Hybrid crystal NH3(CH2)4NH3SiF6 as an efficient catalyst for the synthesis of benzoxazoles,benzimidazoles and benzothiazoles under solvent-free conditions

An easy synthetic protocol for the synthesis of biologically active benzimidazole, benzothiazole and benzoxazole derivatives has been demonstrated using a hybrid crystal NH₃(CH₂)₄NH₃SiF₆ as a mild and efficient heterogeneous catalyst. Short reaction times, solvent-free conditions, good to excellent yields, easy reusability and use of an eco-friendly catalyst are some of the significant attributes of the present method.     

A nearly optimal preconditioning based on recursive red–black orderings

Considering matrices obtained by the application of a five-point stencil on a 2D rectangular grid, we analyse a preconditioning method introduced by Axelsson and Eijkhout, and by Brand and Heinemann. In this method, one performs a (modified) incomplete factorization with respect to a so-called ‘repeated’ or ‘recursive’ red–black ordering of the unknowns while fill-in is accepted provided that the red unknowns in a same level remain uncoupled. Considering discrete second order elliptic PDEs with isotropic coefficients, we show that the condition number is bounded by 𝒪(n ${}^{\text{½ log}{}_{\text{2}}\text{(√(5) −1)}}$ ) where n is the total number of unknowns (½ log₂(√(5) − 1) = 0.153), and thus, that the total arithmetic work for the solution is bounded by 𝒪(n^1.077). Our condition number estimate, which turns out to be better than standard 𝒪(log² n) estimates for any realistic problem size, is purely algebraic and holds in the presence of Neumann boundary conditions and/or discontinuities in the PDE coefficients. Numerical tests are reported, displaying the efficiency of the method and the relevance of our analysis. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Energy harvesting in a Mathieu–van der Pol–Duffing MEMS device using time delay

This paper investigates quasi-periodic vibration-based energy harvesting in a delayed nonlinear MEMS device consisting of a delayed Mathieu–van der Pol–Duffing type oscillator coupled to a delayed piezoelectric coupling mechanism. We use the multiple scales method to approximate the quasi-periodic response and the related power output near the principal parametric resonance. The effect of time delay on the energy harvesting performance is studied. It is shown that for appropriate combination of time delay parameters, there exists an optimum range of excitation frequency beyond the resonance where quasi-periodic vibration-based energy harvesting is maximum. Numerical simulations are performed to confirm the analytical predictions.     

Interference effects in 157 nm laser ablated cones in polycarbonate and application to spatial coherence measurement

Conical structures formed in 157 nm laser-ablated polycarbonate exhibit a well-defined fringe structure with a period of a few 100 nm surrounding the cone base. Experiments and modelling studies of the interference produced by these micro-conical mirrors are shown to provide a means of measuring the spatial coherence of the highly multi-mode 157 nm laser.     

One-pot synthesis of 6-aryl-2,3-dihydro-4H-pyran-4-ones by cyclocondensation of 1,3-diketone dianions with aldehydes

6-Aryl-2,3-dihydro-4H-pyran-4-ones were prepared in one step by cyclocondensation of 1,3-diketone dianions with aldehydes. The use of hydrochloric acid (10%) for the aqueous work-up proved to be very important.     

A Two-Layer Model for Superposed Electrified Maxwell Fluids in Presence of Heat Transfer

Based on a modified-Darcy-Maxwell model, two-dimensional, incompressible and heat transfer flow of two bounded layers, through electrified Maxwell fluids in porous media is performed. The driving force for the instability under an electric field, is an electrostatic force exerted on the free charges accumulated at the dividing interface. Normal mode analysis is considered to study the linear stability of the disturbances layers. The solutions of thelinearized equations of motion with the boundary conditions lead to an implicit dispersion relation between the growth rate and wave number. These equations are parameterized by Weber number, Reynolds number, Marangoni number, dimensionless conductivities, and dimensionless electric potentials. The case of long waves interfacial stability has been studied. The stability criteria are performed theoretically in which stability diagrams are obtained. Inthe limiting cases, some previously published results can be considered as particular cases of our results. It is found that the Reynolds number plays a destabilizing role in the stability criteria, while the damping influence is observed for the increasing of Marangoni number and Maxwell relaxation time.     

Non-linear analysis of creeping flow on the inclined permeable substrate plane subjected to an electric field

The effect of an externally applied electric field on the stability of a thin fluid film over an inclined porous plane is analyzed using linear and non-linear stability analysis in the long wave limit. The principle aim of this study is to illustrate the influence of electric field on the non-linear stability of a thin liquid layer flow down incline substrate when the plane is porous. The driving force for the instability under an electric field is an electrostatic force exerted on the free charges accumulated at the dividing interface. The coupled non-linear evolution equations for the local film thickness and the interfacial charge for two-dimensional disturbances are derived to analyze the effect of long-wave instabilities. The method of multiple scales is applied to obtain approximate solutions and analyze the stability criteria. Numerical simulations of this system of non-linear evolution equations are performed. It is found that the permeability parameter as well as the inclination of the plane plays a destabilizing role in the stability criteria, while the damping influence is observed for increasing of the electrical conductivity in both linear and non-linear behavior.     

AC conductivity evolution in bulk and grain boundary response of sodium tungstate Na<Subscript>2</Subscript>WO<Subscript>4</Subscript>

The Na₂WO₄ compound has been obtained by the conventional solid-state reaction and characterized by X -ay powder diffraction. The title material crystallizes in the cubic system with Fd-3m space group. The electrical properties of the compound have been studied using complex impedance spectroscopy in the frequency range 200 Hz–5 MHz and temperature range 586–679 K. Two semicircles are observed in impedance plot indicating the presence of two relaxation processes in the compound associated with the grain and grain boundary. The relaxation behavior of the grain and grain boundary of the Na₂WO₄ are also obtained from the analyzed electrical modulus data. AC conductivity measured follows the power-law dependence σ_AC～ω^s typical for charge transport. Therefore, the experimental results are analyzed with various theoretical models. Temperature dependence of the power law exponent s strongly suggests that tunneling of large polarons is the dominant transport process. The mechanism of conduction is probably due from the displacements of the Na+ ion in the tunnel-type cavities along [111] direction.     

Tualang Honey: A Decade of Neurological Research

Tualang honey has been shown to protect against neurodegeneration, leading to improved memory/learning as well as mood. In addition, studies have also demonstrated its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, a substantial part of this research lacks systematization, and there seems to be a tendency to start anew with every study. This review presents a decade of research on Tualang honey with a particular interest in the underlying mechanisms related to its effects on the central nervous system. A total of 28 original articles published between 2011 and 2020 addressing the central nervous system (CNS) effects of Tualang honey were analysed. We identified five main categories, namely nootropic, antinociceptive, stress-relieving, antidepressant, and anxiolytic effects of Tualang honey, and proposed the underlying mechanisms. The findings from this review may potentially be beneficial towards developing new therapeutic roles for Tualang honey and help in determining how best to benefit from this brain supplement.