Gemini and Bicephalous Surfactants: A Review on Their Synthesis,Micelle Formation,and Uses

The use of surfactants in polymerization reactions is particularly important, mainly in emulsion polymerizations. Further, micelles from biocompatible surfactants find use in pharmaceutical dosage forms. This paper reviews recent developments in the synthesis of novel gemini and bicephalous surfactants, micelle formation, and their applications in polymer and nanoparticle synthesis, oil recovery, catalysis, corrosion, protein binding, and biomedical area, particularly in drug delivery.     

A Bentonitic Clay Assisted Method for the Preparation of 2-(R-Anilino)-1, 4-Naphthoquinones

A new and efficient protocol to prepare 2-(R-anilino)-1,4-naphthoquinones in quantitative yields is presented. This synthesis occurs under mild conditions by reacting the corresponding aniline and 1,4-naphthoquinone in the presence of a bentonitic clay. The role of the clay is explained in terms of a reaction mechanism in which an activated complex is formed by the reaction of 1,4-naphthoquinone with Lewis acid sites of the clay. Based on the chemical composition of the clay, with Fe³⁺ sites, the last step of the mechanism is proposed to involve an oxidation-reduction reaction.     

Automatic generation of temporal planning domains for e-learning problems

AI Planning & Scheduling techniques are being widely used to adapt learning paths to the special features and needs of students both in distance learning and lifelong learning environments. However, instructors strongly rely on Planning & Scheduling experts to encode and review the domains for the planner/scheduler to work. This paper presents an approach to automatically extract a fully operational HTN planning domain and problem from a learning objects repository without requiring the intervention of any planning expert, and thus enabling an easier adoption of this technology in practice. The results of a real experiment with a small group of students within an e-Learning private company in Spain are also shown.