Altered Processing Research Articles

Time pressure effects on decision-making in intertemporal loss scenarios: an eye-tracking study.

This study utilized eye-tracking techniques to investigate decision-making behavior in intertemporal loss scenarios under both time pressure and no time pressure conditions. Results revealed shorter decision-making times and decreased large later (LL) option selection frequency under time pressure. Participants under time pressure exhibited reduced Mean Fixation Duration (MFD) and Search Measure (SM) values, indicating altered information processing. Mediation analyses confirmed that task choice outcomes were influenced by SM and MFD, suggesting a shift towards heuristic decision-making under time pressure.

Origin and preservation mechanisms of organic matter in carbonate concretions from Lower Cambrian black shales in South China

Carbonate concretions are widely used in paleoclimate, paleoenvironmental, and paleontological studies, and even in the study of potential life on Mars. These petrological, elemental, isotopic, and lipid biomarker signals in Meso-Cenozoic carbonate concretions (relatively low thermal maturity) can effectively preserve details of seawater conditions and benthic ecosystems during the deposition of their host sediments/rocks. However, such research on Precambrian-Cambrian carbonate concretions under highly mature conditions remains scarce, and the ability of these ancient carbonate concretions to retain their original biogenic information remains uncertain. To achieve that, this study examines two Cambrian carbonate concretions, using samples from the center, transition, and rim of each, and their adjacent host black shales from the Lower Cambrian Qiongzhusi Formation in the Yangtze Block, South China. Organic and inorganic geochemical analyses were combined to elucidate the origin and preservation process of organic matter (OM) in these ancient Cambrian carbonate concretions. The results show that the thermal maturity of OM within these concretions (1.8 % EqVRo) is relatively low compared to their adjacent host shales (2.9 % EqVRo). Hopanes and steranes are detectable in both free and calcite-occluded hydrocarbons within these concretions, with concentrations of individual compounds ranging from 0.001 to 0.800 μg/g TOC, whereas kerogen-bound hydrocarbons lack detectable biomarkers. The results indicate that the two Cambrian carbonate concretions were formed mainly within the iron reduction and bacterial sulfate reduction zones, extending to depths of 10 to 38 m below the sediment-water interface. The OM within these concretions mainly inherited the initial unaltered signature of OM from the Qiongzhusi host shale. The carbonate concretions protected the internal OM from further thermal and secondary (e.g., biodegradation) alteration processes and might also prevent the formation of the conventional macromolecular skeletal kerogen manifested by the absence of bound biomarkers. The biomarkers, in both free and occluded forms, in the Cambrian carbonate concretions still retained their original source information, providing valuable insights into ancient biogeochemical processes during sediment burial and ancient seawater chemistry during the early Cambrian.

Advanced Monte Carlo method for simulating glass alteration: Application to aluminoborosilicate glasses

AbstractUnderstanding the alteration mechanisms of nuclear glasses is paramount for safety assessment of deep geological disposal of nuclear waste. This endeavor poses significant challenges due to the experimental limitations in observing atomic‐scale mechanisms, which are essential for developing macroscopic alteration models. Consequently, a novel Monte Carlo approach has been developed to simulate the alteration process of simplified nuclear glasses at the atomic level. This approach employs a dual lattice to represent both the solid material and the solution, thereby facilitating the incorporation of diffusion and hydrolysis–recondensation mechanisms. Preliminary findings underscore the critical influence of alteration conditions on glass behavior and elucidate the interplay between rate of hydrolysis at the gel–solution interface and the morphology of the outer layer formed within the gel. Intense hydrolysis promotes the formation of a porous, low‐density layer, whereas slower hydrolysis fosters the development of a dense, cross‐linked layer.

Influence of the painting medium on the alteration process of smalt in oil paintings studied using combined K and Co K-edge XANES

This study investigates the alteration processes affecting the smalt pigment in historical artworks through a combination of analytical techniques including X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) spectroscopy at the potassium (K) and cobalt (Co) K-edges, coupled with scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) and micro X-ray fluorescence elemental mapping (µ-XRF). Laboratory mock-up samples prepared with different oil binding media were artificially aged, revealing varying rates of smalt degradation. µ-XANES analyses at the K K-edge provided grain-scale insights into smalt alteration, highlighting the influence of binding media composition on degradation kinetics. Crossed clustering data analysis over K µ-XANES acquired on both model samples and historical cross-sections corroborated findings and identified distinct spectral signatures associated with different stages of smalt degradation. Furthermore, identification of potential transformation products such as potassium alum in historical samples emphasized the dynamic nature of pigment alteration processes.

Physico-thermal and geochemical behavior and alteration of the Au indicator gangue hydrothermal quartz at the Kubi Gold ore deposits

Altered and gangue quartz in hydrothermal veins from the Kubi Gold deposit in Dunkwa on Offin in the central region of Ghana are investigated for possible Au-associated indicator minerals and to provide the understanding and increase the knowledge of the mineral hosting and alteration processes in quartz. X-ray diffraction, air annealing furnace, differential scanning calorimetry, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy have been applied on different quartz types outcropping from surface and bedrocks at the Kubi Gold Mining to reveal the material properties at different temperatures. From the diffraction results of the fresh and annealed quartz samples, we find that the samples contain indicator and the impurity minerals iron disulfide, biotite, titanium oxide, and magnetite. These minerals, under oxidation process between 574 and 1400 °C temperatures experienced hematite alterations and a transformation from α-quartz to β-quartz and further to cristobalite as observed from the calorimetry scans for hydrothermally exposed materials. The energy dispersive spectroscopy revealed elemental components of Fe, S, Mg, K, Al, Ti, Na, Si, O, and Ca contained in the samples, and these are attributed to the impurity phase minerals observed in the diffraction. The findings also suggest that during the hydrothermal flow regime, impurity minerals and metals can be trapped by voids and faults. Under favorable temperature conditions, the trapped minerals can be altered to change color at different depositional stages by oxidation and reduction processes leading to hematite alteration which is a useful indicator minerals in mineral exploration.

Effect of weathering on the stability of rock slope at a water intake canal of Simplicio Hydroelectric Power Plant

Rock and joint alteration leads to modifications in their properties, resulting in a reduction of rock mass strength and consequently a decrease in the safety of engineering structures. The alteration process changes the material and alters its geomechanical behavior. This research presents the studies conducted to evaluate the mechanical behavior of rock joints in the gneiss massifs that make up the hydraulic circuit of the Simplicio Hydroelectric Plant due to their alteration. Compilation and analysis of data from previous research were carried out to parameterize the joints at different levels of alteration. Deterministic stability analyses showed that the alteration process of gneiss joints can significantly reduce the slope safety factor by up to half of its initial value. Furthermore, probabilistic analyses revealed an increase in failure probability of approximately 10% among the studied alteration classes. The results underscore the importance of assessing the level of joint alteration in engineering projects.

Altered Sensory Processing in People Attending Specialist Orthopaedic Consultation for Management of Persistent Shoulder Pain: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to compare sensory processing measures in people attending specialist orthopaedic consultation for management of persistent shoulder pain with control participants. The secondary objective was to compare the groups' sociodemographic, clinical, general health and lifestyle, and psychological characteristics. DESIGN: Observational cross-sectional. METHODS: Participants with shoulder pain for ≥3 months, who attended a public hospital orthopaedic department (n = 119), and community participants without shoulder pain (n = 44) underwent a standardized quantitative sensory testing protocol, measuring pressure pain threshold, temporal summation, and conditioned pain modulation. Sociodemographic, clinical, general health and lifestyle, and psychological characteristics were also collected. RESULTS: Participants with shoulder pain had significantly lower pressure pain thresholds at all sites (ie, local and widespread mechanical hyperalgesia) and significantly decreased conditioned pain modulation effect (ie, descending inhibition of nociception) than control participants. There was no significant difference between groups for temporal summation. Participants with shoulder pain had decreased general health and function, less healthy lifestyles, and poorer psychological health compared with controls. CONCLUSION: People referred to specialist orthopaedic care for management of persistent shoulder pain had clinical signs of altered sensory processing and poor health outcomes. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2024;54(10):1-10. Epub 25 July 2024. doi:10.2519/jospt.2024.12512.

Nitrogen in the Orgueil meteorite: Abundant ammonium among other reservoirs of variable isotopic compositions

Nitrogen, because of its abundance and variety of carrier phases, is a unique tracer of physico-chemical processes occurring throughout star and planet formations. The refractory organic matter is commonly considered as the main carrier of nitrogen in the most primitive objects of our Solar System. However, nitrogen in the form of ammonium (NH4+) was observed in the Ivuna-type carbonaceous (CI) chondrites Alais in 1834, and Orgueil just after its fall in 1864, as well as more recently on Ceres, comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, and possibly on some asteroids. In the present study, we have measured the nitrogen content and isotopic composition in various nitrogen-bearing phases of several samples of the Orgueil meteorite, with different degrees of terrestrial weathering. Water-soluble NH4+ is present in Orgueil at a mean concentration of 0.07 ± 0.01 wt%, with a mean isotopic composition of δ15N = +72 ± 9 ‰ (14N/15N = 254 ± 2), confirming its extra-terrestrial origin. In the most terrestrially altered sample of Orgueil that we analysed, the isotopic composition is δ15N = +50 ± 12 ‰ (14N/15N = 259 ± 3). NH4+ is in species that are thermally stable up to 383 K, possibly ammonium inorganic/organic salts and ammoniated phyllosilicates. We also show that the nitrogen in Orgueil is distributed among the insoluble organic matter (IOM) (35 ± 5 %), ammonium (27 ± 5 %), and other minor water-soluble species (e.g., nitrate, amines etc.: < 6 %). The remaining nitrogen (34 ± 14 %) is mainly in an unidentified organic matter (UOM), which may be IOM lost during its extraction and/or acid hydrolysable functional groups bounded to the IOM and/or organic nitrogen trapped within minerals. The three main carriers of nitrogen in Orgueil have δ15N (and 14N/15N) values of +32 ± 1 ‰ (264 ± 0.3) for IOM, +39 ± 16 ‰ (262 ± 4) for UOM, and +72 ± 9 ‰ (254 ± 2) for NH4+.Although IOM and NH4+ have significantly different δ15N, we cannot exclude that these phases could be compositionally related because IOM is heterogeneous in 15N. Ammonium could have been produced via heating and/or aqueous alteration processes of organic matter in the CI parent body. Alternatively, or additionnally, ammonium could be a tracer of the accretion and/or later deposit of NH3 ice, NH3 hydrates, and/or NH4+ salts on the CI parent body.As shown by previous studies, Ryugu grains sampled by the Hayabusa2 mission (JAXA) have heterogeneous compositions at the millimeter scale, with nitrogen concentrations and δ15N similar or lower than Orgueil, possibly because of different parent body processing. The present study suggests that the lack or loss of 15N-rich NH4+ in some Ryugu grains may explain some of these differences with Orgueil.

Microphase iron particle growth promoted by solar wind implantation in lunar soils.

Lunar soils record the history and spectral changes resulting from the space-weathering process. The solar wind and micrometeoroids are the main space-weathering agents leading to darkening (decreasing albedo) and reddening (increasing reflectance with longer wavelength) of visible and near-infrared spectra. Nevertheless, their relative contributions are not well constrained and understood. In this study, we examine the near-infrared spectral variation as a function of lunar latitude and chemical composition using remote spectroscopic analysis of mare basalts and swirl regions. The results indicate that the reflectance of lunar mature soils darkens and the spectral slope flattens (reddening effect saturation) in areas of enhanced solar wind flux. We propose a previously unrecognized stage of space weathering (the post-mature stage), in which solar wind implantation may contribute to the growth and coarsening of metallic iron particles into larger microphase iron. This space-weathering mechanism is dominated by the solar wind and has important implications for understanding the alteration processes of airless bodies across our solar system.

Chronic Widespread Pain

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE This article reviews the potential etiologies of chronic widespread pain syndromes and outlines a practical approach to the management of patients with these disorders. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS Recent updates to diagnostic criteria for primary chronic widespread pain syndromes have allowed for more effective diagnosis. Fibromyalgia is the most common presentation of chronic widespread pain, and the concept of nociplastic pain has been used to describe pain that is related to altered processing of pain sensory pathways. Research studies have provided a better understanding of the pathophysiology of the central augmentation that occurs in patients with nociplastic pain and fibromyalgia. ESSENTIAL POINTS Primary chronic widespread pain and fibromyalgia have established diagnostic criteria in which chronic pain involves multiple defined regions and occurs for longer than 3 months. Evaluation of chronic widespread pain should be directed by the clinical presentation. Neurologic disease can present with chronic widespread pain but is accompanied by associated signs and symptoms. Patients with chronic widespread pain benefit from effective communication that validates concerns, provides an understandable explanation of the presenting symptoms, and sets realistic expectations in outcomes using a comprehensive multimodal care plan.

Deconvolution of high and low-temperature alteration processes along the contact zones of basaltic-dike intrusions in basaltic host rocks of different permeabilities – implications for geothermal exploration

Magmatic intrusions serve as crucial heat sources for geothermal systems, facilitating mass transfer, mineral transformations, and elemental exchange, which result in the formation of contact aureoles. While these processes have been extensively studied in large intrusive complexes in ancient geological formations, understanding of their occurrence in active geothermal systems remains limited. The extreme conditions present in active volcanic systems often obscure the geochemical processes occurring within host rock/intrusion zones. Uncertainties persist regarding whether relatively small dike intrusions (∼0.5 m thick) possess sufficient heat content to induce textural or geochemical changes in the surrounding wall rock, and what implications this may hold for future exploratory drilling projects. The analyses in this study were conducted on two distinct outcrops, each featuring 50-cm thick basaltic intrusions within both high- and low-permeability basaltic host rocks. The low permeability host rock hosts high-temperature mineral phases (>800 °C), such as sanidine + hedenbergite + albite-rich plagioclase in the contact zone, which we interpret to have formed during partial melting. Immobile, incompatible trace elements (such as Zr, Nb and La) retain the signatures of partial melting in both outcrops. We demonstrate that low degree partial melting (F ≈ 3–10 %) results in a compositional shift in the host rock from basalt to dacite and/or trachyandesite. Thermal modelling suggests that these small dikes, along with their partial melts in the contact zone, form over a very short period of time (< 1 day), but can elevate the ambient temperature. This type of events play an important role in the development of active geothermal systems. In theory, these small dikes do not pose a significant risk during geothermal drilling, unless they are too small to be detected during geophysical exploration.

Increased behavioural inhibition and decreased behavioural activation in whiplash‐associated disorders: Associations with health outcomes

AbstractBackgroundMotivation can be investigated with the BIS (Behavioural Inhibition System)/BAS (Behavioural Activation System) scale. BAS regulates the motivation to approach goal‐oriented outcomes, particularly rewarding stimuli and situations, while BIS regulates escape and avoidance of unpleasant outcomes. Chronic whiplash‐associated disorders (WAD) is a heterogenous pain condition with known alterations in motivated behaviour. The study aimed (1) to investigate the relationship between BIS/BAS, and pain and disability with quality of life and psychological measures in chronic WAD; (2) to determine if BIS and/or BAS mediate the relationships between pain, disability, and psychological symptoms and quality of life.Methods254 chronic WAD patients participated in the study. Outcome measures were assessed using self‐report questionnaires. BIS/BAS scores were compared to published normative data. Differences in health outcomes for participants within/outside normative 95% confidence intervals were compared and correlations with health measures tested. Mediation models explored bi‐directional associations between stress, anxiety, depression, post‐traumatic stress severity, pain catastrophizing, and quality of life with pain and disability.ResultsParticipants who exceeded normative 95% confidence intervals for BIS demonstrated higher scores for pain interference, disability and all mental health measures. No mediating role of BIS/BAS on the relation between pain and disability with quality of life and health outcomes could be confirmed.ConclusionsA comparatively large proportion of the sample exceeded the 95% confidence interval for BIS and BAS scores with associations of these scores with health outcomes, but altered motivation to approach goal‐oriented outcomes appears to play only a subordinate role in chronic WAD.Significance statementIn line with current theories, we found a large proportion (30%–50%) of patients with whiplash‐associated disorders (WAD) showing signs of altered function in the Behavioural Inhibition System (BIS) and Behavioural Activation System (BAS) suggesting altered reward processing and motivation in these patients. While such altered functions showed associations with pain interference, disability and all mental health measures, reward processing could no be demonstrated as a pathogenetically relevant factor in chronic WAD patients.

Integrated nutritional and functional components analyses reveal insights into the peel and pulp quality at different harvest times of ‘Dahongpao’ tangerine (Citrus reticulata Blanco)

The fruit of Citrus reticulata ‘Dahongpao’ (DHP) is typically harvested when fully ripe, exhibiting a dark red color, high sweetness, and pleasant taste. However, it remains uncertain whether the optimum harvesting time for its medicinal part (peel) aligns with that of the fruit. The findings of the study indicated that the peel exhibited the highest concentration of total flavonoids (4.018 mg/g) during the middle stage of maturity. Additionally, the total polysaccharide content increased progressively with ripening, reaching its peak (5.36 %) at full maturity. Furthermore, the DHP pulp demonstrated the highest concentration of total polyphenols (11.5 %) and the lowest titrable acid content (0.97 %) during the middle stage of maturity. Furthermore, the peel and pulp of DHP at the middle stage of ripening exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity. Considering the nutritional and functional components at various harvest times of DHP, it is recommended to harvest the peel at the intermediate stage of ripeness. Additionally, during this stage, the pulp also exhibited greater abundance of nutritional components. The findings of this study elucidate the process of accumulation and alteration of nutritional and functional constituents during the ripening of DHP fruit.

Investigation of Mortars from Historical Tiles in the Mortuary Architecture of the Nossa Senhora da Soledade Cemetery: Characteristics and Luso-Brazilian Cultural Heritage

ABSTRACT The first official public cemetery in Belém do Pará (Brazil), opened in 1850, is called Nossa Senhora da Soledade Cemetery. Its mortuary architecture encompasses a collection of tiled graves whose tiles were imported from Europe or manufactured nationally between the 19th and 20th centuries. Thus, the mortars used in these tiled systems represent the construction techniques of their respective periods and also stand as witnesses to the passage of time and the countless alteration processes. In this study, we collected 32 samples, comprising base-layer and tile mortars, and conducted chemical and mineralogical characterization and analysis of their mechanical and physical properties. The primary analyses were visual inspection, determination of the binder:aggregate ratio, colorimetry, particle size of the aggregates, petrography, and SEM/EDS. The results showed significant differences between the base-layer and tile mortars, mainly concerning the type of binder. Mortars set in the 19th century were similar to the older ones based on lime, with solid evidence of pozzolanic and even hydraulic reactions, while those from the 20th century, possibly made of Portland Cement, presented hydraulic characteristics.

Anatomy of a fumarole field: drone remote-sensing and petrological approaches reveal the degassing and alteration structure at La Fossa cone, Vulcano, Italy

Abstract. Hydrothermal alteration and mineralization processes can affect the physical and chemical properties of volcanic rocks. Aggressive acidic degassing and fluid flow often also lead to changes in the appearance of a rock, such as changes in surface coloration or intense bleaching. Although hydrothermal alteration can have far-reaching consequences for rock stability and permeability, limited knowledge exists on the detailed structures, extent, and dynamic changes that take place near the surface of hydrothermal venting systems. By integrating drone-based photogrammetry with mineralogical and chemical analyses of rock samples and surface gas flux, we investigate the structure of the evolving volcanic degassing and alteration system at the La Fossa cone on the island of Vulcano, Italy. Our image analysis combines principal component analysis (PCA) with image classification and thermal analysis through which we identify an area of approximately 70 000 m2 that outlines the maximum extent of hydrothermal alteration effects at the surface, represented by a shift in rock color from reddish to gray. Within this area, we identify distinct gradients of surface coloration and temperature that indicate a local variability in the degassing and alteration intensity and define several structural units within the fumarole field. At least seven such larger units of increased activity could be constrained. Through mineralogical and geochemical analysis of samples from the different alteration units, we define a relationship between surface appearance in drone imagery and the mineralogical and chemical composition. Gradients in surface color from reddish to gray correlate with a reduction in Fe2O3 from up to 3.2 % in the unaltered regime to 0.3 % in the altered regime, and the latter coincides with the area of increased diffuse acid gas flux. As the pixel brightness increases towards higher alteration gradients, we note a loss of the initial (igneous) mineral fraction and a change in the bulk chemical composition with a concomitant increase in sulfur content from close to 0 % in the unaltered samples to up to 60 % in samples from the altered domains. Using this approach of combined remote-sensing and in situ analyses, we define and spatially constrain several alteration units and compare them to the present-day thermally active surface and degassing pattern over the main crater area. The combined results permit us to present a detailed anatomy of the La Fossa fumarole field, including high-temperature fumaroles and seven larger units of increased alteration intensity, surface temperature, and variably intense surface degassing. Importantly, we also identify apparently sealed surface domains that prevent degassing, likely as a consequence of mineral precipitation from degassing and alteration processes. By assessing the thermal energy release of the identified spatial units quantitatively, we show that thermal radiation of high-temperature fumaroles accounts for &lt; 50 % of the total thermal energy release only and that the larger part is emitted by diffuse degassing units. The integrated use of methods presented here has proven to be a useful combination for a detailed characterization of alteration and activity patterns of volcanic degassing sites and has the potential for application in alteration research and for the monitoring of volcanic degassing systems.

Decoding recurrent pregnancy loss: insights from comparative proteomics studies.

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) represents a common disorder that affects up to 2% of the women aiming at childbirth with long-term consequences on family and society. Factors contributing to it in more than half of the cases are still unknown. Comparative proteomic analysis can provide new insights into the biological pathways underlining the pathogenesis of RPL. Until now, chorionic villi, decidua, placenta, endometrium, and maternal blood from women with RPL have been analyzed by comparative proteomics studies. In this review, we aimed to provide a critical evaluation of the published comparative studies of RPL on human samples, gathered by systematic literature search using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. We provide a detailed overview of the analyzed materials, proteomics platforms, proposed candidate biomarkers and altered pathways and processes linked with RPL. The top, most identified and validated biomarker candidates from all studies are discussed, followed by bioinformatics analysis of the available high-throughput data and presentation of common altered processes and pathways in RPL. Finally, future directions aimed at developing new and efficient therapeutic strategies are discussed as well.

Preliminary study of scandium enrichment in Çaldağ-Manisa lateritic Ni-Co Deposit, Western Anatolia

Scandium is one of the most valuable critical metals, with high demand in applications ranging from biomedical research to electronics. Lateritic Ni-Co deposits are considered prime targets for scandium (Sc) exploration because Sc can be concentrated during weathering through residual and secondary enrichment, reaching up to 100 ppm and making it a potential by-product. This study investigates the distribution of Sc in the unweathered parent rocks and various laterite zones within two distinct pits of the Çaldağ lateritic Ni-Co deposit in Western Anatolia. In the Hematite pit, the serpentinite protolith shows an average Sc content of 10.3 ppm, with significant enrichment in the middle-upper limonite zone, reaching up to ~66 ppm. Although this represents a sixfold increase compared to the serpentinite protolith, the maximum Sc concentrations (53.6–65.7 ppm) are relatively low compared to other nickel laterites with by-product Sc potential (~100 ppm). This lower concentration is attributed to the initial low Sc content of the serpentinized peridotite protolith and post-lateritization tectonic activity. Conversely, the South pit exhibits higher initial Sc content in the protolith (~13 ppm) but lower average Sc content (~6.4 ppm) in the limonite zone, likely due to post-lateritization dissolution of Sc-hosting minerals by alteration and secondary weathering processes within the highly deformed pit. The findings suggest that while the Çaldağ deposit exhibits Sc concentrations up to ~66 ppm in the limonite zones, the potential for Sc as a by-product alongside Ni production is limited. Further detailed mineralogical and geochemical investigations are recommended to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of Sc distribution in the Çaldağ deposit and other lateritic deposits in Türkiye.

Pore-Scale Simulation of the Effect of Wettability Alteration on Flow Transport Kinetics in 3D Natural Porous Media

Summary Wettability alteration commonly occurs in subsurface two-phase displacements, such as enhanced hydrocarbon recovery, hydrogen storage, and carbon dioxide sequestration. A comprehensive understanding of two-phase flow transport kinetics during wettability alteration in natural rocks is essential for optimizing these processes. To address this, a wettability alteration model induced by low-salinity waterflooding (LSWF) was implemented based on the volume of fluid (VOF) method and the compressive continuous species transfer (C-CST) method in the OpenFOAM platform, which integrates the pore-scale two-phase fluid flow and the advection-diffusion of species. Following validation against experimental data from existing literature, extensive direct numerical simulations (DNSs) were conducted in an actual 3D sandstone sample obtained by microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) images. The effects of the wettability alteration degree, wettability alteration model, and capillary number on dynamic salt dispersion and fluid redistribution are considered in simulation works. The findings indicate that a higher wettability alteration degree facilitates the release of more oil trapped in smaller pores toward the outlet, while the mobilized oil might become trapped again due to snap-off in larger downstream pores. Moreover, due to the presence of alternative flow pathways in the system, the backflowed oil induced by heterogeneous salinity distribution might not be effectively recovered. A faster wettability alteration rate enhances the performance of LSWF because of the rapid reduction of entry capillary pressure and the delayed negative effect of salt dispersion. In terms of the capillary number, a higher capillary number accelerates the diffusion of species to the three-phase contact line and reduces the occurrence of snap-off retrapping, thereby increasing ultimate oil recovery. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the microscopic displacement mechanism during the wettability alteration processes, especially for LSWF, in 3D heterogeneous porous media.

The cervico-ocular reflex changes following treatment in individuals with subclinical neck pain: a randomized control trial.

Individuals with subclinical neck pain (SCNP) exhibit altered cerebellar processing, likely due to disordered sensorimotor integration of inaccurate proprioceptive input. This association between proprioceptive feedback and SMI has been captured in cervico-ocular reflex (COR) differences where SCNP showed higher gain than healthy participants. Previous neurophysiological research demonstrated improved cerebellar processing in SCNP participants following a single treatment session, but it is unknown whether these neurophysiological changes transfer to cerebellar function. In a parallel group, randomized control trial conducted at Ontario Tech University, 27 right-hand dominant SCNP participants were allocated to the 8-week chiropractic care (n = 15; 7M & 8F) or 8-week control (n = 12; 6M & 6F) group. COR gain (ratio of eye movement to trunk movement) was assessed using an eye-tracking device at baseline and at post 8-weeks (treatment vs. no treatment). COR gain (10 trials): participants gazed at a circular target that disappeared after 3s, while a motorized chair rotated their trunk at a frequency of 0.04Hz, with an amplitude of 5º, for 2 minutes. A 2 × 2 repeated measures ANOVA was performed. COR gain was significantly reduced following 8-weeks of chiropractic care compared to the SCNP control (8-weeks of no treatment) group (p = 0.012, ηp2 = 0.237). The decrease in COR gain following treatment is likely due to normalized proprioceptive feedback from the neck, enabling improved processing and integration within the flocculonodular lobe of the cerebellum.

Using Airborne Magnetic and Radiometric Data to Unravel Auriferous Prospective Areas in the Pitangui Greenstone Belt, NW of Quadrilátero Ferrífero – MG

The Pitangui Greenstone Belt (PGB), NW of the Quadrilátero Ferrífero, Brazil, is a meta-volcano-sedimentary sequence that hosts some important gold deposits recently discovered. Research has been made in the PGB to understand its gold mineral system, but the information regarding the prospective vectors associated with gold mineralization is still unclear. Here, we show the application of airborne magnetic and radiometric data to find the spatial relation between hydrothermal alteration zones and the structural framework of the PGB region. The results showed that the occurrence of gold deposits is associated with NW-SE structures and hydrothermal alteration zones. This association does not exist with E-W structures, which has direct implications on the relevance of these structures in the prospective modeling. Additionally, the application of radiometric data to map hydrothermal alteration zones showed that the limitations of this technique can generate anomalies not strictly associated with hydrothermal alteration processes. In this case, some anomalies could be linked with secondary processes like weathering, leaching, transportation and accumulation of mobile elements, such as K and U.