An Analytical Study of the Economic Condition of Jews in Fatimid Egypt

This study examines the economic conditions of Jews in Fatimid Egypt from the 10th to 12th centuries CE. Through an analysis of primary sources, the study provides a nuanced understanding of the economic and social factors that affected the Jewish community during this period. The study argues that while Jews in Fatimid Egypt enjoyed certain economic privileges such as their involvement in international trade networks and their exemption from some taxes, they also faced some social and political restrictions, including forced conversion and discriminatory laws in the era of some Fatimid rulers. Despite these challenges, the Jewish community in Fatimid Egypt demonstrated resilience and adaptability, developing a range of economic strategies to maintain their livelihoods and build social networks. These strategies included investment in trade and finance, engagement with the wider Muslim society, and the development of communal institutions. The study highlights the complexity of Jewish economic life in medieval Egypt, challenging simplistic assumptions about the economic conditions of minority groups in pre-modern societies.

Preparation and Characterization of Nanoadsorbents for the Selective Removal of Reactive Dyes from Synthetic Waste Water by Adsorption Process

The present research work covers the synthesis of nanoparticles of coirpith for the effective and safe removal of toxic dyes from water streams. The synthesis of metallic nanoadsorbents described in this research, possesses a real potential for many applications related to color removal from open streams of effluents. The logic behind synthesis of nanoparticles of coirpith is its lignocellulosic nature. Metal nanocomposites were prepared through bottom up approach. In this respective procedure, atomic or molecular species are allowed to chemically react with the precursor particles. Initially the adsorption effects of Coomassie Briliant Blue (R-250) and Reactive Red (RR-223) were examined with raw and carbonized coirpith (CPR & CPC). Furthermore, the effects of synthesized nanoadsorbents were evaluated for the removal of Coomassie Brilliant Blue (CBB R-250) and Reactive Red (RR-223) dyes from aqueous solution by adopting batch adsorption method. The adsorption experiments were carried out as a function of initial dye concentration, contact time, adsorbent dosage, concentration, temperature and pH. The percentage removal of dyes solution was examined before and after the adsorption process with the help of UV-Visible spectrophotometer. Adsorption data was incorporated in Langmiur, Freundlich and Dubnin–Radushkevich isotherm equations for the evaluation of their respective constants. Thermodynamic parameters such as free energy (ΔG⁰), enthalpy (ΔH⁰), and entropy (ΔS⁰) of the system were also calculated. pH at point zero charge pH(pzc) of CPR and CPC was also investigated. The photocatalytic activity of dye was examined in the presence of ultraviolet light and extreme weather conditions. The surface morphology of synthesized nano adsorbents was evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) techniques. Furthermore the synthesized NPs were characterized by XRD (X-ray Diffraction) and EDS (Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy) for the determination of specific particle size and particular presence of elements. The results of adsorption process revealed the fact that with the rise in temperature of the system the dye adsorption rate was also increased. Outcome of thermodynamic analysis for CPR and CPC, for the adsorption of CBB (R-250) and RR-223 confirms that the adsorption process was endothermic and spontaneous in nature. The positive values of ΔS⁰ exhibit the increased randomness of solid solution interface. The kinetics of dye removal was also investigated and results showed that CPR and CPC follow second order rate constant for CBB (R-250) and RR-223. The results from isotherm activity confirms that CPR and CPC follow Freundlich Adsorption Isotherm for toxic dyes i-e CBB (R-250) and RR-223. The pH (pzc) activity confirms the basic nature of CPR & CPC. The maximum removal capacity of CBB(R-250) with CPR was found to be 70% and of CPC is 99%.The % degradation of RR-223 was observed upto 78.73 % by using CPC. The highly magnified SEM images of synthesized nanoparticles of coirpith confirms the formation of agglomerates of CP-Ti-NPs; highly porous, flaky nano spheres of CP-NiCl2-NPs; fabricated clusters alongwith magnetic characteristics of CP-NiCl2-CA-NPs and evenly edged circular shape nanoparticles of CP-Ni-K-NPs. The synthesized nanoparticles were found in the range of (1 nm to 100 nm). The results discloses the increased rate of adsorption upto 85% at 0.3 gm of synthesized nanoparticles. The best adsorption results were exhibited by CP-NiCl2-CA-NPs and CP-Ni-K-NPs.