Innovation of edible coating based on sugarcane bagasse and avocado seeds with integrated moringa leaf fortification and QR code technology as fruit protection

Background: Fruits are one of the leading agricultural commodities in Indonesia, with abundant availability and high consumption rates. Improper fruit storage can cause fruits to spoil quickly and increase organic waste. Sugarcane bagasse waste is one of the largest contributors to organic waste in Indonesia's agricultural sector. On the other hand, avocado seeds are often considered waste because people generally only consume the fruit flesh and discard the seeds without utilizing them. Both types of waste have the potential to be used as biodegradable and environmentally friendly edible coatings for fruits. This scientific study aims to explain the edible coating made from sugarcane bagasse and avocado seeds fortified with moringa leaves as an innovation in addressing issues in the food industry, particularly regarding the quality of fruit flesh that easily spoils due to improper packaging. Methods: The edible coating was produced through the extraction of sugarcane bagasse, avocado seeds, and moringa leaves, followed by homogenization for coating preparation. The edible coating can then be applied to the fruit. The writing method used in this scientific work is based on literature studies from data and information obtained through books, scientific journals, and several relevant sources. Findings: The results indicate that edible coating based on sugarcane bagasse waste has the potential to maintain fruit quality because it contains approximately 40-50% cellulose, which can be used as a base material for natural biopolymers in edible coating. The addition of avocado seeds acts as an antibacterial, antioxidant, starch, and lipid to form a strong, flexible, and water-resistant edible coating structure. The addition of moringa leaves acts as a fortifier for the fruit. Conclusion: The development of edible coatings based on sugarcane bagasse waste and avocado seeds will create an innovative fruit wrapper that preserves fruit quality and is environmentally friendly. Novelty/Originality of this article: Edible coatings on the market generally focus only on the wrapping layer to protect the fruit, without considering the nutritional content of the fruit, which decreases over time. Fortifying edible coatings with moringa leaves can help maintain and enhance fruit nutrients while preventing nutrient loss due to oxidation. This innovation is integrated with barcode technology to provide information about the advantages of edible coatings based on sugarcane bagasse and avocado seeds fortified with moringa leaves

The relationship between nitrate and phosphate nutrients and phytoplankton abundance in coastal waters: Implications for ecosystem dynamics

Background: The presence and abundance of phytoplankton are closely related to the physical and chemical parameters of water. Phytoplankton play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems as primary producers and nutrient absorbers. This study aims to analyze the relationship between nitrate and phosphate nutrient content and the abundance of phytoplankton in the Arungkeke Waters, Jeneponto Regency. Methods: This research utilized a combination of field measurements and laboratory analysis. Direct measurements in the Arungkeke waters were conducted to assess surface water parameters, including temperature, salinity, current velocity, transparency, and ph. Water samples were collected for laboratory analysis of phytoplankton composition and abundance, as well as nitrate and phosphate concentrations. Regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between nutrient concentrations and phytoplankton abundance. Findings: The study identified two classes of phytoplankton present in the Arungkeke waters: Bacillariophyceae and Dinophyceae. Oceanographic parameters were measured, with temperature ranging from 28.3°C to 29.7°C, current velocity from 0.039 m/s to 0.073 m/s, salinity from 29.3 ppt to 32 ppt, transparency from 1.9 m to 2.3 m, and ph from 7.3 to 7.4. Nitrate concentrations ranged from 0.042 mg/L to 0.076 mg/L, while phosphate concentrations ranged from 0.046 mg/L to 0.056 mg/L. The regression analysis revealed a moderate relationship between phytoplankton abundance and nutrient concentrations, with an R² value of 0.44. Conclusions: The study concludes that phytoplankton abundance in the Arungkeke Waters is influenced by nitrate and phosphate concentrations, with a moderate correlation observed. The presence of Bacillariophyceae and Dinophyceae classes indicates the ecological significance of these waters as a primary production area. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study provides valuable insights into the interaction between nutrient dynamics and phytoplankton abundance in the Arungkeke Waters, which is a relatively understudied area. By identifying the classes of phytoplankton present and quantifying their relationship with key nutrients, this research contributes to a better understanding of the ecological processes in coastal waters

Utilization of POME waste as a renewable energy source in the life cycle concept of palm oil biodiesel

Background: In 2024, Indonesia, an importer of crude oil and fuel, is shifting focus to renewable energy as fossil fuel production declines. This research aims to develop a life cycle concept for biodiesel production from palm oil, addressing environmental concerns related to emissions from FFB, CPO, and biodiesel production processes. Methods: The method used in this research is a combination of quantitative LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) and AHP (Analytical Hierarchy Process) along with qualitative methods. Findings:  This research identifies and evaluates the alternative utilization of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) waste with certain priority weights. The results showed that biodiesel production from palm oil requires various significant inputs, such as NPK fertilizer, herbicides, water, diesel, and Crude Palm Oil (CPO), resulting in environmental emissions in the form of CO2 of 1489 Kg CO2 (eq) per ton of biodiesel, as well as contributions to eutrophication and acidification. The LCI (Life Cycle Inventory) analysis also identified that the largest CO2 emissions came from POME waste (53%), followed by NPK fertilizer (23%), methanol (18%), and diesel oil (7%), while eutrophication and acidification indicated significant contributions from NPK fertilizer, methanol, diesel oil, and POME waste. These findings confirm the importance of utilizing POME waste as an optimal step to reduce CO2 emissions with a potential reduction of up to 667.2 Kg CO2 through a more sustainable biodiesel production life cycle concept. Conclusion: From this result, researchers recommend that palm oil companies start replacing chemical fertilizers with organic fertilizers to reduce environmental impacts, and encourage the utilization of POME waste at Palm Oil Mills as a source of biogas for renewable energy. At the biodiesel industry level, increasing the methanol recycling rate is proposed to improve efficiency and reduce emissions at the downstream stage of biodiesel production. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study identifies and evaluates alternatives for utilizing Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) waste with certain priority weights

In silico development and evaluation of pyruvic acid derivatives as potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents

Background: Drug development is a process aimed at creating new drugs with enhanced biological activity through various approaches. One such approach is the rational design of new compound candidates using computer-based or in silico modeling technologies, such as molecular docking. Pyruvic acid is known to possess various pharmacological activities, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Derivatives of pyruvic acid have the potential to be developed as candidate analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs. This study explores the in silico development and evaluation of pyruvic acid derivatives as potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug candidates. Methods: Drug-likeness was evaluated using Lipinski's Rule of Five via pkCSM, while pharmacokinetic and toxicity profiles were predicted using the same platform. Molecular docking was performed on the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme (PDB ID: 5IKR) using Molegro Virtual Docker 6.0. Findings: All test compounds met drug-likeness criteria. Compounds H6, H8, H9, H11, H17, and H18 exhibited superior binding affinities compared to paracetamol. Several compounds, including H8 and H10, demonstrated lower predicted toxicity compared to paracetamol. All test compound exhibits favorable pharmacokinetics properties based on the pkCSM preditive model. Conclusion: From this results, compound H6 and H8 emerged as the most promising candidate, exhibiting optimal characteristics across all evaluated parameters. These findings support further development of H6 and H8 as potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent targeting COX-2 Inhibition. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study developed and evaluated pyruvic acid derivative compounds as novel analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents based on in silico studies

A spatial and temporal assessment of Maleo (Macrocephalon maleo) nesting behavior and habitat preferences through integrated field and modeling approaches

Background: The Maleo (Macrocephalon maleo) is a Sulawesi-endemic bird with high conservation concern due to habitat degradation and population decline. The Panua Nature Reserve is a key Maleo habitat in Gorontalo Province, yet lacks updated data on habitat use and distribution patterns. This study aims to analyze Maleo presence in nesting grounds, evaluate habitat utilization, predict its distribution, and provide conservation recommendations. Methods: The research used direct surveys via camera traps and spatial modeling using the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) algorithm. Data were collected over five months, and analysis included the Relative Abundance Index (RAI) and occupancy modeling to assess habitat suitability and species detection. Finding: Maleo nesting pairs increased by 68.52% from 2022 to 2023. The species exhibited bimodal daily activity (peaks at 06:00–09:00 and 16:00–18:00), with habitat preference for geothermal zones and coastal forests. The RAI was 9.33%, and occupancy rate was estimated at 55%. MaxEnt modeling revealed 7,544.78 ha of highly suitable habitat, concentrated in grids N10, J13, K14, and M09, with an AUC of 0.826, indicating high predictive accuracy. Conclusion: Maleo birds in Panua Nature Reserve are showing a positive nesting trend. However, habitat fragmentation and human activities continue to threaten their sustainability. Strategic management is needed to maintain habitat integrity and support species conservation. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study integrates field-based camera trap data with predictive spatial modeling to provide a comprehensive habitat suitability analysis for the endangered Maleo in Panua Nature Reserve—an approach not yet applied in this location. The findings offer actionable conservation insights and prioritize critical zones for protection

Analysis of primary productivity and phytoplankton abundance across coastal ecosystems: Implications for sustainable aquaculture and ecosystem management

Background: The coastal waters of Maros, encompassing ponds, estuaries, and open seas, exhibit diverse environmental conditions influencing primary productivity and phytoplankton abundance. Understanding these variations is crucial for sustainable management of coastal ecosystems and the optimization of aquaculture activities. This study analyzed primary productivity and phytoplankton abundance across three distinct Methods: ecosystems: ponds, estuaries, and seas in the coastal waters of Maros. Sampling was conducted using a stratified approach, measuring key environmental parameters such as nutrient concentrations, salinity, and temperature. Phytoplankton abundance was quantified using microscopy, while primary productivity was assessed through light-dark bottle techniques. Results: The findings revealed significant differences in primary productivity and phytoplankton abundance among the ecosystems. Ponds exhibited the highest primary productivity due to elevated nutrient input from anthropogenic activities, while estuaries displayed moderate productivity influenced by fluctuating salinity and nutrient mixing. The sea, despite having lower productivity, showed higher phytoplankton diversity due to stable environmental conditions. Each ecosystem was dominated by distinct phytoplankton species adapted to their specific environmental characteristics. Conclusion: This study highlights the substantial impact of environmental factors on primary productivity and phytoplankton distribution in the coastal waters of Maros. The findings provide insights into the ecological dynamics of these ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of tailored management strategies to balance aquaculture practices and ecosystem sustainability. Novelty/Originality of this article: This research provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of primary productivity and phytoplankton abundance across three interconnected ecosystems in Maros, offering novel insights into their ecological interactions and implications for sustainable aquaculture and coastal management

Community structure of Crabs (Crustacea: Decapoda): Response to vegetation variation and environmental parameters in mangrove ecosystems

Background: Mangrove ecosystems are crucial for maintaining biodiversity, including crab communities, which are vital to the stability of these ecosystems. Crabs contribute to nutrient cycling and the food web, reinforcing the overall ecological health of coastal habitats. This study focuses on the crab communities in the mangrove area of Tabongo Village, Dulupi District, Boalemo Regency, examining how environmental conditions affect their distribution and diversity. Methods: The research involved surveys at three stations representing different mangrove vegetation conditions. Crab species were identified and their diversity and abundance recorded. Environmental parameters, such as temperature, salinity, and pH, were measured, and the diversity index (H') was calculated to assess species diversity and the relationship between crab communities  and environmental factors. Findings: A total of 11 crab species from 4 families were identified, including Uca (Paraleptuca) annulipes and Ocypode ceratophthalmus. The diversity index ranged from 1.3 to 1.6, indicating moderate diversity. Environmental conditions, with temperatures between 32–34 °C, salinity from 13–19 ppt, and pH from 6.5 to 7, were conducive to crab survival. Station III, with healthier mangrove vegetation, supported greater crab diversity and abundance compared to degraded stations. Conclusion: The study highlights the crucial role of healthy mangrove ecosystems in sustaining crab biodiversity and ecosystem stability. It underscores the importance of mangrove conservation for maintaining biodiversity and protecting coastal ecosystems from degradation. Novelty/Originality of this article: By linking the health of mangrove ecosystems to crab diversity and abundance, it emphasizes the direct impact of environmental factors on crab populations. The findings highlight the importance of mangrove conservation not only for species richness but also for maintaining the ecological balance in coastal ecosystems, offering valuable data for future biodiversity management and conservation efforts

Ecosystem-based mangrove conservation strategies and the role of communities for sustainable management

​​​Background: Mangrove ecosystems provide essential ecological, economic, and social benefits but face significant degradation from human and natural pressures. This study analyzes ecosystem-based conservation strategies in Muara Gembong District, focusing on integrating conservation with sustainable economic activities. Methods: A qualitative descriptive approach was employed through literature reviews and field observations, examining ecotourism and silvofishery systems, community involvement, and institutional capacity. Findings: Results highlight the importance of community participation in mangrove conservation through ecotourism and silvofishery systems. Key challenges include economic pressures, sectoral conflicts, weak institutional capacity, and limited technology. Collaboration among stakeholders, supported by education and policy reinforcement, is essential for success. Conclusion: A holistic approach combining ecological, social, and economic aspects is vital for sustainable mangrove conservation in Muara Gembong. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study integrates ecological, social, and economic dimensions into a cohesive conservation strategy, emphasizing community participation and collaborative governance.&nbsp

Hatching success rate of sea turtle in the north coast of Pinrang Regency, South Sulawesi

Background: Turtles are endangered marine reptile species due to various factors, including hunting, habitat loss, and predation. Therefore, practical conservation efforts are essential to protect turtle populations. One effective conservation strategy is to transfer turtle eggs to safe semi-natural nests. Method: This study was conducted in Turtle Village, Pinrang Regency. Leatherback and Green Turtle eggs were collected from natural nests along the coast and transferred to semi-natural nests. Observations were made to measure the hatching success rate of the eggs, and factors such as temperature, incubation period, predators, microorganism development, and changes in egg position were also recorded and analyzed. Findings: The results showed that the hatching success rate of eggs in semi-natural nests reached 80.23%. The highest hatching percentage was 86.36%, and the lowest was 68.33%. Factors that influenced hatching success included temperature and incubation period while hatching failure was caused by predators, microorganism development, and changes in egg position. Conclusion: This study shows that semi-natural nests in Turtle Village have a high hatching success rate with supportive environmental conditions and proper egg transmission. This indicates that conservation efforts through egg transfer to semi-natural nests can effectively increase turtle populations. Novelty/Originality of this study: It contributes to turtle conservation by demonstrating the effectiveness of semi-natural nests in increasing the hatching success rate of Leatherback and Green Turtle eggs. This approach can serve as a model for turtle conservation programs in other areas facing similar challenges

Representasi etnis Tionghoa dalam media: Analisis perbandingan di media berita daring tirto.id, republika.co.id, dan tempo.co

Ethnic representation in media is one the most powerful factor in forming people’s perception towards certain ethnic.  In Indonesia, Chinese-Indonesian is the ethnic minority who often receive inequal representation  in media, especially in online news site. This research aims to analyze representation of Chinese-Indonesian ethnic in three different online news media. The objective of the research is to compare the representation trend of Chinese-Indonesian in these three online news site during sensitive and neutral situation as well as the factors influencing the trend