Slope Analysis Research Articles

Probabilistic Analysis of a Three-Dimensional Slope Based on Limit Analysis

Probabilistic Analysis of a Three-Dimensional Slope Based on Limit Analysis

Characteristics of PM2.5-bound water-soluble inorganic ions generated during cooking

Commercial cooking is an important source of PM2.5, which adversely affects air quality, posing threats to human health. However, few studies have examined the effects of commercial cooking on outdoor air quality. We aimed to analyze characteristics of outdoor PM2.5 and ions from commercial cooking during cooking and non-cooking times in a popular restaurant area at Nankai University. The acidity and alkalinity of atmospheric PM2.5 based on the equivalent values of anions and cations and the formed compounds based on the ion concentrations and correlations between them were determined. The results showed that the mean PM2.5 concentration at the snack street during cooking times was 120.39 ± 58.52 μg/m3, approximately 1.4 times higher than at the comparison point. The total concentration of water-soluble inorganic ions accounted for approximately half of the PM2.5 emissions at both sampling points. High concentrations of Na+, NO3−, and SO42− were found at both sampling points. We found that NH4NO3, CaSO4, and CaCl2 formed at the snack street, whereas Ca(NO3)2, NH4NO3, and (NH4)2SO4 formed at the comparison point. Based on our analysis of the acid-base balance slopes, the atmospheric PM2.5 was alkaline. These results elucidate the characteristics of PM2.5-bound water-soluble inorganic ions formed during cooking.

Upper Bound Stability Analysis of Soil-Nailed Slopes with a Discretized Technique in Layered Ground

Upper Bound Stability Analysis of Soil-Nailed Slopes with a Discretized Technique in Layered Ground

The Effect of Heart Failure Symptom Clusters on Quality of Life: The Moderating Effect of Self-Care Behaviours.

Although heart failure (HF) symptoms affect patients' quality of life (QoL), improving patients' QoL requires certain self-care behaviours. However, the specific role of self-care behaviours in the relationship between HF symptoms and QoL has not been clarified. To evaluate the status of symptom clusters, self-care behaviours and QoL in HF patients, and to analyse and test the moderating effect of self-care behaviours between symptom clusters and QoL. This study is a cross-sectional study. A total of 320 HF patients who treated in thethree hospitals in Chengdu, China, from December 2022 to July 2023 were selected as the research subjects. The patients were evaluated using The General Information Questionnaire, Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale Heart Failure, Self-Care of Heart Failure Index and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire. The statistical analysis methods were exploratory factor analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, hierarchical regression analysis and simple slope analysis. There were five symptom clusters in HF patients: emotional symptom cluster (sadness, anxiety, irritability, feeling nervous), digestive symptom cluster (lack of appetite, dry mouth, weight loss, nausea, abdominal distension), ischemic symptom cluster (dizziness, chest pain, palpitations, fatigue), dyspnoea symptom cluster (difficulty breathing when lying flat, waking up breathless at night, sleep difficulty) and congestion symptom cluster (cough, shortness of breath, oedema). There was a significant correlation between HF symptom group, self-care behaviours and QoL (p < 0.05). Both self-care maintenance (β = -0.262, p < 0.001) and self-care management (β = -0.258, p < 0.001) had a moderating effect between symptom clusters and QoL. There are a variety of symptom clusters in HF patients. Improving the self-care behaviours ability of HF patients is conducive to reducing the impact of HF symptom clusters on QoL. The study used the STROBE checklist for reporting. Medical staff should focus on the impact of HF symptom clusters and self-care behaviours on QoL, and formulate corresponding interventions for HF symptom clusters and self-care behaviours to improve the QoL of patients. The head nurse of the cardiovascular department actively assisted us in collecting questionnaires from HF patients, and all HF patients surveyed participated in this study seriously.

Recovery of Rhodium by Solvent Extraction using N, N, N′, N′, N″, N″-Hexahexyl-nitrilotriacetamide and Electrodeposition

The development of solvent extraction and direct electrodeposition processes is crucial for reducing the volume of secondary waste. In this study, the extraction behavior of Rh(III) using N, N, N, N′, N′, N′-hexahexyl nitrilotriacetamide (NTAamide(C6)) was investigated with three different diluents that have relatively high dielectric constants. Slope analysis revealed that the extraction mechanism of Rh(III) is based on ion-pair extraction. The electrochemical behavior of the extracted Rh(III) complexes in each diluent was investigated using cyclic voltammetry. Rh(III) was reduced to Rh(0) through a three-electron transfer in the NTAamide(C6)/acetophenone, 1,2-dichloroethane, and 1-octanol systems. Moreover, the diffusion coefficient of the extracted Rh(III) complex was evaluated using semi-differential analysis. The electrodeposits were recovered through continuous solvent extraction and direct electrodeposition. The electrodeposits were identified as Rh metals by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analyses.

Modeling Occupational Stress on Employee Performance with Mediating and Moderating Roles of Social Support: Structural Equation Modeling and Multivariate Analysis

Purpose: This empirical study investigated the relationship between occupational stress and employee performance and the mediating and moderating effects of social support on the relationship between occupational stress and the performance of IT sector employees in Bangalore city. Methodology: A quantitative methodology was used. The data were collected via a questionnaire to measure the three reflective constructs of the study: occupational stress, employee performance, and social support. Factor loadings &gt; 0.5 for the items of all three constructs were considered for analysis. The questionnaire's internal consistency was measured by assessing Cronbach's alpha and the split-half correlation coefficient. SEM analysis was carried out on the valid responses of 500 responses via AMOS version 28. Findings: The results of the Shapiro-Wilk test for normality indicated normally distributed data. Excellent model fit was observed, as indicated by the model fit statistics. A statistically significant direct effect between occupational stress and employee performance and social support was observed, with both the variable performance of occupational stress and social support explaining 28% of the variance in the dependent variable. performance This study also examined the moderating role of social factors in the relationship between occupational stress and employee performance. Social support also moderated the performance of the IT sector employees. Positive and statistically significant moderating effects of social support on the relationship between occupational stress and employee performance were observed. The slope analysis revealed that social support strengthens the relationship between occupational stress and employee performance. The authors suggest that organizations adopt social support strategies, such as breaks, meditation, and yoga, to relieve stress and increase social support among employees. Originality: This study assessed the effects of modeling occupational stress on employee performance with mediating and moderating roles of social support via structural equation modeling analysis and multivariate analysis.

Планово-высотная параметризация типов рельефа для диагностики опасных гравитационных процессов

The authors present the results of a comprehensive geomorphological analysis of the mountain relief types in the middle part of the Verkhnyaya Angara basin (lake Baikal region) for geoinformation diagnostics of dangerous gravitational processes. The relevance of the study is due to the increasing importance of the Baikal-Amur Mainline; the novelty lies in the fact that a high-precision plane-and-height assessment of the Baikal basin northern part’s hard-to-reach areas. The physical and geographical characteristics of the studied territory are given, tectonic and geological features of the relief formation are indicated. For the metric assessment and subsequent mapping of the terrain in the Arc GIS software environment, a digital model of the studied territory and raster coverings of morphometric parameters of slope and exposure were created based on isolines and elevation marks of the topographic base scale 1:100000. In the process of analyzing the model and geomorphological decoding of the arch-block mountains, the planned-altitude metric parameters of relief types with their characteristic forms and elements, morphometric properties with determining factors of formation and development of gravitational processes were established. High-mountain erosion-exaration-, denudation-erosion-; medium-mountain erosion-denudation-, denudation-erosion- and low-mountain denudation relief types are distinguished. For geomorphometric analysis and diagnostics of slopes, reference polygons characterizing the types of arch-block mountains relief, possessing certain geophysical properties and features were selected. To visualize each polygon, slope mapping-and-exposure was performed, as well as a satellite image was presented. As a result of the conducted research, a typical set of dangerous gravitational processes was identified for each type of relief, as well as their possible intensity, which can create risks of economic activity in mountainous areas. The results of the study can be used in design work for the modernization of the Baikal-Amur Mainline and the development of new mineral deposit

Introducing Phosphate Ester into DAPhen by Propyl Enhanced the Selectivity for UO22+ over Th4.

A new type of phenanthroline carboxamide(DAPhen)-phosphate ester ligand (L1/L2) was synthesized for the selective separation of U(VI) over Th(IV). Liquid-liquid extraction experiments showed that the introduction of phosphate ester could increase the extraction ability of ligands for U(VI), especially L2, which showed high selectivity for the separation of U(VI) over Th(IV). The slope analysis indicated that L1 could form 1:1 and 1:2 complexes with U(VI) and 1:1 complexes with Th(IV). NMR titration revealed that the DAPhen unit of ligands combined with one U(VI) to form 1:1 complexes, and then the phosphate ester unit of the 1:1 complexes further combined with another U(VI) to form 1:2 complexes. Ligands provide only the DAPhen unit to Th(IV) to form 1:1 complexes. The crystal structures found 1:2 complexes of L1 and U(VI), 1:1 complexes of L2 and U(VI), and 1:1 complexes of L1 and Th(IV). The larger stability constant (log β) of the 1:1 complexes of L2 with U(VI) than that of the 1:1 complexes of L1 with U(VI) showed that the binding ability of U(VI) with the DAPhen unit of L2 is stronger than that of U(VI) with the DAPhen unit of L1. This study provides new ideas for designing extractants with excellent properties.

A novel strategy for water content analysis in (B12C4/B15C5/B18C6-[EMIm][NTf2])-LiNTf2 extraction system: Quantitative calculation and theoretical study

The metal ion extraction processis usually accompaniedby the removal of coordinated water molecules and the change of water content in the extraction phase. However, hierarchical methodologies on water researchare incredibly sparse, restricting a thorough knowledge of the extraction mechanism.It was clarified the diversity of water occurrence forms in the extraction phase and quantitative relationship between water, Li+ and crown ether based on the (B12C4/B15C5/B18C6-[EMIm][NTf2])-LiNTf2 solvent extraction system. While the complexation mechanism between hydrated Li+ and crown ether was discussed carefully. Firstly, it demonstrated that the water content of the extraction phase: B18C6 > B15C5 > B12C4. Secondly,the water in the extraction phase is mainly collected by solvent and crown ether, with the latter catching water primarily via Li+ coordination and weak interactions. In the end, focusing on the water captured by the crown ether through Li+ coordination, slope analysis and DFT calculations found that Li (H2O)4+ was removed three water molecules to complex with B12C4 or B15C5, whereas B18C6 tends to remove two water molecules. It is precious for a thorough grasp of the mechanism and procedure of Li+ extraction by crown ethers. What’s more, it offers novel strategies for investigating water content and transfer mechanisms in extraction systems.

A novel extraction process for efficient recovery of rare earth elements from the leaching liquor of ion-adsorption type rare earth ore using unsaponified N, N-di(2-ethylhexyl)-diglycolamic acid

There are still challenges in the recovery of rare earth elements (REEs) from leaching liquor of ion-adsorption type rare earth ore. In this paper, unsaponified N, N-di(2-ethylhexyl)-diglycolamic acid (HDEHDGA) was used to develop a green extraction process for efficient separation and enrichment of REEs. The cation exchange mechanism of RE(III) extraction was proposed by slope analysis and FT-IR spectra. HDEHDGA exhibited excellent extraction performances, such as short equilibrium time, high selectivity towards RE(III) and easy stripping by 0.5 mol/L HCl solution. REEs was enriched from 287.5 mg/L to 63.30 g/L by five-stage counter-current extraction and three-stage counter-current stripping using unsaponified HDEHDGA. The enrichment factor reached 220, and the proportion of REEs was increased from 80.76 wt% to 98.82 %. The loss of REEs was controlled below 2.14 wt%. This extraction strategy helps to improve the REEs recovery and avoid ammonia–nitrogen wastewater, which demonstrates its application potential in the ion-adsorption type rare earth ore.

Pseudo-static and Dynamic Analysis of Mine Rock Slope Under the Influence of Production Blasting

Pseudo-static and Dynamic Analysis of Mine Rock Slope Under the Influence of Production Blasting

Physics-guided neural network-based framework for 3D modeling of slope stability

Physics-informed neural networks (PINN) have gradually attracted attention in the field of geotechnical engineering. This paper proposes a novel PINN-based framework for the three-dimensional (3D) stability analysis of soil slopes. Based on the fundamental theorem of plasticity and limit analysis, the partial differential equations (PDE) with regard to slope collapse are derived and integrated into the physics-guided loss function. A kinematically admissible failure mechanism that rigorously satisfies the Mohr-Coulomb associated flow rule is obtained by minimizing the loss function, thereby circumventing complex mathematical calculations. The discrete points generated by PINN are selected and refined through a series of procedures to represent the failure block of slopes using a two-dimensional matrix. The entire training process of the PINN-based framework is conducted without the need for any labeled data. The resulting discretized failure mechanism is meshfree and capable of accommodating spatially discrete data. A validation exercise is performed to verify the proposed framework by comparing it with the classical 3D rotational failure mechanism. To further consider the impact of external excitation on slope stability, a hybrid PINN framework is developed to assess the stability of slopes subjected to complex external environments. In addition to the PINN to generate a failure mechanism, a parallel PINN is employed to acquire the corresponding spatially discrete data of specified external excitations. The hybrid PINN framework for seismic stability assessment of slopes is demonstrated by way of example, indicating favorable feasibility and applicability of the developed approach. The proposed PINN-based framework provides innovative and promising avenues for 3D slope stability analysis.

Moderating effects of general self-efficacy on courtesy stigma and anxiety and depressive symptoms of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder.

Stigma, anxiety and depressive symptoms are highly prevalent in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and may have a detrimental impact on the rehabilitation and treatment of children with ASD, ultimately leading to more behavioral issues and higher rates of disability. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the association between general self-efficacy, courtesy stigma, and anxiety and depressive symptoms, and to further discuss whether general self-efficacy moderated the association between courtesy stigma and anxiety and depressive symptoms in parents of children with ASD. A total of 409 parents of children with ASD from Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, Eastern China participated in a cross-sectional survey. A structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic characteristics, courtesy stigma, general self-efficacy, anxiety symptoms, and depressive symptoms. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to assess the associations of courtesy stigma, general self-efficacy and courtesy stigma × general self-efficacy interaction with anxiety and depressive symptoms. Simple slope analysis was used to visualize the interaction. The courtesy stigma of parents of children with ASD was positively correlated with anxiety (B = 0.374, P < 0.001) and depressive symptoms (B = 0.366, P < 0.001). General self-efficacy was negatively correlated with anxiety (B = -0.200, P < 0.001) and depressive symptoms (B = -0.210, P < 0.001). The association between courtesy stigma and anxiety symptoms was different in the high (1 standard deviation (SD) above the mean, b = 0.258, standard error (SE) = 0.056, t = 4.567, P < 0.001) and low (1 SD below the mean, b = 0.470, SE = 0.053, t = 8.870, P < 0.001) groups of general self-efficacy. In addition, the association between courtesy stigma and depressive symptoms was also different in the high (1 SD above the mean, b = 0.241, SE = 0.056, t = 4.268, P < 0.001) and low (1 SD below the mean, b = 0.469, SE = 0.053, t = 8.844, P < 0.001) groups of general self-efficacy. General self-efficacy could moderate the impact of courtesy stigma on anxiety and depressive symptoms. Therefore, among parents of children with ASD who experienced high courtesy stigma, enhancing general self-efficacy could be an effective strategy to reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms in this population.

Probabilistic stability analysis of small-angle marine slopes considering hydrate decomposition and seismic excitation

The submarine massive mud transports of several seas around the world, including the Shenhu Sea, are thought to relate with hydrate decomposition, which occur even at small gradients. This article investigates the stability and reliability of marine slopes considering three factors related to hydrate decomposition and earthquake, namely decrease in sediment strength, increase in excess pore pressure, and activation by external seismic force. Taking the SH2 hole, implemented by the first Chinese offshore hydrate drilling mission (GMGS-1), as an example, the impacts of three factors mentioned above on marine slopes stability are analyzed with infinite slope theory. In addition, the space distribution of physical and mechanical parameters in hydrate deposits is under consideration. The cohesion, friction angle and buoyant unit weight in a non-stationary random field are treated as spatial random variables, where the means of the first two increase linearly with depth. Variation characteristics of the failure probability for various slope angles are analyzed under different scenarios. The outcomes reveal that the safety factor of the slopes at 30% potential for damage is around 1.25 within a given variant characterization. The proposed integrated stability and reliability analysis can effectively provide early warning for collapse of marine hydrate-bearing slopes.

Electrokinetic Analysis-Driven Promotion of Electrocatalytic CO Reduction to n-Propanol.

The electrocatalytic carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide reduction reaction (CO2RR or CORR) features a sustainable method for reducing carbon emissions and producing value-added chemicals. However, the generation of C3 products with higher energy density and market values, such as n-propanol, remains highly challenging, which is attributed to the unclear formation mechanism of C3+ versus C2 products. In this work, by the Tafel slope analysis, electrolyte pH correlation exploration, and the kinetic analysis of CO partial pressure fitting, it is identified that both n-propanol and C2 products share the same rate-determining step, which is the coupling of two C1 intermediatesvia the derivation of the Butler-Volmer equation. In addition, inspired by the mechanistic study, it is proposed that a high OH─ concentration and a water-limited environment are beneficial for promoting the subsequent *C2-*C1 coupling to n-propanol. At 5.0m [OH-], the partial current density of producing n-propanol (jn-propanol) reached 45 mAcm-2, which is 35 and 1.3 times higher than that at 0.01m [OH-] and 1.0m [OH-], respectively. This study provides a comprehensive kinetic analysis of n-propanol production and suggests opportunities for designing new catalytic systems for promoting the C3 production.

Highly enhanced fluoride removal from aqueous systems via solvent extraction utilizing trialkyl phosphine oxide as an efficient extractant

Solvent extraction (SX) has been recognized as an efficient approach for the large-scale removal of impurities, demonstrating considerable potential for fluoride extraction in industrial applications. However, existing fluoride extraction methods typically require the incorporation of additives to form complexes with fluoride for its removal. Due to the excessive additive requirements for efficient fluoride removal, these methods inevitably result in secondary contamination of feed solution, necessitating additional purification efforts to remove them. In this study, four extractants (trioctyl amine, tributyl phosphate, trioctyl phosphate, and trialkyl phosphine oxide (TRPO)) were investigated for fluoride removal via hydrogen bonding with hydrofluoric acid (HF). Various parameters, including the concentrations of extractants and stripping agents, pH values, extraction time, and temperature were initially optimized. It was found that TRPO exhibits the highest extraction efficiency for HF, with a single-stage extraction rate exceeding 70 %. Complete fluoride removal (> 99.9 %) was achieved through a consecutive four-stage extraction process. Further experiments, including maximum loading and slope analysis, combined with FT-IR and 19F NMR characterization, and DFT calculations elucidate the mechanism of the extraction. The transfer of HF into the organic phase is accomplished by the formation of a 1:1 hydrogen-bonded complex with TRPO. The loaded fluoride in the organic phase can be easily stripped by a base to get a fluoride salt. This study paves the way for the construction of novel SX systems to remove fluoride as HF.

Time Series Methods to Assess the Impact of Regulatory Action: A Study of UK Primary Care and Hospital Data on the Use of Fluoroquinolones.

To illustrate the interest in using interrupted time series (ITS) methods, this study evaluated the impact of the UK MHRA's March 2019 Risk Minimisation Measures (RMM) on fluoroquinolone usage. Monthly and quarterly fluoroquinolone use incidence rates from 2012 to 2022 were analysed across hospital care (Barts Health NHS Trust), primary care (Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) Aurum and CPRD GOLD), and linked records from both settings (East Scotland). Rates were stratified by age (19-59 and ≥ 60 years old). Seasonality-adjusted segmented regression and ARIMA models were employed to model quarterly and monthly rates, respectively. Post-RMM, with segmented regression, both age groups in Barts Health experienced nearly complete reductions (> 99%); CPRD Aurum saw 20.19% (19-59) and 19.29% ( 60) reductions; no significant changes in CPRD GOLD; East Scotland had 45.43% (19-59) and 41.47% ( 60) decreases. Slope analysis indicated increases for East Scotland (19-59) and both CPRD Aurum groups, but a decrease for CPRD GOLD's 60; ARIMA detected significant step changes in CPRD GOLD not identified by segmented regression and noted a significant slope increase in Barts Health's 19-59 group. Both models showed no post-modelling autocorrelations across databases, yet Barts Health's residuals were non-normally distributed with non-constant variance. Both segmented regression and ARIMA confirmed the reduction of fluoroquinolones use after RMM across four different UK primary care and hospital databases. Model diagnostics showed good performance in eliminating residual autocorrelation for both methods. However, diagnostics for hospital databases with low incident use revealed the presence of heteroscedasticity and non-normal white noise using both methods.

Spatiotemporal variation and GeoDetector analysis of NDVI at the northern foothills of the Yinshan Mountains in Inner Mongolia over the past 40 years

The study of spatiotemporal variation and driving forces of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) is conducive to regional ecosystem protection and natural resource management. Based on the 1982–2022 GIMMS NDVI data and 26 influencing variables, by using the Theil-Sen median slope analysis, Mann-Kendall (M-K) test method and GeoDetector model, we analyzed the spatial and temporal characteristics of vegetation cover and the driving factors of its spatial differentiation in the northern foothills of the Yinshan Mountains in Inner Mongolia. The NDVI showed a significantly increasing trend during 1982–2022, with a growth rate of 0.0091 per decade. It is further predicted that future change in NDVI will continue the 1982–2022 trend, and sustainable improvement will dominate in the future; however, 17.69% of vegetation will degrade, that is, NDVI will degrade instead of improvement.. The spatial distribution of the NDVI in the northern foothills of the study area was generally characterized by high in the east and low in the west. Annual precipitation (Pre), evapotranspiration (Evp), relative humidity (Rhu) and sunshine hours (Ssd) had > 70% explanatory power (73.5, 79.9, 79.0, and 74.9%, respectively). The explanatory power of edaphic factors was > 30%, whereas anthropogenic and topographic factors had little influence on the spatial variation of NDVI, with an explanatory power of < 30%. Thus, climatic factors were the dominant factors influencing the spatial variability of NDVI in the study area. The results of the interaction detector analysis showed nonlinear strengthening for any two factors, and the interaction between Rhu and barometric pressure had the highest explanatory power. There were optimal ranges or characteristics of each factor that promoted vegetation growth. This study investigated the differences in the explanatory power of different factors on the NDVI and the optimal range of individual factors to promote vegetation growth, which can provide a basis for the development of vegetation resource management programs.

Engineering Hybrid Transition Metal Dichalcogenide as Highly Active Electrode for Water Electrolysis

AbstractWater electrolysis plays a vital role in green energy systems and there is an absolute need for abundant, affordable, and effective catalysts for both the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Despite existing challenges, the exploration of transition metal‐based electrocatalysts with superior performance in alkaline water splitting is critical for advancing the hydrogen economy. This study focuses on the electrocatalytic potentials of FeS2, CoSe2, and FeS2@CoSe2 hybrid nanocomposites in response to the increasing demand for sustainable energy production. The prepared materials were synthesized hydrothermally and characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to examine their structural properties, elemental composition, and morphological features. Notably, the F@C−B nanocomposite exhibited outstanding HER performance, requiring only 97 mV of overpotential to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2. Similarly, the F@C−C nanocomposite demonstrated impressive OER efficiency with an overpotential of merely 302 mV at the same current density. The involvement of the Volmer–Heyrovsky mechanism was confirmed through Tafel slope analysis, revealing the improved surface‐active sites and reduced charge transfer resistance of the nanocomposite. The FeS2@CoSe2 nanocomposite with synergistic effects, displayed exceptional electrocatalytic properties, positioning it as a promising candidate for overall water splitting. This work introduces a novel approach to developing highly efficient and cost‐effective electrocatalysts, offering a viable alternative to precious metal‐based counterparts.

Chemical and mechanistic modelling of green solvent extraction of metallic species with 4-acylpyrazolones

Solvent extraction chemistry of metals needs the use of suitable organic ligands like 4-acylpyrazolones to coordinate the studied cation, to make it soluble in an organic phase and then allow its phase transfer from the aqueous phase. The competitive solvent extraction test of almost 25 metal ions by one powerful ligand, i.e. 3-methyl-1-phenyl-4-(4-trifluoromethylbenzoyl)-pyrazol-5-one diluted in one ionic liquid ([C1Cnim+][Tf2N−]) has been conducted to get a snapshot of its efficacy. Effect of diluents on the liquid–liquid extraction of 4f-ions with a series of chelating ligands of 4-acylpyrazolones family (∼5) is presented comparing ionic liquids and typical organic diluents: 14 in number. In addition, the solvent extraction of 12 refractory metals with a series of chelating extractants is investigated in five diluents: four 4-acylpyrazolones with different radicals. The solvent extraction stoichiometry of MoO42− and Zr4+ is studied in detail using molecular and ionic diluent for comparative purposes through slope analysis method. Ethylene glycol is used to develop a non-aqueous process for Gd3+ switchable extraction, i.e. boost of two immiscible organic phases. Furthermore, EPR, NMR, IR and DTA-TG-MS spectroscopies have been used to study the extracted d- and f-species in the obtained organic extracts in ionic liquid solutions.