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Robotics is a vast and growing area in academia and industry, and it is used to solve human problems through artificial intelligent machines. To solve crucial issues or problems such as the survivability of humans in mining, living in Antarctica, Space, mountainous regions, and other challenging terrains, we need an intelligent machine. Working with multiple robots is more beneficial than with a single robot. This article proposed a method to search and track the target in an unknown environment through a multi-agent system using a nature-inspired algorithm (NIA). Here, the location of the target is either known or unknown. To reach the target, mobile agents use two types of movement, either directional-based movement or nature-inspired algorithm-based movement. Directional-based movements help the mobile agents decide the point of interest to move. The nature-inspired algorithm (NIA) based movement helps the agents explore the area in the provided direction. This work uses particle swarm optimization (PSO), bacteria foraging optimization (BFO), and bat algorithm (BA) NIA for the exploration of the area. The proposed method has been tested in simple and complex environments. From the experimental analysis, the proposed method successfully tracks or searches the target in an unknown environment. The experiments show that the agent movement behavior is affected by some factors such as the complexity of the environment, number of agents, sensor range, etc. The results indicate that the bat algorithm outperforms the other two algorithms in terms of fast time completion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analogy-based software effort estimation (ASEE) plays an important role in software development. It attracts the attention of researchers nowadays due to the simplicity of the ASEE reasoning method. ASEE reasoning is considered simple because it is similar to human reasoning. The estimation approach repeatedly uses the effort values of preceding similar projects. In this approach, the appropriate number of similar previous projects to be reused is still a topic of debate in ASEE research studies. The reliability and accuracy of ASEE methods are considerably affected by the quality of software repositories (datasets). Therefore, if a software dataset does not follow the ASEE principle, then it is not considered useful for the ASEE method. This article presents a novel approach for ASEE to find the appropriate number of analogues from quality datasets. In this approach, the data pre-processing stage is based on Spearman's rank-order correlation and Kruskal–Wallis test. In the proposed approach, it can deal with categorical (both nominal and ordinal) attributes individually. Spearman's rank-order correlation is used to find reliable numerical and ordinal attributes. Kruskal–Wallis test identifies reliable nominal attributes. Reliable attributes refer to those attributes which significantly influence the effort. The experimental results show that the proposed approach enhances the quality of the dataset, attribute selection from the metadata, and reduces the abnormal observation and overall project development cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigations were carried out to evaluate the 28 F1 hybrids of pumpkin, which were grown in a randomized complete block design with three replications during Zaid 2021 at the main experiment station, Department of Vegetable Science, Kalyanpur, CSA University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur (U.P.). Observations were recorded on nineteen quantitative traits viz., days to first male flower appearance, days to first female flower appearance, node number to first male flower appearance, node number to first female flower appearance, vine length, internodal length, branches per plant, days to first harvest, average fruit weight, fruits/plant, equatorial circumference of fruit, polar circumference of fruit, flesh thickness, total soluble solids, dry matter content, moisture content, seeds per fruit, specific gravity and fruit yield per plant. The highest fruit yield per plant was recorded in hybrids viz. Azad Pumpkin-1 x P-40-16, Azad Pumpkin-1 x Punjab Samrat, P-40-16 x Punjab Samrat, Azad Pumpkin-1 x P-35-16, Narendra Agrim x Punjab Samrat and Azad Pumpkin-1 x DVRP-2-5 in F1, exhibited significant and desirable heterosis in respect to standard variety with days to first male flower appearance, days to first female flower appearance, node number to first female flower appearance and days to first fruit harvest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study focuses on the predictions of flow behavior, streamlines and some other factors of a two adjacent-sided converging and diverging lid-driven square cavity filled with fluid. In the diverging case, the top wall of the cavity is considered to be in motion from left to right, and the left wall is considered to be in motion from top to bottom simultaneously with identical speeds. It is found that for a low Reynolds number, the flow behavior seems to be symmetric with respect to one of the diagonals of the cavity, and at a critical Reynolds number 1121, the symmetry of the flow behavior blows up, and an asymmetric form is obtained due to the increased inertia and turbulence effects. Any increment in the Reynolds number above the critical Reynolds number develops this asymmetry gradually more and more. In the second phenomenon, the converging phenomenon, the top wall of the cavity is assumed to be in motion from left to right, and the right wall is assumed to be in motion from bottom to top simultaneously with identical speeds so that they converge at the corner of the cavity. This case gives rise to two critical Reynolds numbers Re = 969 and Re = 2053 and the flow behavior for both asymmetric states was found to be opposite. Furthermore, the rate of convergence of the present methodology, lattice Boltzmann methodology, for various Reynolds numbers is found to be very high except for the critical and their nearby Reynolds numbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study delivers several numerical experiments, conducted on a converging–diverging horizontal nozzle with the insertion of single and multiple circular cylinders. The fluid enters from the inlet wall, strikes the nozzle's and cylinder's walls multiple times, affecting the entire flow region, and, finally, leaves the nozzle through the outlet wall. This entire process leads to many new unseen things. The lattice Boltzmann method with a multiple relaxation time scheme is adopted for all the numerical experiments. The physical parameters that are investigated in the present study are Reinlet, Recylinder, drag and lift coefficients, Mach number (Ma), and pressure difference(Δ p). It is found that the position of the circular cylinder affects the transition zone between a steady state and an unsteady state. For every different position, a different transition zone is observed. In the case of the presence of multiple cylinders, the effect of the position of every cylinder counts for the net transition zone. Moreover, the variation in the drag and lift coefficients and pressure difference are represented throughout the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorella has long been associated with detoxification of toxic/heavy metals. It binds and eliminates different radioisotopes of strontium, technetium, uranium, cobalt, and thallium. In this context, Chlorella (C. vulgaris) powder may be of use to remove toxic metals from the body due to its adsorption properties. The present study evaluated the in vitro adsorption and in vivo removal efficiency of Chlorella powder for non-radioactive isotopes of cobalt, strontium, barium, cesium, and thallium. The adsorption efficacy was investigated in terms of weight of Chlorella, contact time, and metal ion concentration in simulated gastric (SGF) and intestinal (SIF) fluids. Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models were fitted to determine the maximum binding capacity (MBC). Removal efficiency of Chlorella powder for strontium and thallium was evaluated in mice. The animals were administered Chlorella 500 and 1000 mg/70 kg human equivalent dose (HED). Most of the metal ions were adsorbed at equilibrium time of 180 min. The MBC of Chlorella for cobalt, strontium, barium, cesium, and thallium was found to be 10.64, 6.71, 28.57, 1.72, and 11.91 mg g−1 in water, respectively, and 1.20, 8.20, 3.62, 1.49, and 2.80 mg g−1 in SGF, respectively. In SIF, MBC of Chlorella was found to be 9.43, 1.81, and 7.75 mg g−1 for strontium, cesium, and thallium, respectively. Chlorella 500 and 1000 mg/70 kg HED showed significant reduction in whole body retention of strontium (26.05 and 46.40%, respectively) and thallium (18.06 and 38.39%, respectively). Chlorella treatment increased the excretion of strontium and thallium through feces and urine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Release of radionuclide and heavy metals in environment during healthcare, agriculture and military practices, and mining and energy production, poses a serious threat to humans and whole ecosystems. Acute or chronic exposure to human causes serious health effects such as acute radiation syndrome, burns, neurological disorders, renal damage and cancers. Hence, there is a need to find safe, wide-spectrum and cost-effective agents for removing internalized radionuclides and preventing internalization of these ions. In this direction, nutritional supplements offer an excellent option. The present review examines the potential of Chlorella for removal of radionuclide and heavy metal ions. Chlorella is a green alga consumed as dietary food supplement in powdered form. In addition to its high nutritional value, it is reported as an excellent detoxifying agent. The powdered Chlorella has been reported for removal of mercury, cadmium and radioactive strontium from the body. Chlorella contains a variety of metal-binding functional groups such as carboxyl, amino, phosphoryl, hydroxyl and carbonyl groups, which have high affinity towards various metal ions. Different species of Chlorella in live, dead or powdered forms has shown removal efficiency for different toxic metal ions from living as well as non-living things. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spirulina is a blue-green alga, grown in alkaline water and used for detoxification of several toxic metal ions. Apart from its nutritional value, it is also used for the decontamination of toxic metal ions. Therefore, present study was envisaged to evaluate the adsorption and removal efficiency of Spirulina powder for mercury. The adsorption efficiency of Spirulina was evaluated in terms of weight of adsorbent, contact time, simulated gastric (SGF) and intestinal (SIF) fluid, and mercury concentration. In vivo removal efficacy of Spirulina for mercury was evaluated in mice. The mercury content in major tissues, urine and feces was estimated. The whole tissue retention and excretion of mercury after treatment with Spirulina were taken as a measure of its metal ions removal efficacy. Activated charcoal was taken as a standard adsorbent for comparative study. The maximum adsorption capacity of Spirulina and charcoal for mercury was found to be 66.667 and 158.730 mg g−1 in water, 83.33 and 94.340 mg g−1 in SGF and 125.0 and 133.33 mg g−1 in SIF, respectively. In mice, Spirulina and activated charcoal were significantly reduced the mercury deposition in tissues and facilitated their excretion through feces. Spirulina has shown good adsorption and removal efficacy like activated charcoal. Therefore, Spirulina can be used as a potential adsorbent to remove mercury from the body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The water electrolysis process has attracted great attention due to the production of high energy density pure hydrogen. However, the involved cell reactions in this process such as hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions are kinetically sluggish and demands high input energy to accelerate the rate of these reactions. Therefore, the development and application of efficient electrocatalyst is essential for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) as well as oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In the present work, we have successfully synthesized two rare earth phosphates through the hydrothermal route and used as a catalysts towards HER in an acidic medium. The rare earth phosphate PrPO 4 exhibits better catalytic activity than YPO 4 catalyst. The overpotential of PrPO 4 , YPO 4 and standard Pt/C were found as 147, 484.3 and 58 mV vs. reversible hydrogen electrode, respectively, to reach current density 10 mA·cm−2 and corresponding Tafel slopes were found as 107.58, 118.73 and 80.89 mV decade−1, respectively in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4. The catalytic activity of PrPO 4 (472.83 mA·cm−2) overcome standard Pt/C (179.60 mA·cm−2) at high overpotential 450 mV vs. reversible hydrogen electrode. The prepared PrPO 4 shows efficient electrocatalytic activity towards HER in acidic medium because it possess high BET surface area, large ECSA value and small charge transfer resistance than YPO 4. [Display omitted] • Hydrothermal synthesis of rare earth phosphates and explored HER performance. • As prepared PrPO 4 exhibits good catalytic activity towards HER in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4. • The overpotential 147 mV to get 10 mA·cm−2 and Tafel slope 107.58 mV decade−1. • The efficient PrPO 4 followed Volmer-Heyrovsky mechanism for HER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorella is a green alga consumed as a dietary food supplement in pulverized form. In addition to its high nutritional value, it is also reported as an excellent detoxifying agent. The Chlorella powder has been reported for removal of mercury, cadmium, and radioactive strontium from the body. The present study evaluated the toxic effect of Chlorella powder (source: Chlorella vulgaris) in Swiss albino mice at acute and sub-acute (28 days repeated dose) doses. In acute and sub-acute oral toxicity studies, mice were administered orally with Chlorella powder at single (2000 mg kg−1) and repeated (1000 mg kg−1, once daily for 28 days) doses, respectively. During the study, mice were observed for clinical signs and mortality, weekly body weight, feed and water consumption, and biochemical, hematological, organ weight, and histological parameters. In the acute oral toxicity study, the test item Chlorella produced no change in clinical signs, and no morbidity or mortality was observed throughout the study period. The change in weekly body weight was statistically insignificant compared to the vehicle control group. In the sub-acute oral toxicity study, no statistically significant changes were observed in behavior, body weight, feed and water consumption, and biochemical, hematological, organ weight, and histological parameters compared to vehicle control mice. No morbidity or mortality was observed during the study period. Oral administration of Chlorella at acute and repeated doses in mice showed no toxicity or adverse effect. The No Observed Adverse Effect Level was estimated to be 1000 mg kg−1 body weight per day for male and female mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient resource provisioning is one of the important research challenges in cloud computing. Cloud providers use auto-scaling techniques for resource provisioning to manage the fluctuating workload as well as SLA violations. Auto-scaling is necessary for optimal and efficient resource allocation to manage the workload that will reduce power consumption and will also guarantee for better quality of service (QoS). It is essential for those services which support rigorous quality of service (QoS) requirements such as minimum response time or maximum throughput. Cloud providers implement service elasticity through auto-scaling mechanisms. This paper uses a novel prediction technique for resource provisioning through the auto-scaling mechanism. The prediction is done using time series data analytics with the help of the deep learning technique (i.e., LSTM). The predictive resource provisioning technique will predict the traffic load over the server and then estimates the required number of computing resources. The estimated computing resources are provisioned through the queuing theory so that it optimizes the response time and satisfies the SLA contract between the end-user and provider. The optimal resource provisioning will also reduce the consumption of computing resources while attenuating resource over-provisioning minimizes energy consumption and reduces the infrastructure's operating costs. The experimental results show that the workload prediction through LSTM obtains better accuracy than other traditional models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Container-based virtualization is a new technology used by cloud providers to provide cloud services to end-user. This technology has various advantages (e.g. lightweight, quickly deployable, and efficient for resource utilization) for executing an application. It reduces the operating cost, carbon emission, and allocates the resources dynamically. Different cloud applications have different requirements. Deploying resources according to peak requirements always can be costly. On the other hand, always having minimum computing resources may not meet workload's peak requirements, and may cause degraded system performance, less throughput, more response time and service level agreement violations. Hence, it becomes a challenge to maintain optimal level of resources to fulfill the SLA requirements for the applications. To address the above issues, we propose an auto-scaler which uses proactive approach (Support Vector Regression) to perform horizontal elasticity for Docker containers in response to fluctuating workload for real-time applications. As the workload increases, additional resources will be allocated dynamically supporting elasticity. The increase in capacity of a machine dynamically is termed as elasticity. The effective mechanism of elasticity avoids the violation of SLA and penalties in terms of user's loss. The proposed auto-scaler uses the IBM computing model, MAPE-K principle to perform elasticity using the workload predictions made by the SVR model. The predicted workload helps auto-scaler to find out the minimum numbers of replicas needed for a container of a cluster so that it handles the future workload. The experimental results show that the results of SVM prediction keep the performance of the system sustainable with fluctuating workload. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elasticity is an important feature of cloud computing, which allocates/de-allocates adequate computing resources automatically and provisions and de-provisions computing resources timely when the workload fluctuates. It can help in better resource utilization. Elasticity can address the challenges of limited physical resources such as cost, computing power, storage capacity, etc. In cloud computing, the cloud providers achieve elasticity through virtualization techniques such as virtual machines (VMs) or containers. Elasticity can help to scale-up/down the various computing resources of a running system when the workload increases or decreases over the machine. In this paper, we propose a hybrid model that uses a container-based virtualization techniques allocated for various computing resources of a running system (container). It uses a multi-criteria decision making procedure for the allocation of resources. This model uses a reactive approach for scaling up and scaling down the containers' resources as per the requirements of the application. The proposed approach provides better resource utilization and minimizes subscription costs from both the provider and consumer perspectives. The experimental results show that the hybrid model dynamically allocates resources to applications instantly and maintains higher resource utilization than horizontal elasticity, vertical elasticity, and Docker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extent of corrosion inhibition of macrocyclic crown ether compounds namely 2,14-bis(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-6,7,9,10,17,18,20,21-octahydrodibenzo[b,k][1,4,7,10,13,16]hexaoxacyclo octadecine [BOH] and 2-(6,7,9,10,17,18,20,21-octahydrodibenzo[b,k][1,4,7,10,13,16]hexa oxa cyclooctadecin-2-yl)benzo[d]thiazole [OHB] was investigated experimentally and theoretically on mild steel in a 15% hydrochloric acid medium. The experimental investigation was completed through gravimetric and electrochemical (EIS and potentiodynamic polarization) methods. The outcomes from these methods inferred that the inhibitor BOH was a more efficient inhibitor with 98.57% efficiency at 303 K and 150 ppm. The potentiodynamic polarization outcomes reveal the inhibition activity of the inhibitor was under mixed control. The adsorption of inhibitors on the exposed metal surface acted as a prominent factor for inhibition. The surface investigation on the uninhibited and inhibited surface was made through FE-SEM, AFM and XPS analysis to justify the presence of adsorbed inhibitor molecules on the surface. Theoretical investigations by quantum chemical calculation (DFT) and Monte Carlo simulation were correlated with experimental outcomes. The adsorption mechanism of corrosion inhibition was supported by the best fitted Langmuir Adsorption isotherm. All outcomes from the above-investigated methods mutually supported each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, electrochemical supercapacitor has drawn more attention because of its superior electrochemical properties including larger life cycle, higher specific capacitance, and larger specific power. The supercapacitor is also able to fill the energy and power gap between battery and traditional capacitor. The supercapacitor has been considered suitable as an energy storage device for next-generation higher power applications. The ultracapacitor design using nanostructure-based electrode materials has provided better electrochemical properties. This review article gives a brief overview about the latest research trends on metal oxides nanostructure-based electrode materials for ultracapacitors and, in addition, highlights the nanomaterial effect on the electrode properties of ultracapacitors, which gives guidance in developing high-performance next-generation ultracapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the activated charcoal dispersed with copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles (NPs) electrode materials was proposed as electrode material for supercapacitor that is used as energy storage device. The CuO NPs were synthesized at room temperature using co-precipitation method and the nanocomposite was with activated charcoal (AC) powder for its application in an electrochemical supercapacitor. Synthesis of CuO nanoparticles was carried out at various temperatures. The optimized temperature for synthesis is 600 °C that resulted in better performance of electrode materials. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction confirms the monoclinic structure. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy suggests the +2 oxidation state of copper. Electrochemical properties of the prepared nanocomposite electrodes and fabricated supercapacitor cells were characterized using a.c. impedance, cyclic voltammetry, and charge–discharge techniques by using 1 M H2SO4 and 6 M KOH as electrolytes. The optimized composition is 1:1 (mass ratio) of CuO and AC. The specific capacitance of the supercapacitor cells is stable up to 2000 cycles at 100 mV cm−2, which shows that the device has good electrochemical reversibility and cycle life with 6 M KOH and 1 M H2SO4 electrolytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present investigation, a series of noble metal-free, earth-abundant, inexpensive, efficient, and long-term stable electrocatalysts have been developed for hydrogen evolution reaction at different pH values. Transition metal chalcogenides nanocomposites, namely, CoTe 2 @CuTe, FeTe 2 @CuTe, CoSe 2 @CuSe 2 , and FeSe 2 @CuSe 2 have been synthesized via hydrothermal method and their electrocatalytic activity towards hydrogen evolution reaction at different pH values have been studied using different techniques. All the four investigated electrocatalysts are efficient towards the hydrogen evolution reaction. Out of these electrocatalysts, the sphere-like shaped CoTe 2 @CuTe nanocomposite exhibits outstanding electrocatalytic activity towards hydrogen evolution reaction at different pH values. The novelty of the designed catalyst is its specific shape, low cost and high activity towards HER. The overpotential of CoTe 2 @CuTe nanocomposite electrocatalyst to achieve current density of 10 mA/cm2 has been found as 68, 106, and 125.8 mV in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 (pH < 0), 1.0 M KOH (pH ≈ 14) and 1.0 M PBS (pH ≈ 7), respectively and corresponding Tafel slope as 59.94, 67.6 and 69.53 mV/decade, respectively. Thus, CoTe 2 @CuTe nanocomposite exhibits good electrocatalytic activity in acidic, basic, and neutral medium. It possesses significant Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area, synergic effect, small charge transfer resistance, good conductivity, considerable electrochemically surface area (ECSA) value, and higher number of active sites. Image 1 • Four different electrocatalysts have been developed for HER in universal pH. • The spherical like CoTe 2 @CuTe nanocomposite is most efficient electrocatalyst for HER. • CoTe 2 @CuTe exhibits comparable value of Tafel slope and overpotential to Pt/C electrode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two carbon dots namely, S, N co‐doped (CD1) and N doped (CD2) were synthesized by solvothermal treatment of pyromelletic acid in presence of thiourea, urea and DETA at 180 °C. The synthesized carbon dots were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Raman spectroscopy analysis. The dimension of synthesized carbon dots were found in the range of 1.63 nm to 2 nm with significant graphitic carbons. These carbon dots (CD1 and CD2) were used as green corrosion inhibitor to mitigate corrosion of mild steel (MS) in 15 % HCl solution using gravimetric and electrochemical methods. Studied carbon dots, CD1 and CD2 exhibited inhibition efficiency of 96.40 and 90.00 %, respectively, at 100 ppm concentration and 303 K temperature. The observed corrosion inhibition occurs due to adsorption of the carbon dots to the MS surface. Both the carbon dots follow Langmuir adsorption isotherm model and show physisorption on the MS surface. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was used to study the morphology of the uninhibited and inhibited surface of the sample. The interaction of the carbon dots and composition of adsorbed layer on the MS surface was confirmed using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The XPS analysis revealed that heteroatoms present in the structural moiety of the carbon dots efficiently binds on the MS surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorella is a green alga consumed as dietary food supplement in pulverized form. In addition to its high nutritional value, it is reported as an excellent detoxifying agent. Pulverized Chlorella has been reported for removal of cadmium and radioactive strontium from the body. Chlorella adsorbs these metal ions on its surface; thus, the physiological pH of gastrointestinal tract is an important factor which may affect its efficacy. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate mercury adsorption and removal efficacy of pulverized Chlorella vulgaris. The adsorption efficacy was investigated in terms of the weight of Chlorella, contact time, mercury concentration, simulated physiological fluids (SGF and SIF) and influence of pH. Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models were fitted to determine the maximum adsorption capacity. In addition, mercury removal efficiency of Chlorella was evaluated in mice. The mercury content in major tissues, urine and faeces was estimated. The whole tissue retention of mercury after the treatment with Chlorella was taken as a measure of its mercury removal efficacy. The mercury content was measured using validated atomic absorption spectrometer. Chlorella showed significant increase in adsorption of mercury, and the equilibrium was achieved at 180 min. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 111.11, 83.33 and 125 mg g−1Chlorella in water, SGF and SIF, respectively. In mice, Chlorella significantly reduced the deposition of mercury in tissues and facilitated its excretion through faeces. Pulverized Chlorella showed potential adsorption efficiency and may considered a promising agent in counteracting the toxic effects elicited by mercury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of our study was to investigate bacteria associated with pneumonia in goats reared under semi-intensive system. Ten pneumonic goats suffering from pneumonia were investigated for bacterial isolation with its antibiogram pattern. From all the pneumonic goats, Klebsiella pneumonia was isolated by biochemical testing. Antibiotic sensitivity pattern showed highest resistance to Ampicillin (AMP), Amoxycillin/Clavulanic acid and Penicillin (100 percent each) followed by Tetracycline (92.86 percent), Co-trimoxazole (50.0 percent), Cefoperazone, Ceftriaxone, Cefotaxime (42.86 percent each) and Ciprofloxacin (35.71 percent), Chloramphenicol, Enrofloxacin, Gentamicin, Levofloxacin (66.67 percent each) and (22.22 percent) and lowest in Cefaclor (07.14 percent). Multiple drug resistance was observed in all the 10 isolates ranging from resistance to 4-11 antibiotics. All bacterial isolates from goats suffering from pneumonia in winter season were Klebsiella pneumoniae with potential risk for human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing and development of the low cost and efficient transition metal based electrocatalyst for the electrochemical water splitting is a challenging task because in general, costly noble metals are used as electrocatalyst for water splitting reactions. Herein Mo dopped ferric oxide (MFO) was synthesized by hydrothermal method followed by the heat treatment and characterized by using different techniques such as XRD, FESEM, HRTEM, FTIR, EDS, M-S plot and BET etc. The electrocatalytic properties of ferric oxide (FO) and MFO towards water splitting in alkaline medium were studied and compared with RuO 2. The prepared material (MFO) exhibited higher electrocatalytic activity towards the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in the alkaline medium as compared to ferric oxide (FO). The overpotential for MFO at 10 mA/cm2 current density was found as 359 mV vs. RHE and Tafel slop value was found as 80 mV/ decade. The investigated MFO also offered high value of the exchange current density and large number of active sites (8.6568 *10−8 mol) as well as large BET surface area (179.41 m2/g).). Thus MFO acts as efficient low cost electrocatalyst towards the oxygen evolution reaction to produce the molecular oxygen for the renewable energy production. [Display omitted] • Ferric oxide and Mo dopped ferric oxide were prepared by hydrothermal method. • Both acts as efficient electrocatalyst towards OER in alkaline medium. • Electrocatalytic activity of low cost ferric oxide was improved by Mo doping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Expired Broclear tablets and its carbon dots act as efficient green corrosion inhibitor. • Both inhibitors act as mixed inhibitors. • Adsorption of both inhibitors on mild steel surface obeys Langmuir's isotherm. • Adsorption of both inhibitors on mild steel surface is physisorption. Eco-friendly, hydrophilic and economical carbon dot (CD) of expired dated Broclear tablets (EBD-CD) was synthesized by hydrothermal method and its identification as a carbon dot was confirmed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Corrosion inhibition efficiency of expired dated Broclear (EBD) and its carbon dot (EBD-CD) was analysed by gravimetric and electrochemical methods for mild steel (MS) in 15% HCl solution. The corrosion inhibition efficiency of synthesised EBD-CD was found higher at each concentration compared to EBD. The corrosion inhibition efficiency obtained from gravimetric method for EBD-CD and EBD was 95.2% and 89.1%, respectively, at 303 K and 100 ppm concentration. The inhibition efficiency of both inhibitors increases on increasing concentration and decreases on increasing temperature. The mixed type adsorption of inhibitor molecules on MS surface is the main factor to reduce corrosion of MS. Both inhibitors obey Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The surface study of uninhibited and inhibited MS surface was performed by using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis. Whereas, the composition of adsorbed inhibitor film on MS surface was analysed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bryophyllum pinnatum, commonly known as Pattharcaṭṭa, is used traditionally in ethnomedicinal practices for the treatment of kidney stone and urinary insufficiency. Aim: The present study evaluated the effect of Bryophyllum pinnatum on ethylene glycol (EG)-induced renal calculi in rats. Materials and Methods: Renal calculi were induced in rats by administration of 0.75% EG in drinking water and co-treated orally with standard drug, Cystone (750 mg/kg), or alcoholic and hydro-alcoholic extracts in doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg for 28 days. Weekly body weights were recorded. On day 29, urolithiasis was confirmed by assessing the urinary parameters (urine volume, pH, uric acid, calcium, phosphorus, oxalate, magnesium and creatinine clearance), serum biochemical parameters (creatinine, uric acid, urea, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium), oxidative stress parameters and histology of kidney. Results: Treatment with extracts attenuated the EG-induced decrease in body weight and elevation in urinary parameters (uric acid, calcium, phosphorus and oxalate) and serum biochemical parameters (creatinine, uric acid, urea, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium). Extract treatment also reversed EG-induced decrease in urine volume, pH, magnesium and creatinine clearance, oxidative and histological damages in kidneys. Results were comparable to standard drug, Cystone. Results indicated that EG administration caused renal calculi formation which is prevented by treatment with extracts. The observed antilithiatic effect may be attributed to the presence of high content of phenolics, flavonoids and saponins in the extracts. Conclusion: Bryophyllum pinnatum leaves showed preventive effect against renal calculi formation and validates its ethnomedicinal use in urinary disorders. It further supports its therapeutic potential for the treatment of urinary calculi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two pyranopyrazole derivatives namely, 6-amino-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-methyl-2,4-dihydropyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole-5-carbonitrile (AMPC) and 6-amino-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-methyl-2,4-dihydropyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole-5-carbonitrile (ACPC) were synthesized and investigated as an inhibitor for mild steel corrosion in 15% HCl solution by using weight loss measurement and electrochemical techniques. The experimental results showed that the inhibition efficiency of studied inhibitors increased with increasing inhibitor concentration whereas decreased with an increase in temperature. Corrosion inhibition efficiency of 96.1 and 94.6 was obtained with 300 ppm of AMPC and ACPC, respectively, at 303 K. Potentiodynamic polarization studies showed that both studied inhibitors were mixed type in nature. The potential of zero charge ( E PZC ) for the mild steel was determined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy method. The adsorption of both inhibitors on mild steel surface obeyed Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The surface morphology of the uninhibited and inhibited mild steel specimens was studied by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersion X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The Density Functional Theory (DFT) was applied for theoretical studies of the inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corrosion inhibition performance of synthesized amino acid compounds, namely, (Z)-2-(2-oxoindolin-3-ylideneamino)acetic acid (OYAA) and 2-(2-oxoindolin-3-ylideneamino)-3-phenylpropanoic acid (OYPA) on mild steel in 15-% HCl solution was investigated by means of potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. Potentiodynamic polarization studies showed that both studied inhibitors were mixed types in nature. The adsorption of inhibitors on the mild steel surface obeyed Langmuir's adsorption isotherm. The potential of zero charge ( E) for the mild steel was determined via EIS to discuss the adsorption mechanism. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersion X-ray spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy were used to characterize the surface morphology of uninhibited and inhibited mild steel specimens. The density functional theory was employed for theoretical calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anticorrosion and adsorption behaviour of synthesized carbohydrazide Schiff bases, namely (Z)-N′-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-6-methyl-2-oxo-4-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-carbohydrazide(MBTC) and (Z)-N′-(3,4-dichlorobenzylidene)-6-methyl-2-oxo-4-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-carbohydrazide (CBTC) was examined for mild steel (MS) in 15% HCl medium. The corrosion inhibition study was performed by using gravimetric, thermodynamic, electrochemical and theoretical studies including density functional theory (DFT), molecular dynamic simulation (MDS) and Monte Carlo simulations (MCS). The outcomes in terms of corrosion inhibition efficiency using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) method at 303 K and 150 ppm concentration were 96.75% for MBTC and 95.14% for CBTC. Both inhibitors adsorbed on the MS surface through physical as well as chemical adsorption and followed the Langmuir isotherm. The mixed-type nature of both inhibitors was identified by polarization results. Surface analysis was done using FESEM, EDX, AFM and XPS studies and results showed that a protective layer of inhibitor molecules was developed over the surface of MS. The results of DFT, MCS and MDS are in accordance with experimental results obtained by weight loss and electrochemical methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anti-corrosion behaviour of synthesized 1-(2-(5-mercapto-4-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-yl)phenyl)-3-phenylthiourea (MTPT) and 1-phenyl-3-(2-(5-(phenylamino)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)phenyl)thiourea (PDPT) were examined by weight loss and electrochemical approaches for the oil well and pipeline steel tube (mild steel) in 15% HCl solution. The output of inhibition efficiencies from weight loss analysis at 303 K temperature and 100 ppm concentration of PDPT and MTPT inhibitor in 15% HCl solution was 97.7 and 94.3%, respectively. The electrochemical studies results well approve the weight loss results. Polarization studies suggested that both inhibitors control the anodic as well as cathodic reactions and act as mixed type inhibitor. The adsorption studies indicate, both inhibitors obey Langmuir adsorption isotherm through mixed adsorption (physisorption as well as chemisorption) process. The formation of organic-inorganic film on the mild steel (MS) surface was investigated by FESEM and AFM studies whereas the composition of the film was investigated by EDX and XPS studies. The theoretical justification of the experimental results was studied through DFT and Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) analysis. [Display omitted] • PDPT and MTPT are efficient inhibitors. • PDPT and MTPT are mixed inhibitor. • Both inhibitors obey Langmuir isotherm. • Adsorbed inhibitor film inhibit steel corrosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amino acid compounds, namely, 1-(1 H -benzo[ d ]imidazole-2-yl)-N-((furan-2-yl)methylene)methanamine (BIFM) and 1-(1 H -benzo[ d ]imidazole-2-yl)-N-((furan-2-yl)methylene)-2-phenylethanamine (BIFP) were synthesized and studied as inhibitors for N80 steel corrosion in 15% HCl solution using potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. Polarization studies showed that both studied inhibitors were of mixed type in nature. The adsorption of inhibitors on the N80 steel surface obeys Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The potential of zero charge ( E PZC ) for the N80 steel was determined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) were used to characterize the surface morphology of uninhibited and inhibited N80 steel specimens. The Density Functional Theory (DFT) was employed for theoretical calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthesized compounds, namely methyl 5-(4-Chlorobenzoyloxy)-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylate (MCPPC) and 5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(4-methylphenyl)4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl-(pyridin-4-yl)methanone (MMDPPM) were investigated as corrosion inhibitor for mild steel (MS) in 15% HCl solution using weight loss measurement, potentiodynamic polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) methods. Inhibition efficiency was found concentration-dependent and increased by increasing the concentration of MCPPC and MMDPPM. Both of inhibitors were efficient even at a very low concentration of 25 ppm. The inhibitors MCPPC and MMDPPM showed inhibition efficiency of 67.1 and 76.8%, respectively, at 25 ppm, whereas it was 92.0 and 95.9%, respectively, at 250 ppm concentration at 303 K. The potentiodynamic polarization curves showed that MCPPC and MMDPPM act as mixed-type inhibitor in 15% HCl solution. The Nyquist plots showed that charge transfer resistance increased and double-layer capacitance decreased on increasing the concentration of studied inhibitors due to adsorption of inhibitor molecules on MS surface. The adsorption of each inhibitor on MS surface obeys Langmuir adsorption isotherm. On the basis of thermodynamic adsorption parameters, mixed-type adsorption (physisorption and chemisorption) for the studied inhibitors on MS surface was suggested. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analyses confirmed the existence of a protective film of the inhibitor on MS surface. The density functional theory was employed for theoretical calculations, and the obtained results were found to be consistent with the experimental findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The corrosion inhibition effect of 1-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-4-(3,5-dibromophenyl)-3-chloro-4-methylazetidin-2-one (BDMA) and 1-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-4-(3,5-dibromophenyl)-3-chloro-4-methyl-4-phenylazetidin-2-one (BDPA) on N80 steel in 15% hydrochloric acid solution was studied using weight loss measurement, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The surface morphology of the uninhibited and inhibited samples was studied with the help of scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and atomic force microscope (AFM) methods. The corrosion inhibition efficiency of both inhibitors increased with increasing inhibitors concentration and decreased with increasing temperature. The adsorption of both inhibitor molecules on surface of N80 steel obey Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Potentiodynamic polarization measurements indicated that both the studied inhibitors act as mixed type inhibitor. Quantum chemical calculations were carried out using Density Functional Theory (DFT) to correlate the experimental results with the theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present investigation, two thiazolidinedione derivatives, 5-[(2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-6-phenylimidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazol-5-yl)methylidene]-1,3-thiazolidine-2,4-dione (Inh I) and 5-[2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-6-(4-methoxylphenyl)-imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazol-5-yl)methylidene]-1,3-thiazolidine-2,4-dione (Inh II) were synthesized and investigated as inhibitors for mild steel corrosion in 15% HCl solution using the weight loss, electrochemical polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. It was found that the inhibition efficiency of these inhibitors increased with increasing concentration. The effect of temperature on the corrosion rate was investigated, and some thermodynamic parameters were calculated. Polarization studies showed that both studied inhibitors were of mixed type in nature. The adsorption of inhibitors on the mild steel surface in acid solution was found to obey the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed on inhibited and uninhibited mild steel samples to characterize the surface. The semi-empirical AM1 method was employed for theoretical calculation of highest (EHOMO), and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (ELUMO) energy levels, energy gap (ELUMO − EHOMO), dipole moment (μ), global hardness (γ), softness (σ), binding energy, molecular surface area, chemical potential (Pi), and the fraction of electrons transferred from the inhibitor molecule to the metal surface (ΔN). The results were found to be consistent with the experimental findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anticorrosion and adsorption behaviour of synthesized carbohydrazide Schiff bases, namely (Z)-N′-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-6-methyl-2-oxo-4-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-carbohydrazide(MBTC) and (Z)-N′-(3,4-dichlorobenzylidene)-6-methyl-2-oxo-4-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-carbohydrazide (CBTC) was examined for mild steel (MS) in 15% HCl medium. The corrosion inhibition study was performed by using gravimetric, thermodynamic, electrochemical and theoretical studies including density functional theory (DFT), molecular dynamic simulation (MDS) and Monte Carlo simulations (MCS). The outcomes in terms of corrosion inhibition efficiency using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) method at 303 K and 150 ppm concentration were 96.75% for MBTC and 95.14% for CBTC. Both inhibitors adsorbed on the MS surface through physical as well as chemical adsorption and followed the Langmuir isotherm. The mixed-type nature of both inhibitors was identified by polarization results. Surface analysis was done using FESEM, EDX, AFM and XPS studies and results showed that a protective layer of inhibitor molecules was developed over the surface of MS. The results of DFT, MCS and MDS are in accordance with experimental results obtained by weight loss and electrochemical methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Imidazole derivatives, namely, 1-((1-(piperazinomethyl)-1H-benzoimidazol-2-yl)methyl)-2-phenylhydrazine (PBIP), and 1-((1-(morpholinomethyl)-1H-benzoimidazol-2-yl)methyl)-2-phenylhydrazine (MBIP) were synthesized and investigated as inhibitors for mild steel corrosion in 15% HCl solution using weight loss, potentiodynamic polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. It was found that the inhibition efficiency of both the inhibitors increases with increase in concentration of inhibitors and decreases with increase in temperature. The inhibitors, PBIP and MBIP, show corrosion inhibition efficiency of 92.6% and 91.4% at 300 ppm concentration, respectively, at 303 K. Polarization studies showed that both the studied inhibitors were of mixed type in nature. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were performed for surface study of uninhibited and inhibited mild steel samples. The semi-empirical AM1 method was employed for theoretical calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combined capture of CO2 and subsequent hydrogenation allows for base/methanol-promoted homogeneous hydrogenation of CO2 to methyl formate. The CO2, captured as an amidinium methyl carbonate, reacts with H2 with no applied pressure of CO2 in the presence of a catalyst to produce sequentially amidinium formate, then methyl formate. The production of methyl formate releases the base back into the system, thereby reducing one of the flaws of catalytic hydrogenations of CO2: the notable consumption of one mole of base per mole of formate produced. The reaction proceeds under 20 atm of H2 with selectivity to formate favored by the presence of excess base and lower temperatures (110 °C), while excess alcohol and higher temperatures (140 °C) favor methyl formate. Known CO2 hydrogenation catalysts are active in the ionic liquid medium with turnover numbers as high as 5000. It is unclear as to whether the alkyl carbonate or CO2 is hydrogenated, as we show they are in equilibrium in this system. The availability of both CO2 and the alkyl carbonate as reactive species may result in new catalyst designs and free energy pathways for CO2 that may entail different selectivity or kinetic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Imidazopyridine derivatives, namely 4-methoxy- N-((2-(4-methoxyphenyl) H-imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-3-yl)methylene)benzenamine (MMPIPB) and 4-chloro- N-((2-(4-methoxyphenyl) H-imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-3yl)methylene)benzenamine (CMPIPB), were investigated as inhibitors for mild steel corrosion in 15% HCl solution using the weight loss and electrochemical techniques. According to electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies, MMPIPB and CMPIPB show corrosion inhibition efficiency of 84.8 and 77.2% at 10-ppm concentration and 98.1 and 94.8% at 80-ppm concentration, respectively at 303 K. The corrosion inhibition efficiency of both inhibitors increased with increasing inhibitor concentration and decreased with increasing temperature. The adsorption of both inhibitor molecules on the surface of mild steel obeys Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Polarization studies showed that both studied inhibitors were of mixed type in nature. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies showed that for both inhibitors, the value of charge transfer resistance increased and double-layer capacitance decreased on increasing the concentration of inhibitors. Scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and atomic force microscopy were performed for surface study. The density functional theory was employed for theoretical calculations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amino acid derivatives, namely, 2-(2-oxo-2-phenothiazin-10-yl)ethylamino)-3-mercaptopropanoic acid (OPEM) and 2-(2-oxo-2-phenothiazin-10-yl)ethylamino)acetic acid (OPEA) were synthesized and investigated as inhibitors for mild steel corrosion in 15% HCl solution using the weight loss, polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The inhibition efficiency of both the inhibitors increased with increasing the temperature and concentration of inhibitor. The inhibitors OPEM and OPEA show corrosion inhibition efficiency of 97.5 and 95.8%, respectively, in 200 ppm concentration, at 333 K. Polarization studies showed that both studied inhibitors were of mixed type in nature. The adsorption of inhibitors on the mild steel surface obeys Langmuir adsorption isotherm and the surface of inhibited and uninhibited specimens were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The semiempirical AM1 method was employed for theoretical calculations and the obtained results were found to be consistent with the experimental findings. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose – The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the protective ability of 2-amino-N-octadecylacetamide (AOA) and 2-amino-N-octadecyl-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) propionamide (AOHP) as corrosion inhibitors for N80 steel in 15 per cent hydrochloric acid (HCl), which may find application as eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors in acidizing processes in the petroleum industry. Due to scale plugging in the well bore, there can be a decline in the crude production rate, and an acidization operation has to be carried out, normally by using 15 per cent HCl to remove the scale plugging. To reduce the aggressive attack of HCl on tubing and casing materials (N80 steel), inhibitors are added to the acid solution during the acidifying process. Design/methodology/approach – Different concentrations of the synthesized inhibitors AOA and AOHP were added to the test solution (15 per cent HCl), and the corrosion inhibition efficiencies of these inhibitors for N80 steel were calculated from weight loss determinations, potentiodynamic polarization scans and alternating current (AC) impedance measurements. The influence of temperature (298-323 K) on the inhibition behavior was studied. Surface examinations were performed by means of Fourier transform infrared spectra and scanning electron microscope. Findings – AOA and AOHP at 150-ppm concentration showed a maximum efficiency of 90.04 and 94.97 per cent, respectively, at 298 K in 15 per cent HCl solution. Both the inhibitors acted as mixed corrosion inhibitors. The adsorption of the corrosion inhibitors at the surface of the N80 steel was the underlying mechanism of corrosion inhibition. Originality/value – This paper reports the preliminary laboratory results of inhibitors AOA and AOHP for the corrosion prevention of N80 steel casings and tubulars exposed to HCl and may be of practical help to petroleum engineers for carrying out acidization in oil wells after further investigation of the compound at higher temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The corrosion inhibition properties of synthesized pyridine derivatives, namely, 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5,6-dimethyl-2-morpholinopyridine-3-carbonitrile and 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5,6-dimethyl-2-piperazinyl-pyridine-3-carbonitrile on N80 steel in 15% HCl solution were studied using gravimetric measurement, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques. The inhibition efficiency was found to increase with increasing inhibitor concentration and decreases on increasing the temperature from 303 to 333K. Some thermodynamic and kinetic parameters were calculated and discussed. The adsorption of inhibitor on the N80 steel surface obeys the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Polarization studies showed that both the inhibitors behave as a mixed-type inhibitor. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy were performed for the surface study of uninhibited and inhibited N80 steel samples. The density functional theory was employed for theoretical calculations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present investigation, threebenzimidazole derivatives,namely, 4-(phenyl)-5-[(2-methyl-1H-benzimidazol-1-yl)methyl]-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol (Inh I), 4-(4-methylphenyl)-5-[(2-methyl-1H-benzimidazol-1-yl)methyl]-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol(Inh II), and 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-[(2-methyl-1H-benzimidazol-1-yl)methyl]-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol(Inh III), were synthesized and investigated as inhibitors for mildsteel corrosion in 15% HCl solution using the weight loss, electrochemicalpolarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques.It was found that the inhibition efficiency of these inhibitors increasedwith increasing concentration. The effect of temperature on the corrosionrate was investigated, and some thermodynamic parameters were calculated.Polarization studies showed that all three studied inhibitors wereof mixed type in nature. The adsorption of the inhibitors on the mildsteel surface in acid solution was found to obey the Langmuir adsorptionisotherm. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed on inhibitedand uninhibited mild steel samples to characterize the surface. Thesemiempirical AM1 method was employed for theoretical calculations,and the obtained results were found to be consistent with the experimentalfindings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this work, we found that Rh–Ni bimetallic nanocatalysts, with a rhodium content as low as 10 mol %, prepared by the coreduction of the corresponding metal chlorides, exhibit excellent catalytic activity to the decomposition of hydrous hydrazine, producing hydrogen with 100% selectivity at 323 K. The present catalyst with low noble-metal content promotes the practical use of the hydrogen-storage system based on the catalytic complete decomposition of hydrazine in aqueous solution at ambient conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Three fluorescent quinazolines thiophen-2-yl-5,6-dihydrobenzo-[4,5]imidazo[1,2-c]quinazoline (1), pyridin-3-yl-5,6-dihydrobenzo-[4,5]imidazo-[1,2-c]quinazoline (2) and phenyl-5,5′,6,6′-dihydrobenzo-[4,4′,5,5′]imidazo-[1.1′,2-c,2′-c]quinazoline (3) have been synthesized. Structures of 1 and 3 have been authenticated crystallographically. Quinazolines 1–3 exhibit highly selective ‘on-off’ switching for Hg2+ ions. The fluorescence intensity displayed a linear relationship with respect to Hg2+ concentration (0.1–1.0μM; R2 =0.99) with detection limit of 2.0×10−7 M. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Fe(II), and Zn(II) complexes of N-nicotinoyl-N′-2-thiophenethiocarbohydrazide (H2 NTTH) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility measurements, infrared, NMR, electronic, and ESR spectral studies. The complexes were found to have compositions [Mn(H NTTH)2 (H2O)2], [Co(NTTH) (H2O)2], [Ni(NTTH) (H2O)2], [Cu(NTTH)].H2O, [Cu(H2 NTTH) Cl2], [Zn(NTTH)].H2O and [Zn(H2 NTTH) Cl2], and [Fe(H NTTH)2]. The ligand N-nicotinoyl-N′-2-thiophenethiocarbohydrazide (H2 NTTH) and its metal complexes have been screened against several bacteria and fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The syntheses and characterizations of meso-substituted dipyrrins, 5-(4-imidazol-1-yl-phenyl)-dipyrromethene (4-impdpm), 5-(4-nitro-imidazol-1-yl-phenyl)-dipyrromethene, (4-nimpdpm), 5-(4-benzimidazol- 1-yl-phenyl)-dipyrromethene (4-bimp-dpm) and heteroleptic complexes [Cu(4-impdpm)(hfacac)] 1, [Cu(4-nimpdpm)(acac)] 2, [Cu(4-nimpdpm)(hfacac)] 3, [{Cu(4-bimpdpm)(acac)}] 4 and [{Cu(4-bimpdpm)-(hfacac)}] 5, imparting acetylacetonato (acac) and hexafluoroacetylacetonato (hfacac) groups as co-ligand have been described. The dipyrrins and complexes 1- 5 have been characterized by elemental analyses and spectral (IR ESI-MS, NMR, electronic absorption and emission) studies. Crystal structures of 1, 3 and 4 have been authenticated by X-ray single crystal analyses. The reaction between 4-impdpm and Cu(hfacac) gave a trimetallic complex, under analogous conditions 4-nimpdpm and 4-bimpdpm reacted with Cu(acac) and Cu(hfacac)·2HO to afford mononuclear ( 2, 3) and 1D polymeric ( 4, 5) complexes. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The synthesis and characterization of novel coordination polymers [Co(HCCB)(H2O)2] n (1), [Zn(HCCB)(H2O)2] n (2), {[Cd(HCCB)2]·0.5[Cd(μ-H2O)(H2O)4]2} n (3) and [Cu(HCCB)(H2O)2] n (4) based on 3-(carboxymethylamino)-4-chlorobenzoic acid (H3CCB) and mononuclear complexes [Cu(HBCCB)(H2O)]·H2O (5), [Co(HBCCB)(H2O)]·H2O (6), [Zn(HBCCB)(H2O)] (7) and [Cd(HBCCB)(H2O)] (8) containing 3-bis(carboxymethylamino)-4-chlorobenzoic acid (H3BCCB) have been described. The compounds under investigation have been characterized by elemental analyses, spectral studies and structures of 1–3 and 5 determined crystallographically. Structural data of 1 and 2 revealed that the deprotonated HCCB2− bridges metal centers leading to a double stranded 1D chain. On the other hand, the HCCB2− coordinated thorough carboxylate oxygen and amino nitrogen in 3 to afford a 1D chain whose charge neutrality is maintained by inclusion of aqua-bridged dimer [{Cd(μ-H2O)(H2O)4}2]4+. Strong Cu⋯Cl interaction (2.754Å) in 5 imposes a coordination geometry that is half-way between the square planar and square pyramidal. The H3CCB, H3BCCB and 1–3 and 5 are fluorescent at rt. Thermal studies (TG and DSC) on 1–3 suggested higher stability of 2 relative to 1 and 3 [ΔH f (kcal/mol), ΔS f =152.17, 0.60, 1; 195.56: 0.86, 2; 69.33:0.36, 3]. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The synthesis and characterization of heteroleptic complexes with the formulations [(η6-arene)RuCl(fcdpm)] (η6-arene = C6H6, C10H14) and [(η5-C5Me5)MCl(fcdpm)] (M = Rh, Ir; fcdpm = 5-ferrocenyldipyrromethene) have been reported. All the complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, IR, 1H NMR and electronic spectral studies. Structures of [(η6-C6H6)RuCl(fcdpm)] and [(η6-C10H14)RuCl(fcdpm)] have been determined crystallographically. Chelating monoanionic linkage of fcdpm to the respective metal centres has been supported by spectral and structural studies. Further, reactivity of the representative complex [(η6-C10H14)RuCl(fcdpm)] with ammonium thiocyanate (NH4SCN) and triphenylphosphine (PPh3) have been examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Compounds derived from the reactions of dimeric arene ruthenium [{(η 6-arene)Ru(μ-Cl)Cl}2] (arene = benzene and p-cymene) and structurally analogous rhodium and iridium complexes [{(η 5-C5Me5)M(μ-Cl)Cl}2] (M = Rh or Ir) with 2-chloro-4,6-(di-2-pyridylamino)-1,3,5-triazine (cddt) and 2,4,6-tris(di-2-pyridylamino)-1,3,5-triazine (tdat) are reported. Compounds under investigation have been characterized by elemental analyses, NMR (1H and 13C), electronic absorption, emission spectral and electrochemical studies. Structures of the dinuclear compounds [{(η 6-C10H14)RuCl}2(cddt)](PF6)2, [{(η 5-C5Me5)RhCl}2(cddt)]Cl2·6H2O and trinuclear compound [{(η 6-C6H6)RuCl}3(tdat)]Cl3·4H2O have been determined crystallographically. Among cddt containing compounds the {(η 6-C10H14)RuCl}- units in [{(η 6-C10H14)RuCl}2(cddt)](PF6)2 are anti, while {(η 5-C5Me5)RhCl}- in the rhodium compound [{(η 5-C5Me5)RhCl}2(cddt)]Cl2·6H2O are syn with respect to triazine ring. Cyclic voltammetric studies on the compounds suggested lack of communication between the metal centres. Furthermore, although tdat is luminescent at room temperature compounds under investigation containing this ligand are non-luminescent in acetonitrile. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Reactions of the ruthenium complexes [RuH(CO)Cl(PPh3)3] and [RuCl2(PPh3)3] with hetero-difunctional S,N-donor ligands 2-mercapto-5-methyl-1,3,5-thiadiazole (HL1), 2-mercapto-4-methyl-5-thiazoleacetic acid (HL2), and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (HL3) have been investigated. Neutral complexes [RuCl(CO)(PPh3)2(HL1)] (1), [RuCl(CO)(PPh3)2(HL2)] (2), [RuCl(CO)(PPh3)2(HL3)] (3), [Ru(PPh3)2(HL1)2] (4), [RuCl(PPh3)3(HL2)] (5), and [RuCl(PPh3)3(HL3)] (6) imparting κ2-S,N-bonded ligands have been isolated from these reactions. Complexes 1 and 4 reacted with diphenyl-2-pyridylphosphine (PPh2Py) to give neutral κ1-P bonded complexes [RuCl(CO)(κ1-P-PPh2Py)2(HL1)] (7), and [Ru(κ1-P-PPh2Py)2(HL1)2] (8). Complexes 1–8 have been characterized by analytical, spectral (IR, NMR, and electronic absorption) and electrochemical studies. Molecular structures of 1, 2, 4, and 7 have been determined crystallographically. Crystal structure determination revealed coordination of the mercapto-thiadiazole ligands (HL1–HL3) to ruthenium as κ 2 -N,S-thiolates and presence of rare intermolecular S–S weak bonding interaction in complex 1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Synthesis of complexes with the formulations [M(CPI)2Cl2] (M=Zn, 1; M=Cd, 4) and [M(CPI)6](X)2 (M=Zn, X=NO3 −, 2; X=ClO4 −, 3; M=Cd, X=NO3 −, 5; X=ClO4 −, 6) have been achieved from the reactions of MCl2, M(NO3)2·xH2O and M(ClO4)2·xH2O (M=Zn, Cd) with 1-(4-cyanophenyl)-imidazole (CPI). Complexes 1–6 have been characterized by elemental analyses and spectral studies (IR, 1H, 13C NMR, electronic absorption and emission). Molecular structures of 1, 2, 3 and 6 have been determined crystallographically. Weak interaction studies on the complexes revealed presence of various interesting motifs resulting from C–H···N, C–H···Cl and π–π stacking interactions. The complexes under study exhibit strong luminescence at ∼450nm in DMSO at room temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The meso-pyridyl substituted dipyrromethane ligands 5-(4-pyridyl)dipyrromethane (4-dpmane) and 5-(3-pyridyl)dipyrromethane (3-dpmane) have been employed in the synthesis of a series of complexes with the general formulations [(η6-arene)RuCl2(L)] (η6-arene=C6H6, C10H14) and [(η5-C5Me5)MCl2(L)] (M=Rh, Ir). The reaction products have been characterized by microanalyses and spectral studies and molecular structures of the complexes [(η6-C10H14)RuCl2(4-dpmane)] and [(η5-C5Me5)IrCl2(3-dpmane)] have been determined crystallographically. For comparative studies, geometrical optimization have been performed on the complex [(η5-C5Me5)IrCl2(4-dpmane)] using exchange correlation functional B3LYP. Optimized bond length and angles are in good agreement with the structural data of the complex [(η5-C5Me5)IrCl2(3-dpmane)]. The complexes [(η6-C10H14)RuCl2(3-dpmane)], [(η5-C5Me5)RhCl2(3-dpmane)] and [(η5-C5Me5)IrCl2(3-dpmane)] have been employed as a transfer hydrogenation catalyst in the reduction of aldehydes. It was observed that the rhodium and iridium complexes mentioned above are more effective in this regard in comparison to the ruthenium complex. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Heteroleptic rhodium(I) complexes with the general formulations [(η4-C8H12)Rh(L)] [η4-C8H12 =1,5-cyclooctadiene; L=5-(4-cyanophenyl)dipyrromethene, cydpm; 5-(4-nitrophenyl)dipyrromethene, ndpm; and 5-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)dipyrromethene, bdpm; 5-(4-pyridyl)dipyrromethene, 4-pyrdpm; 5-(3-pyridyl)dipyrromethene, 3-pyrdpm] have been synthesized. The complex [(η4-C8H12)Rh(4-pyrdpm)] have been used as a synthon in the construction of homo-bimetallic complex [(η4-C8H12)Rh(μ-4-pyrdpm)Rh(η5-C5Me5)Cl2] and hetero-bimetallic complexes [(η4-C8H12)Rh(μ-4-pyrdpm)Ir(η5-C5Me5)Cl2], [(η4-C8H12)Rh(μ-4-pyrdpm)Ru(η6-C10H14)Cl2] and [(η4-C8H12)Rh(μ-4-pyrdpm)Ru(η6-C6H6)Cl2]. Resulting complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses and spectral studies. Molecular structures of the representative mononuclear complexes [(η4-C8H12)Rh(ndpm)] and [(η4-C8H12)Rh(4-pyrdpm)] have been authenticated crystallographically. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]