Hollow Reticular Shaped Highly Ordered Rice Husk Carbon for the Simultaneous Determination of Dopamine and Uric Acid

We have prepared activated porous carbon material through simple pyrolysis method from rice husks (rhAC) for sensitive detection of dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA). The prepared rhAC material was thoroughly characterized using various spectroscopic, microscopic, and electroanalytical techniques. Analysis of the voltammetric data showed that the analytes followed a first order reaction kinetics while following a 2e^?/2H⁺ transfer process. We have discussed the possible oxidation mechanism for the analytes based on the results from our experimental analysis. The rhAC_GCE sensor was tested for interference, reproducibility, and stability. The sensor was also tested to evaluate its applicability in real life.     

Global optimal approximate solutions

Given non-void subsets A and B of a metric space and a non-self mapping T:A? B{T:A\longrightarrow B}, the equation T x = x does not necessarily possess a solution. Eventually, it is speculated to find an optimal approximate solution. In other words, if T x = x has no solution, one seeks an element x at which d(x, T x), a gauge for the error involved for an approximate solution, attains its minimum. Indeed, a best proximity point theorem is concerned with the determination of an element x, called a best proximity point of the mapping T, for which d(x, T x) assumes the least possible value d(A, B). By virtue of the fact that d(x, T x) ≥ d(A, B) for all x in A, a best proximity point minimizes the real valued function x? d(x, T x){x\longrightarrow d(x, T\,x)} globally and absolutely, and therefore a best proximity in essence serves as an ideal optimal approximate solution of the equation T x = x. The aim of this article is to establish a best proximity point theorem for generalized contractions, thereby producing optimal approximate solutions of certain fixed point equations. In addition to exploring the existence of a best proximity point for generalized contractions, an iterative algorithm is also presented to determine such an optimal approximate solution. Further, the best proximity point theorem obtained in this paper generalizes the well-known Banach’s contraction principle.     

Design and synthesis of trans-3-aminopyran-2-carboxylic acid (APyC) and α/β-peptides with 9/11-helix

A new β-amino acid, trans-3-aminopyran-2-carboxylic acid (APyC), was designed and synthesized from (R)-glyceraldehyde derivative and used in the synthesis of α/β-peptides in a 1 : 1 alternating pattern with d-Ala. The presence of oxygen atom at the Cβ(2)-position in APyC was envisaged to provide opportunity for additional interaction. These hybrid peptides have shown the presence of 9/11-helix through extensive NMR and MD studies. The amide protons of d-Ala, in addition to participating in 9-mr H-bonding with CO of succeeding β-residue, were also involved in additional electrostatic interaction with pyran ring oxygen of preceding β-residue, which facilitated further stabilization to the 9/11-mixed helix. The study thus results in a new 'motif' for a 9/11-helix, and the first example from a cyclic β-amino acid.     

Cement Composites with Carbon-Based Nanomaterials for 3D Concrete Printing Applications – A Review

3D concrete printing (3DCP) is an emerging additive manufacturing technology in the construction industry. Its challenges lie in the development of high-performance printable materials and printing processes. Recently developed carbon-based nanomaterials (CBNs) such as graphene, graphene oxide, graphene nanoplatelets, and carbon nanotubes, have various applications due to their exceptional mechanical, chemical, thermal, and electrical characteristics. CBNs also have found potential applications as a concrete ingredient as they enhance the microstructure and modify concrete properties at the molecular level. This paper focuses on state-of-the-art studies on CBNs, 3DCP technology, and CBNs in conventional and 3D printable cement-based composites including CBN dispersion techniques, concrete mixing methods, and fresh and hardened properties of concrete. Furthermore, the current limitations and future perspectives of 3DCP using CBNs to produce high-quality composite mixtures are discussed.     

Characterization and Applications of Red Mud,an Aluminum Industry Waste Material,in the Construction and Building Industries,as well as Catalysis

The disposal of red mud (RM), a waste material generated by the aluminum industry, remains a global environmental concern because of its high alkalinity and smaller particle size, which have the potential to pollute air, soil, and water. Recently, efforts have been made to develop a strategy for reusing industrial byproducts, such as RM, and turning waste into value-added products. The use of RM as (i) a supplementary cementitious material for construction and building materials, such as cement, concrete, bricks, ceramics, and geopolymers, and (ii) a catalyst is discussed in this review. Furthermore, the physical, chemical, mineralogical, structural, and thermal properties of RM, as well as its environmental impact, are also discussed in this review. It is possible to conclude that using RM in catalysis, cement, and construction industries is the most efficient way to recycle this byproduct on a large scale. However, the low cementitious properties of RM can be attributed to a reduction in the fresh and mechanical properties of composites incorporating RM. On the other hand, RM can be used as an efficient active catalyst to synthesize organic molecules and reduce air pollution, which not only makes use of solid waste but also lowers the price of the catalyst. The review provides basic information on the characterization of RM and its suitability in various applications, paving the way for more advanced research on the sustainable disposal of RM waste. Future research perspectives on the utilization of RM are also addressed.