Nur Afidatul Himma

Parasitic infections in marine fish pose economic and public health risks, particularly when zoonotic species are involved. Ribbonfish (Trichiurus lepturus), a commercially important species in Indonesia, is highly susceptible to endoparasites that may reduce fish quality and threaten human consumers. This study aimed to identify the types, prevalence, and intensity of endoparasites infecting ribbonfish landed at Paciran (Lamongan) and Tamperan (Pacitan). A total of 56 fish samples were examined through necropsy and microscopic observation of internal organs. Two nematode species, Anisakis sp. and Camallanus sp., were detected in the intestine, stomach, and muscle tissues. Prevalence was 0.2% at Paciran and 0.4% at Tamperan, while intensity reached 1.3 and 1.9 ind/individual, respectively. Infected fish were typically larger, with body weights ranging from 100–400 g and lengths of 60–80 cm, and often contained undigested small fish and crustaceans that may serve as intermediate hosts. Although infection levels were classified as low, the detection of zoonotic Anisakis sp. underscores the need for continued monitoring to prevent potential health risks and safeguard fishery resources.

Aquatic Life Sciences

Rahmatus Solikha

Gender inequality remains a persistent issue in many Muslim societies, often reinforced by patriarchal interpretations of religious texts and institutional practices that constrain women’s agency. This study examines a particular strand of Islamic feminist thought by analyzing Musdah Mulia’s reinterpretation of tauhid as an ethical-theological framework for gender justice. Using a qualitative descriptive, library-based approach, the study analyzes selected texts, publications, and documented initiatives associated with Mulia through thematic content analysis. The findings indicate that tauhid is articulated as an ethical principle that rejects hierarchical gender relations and emphasizes moral and ontological equality between men and women. Contextual interpretations of Qur’anic passages such as Q.S. al-Aḥzāb: 35 and Q.S. 7:189 are used to challenge gender hierarchy and affirm shared religious responsibility. The analysis further shows that this framework integrates elements of Islamic ethics, liberal feminist theory, and critical pedagogy, resulting in a dual orientation toward institutional reform and cultural-educational transformation. Rather than proposing a universal model, the study situates this approach within the Indonesian context as part of a humanist-liberal current in Islamic feminism. This study contributes to existing literature by demonstrating how tauhid-based interpretation can be analytically linked to feminist theory and social praxis while remaining contextually and methodologically bounded.

Unity Lens

Hani Khoirunnisa, Astuti Kusumorini

The Javan gibbon (Hylobates moloch), an endangered primate endemic to Java, faces increasing threats from habitat loss and human disturbance that alter natural behavior and limit opportunities for direct observation in the wild. Under these conditions, behavioral studies in captivity are essential for understanding activity patterns and human animal interactions that support welfare management and conservation planning. This study aimed to describe the daily activity budget of captive Javan gibbons and to examine their behavioral responses to visitor presence in a zoo environment. Observations were conducted over 31 consecutive days at Bandung Zoo on two individuals: one male (Ukis, 16 years) and one female (Kiskis, 15 years), using ad libitum sampling. Activities were classified into locomotion, resting, feeding, grooming, vocalization, agonistic behavior, and urination. Locomotion was the most dominant activity in both individuals, accounting for 55.30% in the male and 48.27% in the female, followed by resting (19.23% and 22.46%, respectively), while urination and agonistic behaviors were rarely observed. Resting showed the longest average duration, particularly in the female. Environmental conditions during observations ranged from 25–28 °C in temperature and 74–85% in relative humidity and were associated with daily activity patterns, with increased resting during warmer periods. Behavioral responses to visitor presence varied between individuals; the male more frequently displayed agonistic and avoidance-related responses, whereas the female showed more affiliative and neutral behaviors. These findings indicate that captive Javan gibbon behavior is associated with environmental conditions and visitor interactions.

Tropical Animals

Ajeng Khasanah, Nurul Huda

The increasing diversity of food and beverage products in modern markets raises concerns regarding Muslim consumers’ consistency in prioritizing halal-certified products. Although halal awareness has been widely discussed, empirical studies focusing on students within Islamic-based academic programs remain limited. This study aims to examine the relationship between halal awareness and halal consumption among undergraduate students of the Sharia Economic Law Program at UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta. A quantitative approach was employed, involving 307 students from the 2019–2022 cohorts selected through proportional sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using correlation and simple linear regression techniques. The results indicate a significant positive association between halal awareness and halal consumption (R = 0.690; R² = 0.476; t = 16.652; p < 0.001). Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r = 0.642) further demonstrates a moderately strong positive relationship between the two variables. These findings suggest that students with higher levels of halal awareness tend to exhibit stronger halal consumption behavior. However, the proportion of variance explained also indicates that factors beyond awareness may influence consumption decisions. The study highlights the importance of strengthening halal awareness through educational initiatives and institutional support as part of broader efforts to promote halal lifestyles. The results also provide insights for educational institutions and policymakers in developing strategies that support the sustainable growth of the halal industry, particularly among young consumers.

Halal Science

Dita Umi Rosidah Larasati

Food adulteration with porcine derivatives poses significant challenges to halal authentication and consumer protection. Sensitive molecular detection methods are therefore required to support food authenticity assessment. This study aimed to evaluate the analytical sensitivity of a PCR-based assay targeting porcine mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b) DNA. Genomic DNA was isolated from porcine intestine, adipose tissue, liver, blood, and muscle using the Wizard® Genomic DNA Purification Kit, quantified by spectrophotometry, and amplified using species-specific primers. Analytical sensitivity was assessed using stepwise serial dilutions of porcine DNA under controlled laboratory conditions. The extracted DNA showed acceptable purity for PCR amplification, with A260/A280 ratios within the expected range. PCR amplification produced detectable cyt b bands across a wide range of nominal DNA dilution levels, indicating high analytical sensitivity of the assay. The detection limit was determined operationally based on consistent visual band detection following agarose gel electrophoresis. These findings demonstrate the potential of the optimized PCR assay as a sensitive molecular tool for porcine DNA detection, with prospective applicability for halal authentication and food safety monitoring pending further validation in complex food matrices.

Halal Science

Marsono Marsono

Bird diversity plays a key role in maintaining ecosystem stability, yet habitat modification and land use pressure continue to threaten avian communities, even within protected areas. This study assessed bird species diversity, abundance, evenness, and dominance at the Tretes Waterfall Resort, part of the Raden Soerjo Grand Forest Park in East Java, Indonesia. Field observations were conducted at two sampling stations using the point count method from 06:00–09:00 WIB over a two day period (February 1–2, 2020), totaling 6 hours of observation effort per station. In total, 29 bird species representing 8 orders and 16 families were recorded. Shannon–Wiener diversity values were 2.77 at Station 1 and 2.75 at Station 2, indicating moderate species diversity. Evenness indices (0.898 and 0.891) suggested balanced species distributions, while low dominance values (0.079 and 0.083) indicated the absence of a single dominant taxon. Several conservation priority species were detected, including protected and endemic taxa such as Heleia javanica, Psilopogon javensis, and Harpactes oreskios. Although the short sampling duration limits broader ecological generalization, findings indicate that the resort’s heterogeneous forest edge mosaic supports relatively stable bird communities. These results reinforce the ecological value of upland forest habitats and highlight the need for ongoing habitat preservation.

Tropical Animals

Siti Syifaurrahmah, Wahyu Khalik

The increasing adoption of green economy narratives in tourism development raises important questions about how such principles are interpreted and practiced at the local level, particularly within conservation-based tourism settings. This study explores the implementation of green economy principles in community-based sustainable tourism at the Otak Kokok Joben Ecotourism Site, East Lombok, Indonesia. Using a qualitative descriptive case study approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with fifteen key stakeholders, field observations, and document analysis. Rather than assessing economic or environmental performance quantitatively, the study focuses on understanding local practices, perceptions, and governance arrangements related to green economy implementation. The findings indicate that green economy principles are primarily manifested through livelihood diversification, community participation in conservation activities, and normative commitments to environmental protection. However, the implementation remains uneven and is constrained by limited infrastructure, informal monitoring mechanisms, and fragmented institutional coordination. This study does not aim to evaluate impact or propose a generalizable development model. Instead, it provides contextual insight into the opportunities and limitations of translating green economy concepts into practice within a single ecotourism case. The findings contribute to the literature on sustainable tourism by highlighting how governance structures and local capacity shape the practical enactment of green economy principles in protected-area tourism contexts.

Sustainable Economy

Entris Sutrisno, Marita Kaniawati, Ilmi Intan Maharani, Jajang Japar Sodik

Insulin therapy is essential for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), particularly in patients who fail to achieve glycemic targets with oral antidiabetic agents. Long-acting insulin is primarily used to control basal glucose levels, while rapid-acting insulin targets postprandial hyperglycemia. However, comparative real-world evidence regarding their effectiveness on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of long-acting and rapid-acting insulin in improving HbA1c and FBG levels among patients with T2DM. A retrospective before–and–after observational study was conducted involving 122 T2DM patients treated at the outpatient unit of Majalaya Regional General Hospital between January and December 2024. Patients received either long-acting insulin (e.g., insulin glargine) or rapid-acting insulin (e.g., insulin lispro and insulin aspart) as monotherapy. Changes in HbA1c and FBG before and after therapy were analyzed using paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Clinical effectiveness was defined according to American Diabetes Association criteria as a reduction of ≥1% in HbA1c or ≥30 mg/dL in FBG. Insulin therapy significantly reduced HbA1c (−7.77 ± 3.09, p < 0.001) and FBG levels (Z = −5.53, p < 0.001). Based on ADA criteria, 90.3% of patients achieved an effective reduction in HbA1c, while 43.5% achieved an effective reduction in FBG. Insulin lispro and insulin glargine showed the highest HbA1c-based effectiveness (100%), whereas FBG-based effectiveness varied across formulations. Insulin therapy significantly improves long-term and short-term glycemic control in T2DM patients, with insulin lispro and insulin glargine demonstrating the most consistent effectiveness.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Bagaspati L Sadewa, Tjipto Leksono, Santhy Wisuda Sidauruk

Naniura is a traditional fermented fish product from North Sumatra that is processed using organic acids derived from Jungga citrus (Citrus hystrix). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Jungga citrus immersion time on sensory characteristics, physicochemical properties, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) population, and crude exopolysaccharide (EPS) content of tilapia naniura. Fresh tilapia fillets were immersed in Jungga citrus juice at a 1:1 (w/v) ratio for 0, 3, 4, and 5 h, followed by marination with spices. Sensory evaluation was conducted using hedonic and quality scoring tests with 15 moderately trained panelists. Physicochemical properties (water activity and pH), total LAB counts, LAB characteristics, and crude EPS content were analyzed using standard laboratory methods. The results showed that immersion time significantly affected sensory acceptance, physicochemical properties, LAB population, and EPS content (p < 0.05). The highest hedonic acceptance was obtained at 4 h of immersion, while the highest quality scores, LAB counts, and crude EPS content were observed at 5 h. Increasing immersion time decreased pH and increased water activity, indicating enhanced acid diffusion and protein modification. LAB isolates were identified as Gram-positive, non-motile, heterofermentative bacteria. These findings indicate that Jungga citrus immersion time plays a critical role in determining the sensory quality, microbial activity, and physicochemical stability of tilapia naniura. An immersion time of 4–5 h is recommended to achieve optimal product quality, LAB development, and potential EPS production, supporting the development of safe and functional traditional fermented fish products in Indonesia.

Aquatic Functional Products

Sulistiorini Indriaty, Deni Firmansyah, Mima Eliestya Utami, Nina Karlina, Ine Suharyani, Hilal Haidar, Amanda Safitri, Elis Setiawati

Centella asiatica (L.) Urban contains flavonoids and triterpenoids with strong antioxidant activity; however, its topical bioavailability is limited by poor solubility. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate liposomal gel systems containing a 70% ethanol extract of C. asiatica to enhance dermal penetration while preserving antioxidant activity. The extract was incorporated into liposomes using a lecithin–cholesterol ratio of 9:1 and formulated into gels at concentrations of 0.3% (FG1) and 0.5% (FG2). Physicochemical characterization showed mean particle sizes of 119.8 ± 7.21 nm (FG1) and 101.3 ± 6.55 nm (FG2), with polydispersity index values of 0.410 and 0.306, respectively, indicating acceptable vesicle homogeneity across three independent replicates (n = 3). The formulations were physically stable for two weeks at 4 °C but exhibited instability at elevated temperatures. Antioxidant activity evaluated using the DPPH assay yielded IC₅₀ values of 13.87 ± 0.02 µg/mL for FG1 and 13.97 ± 0.06 µg/mL for FG2, which were not significantly different (p > 0.05) from vitamin C (9.16 ± 0.06 µg/mL), indicating preservation of radical-scavenging capacity. In vitro permeation studies using Franz diffusion cells demonstrated cumulative quercetin penetration of 280.86 ± 1.12 µg/cm² for FG1 and 314.40 ± 0.93 µg/cm² for FG2 over 4 h, with FG2 showing significantly higher flux (p < 0.05). Release kinetics followed a zero-order model (R² = 0.9881–0.9914), suggesting controlled release behavior. Overall, liposomal gel formulations show potential for improving topical delivery of C. asiatica without overstating long-term stability or therapeutic superiority.

Sciences of Pharmacy