be deposited into the sewage sludge. This provides a route into the environment, especially if the treated sludge is used as a fertilizer on agricultural land. Although methods do exist for the removal of MPs from water, there are limited studies with sludge. The possibility of using electron beam treatment for the removal of microplastics from wastewater and sewage sludge has been investigated in the laboratory using both tap water and actual sewage sludge. Microplastics were created from six types of plastics in daily use, <1.5 mm in size, and treated with a range of doses in tap water and in sewage sludge, taken from a sewage sludge treatment plant, both before and after anaerobic digestion, with a 10MeV accelerated electron beam. In this treatment, the electrons were found to act as a coagulant by modifying the surface charge of the microplastics. This significantly increases the sedimentation of four out of six of the types of MP in both water and sludge, while the other two largely remain floating. Density separation techniques of the treated samples have then demonstrated removal efficiencies in the range 85–95 % for five of the MP types and of around 70 % for the sixth at reasonable EB doses. This potentially provides a route to high efficiency removal from sludge.

Magmatic Native Gold: Composition, Texture, Genesis, and Evolution in the Earth’s Crust

Abstract —Here we report results of microforms’ studies of native gold and its alloys in igneous rocks, modified to varying degrees by secondary processes. We discuss the composition and occurrence of both the deep-seated magmatic gold-bearing alloys and the products of their transformation under conditions of the upper Earth’s crust. Gold-bearing Kamchatka adakites and ankaramites, Ildeus massif mafic-ultramafic intrusions and adakites from the Stanovoy fold system as well as dacites from the Bolivian Andes were formed during melting of either the suprasubduction mantle wedge or the subducted oceanic crust. In depleted peridotites from the Avachinsky Volcano in Kamchatka as well as suprasubduction ophiolites from Polar Urals, Eastern Sayan and the Western Mediterranean Betic–Rifean belt, the gold-bearing mantle was hybridized by subduction-related melts and high-temperature fluids. Volcanic rocks associated with the Lesser Khingan Fe–Mn deposits and Zolotaya Gora Au deposit in Southern Urals as well as Taragai ultramafic rocks in the South Khingan Range display subduction-related geochemical characteristics. Gold-bearing trachytes in the Virginian Appalachians (USA) represent felsic differentiates of mafic intraplate magmas. We propose that one of the principal forms of gold transport into the upper crustal environments is represented by Cu–Ag–Au alloys, which precipitated from mantle-derived silicate melt enriched in chalcophile and siderophile elements. Such Cu–Ag–Au alloy-rich magmatic rocks can either constitute primary sources of precious metals in the mantle-crust system or serve as geochemical precursors to the formation of native gold assemblages in epithermal and mesothermal ore deposits. Presence of magmatic gold particles in subduction-related igneous rocks and mantle restites hybridized by subduction-derived melts and high-temperature fluids suggest the existence of gold-rich horizons in the Earth’s mantle at depths comparable to typical depths of generation of primary convergent zone and some within-plate magmas.

Distinct secondary ice production processes observed in radar Doppler spectra: insights from a case study

Abstract. Secondary ice production (SIP) has an essential role in cloud and precipitation microphysics. In recent years, substantial insights were gained into SIP by combining experimental, modeling, and observational approaches. Remote sensing instruments, among them meteorological radars, offer the possibility of studying clouds and precipitation in extended areas over long time periods and are highly valuable to understand the spatiotemporal structure of microphysical processes. Multi-modal Doppler spectra measured by vertically pointing radars reveal the coexistence, within a radar resolution volume, of hydrometeor populations with distinct properties; as such, they can provide decisive insight into precipitation microphysics. This paper leverages polarimetric radar Doppler spectra as a tool to study the microphysical processes that took place during a snowfall event on 27 January 2021 in the Swiss Jura Mountains during the ICE GENESIS campaign. A multi-layered cloud system was present, with ice particles sedimenting through a supercooled liquid water (SLW) layer in a seeder–feeder configuration. Building on a Doppler peak detection algorithm, we implement a peak labeling procedure to identify the particle type(s) that may be present within a radar resolution volume. With this approach, we can visualize spatiotemporal features in the radar time series that point to the occurrence of distinct mechanisms during different stages of the event. By focusing on three 30 min phases of the case study and by using the detailed information contained in the Doppler spectra, together with dual-frequency radar measurements, aircraft in situ images, and simulated profiles of atmospheric variables, we narrow down the possible processes that could be responsible for the observed signatures. Depending on the availability of SLW and the droplet sizes, on the temperature range, and on the interaction between the liquid and ice particles, various SIP processes are identified as plausible, with distinct fingerprints in the radar Doppler spectra. A simple modeling approach suggests that the ice crystal number concentrations likely exceed typical concentrations of ice-nucleating particles by 1 to 4 orders of magnitude. While a robust proof of occurrence of a given SIP mechanism cannot be easily established, the multi-sensor data provide various independent elements each supporting the proposed interpretations.

The impact of reduced worry on general functioning: Amediation analysis from a randomized trial.

Previous lab findings have indicated that excessive worry may impair cognitive performance and problem solving capabilities but it is unclear if excessive worry also leads to broader impairments in general functioning. We report a secondary process data analysis of a large randomized waitlist-controlled trial (N=670) of a self-guided online psychological intervention for dysfunctional worry related to the Covid-19 pandemic. Specific aims were to investigate (1) if improvements in general functioning were mediated by reductions in worry related to Covid-19 during the acute intervention phase, and (2) if reduced worry related to Covid-19 during acute intervention phase had a positive long-term impact on general functioning up to 1year after the end of the intervention. To address aim 1, we used a mediation analysis framework where outcome (general functioning measured with an adapted version of the Work and Social Adjustment Scale) and the hypothesized mediator (worry measured with an adapted version of the Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale) were administered weekly during the controlled phase of the trial of 3weeks. To address aim 2, we investigated if reductions in worry during the 3-week treatment period predicted improved general functioning at 1- and 12months after treatment completion. Results showed that improvements in general functioning at week 3 were mediated by reductions in worry during the first 2weeks of treatment (indirect effect estimate -0.08; 95% CI -0.15, -0.02). A sensitivity analysis indicated that the mediation effects dropped significantly when the residual correlation values between the mediator and the outcome exceeded r=0. A reversed causation model was not significant. Additionally, reductions in worry during treatment predicted subsequent improvements in general functioning at both 1- and 12-month follow-ups (p<.05, -.001). Altogether, these results provide further support of the importance of targeting worry as a way to improve functioning among the large population of individuals with high levels of worry.

Properties and applications of α-galactosidase in agricultural waste processing and secondary agricultural process industries.

Agriculture products form the foundation building blocks of our daily lives. Although they have been claimed to be renewable resources with a low carbon footprint, the agricultural community is constantly challenged to overcome two post-harvest bottlenecks: first, farm bio-waste, a substantial economic and environmental burden to the farming sector, and second, an inefficient agricultural processing sector, plagued by the need for significant energy input to generate the products. Both these sectors require extensive processing technologies that are demanding in their energy requirements and expensive. To address these issues, an enzyme(s)-based green chemistry is available to break down complex structures into bio-degradable compounds that source alternate energy with valuable by-products and co-products. α-Galactosidase is a widespread class of glycoside hydroxylases that hydrolyzes α-galactosyl moieties in simple and complex oligo and polysaccharides, glycolipids, and glycoproteins. As a result of its growing importance, in this review we discuss the source of the enzyme, production and purification systems, and enzyme properties. We also elaborate on the enzyme's potential in agricultural bio-waste management, secondary agricultural industries like sugar refining, soymilk derivatives, food and confectionery, and animal feed processing. Insight into this vital enzyme will provide new avenues for less expensive green chemistry-based secondary agricultural processing and agricultural sustainability. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.