Hassan Sani, Uwaisu Nura Kani, Risikat Ogunkemi Agbekelyun, Abdullahi Ado Badamasi

The pursuit of safe, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic chemical indicators remains a central objective in green analytical chemistry. This study explored the potential of sunflower petal extract as a natural acid-base indicator to replace phenolphthalein. The plant pigment was obtained through cold maceration using methanol. Characterization of the extract yielded a recovery of 29%, a pH of 6.51, a maximum absorbance wavelength of 450 nm, and a melting point of 248–250 °C. The extract exhibited a transition from brown in acidic media to yellow in basic media. Its performance was evaluated against standard phenolphthalein across four titration types: strong acid versus strong base, strong acid versus weak base, weak acid versus strong base, and weak acid versus weak base. Mean titre values obtained using the sunflower extract were 25.65 ± 0.00, 8.65 ± 0.07, 16.16 ± 0.07, and 6.65 ± 0.00 mL, respectively, closely corresponding to phenolphthalein values of 26.65 ± 0.07, 8.65 ± 0.07, 16.05 ± 0.07, and 5.65 ± 0.07 mL. The maximum deviation was 1.00 mL, reflecting comparable accuracy and precision. The extract also demonstrated stability under varying temperature and light exposure conditions, supporting its suitability for routine laboratory use. The pigment responsible for the color transitions is presumed to belong to the flavonoid class, recognized for its pH-dependent sensitivity. These findings confirm that sunflower petal extract serves as an effective natural indicator and viable substitute for synthetic phenolphthalein in educational and analytical titrimetry applications in modern laboratory practice for broader sustainable chemistry implementation.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Kristina Srirahayu Damaiyanti Putri, Juwita Rosalia Sintia Nabella, Nily Su’aida, Karina Erlianti

Cassia alata L. is a medicinal plant containing various secondary metabolites with reported neuroactive properties. This study aimed to evaluate the antidepressant-like behavioral effects of the ethanolic extract of C. alata leaves in mice using acute behavioral despair tests. Male mice (n = 5 per group) were orally administered ethanolic extract of C. alata leaves at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight. A sub-acute stress exposure protocol using the Tail Suspension Test was applied, and antidepressant-like activity was subsequently evaluated using the Forced Swimming Test, with immobility time at T2 as the primary outcome measure. Amitriptyline served as the standard drug. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s HSD post hoc test (p < 0.05). Chemical profiling was performed using LC–MS/MS. One-way ANOVA revealed a significant difference in immobility time among groups (F (4,20) = 21.465, p < 0.001). Post hoc analysis showed that all extract-treated groups exhibited significantly lower immobility times compared to the negative control (p < 0.05). The highest dose (400 mg/kgBW) was not significantly different from amitriptyline (p > 0.05), while lower doses showed intermediate effects. LC–MS/MS analysis tentatively identified 17 compounds, including flavonoid derivatives, luteolin, and anthraquinones. Under present experimental conditions, the ethanolic extract of C. alata leaves exhibited antidepressant-like behavioral activity in acute animal models. These findings are limited to short-term behavioral observations and do not establish clinical efficacy, safety, or underlying mechanisms. Further studies are required to clarify pharmacological relevance and translational potential of this extract for future preclinical and clinical investigations.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Tiara Pramuditya, Ilham Ilham

Industri rumahan mendukung perekonomian pedesaan melalui penciptaan lapangan kerja dan pertumbuhan pendapatan, namun penelitian mengenai perannya sebagai instrumen pemberdayaan masyarakat masih terbatas. Penelitian kualitatif deskriptif ini menganalisis peran industri rumahan dalam pemberdayaan masyarakat dan peningkatan pendapatan di Desa Rampoang, Kabupaten Luwu Utara. Data dikumpulkan melalui observasi, wawancara mendalam, dan dokumentasi dari sembilan informan (tiga pemilik usaha dan enam pekerja), kemudian dianalisis menggunakan model interaktif (reduksi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pemberdayaan terjadi melalui proses enabling, empowering, dan protecting, dengan pemilik usaha memainkan peran dominan dalam menyediakan lapangan kerja, pelatihan keterampilan, dan mengelola keberlanjutan. Selain itu, kualitas produk, kepercayaan pelanggan, dan permintaan pasar secara krusial memengaruhi keberlangsungan usaha dan pertumbuhan pendapatan. Oleh karena itu, industri rumahan tidak hanya berfungsi sebagai aktivitas ekonomi keluarga, tetapi juga sebagai alat pemberdayaan strategis berbasis potensi lokal. Penelitian ini menyoroti bahwa penerima manfaat utama adalah warga setempat yang sebelumnya memiliki keterbatasan akses terhadap pekerjaan dan pelatihan keterampilan. Pada akhirnya, keterlibatan dalam industri rumahan membantu mereka memperoleh pendapatan yang stabil dan memperkuat ketahanan ekonomi rumah tangga secara berkelanjutan.

Kolaborasi Masyarakat

Eling Diar Oktaviani

Adolescence is a critical developmental period in which emotional intelligence plays an important role in self-regulation, social adjustment, and academic functioning. Although parenting style is widely recognized as an important factor in emotional development, findings regarding authoritarian parenting remain inconsistent, particularly across cultural contexts. This study examined the predictive relationship between authoritarian parenting and adolescents’ emotional intelligence among ninth-grade students at SMPN 4 Purbalingga. A quantitative cross-sectional correlational design was employed involving 131 students selected through proportionate stratified random sampling. Data were collected using validated self-report questionnaires and analyzed using simple linear regression. The results indicated a statistically significant relationship between authoritarian parenting and emotional intelligence (F = 57.064, p < 0.001). Authoritarian parenting explained 30.7% of the variance in emotional intelligence (R² = 0.307), indicating a moderate explanatory contribution. However, this relationship should be interpreted as context-dependent rather than causal, given the study design and the influence of unmeasured variables. These findings suggest that parenting practices are meaningfully associated with adolescents’ emotional development, while emotional intelligence is also shaped by broader individual and environmental factors such as peers, school context, and personal characteristics. The study contributes empirical evidence from an Indonesian junior high school setting and highlights the importance of integrating family- and school-based strategies to support adolescents’ socio-emotional development.

Human Psychology & Behavior

Muhammad Ansori

The limited efficiency of conventional seed potato production systems highlights the need for alternative cultivation strategies to improve productivity and planting material quality. Hydroponic systems offer a promising solution; however, comparative evidence regarding suitable growing media for potato production under tropical highland greenhouse conditions remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of potato variety and growing medium on plant growth and tuber yield under a hydroponic drip irrigation system. A factorial experiment was conducted using two potato varieties (Granola L and Tedjo MZ) and two growing media (rice husk charcoal and cocopeat), arranged in a completely randomized design with ten replicates. Plants were cultivated under greenhouse conditions and supplied with a commercial AB-mix nutrient solution. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance followed by the least significant difference test at the 1% significance level. The results showed that growing medium significantly affected all measured growth and yield parameters, whereas potato variety and the interaction between factors had no significant effects. Cocopeat produced greater plant height (50.70 cm), number of leaves (61.65 plant⁻¹), tuber number (19.35 tubers plant⁻¹), tuber fresh weight (466.87 g plant⁻¹), and tuber volume (404.28 cm³ plant⁻¹) than rice husk charcoal. In conclusion, substrate selection was the key factor influencing hydroponic potato performance under the tested conditions, and cocopeat was the more suitable medium for improving seed potato production efficiency in tropical highland regions and similar environments worldwide sustainably.

Crop Life

Kanya Octafirani Chandra

This study examines the relationship between Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) economic pillar indicators and regional economic performance across Java Island, Indonesia, during the 2015–2022 period. Using panel data regression analysis, the study investigates the influence of electricity accessibility, open unemployment rate, manufacturing industry growth, income inequality, and internet usage on regional economic growth. The findings reveal that manufacturing industry growth is positively and statistically significantly associated with regional economic performance, indicating the important contribution of industrial sector expansion to economic development in Java Island. In contrast, internet usage demonstrates a negative and statistically significant association with economic growth. This result should be interpreted cautiously because it may reflect structural disparities, unequal digital productivity, or consumption-oriented internet behavior rather than a direct negative causal effect on economic performance. Meanwhile, electricity accessibility, open unemployment rate, and income inequality do not show statistically significant relationships with regional economic growth during the observed period. Overall, the findings suggest that sectoral productivity and structural economic transformation play a more substantial role than basic infrastructure indicators in shaping regional economic performance. These results contribute to the growing literature on SDGs-based economic development and provide practical insights for policymakers in formulating more balanced, inclusive, and sustainable regional development strategies. Strengthening productive sectors while improving the quality of digital utilization may support long-term economic resilience and sustainable development achievement across regions in Indonesia more effectively overall. Future studies are encouraged to include environmental, educational, and institutional indicators to provide broader explanations of regional economic sustainability in Indonesia today.

Sustainable Economy

Beni Azwar Suganda Hasibuan

The increasing demand for nutrient-dense vegetables under conditions of limited agricultural land requires sustainable cultivation approaches that support yield and nutritional value. Red spinach microgreens are considered a promising functional food; however, their performance may be influenced by growing media quality and cultivation inputs. This study evaluated the effects of bamboo biochar application and different concentrations of bamboo vinegar on the growth, sensory quality, and iron (Fe) content of red spinach (Amaranthus tricolor L.) microgreens. A factorial (2 × 6) experiment in a completely randomized design was conducted using cocopeat as the growing medium, with biochar application (with and without) and bamboo vinegar concentrations of 0, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 ppm. No significant interaction between biochar and bamboo vinegar was detected. Biochar application significantly improved overall plant growth and sensory attributes compared with the non-biochar treatment. Bamboo vinegar significantly affected plant height and fresh biomass, with the highest responses observed at 200–800 ppm for plant height and at 800 ppm for fresh weight. Iron content ranged from 202.09 to 481.66 ppm and was expressed on a fresh weight basis, which may be influenced by plant water content and thus limits direct comparison with studies reported on a dry weight basis. Therefore, Fe values in this study should be interpreted comparatively within treatments rather than as absolute nutritional equivalence to mature plants or other studies. Under the conditions of this study, biochar and selected bamboo vinegar concentrations showed potential to improve red spinach microgreen production and may contribute to low-input urban agriculture systems.

Crop Life

Azis Ikhsanudin, Teuku Nanda Saifullah Sulaiman, Khadijah Zai, Navista Sri Octa Ujiantari

Curcumin has been widely reported to exhibit anticancer potential; however, its clinical application is limited by poor aqueous solubility and low permeability. This study aimed to develop a thermoresponsive hydrogel system based on Poloxamer 407 and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) for localized curcumin delivery through sol–gel transition at physiological temperature. Curcumin nanoparticles were prepared via ionic gelation and incorporated into hydrogel matrices containing varying ratios of Poloxamer 407 and HPMC. Optimization was performed using Response Surface Methodology. pH, gelation time, and viscosity were selected as critical quality attributes reflecting the applicability of in situ hydrogels. The evaluated responses included pH (5–7), gelation time (9–11 min), and viscosity (2000–5000 mPa·s), with model validation based on lack-of-fit > 0.05, high R², a difference between adjusted and predicted R² < 0.2, and adequate precision > 4. Nano-curcumin exhibited a particle size of 423.03 ± 27.80 nm, PDI of 0.59 ± 0.08, and a zeta potential of −12.47 ± 0.74 mV. The optimized formulation (17.067% Poloxamer 407 and 4% HPMC) achieved a desirability value of 0.86, with a pH of 5.85, gelation time of 9 minutes, and viscosity of 4389.76 mPa·s. In vitro release followed the Korsmeyer–Peppas model, indicating diffusion-controlled release and suggesting the suitability of the optimized thermosensitive hydrogel as a localized curcumin delivery platform. These findings provide a basis for further investigation of the system’s stability and performance under extended conditions.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Intania Evarahmani

The availability of uniform and high-quality robusta coffee seedlings remains a major constraint in nursery production, particularly due to suboptimal shoot initiation following wedge grafting. Natural plant growth regulators (PGRs) derived from organic sources may offer an alternative approach to improve early graft performance. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different types and concentrations of natural PGRs on the growth of wedge-grafted robusta coffee (Coffea robusta L. ) seedlings. The experiment was arranged in a factorial Completely Randomized Design with three natural PGR sources (shallot extract, bean sprout extract, and coconut water) and four concentration levels (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%), with three replications and four seedlings per experimental unit. Growth parameters were measured at 90 days after grafting. Results showed that PGR type significantly affected leaf area and highly significantly affected shoot number. Coconut water produced the highest shoot number (2.54 shoots), 17.1% higher than shallot extract, whereas shallot extract resulted in the largest leaf area (42.29 cm²), 11.2% greater than coconut water. PGR concentration significantly influenced shoot emergence time, shoot length, and shoot number. Regression analysis suggested that the highest responses within the tested range occurred near 25% concentration for shoot emergence, around 48% for shoot length, and around 68.75% for shoot number. Significant interaction effects indicated that treatment responses varied according to PGR source. In conclusion, the effectiveness of natural PGRs in wedge-grafted robusta coffee seedlings varied according to source type and concentration under the conditions of this study.

Crop Life

Anjelina Daima, Andi Rosano, Trisna Fajar Prasetyo

Open-field tomato cultivation is vulnerable to environmental fluctuations, yet manual monitoring often leads to inaccurate decisions. This study aims to design and validate a low-cost Internet of Things (IoT)-based soil quality monitoring prototype, addressing the gap in accessible real-time alert systems for small-scale farming. The system integrates a NodeMCU ESP8266 with soil moisture, temperature (DS18B20), air humidity (DHT11), and pH sensors, visualized via Blynk and Telegram. Conducted over 14 d with nine experimental units across three soil media (clay, sandy, and humus), the study focused on technical prototype validation. Results indicate the system monitored moisture levels (43–47%) and temperatures (≈30.3 °C) with high reliability. Automated irrigation activated at ≈60% and deactivated at 80% moisture, maintaining an uptime of ≥95%. Sensor verification showed temperature deviations below ±1 °C. Unlike existing greenhouse-centric models, this work implements a multi-parameter sensing framework tailored for open-field conditions using affordable hardware. While this study successfully validates the prototype's operational stability and data synchronization, it is primarily a technical verification; further research is required to evaluate agronomic impacts such as yield and water-use efficiency.

Digital System and Computing