A niche particle swarm optimization-perks and perspectives

Optimization is a method for searching the best candidate solution to lessen or expand the value of the objective problem. Broadly speaking algorithms can be orgabized into four main classes, i.e. biology-based algorithms, physics-based algorithms, sociology-based algorithms, and human intelligence-based algorithms. Swarm-intelligence (SI) based algorithms appeared as a commanding family of optimization techniques. The paper aims to commence a brief review of meta-heuristic algorithms especially Particle swarm optimization (PSO) and its sister variants in short. The understudy paper covers all important aspects of swarm intelligence PSO with deep insight learning for practitioners and scholars

Structural characterization, magnetic studies, and catecholase-like activities of Mn₁₂ clusters

<p>Two polynuclear, mixed-valence, sandwich dodecanuclear manganese clusters [Mn^II₄Mn^III₄Mn^II₄(μ₄-O)₂(μ₃-O₂CH)₂(thme)₄(MeCO₂)₁₀(H₂O)₄]·4H₂O (<b>1</b>) and [Mn^II₄Mn^III₄Mn^II₄(μ₄-O)₂(μ₃-O)₂(thmp)₄(MeCO₂)₁₀(H₂O)₄]·10H₂O (<b>2</b>) are reported by the reaction of 1,1,1-tris(hydroxymethyl)ethane (H₃thme) or 1,1,1-tris(hydroxymethyl)propane (H₃thmp) with manganese(II) salts in methanol under reflux conditions. <b>1</b> and <b>2</b> were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, PXRD, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and variable temperature magnetic studies. <b>1</b> and <b>2</b> crystallize in the monoclinic (P2₁/n) and triclinic (P-1) systems, respectively, and each structure consists of a dodecanuclear mixed-valent sandwich core. Magnetic data confirmed that both complexes show dominant antiferromagnetic interactions between metal centers. The fascinating features of the non-covalent supramolecular contacts have been explored. The interplay of O⋯H interactions (<i>i.e.</i> O–H⋯O and C–H⋯O contacts) gives rise to the consolidation of discrete units of <b>1</b> and <b>2</b> into supramolecular architecture. Catecholase activity data show that the present clusters catalyze the oxidation of 3,5-DTBC to 3,5-DTBQ with efficient <i>K</i>_cat values.</p