Calculation Of Gap Research Articles

Analysis of Service Quality Using Service Quality and IPA Methods at XYZ Cafes

XYZ Cafe is an MSME business in Gresik Regency with a target market of teenagers and surrounding office employees. Cafe management evaluates cafe services for consumer complaints, which decreases the number of cafe visitors. Service quality is essential in marketing current products so that products can be well received in the market. The method used to determine the quality of service is service quality while determining the service attributes that need to be improved using the importance-performance analysis method. The quality of service provided by the XYZ Gresik cafe is based on service quality. From the results of the IPA analysis, the results of quadrants I, II, have relatively high demand, and quadrants III, IV, have relatively low demand with a relatively high level of satisfaction, so it is considered excessive. And from the GAP calculation results using the service quality method has a negative value.

First-principles calculations to investigate structure and fundamental physical properties of BaM2As2 (M = Mg, Zn, Cd) and their alloys

The energetic stability, elastic parameters, electronic structures, effective masses, and optical properties of BaM2As2 (M = Mg, Zn, Cd) and their alloys are revealed for the first time. The results show that it is preferred to adopt the trigonal phase for BaMg2As2 and BaCd2As2, while it may have an additional stable trigonal phase for BaZn2As2 except for the reported experimental phases. The dynamical stability is identified for four novel compounds. The important elastic properties are examined for these compounds and the mechanical stability is confirmed. The band gap energy is greatly narrowed from BaMg2As2 (1.64 eV) to BaCd2As2 (0.80 eV). It is found for BaZn2As2 that the electronic properties of three phases are different from each other. Besides, the band gap calculations can agree with the available experimental results. The bandgap transition behavior is disclosed for three alloys, and their optoelectronic properties are concerned. Both Ba(Mg0.5Zn0.5)2As2 and Ba(Mg0.5Cd0.5)2As2 show the desirable optoelectronic properties including the direct band gap, smaller effective masses, lower exciton binding energy, and high absorption coefficient. The findings are expected to be helpful for discovering novel stable inorganic compounds for potential photovoltaic applications.

Analisis Kualitas Pelayanan Dengan Metode Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) Studi Kasus Pada Gubug Makan Mang Engking Lembang

Gubug Makan Mang Engking Lembang is a company engaged in the food & beverage sector. So far, Gubug Makan Mang Engking Lembang has never measured service quality, so it is not yet known how far the current consumer satisfaction is. Judging from the consumer complaint data, it shows that 61% of visitors complained about service, 22% of visitors complained about cleanliness, and 17% of visitors complained about food. Therefore the researchers wanted to analyze the quality of service at the Mang Engking Lembang Eating Shack by going directly to the field and using the IPA method. Based on the results of the gap calculation, it shows that visitors to Gubug Makan Mang Engking Lembang not all indicators experience satisfaction with what visitors expect, especially the competence dimension. From the results of the IPA calculation which is divided into 4 quadrants, namely in quadrant I (Top Priority) there are 3 indicators whose services must be considered by the company, quadrant II (Maintain Achievement) there are 7 indicators whose service performance must be maintained, quadrant III (Low Priority) there are 7 indicators whose services have a low priority for the company, quadrant IV (Excessive) there are 3 indicators whose services have good performance but are not of the main interest for the company.

The role of nanoparticles inclusion in monitoring the physical properties of PVDF

In this work, the effects of CoxZn1-x Fe2O4 (x= 0, 0.5, 1) nanofillers on the PVDF polymer were scientifically studied. The structure and magnetic and optical properties were studied. XRD confirms the synthesis of nanofiller in a single phase. FTIR confirms the formation of nanoferrites. HRTEM shows that the prepared nanoferrites have a cubic-like shape. Also, the size and agglomeration increase with Co-Zn Fe2O4 nanoferrites compared to the other singles one. The effect of adding nanoferrites into PVDF matrix was studied using XRD, FTIR, FESEM, VSM, and UV-Vis. XRD and FTIR approved the complexation between PVDF polymer and nanoferrites. Also, addition of nanoferrites into PVDF leads to decrease the semi-crystalline nature of PVDF. FESEM showed that embedding nanoferrites into PVDF polymers creates pores and PVDF/Co-Zn Fe2O4 increases the pore size on the PVDF surface. The magnetic properties of PVDF were enhanced by adding the nanofiller. For example, saturation magnetization was increased from 269.31E−6 to 62.052E−3 by adding CoFe2O4 to PVDF polymer. Band gap calculation showed that PVDF/Co-Zn Fe2O4 has the lowest band gap energy which makes it useful in photochemical and electronic applications.

Photocatalytic reduction of nitrogen to ammonia by bismuth oxyhalides containing oxygen vacancies

In this work, BiOCl and BiOBr photocatalysts containing abundant O vacancies were synthesized for photocatalytic reduction of nitrogen to ammonia. The experimental results show that the ammonia generation rates of BiOCl and BiOBr constructed with O vacancies reach 40.51 μmol g−1 h−1 and 49.66 μmol g−1 h−1, respectively, which are significantly higher than those of pure BiOCl and BiOBr. The band gap, XPS characterization, and DFT calculations demonstrate that O vacancies narrow the band gap of BiOX and reduce the energy requirement for visible−light excited carrier generation. As a chemisorption site, it is not only a place where photogenerated electrons are enriched, but also promotes the transfer of more photogenerated electrons to N2 molecules through the O vacancies, thereby promoting the photocatalytic N2 reduction reaction.

Structural stability, mechanical, and optoelectronic properties of A2TlBiI6 (A = Cs and Rb) for energy harvesting: A first principles investigation

Halide double perovskite materials have potential application in renewable energy devices. Herein, the optoelectronic properties and mechanical stability of A2TlBiI6 (A = Cs and Rb) determined using density functional theory utilizing WIEN2k code have been presented. The traditional and recently modified versions of the tolerance factors have helped identify these compounds as structurally stable, whereas the enthalpy and positive values of the frequency of phonon dispersion indicate the dynamical stability of these perovskite materials. Density of states and band structure calculations indicate that the electronic transition occurs from the top of the valence band [Tl(6p)+Bi(6p)+I(5s)] to the bottom of the conduction band [Tl(6p)+Bi(6p)]. These electronic transitions are responsible for inherently direct band gap at the Γ-point of the first Brillouin zone. The energy band gap calculations for Cs2TlBiI6 and Rb2TlBiI6 give direct band gap values of 2.0 and 2.1 eV, respectively. Our results show that Tl–Bi based double perovskites exhibit considerable stability, suitable band gaps, and excellent light absorption. In particular, direct band gap materials are very promising for use in a multi-junction solar cell. We hope that our work will stimulate the interest of experimental and theoretical experts to synthesize new materials for the solar industry.

Analyse exploratoire spatiale des effets sanitaires et économiques de la COVID-19 à partir de données mondiales

L'objectif : L'objectif de cet article est d'analyser les effets sanitaires et économiques de la pandémie de COVID-19. Conception/méthodologie/approche : L'échantillon est composé de 132 pays et la méthodologie se fonde sur l ' analyse exploratoire des données spatiales. Le calcul de l'output gap par la méthode de Hodrick-Prescott a permis de ressortir les conséquences économiques de la crise sanitaire, à travers les écarts de production pour l'année 2020. La variable sanitaire, quant à elle, est mesurée par le taux d'incidence de la COVID-19 et la mortalité. Résultats: Les résultats des estimations ont permis de valider l'hypothèse d'autocorrélation spatiale aussi bien pour la variable sanitaire que pour la variable économique. L'examen du diagramme de Moran confirme le schéma d'association spatiale local positif, c'est-à-dire l'existence à la fois de similitudes entre pays voisins dans la manifestation de la pandémie et d'hétérogénéité spatiale entre les groupes de pays. De manière plus précise, les résultats montrent l'existence de clusters avec de faibles niveaux d'incidence de la COVID-19 en Afrique et en Asie, comparativement à l'Europe et à l'Amérique du Nord. De plus, si les pays à revenu élevé ont généralement été davantage touchés sur le plan sanitaire, ils ont toutefois développé une plus grande résilience économique. Originalité/valeur : Ces résultats montrent que la prise en compte de l'espace pourrait permettre de mieux comprendre la dynamique des chocs sanitaires et économiques.

Tuning TiO2 Porosity of Multilayered Photoanode Towards Enhanced Performance of Dye Sensitized Solar Cell

In this paper, we prepared Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) based dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC). Downscaling of commercial TiO2 powder have been achieved by systematic ball milling carried out using home-made ball milling device. Thin films were prepared and samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, UV-Vis and I-V. The main objective of this work is to prepare TiO2 based (DSSC) using N3 dye and study the effect of the TiO2 grain size inside the photoanode layer on the efficiency of the solar cell. UV-vis study of nanometer sized TiO2 particles showed that the energy gab has shifted towards the lower wavelength in electromagnetic spectrum (blue shift), and then optical band gap is an indirect and allowed transition. Energy gap calculations of related grain size of showed quantum confinement effect. A sophisticated strategy for TiO2 films consisting of tailoring monolayer, bilayer and trilayer of mixed multisized nanoparticles were adopted and investigated as DSSC electrodes. Our results showed that the dye sensitized solar cells can be substantially altered due to the designs and the particle size distributions of the TiO2 photoelectrode. The maximum efficiency of 0.5% was reached by TiO2 photoelectrode designed as a trilayer with a particles of wide size distribution from about 12 to 340 nm in the middle layer. The approach of light scattering in submicrometer‐sized TiO2 nanoparticles aggregates was adopted in order to interpret the enhancement of our DSSC efficiency over extending the length transported by electromagnetic wave hence to promote the light acquiring efficiency of photoelectrode thin film. The relatively larger particle sizes afford the TiO2 films with both better packing and an increased capability for scattering of the incident electromagnetic wave, and hence improves our DSSC efficiency.

Strategies for the determination of the running coupling of ( 2+1 )-dimensional QED with quantum computing

We propose to utilize noisy-intermediate-scale-quantum-era quantum devices to compute short distance quantities in ($2+1$)-dimensional QED and to combine them with large volume Monte Carlo simulations and perturbation theory. On the quantum computing side, we perform a calculation of the mass gap in the small and intermediate regime, demonstrating, in the latter case, that it can be resolved reliably. The so obtained mass gap can be used to match corresponding results from Monte Carlo simulations, which can be used eventually to set the physical scale. In this paper we provide the setup for the quantum computation and show results for the mass gap and the plaquette expectation value. In addition, we discuss some ideas that can be applied to the computation of the running coupling. Since the theory is asymptotically free, it would serve as a training ground for future studies of QCD in $3+1$ dimensions on quantum computers.

Leveling Up the Access to Radiation Therapy in Latin America: Economic Analysis of Investment, Equity, and Inclusion Opportunities Up to 2030

Latin America faces a shortage in radiation therapy (RT) units and qualified personnel for timely and high-quality treatment of patients with cancer. Investing in equitable and inclusive access to RT over the next decade would prevent thousands of deaths. Measuring the investment gap and payoff is necessary for stakeholder discussions and capacity planning efforts. Data were collected from the International Atomic Energy Agency's Directory of Radiotherapy Centers, industry stakeholders, and individual surveys sent to national scientific societies. Nationwide data on available devices and personnel were compiled. The 10 most common cancers in 2020 with RT indication and their respective incidence rates were considered for gap calculations. The gross 2-year financial return on investment was calculated based on an average monthly salary across Latin America. A 10-year cost projection was calculated according to the estimated population dynamics for the period until 2030. Eleven countries were included in the study, accounting for 557,213,447 people in 2020 and 561 RT facilities. Approximately 1,065,684 new cancer cases were diagnosed, and a mean density of 768,469 (standard deviation ±392,778) people per available unit was found. By projecting the currently available treatment fractions to determine those required in 2030, it was found that 62.3% and 130.8% increases in external beam RT and brachytherapy units are needed from the baseline, respectively. An overall regional investment of approximately United States (US) $349,650,480 in 2020 would have covered the existing demand. An investment of US $872,889,949 will be necessary by 2030, with the expectation of a 2-year posttreatment gross return on investment of more than US $2.1 billion from patients treated in 2030 only. Investment in RT services is lagging in Latin America in terms of the population's needs. An accelerated outlay could save additional lives during the next decade, create a self-sustaining system, and reduce region-wide inequities in cancer care access. Cash flow analyses are warranted to tailor precise national-level intervention strategies.

Structural and Spectral Properties of 4-(5-methyl-[1, 2, 4] triazolo [1, 5-a] pyrimidine-7-yloxy) phthalonitrile: Analysis by TD-DFT Method, ADME Analysis, and Molecular Docking Simulations

In this study, 4-(5-methyl-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-7-yloxy) phthalonitrile (coded as MTPPN) was chosen as the phthalonitrile compound and the quantum chemical and in-silico studies have been done. First, the basis set of the time dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) method was used and the boundary orbital energies and band gap calculations of the molecule were performed. Analysis of atoms in molecules (AIM) theoretical calculations is presented to learn about electron density and bond critical point. In addition, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion analyzes (ADME) were performed for the drug potential of the compound. On some enzymes effect of MTPPN compound was examined. The docking score was obtained for AChE, BChE, α-GLY proteins -7.864, -6.848, and -5.511 kcal/mol, respectively. MTPPN gave a good inhibitory performance in an in-silico study as a drug candidate.

Structural, Optical, and Morphological Characterization of Silica Nanoparticles Prepared by Sol-Gel Process

In the current years, silica nanoparticles have become more favorable in various disciplines like medicine, nano-biotechnology, the food industry, and drug delivery due to their tunable physicochemical characteristics. In this paper, the silica nanoparticles were synthesized by hydrolysis and condensation of tetra-ethyl-ortho-silicate (TEOS) in an ethanolic medium using ammonia as a stimulator in the reaction. The chemical bond structures of silica nanoparticles were analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) which confirmed the existence of the Si-O bonds according to the different absorption peaks of the samples. The amorphous structure of these nanoparticles was certified by finding the board peaks in the X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) patterns. The elemental chemical composition of silica nanoparticles was investigated by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX) where 61.48wt % of silicon and 23.48wt% of oxygen were found. Almost round-shaped spherical and uniform silica nanoparticles with smooth surfaces were investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) measurement. The different particle sizes of silica nanoparticles within the range of 95±5.59 to 280±7.8 nm were found by controlling the concentration of TEOS. The optical absorption spectra and band gap calculations were also analyzed by Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry for the different concentrations of TEOS. The results revealed that with increasing the concentration of TEOS, the absorption spectra of silica nanoparticles increased and their optical bandgap decreased from 3.92 eV to 3.79 eV.

Effect of heteroatoms on structural, electronic and spectroscopic properties of polyfuran, polythiophene and polypyrrole: A hybrid DFT approach

In the present manuscript a brief discussion about the new generation of plastic or polymer also called materials of 21st century was conducted. A comparative study of the structural, electronic and spectroscopic properties of the three heterocyclic polymers polypyrrole, polythiophene and polyfuran in neutral form of particular interest has been carried out using the result of Density Function Theory B3LYP/6-31G (d, p) methods. Also how theoretical methods utilizing quantum chemical calculations can be employed to study various properties of these new generation polymers and what information's can be drawn from them about their structural and electronic properties has been discussed. Our major concern is to study the effect of heteroatom i-e O, N, S on electronic, structural and spectroscopic properties of Furans, Pyrrole and Thiophenes. For this purpose, the important structural properties (geometric parameters, charge analysis) spectroscopic properties (vibrational and VU–vis spectra's) and electronic properties (HOMO, LUMO and band gap) of these polymers are compared. The calculated trend in the values of different properties (electronic, structural and spectroscopic) of the polymers is an excellence agreement with available experimental values. The theoretical calculation predicted the order of more attraction as polythiophene (PTh) ˃ polyfuran (PF) ˃ polypyrrole (PPy) from optimized geometric parameters, the Spectroscopic study predict that the λmax absorption shown in the order of PTh ˃ PF ˃ PPy, the HOMO, LUMO and band gap calculation also go side by side with the result obtained from structural and spectroscopic properties calculation

Audit Sistem Informasi Penjualan Pada UMKM MAM Menggunakan Framework Cobit 5

Information Technology (IT) has been applied by MAM MSMEs in marketing their products. The application of IT can certainly cause various problems such as what happened to MAM MSMEs, including problematic applications, product delivery accuracy, company human resources in it, and the use of technology that supports sales transactions. Based on these problems, an information system audit was conducted using Cobit 5 which focused on the EDM04 domain Ensure Resource Optimization, APO04 Manage innovation, APO07 Manage Human Resources, BAI08 Manage Knowledge, DSS01 Manage operations, MEA03 Monitor, Evaluate and Assess Compliance with External Requirements. The results of the study indicate that overall, based on the MAM MAM Cobit maturity level, it is at level F or Fully Archived. From the results of the GAP calculation, it was found that for all domains they had not reached the target level and needed improvements as well as improvements. Sales information system audit on MAM MSMEs using all domains has not reached the expected target level. For the calculation of the average maturity level of the six sub domains, namely 1.30 or 130%, which when viewed from the rating scale, it is included in level F, which has reached the Fully achieved value and from the rounding scale of the mapping index the condition of the model capability is at level 1, namely Performed. Process

Tunning of band gap of double perovskites halides Rb2CuSbX6 (X = Cl, Br, I) for solar cells and energy harvesting

The double perovskites (DPs) halides are outstanding materials for solar cells and thermoelectric applications. Therefore, here we have studied the electronic, optoelectronic, and thermoelectric properties of Rb2CuSbX6 (X = Cl, Br, I) by density functional theory. Thermodynamic and structural stabilities are validated by evaluating the enthalpy of formation and tolerance factor. The band gap calculations are calculated using TB-mBJ which indicate that the studied DPs have indirect band gaps. The band gap values are reduced from 1.0 eV to 0.46 eV with increasing size from Cl to I. This decreasing trend in bandgap values shift the absorption from visible to infrared region. The optical properties are analyzed by calculating dielectric constant, refractive index, reflectivity, and absorption coefficient. The performance of studied DPs is measured by power factor and figure of merit. Therefore, the analyses show the importance of these DPs for a wide spectrum of optoelectronic and thermoelectric applications to make devices for clean energy harvesting in future.

Electronic Band Gap Tuning and Calculations of Mechanical Strength and Deformation Potential by Applying Uniaxial Strain on MX2 (M = Cr, Mo, W and X = S, Se) Monolayers and Nanoribbons.

Two-dimensional (2D) transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are new crystalline materials with exotic electronic, mechanical, and optical properties. Due to their inherent exceptional mechanical strength, these 2D materials provide us the best platform for strain engineering. In this study, we have performed first-principles calculations to study the effect of uniaxial strains on the electronic, magnetic, and mechanical properties of transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) MX2 (where M = Cr, Mo, W and X = S, Se), monolayers (2D), and armchair and zigzag nanoribbons (1D). For the mechanical strength, we determined the tensile strength (σ) and Young's modulus (Y) and observed that σ and Y are higher in monolayers (most in WS2ML) as compared to nanoribbons where monolayers resist tension up to 25-28% strain while nanoribbons (armchair and zigzag) can be only up to 5-10%. Deformation potential (Δ p ) in the linear regime near the equilibrium position(ϵ < 2%) has also been calculated, and its effect on monolayers is observed less as compared to nanoribbons. In addition, unstrained nonmagnetic monolayers are direct band gap semiconductors (D) which changed to indirect band gap semiconductors (I) with the application of strain. Ferromagnetic states of metallic zigzag nanoribbons (including up spin channel of 7-CrS2NR and 7-CrSe2NR) are greatly affected by strain and show half-metal-like behavior in different strain range. The magnetic moment (μ) that is predominantly observed in zigzag nanoribbons is 2 times higher than that of other nanoribbons. This magnetism in nanoribbons is mostly caused by transition-metal atoms (M = Cr, Mo, W). Thus, our study suggests that strain engineering is the best approach to modify or control the structural, electronic, magnetic, and mechanical properties of the TMD monolayer and nanoribbons which, therefore, open their potential applications in spintronics, photovoltaic cells, and tunneling field-effect transistors.

Synthesis and characterization of a novel Mannich base benzimidazole derivative to explore interaction with human serum albumin and antimicrobial property: experimental and theoretical approach

The novel Mannich base benzimidazole derivative (CB-1), 1-((1H-benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl)(3-chlorophenyl)methyl)-3-phenylurea) has been designed and synthesized by reacting benzimidazole, 3-chloro benzaldehyde, and N-Phenyl urea. CB-1 has been characterized by UV- Visible, FTIR, and 1H NMR. CB-1 was explored to study the interaction with the most abundant blood protein which involved in the role of transport of molecules (drugs), human serum albumin (HSA). Fluorescence results are evident for the presence of both dynamic and static quenching mechanisms in the binding of CB-1 to HSA. Antimicrobial screening were carried out against three bacteria and three fungi pathogens employing disc diffusion method. Molecular docking using AutoDock Vina tool further confirms the experimental binding interactions obtained from fluorescence. Density functional theory (DFT) with B3LYP/6-311G++ basis set was used for correlating theoretical data and obtaining optimized structures of CB-1 along with reactants with molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) map and HOMO→LUMO energy gap calculation. HIGHLIGHTS The novel Mannich base benzimidazole derivative (CB-1) has been designed and synthesized by Mannich reaction. CB-1 has been characterized by UV- Visible, FTIR, and 1H NMR. Fluorescence quenching reveals that HSA binds to CB-1 via aromatic residues, which is corroborated by molecular docking. Antifungal and antibacterial activity was evaluated in comparison to Nystatin and Gentamicin standard drugs, respectively. DFT calculations support experimental data and provide HOMO-LUMO energy gap. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Fluoride-Doped TiO2 Photocatalyst with Enhanced Activity for Stable Pollutant Degradation

Fluoride-doped TiO2 (F-TiO2) was synthesized by an efficient and simple one-step synthesis and successfully used for the UV-photo-degradation of the toxic and stable pollutants methylene blue (MB) and bisphenol A (BPA). Initially, the synthesized catalyst was characterized and compared to untreated TiO2 (P25 Degussa) by different physical–chemical analyses such as XRD, band gap calculation, SEM, EDS, FITR, ECSA, or EIS. F-TiO2 defeated commercial TiO2, and almost complete pollutant removal was achieved within 30 min. The energy consumption was reduced as a result of the suitable reactor set-up, which reduced light scattering, and by the application of a long-pulse radiation procedure, where the lamp was switched off during periods where the radical degradation continued. This enhanced the overall photocatalysis process performance. Under these conditions, 80% of MB removal was attained within 15 min radiation with an energy consumption of only 0.070 Wh min−1, demonstrating a much better efficiency when compared to previously reported data. The catalyst was reusable, and its performance can be improved by the addition of H2O2. The results were validated by BPA degradation and the treatment of real wastewaters with both pollutants. The results were so encouraging that a scale-up reactor has been proposed for future studies.

Vibration band gap characteristics of two-dimensional functionally graded grids using the spectral element method

In this article, the band gap characteristics of two-dimensional periodic grid structures composed of functionally graded materials are studied. According to the first-order shear deformation theory and the spectral element method, the motion equation of the functionally graded beam is established at first, and then the spectral stiffness matrix of the lattice structure is assembled through the coordinate transformation matrix. With the aid of the Bloch theorem, the in-plane wave dispersion relation of periodic grid structures composed of two functionally graded materials is analyzed. The availability and accuracy of the band gap calculation method are verified by structural vibration transmission results based on the finite element method. In addition, the influence of the material parameters of the structure on the dispersion relation of the in-plane wave is obtained. The results extend the range of research on two-dimensional grids which can be applied to the design of filters.

HOMO-LUMO gaps of large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their implication on the quantum confinement behavior of flame-formed carbon nanoparticles

Flame-formed carbon nanoparticles exhibit apparent size-dependent optical and electronic band gaps, consistent with the quantum confinement effect found in semiconductor materials. Understanding the effect of chemical composition on the band gap variations in carbon nanoparticles requires the investigation of the HOMO-LUMO gap of large aromatics. Geometry optimization with empirical force fields, followed by a density functional theory calculation, is employed here to enable the calculation of HOMO-LUMO gaps of aromatic species of sizes substantially larger than those reported in the past. Large hexagonal polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are shown to have diminishing HOMO-LUMO gaps, consistent with the behavior of two-dimensional quantum dots and approaching the zero band gap of graphene, while the HOMO-LUMO gap of polyacenes levels off at a finite value. The HOMO-LUMO gap of an aromatic cluster is found to be determined mostly by the large PAH molecules with smaller HOMO-LUMO gaps; small PAH molecules in the cluster make small or negligible contributions to the gap size of the overall cluster. Thus, if the quantum confinement of flame-formed carbon nanoparticles must be understood within the context of particle composition, the dependency of the band gap on particle size may be explained simply by the fact that larger flame-formed carbon nanoparticles contain larger PAH molecules or perhaps more precisely, have higher probabilities of containing more light absorbing species, e.g., large PAH molecules.