Analytical Analysis Research Articles

Analisis Kinerja Keuangan Pemerintah Daerah Kabupaten Gorontalo Sebelum dan Saat Pandemi COVID-19 Periode 2017-2022

This study aims to analyze and test the performance of Local Government financial Gorontalo Regency before and when Covid-19 Pandemic. The kind of research this is descriptive quantitative methods with the approach. The population of the research is Local Government financial report Gorontalo Regency 2017-2022 period. Sampling techniques used in determining which is purposive sampling techniques sample that the sample of done deliberately by adjusting research objectives and certain criteria. The data used in this research is of secondary data on the report of actual budget. The sample used is 24 quarterly report and on the report of actual budget 2017-2022 period. Data collection techniques used is documentation. Analysis of the data used analytics descriptive statistics and analysis inferential. The result showed that there is no difference in the analysis inferential performance the Local Government finance Gorontalo Regency before and when Pandemic Covid-19 reviewed from the regional financial independence, the ratio of the pad, the ratio of the financial efficiency, the ratio of the operating expenditure, and the ratio of capital expenditure. In the analysis descriptive, the performance of the Local Government finance Gorontalo Regency before and when Pandemic Covid-19 showing the ratio independence included in the same criterion pattern of relationships instructive, the ratio of the effectiveness of pad included in the same criterion of ineffective, the ratio of the efficiency of the same criterion of inefficient, the operation included in the proportion of spending in general, its capital expenditure included in the proportion in general.

Melt flow analysis in rotational nozzle fused filament fabrication process

Fused filament fabrication (FFF) is a widely used processing method; however, heat transfer limitations within a conventional nozzle result in relatively low flow rates, leading to lengthy production times, compared to traditional processing methods, ultimately restricting its industrial application. Recently, a novel rotational nozzle FFF three-dimensional (3 D) printer has been patented and developed to enhance processing efficiency. Despite this achievement, the fundamental mechanisms behind this novel process remain unclear. In this study, both analytical analysis and numerical simulations were conducted based on a force-controlled scaled-down experimental setup. This setup, designed according to the pressure-induced melt removal theory, provided melt throughput data under varying heater temperatures, extrusion forces, and rotational speeds. Agreement between the modeling and experimental results confirms the generalizability of the models. Modeling predictions of temperature and velocity distributions indicate that viscous dissipation affects the average temperature and filament velocity. To simulate the real-world working conditions of FFF 3 D printing, a velocity-controlled simulation was introduced. It was observed that the average melt film thickness increases with nozzle rotational speed due to viscous dissipation. Additionally, the extrusion force required for the same printing speed decreases with increasing nozzle rotational speed, primarily due to the higher shear rate reducing melt viscosity.

LAND SUITABILITY ANALYSIS USING GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) FOR SUSTAINABLE LAND DEVELOPMENT IN JELI, KELANTAN, MALAYSIA

Three (3) satellite images (2004, 2014, and 2022) were processed and analysed using a Geographic Information System (GIS) to obtain the land use types. The land suitability parameters were chosen based on population density and landscape factors such as slope, land use, elevation, and distance from rivers. The weights of each evaluation factor were determined using Analytical Hierarchical Analysis (AHP). Additionally, weighted overlay analysis, available in ArcGIS 10.8 software, was used to integrate all the parameters. This study found that Jeli’s build-up area increased from 1.9% in 2004 to 24.5% in 2022. The suitability map for Jeli’s land development has been reclassified into three (3) highly suitable categories (42.43%), moderately suitable (53.32%), and highly not suitable (4.25%). The area of land suitability for land use increases along with the population density. The findings of this study will help policymakers develop better strategic urban expansion policies.

Identification of damage in timber I-beams using continuous wavelet transform of deflection measured with digital image correlation

The article presents a method for detecting damage in timber I-beams based on the continuous wavelet transform (CWT) of their static deflection, measured using the ARAMIS digital image correlation (DIC) system. So far, no detailed uncertainty analysis for this type of identification has been carried out. Filling this gap was the main motivation for the authors to conduct this research. For this purpose, analytical and experimental static deflection CWT analyses were performed for the timber I-beams with softwood flanges and oriented strand board webs, in which local cross-sectional weakenings were artificially introduced for verification purposes. A detailed analysis of the CWT uncertainty resulting from measurement errors and numerical data processing allowed its expression as a function of the beam axis position and the scale parameter. Based on the research, a new methodology was formulated for the diagnostic defect identification in timber beams related to bending stiffness reduction.

An analytical heat transfer model for transient Raman thermometry analysis.

Transient Raman thermometry improves on its steady-state counterpart by eliminating the error-prone steps of temperature calibration and laser absorption measurement. However, the accompanying complex heat transfer process often requires numerical analysis, such as the finite element method, to decipher the measured data. This step can be time-consuming, inconvenient, and difficult to derive a physical understanding of the heat transfer process involved. In this work, the finite element method is replaced by fitting the measured data to an analytical three-dimensional heat transfer model. This process can be completed in a few seconds. Using this approach, the in-plane thermal conductivity of two bulk layered materials and the interfacial thermal conductance between two-dimensional materials and quartz have been successfully measured. Based on our model, we performed an analytical quantitative sensitivity analysis for transient Raman thermometry to discover new physical insights. The sensitivity of the in-plane thermal conductivity of bulk layered materials is dictated by the ratio between the spot radius and heat spreading distance. The sensitivity of the interfacial thermal conductance between two-dimensional materials and quartz is determined by its conductance value. In addition, the uncertainty of the measured value contributed by the uncertainty of the input parameters can be efficiently estimated using our model. Our model provides an efficient data and sensitivity analysis method for the transient Raman thermometry technique to enable high throughput measurements, facilitate designing experiments, and derive physical interpretations of the heat transfer process.

Queering Critical Consciousness: Measurement and Implications of Critical Consciousness Among Sexual and Gender Minority Youth

We consider critical consciousness among sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth. Factor analytic and measurement invariance analyses were conducted across straight Black and Latinx youth (N = 254), SGM Black and Latinx youth (N = 111), and SGM white youth (N = 458). Factors of critical reflection and political efficacy emerged in all groups. Configural and partial metric invariance, but not scalar or residual invariance, were established. Correlations between political efficacy and wellbeing and grades replicated across groups. Critical reflection was associated with grades only for white youth, while critical action was associated with grades only for non-white youth. Implications for measurement and generalizable application of CC with an intersectional lens are discussed.

Medical Suitability and Willingness for Living Kidney Donation Among Older Adults

Rationale & ObjectiveThe benefits of kidney transplantation compared to treatment with dialysis, including in older adult, are primarily limited by the number of donated kidneys. We studied the potential to expand the use of older living kidney donors. Study DesignSecondary analysis of the Berlin Initiative Study, a population-based cohort. Setting& Participants: 2069 adults aged ≥70 years in Germany. ExposuresAge and sex. OutcomesSuitability for living donation assessed by the absence of kidney-related exclusions for donation including albuminuria and low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) as well as absence of other medical exclusions. Willingness for living and deceased kidney donation assessed by participant survey. Analytical ApproachDescriptive analysis. ResultsAmong the 2069 participants (median age 80 years, 53% women, median eGFR 63 ml/min/1.73m2), 93% had ≥1 medical contraindication for living donation at study entry unrelated to eGFR or albuminuria. Using two published eGFR and albuminuria thresholds for donor acceptance, 38% to 54% of participants had kidney-related exclusions for donation. Among the 5% to 6% of participants with neither medical nor kidney-related exclusions for living donation at baseline, 11% to 12% remained suitable for donation during 8 years of follow-up. Willingness for living or deceased donation was high (73% and 60%, respectively). LimitationsGFR was not measured and medical exclusions unrelated to eGFR and albuminuria were assessed using a cohort database complemented by claims data. ConclusionsOne in twenty older adults were potentially suitable for living kidney donation and willingness for living donation was high. Further studies are warranted to define the feasibility of expanding living kidney donation among older adults.

Synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of pyrimidinone-linked thiazoles: DFT analysis, molecular docking, corrosion inhibition, and bioactivity studies

The paper describes the construction of a new series of pyrimidinone-linked thiazole derivatives through bromination of the initial Biginelli reaction product followed by the Hantzsch thiazole synthesis route. Various analytical techniques, including FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and LCMS analysis, were employed to confirm the formation of the products. The synthesized compounds were primarily evaluated for their antibacterial activity, with a specific focus on their IC50 values. Compound 4c demonstrated the most potent efficacy, displaying MIC and MBC values that varied from 0.23 to 0.71 mg/mL and 0.46–0.95 mg/mL, respectively. The anti-inflammatory potential was also observed in analogs 4a and 4c with marked activity in the 33.2–82.9 μM concentration range. Moreover, compounds 4a, and 4c demonstrated strong antioxidant effects, as reflected by their excellent IC50 values of 38.6–43.5 μM respectively. DFT investigation showed that B. cereus was more susceptible, and E. coli was more resistant, with chloro-substituted compounds exhibiting potential reactivity. Some molecules with chloro-substituents showed promising results in density functional theory when compared to other substituents. In addition, the molecules underwent a corrosion study and demonstrated a high level of inhibition efficiency (4c) in comparison to other molecules. Further in silico studies of the synthesized thiazoles confirmed the good interactions with the target.

Multiscale simulation of liquid chromatography: Effective diffusion in macro–mesoporous beds and the B-term of the plate height equation

We performed multiscale simulations of analyte sorption and diffusion in hierarchical porosity models of monolithic silica columns for reversed-phase liquid chromatography to investigate how the mean mesopore size of the chromatographic bed and the analyte-specific interaction with the chromatographic interface influence the analyte diffusivity at various length scales. The reproduced experimental conditions comprised the retention of six analyte compounds of low to moderate solute polarity on a silica-based, endcapped, C18 stationary phase with water‒acetonitrile and water–methanol mobile phases whose elution strength was varied via the volumetric solvent ratio. Detailed information about the analyte-specific interfacial dynamics received from molecular dynamics simulations was incorporated through appropriate linker schemes into Brownian dynamics diffusion simulations in three hierarchical porosity models received from physical reconstructions of silica monoliths with a mean macropore size of 1.23 µm and mean mesopore sizes of 12.3, 21.3, or 25.7 nm. The mean mesopore size was found to have a similar influence on the effective mesopore diffusivity as the analyte polarity and the mobile-phase elution strength, which together determine the analyte residence time on a column. A smaller mesopore size attenuated the increase of the effective mesopore diffusivity with increasing mobile-phase elution strength significantly. The effective bed diffusivity was limited by the analyte residence time rather than by morphological details of the mesopore space. The stronger an analyte was retained by the chromatographic interface inside the mesopores, the slower became the mass transfer between the pore space hierarchies and the lower was the effective bed diffusivity. The B-terms of the plate height equation were finally generated with the bed diffusivities and phase-based retention factors derived from the hierarchical porosity models using additional information about the stationary-phase limit obtained from the analysis of analyte–bonded phase contacts. The B-terms highlight analyte- and mobile phase-specific behavior relevant to isocratic and gradient elution conditions in chromatographic practice. In particular, U-shaped B-term curves are observed due to the dominating contribution of the retention factor and the bed diffusivity to the B-term at low and high elution strength of the mobile phase, respectively.

Risk perceptions and preventive preparedness toward anthrax re-emergence within the lens of one health in Northcentral Nigeria.

Anthrax has re-emerged in domestic ruminants in Nigeria with public health concerns. This study assessed stakeholders' perceptions and preventive preparedness toward further resurgence and spread at the human-animal-environment interface. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Nigeria. Descriptive and analytical statistical analyses were performed at 95% confidence levels. All the 384 recruited stakeholders responded. The majority (96.2%) of animal health practitioners (AHPs) and 56.7% of pastoralists were aware of the recent anthrax re-emergence in Nigeria (p < 0.001). Noteworthy, 88.5% of the AHPs and 32.2% of pastoralists mentioned that anthrax has an environmental component in its transmission to humans and animals. From the environmental perspective, 87.7% of AHPs and 24.0% of pastoralists significantly perceived that soil and aerosol contamination with anthrax spores are highly plausible explanation routes for its re-emergence. Extreme weather events (high rainfall, flooding, winds, and drought) (p = 0.001); grazing of livestock on pastures grown on contaminated soil (p < 0.001), transboundary movement and trade of animals (p = 0.001); introduction of new animals into the herds without quarantine (p = 0.001); and bioterrorism (p < 0.001) were more likely to influence the re-emergence and spread of anthrax. To tackle gaps in knowledge and risk perceptions, and address the socio-economic and anthropogenic drivers, cooperation and collaborations through the lens of the One Health approach are needed. The partnership will promote an integrated disease surveillance system from planning to implementation for the realization of elimination or reduction of the burden of anthrax and other zoonoses in Nigeria and contribute to achieving food safety, food security, and public and ecosystem health.

Theoretical investigation of hysteresis loops in free-surface flow under sluice gates for power-law channels

ABSTRACT In the present study, a new theoretical framework and analytical solutions to the problem of hysteresis loops due to hydraulic jump in power-law open channels under supercritical flows are introduced. This investigation primarily focuses on the flow dynamics encountered at a vertical sluice gate across channels of various shapes: rectangular, parabolic, and triangular. By the application of energy and momentum conservation principles, the dual flow configurations emerging under identical initial conditions are shown. An intensive analytical computational analysis led to the development of approximate theoretical models, facilitating the prediction of hysteresis loops for a wide range of Froude numbers and dimensionless channel geometry parameters. Several illustrative examples were treated and the results show a high degree of accuracy of the proposed models in predicting the hysteresis loops. The present research contributes to a novel methodology for enhancing predictions regarding the behavior of supercritical flows and the design of open channels for specific scenarios of the hysteresis phenomenon.

Aspirin may be more suitable for patients with major depression: Evidence from two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis.

Utilizing two-sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR) analysis, this study aims to explore the potential bidirectional causal relationship between common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (paracetamol, ibuprofen, aspirin) and major depression (MD) from a genetic standpoint. We employed summarized data from a Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) of European populations. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was used for TSMR analysis; outcomes were evaluated based on p-value, OR (Odds Ratio), and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). From a genetic perspective, the study found that the use of paracetamol and ibuprofen increased the risk of MD (IVW (MRE): OR = 2.314, 95% CI: 1.609-3.327; p = 6.07E-06) and (IVW (MRE): OR = 2.308, 95% CI: 1.780-3.653; p = 0.002), respectively. No significant causal relationship was found between aspirin and MD (p > 0.05). Reverse TSMR analysis found that MD increased the genetic predisposition to use paracetamol, ibuprofen, and aspirin (IVW (MRE): OR = 1.042, 95% CI: 1.030-1.054, p = 3.07E-12), (IVW (FE): OR = 1.015, 95% CI: 1.007-1.023, p = 1.13E-04), (IVW (MRE): OR = 1.019, 95% CI: 1.009-1.030, p = 4.22E-04), respectively. Other analytical methods and sensitivity analyses further supported the robustness and reliability of these findings. This study provides preliminary genetic evidence through bidirectional TSMR analysis that MD increases the genetic predisposition to use paracetamol, ibuprofen, and aspirin, aiding clinicians in devising preventive strategies against the misuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Moreover, we found that the use of paracetamol and ibuprofen increases the risk of MD, whereas aspirin did not. This suggests a crucial clinical implication: clinicians treating MD patients could opt for the relatively safer aspirin over paracetamol and ibuprofen.

Bioanalytical Method Development and Validation of MEM-PLGANanoparticles via Nasal Route Administration.

The aim of this effort is to increase extended pharmaceutical release by systematizing PN elaboration for ME, a novel treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Bioanalysis is an essential part in drug discovery and development. Bioanalysis is related to the analysis of analytes (drugs, metabolites, biomarkers) in biological samples and it involves several steps from sample collection to sample analysis and data reporting. A simple, sensitive, and quick LC-MS technique for quantifying MEM in rat plasma was developed and validated. Chromatography was carried out on a C18 column (4.6 × 75mm, 3.5μm). ME and its internal standard, NLB, were extracted by direct protein precipitation and were chosen as the sample treatment method rather than liquid-liquid extraction techniques and evaluated with LC-MS/MS in multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. This approach demonstrated intra- and interday precision in the ranges of 2.1-3.7 and 1.4-7.8%. Furthermore, intra- and interday accuracy ranged from 95.6 to 99.8, and 95.7-99.1%, respectively. MEM and NLB showed mean recovery rates of 86.07 ± 6.87 and 80.31 ± 5.70%, respectively. The stated method was effectively applied in the bioequivalence study of MEM and evaluated its potential for treating Alzheimer’s disease via the nasal route. MEM administered via the nasal route will demonstrate improved bioavailability and efficacy in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease compared to current therapies.

Combining Web Analytics and a Web-Based User Survey for LibGuides Assessment

Method name(s) Web/Data Analytics; Web Survey; Project Outcome Model Objective The aim of this method is to assess an online library guide, using both qualitativeand quantitative methods, with the specific objective of discovering who is using the guideand why, as well as understanding the impact of the guide on user learning outcomes.Approach: This method combines the use of web/data analytics (quantitative) and aweb-based survey (quantitative and qualitative) with an existing model for measuring learningoutcomes. By combining these methods, a more robust assessment of an online guide can beachieved. Data Type Used The discussed online guide assessment used data from Google Analyticsand from a web-based survey, created in Qualtrics, with learning outcome questionsdeveloped using the Project Outcome for Academic Libraries Toolkit. Strengths The combined analysis of the web analytics and survey data resulted in anexpanded assessment of the library guide and a richer picture of guide users, their behavior,and their learning outcomes. Limitations Individually, each method used in this research has limitations. Web analyticsare unable to determine users’ motivation (why) for using the guide and whether they havelearned (impact) from their behavior/interaction while using the guide. Surveys collectself-reported data and may be subject to recall bias. However, when the methods arecombined, each helps to counteract the individual limitations.

High-throughput exploration of the Na2O-ZrO2-SiO2-P2O5 composition space using thin film material libraries

AbstractThe composition space Na2O-ZrO2-SiO2-P2O5 was explored using thin film material libraries and high-throughput characterization methods. The combinatorial synthesis comprised non-reactive magnetron co-sputtering at room temperature from two elemental targets Zr and Si, and a compound Na3PO4 target followed by a two-step annealing process. The NASICON phase formed for all compositions on the material library produced at the optimized deposition parameters, also displaying a phase-pure Na1+xZr2SixP3−xO12 (x = 0.4—2.9) region. Analytical TEM analysis of the NASICON phase at a measurement area with stoichiometric composition revealed a fine-grained microstructure and homogeneous Si distribution, in contrast to Na-P excess conditions, where large Si-free NASICON grains have formed.

Investigation on novel chitin and chitosan from dung beetle Heteronitis castelnaui (Harold, 1865) and its potential application for organic dyes removal from aqueous solution

Chitosan, a natural polysaccharide, has attracted considerable attention as an environmentally friendly and highly efficient adsorbent for dye removal. It is usually produced by deacetylation or partial deacetylation of chitin. However, conventional sources of chitin and chitosan are limited, prompting the need for alternative sources with improved adsorption capabilities. Herein, this study focuses on exploring a novel chitin and chitosan source derived from the dung beetle and evaluates its potential for organic dye removal from aqueous solutions. The research involves the extraction and characterization of chitin and chitosan from dung beetle Heteronitis castelnaui (Harold, 1865) using various analytical techniques, including SEM, FT-IR, TGA, XRD, NMR, deacetylation degree and elemental analysis. The chitosan obtained was used for the formation of hydrogels with sodium alginate via cross-linking with calcium chloride. And then the prepared hydrogels were evaluated for its adsorption capacity through batch adsorption experiments using methylene blue as a model pollutant. The adsorption capacity for methylene blue was 1294.3 mg/g at room temperature with solution pH = 12, MB concentration of 1800 mg/L. Furthermore, the kinetics of the adsorption process were analyzed using pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models to understand the rate of adsorption. The maximum adsorption capacities were determined using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. This study provides valuable insights for the development of sustainable dye adsorption technologies, specifically investigating a novel chitosan source derived from the dung beetle.

Dielectric Modulated TFET on SELBOX Substrate as a Label-Free Biosensor Applications: Analytical Modeling Study and Sensitivity Analysis

Abstract The manuscript proposes a ferroelectric heterojunction TFET (BG-FE-HJ-STFET) on SELBOX substrates with a back gate to create an ultra-sensitive label-free biosensor with dielectric modulation for the detection of neutral and charged biomolecules. Within the proposed device, four cavities have been carved out for the biomolecules' immobilization under the front and rear gate dielectrics. By using a ferroelectric (FE) material as a gate stack, the low gate voltage is increased to be more effective by causing a negative capacitance phenomenon. The response of the proposed biosensor to four impartial biomolecules with different dielectric constants Protein (k=8), Biotin (k=2.63), 3-Aminopropyl-triethoxysilane (APTES) (k=3.57), and Streptavidin (k=0.1) has been investigated. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), a charged biomolecule, is also examined for dielectric constant of k=6 with respect to both charges (Negative and Positive)) densities. The device is simulated with the commercially available SILVACO ATLASTM TCAD tool. The performance analysis relies on several figures of merit (FOMs) such as DC/RF and sensitivity (including drain current, ION/IOFF ratio, and subthreshold swing) for both neutral and charged biomolecules. The optimized cavity structure demonstrates a notable sensitivity in drain current (2.7x108) and a significant ION/IOFF sensitivity (1.42x1011). One of the main problems with current biosensors is the difficulty and expense of production in the nanoscale realm.

An Analytical Insight Into Stability Analysis of Unsaturated Multi‐Layered Slopes Subjected to Rainfall Infiltration

ABSTRACTSlopes in nature usually present layered characteristics, and its stability is susceptible to rainfall events. Considering that current analytical solutions are only suited to simulate the rainfall infiltration of double‐layered infinite unsaturated slopes, an analytical procedure is hence proposed in this study to tackle the consideration of multiple layers. The variable separation method and transfer matrix method are combined to derive the analytical solution of pore water pressure (PWP) for simulating rainfall infiltration in layered infinite unsaturated slopes. After having validated the proposed model and analytical solutions by comparing with existing literature and numerical simulation, the closed‐form solution of PWP is incorporated into the limit equilibrium for assessing slope stability. A three‐layer slope is selected as an example for further discussion. PWP distribution and factor of safety are calculated, considering the effects of saturated hydraulic conductivity and thickness of the upper layer, intensity of antecedent and subsequent rainfall, and varied soil unit weight along the depth. The slope stability subjected to rainfall effects is consistent with the variation of PWP. The proposed analytical solutions provide a simple and practical avenue for computing PWP distribution and evaluating the stability of multi‐layered slopes under rainfall conditions, which can also serve as a benchmark for numerical solutions.

Enhancing CO2 conversion in a temperature-controlled DBD plasma reactor with HKUST-1 catalyst: Water removal and CuO/Cu2O-derived approach

Due to a synergy effect, using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma technology combined with catalysts for CO2 decomposition, a major contributor to global warming, is recognized as an effective approach to transforming CO2 into valuable products such as CO, which is a crucial feedstock for chemical synthesis. Herein, HKUST-1 was synthesized using the hydrothermal method for CO2 conversion in the DBD reactor. To enhance catalyst performance in the plasma region, HKUST-1 was treated with O2 plasma to increase its specific surface area. Additionally, HKUST-1 was calcined at 300 °C to produce the CuO/Cu2O catalyst. Since the recombination reaction in the CO2 conversion is increased at higher temperatures, the reactor heat is removed using fan cooling and a water circulation system. In the presence of the HKUST-1 catalyst, the CO2 conversion rate significantly increased by 132 %, 82 %, and 12 % in reactors operating without cooling, with fan cooling, and with water cooling circulation, respectively compared to the reactors without catalyst, at a flow rate of 50 ml/min and maximum input power. The catalysts have been characterized using a comprehensive suite of analytical techniques, including FTIR, XRD,TEM, SEM, EDS, and BET analysis. The BET analysis indicates that the specific surface area of HKUST-1 after O2 plasma treatment is increased by 52 %, which causes an increasing conversion rate of up to 18 %. The CuO/Cu2O catalyst demonstrated maximum CO2 conversion of 21 % at an input power of 140 W and achieved energy efficiency of 8.6 % at 40 W. The presence of oxygen vacancies within this catalyst enhances the process of CO2 decomposition.

An exploration of AFLC-14-doped ceric phosphate, a novel liquid crystal hybrid ion exchanger: synthesis, ion exchange studies and analytical insights

ABSTRACT In this paper, we present the synthesis and characterisation of an anthraquinone-based discotic liquid crystal (DLC), AFLC-14-doped ceric phosphate, a novel composite ion exchanger which exhibits superior ion exchange properties. The incorporation of AFLC-14 betwixt the layers of ceric phosphate aims to strengthen the material’s thermal property, adsorption capacity, and disinfectant properties along with ion-exchange capabilities. The reported material underwent extensive physico-chemical characterisation using various analytical techniques, including FTIR, UV-vis spectrophotometry, XRD analysis, SEM imaging, TGA/DTA studies and elemental investigation. Additionally, ion-exchange characteristics were investigated, encompassing ion-exchange capacity, concentration dependency, thermal property, adsorption studies for alkaline earth and heavy/transition metal ions, and binary separation experiments. Our findings reveal that the incorporation of a DLC betwixt ceric phosphate matrix significantly improves the exchanger’s overall performance. Notably, the hybrid ion exchanger exhibits remarkable selectivity for mercury (II) ions, indicating its potential for selective ion removal applications in environmental remediation and water purification processes.