King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals

About: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals is a education organization based out in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Catalysis & Adsorption. The organization has 7603 authors who have published 24030 publications receiving 443803 citations. The organization is also known as: College of Petroleum and Minerals.

Graphite pencil electrodes as electrochemical sensors for environmental analysis: a review of features, developments, and applications

Abstract: Graphite pencil electrodes (GPEs) are carbon-based electrodes that are recognized by their low cost, simplicity, commercial availability, ease of modification and disposability. GPEs are attractive substrates for electrochemical sensing because of their unique feature of “disposability” compared to other commonly used carbon-based electrodes. Mechanically rigid GPEs are easy to modify and miniaturize. The sensitivity and selectivity of GPE toward certain analytes can be enhanced by applying different modification materials. The primary focus of this review article is to highlight the applications of GPEs in the analysis of inorganic and organic pollutants in different environmental matrices. This review gives a brief overview of the various types of inorganic and organic pollutants and their impact on the environment. The key features of modified GPEs that enhance their electrocatalytic activity toward detection of certain target analytes are critically appraised. In the end, we summarize the current status, weaknesses and future prospects of GPE based sensors for environmental analysis.

Saudization (Localization) – A critical review

Abstract: This paper introduces the concept of Saudization and critically reviews its existing and potential impacts and consequences. It identifies that Saudization has positively contributed to reducing the overall percentage of foreign labor. However, there have been some difficulties, such as a decline in competitiveness among regional business companies with respect to a business friendly environment, and reduced direct foreign investment, which influenced the reduction of the tax on foreign investors. Saudization should place importance on skill development among Saudi nationals by strengthening educational and vocational training, and providing time-specific incentives, rather than relying only on a quota system. Saudization should be implemented more through market forces and incentives. Collecting comprehensive information on the nature and magnitude of Saudi unemployment could be a first step in developing appropriate Saudization policies. This paper suggests appropriate coordination and consulta...

Triazole-modified chitosan: a biomacromolecule as a new environmentally benign corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in a hydrochloric acid solution

Abstract: In this work, a new inhibitor, triazole modified chitosan, was synthesized for the first time following chemical modification of chitosan using 4-amino-5-methyl-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol. The newly synthesized biopolymer (CS–AMT) was characterized using FTIR and NMR, and then it was evaluated as an inhibitor against corrosion of carbon steel in 1 M hydrochloric acid. The corrosion testing and evaluation were performed thoroughly employing the weight loss method, electrochemical measurements and surface analysis. A maximum corrosion inhibition efficiency of >95% was obtained at 200 mg L−1 concentration of inhibitor. The adsorption of inhibitor obeyed the Langmuir isotherm and showed physical and chemical adsorption. The electrochemical study via impedance analysis supported the adsorption of the inhibitor on the surface of carbon steel, and the potentiodynamic polarization indicated a mixed type of inhibitor behavior with cathodic predominance. To get a better insight on the interaction of inhibitor molecules with the metal surface, a detailed theoretical study was performed using DFT calculations, Fukui indices analysis and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The DFT study showed a lower energy gap of CS–AMT and the MD simulations showed an increased binding energy of CS–AMT compared to the parent chitosan and triazole moieties thereby supporting the experimental findings.

Employee Satisfaction, Labor Market Flexibility, and Stock Returns Around The World

Abstract: We study the relationship between employee satisfaction and firm performance around the world, using lists of the “Best Companies to Work For” in 14 countries Employee satisfaction is associated with superior long-run returns, current valuation ratios, future profitability, and earnings surprises in flexible labor markets, such as the US and UK, but not rigid labor markets, such as Germany These results are consistent with employee satisfaction improving recruitment, retention, and motivation in flexible labor markets, where firms face fewer constraints on hiring and firing In rigid labor markets, legislation already provides minimum standards for worker welfare and so additional expenditure may exhibit diminishing returns The findings have implications for the differential profitability of socially responsible investing strategies around the world – in particular, the importance of considering institutional factors when forming such strategies