Photocatalytic degradation of azo dyes using Zn-doped and undoped TiO2 nanoparticles

Undoped and Zn-doped TiO₂ nanoparticles were synthesized by the sol gel method. The dopant (Zn) was taken at 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 0.7, and 1.0 mol%. The initial precursors were titanium tetraisopropoxide and zinc acetate. The samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and UV–vis diffuse reflectance. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared nanoparticles was studied by observing their role in degradation of two azo dyes, i.e., Eriochrome Black T and Methyl Red under UV–visible light. The results revealed that Zn-doped TiO₂ nanoparticles exhibited better degradation as compared to undoped TiO₂ nanoparticles. In this study, 0.7 mol% Zn-doped TiO₂ showed highest photocatalytic activity. Doping of Zn allowed better separation of electron–hole pairs which results in increased oxidation and reduction reactions.     

Management decision-making for sugarcane fertilizer mix problems through goal programming

This paper presents a goal-programming (GP) model for management decision-making for sugarcane fertilizer mix problems. Sensitivity analysis on the priority structure of the goals has been performed to obtain all possible solutions. The study uses Euclidean distance function to measure distances of all possible solutions from the ideal solution. The optimum solution is determined from the minimum distance between the ideal solution and other possible solutions of the problem. The optimum solution corresponds to the appropriate priority structure of the problem in the decision-making context. Furthermore, the results obtained from sensitivity analysis on the cost of combination of fertilizers confirm the priority structure.     

Gauss sums forF q [T]

The purpose of this paper is to define Gauss sums taking values in function fields of one variable over a finite field and to prove analogues of various classical and recent results. These results include Stickelberger's theorem, the Hasse-Davenport theorem, Weil's theorem on Jacobi sums as Hecke characters and the Gross-Koblitz theorem. For comparison, the reader may consult [G-K] and references given there.In this paper we deal only with the simplest case, where the base ringA is the polynomial ringF _q [T] and where we use the Carlitz module; i.e., the simplest rank one Drinfeld module. (See section I). The general case, which has a quite different flavour, will be presented elsewhere. These results formed a part of the author's thesis, Gamma functions and Gauss sums for function fields and periods of Drinfeld modules (Harvard 1987). But the new presentation here is due to a suggestion by Professor Tate. It is my pleasure to thank him.Supported in part by NSF grant DMS 8610730C2     

Bismuth-catalyzed synthesis of 2-substituted quinazolinones

The bismuth-catalyzed oxidative condensation of aldehydes with 2-aminobenzamide under aerobic conditions is reported using ethanol as the solvent. Good to excellent isolated yields (68–95%) of the corresponding 2-substituted quinazolinones were obtained under mild reaction conditions with excellent functional group tolerance. The quinazolinones were further functionalized to afford N-allylated quinazolinones, 2-aminopyridine derivatives, and annulated polyheterocyclic compounds via transition-metal catalyzed reactions.     

Pluronic microemulsions as nanoreservoirs for extraction of bupivacaine from normal saline

We hypothesized that custom-designed microemulsions would effectively scavenge compounds from bulk media. Pluronic-based oil-in-water microemulsions were synthesized that efficiently reduced the free concentration of the local anesthetic bupivacaine in 0.9% NaCl. Both the molecular nature and concentration of the constituents in the microemulsions significantly affected extraction efficiencies. Pluronic F127-based microemulsions extracted bupivacaine more efficiently than microemulsions synthesized using other Pluronic surfactants (L44, L62, L64, F77, F87, F88, P104). Extraction was markedly increased by addition of fatty acid sodium salts due to greater oil/water interface area, increased columbic interaction between bupivacaine and fatty acids sodium salt, and greater surface activity. These data suggest that oil-in-water microemulsions may be an effective agent to treat cardiotoxicity caused by bupivacaine or other lipophilic drugs.     

Cationic complexes of chelated bis(η-cyclopentadienyl)titanium(IV) with halometallates of gallium(III), indium(III) and thallium(III)

Summary Eight complexes of the chelated bis(-cyclopenta-dienyl)titanium(IV) cation. [-Cp₂TiL][MX₄] (L = acetyl-acetone, M = Ga^III, In^III or Ti^III: X = Cl, Br or I) have been isolated from aqueous solution and characterised by elemental analyses and i.r. data. Their ionic nature has been confirmed by conductance measurements.