Simultaneous Enhancement of Mechanical and Magnetic Properties in Extremely-Fine Nanograined Ni-P Alloys

Exploring structural effects that influence both the mechanics and magnetism in nanocrystalline materials, particularly extremely-fine nanograined ones with grain sizes down to several nanometers, is of high interest for developing multifunctional materials combining superior mechanical and magnetic performances. We found in this work that electrodeposited extremely-fine nanograined Ni-P alloys exhibit a significant enhancement of magnetization, simultaneously along with an increase in hardness, after low-temperature annealing. The relaxation of non-equilibrium structures, precipitation of the second phase and the segregation of P atoms to grain boundaries (GBs) during annealing have then been sequentially evidenced. By systematically comparing the variations in macroscopic and microstructural investigation results among several Ni-P alloys with different P contents, we suggest that the second phase has little effect on magnetization enhancement, and essentially both the structural relaxation and GB segregation can play important roles in hardening by governing GB stability, and in the improvement of magnetization by enhancing Ni–Ni atom exchange interactions

Synthesis and Characterization of a Mg2+-Selective Fluorescent Probe

A new Mg2+-selective fluorescent probe P was synthesized and characterized. With optimal conditions, the proposed probe P showed good selectivity to Mg2+ compared to other common metal ions, and worked in a wide linear range of 5.0 × 10−7–6.0 × 10−6 M with a detection limit of 1.7 × 10−7 M Mg2+ in ethanol-water solution (9:1, v/v, 20 mM HEPES, pH = 10.0)

Naphthalimide Based Al3+-Selective Fluorescent Probe and its Use in Cell Imaging

A new naphthalimide derivative was synthesized and characterized as Al3+-selective fluorescent probe. Study showed that this probe has good affinity and sensitibity towards Al3+ compared to other common metal ions, and the addition of Al3+ triggered a prominent fluorescence enhancement at 439 nm in ethanol phase. With the optimized experimental conditions, the probe exhibited a dynamic response range for Al3+ from 1.0´10-6 M to 5.0´10-6 M with a detection limit of 4.1´10-7 M

Feed plants, ethnoveterinary medicine, and biocultural values: insights on the Luchuan pig from Hakka communities in China

Abstract Background The Luchuan pig is an indigenous breed from Luchuan County, China, with cultural and genetic significance. However, traditional knowledge and conservation status have not been systematically documented. Methods Using ethnobiological methods, we surveyed 72 Luchuan pig farmers in 7 townships during 2021–2023. Semi-structured interviews and participant observation were conducted to document traditional knowledge and management practices. Results The locals reported 51 plant species used as pig feed, with 30 wild species. Growth-stage-specific feeding and seasonal adjustment practices were documented. We recorded 62 ethnoveterinary plant uses, mainly for treating pigs' heat stress and skin conditions. Luchuan pigs play central roles in local Hakka customs, rituals, and cuisine. Additonally, the new ecological farming models minimize the environmental impacts to the local community. However, there are still some challenges remained for conserving and promoting Luchuan pigs. Conclusions The Luchuan Hakka people possess rich traditional knowledge and management experience in raising Luchuan pigs. Our study provides extensive documentation of traditional knowledge and recommends integrating cultural and genetic aspects for sustaining this biocultural heritage. Findings can inform initiatives supporting local breed conservation globally

Appendix S2 Fossil records of Annonaceae

Appendix S2 Fossil records of Annonacea

Data from: The early history of Annonaceae (Magnoliales) in Southeast Asia suggests floristic exchange between India and Pan-Indochina by the late Oligocene

The collision between India and Eurasia in the mid‐Palaeogene facilitated terrestrial floristic exchange. However, due to the complexity of this geological event and scarcity of fossil record, the plant migration patterns between the two plates are still highly debated. In this study, we focus on the Oligocene floristic exchange between India and Pan‐Indochina mainly based on a carpological study of Annonaceae, an emblematic family unique in its pantropical distribution and frugivore‐based dispersal strategy. A new seed species, Anonaspermum orientalis sp. nov., is described from the upper Oligocene Yongning Formation of Guangxi, southern China. The species represents the earliest known occurrence of this family in Pan‐Indochina. The specimens are characterized by ovate–elliptic seed shape, thicker seed testa, two‐lobed organization, lamelliform rumination and an obvious cone‐like plug. The palaeobiogeographical reconstruction of Annonaceae indicates that the most parsimonious dispersal scenario for the annonaceous taxon from the late Oligocene of China is the Out‐of‐India route, in parallel with other plant genera inferred to have migrated between India and Pan‐Indochina during that period

Preparation of Direct Reduced Iron and Titanium Nitride from Panzhihua Titanomagnetite Concentrate Through Carbothermic Reduction-Magnetic Separation

A novel process for preparing direct reduction iron (DRI) and titanium nitride (TiN) from Panzhihua titanomagnetite concentrate is proposed. This process involves pelletizing, direct reduction roasting and magnetic separation. The effects of reduction temperature, coal dosage and reduction time on the phase transformation of composite pellets were investigated by X-ray diffraction. Results show that TiN formation proceeds less easily than metallic iron formation. Increasing the reduction temperature, reduction time and coal dosage can promote the transformation of titanium to TiN. Titanium was almost completely transformed into TiN under the conditions of 1300 °C reduction temperature, 26 wt % coal dosage and 90 min reduction time. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed that near-spherical metallic iron particles with diameters from dozens of microns to about 300 μm were formed in the reduced pellets, whereas the TiN particles generally measured less than 10 μm. The energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) results revealed that the TiN phase contains a certain amount of vanadium and carbon, and traces of other impurities. The reduced composite pellets under the optimum conditions were processed by grinding and subsequent magnetic separation. As a result, a DRI with 92.88 wt % Fe, 1.00 wt % Ti, and 0.13 wt % V was obtained, and the recoveries of Fe, Ti, and V were 92.85 wt %, 9.00 wt %, and 19.40 wt %, respectively. 91.00 wt % Ti and 80.60 wt % V were concentrated in the rough TiN concentrate