Laboratory Experiments Research Articles

Evaluation of Foxtail Millet Varieties for Thermotolerance at Seedling Stage using Temperature Induction Response Technique (TIR)

In the present scenario of climate change, Foxtail millet is the best crop of choice and an indispensable component of dryland farming due to its C4 plant type and tolerance against the abiotic stresses. However, all the foxtail millet varieties may not sustain under severe temperature stress particularly at germination and seedling growth stages. Therefore, screening of varieties is required to identify the stress tolerant varieties in foxtail millet which can combat temperature stress at seed germination and early seedling growth stages which is the need of the hour under ever changing climatic conditions. Hence, A lab experiment was conducted to standardize the temperature induction response (TIR) protocol for foxtail millet seedlings using WGC-450 programmable plant growth chamber. Temperatures were standardized as sub lethal i.e. challenging temperatures as 38°C – 54°C for 5 hours and lethal temperatures as 56°C for 3 hours. Seven foxtail millet varieties (Suryanandi, SiA 3156, Srilakshmi, SiA 3085, Narasimharaya, Krishnadevaraya and Prasad) were screened for intrinsic tolerance using the standardized Thermo Induced Response (TIR) protocol. Out of the seven varieties evaluated, SiA 3085, Prasad, Suryanandi, Srilakshmi were identified to possess high level of thermo tolerance in terms of higher seedling survival with less reduction in root and shoot growth. The varieties with intrinsic heat tolerance can be explored for the development of heat stress tolerant varieties.

Improving Building Floor Acoustics with Innovative Inorganic Sound Insulation Coating

Floor impact sound insulation is essential for improving living environments and has become a mandatory requirement for green buildings in Southern China. This study introduces an innovative inorganic sound insulation coating technology for enhancing building floor acoustic performance. Through comprehensive laboratory experiments and field tests, we evaluated inorganic coatings of 3 mm and 5 mm thickness, comparing their performance against traditional methods, including organic coatings and soundproof mortar. Standardized impact sound pressure level measurements, conducted in accordance with the China GB/T 50121 standard, demonstrated significant acoustic improvements. Laboratory testing revealed impact sound reductions of 6–7 dB and 9–10 dB for the 3 mm and 5 mm inorganic coatings, respectively, while field applications of the 3 mm coating achieved an average reduction of 14.3 dB. The inorganic coating exhibited superior performance characteristics compared to both organic coatings and soundproof mortar in terms of sound insulation efficiency, fire resistance, and application feasibility, demonstrating particularly effective attenuation in the mid- to high-frequency range. This investigation presents an innovative, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable solution for improving floor sound insulation in green buildings.

Advanced perspectives of biocomputational gene discovery

Gene discovery is one of the most significant processes in understanding and analysis of an organism’s genome after its sequencing. The method comprises determining the location of intron structures, exon structures, and open reading frames (ORFs). It computationally specifies all of the genes with near 100% reliability. It can substantially reduce the amount of wet lab experimentation. In eukaryotic genomes, mosaic organization occurs when a gene is divided into exons by intervening noncoding regions (called introns). Several methods are available for gene finding such as laboratory-based approaches, feature-based approaches homology-based approaches, and statistical and HMM-based approaches. In this paper, we aim to discuss in silco approaches for gene prediction with available bioinformatics tools for gene finding.

Effects of a subsurface dam on groundwater flow and salt transport in stratified coastal aquifers: Experiments and simulations

Subsurface dams are now widely used to mitigate seawater intrusion in coastal aquifers. Previous studies have mostly focused on the optimal design of subsurface dams under various conditions, but such an attempt in the context of a three-layered (a low-permeability layer in between two high-permeability layers) aquifer is lacked. In reality, many coastal aquifer exhibit such a geological layering feature. This study, using laboratory experiments and numerical simulations, filled the research gap. The results show that, the addition of a subsurface dam to a three-layered coastal aquifer may significantly prolong the particle travel times in both the freshwater zone and the saltwater wedge. Also, the saltwater-freshwater mixing zone in a stratified aquifer can be narrowed by a subsurface dam. However, this trend is reversed when the subsurface dam is located rather landward. Moreover, a subsurface dam may hinder the formation of “freshwater fingers”, which would have formed in aquifers with highly contrasting permeability coefficients between the three layers. Further analysis reveals high-level sensitivity of saltwater-freshwater mixing zone to the height and location of the subsurface dam, and the permeability of the low-permeability layer. These findings promote deeper insights into the impact of subsurface dams on the underground hydrodynamics in complex nearshore groundwater systems. More importantly, conclusions drawn from the study may help to evaluate the environmental impact and optimize the design of subsurface dams to be constructed, ultimately assisting the management of coastal fresh groundwater resources.

Emotional bargaining after litigation: An experimental study of the Coase theorem

AbstractEntitlement assignment is unimportant if transaction cost is sufficiently low, as post‐litigation bargaining can redress allocative inefficiency, or so goes the Coase theorem. Ward Farnsworth, based on interviews with lawyers, argues that animosity created during litigation, a key mechanism to (re)allocate entitlement, will hinder the conclusion of any deal following litigation. Using a laboratory experiment, we test whether animosity generated before negotiations reduce the rate at which deals are successfully concluded and find evidence for a lower deal rate under one of the treatment conditions (the raw difference being three percentage points). The small practical effect may be attributed to rationality carrying the day and/or the limited degree of animosity we can generated in the lab with human subjects. The Coase theorem holds, while Farsworth's observation should not be ignored.

Role of Loading Rate on Cracking Behavior in Granite Disks With Laboratory Experiments and Grain‐Based Modeling

ABSTRACTThe investigation of the tensile properties of rock materials is essential for understanding the failure mechanism of engineering rock masses. In this study, we conducted a series of Brazilian splitting tests on granite specimens under three different loading rates, concurrently monitored using acoustic emission (AE) and digital image correlation (DIC) techniques. The results show that the mechanical parameters of granite disks are positively correlated with the loading rate. The AE waveforms are found to be associated with the lower frequency band, suggesting that this frequency range primarily dominates the failure mechanism in granite disks. Furthermore, the onset of micro‐tensile fractures precedes the development of micro‐shear ones. The elevation distribution of the fractured surfaces of the granite disks follows a Gaussian function. The fractal dimension increases progressively with the loading rate, whereas the complexity and irregularity of the fractured surface decrease. Moreover, the cracking mechanism of granite disks at the microscale was revealed using grain‐based modeling (GBM). The intergranular tensile cracks predominantly form along the radial direction, and the proportion of intergranular shear cracks is the smallest.

Typical Case Studies and Classification with Evaluation of Carbon Dioxide Geological Sequestration in Saline Aquifers

To achieve carbon neutrality in China’s fossil energy sector, saline aquifer CO2 geological storage has become a critical strategy. As research into carbon reduction and storage potential evaluation advances across various geological scales, the need arises for consolidating key CO2 storage cases and establishing a standardized classification system and evaluation methodology. This paper provides a comprehensive review of notable CO2 storage projects in saline aquifers, covering aspects such as project overviews, structural and reservoir characteristics, caprock integrity, and seismic monitoring protocols. Drawing on insights from mineral and oil and gas exploration, as well as international methods, this paper outlines the stages and potential levels of saline aquifer storage in China. It proposes an evaluation framework with formulas and reference values for key coefficients. The study includes successful global projects, such as Sleipner and Snøhvit in Norway, In Salah in Algeria, and Shenhua in China’s Ordos Basin, which provide valuable insights for long-term carbon capture and storage (CCS). By examining geological characteristics, injection, and monitoring protocols in these projects, this paper analyzes how geological features impact CO2 storage outcomes. For example, the Sleipner project’s success is linked to its straightforward structure, favorable reservoir properties, and stable caprock, while Snøhvit illustrates diverse structural suitability, and In Salah demonstrates the influence of fractures on storage efficacy. CO2 storage activities are segmented into four stages—survey, investigation, exploration, and injection—and are further categorized by storage potential: geological, technical, techno-economic, and engineering capacities. This study also presents evaluation levels (prediction, control, technically recoverable, and engineering) that support effective reservoir selection, potential classification, and calculations considering factors like reservoir stability and sealing efficacy. Depending on application needs, volumetric or mechanistic methods are recommended, with precise determination of geological, displacement, and cost coefficients. For China, a dynamic evaluation mechanism characterized by multi-scale, tiered approaches and increasing precision over time is essential for robust storage potential assessment. The levels and methods outlined here serve as a scientific foundation for regional and stage-based comparisons, guiding engineering approvals and underground space management. To align with practical engineering demands, ongoing innovation through laboratory experiments, simulations, and field practice is crucial, supporting continual refinement of formulas and key parameter determinations.

Inhibitory performance and mechanism analysis of modified fly-ash inhibitor on the coal spontaneous combustion: A combined study of laboratory experiments and molecular dynamic simulation

To effectively inhibit the occurrence and development of coal spontaneous combustion (CSC), ammonium polyphosphate was grafted onto fly ash cenospheres (FAC) through co-condensation, acid-base modification, and amidation to prepare a modified fly ash inhibitor (PMFAC) in this study. Then, SEM, TG-FTIR, in-situ FTIR, and molecular dynamics simulation were synthetically utilized to explore the inhibition effect and mechanism of PMFAC on CSC. The results demonstrated that the nitrogen- and phosphorus-containing compounds were successfully attached to the surface of PMFAC, which are effective components for inhibiting CSC. Besides, PMFAC effectively increased the characteristic temperatures in CSC process, and an addition of 45 % PMFAC increased the ignition point by 16 °C. The inhibitors can significantly inhibit the production of CO2, CO, CH4, and H2O during the CSC process. Additionally, PMFAC also had a strong inhibitory effect on hydroxyl, alkyl, and carbonyl groups involved in the reaction process. The Eα increased progressively with the increase of PMFAC concentration, with the largest growth rate reaching 64.4 %. The main reaction path of •OH/•O/O2 consumption during CSC under the action of PMFAC was obtained through molecular dynamics simulations. The research results have important theoretical and engineering significance for preventing CSC in goaf.

Heterogenous Chemistry of I2O3 as a Critical Step in Iodine Cycling.

Global iodine emissions have been increasing rapidly in recent decades, further influencing the Earth's climate and human health. However, our incomplete understanding of the iodine chemical cycle, especially the fate of higher iodine oxides, introduces substantial uncertainties into atmospheric modeling. I2O3 was previously deemed a "dead end" in iodine chemistry; however, we provide atomic-level evidence that I2O3 can undergo rapid air-water or air-ice interfacial reactions within several picoseconds; these reactions are facilitated by prevalent chemicals on seawater such as amines and halide ions, to produce photolabile reactive iodine species such as HOI and IX (X = I, Br, and Cl). The heterogeneous chemistry of I2O3 leads to the rapid formation of iodate ions (IO3-), which is the predominant soluble iodine and its concentration cannot be well explained by current chemistry. These new loss pathways for atmospheric I2O3 can further explain its absence in field observations and its presence in laboratory experiments; furthermore, these pathways represent a heterogeneous recycling mechanism that can activate the release of reactive iodine from oceans, polar ice/snowpack, or aerosols. Rapid reactive adsorption of I2O3 can also promote the growth of marine aerosols. These findings provide novel insights into iodine geochemical cycling.

Mechanical properties of high-volume fly ash concrete with varying fly ash content

Fly ash is widely used as a replacement for cement to produce more environmentally friendly concrete with reliable performance in construction applications. Therefore, this research aimed to analyze the mechanical properties of high-volume fly ash concrete (HVFAC) using class F fly ash with different percentages. Performance tests that were carried out included workability, unit weight, and compressive strength. Laboratory experiments were conducted by making 5 variations of mix design, namely variation 1 (FA0), which consisted of normal concrete with a control test material of 100% Portland cement. The other 4 variations were HVFAC (FA70, FA80, FA90, and FA100), which were made with fly ash content comprising 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100% of the total binders/cementitious. Fresh concrete was tested for workability, while hardened concrete was tested for unit weight and compressive strength at ages 3, 7, and 28 days on test specimens subjected to water immersion curing. The results showed that all workability of HVFAC test specimens met the self-consolidated concrete (SCC) category. The dry unit weight of all specimens met the requirements for normal-weight concrete. The results of the compressive strength test at 28 days showed that the addition of fly ash percentage caused a decrease in the compressive strength value of the entire HVFAC, but still exceeded the minimum requirements for high-quality concrete. HVFAC with variations FA70, FA80, and FA90 met the requirements of ASTM C618-12a based on the evaluation of Strength Activity Index (SAI) values at 7 and 28 days of age, while FA100 did not meet the requirements.

CSUPASZ LEJTŐK KARRJAINAK VIZSGÁLATA

This study deals with the karren formation of bare surfaces. The used methods are theoretical calculations, field mapping, laboratory experiments, and digital modelling. The denudation rate of karren surfaces on bare slopes and based on the data of measurements, the denudation rate of karren in different vegetation belts were given. Mostly, the development of rinnenkarren and meanderkarren was analysed. A function relation was determined between the density of rinnenkarren types and the slope angle. The effect of the main channel and tributary channels on each other was studied by computer modelling. The impact of the wind on the development of karren and the conditions for the development of tropical karren was also investigated.

Understanding the Impact of Soil Characteristics and Field Management Strategies on the Degradation of a Sprayable, Biodegradable Polymeric Mulch

The use of non-degradable plastic mulch has become an essential agricultural practice for increasing crop yields, but continued use has led to contamination problems and in some cropping areas decreases in agricultural productivity. The subsequent emergence of biodegradable plastic mulches is a technological solution to these issues, so it is important to understand how different soil characteristics and field management strategies will affect the rate at which these new materials degrade in nature. In this work, a series of lab-scale hydrolytic degradation experiments were conducted to determine how different soil characteristics (type, pH, microbial community composition, and particle size) affected the degradation rate of a sprayable polyester–urethane–urea (PEUU) developed as a biodegradable mulch. The laboratory experiments were coupled with long-term, outdoor, soil degradation studies, carried out in Clayton, Victoria, to build a picture of important factors that can control the rate of PEUU degradation. It was found that temperature and acidity were the most important factors, with increasing temperature and decreasing pH leading to faster degradation. Other important factors affecting the rate of degradation were the composition of the soil microbial community, the mass loading of PEUU on soil, and the degree to which the PEUU was in contact with the soil.

Fragment viability, regenerative capacity and protoplast isolation of invasive Australian swamp stonecrop (Crassula helmsii)

Australian swamp stonecrop (Crassula helmsii) is an amphibious plant native to Australasia and highly invasive in Europe. Managing the spread and impacts of this invader is challenging due to its ability to regenerate from small vegetative plant fragments. In several infested water systems in the Netherlands, the dispersal of this species is currently being prevented using water filters with a mesh size as small as 1 mm2 in their outflows. However, it remains unclear whether these filters are truly capable of preventing the spread of small regenerative fragments. To identify potential shortcomings in the management of C. helmsii dispersal, we investigated the regeneration of detached vegetative fragments. A laboratory experiment was conducted to study the regenerative capacity of C. helmsii fragments of varying sizes (0.5–2 mm). We examined the growth performance (stem count, cumulative stem length) of fragments originating from nodes, leaves, shoots, roots, and meristem tissue cuts. All fragments originating from nodal tissue were able to successfully regenerate. Isolated meristem tissue of 0.5 mm was able to regenerate but exhibited malformed growth. Shoot tips demonstrated the best growth performance. While we successfully isolated protoplasts from C. helmsii node tissue, our cultures were compromised, and regeneration could not be assessed. Our research indicates regenerative potential from node fragments as small as a cluster of apical meristem cells. These findings suggest shortcomings in current measures for dispersal prevention of C. helmsii, as they do not prevent the dispersal of plant fragments with a length <2 mm. We recommend re-evaluating the effectiveness of various types of dispersal barriers currently applied in vulnerable natural areas to prevent the spread and subsequent regeneration of small vegetative fragments of C. helmsii.

Gibbs states and Brownian models for coexisting haze and cloud droplets.

Cloud microphysics studies include how tiny cloud droplets grow and become rain. This is crucial for understanding cloud properties like size, life span, and impact on climate through radiative effects. Small weak-updraft clouds near the haze-to-cloud transition are especially difficult to measure and understand. They are abundant but hard to capture by satellites. Köhler's theory explains initial droplet growth but struggles with large particle groups. Here, we present a stochastic, analytical framework building on Köhler's theory to account for (monodisperse) aerosols and cloud droplet interaction through competitive growth in a limited water vapor field. These interactions are modeled by sink terms, while fluctuations in supersaturation affecting droplet growth are modeled by nonlinear white noise terms. Our results identify hysteresis mechanisms in the droplet activation and deactivation processes. Our approach allows for multimodal cloud's droplet size distributions supported by laboratory experiments, offering a different perspective on haze-to-cloud transition and small cloud formation.

Application of neural networks for determining the parameters of PVT-models used in solving hydrodynamic modeling problems

The article presents an overview of the application of machine learning models for problems of modeling the phase state of hydrocarbon systems. Determination of the state of a hydrocarbon system is possible in the presence of nonhydrocarbon components when performing hydrodynamic calculations on multiphase models. Such calculations are in demand when solving problems of both forecasting and adapting models to actual development data. It is shown that when adjusting models to actual data, the accuracy of reproducing laboratory experiments is in some cases higher than when using equations of state. But in some cases, the use of neural networks turns out to be useless. For relatively “simple” fluid systems, an increase in the complexity of the tool used does not provide an increase in accuracy compared to simple regression models. Another problem is the lack of a working tool that would completely replace the use of equations of state to assess the state of a fluid model when performing hydrodynamic calculations.

The Effect of Virtual Laboratories on the Academic Achievement of Undergraduate Chemistry Students: Quasi-Experimental Study.

Experimentation is crucial in chemistry education as it links practical experience with theoretical concepts. However, practical chemistry courses typically rely on real laboratory experiments and often face challenges such as limited resources, equipment shortages, and logistical constraints in university settings. To address these challenges, computer-based laboratories have been introduced as a potential solution, offering electronic simulations that replicate real laboratory experiences. This study examines the effect of virtual laboratories on the academic achievement of undergraduate chemistry students and evaluates their potential as a viable alternative or complement to traditional laboratory-based instruction. A quasi-experimental design was implemented to examine the cause-and-effect relationship between instructional methods and student outcomes. The study involved 60 fourth-year BSc chemistry students from Dilla University, divided into 3 groups: a real laboratory group (n=20), which performed real laboratory experiments; a virtual group (n=20), which used virtual laboratory simulations; and a lecture group (n=20), which received lecture-based instruction. Quantitative data were collected through tests administered before and after the intervention to assess academic performance. The data analysis used descriptive and inferential statistics, such as means and SDs, 1-way ANOVA, the Tukey honestly significant difference test, and independent-sample t tests (2-tailed), with a P value of .05 set for determining statistical significance. Before the intervention, the results indicated no significant differences in academic achievement among the 3 groups (P=.99). However, after the intervention, notable differences were observed in student performance across the methods. The real laboratory group had the highest mean posttest score (mean 62.6, SD 10.7), followed by the virtual laboratory group (mean 55.5, SD 6.8) and the lecture-only group, which had the lowest mean score (mean 43.7, SD 11.5). ANOVA results confirmed significant differences between the groups (F2,57=18.429; P<.001). The Tukey post hoc test further revealed that the real laboratory group significantly outperformed the lecture-only group (mean difference 18.88; P<.001), while the virtual laboratory group also performed significantly better than the lecture-only group (mean difference 11.7; P=.001). However, no statistically significant difference was found between the real laboratory and virtual laboratory groups (mean difference 7.12; P=.07). In addition, gender did not significantly influence performance in the virtual laboratory group (P=.21), with no substantial difference in posttest scores between male and female students. These findings suggest that computer-based laboratories are a viable and effective alternative when real laboratories are unavailable, enhancing learning outcomes when compared with traditional lecture-based methods. Therefore, universities should consider integrating computer-based laboratories into their practical chemistry curricula to provide students with interactive and engaging learning experiences, especially when physical laboratories are inaccessible.

ANALISIS KANDUNGAN SULFUR, NITROGEN, DAN KLORIN DALAM BIOPELLET BERBASIS LIMBAH PADAT KAYU PUTIH DAN GONDORUKEM

In recent years, a transition towards renewable energy sources has begun to reduce fossil energy usage. One alternative renewable energy source is biopellets, which have gained public interest as an environmentally friendly fuel. Biopellets are a type of renewable energy derived from biomass, which, if it emits too much carbon, can lead to pollution. Carbon emissions are also related to combustion efficiency, as complete combustion can help reduce carbon emissions. This study aims to determine combustion emissions and combustion efficiency of biopellets made from eucalyptus solid waste with the addition of rosin to optimize the use of raw materials as renewable energy. The study employs an experimental laboratory approach with a factorial design to test the impact of sulfur, chlorine, and nitrogen content on the combustion efficiency of biopellets made from eucalyptus waste and rosin. Results indicate that the sulfur and chlorine content remain above the French standard (ITEBE), at 0.31% and 1.12%, respectively, while nitrogen content is below the standard at 0.48%. The resulting combustion efficiency ranges between 9.569% and 9.701%.

Understanding the determinants of consumer grocery stockpiling behavior

AbstractGrocery stockpiling is a common behavioral response to the emergence of disasters or heightened uncertainty. Nonetheless, the phenomenon and methods for mitigating it are not well understood. Using a model of household shopping and inventory management, we conceptualize stockpiling as a result of an increase in the fixed cost of making grocery shopping trips, or the opportunity cost of time associated with shopping. In a laboratory experiment, we find that stockpiling increases (decreases) by 78 and 41% (22%) with an increase in fixed costs and price reductions (imposition of purchase limits), respectively. We also find that stockpiling leads to fewer (more) grocery trips by 33 and 22% (36%) under the same three conditions, respectively. Our experiment and subsequent cluster analysis suggest that loss aversion suppresses stockpiling. Our experiment shows that imposing purchase limits, a common retail response to stock‐outs, can trigger stockpiling during shopping trips without purchase limits. Although we do not claim external validity, our study suggests that store managers and policymakers should be careful about solutions during a stockpiling event, such that they do not exacerbate stockpiling, which may disproportionately affect vulnerable groups and disrupt supply chains.

Shortcuts to insincerity: Texting abbreviations seem insincere and not worth answering.

As social interactions increasingly move to digital platforms, communicators confront new factors that enhance or diminish virtual interactions. Texting abbreviations, for instance, are now pervasive in digital communication-but do they enhance or diminish interactions? The present study examines the influence of texting abbreviation usage on interpersonal perceptions. We explore how texting abbreviations affect perceived sender sincerity and the subsequent likelihood that recipients respond. Eight preregistered studies (N = 5,306) using mixed methods (e.g., surveys, field and lab experiments, and archival analysis of Tinder conversations) find that abbreviations make senders seem less sincere and recipients less likely to write back. These negative effects arise because abbreviations signal a lower level of effort from the sender. Communicator familiarity and text exchange length do not attenuate these effects, providing evidence for a robust phenomenon. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Reference-free distributed monitoring of deflections in multi-span bridges

The research presented herein pertains to developing a reference-free technique for monitoring bridge deflections under operational conditions. The method is based on monitoring the distributed strains along the length of bridges and employing the Inverse Finite Element Method (iFEM) to compute the deflection for the entire length of bridges. Distributed sensing of strains was achieved by a Brillouin Optical Time Domain Analysis system (BOTDA). The dynamic strains were then used in the iFEM algorithm to calculate the deflections of the structure. This approach computes structural displacements by a variational principle with minimal computational cost. Because of its independence from loads and material properties, the proposed methodology monitors the dynamic deflections during bridge routine traffic operations, and it is potentially viable for real-time monitoring. The approach is validated through two comprehensive case studies, including a laboratory experiment and a field application on a multi-span concrete bridge.