Laboratory Experiments Research Articles

Investigating day-to-day route choices based on multi-scenario laboratory experiments, Part II: Route-dependent attraction-based stochastic process model

Laboratory experiments are one of the important means used to investigate travel choice behavior under strategic uncertainty. Many experiment-based studies have shown that the Nash equilibrium can predict aggregated route choices, while the fluctuations, whose mechanisms are still unclear, continue to exist until the end. To understand the fluctuations, this paper proposes a route-dependent attraction-based stochastic process model, which shares exactly the same behavioral foundation introduced in Part I of the study (Qi et al., 2023), i.e., route-dependent inertia and route-dependent preference. The model predictions are carefully compared with the experimental observations obtained from the congestible parallel-route laboratory experiments containing 312 subjects and eight decision-making scenarios (Qi et al., 2023). The results show that the proposed stochastic process model can precisely reproduce the random oscillations both in terms of flow switching and route flow evolution. Subsequently, an approximated model is developed to enhance the efficiency in evaluating the equilibrium distribution, providing a practical tool to evaluate the impacts of transportation policies in both long- and short-term runs. To the best of our knowledge, this paper is the first attempt to model and explain experimental phenomena by introducing stochastic process theories, as well as a successful example of applying experimental economics methodology to improve our understanding of human travel choice behavior.

Seismic performance of compressed earth block walls reinforced with common reeds

Compressed earth block (CEB) is a sustainable and cost-effective option for eco-friendly constructions. The blocks are produced without burning fossil fuels and have low embodied energy. The abundance of its constituents, including clay and sand, is another merit. However, the susceptibility of CEB constructions against seismic forces is still considered a prominent hindrance to their widespread acceptance. The study aims to improve the in-plane seismic performance of CEB walls by using common reeds as a natural reinforcing material. For this purpose, seven wall panels with dimensions of 1000×900×120 mm3 were constructed. Seismic loading was simulated using an incrementally increasing lateral cyclic displacement combined with a constant vertical stress of 0.3MPa. The results are discussed in terms of the hysteresis load-displacement responses, displacement ductility, energy dissipation, and stiffness degradation. Based on laboratory experiments, the strength and lateral displacement of the reinforced specimen with four vertical reeds were increased by 44% and 76%, respectively, compared to the non-reinforced ones. Ultimately, Seismic assessments and damage indexes of the tested walls indicated that the in-plane seismic performance of CEB walls could be significantly improved by using vertical sand-coated reeds.

Cognitive ability in matching with strategic uncertainty: An experimental study

Strategyproof mechanisms have become the predominant choice for educational institutions. However, both laboratory experiments and empirical evidence highlight the persistent occurrence of strategic misreporting, leading to adverse consequences. This underscores the need to examine the reporting strategies of students, particularly those with varying cognitive abilities, across different decision environments. We present an experimental comprehension test of reporting strategies using computerized opponents to precisely control the levels of strategic uncertainty. The results reveal that removing strategic uncertainty does not significantly affect truth-telling rates. However, subjects with median cognitive ability are more truthful under strategic uncertainty, especially when information is incomplete. Additionally, providing information about priorities has a negative and significant impact on truth-telling rates. The findings of this research demonstrate that constructing a simplified market environment using computerized agents and providing relevant feedback to students can effectively enhance their understanding of the matching mechanism and nudge them to make optimal strategy choices.

Production and ecological function of fucoidans from marine algae in a changing ocean.

Fucoidans have multiple biological and biomedical functions, e.g., antibacterial, antiviral, immunomodulatory, inflammatory, and growth-promoting effects. Recent studies show that they also have essential ecological functions whereas our understanding in this field is very superficial. This study first reviewed the fucoidans content in algae and the highest content of 13.3 % in Undaria pinnatifida sporophyll and the lowest content of 0.1 % in Alaria angusta were found. Field investigation demonstrates that light, temperature, salinity, and nutrient can affect fucoidan production in algae; while more laboratory experiments need to be carried out to verify these conclusions. Brown algae can excrete 8-31 % of their net carbon fixation into seawater in the form of fucoidans. Fucoidans are highly recalcitrant to bacterial degradation and thus the carbon in fucoidans can be stored for centuries. Therefore, fucoidans can play an essential role in carbon sequestration. Ocean afforestation with brown algae may be an effective approach to remove atmospheric CO2 since fucoidans have a high carbon content while seldom need any nitrogen or phosphorus. Fucoidans production in a warming and CO2 enriched ocean was also discussed. This study provides new insight into production and ecological functions of fucoidans, indicating their role in carbon sequestration and climate change alleviation.

Physical quality test of jamblang fruit ethanol extract antioxidant cream (syzygium cumini (l.) Skeels)

Background: Antioxidants are compounds that can protect against oxidative stress caused by free radicals, both from inside the body (endogenous) and outside (exogenous). Many plants have antioxidant properties, including gambling (Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels). This plant is known to have various bioactive components that can capture and neutralize free radicals; Jamblang fruit has antioxidant activity caused by the content of flavonoid compounds in it. These compounds can be utilized as topical preparations for skin care products. Objective: This study aims to determine the effect of ethanol extract concentration of jamblang fruit (Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels) on the physical stability of the cream. Methods: This research is conducted in an experimental laboratory. Jamblang fruit extract was obtained using the maceration method using 96% ethanol. The extract was then formulated in the form of a m/a type cream preparation with concentration variations of 1% (FI), 2% (F2), and 3% (F3). The physical stability test of the cream includes viscosity, spread, adhesion, and pH value tests. The data is analyzed to determine the effect of adding extracts and the storage time on the physical stability of the cream. Results: The test showed that an increase in the concentration of ethanol extract from jamblang fruit led to a decrease in pH value, viscosity value, and adhesion and could increase dispersion. It was concluded that the variation in the concentration of ethanol extract from jamblang fruit influenced the physical properties of M/A cream. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the variation in the concentration of ethanol extract of jamblang fruit affects the physical properties of the oil cream in water (M/A). The effects caused include a decrease in pH value, a reduction in viscosity, a decrease in adhesion, and an increase in dispersion. These changes will ultimately affect the physical stability of the cream preparation.

Permeability estimation from pore to Darcy in cemented granular media using resolved CFD-DEM model

Permeability prediction plays a critical role in many engineering applications that involve fluid flow through porous media. Various factors including pore shape, particle size, polydispersity and compaction levels can significantly impact the flow behavior of a porous medium. Moreover, the influence of cementation should also be considered. In this work, we investigate the effect of particle cementation on the permeability using the three-dimensional resolved CFD-DEM approach. The modified cohesive contact model is utilized to simulate the cementation behavior of particles. The numerical model is initially validated by a laboratory experiment demonstrating similar results for the permeability of the sample with polydisperse particles. Results show that the permeability in both polydisperse and monodisperse particle systems decreases when the cementation of particles increases. Especially, this relationship is observed at higher porosity values. In contrast, in more compacted samples with lower porosity, the cementation effect becomes less. The numerical study also shows that the tortuosity values in both particle systems increase almost linearly with decreasing porosity. However, the strong influence of cementation on tortuosity is noticeable only in a monodisperse particle system dominated by uniform pore shapes with regular fluid paths. A study of fluid flow at different gradation levels reveals that an increase in cementation leads to a significant decrease in the permeability in a sample with larger particles. From the point of view of applying the numerical model to the real reservoir sand sample, the numerical results of permeability align well with the data reported by many studies.

Bioavailability of dissolved organic matter (DOM) derived from seaweed Gracilaria lemaneiformis meditated by microorganisms

Seaweed Gracilaria lemaneiformis, a significant oceanic primary producer, releases substantial dissolved organic matter (DOM) during growth and decay, potentially impacting coastal organic carbon reservoirs and microbial communities. This study aimed to investigate the bioavailability of Gracilaria-derived DOM and its interactions with microbial communities. Laboratory experiments introduced Gracilaria-derived DOM into natural seawater, tracking variations in DOM composition, microbial structure, and eight extracellular enzyme activities over 168 h. The results indicated a rapid breakdown of dissolved organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, representing 48 % to 90 % of their total concentrations within 168 h, highlighting the high DOM bioavailability. Tryptophan substances were identified as the primary components of Gracilaria-derived DOM, being highly labile and utilized by microorganisms. Within the initial 0–12 h of DOM influx, Proteobacteria significantly increased and dominated in bacterial community, while after 48 h, as DOM decomposed, Desulfobacterota became the dominant group. The labile DOM stimulated bacteria, particularly Proteobacteria, to release substantial extracellular enzymes that peaked within the first 12 h. Subsequent substrate depletion led to decreased enzyme activities. Positive correlations were observed among bacterial abundance, enzyme activities, and tryptophan substances, emphasizing the intricate interplay among microbial communities, labile DOM, and extracellular enzymes. This study underscores the high bioavailability of Gracilaria-derived DOM and its interactions with microbial communities in nearshore environments.

Influence of steam curing on cyclic triaxial characteristics of recycled aggregate concrete: Experimental analysis and DEM simulation

The engineering application of steam-cured recycled aggregate concrete (often in a cyclic triaxial stress state) can not only improve the recycling efficiency of resources, but also accelerate the construction progress. In this paper, we adopt a combination of laboratory experiments, theoretical analysis and numerical simulation to study the cyclic triaxial characteristics of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) under different curing regimes (20℃, 40℃, 60℃ and 80℃). The results indicate that as the steam curing temperature increases, the internal damage caused by high temperature continues to intensify, and the cyclic triaxial failure mode of RAC transitions from shear failure to compression failure, and its peak strength, dynamic elastic modulus, and dilatancy angle all show a downward trend. A linear prediction model is established based on the strong correlation between peak strength and steam curing temperature. As the loading cycles increase, the dynamic elastic modulus and dilatancy angle of RAC show exponential and linear downward trends respectively, and the decline rate increases with the increase of steam curing temperature, and the prediction models for dynamic elastic modulus and dilatancy angle are established based on quantitative relationships between variables. On the basis of experimental analysis results, a cyclic triaxial DEM model considering real recycled aggregates is established by introducing steam-cured damage indexes into the mesoscopic parameters, and its applicability in predicting cyclic triaxial mechanical properties of RAC under different curing regimes is verified. The research outcomes can save a lot of test cost and time consumption for developing steam-cured concrete with better performance, and have important theoretical guidance and practical significance for the wide application of steam-cured concrete.

Elucidation of molecular mechanisms, pathways, and diseases modulated by arsenicals through toxogenomics and multi-omics analysis

Arsenic compounds exist in inorganic and organic forms with inorganic form confirmed as a potent carcinogen. Toxogenomics and multi-omics analysis were used to explore the molecular mechanisms of carcinogenecity induced by arsenicals. Comparative toxogenomics revealed sodium arsenite and arsenate as the most toxic arsenicals to humans, interacting with various genes and altering gene expression through mRNA binding proteins. Both metalloids were classified as Class II toxins by the ProTox II prediction tool, with a lethal dose (LD50) of 149mg/kg body weight. The most frequently interacting genes were HMOX1, CAT, NFE2L2, CASP3, MAPK1, CXCL8, PARP1, TNF, and PYGM. Analysis of TCGA pan-cancer data revealed that 46% of hepatocellular carcinoma patients exhibited alterations in the genes HMOX1, CAT, NFE2L2, CASP3, MAPK1, CXCL8, PARP1, TNF, and PYGM, suggesting their significant role in the development of this disease. The alteration in the gene list decreased the overall patient survival but insignificantly in the Kaplan-Meier curves revealing insignificant role in survival. GSEA suggested significant enrichment of the gene list in pathways involved in the G2M checkpoint, apoptosis, hypoxia, TNFA signaling via NFKB, PI3K AKTMTOR signaling, P53, IFN gamma and inflammatory response pathways revealing the involvement of these pathways. Ten microRNAs (miRNAs) regulated the expressions of the genes involved in the above-mentioned pathways with the significant enrichment in miR-21-3p, miR-206 and mir486a-5p. The relevant pathway and graphical representation of the network of miRNA-target interactions identified by the enrichment analysis along with disease ontologies were predicted. This study will be helpful insight into setting of laboratory experiments.

In silico screening and identifying phytoconstituents of Withania somnifera as potent inhibitors of BRCA1 mutants: A therapeutic against breast cancer

Breast CAncer gene 1 (BRCA1) is an anti-oncogene that helps the cell repair damaged DNA and preserve genetic material. BRCA1 also acts as a cell growth suppressor and produces tumor suppressor gene (TSG) proteins, i.e., BRCA1 protein. Remarkably, BRCA1 mutations account for 90 % of hereditary breast cancer and a majority of hereditary ovarian cancer. Hence, we have considered three mutants of BRCA1 (R1699W, R1699Q, T1700A) in this study and adopted an in-silico approach to find the best possible phytochemical to inhibit these mutated proteins, enabling early breast cancer diagnosis. Perceiving the importance, many natural molecules from ancient medicinal plants are considered for molecular docking. Our findings suggest that though many molecules bind actively with the receptor's active site, the top three phytoconstituents (27-Deoxy-14-hydroxywithaferin A, Withacoagulin, Somniferanolide) of Withania somnifera, commonly known as Ashwagandha, have high binding affinities and suitable pharmacokinetic properties, making these natural compounds potential drug candidates. Further, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and the binding free energy calculation show stability and thermodynamically favourable. We can, therefore, draw the conclusion that these lead compounds act as potential inhibitors against BRCA1. However, wet lab experiments and clinical trials are recommended to ascertain its efficacy, hence the development of novel BRCA1 inhibitors.

Response of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) to different priming treatments on germination and early growth

Production of pepper (Capsicum annuum) is reduced by poor stand as a result of poor germination due to physiological dormancy of the seed. Therefore, a laboratory experiment was carried out to evaluate the response of sweet pepper to pre-sowing treatments, with the objective of improving seed germination and growth. The experiment used Completely Randomised Design (CRD) with four treatments replicated four times. The treatments were pre-soaking in water for 24 hours before planting; pre-chilling at 100C for 7 days before planting; pre-soaking in Potassium nitrate (KNO3) at 2.4g per 1.2 liters distilled water for 24 hours and; untreated seed (control). The parameters measured were days to 50% germination, final germination % (FG%), speed of germination, mean germination time (MGT), radicle, plumule, seedling length, and seedling vigor index. The results showed that the pre-sowing treatment of seed with KNO3 and pre-soaking in water significantly (p < 0.01) increased germination percent of sweet pepper seeds. Pre-chilling and no treatment of sweet pepper seed resulted in significant reduction of final germination percentage, radicle, plumule and seedling lengths and seedling vigor index. Results also showed an increase in number of abnormal and dead seed were pre-chilling and no treatments were used. Basing on these findings, farmers are recommended to pre-soak sweet pepper seed in KNO3 and water before sowing to enhance seed germination.

Evaluation of Soils Affected by Salts in the Al-Jufra - Sokna Area

This study was conducted to assess the extent of the impact of natural, environmental and human factors on soil salinity and its distribution variation in the Al-Jufra region, specifically in the Al-Hamam Agricultural Project - Sokna, in addition to identifying the type of soil prevailing in the region. To achieve the objectives of this study, a series of laboratory experiments were conducted where samples were collected from the surface layer 0 - 30 cm and the subsurface layer 30 - 60 cm and were prepared and some physical and chemical properties were estimated, including pH, EC, CaCO3, O.M. CEC. After conducting the tests, it was noted that most of the soils in the study area have three different types of texture. The results of the chemical analysis showed a high electrical conductivity of the surface layer soil compared to the subsurface layer. On the other hand, the results showed high ESP values for most soils, as its value in the surface layer was higher than the lower layer of the soil. The study shows the role played by human factors in the increasing phenomenon of salinization of agricultural soils in the project area through mismanagement by leaving the land fallow after exploitation, and the lack of drains and the low efficiency of the existing ones.

Chemical Pathways of SO2 with Hydrogen Atoms on Interstellar Ice Analogues

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a sulfur-containing molecule expected to exist as a solid in the interstellar medium. In this study, we have performed laboratory experiments and computational studies on the surface reactions of solid SO2 with hydrogen atoms on amorphous solid water (ASW) at low temperatures. After 40 minutes of exposure of SO2 deposited on ASW to H atoms, approximately 80% of the solid SO2 was lost from the substrate at 10–40 K, and approximately 50% even at 60 K, without any definite detection of reaction products. Quantum chemical calculations suggest that H atoms preferentially add to the S atom of solid SO2, forming the HSO2 radical. Further reactions of the HSO2 radical with H atoms result in the formation of several S-bearing species, including HS(O)OH, the S(O)OH radical, HO–S–OH, HS–OH, and H2S. In codeposition experiments involving H and SO2, we have confirmed the formation of H2S, HS(O)OH, and/or HO–S–OH. However, the yields of these S-bearing species are insufficient to account for the complete loss of the initial SO2 reactant. These findings suggest that some products are desorbed into the gas phase upon formation. This study indicates that a portion of the SO2 in ice mantles may remain unreacted, avoiding hydrogenation, while the remainder is converted into other species, some of which may be subject to chemical desorption.

A Simple Approach for Measuring Higher-Order Arrow-Pratt Coefficients of Risk Aversion

Although the importance of the second-order Arrow-Pratt coefficients of risk aversion is well established, the importance of higher-order risk attitudes has only recently begun to be recognized. In this paper, we introduce a nonparametric approach to directly measure higher-order Arrow-Pratt coefficients of risk aversion in an expected utility framework using choices between compound lotteries and show how it can be easily implemented in behavioral studies. Specifically, we provide a theoretical basis for using risk apportionment to reveal the intensity of higher-order risk attitudes, and then draw upon our theoretical results to develop a simple, systematic, and generalizable procedure for eliciting higher-order Arrow-Pratt coefficients. We demonstrate our approach in a laboratory experiment and find that the modal second-order, third-order, and fourth-order Arrow-Pratt coefficients are positive and small. Further, we find that degrees of risk aversion are positively correlated across orders. Additionally, we discuss alternative implementations of our procedure. This paper was accepted by Peng Sun, behavioral economics and decision analysis. Funding: R. J. Huang acknowledges financial support from the National Science and Technology Council of Taiwan [Grants MOST 110-2410-H-008 -017 -MY3]. R. J. Huang and L. Y. Tzeng gratefully acknowledge financial support from E.SUN Bank. L. Zhao acknowledges financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grants 72125003 and 72131003]. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.02300 .

Performance assessment of microencapsulated phase change materials with low to high thermoregulation range in asphalt binder

ABSTRACT This study aims to assess the impact of microencapsulated phase change materials (MPCMs) on thermoregulation effect and binders’ performance. Accordingly, three MPCMs with melting points 6°C, 28°C, and 37°C were blended with PG 58-28 and PG 64-22 binders at dosages of 5%–20% by binder weight. Subsequently, laboratory experiments were conducted to examine impact on thermoregulation and rheological parameters including enthalpy change, complex modulus, Glover-Rowe parameter, creep stiffness, creep slope, fatigue, and rut factors. The findings showed that increasing MPCMs’ dosage in both control binders led to increased enthalpy change, indicating successful thermoregulation and capsules’ survival during blending. Rheological investigation depicted increasing complex modulus, creep stiffness and Glover-Rowe parameter in modified binders compared to control binders regardless of MPCMs’ thermoregulation range. However, Dynamic shear rheometer and Bending beam rheometer may not adequately capture their thermoregulation impact under steady-state conditions, necessitating use of temperature sweep test to validate influence on complex modulus and phase angle due to their thermoregulation capability. Temperature sweep test showed that within thermoregulation range, MPCMs with melting points 6°C and 28°C showed comparable fatigue resistance to respective control binders up to 10% dosage. Meanwhile, around melting point, MPCM with 37°C melting point enhanced rutting resistance.

Study on mechanical properties of large deformation segmental cement-based honeycomb structure

Honeycomb structures provide a new means of controlling and supporting the tunnel envelope. However, traditional honeycomb structures have low strength and poor stability, and are prone to stress concentration and instability, further limiting their application in deep tunnel support projects. In this paper, a new type of segmental cementitious honeycomb structure is investigated, its performance under different loading rates is tested, and its application in deep large deformation tunnel support is discussed. Firstly, the honeycomb model was drawn and the honeycomb skeleton was prepared. Then, the cement suspension technique was optimised. Secondly, the effects of different loading rates on the performance of segmented cement-bonded honeycomb structures were investigated by laboratory experiments. The results show that when the loading rate is 3 mm/min, the structure has the maximum load capacity and the best energy absorption performance. It is worth noting that too fast or too slow loading rate will affect the performance of the structure. Finally, the damage mechanism of the segmented honeycomb structure was further investigated by using an acoustic emission system, and the acoustic emission characteristics showed that the segmented cementitious honeycomb structure firstly went through a relatively stable stage of microcrack development under the action of the loads in all bands, and then a large area of damage was observed in the top layer of the honeycomb skeleton when the peak load was reached, resulting in the collapse of the whole layer of the honeycomb structure, which led to the collapse of the whole layer of the honeycomb skeleton. This led to the collapse of the whole layer of the honeycomb structure and a significant decrease in the bearing capacity, which confirmed the layer-by-layer damage characteristics of segmental cementitious honeycomb structures. In addition, the RA-AF values show that the loading rate has little effect on the crack type, which is almost unchanged with the increase of loading rate. These studies verify the feasibility of using honeycomb structure to support roadway with fast deformation speed and large deformation. It is of great significance to guide the application of honeycomb structure in deep roadway support engineering.

Quasi-steady transitions in confined convection

We study the effect of geometrical confinement on thermal convection by laboratory experiments and direct numerical simulations using Hele-Shaw geometries (typically the gap-to-height aspect ratio $0.12$ ) for the Prandtl number $Pr \geq 40$ and the Rayleigh number $Ra \leq 6 \times 10^7$ . Under such strong unidirectional confinement, the convective flows are forced to squeeze within the narrow gap and exhibit unique spatiotemporal signatures, which contrast those in unconfined systems. With the increase of $Ra$ , we identify that the system experiences five convective regimes that can be classified from two aspects, time dependency and flow dimensionality: (I) quasi-two-dimensional (quasi-2-D) steady flow; (II) quasi-2-D flow with oscillatory corner rolls; (III) three-dimensional (3-D) flow with oscillatory corner rolls; (IV) 3-D steady flow; and (V) 3-D time-dependent motion of plumes around sidewalls. Notably, unsteadiness does not emerge globally, but is localised near the sidewalls as oscillatory corner rolls, resulting in the regime transitions happening in a quasi-steady manner. We confirm that these regime transitions show less dependence on both $Pr$ and the other (wider) horizontal scale of the geometry. Moreover, we find that a recently proposed criterion ‘degree of confinement’ (Noto et al., Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA, vol. 121, issue 28, 2024, e2403699121) successfully explains the emergence of 3-D structures, expanding its applicable range to smaller $Ra$ . This study deepens the comprehension of the thermal convection emerging in tight geometries, impacting across disciplines, such as Earth and planetary science, and thermal engineering.

Integrating Local Food Policies and Spatial Planning to Enhance Food Systems and Rural–Urban Links: A Living Lab Experiment

The development of synergies between rural and urban areas is one of the EU’s objectives to contribute to smart and inclusive growth. Effective governance of rural–urban links is essential for balanced development but often lacks policy coherence. This study examines the role of spatial planning and food policy integration in enhancing local food system sustainability and resilience, specifically in peri-urban areas. It investigates challenges and enablers in this integration through a Living Lab experiment in Lucca (Italy) as part of the ROBUST H2020 project. The Living Lab methodology entailed envisioning, experimenting, and experiencing phases to identify key rural–urban connections and assess governance arrangements, focusing on reclaiming abandoned land in peri-urban areas together with local stakeholders. By highlighting the strengths and limitations of a multi-year collaborative research approach, the research highlights a weak recognition of rural–urban linkages and the need for improved dialogue between rural stakeholders and urban planners. Key recommendations comprise formalising public–private partnerships and cross-sectoral projects linking agriculture with education, tourism, and landscape (e.g., agricultural parks).

Effect of Particle Size and Concentration of ZnO Nanoparticles on Growth, Yield and Seedling Parameters in Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum L.)

The experiment was conducted in both field and lab conditions to study the Effect of Particle Size and Concentration of ZnO Nanoparticles on Growth, Yield and Seedling Parameters in Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum L.) Under Late Sowing Conditions in Eastern Uttar Pradesh Region the lab experiment was performed in CRD with four different size ranges of zinc oxide Nanoparticles (20-30nm, 40-50nm, 60-80nm, 80-100nm) each of three concentrations (30PPM, 60PPM, 80PPM). The field experiment was performed during Rabi season of 2022-2023 in Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh with a control was laid out in factorial RBD with 3 Replications. The results revealed that T1(20-30nm, 30PPM for 8hrs) shows greater Performance among parameters viz Plant height 30 DAS (23.45), Plant height 80 DAS (91.36), Days to first flowering (26.11), Number of Branches (4.43), Seeds per Plant (142.39), Seed yield per plot (11.87), Seed yield per hectare (1.19), Economic Yield (11.87), Biological Yield (32.76). and Harvest Index (36.23) and T3(20-30nm, 80PPM for 8hrs) exhibit greater in Leaf surface area (22.37), Test Weight (27.34). The lab results revealed the treatment T1(20-30nm, 30PPM for 8hrs) showing greater performance in Germination Percentage (95.63), Root Length (14.57), Seedling Length (24.76), Vigor Index-1 (2369.25), Electric conductivity (0.327), Protein content (13.59), Seed metabolic efficiency and T3 (20-30nm, 80PPM for 8hrs) shows greater Performance in Shoot length (11.57), Fresh Weight (2.19), Dry Weight (0.80), Vigor Index-2 (72.67), Seed Density (0.8), Chlorophyll Content (2.84), Dehydrogenize Activity (0.996).

Efek Ekstrak Arbei (Rubus idaeus) terhadap Kadar Kolesterol Total Tikus Wistar Model Sindrom Metabolik

Metabolic syndrome is characterized by low HDL levels, high triglycerides, hypertension, increased blood glucose, and obesity, often associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Wild Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) on total cholesterol levels in Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) with a metabolic syndrome model. Method This research employed a quantitative experimental laboratory study with a pretest-posttest control group design. A total of 30 male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: K1 (negative control), K2 (positive control), and K3, K4, K5 (metabolic syndrome) treated with Rubus idaeus extract at doses of 30 mg/200gBW/day, 60 mg/200gBW/day, and 90 mg/200gBW/day. Total cholesterol levels were measured on days 8, 36, and 64. Data analysis was performed using Shapiro-Wilk normality test, and the results were not normal in distribution and hemogenity although after transformatted, so non-parametric tests Kruskal-Wallis, were used, followed by Mann-Whitney tests. Result ,the administration of Rubus idaeus extract resulted in the highest total cholesterol levels in group K3 and the lowest in group K5. Statistical analysis showed significant differences (p < 0.05) before and after treatment in each group, with Pearson correlation tests demonstrating a very strong relationship between the dosage of Rubus idaeus and total cholesterol levels. Conclusion, the administration of Rubus idaeus extract significantly reduces total cholesterol levels, with the dose of 90 mg/200gBW being the most effective in lowering total cholesterol levels.