Irvan Ardian

Amphibians of the order Anura are highly sensitive to environmental change, making them important indicators for ecological studies and relevant objects for biology education. However, vertebrate zoology practicums in Aceh, Indonesia, still lack contextual, local-based learning resources derived from field biodiversity data. This study had two interconnected aims: (1) to document Anura species and their morphological ecological characteristics in the Pucoek Krueng Alue Seulaseh area, Southwest Aceh, and (2) to transform the resulting field data into research-based learning media for vertebrate zoology practicum. Exploratory field surveys were conducted over three consecutive days using visual encounter methods across terrestrial and aquatic microhabitats during morning, midday, and evening periods. Four Anura species from four families were recorded, namely Phrynoidis aspera (19 individuals), Kaloula pulchra (3 individuals), Fejervarya cancrivora (9 individuals), and Odorrana hosii (26 individuals), yielding a total of 57 individuals. Each species exhibited distinct habitat associations, substrate use, skin texture, coloration, and behavioral activity. Given the short survey duration and limited temporal coverage, the recorded species richness represents a minimum baseline estimate rather than a complete inventory. The biological findings were adapted into educational outputs, including a practicum module, reference book, instructional video, and preserved specimens. Expert validation indicated feasibility scores of 85.7% for the reference book and 75% for the instructional video, while student responses (n = 10) yielded an average score of 90%. These results demonstrate the novelty of integrating local amphibian data into contextual learning media while underscoring the need for further ecological and educational evaluation.

Tropical Animals

Reza Pratama, Wempi Budiana, Diki Zaelani, Aiyi Asnawi

Bay leaf (Syzygium polyanthum), cherry leaf (Muntingia calabura), and green betel leaf (Piper betle) contain phenolic and flavonoid compounds with antioxidant potential, but their utilization is limited by physicochemical instability. This study aimed to develop microcapsules containing a combined extract of these three leaves and to evaluate their physicochemical properties and in vitro antioxidant activity as an initial formulation feasibility study. Each extract was prepared by maceration using 96% ethanol, yielding 11.42–15.86%, and combined in a 1:1:1 (w/w/w) ratio prior to microencapsulation. Microcapsules were produced using a fluidized bed dryer with lactose as the core material and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the coating polymer. Physicochemical characterization included moisture content, flow rate, angle of repose, compressibility index, dissolution time, particle size, and surface morphology. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH and CUPRAC assays, with IC₅₀ values calculated from triplicate measurements. The coating process increased mean particle size from 636.2 µm to 728.0 µm and prolonged dissolution time from 2.14 to 3.55 minutes, indicating coating layer formation. Among the individual extracts, cherry leaf extract showed the strongest antioxidant activity. The microcapsules exhibited antioxidant activity within the same order of magnitude as the combined extract under initial, non-stressed testing conditions. These results demonstrate the feasibility of formulating combined plant extracts into microcapsules with acceptable physical properties, while further stability and comparative studies are required to support antioxidant preservation and potential applications.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Nadhila Hasna Salsabila, Yasmi Purnamasari Kuntana, Tanendri Arrizqiyani, Ratu Safitri

Iron overload is linked to progressive impairment of organ function, with the liver being the primary site of deposition due to the lack of a physiological route for iron elimination. The maintenance of systemic iron balance depends on key regulatory proteins, including hepcidin (Hamp gene), ferritin light chain (Ftl gene), and transferrin receptor 1 (Tfr1 gene). This study tested the hypothesis that Deferiprone (DFP), an oral iron chelator, modulates the hepatic expression of Hamp, Ftl, and Tfr1 genes in an iron-overloaded rat model. Eighteen male Wistar rats (150-200 g) were randomly assigned into three groups: Normal (N), Negative Control (NC; induced with Iron Dextran), and Treatment (T; Iron Dextran + DFP). Iron overload was induced via intravenous injection of Iron Dextran (120 mg/kg BW) over 15 days at 3-day intervals, while DFP was administered orally (100 mg/kg BW) in three divided doses for 28 consecutive days. Gene expression was assessed using RT-PCR, and relative quantification was performed using the Livak method. The iron-overloaded rats showed marked upregulation of Hamp and Ftl and downregulation of Tfr1. Administration of DFP significantly reversed these alterations, decreasing Hamp and Ftl levels while restoring Tfr1 expression to levels comparable to normal controls. These results highlight the potential role of DFP in modulating hepatic iron-regulatory genes under iron overload conditions. 

Sciences of Pharmacy

Kharisma Jayak Pratama, Niken Luthfiyanti

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, with treatment often involving conventional therapies such as chemotherapy. Although effective, chemotherapy is often accompanied by significant side effects and reduces patients' quality of life. Targeted therapy, which targets specific molecular mechanisms in cancer cells, offers the potential to address these issues with higher efficacy and fewer side effects. This study aims to compare the quality of life of breast cancer patients receiving targeted therapy with chemotherapy. The study design used a comparative cross-sectional design involving 60 patients (30 receiving targeted therapy, 30 receiving chemotherapy) selected via consecutive sampling at RSUD Moewardi in Surakarta (January–June 2025). Data were collected using the validated Indonesian version of the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. Statistical analysis included parametric t-tests and non-parametric Mann-Whitney U tests. The study results showed that the targeted therapy group had better role functioning (p = 0.047.95% CI=0.044-0.053) and significantly lower pain (p= 0.001.95% CI=0.000-0.002) and nausea (p = 0.019.95% CI=0.016-0.021) symptoms compared to chemotherapy. Global health status did not differ significantly (p= 0.545.95% CI=0.536-0.556). Age (p = 0.012.95% CI=0.08-0.012) and stadium (p = 0.001.95% CI=0.001-0.003) significantly influenced global QoL. Targeted therapy provided advantages in functional aspects and specific symptoms, although not in global QoL. A key study limitation is its cross-sectional design, which prevents the establishment of causal relationships between the type of therapy and quality of life outcomes.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Sondang Khairani, Reise Manninda, Lusiana Ariani, Benni Iskandar, Nabila Nur Hidayati

Polypharmacy may increase the risk of drug interactions affecting toxicity and therapeutic efficacy in pneumonia patients. This study aimed to analyse evaluation of pneumonia management, polypharmacy, relationship between polypharmacy and occurrence of drug-drug interactions, and relationship between drug-drug interactions and length of hospital stay of pneumonia patients. The study design used a quantitative descriptive approach with cross-sectional and retrospective data collection and a total sample of 113 samples that met the criteria. Analyses were performed using Spearman's rho correlation test to assess the association of polypharmacy with drug interactions, and the association of drug interactions with length of hospital stay. Medication accuracy was measured using PDPI (The Indonesian Lung Doctors Assosiaciation) guidelines, drug interactions using drugs.com and/or Medscape.com. Results showed 59.29% of patients were female, with the majority aged over 65 (55.65%). Most patients (91.15%) paid with BPJS, 62.61% were hospitalised for 1-5 days and 81.74% had comorbidities. Treatment accuracy in this study was 49.56%. 106 drug interactions were identified in a total of 226 cases. 66% of the interactions were pharmacodynamic with moderate severity (79%), such as the interaction between combivent and ondansetron. Mild pharmacokinetic interactions were common, especially between ranitidine and paracetamol (22 cases). There is a correlation between polypharmacy and drug interactions with a p-value 0.000 and there is a correlation between the number of drug interactions and length of hospitalisation with p-value 0.000. Conclusion of this study is polypharmacy increases the risk of drug interactions and affects the length of hospital stay in pneumonia patients.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Wardah Maulida Saldi, Erna Hastuti

Corrosion of carbon steel in chloride-rich environments remains a critical challenge, while conventional chitosan-based coatings often suffer from limited barrier integrity and durability. This study addresses this limitation by developing an eco-friendly chitosan–silica composite coating derived from crab shell waste and systematically evaluating the effect of silica loading (1–4%) on the corrosion protection of ASTM A36 steel under 10% NaCl immersion. Chemical interactions were examined using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), while corrosion performance was assessed through weight loss measurements, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and surface morphology observations. FTIR results confirmed the successful incorporation of silica and enhanced hydrogen bonding between silanol groups and chitosan chains. The composite coating containing 2% silica exhibited the highest corrosion resistance, achieving the lowest corrosion rate and the highest polarization resistance compared to pure chitosan and uncoated steel. The improved performance is attributed to enhanced barrier properties of the chitosan–silica composite, where the presence of well-dispersed silica particles limits chloride ion penetration. At higher silica loadings, corrosion protection declined, likely due to reduced coating uniformity. These findings demonstrate that controlled silica reinforcement introduces a distinct corrosion protection mechanism beyond conventional chitosan coatings and highlight the potential of bio-based hybrid coatings for sustainable steel protection.

Aquatic Functional Products

Andi Kardinal, Ahmad Efendi, Rusdi Raprayogha

Local brands in Indonesia face increasing competitive pressure within the digital marketplace, driving a shift from traditional promotional media toward more targeted online strategies. This study examines the influence of social media promotion and influencer marketing on consumer purchase intention toward Compass, a local footwear brand, with price perception tested as a moderating variable. A quantitative explanatory approach was used, analyzed through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) using SmartPLS based on data from 150 respondents aged 18–35 in Makassar who actively use social media and are familiar with Compass products. The results show that both social media promotion and influencer marketing significantly increase purchase intention, while price perception moderates these relationships in different directions. High price perception weakens the effect of social media promotion, whereas influencer endorsements retain persuasive strength even under higher price evaluations. These findings highlight the importance of integrating price-sensitive strategies into digital promotional activities and demonstrate that influencer-based communication offers greater behavioral impact than general promotional exposure. Practical implications suggest that local brands should adopt data-driven digital marketing strategies aligned with consumer value assessments to enhance market competitiveness.

Sustainable Economy

Aan Supriyanto

The rapid expansion of the halal economy has created challenges in ensuring compliance within traditional markets, where regulatory frameworks often diverge from everyday consumer practices. This study examines the implementation of Halal Supply Chain Management (HSCM) in two traditional poultry markets in Surabaya Wonokromo and Asem by assessing halal certification, operational practices, and consumer purchasing behavior. A qualitative case study design was applied using purposive sampling to recruit 20 participants, including farmers, distributors, slaughterhouse operators, retailers, and consumers. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, systematic observations, and document analysis conducted between August and November 2019. The document analysis involved halal certificates, market permits, and regulatory guidelines, supporting triangulation of findings. Although the data were collected in 2019, they remain relevant because structural conditions in traditional markets and consumer purchasing patterns have not changed substantially in recent years. Findings show that Wonokromo Market uses slaughterhouses certified by the Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI), yet certification has minimal influence on buyer decisions. Most consumers prioritize freshness (72%), price (65%), and proximity (58%), while only 22% consider halal labels important. Asem Market, meanwhile, follows halal-compliant slaughtering practices despite lacking formal certification, largely due to low consumer demand and limited regulatory accessibility. The study concludes that halal certification enhances procedural credibility but has limited economic and behavioral impact in traditional markets, where trust is shaped primarily by cultural norms, vendor familiarity, and direct product assessment. Strengthening halal assurance systems therefore requires integrated strategies that combine consumer education, policy incentives, and more accessible certification mechanisms.

Halal Science

Farah Amalia, Nur Kholis

Indonesia’s environmental challenges, such as vulnerability to climate-related disasters and increasing GHG emissions, demand urgent policy and financial solutions. This study examines the strategic role of Green Sukuk ST007 in supporting Indonesia’s green economy and its alignment with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Using qualitative-descriptive analysis based on government and institutional data, the study explores the allocation of ST007 across 13 projects in four eligible sectors. Results show that ST007 raised IDR 5.42 trillion from 16,992 investors, achieving a GHG emission reduction of approximately 1.12 million tons, equivalent to planting 39,843 trees and supplying oxygen for over 34 million people. The majority of funds (61%) were directed to climate resilience projects. This confirms ST007’s strategic contribution to Indonesia’s sustainable financing agenda. In addition to its environmental impact, the findings highlight the policy relevance of expanding Green Sukuk as a key instrument for climate financing, particularly in strengthening national low-carbon strategies and enhancing stakeholder participation. However, further research is required to verify project-level impacts and long-term socio-economic outcomes.

Sustainable Economy

Desi Riskawati, Idrus Ruslan

Religious life in rural farming communities plays a significant role in shaping social behavior, yet its dynamics remain understudied within agrarian Islamic contexts. This study examines how patterns of religious practice influence the social conduct of Muslim farmers in Kelurahan Pajar Bulan, where labor-intensive agricultural routines frequently limit opportunities for individual worship. Guided by Glock and Stark’s multidimensional framework encompassing belief, ritual practice, religious experience, religious knowledge, and religious consequences this research explores the interplay between religiosity and everyday social behavior. A qualitative descriptive design was employed through semi-structured interviews, extended participant observations, and document analysis involving 10 purposively selected informants, including religious leaders, village officials, and farmers active in communal religious life. The findings indicate that although economic pressures disrupt the regularity of individual ritual observance, farmers maintain strong foundational beliefs, actively participate in communal activities such as pengajian, Yasinan, marhabanan, and metik, and continue to internalize religious values through locally embedded religious education. These practices foster social cohesion, mutual assistance, and ethical interpersonal conduct. The data further reveal that farmers negotiate their religious identity by adjusting ritual performance to farming constraints while reaffirming their moral and spiritual commitments through collective worship and shared ethical norms. The study concludes that religiosity among rural farmers functions not only as an expression of faith but also as a cultural framework that shapes social norms and reinforces community solidarity. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on rural Islamic sociology and highlight the importance of strengthening community-based religious guidance within agrarian settings.

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