Migration Pathways Research Articles

Exploring the defect formation and ionic migration in A2Zr2O7 (A = La, Ce, Nd, and Gd) Pyrochlore solid-state electrolytes

This study investigated the potential of A2Zr2O7 pyrochlore phase oxides (A = La, Ce, Nd, and Gd) as solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) electrolyte materials. A2Zr2O7 ceramics were synthesized using the sol-gel process, and their disordered pyrochlore structure was confirmed by X-ray Diffraction and Rietveld refinement. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) was used to examine the morphology of the materials, while X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed a high oxygen ion concentration. UV–Vis Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS) and density of states calculations consistently showed similar bandgap patterns in all zirconate pyrochlore. Density Functional Theory (DFT) simulations provided insights into the electronic structure and migration pathways. A two-probe conductivity study confirmed the relation between the ionic conductivity and ordering degree of pyrochlore. At 750 °C, LZO, CZO, and GZO exhibited ionic conductivity values of 5.44 × 10−3 S/cm, 3.00 × 10−3 S/cm, and 2.01 × 10−3 S/cm respectively, while NZO demonstrated a conductivity of 1.27 × 10−2 S/cm at 700 °C, which is higher than that of the other samples. This study favours the use of the sol-gel route for processing zirconate pyrochlore materials, highlighting its ability to achieve high densities at lower temperatures and exhibit enhanced ionic conductivity. A2Zr2O7 has emerged as a promising oxide-ion conducting solid electrolyte for intermediate temperature SOFC applications within the 600–750 °C temperature range.

A key regulator of tumor-associated neutrophils: the CXCR2 chemokine receptor.

In recent years, with the advance of research, the role of tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) in tumors has become a research hotspot. As important effector cells in the innate immune system, neutrophils play a key role in the immune and inflammatory responses of the body. As the first line of defense against bacterial and fungal infections, neutrophils have the ability to kill invading pathogens. In the pathological state of malignant tumors, the phenotype of neutrophils is altered and has an important regulatory function in tumor development. The C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 2(CXCR2) is a key molecule that mediates the migration and aggregation signaling pathway of immune cells, especially neutrophils. This review focuses on the regulation of CXCR2 on TANs in the process of tumorigenesis and development, and emphasizes the application significance of CXCR2 inhibitors in blocking the migration of TANs to tumors.

Migration mechanisms of mono-/di-interstitials in vanadium with alloying Ti/Cr

Self-interstitial atoms (SIAs) are the dominant self-defects at equilibrium in metals, but many questions such as their diffusion characteristics are still open, and studies of the Ti/Cr effect on the kinetics of SIAs are very scarce in vanadium alloy. In this work, we systemically investigated the migration mechanisms of mono/di-interstitials as well as the effect of alloying elements Ti/Cr on the kinetics of SIAs using first-principles calculations. The findings reveal that 〈111〉SIA exhibits three migration mechanisms, including one dimensional (1D) migration, translation-rotation and translation, corresponding energy barriers of 0.008, 0.19 and 0.44 eV. Different migration pathways are activated at high temperatures, which supports the experimental observation of 3D migration of SIAs under high temperatures. We determined the di-SIA (two parallel 〈111〉SIA) migration by both successive and simultaneous jumping paths, the lowest migration barrier is 0.009 eV via successive jumping path passing a translation state. Moreover, based on three migration mechanisms of SIA, SIA migrating to Ti region possesses the lower barrier than pure vanadium, in verse the barrier is relative high and then hinders the SIA diffusion. The alloying Ti has a pinning effect on SIAs. And we explored how SIA to form mixed V-Cr interstitial and its migration of 〈111〉V-Cr. Finally, we estimated the effect of Ti on SIA diffusivity by empirical formulas.

Laponite Nanoclay‐Loaded Microgel Suspensions as Supportive Matrices for Osteogenesis

Microscale carriers have emerged as promising materials for nurturing cell growth and as delivery vehicles for regenerative therapies. Carriers based on granular hydrogels have proved advantageous, where “microgels” can be formulated to have a broad range of properties to guide the behavior of adherent cells. Herein, the fabrication of osteogenic microgel matrices through the incorporation of laponite nanoclays is demonstrated. Forming a jammed suspension provides a scaffolding where cells can adhere to the surface of the microgels, with pathways for migration and proliferation fostered by the interstitial volume. By varying the content and type of laponite—RD and XLG—the degree of osteogenesis can be tuned in embedded populations of adipose‐derived stem cells. The nano‐ and microstructured composite materials enhance osteogenesis at the transcript and protein level, leading to increased deposition of bone minerals and an increase in the compressive modulus of the assembled scaffold. Together, these microgel suspensions are promising materials for encouraging osteogenesis with scope for delivery via injection and stabilization to bone‐mimetic mechanical properties after matrix deposition.

Bayesian phylogeographic inference of wheat yellow mosaic virus in China and Japan suggests that the virus migration history coincided with historical events

Wheat yellow mosaic virus (WYMV) is one of the most serious viral pathogens causing reductions in wheat yield in East Asia. We investigated the phylodynamics of WYMV by analysing the CP, VPg and P1 genes to understand the origin and dispersal of the virus. A Bayesian phylogenetic analysis revealed that the most recent common WYMV ancestor occurred in approximately 1742 (95% credibility interval, 1439–1916) CE (Common Era), and the evolutionary rates of the VPg, CP and P1 genes were 6.669 × 10−4 (95% credibility interval: 4.575 × 10−4–8.927 × 10−4), 2.468 × 10−4 (95% credibility interval: 1.667 × 10−4–3.338 × 10−4) and 5.765 × 10−5 (95% credibility interval: 3.285 × 10−6–1.252 × 10−4), respectively. Our phylogeographic analysis indicated that the WYMV population may have originated in Henan Province, China, first spreading to Japan in the mid-19th century and stopping after the Japanese surrender in World War II. The second wave spread to Japan from Shandong Province, China, in approximately 1977, a few years after the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Japan. Before the founding of the People's Republic of China, Henan Province was the emigration centre of WYMV in East Asia, and after the late 20th century, Jiangsu and Shandong Provinces were also the virus emigration centres in East Asia. In addition, there were two migration pathways from Japan to Jiangsu and Shandong Provinces, China, in approximately 1918 and approximately 1999 respectively. Our results suggest that the wide spread of WYMV in East Asia is strongly related to human factors.

Carbon Doping Regulates Charge Transfer Paths via a Type-II to S-Scheme Transformation to Improve Photocatalytic Performance.

Designing S-scheme heterojunctions with enhanced interfacial interaction is an effective strategy for promoting the separation of photocarriers while maintaining strong photoredox capabilities. However, precisely tailoring the interfacial charge transport pathways between two contacted semiconductors remains a significant challenge due to the similar band alignment in type-II and S-scheme heterostructures. Herein, we report a facile and low-cost carbon doping strategy to smartly tune the charge transfer pathway via a type-II to S-scheme transformation for efficient photocatalytic H2 evolution and H2O2 synthesis. Density functional theory calculations combined with in situ XPS studies demonstrate that the Fermi level of MoO2 shifts from being higher than that of C3N4 to being lower after carbon doping, which drives the inversion of the internal electric field (IEF) direction between MoO2 and C3N4, thus enabling a transition from type-II MoO2/C3N4 heterojunctions to S-scheme C-MoO2/C3N4 heterojunctions. As a result, the optimal S-scheme C-MoO2/C3N4 heterojunctions exhibit a high H2 evolution rate of 16.2 mmol g-1 h-1 and a H2O2 production rate of 877 μmol g-1 h-1, notably surpassing those of the original C3N4 and type-II MoO2/C3N4 heterojunctions. This work provides valuable insights into the fabrication of C3N4 heterostructures and the control of electron migration pathways, thereby creating new possibilities for photocatalysis and optoelectronics applications.

The interface electric field accelerated charge transfer kinetics of 1D/0D TiO2/Bi2Sn2O7 Z-scheme heterojunction with close contact interface significantly improves photothermal catalytic N2 reduction

The slow kinetics of charge transfer and weak redox ability hindered the practical application of photocatalytic N2 reduction. Therefore, in this article, Bi2Sn2O7 nanoparticles were grown in situ on the surface of TiO2 nanorods using a solvothermal method to form a 1D/0D TiO2/Bi2Sn2O7 (TBSO-15) Z-scheme heterojunction with a tight contact interface. The results of density functional theory calculations (DFT) and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) indicated that the difference in Fermi levels led to spontaneous rearrangement of charges at the heterojunction interface and the formation of a strong interfacial electric field (IEF). IEF provided a powerful driving force for the spatial separation of photogenerated charges, accelerating charge transfer dynamics. Secondly, the Z-scheme migration pathway of photo-generated charges between TiO2 and Bi2Sn2O7 enhanced the redox ability of TBSO-15 and formed a spatially separated redox center. In addition, molecular dynamics simulations (MD) showed that the photothermal effect significantly promoted the dynamic diffusion of N2 and H2O, accelerating the chemical reaction kinetics. Therefore, the synergistic effect of the two significantly improved the performance of Photothermal catalytic N2 reduction (PTC-NRR). After simulating solar irradiation for 2 h, the PTC-NRR performance of TBSO-15 achieved 327.25 μmoL·g−1 in pure water, which was 19.7 times that of TiO2 and 4.2 times that of Bi2Sn2O7, respectively. This study provides a reference for the synergistic effect of charge space transfer dynamics and photothermal effect to promote PTC-NRR.

The Roma Population: Migration, Settlement, and Resilience

The Roma population—with a unique history marked by migration, settlement issues, and ongoing resilience—has always faced significant social marginalization and has often been subjected to forced migration. Despite being one of the largest and most diverse ethnic groups in Europe, Roma continue to face systemic discrimination and social exclusion, leading to poor outcomes in education, employment, health, and housing. This article analyses the migration pathways, settlement experiences, and persistent obstacles faced by Roma. We argue that removing historical and systemic barriers to create a more equitable and welcoming environment for the Roma community is their right. The resilience of the Roma community in the face of adversity is a testament to their cultural strength and adaptability. This research aims to document these aspects and thus provide a basis for policies that promote social inclusion, equality, and respect for cultural diversity.

Queering Masculinities in the Middle East (SWANA) and South Asia

One of the most important shifts in gender scholarship is the attention now being paid to discourses and practices of masculinity in the Global South. This issue of Men and Masculinities contributes to this growing field in three important ways. First, we foreground scholarship on masculinities in two interconnected, but understudied regions of the world, specifically the Middle East, which is also known as South West Asia and North Africa (SWANA), and its neighbor to the east, South Asia. In particular, we demonstrate the ways in which queer identities and communities are being formed across these two regions, connected as they are by historic trade routes, migration pathways, and transregional cultural flows. Second, we point to the vibrant masculinities scholarship that is emerging from these regions. But we focus specifically on non-normative masculinities—or the queer, trans, and other genderqueer masculinities—which have been historically present in these two regions, but which have been much less represented in masculinities literature. Third, we look to identity formation, or the ways in which young cis-gender, trans, and queer men come out in their communities and seek authentic lives of desire, pleasure, and participation. At the same time, we highlight the ever-present precarity within queer communities in the Middle East/SWANA and South Asia, especially given postcolonial nationalist and ethno-nationalist agendas, which promote normative heteropatriarchal masculinities and concomitant homophobia and transphobia.

MRI radiomics and biological correlations for predicting axillary lymph node burden in early-stage breast cancer

Background and aimsPreoperative prediction of axillary lymph node (ALN) burden in patients with early-stage breast cancer is pivotal for individualised treatment. This study aimed to develop a MRI radiomics model for evaluating the ALN burden in early-stage breast cancer and to provide biological interpretability to predictions by integrating radiogenomic data.MethodsThis study retrospectively analyzed 1211 patients with early-stage breast cancer from four centers, supplemented by data from The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA) and Duke University (DUKE). MRI radiomic features were extracted from dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI images and an ALN burden-related radscore was constructed by the backpropagation neural network algorithm. Clinical and combined models were developed, integrating ALN-related clinical variables and radscore. The Kaplan–Meier curve and log-rank test were used to assess the prognostic differences between the predicted high- and low-ALN burden groups in both Center I and DUKE cohorts. Gene set enrichment and immune infiltration analyses based on transcriptomic TCIA and TCIA Breast Cancer dataset were used to investigate the biological significance of the ALN-related radscore.ResultsThe MRI radiomics model demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.781–0.809 in three validation cohorts. The predicted high-risk population demonstrated a poorer prognosis (log-rank P < .05 in both cohorts). Radiogenomic analysis revealed migration pathway upregulation and cell differentiation pathway downregulation in the high radscore groups. Immune infiltration analysis confirmed the ability of radiological features to reflect the heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment.ConclusionsThe MRI radiomics model effectively predicted the ALN burden and prognosis of early-stage breast cancer. Moreover, radiogenomic analysis revealed key cellular and immune patterns associated with the radscore.

Profiling migration of human monocytes in response to chemotactic and barotactic guidance cues

Monocytes are critical to innate immunity, participating in chemotaxis during tissue injury, infection, and inflammatory conditions. However, the migration dynamics of human monocytes under different guidance cues are not well characterized. Here, we developed a microfluidic device to profile the migration characteristics of human monocytes under chemotactic and barotactic guidance cues while also assessing the effects of age and cytokine stimulation. Human monocytes preferentially migrated toward the CCL2 gradient through confined microchannels, regardless of donor age and migration pathway. Stimulation with interferon (IFN)-γ, but not granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), disrupted monocyte navigation through complex paths and decreased monocyte CCL2 chemotaxis, velocity, and CCR2 expression. Additionally, monocytes exhibited a bias toward low-hydraulic-resistance pathways in asymmetric environments, which remained consistent across donor ages, cytokine stimulation, and chemoattractants. This microfluidic system provides insights into the unique migratory behaviors of human monocytes and is a valuable tool for studying peripheral immune cell migration in health and disease.

Micro-injection as a tool to detect the effects of bisphenol A, diethyl phthalate, and 17ß-estradiol on ontogenesis of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Diethyl phthalate (DEP), bisphenol A (BPA), and external estradiol 17β-estradiol (E2) all are endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Our previous study has found that the development of ceratohyal cartilage (CH) in embryos could be disrupted when the maternal generation was exposed with 8.06 μM DEP, 2.86 μM BPA, and 1.11 μM E2. However, it is still unknown how doses of the residual EDCs in eggs cause abnormal CH development in their offspring. Microinjection is used at the 2-cell stage of embryos to mimic the maternal effect and to observe the toxicities of EDCs in embryos. Results shown that the amounts of DEP, BPA, and E2 were 1.3 × 10-6 ng, 4.7 × 10-7 ng, and 1.4 × 10-7 ng, respectively, inducing the CH angles to become bigger than the control. However, related genes to the migratory pathways of neural crest cells (NCCs) were not influenced upon BPA and E2 treatments. Both sox10 and smad3 gene expressions were up-regulated upon DEP treatment. On the other hand, the CH angles were smaller than the control upon 1.3 × 10-5, 9.4 × 10-6, and 1.4 × 10-6 ng of DEP, BPA, and E2 microinjection, respectively. Furthermore, genes related to migratory NCCs were significantly influenced upon 10−5 ng of BPA, and 10−4 ng of DEP treatments on embryos. According to the data, we suggested that 10−5–10−7 ng of EDCs in eggs could disrupt CH development as well as significantly increase the mortality on their embryos. The present study raises concern that the responses were highly sensitive in embryos through maternal effects.

Efficient and Stable Red Perovskite Light-Emitting Diodes via Thermodynamic Crystallization Control.

Efficient and stable red perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) demonstrate promising potential in high-definition displays and biomedical applications. Although significant progress has been made in device performance, meeting commercial demands remains a challenge in the aspects of long-term stability and high external quantum efficiency (EQE). Here, an in situ crystallization regulation strategy is developed for optimizing red perovskite films through ingenious vapor design. Mixed vapor containing dimethyl sulfoxide and carbon disulfide (CS2) is incorporated to conventional annealing, which contributes to thermodynamics dominated perovskite crystallization for well-aligned cascade phase arrangement. Additionally, the perovskite surface defect density is minimized by the CS2 molecule adsorption. Consequently, the target perovskite films exhibit smooth exciton energy transfer, reduced defect density, and blocked ion migration pathways. Leveraging these advantages, spectrally stable red PeLEDs are obtained featuring emission at 668, 656, and 648nm, which yield record peak EQEs of 30.08%, 32.14%, and 29.04%, along with prolonged half-lifetimes of 47.7, 60.0, and 43.7h at the initial luminances of 140, 250, and 270cd m-2, respectively. This work provides a universal strategy for optimizing perovskite crystallization and represents a significant stride toward the commercialization of red PeLEDs.

Social Media and ‘Japa’ Syndrome: Exploring the Roles of Online Platforms in Shaping Migration Trends

Social media platforms have emerged as influential players in shaping japa trends, offering a dynamic space where individuals explore, discuss, and navigate migration pathways. By providing unprecedented access to information, facilitating networking and connections, showcasing aspirational lifestyles, and amplifying migration narratives, social media platforms exert a significant influence on individuals’ migration trajectories. In the light of the above, this study examines social media and japa syndrome by exploring the roles of online platforms in shaping migration trends. The study was anchored on the uses and gratification theory, and data were collected using the desk research method. Findings reveal that social media has significantly altered the landscape of communication and information dissemination globally, including Nigeria. The study also reveals that online platforms play a crucial role in shaping migration trends and aspirations by influencing individuals’ perceptions, providing access to information, and facilitating connections with diaspora communities and potential destinations. Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended that online platforms should implement robust mechanisms to verify the accuracy and credibility of migration-related information shared on their platforms. This can involve partnering with reputable organizations such as international agencies, academic institutions, and government bodies to ensure that users have access to reliable and up-to-date information about migration processes, policies, and destinations.

The Effects of Controlling Gas Escape and Bottom Current Activity on the Evolution of Pockmarks in the Northwest of the Xisha Uplift, South China Sea

Submarine pockmarks are typical indicators of submarine gas escape activity. The deep strata of the Xisha Uplift are rich in biogenic and thermogenic gas, accompanied by strong bottom current activity. Investigating the effects of controlling submarine gas escape and bottom current activity on the formation and development of pockmarks in the Xisha Uplift is significant for understanding the evolution of submarine topography and geomorphology. This study utilized high-resolution multibeam data to identify 261 submarine pockmarks in the northwest of the Xisha Uplift. These pockmarks were categorized based on their morphology into circular, elliptical, elongated, crescent-shaped, and irregular types. The diameters of pockmarks in the study area range from 0.21 to 4.96 km, with maximum depths reaching 30.88 m. Using high-resolution multi-channel seismic data, we conducted a detailed analysis of the subsurface strata characteristics of the pockmarks, identifying chaotic weak reflections, bright spots, and high-angle reflectors. We believe that deep gas in the northwest of the Xisha Uplift escapes to the seafloor through migration pathways, such as faults, fractures, and gas chimneys, resulting in the formation of submarine pockmarks. Bottom current activity has a significant impact on already-formed pockmarks. Crescent-shaped and elongated pockmarks in the Xisha Uplift are largely the result of bottom current modifications of pre-existing pockmarks.

Colloid mobilization and transport in response to freeze-thaw cycles: Insights into the heavy metal(loid)s migration at a smelting site

Smelting sites often exhibit significant heavy metal(loid)s (HMs) contamination in the soil and groundwater, which are inevitably subjected to environmental disturbances. However, there is limited information available regarding the migration behaviors of HMs in a disturbed scenario. Thus, this work explored the migration of HMs-bearing colloids in response to freeze-thaw treatments by laboratory simulation and pore-scale study. Ultrafiltration results of soil effluents revealed that 61.5 %, 47.6 %, 68.0 %, and 59.2 % of Zn, Cd, Pb, and As were present in colloidal phase, and co-transported during treatments. Nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) further confirmed that freeze-thaw cycles were conducive to the generation of colloidal particles and showed the heteroagglomeration among different particles. Pore-network model (PNM) was used to quantify the soil macropore characteristics (macropore diameter, macropore number, coordination number, and Euler value) after treatments. It is evident that freeze-thaw cycles induced the formation of larger macropores while simultaneously enhancing macropore connectivity, thereby establishing an optimal pathway for colloid migration. These findings underscored the importance of environmental disturbances as a trigger for the release and migration of HMs in the smelting site, offering valuable insights for controlling HMs pollution. Environmental implicationThe contaminated site has been subjected to prolonged environmental disturbances, causing the exacerbation of pollutants leaching and frequent occurrences of unstable pollution situations. This work explored the migration of HMs-bearing colloids in response to freeze-thaw treatments by laboratory simulation and pore-scale study. The distinct effects of freeze-thaw treatment on colloidal particle number concentration and macropore characteristics may explain the generation and migration of colloid-associated HMs driven by environmental disturbances. This work revealed the underlying mechanisms driving the redistribution of HMs under freeze-thaw cycles, offering valuable insights for risk assessment of soil and groundwater associated with HMs migration.

Understanding Ag liquid migration in SiC through ex-situ and in-situ Ag-Pd/SiC interaction studies

The effective containment of fission products (FPs) within tri-structural isotropic (TRISO) fuel particles is crucial for the safety and efficiency of High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactors (HTGRs). Combining multi-scale (µm to nm) and multi-dimensional (2D and 3D) analysis, this study focuses on the migration mechanisms of silver (Ag), for which the Ag-110 m FP isotope is radiotoxic, facilitated by reactions with palladium (Pd) alloys and the silicon carbide (SiC) layer at elevated temperatures (1300–1500 °C). Three primary pathways for Ag migration are identified: (1) diffusion in solid palladium silicide to form (Pd,Ag)2Si, (2) infiltration through cracks and pores in the carbon phase, and (3) liquid phase migration along SiC grain boundaries. Especially at temperatures above the melting point of Pd2Si (1404 °C), a ‘dissolution-recrystallisation’ mechanism is proposed of the Ag-Pd-Si liquid phase migrating along SiC grain boundaries. The study employs state-of-the-art in-situ heating transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques to directly observe the dynamic migration processes of Pd silicide within SiC, providing unprecedented insights into the liquid behaviour in TRISO fuel. These findings highlight the significant role of liquid phases in determining the transport of FPs through the TRISO-SiC which is vital for developing strategies that enhance the safety and efficacy of HTGRs.

I told you to stop: obscurin's role in epithelial cell migration.

The giant cytoskeletal protein obscurin contains multiple cell signaling domains that influence cell migration. Here, we follow each of these pathways, examine how these pathways modulate epithelial cell migration, and discuss the cross-talk between these pathways. Specifically, obscurin uses its PH domain to inhibit phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)-dependent migration and its RhoGEF domain to activate RhoA and slow cell migration. While obscurin's effect on the PI3K pathway agrees with the literature, obscurin's effect on the RhoA pathway runs counter to most other RhoA effectors, whose activation tends to lead to enhanced motility. Obscurin also phosphorylates cadherins, and this may also influence cell motility. When taken together, obscurin's ability to modulate three independent cell migration pathways is likely why obscurin knockout cells experience enhanced epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and why obscurin is a frequently mutated gene in several types of cancer.

Hydrothermal carbonization of Chinese medicine residue from licorice: Effects of pore and chemical structures on chromium migration

The Chinese medicine residue (CMR) is composed of wet substances, so using hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) to recover renewable energy from the residue is a suitable treatment method. Chromium (Cr), a kind of heavy metal element, is enriched in hydrochar and severely restricts its effective utilization. An in-depth analysis of the migration path and mechanism of Cr in hydrochar is helpful in promoting energy utilization for CMR. Here, licorice, a significant Chinese medicine, was selected as the example to analyze the evolutions of its pore and chemical structures and their effects on the migration mechanism of Cr during the HTC process. The products obtained under various HTC conditions were analyzed using nitrogen adsorption, FTIR, and 13C NMR. The results show that, considering reaction time and relevant reactions as the primary factors during the HTC process, the migration pathway of Cr in hydrochar undergoes two stages, and they are the accompanying migration stage and the recovery aggregation stage. Active adsorption sites for Cr may exist within the pore structure of hydrochar. In the HTC process, hydrolysis, decarboxylation, and decarbonylation reactions are the direct drivers of Cr migration, while aromatization is the underlying cause of Cr recovery and aggregation. It is hypothesized that Cr catalyzes the acetylene cyclotrimerization reaction, thereby promoting the formation of aromatic structures in hydrochar and integrating into the hydrochar carbon skeleton.

Source Rock Assessment of the Permian to Jurassic Strata in the Northern Highlands, Northwestern Jordan: Insights from Organic Geochemistry and 1D Basin Modeling

The present study focused on the Permian to Jurassic sequence in the Northern Highlands area, NW Jordan. The Permian to Jurassic sequence in this area is thick and deeply buried, consisting mainly of carbonate intercalated with clastic shale. This study integrated various datasets, including total organic carbon (TOC, wt%), Rock-Eval pyrolysis, visual kerogen examination, gross composition, lipid biomarkers, vitrinite reflectance (VRo%), and bottom-hole temperature measurements. The main aim was to investigate the source rock characteristics of these strata regarding organic richness, kerogen type, depositional setting, thermal maturity, and hydrocarbon generation timing. The Permian strata are poor to fair source rocks, primarily containing kerogen type (KT) III. They are immature in the AJ-1 well and over-mature in the NH-2 well. The Upper Triassic strata are poor source rocks in the NH-1 well and fair to marginally good source rocks in the NH-2 well, containing highly mature terrestrial KT III. These strata are immature to early mature in the AJ-1 well and at the peak oil window stage in the NH-2 well. The Jurassic strata are poor source rocks, dominated by KT III and KT II-III. They are immature to early mature in the AJ-1 well and have reached the oil window in the NH-2 well. Biomarker-related ratios indicate that the Upper Triassic oils and Jurassic samples are source rocks that received mainly terrestrial organic input accumulated in shallow marine environments under highly reducing conditions. These strata are composed mostly of clay-rich lithologies with evidence of deposition in hypersaline and/or stratified water columns. 1D basin models revealed that the Upper Triassic strata reached the peak oil window from the Early Cretaceous (~80 Ma) to the present day in the NH-1 well and from ~130 Ma (Early Cretaceous) to ~90 Ma (Late Cretaceous) in the NH-2 well, with the late stage of hydrocarbon generation continuing from ~90 Ma to the present time. The present-day transformation ratio equals 77% in the Upper Triassic source rocks, suggesting that these rocks have expelled substantial volumes of hydrocarbons in the NH-2 well. To achieve future successful hydrocarbon discoveries in NW Jordan, accurate seismic studies and further geochemical analyses are recommended to precisely define the migration pathways.