Low Maturity Research Articles

Microscopic Characteristics and Formation of Various Types of Organic Matter in High-Overmature Marine Shale via SEM

Organic matter exhibits significant heterogeneity and complexity, with varying pore structures across different types influenced by multiple interacting factors. This paper introduces a “two categories, six subcategories” classification scheme based on morphological observations using a combination of argon ion polishing and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Organic matter is classified into two main categories: depositional organic matter and migrated organic matter, based on whether migration has occurred. Depositional organic matter is further subdivided into three types based on microscopic characteristics: bioclasts, compacted kerogen, and in situ remnants from post-hydrocarbon generation. Migrated organic matter is categorized into three types: organic matter in intragranular pores, organic matter in intergranular pores, and bitumen in microfractures. Bioclasts can be further classified into alginite, zooclasts, acritarchs, and encapsulated organic matter based on maceral type. Zooclasts, acritarchs, encapsulated organic matter, and compacted kerogen—types of depositional organic matter—have few or no pores. This is primarily related to the nature of the hydrocarbon-generating precursor materials, with compacted kerogen being influenced by low thermal maturity and diagenetic compaction. In contrast, pores are more developed in alginite, in situ remnants from post-hydrocarbon generation, and all forms of migrated organic matter, largely due to the expulsion of gaseous hydrocarbons during thermal evolution. The pores in alginite reflect both the original structural properties of the hydrocarbon-generating precursor materials and the thermal evolution process. Depositional organic matter exhibits a stronger oil-generating potential and a higher gas-generating potential, while migrated organic matter primarily possesses a stronger gas-generating capability. Specifically, organic matter enriched in alginite, in situ remnants from post-hydrocarbon generation, as well as migrated organic matter in intragranular pore and intergranular pore, exhibit a higher hydrocarbon-generation potential.

Population genetic structure of Uroteuthis edulis in the East China Sea based on the COI gene.

Uroteuthis edulis is a significant economic cephalopod resource utilized by mainland China, Taiwan, and Japan. Understanding the population genetic structure of U.edulis is essential to evaluate the changes of its resource abundance. In this study, we used the COI gene as a marker to evaluate the population structure of U.edulis. Molecular marker analysis indicated that the sampled individuals were categorized into three populations (ES1, ES2, and ES3). All populations exhibited high haplotype diversity indices (Hd) and low nucleotide diversity indices (Pi), with the ES2 population showing the lowest Hd and Pi values. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that genetic variation among populations accounted for 89.06% of the total variation. The phylogenetic tree illustrated distinct lineage clustering, with each population forming a separate clade. Combined with the biological information, it was observed that the majority of female individuals were larger in size and exhibited high sexual maturity. Male individuals displayed notable differences across populations: ES1 individuals were primarily small to medium-sized with low sexual maturity, ES2 individuals were mainly medium-sized with a relatively even distribution of sexual maturity, and ES3 individuals were predominantly large-sized with high sexual maturity. The findings indicate substantial genetic differentiation and ecological variation among U.edulis. Strengthen monitoring of population resources and genetic diversity, long-term tracking of changes, and the timely formulation of scientifically sound conservation and management measures to ensure the sustainable development in future.

Effects of Chlorogenic Acid on In Vitro Maturation and Vitrification Cryopreservation of Sheep Oocytes.

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) has strong antioxidant properties. In order to improve the low maturation rate and poor vitrification freezing effect of sheep oocytes caused by oxidative stress. In this study, oocytes from 200 2-3-year-old Kazakh sheep were collected, and different concentrations of CGA were added to the maturation medium and vitrification freezing solution to study the effects of CGA on the maturation rate, cleavage rate, blastocyst rate, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, and the expression levels of oxidation and apoptosis-related genes in sheep oocytes. The results showed that adding 40 μmol/L CGA to the oocyte in vitro maturation solution significantly increased the maturation rate of oocytes, adding 50 μmol/L CGA to the vitrification cryopreservative solution significantly increased the cleavage and blastocyst rates of mature oocytes activated by parthenogenetic activation after freezing. During in vitro maturation and vitrification freezing in sheep oocytes, CGA significantly reduced the level of ROS and the expression of apoptosis-related genes (Caspase-3 and Bax/Bcl-2), and significantly increased the level of glutathione (GSH), mitochondrial membrane potential, and the expression of antioxidant and anti-apoptosis-related genes (SOD-2 and GPX-3). In addition, CGA significantly increased the expression of the anti-apoptotic gene (AKT) and anti-stress gene (FOXO) during vitrification freezing of sheep oocytes. In conclusion, 40 μmol/L CGA improves the maturation rate of sheep oocytes, and 50 μmol/L CGA improves the quality of parthenogenetic activation embryos after vitrification freezing of mature oocytes in sheep. These results provide a basis for the production of sheep in vitro embryos and the establishment of a germplasm resource bank.

Oocyte maturation defect in women undergoing IVF: contributing factors and effects on mature sibling oocyte outcomes.

This study aimed to identify demographic and clinical factors associated with low maturation rates and to investigate if the rate of immature oocytes impacts the outcomes of mature sibling oocytes. Women undergoing their first IVF-ICSI cycle between 2018 and 2022 at a fertility clinic were included. Cycles were classified into five groups according to the proportion of Metaphase II stage oocytes (MII): Null (0% MII, n = 46), Poor (1-25% MII, n = 44), Low (26-50% MII, n = 453), Acceptable (51-75% MII, n = 1641), and Optimal (76-100% MII, n = 2642). Demographic characteristics and clinical outcomes were compared between the five groups. In patients with a Null/Poor maturation rate, subsequent cycle outcomes were also evaluated. A total of 4826 cycles were included in the study; 69,909 oocytes were recovered, and 53,065 were MIIs (75.9%). The Null group was older, had lower levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), needed more gonadotropins and days of stimulation, had higher follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels on day 3, and had less follicles > 15mm on the day of trigger. When the outcomes of mature oocytes were compared, fertilization, usable blastocyst, aneuploidy, and life birth rates were comparable among groups. A binary logistic regression model using number of oocytes, paternal age, and trigger type with live birth rate endpoint found no differences between the categories and the base line Poor category. When patients whose maturation rate was Null/Poor, 42 (47.0%) carried out a second cycle; the maturation rate increased (56.9 ± 31.5 vs. 11.6 ± 11.2%, P < 0.0001). Our data suggest that poor responders are more likely to have low rates of oocyte maturation. The proportion of immature oocytes does not impact the outcomes of mature sibling oocytes. In patients with Null/Poor maturation in their first cycle, the subsequent cycle is often associated with improved maturation rates.

The Influence of Identity Status and Parental Support toward Career Maturity in Final-Year Undergraduate Students

Considering future alternatives such as determining career plans is a fairly complex challenge for teenagers. Although college graduates have a longer learning experience than other education levels, there is still open unemployment in college graduates. This is due to students' low career maturity, whichh is influenced by their identity status and the support of their parents. This study analyzes the influence of adolescent characteristics, family characteristics, identity status, and parental support on career maturity. A total of 100 respondents included in this study consisted of 48 male and 52 female final-level undergraduate students selected by proportional random sampling technique. Data were collected through questionnaires, then the data were analyzed using descriptive and inferencing analysis. The results showed that the identity status of achievement and father autonomy support had a significant positive effect on career maturity. In contrast, diffusion identity status and moratorium hurt career maturity. There were no significant differences between the career maturity of male and female respondents. Therefore, colleges and universities should implement comprehensive career guidance programs involving parents to ensure consistent and effective support.

Review on the Structure Design of Morphing Winglets

Winglets have a significant impact on the aerodynamic performance of aircraft. When aircraft are in different flight phases such as takeoff, climb, cruise, descent, and landing, traditional fixed winglets often cannot provide optimal performance gains. If winglets that can morph according to different flight conditions are employed, it is expected that the aircraft’s lift-to-drag ratio and control performance can be optimized throughout the entire flight process. This paper reviews the current research status, from theoretical studies on the performance gains of morphing winglets and design studies based on mechanical transmission mechanisms, smart materials and novel structures, to optimization techniques and testing and verification technologies in the design of morphing winglets. It elucidates two main reasons for the low technological maturity of current morphing winglet research, and points out three areas worthy of further in-depth study.

Proximal tubule cell maturation rate and function are controlled by PPARα signaling in kidney organoids

Human pluripotent stem cell-derived kidney organoids are expected to be a useful tool for new drug discoveries, however, the immaturation of kidney organoids causes difficulties in recapitulating renal pharmacokinetics using organoids. Here, we performed time-course single-cell RNA sequencing of kidney organoids and revealed cell heterogeneity in the maturation rate of the proximal tubule. An unbiased analysis to identify upstream targets of genes that are expressed differentially between cells with low and high maturation rates revealed a higher activation of PPARα signaling in rapidly maturing cells. Treatment with a combination of a PPARα agonist and an RXRα agonist induced genes related to proximal tubule maturation and increased the capacity for protein uptake as well as the sensitivity to nephrotoxicity by cisplatin. This method to promote the maturation rate of proximal tubule cells has the potential to be utilized in microphysiological systems to recapitulate proximal tubule functions and to screen nephrotoxic drugs.

An alternative formation mechanism for strike-slip fault in stable intracratonic basin

The cratonic strike-slip fault is a kind of fault developed by strike-slip motion in relatively stable tectonic settings. Compared to strike-slip faults developed in an active tectonic settings, cratonic strike-slip faults have small-scale characteristics, weak activity and are difficult to identify without high-quality 3D seismic data. To date, there have been few in-depth investigations of this kind of strike-slip fault, leading to a poor understanding of its characteristics and genetic mechanisms. In this study, we extensively investigated the cratonic strike-slip faults discovered in recent years in the Ordos Basins of China via 3D seismic data, and conducted comparative analyses with similar features observed in other intracratonic basins and active tectonic settings. This study suggests that cratonic strike-slip faults have some special characteristics, such as small displacement and low maturity even when they have been active during several orogenic processes, vertical stratified structural style, and decoupling with the basin periphery structures in terms of trending direction and kinematics. This paper proposed an alternative formation mechanism for cratonic strike-slip faults. The cratonic strike-slip faults nucleate from fractures induced by regional compressive stress instead of being directly inherited from preexisting faults or basement faults. These fractures experience brittle shearing movement under various structural processes, such as plane-differential compression, oblique compression, block rotation, and finally evolve into long strike-slip faults. The development of cratonic strike-slip faults probably record the special stress transmission within the stable craton, the weak in-plane tectonic stresses in the intracratonic basin, which mainly operate at shallow depths. This formation mechanism can provide a new perspective for the understanding of brittle deformation on the earth's surface, and help to elucidate the occurrence of earthquake activity in stable blocks.

Iron isotopes of Chang'e-5 soil and mineral components: Implications for post-eruption processes on lunar surface

Due to rapid magma cooling and extensive space weathering, significant disequilibrium crystallization and secondary modification widely occur in lunar mare basalt after its eruption on the lunar surface. In this study, we conducted bulk and in-situ Fe isotope analyses to investigate the post-eruption processes on Chang'e-5 (CE-5) samples. The CE-5 soil shows a minor elevation of δ56Fe value (∼0.05 ‰) relative to the CE-5 basalt clasts. Correlations between Ni and Cu contents with δ56Fe values suggest that the minor increase in the δ56Fe from the CE-5 basalt to soil primarily occurred during evaporation caused by meteorite impacts. Such isotopic variation between CE-5 basalt and soils is notably lower than what is observed for Apollo samples and reflects the low maturity of CE-5 soils. This is consistent with the low Is/FeO value constrained by magnetic approaches. Therefore, measuring the δ56Fe values of lunar soil is suitable to evaluate the degrees of maturity for lunar soils due to space weathering. In-situ analyses of δ56Fe reveal significant variations in different grains of olivine (δ56Fe: −0.57 to −0.17 ‰) and ilmenite (−0.06 to +0.42 ‰) and also in their interior (mainly for olivine). These δ56Fe variations in minerals can be ascribed to the disequilibrium crystallization of lava flow and fast cooling, which is consistent with conclusions based on petrologic observations such as its extensive differentiation and silicate liquid immiscibility. Therefore, the post-eruption processes on the lunar surface could lead to significant variations in isotopic compositions at different scales of basalts, which in turn record the history of late-stage magma evolution and space weathering on the lunar surface.

Organic geochemical and compound specific stable carbon isotope analyses of n-alkanes and saturated carboxylic acids extracted from late Paleozoic coals

Isotopic studies of coal organic matter are often conducted to gain information about past ecosystems and plant communities e.g. under changing climate conditions. While many studies focused on isotope analysis of bulk coal organic matter or extractable aliphatic hydrocarbons, the polar fraction and compounds that are bound to kerogen and not freely extractable have received less attention. The aim of this study was to provide a systematic comparison and evaluation of information gained from different molecular compounds (n-alkanes, n-carboxylic acids) extracted from Paleozoic coals before and after alkaline hydrolysis. Stable carbon isotope analysis of these compounds were used to evaluate a possible application of extractable and ‘bound’ lipids for paleoenvironmental analyses. Coal samples of different stratigraphic age, low thermal maturity (VRr < 1.02%, mostly VRr < 0.8%) and from different paleogeographic locations were selected to investigate organic matter deposited under different paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic conditions. Molecular distributions show prominent carbon preference suggesting preservation of biologic signatures in coal organic matter. Permian Gondwana coals show similar n-alkane and n-carboxylic acid distribution which may be related to Glossopteris flora. Molecular distributions of Carboniferous coal from Europe are more variable with unimodal or bimodal patterns and maxima in the short- or long-chain range, reflecting higher diversity of paleovegetation and different contribution from algae or bacteria in limnic and paralic environments. The isotope signals of free as well as bound fatty acids show closer response for different depositional environments, whereas signals of paraffins and bulk organic matter are less variable. However, averaged fatty acid isotope signals in coals from different paleovegetational realms, e.g. Euramerica and Gondwana differed only marginally.Graphical abstractLipid distribution patterns and stable carbon isotope signatures of different Paleozoic coals

Evolution of mechanical properties of organic-rich shale during thermal maturation

Accurate assessment of the mechanical properties of organic matter, clay matrix, and bulk shale during maturation remains a challenge. Here, we aim to assess the mechanical properties of organic-rich shale during maturation using a combination of nanoindentation methods and various geochemical analyses, i.e., mineral composition, mass loss rate, chemical structure of organic matter, and Rock-Eval analyses. Results show that the evolution of mechanical properties of organic matter in shale during maturation can be divided into: the main oil-generation stage, and the condensate oil and gas generation stage. The stiffening of organic matter in the shale is mainly due to increased aromaticity and condensation of aromatic groups. The clay matrix experiences a slight decrease in hardness and Young’s modulus at low maturity levels due to the generation of liquid hydrocarbons. However, overall, the clay matrix becomes stiffer as the shale matures due to shale dehydration, expulsion or cracking of liquid hydrocarbons, transformation of clay minerals, and hardening of organic matter. The Young’s modulus and hardness of bulk shale generally increase with increasing maturity. This is closely related to the hardening of organic matter and clay matrix, as well as the development of the more compact and dense microstructure in the shale.

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.

Geochemical evidences linking the Lower Cretaceous source rocks to the biodegraded bitumen seeps and tar sands in the Gulf of Guinea Basin

The source of biodegraded bitumen seeps and tar sands in the Nigerian axis of the Gulf of Guinea province has been a contentious issue for decades. The most prevalent opinion is that the biodegraded bitumen seeps are migration oils that were degraded by bacterial. In the present study, outcrop source rocks (Lower Cretaceous), core samples (Upper Cretaceous) from a shallow well-x, and bitumen seeps and tar sands from the eastern axis of the Dahomey Basin of Nigeria were analyzed. Rock-Eval™ pyrolysis show that the outcrop rocks are classified as having excellent-very good source quality; in contrast, those from well-x are classified as having only poor-fair quality. The cross plot of hydrogen index (HI) against Tmax indicates that samples from the outcrops contain type II/III organic matter, whereas well samples contain type III organic matter and all source rocks are thermally immature, which is supported by vitrinite reflectance (Ro: 0.20–0.48 %), and biomarker maturity parameters (C32 (S/S + R), MPI-I). In the bitumen seeps and tar sands, isoprenoids, n-alkanes, steranes and hopanes have been degraded, and tricyclic and tetracyclic terpanes are still mostly intact. In addition, C30 hopane and homohopanes have been demethylated, and C25 norhopanes are present in abundance, suggesting that the bitumen seeps and tar sands experienced heavy biodegradation in the range of PM-6 or greater. The distribution of 4,9-DMD, 4,8-DMD and 3,4-DMD diamondoids and the δ13C of saturate and aromatic fractions indicate that the bitumen seeps and tar sands were generated from Types II and III source rocks. The ratio of demethylated Ts/Tm indicates that the samples are low maturity and were generated from immature source rocks. Cross plots of tricyclic terpane ratios (C25/C26TT vs C25TT/C24TeT, C23/C21TT vs (C19+20)/C23TT, and C24TeT/C24TeT + C26TT vs (C19+20)/C23TT) also reveal that the biodegraded bitumen seeps and tar sands are closely related to source rocks in outcrop groups 1 and 2. This conclusion is supported by the ternary plots of tricyclic terpanes, 4,9DMD, 4,8DMD and 3,4DMD diamondoids, and the cross plot of EAI against DMDI-1. The occurrence of exsudatinite in the outcrop source rocks in group 1, consistent with early hydrocarbon generation, and the low ratio of demethylated Ts/Tm (<1) in the bitumen samples confirms that the biodegraded bitumen seeps and tar sands in the Nigerian Dahomey Basin were generated by the Lower Cretaceous source rocks in group 1. The study advances on the previous propositions on the source of bitumen seeps and tar sands and contributes our knowledge in the Gulf of Guinea Basin.

ANÁLISE DO COMPORTAMENTO EROSIVO E CARACTERIZAÇÃO SEDIMENTOLÓGICA DA BARRA ARENOSA NA FOZ DO RIO ITABAPOANA, PRESIDENTE KENNEDY-ES

The state of Espírito Santo, despite being the smallest in the Southeast region, presents a significant diversity in the variations between the effects of retrogradation and coastal progradation. This dynamic is influenced by a complex interplay of variable factors, such as coastal geomorphology, hydrodynamics, and geology, which directly affect coastal cities and their development. The objectives of this study are to understand the phenomenon of coastal erosion and to analyze the morphological behavior of the sandy bar at the mouth of the Itabapoana River and at Praia das Neves, generating relevant information for the preservation of the coastal environment and minimizing material losses in urban areas adjacent to the sea. This work used tools such as the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for the interpretation of radarfacies, as well as remote sensing and satellite image geoprocessing methodologies, combined with sedimentological characterization studies applied to Environmental Geology. The integration of GPR data revealed a complex sedimentary dynamic, with reflectors that indicate the progradation of beach deposits, as well as eolian, fluvial and marine influences, observing the presence of filled paleochannels and fluvial deposits. The analysis of satellite images allowed us to identify variations in the morphology of the beach and the location of the sandy bar at the mouth of the Itabapoana River, which shows migration patterns in a north-south direction. The compilation of the results suggests that coastal erosion in the region is cyclical, alternating between moments of progradation and retrogradation throughout the analyzed period, reflecting a complex coastal environment that involves climatic factors and marine and fluvial dynamics. The sediments analyzed were well selected, ranging from fine to medium fraction, with heavy fine sediments from the Araçuaí-Ribeira Orogen, showing low textural maturity.

Comparison of Pb adsorption and transformation behavior induced by chicken manure and its DOM in contaminated soil

Organic fertilizer derived from animal manure can significantly improve soil fertility. However, limited research has investigated the capacity of exogenous organic fertilizer dissolved organic matter (DOM) to migration and transform heavy metals. In this study, the effect of chicken manure organic fertilizers with different maturity and their DOM on changes of Pb bioactivity was evaluated and the role of soil environmental factors driving the changes was determined through soil incubation, adsorption and leaching experiments. The FTIR results indicated that DOM derived from farmhouse chicken manure organic fertilizer (FCMD) contained more protein-like compounds and low maturity, while DOM from commercial chicken manure organic fertilizer (CCMD) contained more humic/fulvic acid and high maturity. FCMD and CCMD reduced the content of RES-Pb by 16.3–27.52 % and 6.66–13.98 %, respectively. And the effects of organic fertilizers and their DOM on Pb migration and activation follow the order of FCMD> CCMD> CK> commercial chicken manure organic fertilizer (CCM)> farmhouse chicken manure organic fertilizer (FCM). FTIR analysis showed that FCMD was primarily composed of aromatic unsaturated functional groups, and its adsorption capacity for Pb2+ was significantly lower than that of FCM. In addition, the application of FCMD significantly altered the physicochemical properties of soil and promoted the migration and leaching of Pb. FCMD not only causes the soil Pb2+ to be released into the effluent but also activates Pb from the stable form into the active form. In summary, animal manure with lower maturity has a risk to activate heavy metals and should be applied with cautions.

Paleoseismology of the Northern Kongur Shan Extensional System, NE Pamir: Implications for Potential Irregular Earthquake Recurrence

AbstractThe intricate and changing stress conditions within complex fault networks pose challenges in understanding earthquake recurrence and seismic hazards. The Kongur Shan Extensional System (KSES) in the northeastern Pamir, characterized by complex fault geometries and potentially variable surface loads in its surroundings, offers an ideal research area. Here we investigate three paleoseismic sites in the northern KSES, including lacustrine seismites in the Muji Basin, secondary fault scarps of the northern Kongur Shan Fault (KSF), and an exposure of the eastern Muji Fault. The seismites, as a regional record, indicate two Mw 6–7.3 paleoearthquakes occurring 720–680 and 1030–940 cal yr BP, with an interval of 230–330 years. The other two on‐fault sites reveal paleoearthquakes with compatible magnitudes but much longer average time intervals (ATI). Secondary fault scarps of the northern KSF indicate four Mw 6.9–7.2 paleoearthquakes since 4.8 ± 0.8 ka, with an ATI of 1,000–1,870 years. The fault exposure of the eastern Muji Fault indicates two Mw 6.8–7.3 paleoearthquakes since 2.7 ± 0.3 ka, with an ATI of 1,200–3,000 years. Using its previously constrained long‐term slip rate of ∼6.3 mm/yr and a simple Monte Carlo simulation of earthquake cycles, the observed ATI of the eastern Muji Fault suggests a “clustered” earthquake recurrence behavior. Such potential irregular earthquake recurrence is likely due to the low maturity and fault interaction in the northern KSES, and climate‐related changes in surface loads of paleolakes and glaciers.

Three New Truffle Species (Tuber, Tuberaceae, Pezizales, and Ascomycota) from Yunnan, China, and Multigen Phylogenetic Arrangement within the Melanosporum Group.

Based on a multi-locus phylogeny of a combined dataset of ITS, LSU, tef1-α, and rpb2 and comprehensive morphological analyses, we describe three new species from the Melanosporum group of genus Tuber and synonymize T. pseudobrumale and T. melanoexcavatum. Phylogenetically, the three newly described species, T. yunnanense, T. melanoumbilicatum and T. microexcavatum, differ significantly in genetic distance from any previously known species. Morphologically, T. yunnanense is distinctly different from its closest phylogenetically related species, T. longispinosum, due to its long shuttle-shape spores (average the ratio of spore length to spore width for all spores (Qm) = 1.74). Tuber melanoumbilicatum differs from the other species in having a cavity and long shuttle-shaped spores (Qm = 1.65). Although T. microexcavatum sampled ascomata have relatively low maturity, they can be distinguished from its closely related species T. pseudobrumale by the ascomata size, surface warts, and spore number per asci; additionally, phylogenetic analysis supports it as a new species. In addition, molecular analysis from 22 newly collected specimens and Genebank data indicate that T. pseudobrumale and T. melanoexcavatum are clustered into a single well-supported clade (Bootstrap (BS) = 100, posterior probabilities (PP) = 1.0); and morphological characteristics do not differ. Therefore, based on the above evidence and publication dates, we conclude that T. melanoexcavatum is a synonym of T. pseudobrumale. By taking into account current knowledge and combining the molecular, multigene phylogenetic clade arrangement and morphological data, we propose that the Melanosporum group should be divided into four subgroups. Diagnostic morphological features and an identification key of all known species in the Melanosporum group are also included. Finally, we also provide some additions to the knowledge of the characterization of T. pseudobrumale, T. variabilisporum, and T. pseudohimalayense included in subgroup 1 of the Melanosporum group.

Study on organic carbon in medium-low mature shale oil reservoirs rich in type II kerogen: Oxidation behavior, thermal effect, and kinetics

In-situ combustion technology (ISC) was a potential technology for efficient development of medium–low maturity shale oil reservoirs. Clarifying the exothermic behavior of organic carbon oxidation will be beneficial for better control of ISC processes. In this work, the organic carbon composition, type II kerogen and residual oil, were separated and extracted from the shale samples of typical medium–low maturity shale oil reservoirs in the Ordos Basin, China. The synchronous thermal analyzer and mass spectrometry (STA-MS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and ROCK-EVAL VI were used to study the products, heat release, and functional group changes of type II kerogen, residual oil, and shale during the oxidation process. The results indicated that the oxidation heat release of shale mainly came from the oxidation reaction between its residual oil and type II kerogen, but the oxidation heat release range of shale was relatively lagging compared to the single residual oil or type II kerogen affected by rock debris. Secondly, under atmospheric pressure, the type II kerogen experiences obviously higher heat release than residual oil and heavy oil, indicating its superior potential of in-situ heat release. In addition, the major productions that CO, H2O, SO2, and CO2 were quantitatively characterized, with CO2 having the highest production of 882.25 mg/g. Furthermore, combined with the molecular weight, an oxidation reaction equation of type II kerogen was constructed. Finally, the oxidation kinetics parameters of type II kerogen, residual oil, and shale were determined using Friedman and Ozawa-Flynn-Wall (OFW) models. It was found that the activation energy of shale was higher than II kerogen and residual in low temperature oxidation (LTO) and fuel deposition (FD) stages. This may be due to the joint reaction between kerogen and residual oil, thus exacerbating the challenge of shale in-situ ignition. However, due to the catalytic effect of rock debris, the activation energy of shale was lower than LTO in high temperature oxidation (HTO) stage, indicating that once fuel deposition was completed, organic carbon will undergo stable combustion. This study has theoretical guidance for the numerical simulation research of ISC development technology of maturity-low shale oil reservoirs.

Incident Response and Threat Intelligence in Healthcare: A Study on Cybersecurity Incident Management

India and other Asian nations are seeing an unparalleled pace of advancement in the modernisation of their healthcare systems. In this endeavour, information technology is crucial. Though the healthcare industry has made great progress, information security is still lagging behind the protection requirements attained in technologically developed nations such as the United States and the United Kingdom. This study is an honest attempt to pinpoint vulnerabilities and dangers in the field of cybersecurity and offers a few targeted remedies in three main domains: risks, vulnerabilities, and IoMT. Using a qualitative research methodology, this research culminates in the creation of a security maturity model for Indian healthcare. Furthermore, in light of these attacks, the well-known National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) risk assessment system and its guiding principles are examined. Evaluating the risks intrinsic to these hacks analytically becomes crucial given the comparatively low information risk management maturity levels in Asian healthcare organisations. While several nations in Asia and throughout the world are battling the COVID-19 outbreak, cybercriminals have been attempting to spread misinformation about vaccines. Additionally, some people and organisations are attempting to undermine specific vaccines in order to promote their COVID-19 treatments. Hacking research data, virus testing, and clinical studies that reveal side effects or possible issues are of particular interest to profit-seeking businesses. The secure methodology for identifying network attacks is suggested by this study.

Shock wave generated by composite energetic material driven by electrical non-penetrating wire explosion plasma.

Underwater shock wave technology can realize dynamic rock fracture, which is helpful to increase oil and gas reservoir permeability. It can realize the efficient exploitation of medium and low maturity oil and gas resources. In practical application, the shock wave parameters require not only high intensity but also safety and controllability. To meet these requirements, insensitive composite energetic materials driven by electrical wire explosion plasma were proposed, which is one of the most promising methods. However, when in use, the load assembly process containing wires and energetic materials is complex. In this paper, a new type of energetic material load is proposed, using non-penetrating wire to drive composite energetic material. It can simplify the production process of the energetic load and produce acceptable shock wave parameters. The test results show that both the energy deposition of the wire and the shock wave intensity decrease under a non-penetrating wire structure. However, the shock wave intensity is still higher than that of the underwater electrical wire explosion. Based on schlieren diagnosis, it is found that the composite energetic material is gradually driven, and the energy release is not concentrated. In addition, the "non-wire" structure driving condition was discussed in contrast. Under this condition, the process of ionization channel establishment in composite energetic materials is random. The shock wave intensity is weak because the composite energetic material is in the process of slow detonation.