Application of Culturally Responsive Transformative Teaching (CRTT) Model Assisted by Podcast and E-Assessment to Improve Students Science Literacy and Critical Thinking

This study investigates the implementation of the Culturally Responsive Transformative Teaching (CRTT) model integrated with podcast media, culture-based worksheets (LKPD), and e-assessment in relation to students’ science literacy and critical thinking skills. A quasi experimental design with a non-equivalent group structure was employed, involving 72 students from two classes, consisting of one experimental group receiving the integrated intervention and one comparison group experiencing conventional instruction. Podcast media were used to deliver contextual and narrative-based content on global warming, while CRTT stages cultural understanding, collaboration, and transformative construction guided classroom activities. Student outcomes were measured using science literacy and critical thinking tests administered through e-assessment. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test to compare differences between groups for each dependent variable. The results indicated statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in both science literacy and critical thinking scores between the experimental and comparison groups. However, given that the intervention simultaneously combined multiple components (CRTT model, podcast media, culture-based LKPD, and e-assessment), the observed effects cannot be attributed to a single instructional element in isolation.Overall, the findings suggest that the integrated approach is associated with improved student outcomes, although further research using more controlled designs is needed to disentangle the specific contribution of each component

Determination of Total Flavonoid Content and antibacterial activity of Nanogel combination of Red Betel Leaf and Tapak Liman

Flavonoids are secondary metabolites with antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to determine the total flavonoid content of red betel (Piper crocatum) and tapak liman (Elephantopus scaber L.) extracts and to formulate them into nanogel preparations. Extraction was carried out by maceration using 70% ethanol, and total flavonoid content was measured by UV-Vis spectrophotometry with quercetin as the standard. The results showed that red betel extract contained the highest flavonoid level (75.15 ± 0.55 mg QE/g), while tapak liman extract had 22.10 ± 0.25 mg QE/g. The combined nanogel formulations contained 39.66–40.30 mg QE/g of flavonoids and met topical preparation standards, with Formula 2 showing the most optimal characteristics (particle size ±255 nm, physiological pH, good homogeneity). Antibacterial testing confirmed that all formulas inhibited Staphylococcus aureus, with Formula 3 exhibiting the strongest activity. These findings indicate that red betel and tapak liman extracts can be successfully developed into nanogel formulations as promising modern herbal preparations.

AI-Assisted Ethnographic Reconstruction of Granulated Palm Sugar Indigenous Food Chemistry as a Contextual Resource for Chemistry Learning

This study analyzes traditional granulated palm sugar (gula semut) production as an ethno-chemical system for contextual carbohydrate food chemistry learning through an AI-assisted applied ethnographic approach. Public YouTube videos and short online news features were treated as mediated field sites. From more than 200 sources, 53 eligible videos were selected and transcribed through a systematic data-processing workflow. Data analysis followed Miles and Huberman’s interactive model and Strauss and Corbin’s open–axial–selective coding, supported by a large language model to identify recurring practices and relate them to underlying chemical mechanisms. Four production stages were reconstructed, covering sap collection and initial processing, heating–concentration–early crystallization, crystallization and granulation, and drying–stabilization–packaging. The heating, concentration, and early crystallization stage emerged as the central physicochemical control window, where producers regulate fire intensity, foam behavior, evaporation, viscosity, color, and aroma to control concentration increase, boiling-point elevation, non-enzymatic browning, and the approach to supersaturation. Environmental conditions, fuel choice, cleanliness, and informal pH boundaries also function as additional control layers influencing product quality. The study generates practice-to-concept evidence maps and exemplar learning activities aligned with curriculum topics such as colligative properties, thermochemistry, reaction rates, and physical versus chemical change. These findings suggest that ethno-chemical reconstruction can support culturally grounded chemistry education by transforming local production practices into scientifically meaningful and pedagogically usable learning context

LC-MS/MS Metabolite Profiling of Meistera aculeata (Roxb.) Škorničk. & M.F. Newman (Susube) and Preliminary Brine Shrimp Lethality Screening

Meistera aculeata (Roxb.) Škorničk. & M.F. Newman is a species of the Zingiberaceae family distributed in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, particularly in Konawe Regency. The fruits are traditionally consumed and used as a culinary spice by the Tolakinese community. However, information regarding its metabolite composition and biological activities remains limited. This study aimed to profile putative metabolites using LC–MS/MS and to evaluate preliminary lethality using the Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT). Dried powders of rhizomes, stems, leaves, and fruits were extracted by maceration with methanol. Metabolite annotation was performed using LC–MS/MS, while cytotoxic potential was assessed through BSLT. The analysis tentatively detected 13 metabolites dominated by flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, and terpenoids. Methanol extracts of rhizomes, stems, leaves, and fruits showed toxic activity with LC₅₀ values of 56.6 ± 9.9, 70.1 ± 8.1, 71.6 ± 9.3, and 115.5 ± 13.5 μg/mL, respectively, compared with K₂Cr₂O₇ as a positive control (LC₅₀ 11.5 ± 1.6 μg/mL). Literature comparison suggests that although these metabolites have been reported in other plant species, their occurrence in M. aculeata is reported here for the first time. The BSLT results indicate preliminary cytotoxic activity, suggesting the presence of bioactive compounds. These findings support further chemotaxonomic and pharmacological investigations to identify potential marker compounds and expand knowledge of metabolites within the Zingiberaceae family, particularly the genus Meistera

Molecular Docking Study of Active Compounds in White Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) on Progesterone Receptor (PRG) as an Anti-Cancer Agent

White radish (Raphanus sativus L.) contains various bioactive compounds that may contribute to different biological activities. This study aimed to evaluate the interaction of selected white radish compounds with the progesterone receptor (PRG) using an in silico molecular docking approach as a preliminary step for anticancer screening. Molecular docking was performed using AutoDock 4, BIOVIA Discovery Studio, and PyMOL to assess binding affinity, Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD), and amino acid interactions. Among the five tested white radish compounds, glucoraphanin had the best docking score (–4.8 kcal/mol) for the progesterone receptor. However, this binding affinity remained weaker than that of the control ligand tamoxifen (–6.19 kcal/mol). Molecular interaction analysis indicated that glucoraphanin formed interactions with several key amino acid residues within the receptor binding site. Docking validation produced an RMSD value of <2 Å, indicating acceptable docking reliability. These findings suggest that glucoraphanin from white radish may interact with the progesterone receptor and warrant further investigation. Nevertheless, further experimental studies are required to confirm its potential biological activit

Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study: Mechanism Of Cationic And Anionic Dyes Adsorption On Montmorillonite

Discharging dye-containing wastewater can severely degrade water quality. Adsorption is widely studied because it is selective, effective, and relatively low cost. This work examines adsorption of a cationic dye, crystal violet (CV), and an anionic dye, congo red (CR), on montmorillonite clay (MMT) using molecular dynamics simulations in GROMACS. Molecular topologies were built with a combined ClayFF and CHARMM36 force field. Simulations used a 6 nm × 6 nm × 6 nm box filled with SPC/E water (spce.gro). After minimization and NVT and NPT equilibration, production runs were carried out for 50 ns (25,000,000 steps) with a 2 fs time step at 300 K and 1 bar. Single-dye and mixed-dye systems were compared to clarify adsorption mechanisms. In the single CV system, the best performance occurred at 20 CV molecules, giving 40% adsorption. Radial distribution analysis indicates that adsorption is dominated by van der Waals interactions between the negatively charged MMT surface and the CV quaternary ammonium site (-N+). In contrast, CR was not adsorbed in the single CR system because electrostatic repulsion prevents approach to the negatively charged clay. In mixed CV–CR systems, adsorption of both dyes increased, revealing synergistic behavior. CV enters the MMT interlayer and forms an organic phase, which then immobilizes CR through hydrophobic interactions, enabling CR adsorption despite its unfavorable electrostatics under realistic wastewater conditions

A Portable Laboratory Kit for Student Self-Learning on Factors That Affect Reactions

In chemistry practicums, students can enhance their scientific thinking skills and develop scientific attitudes. However, in some underprivileged schools, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, practicum activities were restricted due to the unavailability of laboratory tools and materials. To address this issue, a portable laboratory kit was developed to support practical learning experiences. This study aims to develop a portable laboratory tool model, integrating the Predict-Observe-Explain (POE) approach, to improve students' learning outcomes on reaction rates. This research employs a mixed-methods approach with an embedded experimental model, utilizing a one-group pretest-posttest design. The portable laboratory kit includes hands-on tools and materials, student worksheets, and teacher guides aligned with POE learning syntax. Three experts conducted validation and implementation involving 24 high school students. A novelty of this study lies in the practical worksheet design, which follows the POE learning syntax and fosters intertextual relationships across macroscopic, submicroscopic, and symbolic representations. The findings reveal a significant difference between pretest and posttest scores regarding students' understanding of factors affecting reaction rates. Specifically, the number of students who demonstrated complete understanding after the intervention was: nine for the effect of structure on reaction rate, 13 for the effect of ionization energy on reaction rate, and 20 for the effect of surface area on reaction rate. Regarding catalysts, 15 students fully understood the effect of a homogeneous catalyst, and 18 students understood the effect of a heterogeneous catalyst. Interviews with teachers and students further indicated that students found the approach novel, motivating them to engage more deeply. Additionally, many students expressed feeling particularly challenged during the prediction stage of the POE learning process

Improving electrochemical sensor performance for detection of 3-MCPD based on moleculary imprinted polymer-Nd2O3-Graphene

Palm oil is a key raw material in the food industry with significant strategic value. However, during the refining and deodorization processes, it can produce 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD), a compound known to be carcinogenic. Therefore, a detection method with high selectivity and sensitivity is essential. In this study, an electrochemical sensor based on molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) was developed and integrated with neodymium oxide–graphene (Nd₂O₃/Gr) nanocomposites. Characterization techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) confirmed the successful fabrication and favorable morphology of the MIPs–Nd₂O₃/Gr composites. The sensor’s performance was evaluated using Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV) and cyclic voltammetry methods. The incorporation of Nd₂O₃ and graphene significantly enhanced the sensor’s ability to detect 3-MCPD, demonstrating excellent linearity (R² = 0.9932) across a wide concentration range. Moreover, pH was found to play a critical role in low-concentration detection, influencing the sensor’s response. These findings indicate that the MIPs–Nd₂O₃/Gr sensor offers high selectivity and sensitivity, making it a promising candidate for monitoring 3-MCPD levels in food products and enhancing food safety control

Safer and Sustainable Co-precipitation Synthesis of NCA (LiNi0.80Co0.15Al0.05O2) Cathodes: Eliminating Ammonia in Favor of NaOH for pH Control

Developing safer and more sustainable synthesis routes for lithium ion battery cathodes is important for both environmental practice and laboratory education. This study reports an ammonia free oxalate coprecipitation route to synthesize LiNi0.80Co0.15Al0.05O2 (NCA), in which ammonia as the usual pH controller was fully replaced by sodium hydroxide (NaOH). NaOH dosage was varied at 20 g, 40 g, 60 g, and 80 g to control precipitation, precursor quality, and the properties of the final cathode after calcination and sintering. X ray diffraction confirmed formation of a layered α NaFeO2 type structure with R3m symmetry for all samples without detectable secondary phases. The 40 g NaOH condition showed the best structural ordering, reflected by a relatively high I(003)/I(104) intensity ratio associated with reduced cation mixing. Fourier transform infrared spectra verified oxalate ligand decomposition during thermal treatment and the appearance of metal oxygen lattice vibrations consistent with NCA formation. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the 40 g NaOH sample produced more uniform particles with a narrower size distribution than other variants. Based on these results, the 40 g NaOH sample was selected for electrochemical evaluation and delivered an initial discharge capacity of about 110 mAh/g at 0.1 C in a full cell configuration. Overall, NaOH is demonstrated as an effective and safer substitute for ammonia in oxalate coprecipitation, enabling greener NCA synthesis protocols for research and teaching

Synthesis, Characterization, and Antibacterial Activity of ZnO-CuO Nanoparticles Embedded in Chitosan and Polyvinyl Alcohol as Supporting Materials

The biosynthesis of bimetallic metal nanoparticles (ZnO–CuO) and their interaction with chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) have garnered significant attention in recent years, primarily due to their promising antibacterial applications. This work proposes the bio-fabrication of ZnO–CuO nanoparticles, chitosan–PVA–ZnO–CuO nanoparticle films, and reports their physicochemical and antibacterial potential. Green betel leaves (Piper betle L.) ethanol extract was used to synthesize ZnO–CuO nanoparticles. For as-prepared bimetallic NPs, chitosan (CS), PVA, and bimetallic NPs-based films were fabricated using the casting technique. The films were investigated by Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and the antibacterial activity was evaluated by the agar diffusion method. FT-IR measurements showed the presence of Zn–O and Cu–O functional groups at 396 cm⁻¹ and 418 cm⁻¹ in the nanoparticles, and the films A, B, and C, these bands were observed at 394–395 cm⁻¹ (Zn–O) and 409–416 cm⁻¹ (Cu–O). Crystallite sizes of ZnO, CuO, and ZnO–CuO NPs were 4.845 nm, 54.143 nm, and 5.306 nm, respectively. SEM examination showed that the surface of the films was rough and not homogeneous. Antibacterial experiments revealed the better inhibitory activity of film C than film A and film B. The advantage of the antibacterial property was attributed to the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by the ZnO–CuO in collaboration with chitosan. These results indicate that chitosan/PVA film loaded with ZnO–CuO NPs holds great promise as an effective antibacterial packaging material