Olivia Ayuningrum, Ahmad Hidayat

Academic stress remains a common psychological challenge among university students and may negatively affect academic performance and well-being. This study aimed to examine the relationships between Big Five personality traits and academic stress among undergraduate psychology students using a cross-sectional correlational design. A total of 116 students were recruited through convenience sampling. Data were collected using an adapted Big Five Inventory (33 items; Extraversion α = 0.829, Agreeableness α = 0.672, Conscientiousness α = 0.729, Neuroticism α = 0.666, and Openness to Experience α = 0.772) and an academic stress scale (21 items; α = 0.846), both of which demonstrated acceptable internal consistency. Due to non-normal data distribution, Spearman’s rank correlation analysis was employed. The results showed that neuroticism was significantly positively associated with academic stress (p < 0.05), whereas extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness to experience were significantly negatively associated with academic stress (p < 0.05). Openness showed a moderate negative correlation (r = −0.366). These findings indicate that personality traits are significantly associated with academic stress. These findings offer valuable insights into psychological research on academic stress and encourage further research that addresses the limitations of the current study.

Human Psychology & Behavior

Odangowei Inetiminebi Ogidi, Ejeomo Christopher, Happiness Adaekwu Orlu, Deghinmotei Alfred-Ugbenbo

This study evaluated the phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity of ethanolic leaf extracts of Ficus sur and Psidium guajava, two plants widely used in traditional medicine. Standard AOAC methods were employed for qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses. Antioxidant potential was assessed using DPPH, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging assays. Screening revealed that both species contained tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, and steroids. Quantitatively, P. guajava outperformed F. sur in total phenolics (123.79 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (95.06 mg QE/g), and alkaloids (88.91 mg AE/g). However, at 1.0 mg/mL, F. sur demonstrated greater FRAP (2.19 µmol Fe²⁺/g) and DPPH scavenging (60.21%), while P. guajava exhibited superior H₂O₂ (61.18%) and NO (70.85%) scavenging activities. L-ascorbic acid showed the highest overall activity. In conclusion, both extracts possess significant antioxidant properties, supporting their traditional uses and highlighting their potential for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical formulations.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Farel Abid Yasser Prayanto, Rifki Indra Perwira

While universities heavily rely on digital information systems, static websites and manual administrative communication often limit accessibility and responsiveness for students seeking academic information. To address this, this study developed and evaluated an academic chatbot using the LLaMA 3.1 large language model integrated with a Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) framework for Informatics students at Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Yogyakarta. Employing a Rapid Application Development approach, 263 institutional document chunks were processed to construct a knowledge base for a hybrid retrieval pipeline that combines BM25 lexical search and semantic vector similarity. The proposed system was comprehensively benchmarked against standalone lexical-only and semantic-only baselines using both RAG-specific and natural language generation (NLG) metrics. Experimental results demonstrated that the hybrid strategy achieved the highest answer faithfulness (0.712) and context recall (0.895), representing a 29.5% and 32.8% improvement in faithfulness over the respective standalone baselines, thereby ensuring superior factual consistency. Furthermore, the hybrid system recorded a Token F1 Score of 0.499, a BLEU score of 0.233, and a faster average response time of 7.64 seconds due to parallel query execution and context-size optimization. Finally, exploratory user evaluation yielded high satisfaction with an overall score of 4.46 out of 5.00, confirming its viability for real-world academic assistance.

Digital System and Computing

Mohamed El Kadi, Nadir Akrachi

Traditional models of teachers’ professional development (TPD) emphasize formal training, workshops, and certification programs; however, persistent gaps between these programs and classroom practice raise questions about their effectiveness. This article argues that everyday classroom challenges shape teachers’ professional development more strongly than formal training alone by positioning teaching as a central site of professional learning. The study adopts a qualitative, interpretive design and draws on written reflective narratives from 12 secondary school teachers working in Moroccan public schools. Data were collected through open-ended prompts and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings show that challenges related to students’ lack of foundational knowledge, low motivation, mixed-ability classrooms, and loss of confidence drive professional growth through processes of problem-solving, adaptation, and ongoing decision-making. These processes foster deeper professional understanding than externally delivered training by prompting teachers to reinterpret methods, reassess assumptions, and develop context-sensitive strategies. Rather than rejecting formal training, the study positions it as secondary to experiential learning in the classroom. It concludes by proposing an interpretive, practice-driven model of professional development in which learning by teaching constitutes the foundation of teachers’ professional growth, with implications for teacher education and policy.

Education and Learning

Ismail Mubarak, Kaharuddin Kaharuddin, Djuwairiah Ahmad

Limited opportunities for structured speaking practice and delayed corrective feedback remain persistent challenges in junior secondary EFL classrooms, often resulting in suboptimal development of transactional speaking skills. Addressing this gap, the present study investigated the effectiveness of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-mediated communication through SpeechAce in improving students’ transactional speaking performance. This study employed a pre-experimental one-group pre-test–post-test design involving eight junior secondary students. Students participated in six instructional sessions integrating AI-based automatic speech recognition (ASR) feedback. Speaking performance was assessed using analytic scoring criteria, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a paired-samples t-test. The results indicated a substantial improvement in students’ performance. The mean pre-test score was 47.36 (SD = 4.11), which increased to 52.24 (SD = 4.31) in the post-test. The mean difference of −4.36250 was statistically significant, t(7) = −6.328, p <0.001, with a 95% confidence interval ranging from −5.99278 to −2.73222. These findings demonstrate that AI-mediated speaking practice contributed to consistent performance gains across participants. In conclusion, AI-assisted communication platforms such as SpeechAce can function as an effective pedagogical augmentation tool to enhance transactional speaking competence in EFL contexts, particularly by providing immediate feedback and structured repetition opportunities.

Education and Learning

Devi Indah Zahrotul Majid

This study evaluated the insecticidal potential of aqueous extracts of Aegle marmelos against brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) and yellow rice stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas), as well as their effects on rice growth under controlled laboratory–greenhouse conditions in Bojonegoro, Indonesia, from March 2020 to February 2021. Fruit pulp, fruit peel, and leaf extracts were applied at concentrations of 20%, 40%, and 60%, with synthetic insecticide and untreated controls included for comparison. Separate experimental units were used for each target pest species. Mortality observations indicated that higher extract concentrations generally produced greater insecticidal activity. The 60% peel extract treatment produced the highest mortality against yellow rice stem borer, whereas fruit pulp extracts at 40% and 60% showed mortality values comparable to the synthetic insecticide treatment against brown planthopper. Several plant growth parameters, including tiller number, plant height, leaf color, and damage intensity, also tended to improve following extract application. However, some measured variables were not statistically significant, indicating considerable variability among replicates. The findings suggest that Aegle marmelos extracts possess potential as botanical insecticides for rice pest management, particularly against yellow rice stem borer. Further studies under broader greenhouse and field conditions are recommended to confirm efficacy, optimize formulation stability, and evaluate long-term effects on rice productivity and pest suppression. These results indicate that Aegle marmelos extracts may contribute to environmentally friendly pest management strategies by reducing dependence on synthetic insecticides while maintaining rice growth performance. Nevertheless, additional phytochemical characterization and toxicological evaluation are necessary before large-scale application can be recommended confidently.

Crop Life

Sheilanita Aulia Primahana, Abdur Rosyid, Rissa Maharani Dewi, Nisa Febrinasari, Ika Buana Januarti, Farroh Bintang Sabiti

This study examined the associations of knowledge level, perception, and religiosity with halal cosmetics use among working women in Semarang City. A quantitative cross-sectional design was used, involving 111 respondents selected via snowball sampling. Data collected through a structured online questionnaire were analyzed using multiple linear regression. Results showed that knowledge (β = 0.070), perception (β = 0.077), and religiosity (β = 0.034) significantly and positively influenced halal cosmetics use (all p < 0.05), with perception emerging as the strongest predictor. The model explained a substantial proportion of variance (R² = 0.469). Respondents with positive perceptions were more likely to use halal-certified cosmetics consistently, indicating that usage is driven not only by religious values and knowledge but also by practical factors like accessibility, quality, safety, and consumer confidence. Although the cross-sectional design and non-probability sampling may limit generalizability, these findings offer valuable insights. Future studies should involve larger, more geographically diverse populations and explore additional marketing variables. Ultimately, these insights can guide cosmetic manufacturers, certification authorities, and policymakers in developing targeted educational strategies, transparent communication, and consumer-oriented promotional approaches within Indonesia’s competitive urban halal personal care market.

Halal Science

Eneng Chynta Zahra Syaripudin, Abdul Hakim, Ria Ramadhani Dwi Atmaja

This study evaluated the association between halal cosmetic knowledge and purchasing decisions among pharmacy students at UIN Malang. Utilizing a quantitative cross-sectional design, survey data were collected via purposive sampling from 105 respondents (following instrumentation testing, n = 35) and analyzed using descriptive statistics and simple linear regression. Descriptively, 72.38% of respondents possessed high knowledge, and 84.76% demonstrated high purchasing decision levels. Regression analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between halal cosmetic knowledge and purchasing choices (β = 0.502, p = 0.001). The model fit was robust (F = 34.697, p = 0.001) with a coefficient of determination (R² = 0.252), proving that knowledge accounts for 25.2% of the variance in purchasing decisions. Although the non-probability sampling and cross-sectional nature limit broader geographic generalizability, the findings confirm that cognitive literacy is a vital indicator in guiding compliant product selection. In conclusion, halal cosmetic knowledge significantly influences consumer choices. These insights offer baseline evidence for regulators and industries to expand targeted educational frameworks that foster transparent, halal-conscious behavior among highly educated populations.

Halal Science

Al Fira Elisa Aziz, Muhammad Arif Furqon

This study examines the relationship between psychological capital and role clarity with work engagement among staff at the Global English Educational Institution. Grounded in the Job Demands–Resources (JD-R) framework, psychological capital is conceptualized as a personal resource comprising self-efficacy, hope, optimism, and resilience, while role clarity represents a job resource reflecting employees’ understanding of responsibilities and expectations. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed, involving 77 staff members, including teaching and administrative personnel, using a total sampling approach. Data were collected through standardized self-report questionnaires and analyzed using multiple linear regression. The findings indicate that psychological capital and role clarity are both significantly associated with work engagement (p < 0.05). Psychological capital demonstrated a stronger statistical contribution compared to role clarity. Simultaneously, both variables explained 43.9% of the variance in work engagement, indicating a moderate level of explanatory power. These results suggest that both personal and job resources are relevant factors linked to employees’ engagement levels. However, given the cross-sectional design and reliance on self-report data, the findings should be interpreted as correlational rather than causal. The study is also limited to a single institutional context, which may restrict generalizability. Overall, this study provides empirical support for the JD-R framework within an educational service setting and highlights the potential relevance of strengthening psychological capital and clarifying work roles, while emphasizing the need for further longitudinal and multi-context research.

Human Psychology & Behavior

Lia Puspitasari, Rizky Dwi Larasati, Zahra Ayu Maharani

Chemometrics is essential in modern pharmaceutical development for enhancing analysis and quality control. Despite its importance, the evolutionary trajectory and thematic shifts of chemometrics within pharmaceutical formulation have not been comprehensively synthesized. This study aims to explore publication trends, scientific collaborations, and keywords in research related to the application of chemometrics to pharmaceutical formulations, using a bibliometric approach. Data were retrieved from Scopus (2005–2025) using a structured search strategy focusing on "pharmaceutical formulation", "drug formulation", and "pharmaceutical development". The search was limited to English-language original articles or reviews. Bibliometric mapping was performed using VOSviewer and the Bibliometrix R-package, applying a minimum keyword occurrence of 5, full counting method, and association strength normalization. A total of 516 documents were identified. Publications have increased significantly in the last decade, with research articles being the dominant document type. Egypt and the United States are the countries with the highest contribution and citation impact. The Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis is ranked highest in terms of the number of publications and influence. Khan, Mansoor A., is the most productive author, while the Faculty of Pharmacy at Cairo University and the FDA are the most productive organizations. Keyword analysis revealed various main themes and a division into seven clusters, highlighting an evolutionary shift from traditional analysis toward Process Analytical Technology (PAT) and Quality by Design (QbD). These findings highlight the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration and the potential for further exploration of novel approaches in pharmaceutical product development.

Sciences of Pharmacy