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As one of the seldom explored systems, molybdenum-based metal–organic frameworks (Mo-MOFs) with different ligands such as terephthalic acid (Mo-TA), 2-aminoterephthalic acid (Mo-ATA), benzenetricarboxylic acid (Mo-BTC), 2-methylimidazole (Mo-2MI), 2-bipyridine (Mo-2bpy), and 4-bipyridine (Mo-4bpy) were developed in this study. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman, and attenuated total reflectance-infrared (ATR-IR) analyses confirmed the ligand-dependent crystal structure of the Mo-MOFs along with the characteristic functional groups present in the respective systems. Interestingly, the morphology of all of these the developed Mo-MOFs was found to be a one-dimensional rod-like structure, which was attributed to the binding nature of the ligands onto the growing Mo-frameworks. Optical analysis indicated that all these Mo-MOFs exhibit ultraviolet (UV) light absorption properties with band gap energy in the range of 3.47–3.03 eV. Among the various Mo-MOFs developed, Mo-4bpy MOF degraded a maximum of ∼76 and 62% of malachite green and Congo red dyes, respectively, under sunlight irradiation. The observed improved photocatalytic efficiency of Mo-4bpy MOF was attributed to its appropriate band edge potential, confirmed by Mott–Schottky analysis, improved carrier lifetime (∼34.6 ns) estimated using the time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) spectrum, presence of elements with stable oxidation states in the system confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), improved charge transfer characteristics, and decreased recombination resistance, as confirmed by impedance and PL analyses, respectively. The degradation of Mo-4bpy MOFs mediated by superoxide (•O2–) and hydroxyl radicals (OH•) was further confirmed by scavenger studies. Cyclic studies performed for up to 5 cycles suggested that the degradation efficiency of the Mo-4bpy MOF was stable, attributed to its excellent structural, optical, and morphological features confirmed via postcharacterization of the recycled photocatalyst.

The Zr-based metal–organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles by varying three different ligands (2-methylimidazole, 2-aminoterephthalic acid, and terephthalic acid) are synthesized using a solvothermal method and impregnated into polysulfone membranes. These MOF membranes served as photocatalytic membranes and facilitated both the separation and degradation of dyes in water. Both the XRD and IR analysis revealed that the MOFs are well interacting with the membrane matrix, manifesting effective hydrophilic and surface potential properties confirmed by contact angle, water uptake, and zeta potential analyses. The FESEM images revealed that the MOFs are exposed on the surface, supporting the enhanced dye separation and photocatalytic properties. Further, the cross-sectional images showed that the pore channels in MOF membranes are block-free, smooth, and uniform. These features facilitated the enhanced flux and antifouling properties of MOF membranes compared to bare ones. As a result, the optimized MOF membrane (i.e., amine functionalized Zr-MOF-impregnated membrane) showed an enhanced water flux of around 57 L/m2h, while it is ∼25 L/m2h in the case of the bare membrane. The dye (rhodamine B and Congo red) rejection efficacy values of this MOF membrane are around 81.6 and 75.8%, respectively, which are around 2-fold higher than the bare one. Similarly, the RhB/CR dye solution flux of the MOF membrane is around 39.6/33.3%, respectively, while it is only around 10.2/10.4% in the case of the bare membrane. These MOF membranes also showed enhanced fouling resistance compared to bare ones, estimated through reversible and irreversible fouling estimations. Furthermore, the photocatalytic efficiency of the MOF membrane is appreciable, which degraded around 10.7/8.2% of RhB/CR dye, respectively. These add-on features induced by MOFs can considerably reduce the overall process cost of the membrane separation and, especially, the cost involving not only the regeneration and self-cleaning of the membranes but also the safe disposal of the dyes separated on the membrane surface.

To study the incidence of elective cesarean deliveries at term and to correlate their neonatal outcomes at different gestational ages (370/7–406/7). Outcomes including the rate of NICU admissions, usage of ventilator/CPAP, and other morbidities were analysed and compared with the gestational age during the study period from January 2012 to April 2013. The incidences of elective deliveries at 37, 38, 39, and 40 weeks of gestation were 10.6, 29.7, 28, and 31.5 %, respectively. NICU admissions-RR 3.94 (95 % CI 1.92–8.09), respiratory distress-RR 5.255 (95 % CI 1.9–14.4), ventilatory usage, and hospitalization stay (Pvalue < 0.05) were higher in neonates born at 370/7−6/7versus 390/7–6/7weeks (least morbidity group). Despite recommendations, more than one-third of term babies are delivered electively at <39 weeks. The fivefold augmented respiratory morbidity and fourfold increased NICU admissions in early term neonates, and the least morbidity in neonates delivered at 39 weeks emphasize the importance of restricting the non-emergent/elective deliveries to 39 weeks of gestation.