EKSAKTA - Berkala Ilmiah Bidang MIPA (E-Journal)
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Histopathology of Gills Fish in Rivers Contaminated by Heavy Metals from Artisanal Gold Mining Waste in Lebong Regency, Bengkulu Province
Full text linkThe aquatic environment is crucial for fish survival because fish require appropriate aquatic environment. Artisanal gold mining generates heavy metal waste in Lebong Regency, polluting the river flows. Heavy metals released into the aquatic environment generate water pollution problems due to their toxicity, persistence, and bio-accumulation in organism. The aim of this study was to investigate the histology of fish gill organs in the river contamined by heavy metals. Fish samples were taken by purposive sampling. Histological sections using the paraffin method and hematoxylin-eosin staining. The result of mercury detected in water is 0.01mg/L, exceeded maximum limit in river based on class II water quality standard (0.002mg/L). Histopathology of gills H. nemurus and T. Tricopterus fish (HAI scores <20) showed slight alterations such as epithelial lifting, secondary lamella fusion, and hyperplasia. Rasbora sp., M.circumcinctus, and O.niloticus gills fish (HAI scores>100) had severe irreversible damage, marked by telangiectasis at the tips of the secondary lamella. This is due to the presence of heavy metal contaminants in the water, that causes histopathological damage to fish gills. Parasitic infections were also discovered in some fish gills, impairing their function for respiratory and excretory organs which can be caused by low water quality
The Impact of Biofloc on Fish Growth Indicators and Health Risks Assesment from Polyethylene Terephthalate Microplastic Contamination
Full text linkThis study aims to evaluate the effects of biofloc technology on the growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and to assess potential health risks associated with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastic contamination in aquaculture systems. Three treatments were applied: aquaculture without biofloc and microplastics, aquaculture with biofloc but without microplastics, and aquaculture with biofloc combined with PET microplastics. The novelty of this research lies in the integration of biofloc technology with a quantitative health risk assessment approach aspect that has received limited attention in previous studies. Furthermore, this study specifically utilizes PET microplastics, which differ in physicochemical properties and toxicological potential from the commonly studied polyethylene (PE) microplastics. The results revealed that the best performance was observed in the treatment with biofloc but without microplastics, showing an average body weight (ABW) of 5.478 g/fish, an average daily gain (ADG) of 2.343 g/fish/day, and a specific growth rate (SGR) of 4.208%. In terms of health risk, this treatment also demonstrated low to moderate risk levels, with a Polymer Load Index (PLI) of 2.53, a Potential Health Index (PHI) of 11, and a Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) of 10. These findings indicate that biofloc technology is not only effective in enhancing fish growth performance but also contributes to mitigating the adverse impacts of microplastic contamination on fish health and food safety in aquaculture systems
Molecular Viability Assay: Improving Leprosy Diagnosis beyond Current Gold Standard
Full text linkNeglected tropical diseases are still part of the health problems faced by the world. One of the neglected tropical diseases that has not yet reached 100% elimination is leprosy. Mycobacterium leprae is the pathogen responsible for leprosy, a chronic infectious disease that affects the skin and peripheral nerves and can lead to significant disability if left untreated. Currently, the gold standard for diagnosis is detecting acid-fast bacilli (AFB) with Ziehl-Neelsen staining; however, this method cannot distinguish between living and dead bacteria, complicating treatment assessment, relapse detection, and resistance tracking. Therefore, more accurate diagnostic instruments that can differentiate bacterial viability are needed. Since M.leprae cannot be cultured in artificial media, molecular-based assays are promising tools for rapid diagnosis. This study aims to identify recent assays for assessing bacterial viability in leprosy. Articles used are limited to the publication year between 2019 until 2024 from databases such as PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus and Google Scholar, using PRISMA methods. After filtration, from 143 articles we found 5 articles that discussed the viability of leprosy-causing bacteria. The selected studies showed that molecular assays to determine bacterial viability can be used and explored to strengthen the existing gold standard for monitoring treatment of leprosy patient
A Smart Web Application for Real-Time Indoor Temperature and Humidity Monitoring
Full text linkLearning comfort is influenced by the environment, including temperature and humidity. This study validates the temperature and humidity monitoring device (DHT 22) in the dashboard system of the Department of Electrical Engineering. The results show high accuracy, with 98.96% for temperature and 98.93% for humidity, and an average error rate of 1.04%. Validation was conducted at BMKG Tanjungpinang for four days, with data recorded every minute for 24 hours. User satisfaction evaluation using the System Usability Scale (SUS) yielded an average score of 57, categorized as "Not Acceptable." Nevertheless, users still provided relatively positive feedback. These findings emphasize the need for improvements in dashboard design, user experience, and additional training. Recommendations include utilizing third-party platforms and evaluating the hardware and interface to enhance system usability
Yield Responses of Red Chili (Capsicum Annuum L.) Cultivars to Nutrient Solution Volumes and Agricultural Building Types
Full text linkThis study aimed to evaluate the yield responses of red chili to three agricultural buildings (greenhouse, screenhouse, open field), four nutrient solution volumes (100%, 75%, 50%, 25% ETc) and two cultivars (Pilar and Osaka). This is the first study to assess the combined effects of agricultural buinding type, nutrient volume based on ETc, and two red chili cultivars (Pilar and Osaka) using a split-splt plot design under tropical-dry season conditions. The experiment was conducted from August 2024 to February 2025 at Padjadjaran University, Indonesia, using a split-split plot design with 24 treatment combinations and three replications. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and DMRT at the 5% level. The results showed no interaction among three factors but each had a significant individual effect. Greenhouse conditions significantly increase the number of fruits per plant, fruit weight per plant, individual fruit weight and fruit length. Nutrient volume of 75% ETc and 100% ETc produced comparable result for fruit number and fruit weight per plant. The Pilar cultivar outperformed Osaka in fruit weight and diameter. These findings suggest that greenhouse cultivation with 75% ETc and Pilar cultivar enhance yield and supporting sustainable chili production in tropical regions.
Measurement of C-Organic Content in Sediment as an Indicator of Carbon Absorption Potential in the Bonto Bahari Mangrove Ecosystem, Maros Regency
Full text linkMangrove ecosystems play an important role in mitigating global warming through their ability to absorb and store carbon in biomass and sediment. This research analyzes the organic carbon content and carbon sequestration potential in mangrove sediments in Bonto Bahari, Maros Regency, South Sulawesi. Using purposive sampling method, sediment samples were taken from 9 points with 5 different depths (0-50 cm) and analyzed using the Loss on Ignition (LOI) method. The results showed very low bulk density values (0.01-0.02 g/cm³) with the highest value at a depth of 20-30 cm. Carbon concentrations were relatively uniform (1.5-2.0%) at all depths with the highest concentration at a depth of 40-50 cm (1.93%). The highest carbon content was found at a depth of 40-50 cm (100.667 tons/ha) with carbon sequestration reaching 516.958 tons/ha, while the lowest value was at a depth of 0-10 cm (24.60 tons/ha). There were significant differences (p<0.05) in carbon content and sequestration between depths of 0-10 cm and 20-30 cm. This research reveals that deeper sediment layers play an important role in carbon storage in mangrove ecosystems, providing significant implications for sustainable mangrove management and local ecosystem-based climate change mitigation effort
In Silico Evaluation of Natural Compounds as Dual Inhibitors of Exotoxin A and LasB (Elastase) Virulence Proteins in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Full text linkPseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen whose virulence is largely mediated by Exotoxin A and LasB (elastase), making them promising anti-virulence drug targets. This study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory potential of natural compounds against these two key proteins using an in silico approach. Pharmacophore-based virtual screening of HerbalDB compounds was performed by LigandScout software, followed by molecular docking using AutoDockTools-1.5.7 against Exotoxin A (PDB ID: 1AER) and LasB (PDB ID: 1U4G). Native ligands and co-crystallized inhibitors were used as docking controls to validate binding accuracy. Among the screened compounds, Epicatechin-(4β-6)-epicatechin-(4β-8)-catechin exhibited the strongest binding affinity to Exotoxin A (ΔG = −10.72 kcal·mol⁻¹), while Carpaine showed the highest affinity for LasB (ΔG = −8.91 kcal·mol⁻¹). The predicted interactions involved hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions with active-site residues, comparable to the native inhibitors. Furthermore, ADMET analysis indicated favorable pharmacokinetic and drug-likeness properties. These findings suggest that selected natural compounds possess potential dual inhibitory activity against Exotoxin A and LasB, warranting further experimental validation as anti-virulence candidates for controlling P. aeruginosa infections
Anatomy of Cleome rutidosperma DC. (Cleomaceae) Ovary Development in Mataram City
Full text linkCleome rutidosperma is one of the species that belong to famili Cleomaceae and ordo Brassicales. The purpose of this research is to observe the ovary development of C. rutidosperma and analyse the differences in each growth phase. C. rutidosperma is belong to Brassicales order. Ordo Brassicales is well known for having cleistogamy type of flowers. This research is going to prove C. rutidosperma belongs to cleistogamy or chasmogamy pollination type. However, the best solution is to research until a new study is obtained that discusses the development of C. rutidosperma ovaries and C. rutidosperma flower type. The results of this study can also open new insights and open further research. The results shows in first phase the ovaries were already in the early developmental stage such as protrusions. This development continues to complete and expand its structure. Some of these include the growth of the funiculus which continues to change until it reaches a phase where the funiculus already appears to fully support the ovule. In the last two phases, it can also be seen that structures such as the inner integument and integument begin to appear. The development has greatly increased from the previous phase
Kaolinite Nanotubes as Support Catalysts of Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4) for Transesterification Reaction of Waste Cooking Oil into Methyl Ester for Biodiesel
Full text linkThis study aims to improve the catalytic performance of kaolinite by converting it into kaolinite nanotubes and utilizing it as a support for sulfuric acid catalysts. Analysis using XRD and TEM revealed that the kaolinite crystal phase remained stable after being modified with sulfuric acid, while kaolinite nanotubes underwent little structural change. In addition, characterization via FTIR and XRF confirmed the presence of sulfate ions in kaolinite nanotubes and kaolinite after combination with sulfuric acid. Catalytic test on transesterification of used cooking oil under uniform conditions (catalyst 3% w/v, oil to methanol ratio 1:6, temperature 90 °C, and stirring speed 700 rpm) showed that sulfuric acid supported by kaolinite nanotubes gave the best performance, producing methyl ester of 65.01%. These findings indicate that converting kaolinite into nanotubes significantly improves its performance as a catalyst support. Practically, this increase in catalytic activity contributes to the efficiency of used cooking oil-based biodiesel production, which can reduce dependence on virgin vegetable oil raw materials and support waste oil recycling efforts. In addition, the use of cheap and easily available kaolinite-based catalysts can reduce the cost of biodiesel production, making it more competitive as an environmentally friendly fuel
6-Gingerol Slightly Reduces Hepatic Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Markers in Rats with High-Fat, High-Fructose Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome
Full text linkMetabolic syndrome (MetS) is linked to hepatic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. This study evaluated 6-gingerol’s potential to alleviate ER stress in a high-fat high-fructose (HFHF)-induced MetS rat model. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (8 weeks, 180–220 g) were assigned to five groups: Normal, HFHF, and HFHF with 6-gingerol (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg). The Normal group received a standard diet, while others had HFHF for 16 weeks. From Week 8, intervention groups received 6-gingerol daily. Except for Normal, other groups also received Streptozotocin (22mg/kg, i.p.) at Week 8. At Week 16, rats were euthanized, and liver tissues collected to assess ER stress markers (GRP78, IRE1, TRAF2, PERK, CHOP) via qPCR and apoptotic markers (Bax, Bcl-2) via ELISA. 6-Gingerol slightly reduced liver ER stress markers, including GRP78 (P=0.392), CHOP (P=0.798), IRE1 (P=0.419), TRAF2 (P=0.470), and PERK (P=0.357), but these changes were not significant. Similarly, apoptotic markers Bax and Bcl-2 showed no significant differences, though the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio decreased (P=0.186). These results indicate that 6-gingerol had only a slight effect on ER stress and apoptosis within the parameters of this experiment