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Melinjo (Gnetum gnemon L.) peel has been known as antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal, but not yet used as cosmetic ingredients or drugs optimally. This research focuses on the production of organic soap bars from melinjo peel extract, the quality testing, and antimicrobial analysis against selected microbes. The soap making process was done by the saponification reaction between the mixture of palm oil and coconut oil with sodium hydroxide through cold and hot processes. Distilled water and ethanol were used as solvents for melinjo peel extraction. The quality test was done by determining insoluble fraction in ethanol, free alkali, and unsaponified fatty matter. An antimicrobial activity test was conducted using the Kirby-Bauer diffusion method. The result shows that the quality test fit with INS 2016 for all the criteria except for unsaponified fatty acid in the cold process soap bar. Inhibition zone of organic soap bar sequentially decreased against the growth of Tricophytone mentagrophytes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Therefore, the organic soap bar with melinjo peel extract shows a good potential to be used as an antimicrobial soap.

The method of extraction and the type of solvent used during extraction will influence effectiveness of the extraction and compound extracted. The aim of this research was determined the effect of extraction methode and solvent polarity on total phenolic content of cherry leaves (Muntingia calabura L). Extraction of cherry leaves used maceration and soxhelation methods with ethanol and chloroform as solvents. The total phenolic contain was determined by visible spechtrophotometer at 765 nm. It has been showed that the soxhletation method was a higher yield value than the maceration methods with the highest yield value showed by ethanol extract, it was 13,29% w/w. Otherwise maceration method showed a higher total phenolic contain with the highest total phenolic contain showed by ethanol extract, it was 10,70% GAE.

Obesity is linked to more deaths worldwide. In obesity, there will be a dysregulation of growth signals such as tumorigenesis. Despite the fact that obesity is tend to progress to acute liver damage, not many study using 2-nitropropane (2NP) as a hepatoxicity agent are undertaken especially in obese mice.This study aimed to determine the regime of 2NP that causes acute liver damage. This is an experimental research using a post-test control design group only, with 3 groups of mice ie O1 (obesity), O2+2-NP1x (induced by 2NP 100 mg/kg BW once), and O2+2-NP2x (induced by 2NP 100 mg/kgBW twice). At 10 weeks, rats were sacrificed and 100 mg liver tissue were collected for MDA, GSH, MnSOD and CAT enzymes analysis. Analysis statistics were performed by SPSS by one-way Anova and post hoc Tukey.MDA levels of mice were found to be increased in 2NP group than control (3.768 ± 0.407 nmol/mg) (p < 0,01). Liver GSH, MnSOD and CAT levels of both single injection 2-NP and repeated injection 2-NP groups decreased compared to those of controls (p

The purpose of this review article is to study the types of marine fish that can be processed into FPCs, methods for FPCs production, and the characteristics of marine fish FPCs known from various research in Indonesia. Based on a review of various articles and other literature, it can be concluded that the types of marine fish that can be processed into FPC are tuna, mackerel, anchovies, snapper, and rainbow runner. The method of FPCs production that can be used are reduction, whole meal, dry reduction and solvent extraction. The characteristics of the FPCs from various studies depend on the type of fish and the method of FPCs production.

Study of nickel leaching using sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid on the selectivity of low-grade laterite nickel ore under atmospheric conditions has been successfully carried out. In this study, the laterite nickel leaching process was carried out by varying the solution concentration and operating time. The concentrations of sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid solutions were varied at 5 M and 6 M concentrations, while the operating time was varied at 4 hours and 6 hours. For other operating conditions, it is kept constant with an operating temperature of 90 ℃, pulp density 15% w / v, particle size ≤ 200 mesh. After that, the analysis stage was carried out using an atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) tool to determine the nickel content in the sample. The results showed that the highest nickel recovery was obtained at the concentration of 5 M sulfuric acid solution of 2.60% and 5 M phosphoric acid of 2.59% with the optimum operating time at 4 hours of operating time.

Composting is an alternative for recycling organic waste. Microorganisms that can degrade the components of organic waste are an essential part of composting. Isolation and selection of bacteria with the ability to degrade the elements of organic waste are the first steps to obtain an organic waste degrading agent. This study aimed to determine the characteristics and the enzymatic potential (cellulolytic, amylolytic, and proteolytic) of bacteria isolated from soil, cow dung and kitchen waste as candidates for organic waste degradation agents. The research begins with sampling and isolation of bacteria. The isolates obtained were tested qualitatively for their amylolytic, cellulolytic and proteolytic activities. Furthermore, bacterial isolates were characterized morphologically and biochemically. A total of 30 bacterial isolates were isolated from soil samples, cow dung and kitchen waste. The screening result showed that 6 isolates had amylolytic activity, 7 isolates had cellulolytic activity and 3 isolates had proteolytic activity. These bacterial isolates showed various morphological and biochemical characteristics. In general, soil samples, kitchen waste and cow dung contain potential bacteria as organic waste degrading agents

One of the biological agents in the biodegradation of organic waste is fungi. Some fungi have the Lignase enzyme, which can degrade Lignin (one of the main organic waste constituents) into simple sugars. The diversity and potential of organic waste degrading fungi still need much research to obtain potential types of fungi that can be developed in organic waste management. This study aimed to determine the diversity and potential of lignolytic fungi in the biodegradation of organic waste. The research was conducted using a descriptive method to take leaf and soil litter samples, isolate and purify fungi, and test lignolytic potential. Based on the isolation results from leaf litter samples, 16 types of fungal isolates were obtained. The lignolytic potential test was carried out using the Bavendamm method. In screening for potential lignolytic ability using the bavendamm method, 7 isolates were found to be positive. The highest lignolytic activity ratio was SR4BD isolate with a ratio value of 1.9. The results showed that the SR4BD isolate was Fusarium sp.

Raw oil palm fronds (OPF-R) converted into biochar (OPF-B) by torrefaction processes at temperatures range of 200 °C to 300 °C. This study aims to evaluate OPF-B performance to reduce iron ions in artificial solutions and peat water. Batch adsorption carried out at room temperature by stirring (175 rpm) using an orbital shaker. Some parameters observed included optimum torrefaction temperature, optimum conditions of Fe ions adsorption (optimum pH and contact time) and sorption isotherm. Metal content measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Functional groups on material surface characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR). Torrefaction at 260 °C produces biochar with the highest efficiency in removing iron ions. Both functional groups C=O and C-O attributed to lignocellulose on OPF-B were diminished and absorption band of aromatic (C=C) increased which caused by torrefaction. The optimum conditions for removal of Fe ions at pH 5 and 30 minutes contact time. Adsorption process follows the Langmuir Isotherm which indicates the formation of a monolayer with qmax 111.11 mg/g. Amount of 0.025 g OPF-B able to reduce iron concentration from 13.960 mg/L to 0.746 mg/L in 100 mL peat water (has complied with Indonesian clean water standard for iron concentration).

In this study, a composite material based on Ni–TiO2 Pillared Clay-Montmorillonite (Ni–TiO2/CMMT) was synthesized using the sol–gel method at room temperature and studied its photocatalytic performance under visible light irradiation for dye removal of Orange Reactive 84 (RO 84). The photocatalytic parameters studied were the effect of pH, contact time, mass of composite and the amount of Ni–TiO2/CMMT. SEM–EDS analysis showed that the composite surface consisted of aggregates with a small particle size of about 0.28 µm. Other results showed that the main chemical elements of the composite are Si, Al, O, C, Na, Ni and Ti. This was confirmed by the results of FTIR analysis which showed specific absorption for the Si–O–Si, Si–O–Al, Al–OH, Ti–O and Ni–O groups. Another characteristic of the compositing components was the band gap value of 2.91 eV which can be active in visible light irradiation. Based on the photocatalyst performance test, the composite significantly reduced the amount of RO 84 dye. The optimum pH obtained in this test was acidic (pH 5), with a color change efficiency of 63.66% for a contact time of 45 min.

Peat waters were abundant in the West Tanjung Jabung Regency of Jambi Province. Peat water contains manganese metal ion concentration that exceeds the clean water quality standard. Previous studies have been conducted to reduce levels of manganese in peat water, but the results have not been significant. This study aims to reduce levels of Manganese metal in peat water using the composition of Bentonite and Biochar. The adsorption process was carried out at room temperature (29 °C) with a stirring of 200 rpm. Some parameters measured were optimum pH of adsorption, optimum contact time and the best combination between Bentonite and Biochar. Manganese ion concentration in solution was measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The results of this study indicate that the optimum conditions for removing manganese ion at pH 5 and contact time 40 minutes. Tests on artificial solutions using 0.2 grams of biochar showed Mn ion removal of 42.91% (C0 = 100 mg/L, Ce = 57.09 mg/L, V = 100 mL). The best combination obtained in Bentonite: Biochar (1:2) with a mass of 0.080 gr and 0.170 gr, respectively, which able to remove 91.29% manganese ions in peat water.

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of roselle flower extract in reducing the Malondialdehyde (MDA) level in rats after induction of 20% ethanol. This experimental study used a post-test design on 24 male white rats, Wistar strain which were grouped into six type of treatment. The K1 group was given daily aquadest only, K2 was given 20% ethanol. K3 was given 20% ethanol and vitamin C, K4 was given 20% ethanol and 250 mg/kgBW/day roselle flower extracts, K5 was given 20% ethanol and 500 mg/kgBW/day roselle flower extract, K6 was given 20% ethanol and 750 mg/kgBW/day roselle flower extract. Each group received treatment for 30 days. At the time of termination, the rat’s liver was collected and the liver’s MDA level was examined. One Way Anova test and the Post Hoc Tukey test were used for data analysis. There was a decrease in MDA levels (3.1578±0.37 ng/ml) in K4 compared to K2 as well as to K5 and K6 with higher extract concentrations. Thus, despite its benefit as antioxidant, excess of flavonoid compounds undergoing oxidation will produce a metabolite compound that can damage the endogenous antioxidant. Hence, 250 mg/kgBW/day roselle flower extract given daily can reduce MDA levels in mice induced with 20% alcohol.

Electrode characterization has been carried out with Cu2O-ZnO/C and Pt-Ru/C catalysts to convert carbon dioxide to methanol. Characterization are carried out with XRD analysis, Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). The electrodes are made by distributing Cu2O-ZnO/C and/or Pt-Ru/C catalyst by spraying method. The results of XRD analysis showed that the characteristic peak of platinum was 2θ = 39.7⁰ - 40.74⁰ with an intensity of 970 cps and 1384 cps and the diffraction peak of Ru oxide was found at 47.02⁰ with an intensity of 923 cps. The peak of Cu2O characteristics appeared at 36.12⁰ with an intensity of 88 cps and the peak for ZnO characteristics at 68.2⁰ with an intensity of 13 cps. The test results with the cyclic voltammetry method showed that the electrode with a Cu2O-ZnO/C catalyst obtained the highest ECSA value which was 26.044 cm2/g, with an electrical conductivity value of 3.4 x 10-3 S/cm and a total real resistance of 5.9425 Ω

Formalin sering disalahgunakan sebagai bahan pengawet makanan. Hal ini jelas merugikan masyarakat karena meskipun penggunaannya sedikit tapi dalam jangka panjang dapat berakibat buruk bagi kesehatan. Berbagai produk tes kit uji residu formalin ditawarkan di pasaran untuk memudahkan pihak yang berwenang, akademisi maupun masyarakat untuk mendeteksi kandungan formalin pada makanan dan minuman secara kualitatif. Untuk itu dibutuhkan suatu produk tes kit uji residu formalin yang dapat menguji keberadaan formalin pada makanan dengan cepat & akurat. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membandingkan batas deteksi residu formalin pada makanan menggunakan pereaksi Antilin dan Rapid Test Kit Formalin merk Labstest. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah menguji batas deteksi formalin pada larutan standar dengan variasi konsentrasi 0,01; 0,1; 1; 100 dan 1000 mg/L dan pada sampel makanan yang sebelumnya direndam dalam larutan standar formalin dengan konsentrasi tertentu menggunakan pereaksi Antilin dan Rapid Test Kit Formalin. Hasil pengujian dikatakan positif jika terjadi perubahan warna ungu baik pada larutan uji yang dideteksi dengan pereaksi Antilin maupun Rapid Test Kit Formalin. Berdasarkan intensitas warna yang ditunjukkan oleh larutan uji dapat disimpulkan bahwa pereaksi Antilin dapat mendeteksi larutan standar formalin dengan konsentrasi yang lebih rendah dari pada pereaksi Rapid Test Kit Formalin. Sedangkan pada pengujian formalin pada makanan, baik pereaksi Antilin maupun Rapid Test Kit Formalin memiliki batas deteksi yang sama

Background: Bacteriocins (Bac1, Bac2, and Bac3) from Weissella confusa MBF8-1, weissellicin- MBF, have been reported as potential alternative substances as well as complements to the existing antibiotics against many antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. Previously, the genes encoded in the large plasmid, pWcMBF8-1, and the spermicidal activity of their synthetic peptides, originally discovered Indonesia, have been studied. Three synthetic bacteriocins peptides of this weissellicin-MBF have been reported for their potential activities, i.e. antibacterial and spermicidal. Objective: The aim of this study was to construct the recombinant Bacteriocin (r-Bac) genes, as well as to investigate the gene expressions and their functional analysis. Method: Here, the recombinant Bacteriocin (r-Bac) genes were constructed and the recombinant peptides (r-Bac1, r-Bac2, and r-Bac3) in B. subtilis DB403 cells were produced on a large scale. After purification, using the His-tag affinity column, their potential bioactivities were measured as well as their antibacterial minimum inhibitory concentrations against Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Micrococcus luteus, were determined. Results: Pure His-tag-recombinant Bac1, Bac2, and Bac3 were obtained and they could inhibit the growth of L. mesenteroides and M. luteus. Conclusion: The recombinant bacteriocin could be obtained although with weak activity in inhibiting gram-positive bacterial growth.

Wastewater containing heavy metals can potentially harm the human and living organisms and also damage the environment and ecosystem. Wastewater containing total copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) over the normal threshold will result in Wilson's disease and digestive health, respectively. One of the most widely used methods to remove heavy metals from wastewater is adsorption. One type of adsorbent that has gained interest among researchers was biomass-based adsorbent or biosorbent. In this work, magnetic modification was used to increase the adsorption capacity of the biosorbent. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of magnetic modification of corncobs as biosorbent on the adsorption of Cu(II) and Zn(II) heavy metals from an aqueous solution. Magnetic modification with FeCl3.7H2O on corncobs has successfully increased the adsorption capability of Zn(II) and Cu(II) from aqueous solution. The optimum modification ratios for the adsorption of Zn(II) and Cu(II) were 1:2 and 2:1. The adsorption of these both heavy metals took place at temperature of 50°C with the adsorbent doses of 1 g and 1.5 g for Cu(II) and Zn(II), respectively. The highest adsorption percentages for the adsorption of Zn(II) and Cu(II) were 89.3% and 89.2%, respectively. Whereas, the maximum adsorption capacities of Cu(II) and Zn(II) were 75.76 mg/g and 63.93 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption mechanism of Zn(II) and Cu(II) has followed the Freundlich isothermal adsorption model.

Gluten-free products are needed by people with gluten allergy such as celiac disease and autism. The consumption of gluten-free products rises annually and, therefore, there is potential in the development of gluten-free products. Most of the non-gluten pasta products(NGP) contain a low amount of protein. In this study, NGP prepared from modified cassava flour (mocaf) (40%), rice flour (35%), and maize flour (25%), was supplemented with tempeh flour as a source of protein. In this research, NGP was prepared by extrusion.The cooked dough was extruded using a single screw extruder (screw diameter, 60 mm, locally manufactured by the Research Centre for Appropriate Technology-Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Subang, West Java Indonesia.The procedure of making NGP involved mixing all ingredients, steaming, extrusion, tempering, drying,and packaging. The effect of tempeh flour supplementation (0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, 12.5%, and 15% (w/w))on the properties of NGP product was evaluated. The parameters of NGP that were evaluated included chemical properties, texture profile, elongation break, cooking properties, crystallinity structure, and morphological properties. The chemical properties included proximate and mineral content (iron (Fe)and zinc (Zn)) analysis. Results showed that adding tempeh flour significantly increased the protein, fat, fibre, iron,and zinc contents of NGP. The NGP had a moisture content of approximately 10%–12%. The higher tempeh flour addition resulted in the higher protein, lipid, Fe,and Zn contents of NGP. The highest protein and minerals (Fe and Zn) were obtained by 15% tempeh flour addition. Adding a higher amount of tempeh flour induced the higher percentage of V-type crystalline structure of amylose–lipid complex. Higher supplementation of tempeh flour resulted in higher cooking loss and decreased adhesiveness, springiness,and cohesiveness of the NGP product.The range of cooking time of NGP was between 5min 25sec and 6min50sec.The supplementation of tempeh flour in the NGP reduced the cooking time. Observation of the morphological properties showed that starch of NGP ingredients had been fully gelatinized during the extrusion process as indicated by absence of intact starch granules.Based on the results, it is suggested to supplement NGP with tempeh flour upto 10% (w/w) to get the nutritional advantage of tempeh without depressing its textural and cooking qualities.

This research was aimed to evaluate the isolation of cellulose derived from empty fruit bunches (EFB), especially to increase the purity of cellulose content by subsequent pretreatment process involving delignification using NaOH followed by bleaching process using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The result showed that the cellulose content of the raw EFB content at 37.6% ± 0.3 w/w increased to 89.2% ± 0.4 w/w after the simultaneous pretreatment process. Moreover, after the simultaneous of bleaching process using H2O2, the lignin content can be reduced up to 3.1% ± 0.1 w/w which similar to cellulose standard (2.7% ± w/w). The utilization of simultaneous pretreatment process can also reduce the hemicellulose content from 23.9% ± 0.3 w/w (raw EFB) to 7.7% ± 0.2 w/w even lower than the cellulose standard (13.1% w/w). FTIR spectrum showed that the peak absorption of cellulose increased significantly upon the simultaneous process of delignification-bleaching. Morphological changes of the raw EFB compared to pre-treated EFB as a note by SEM analysis showed the significant transformation from the larger size and tightly bundles of micro-fibril cellulose into smaller size and individually separated micro-fibrils. Further through the simultaneous process exhibited yield at 80-85%, high crystallinity (70-80%), and good thermal stability in terms of Tonset at about 230-290 °C. From these results, it can be concluded that the subsequent pretreatment process involving NaOH delignification and H2O2 bleaching processes more likely offer a high selectivity of cellulose microcrystalline from lignocellulosic biomass material by simultaneous reduction of the hemicellulose and lignin content without disrupting the structure of cellulose.Keywords: bleaching; cellulose; delignified; microcrystalline cellulose; oil palm empty fruit bunches

The purpose of this research is to determine the adsorption capability of micro and nano-cellulose derived from oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) as dye removal. Cellulose based adsorbents were successfully obtained from EFB in the form of microcellulose (eMC) via both delignification (D-eMC) and bleaching processes (B-eMC) as well as in nanocellulose (eNC) by using acid hydrolysis method and hence termed as delignified-eNC (D-eNC) and bleached-eNC (B-eNC) respectively. Dye adsorption test was carried out by UV-Spectrophotometer by comparing initial dye MO concentration (as a control solution) to the treated MO solution upon the addition of micro- and nano- cellulose based adsorbent. It was clear that the dye removal efficiency of micro-cellulose both D-eMC and B-eMC were lower than the nano-cellulose structures. The higher adsor p tive capacity of nano-size cellulose compared to the micro-size cellulose was confirmed by the distinct presence of FTIR shifting peak of hydroxyl and sulfonyl groups. It was expected as the micro-size of cellulose would not be able to provide a good adsor p tive capability of hydroxyl surface active agent to adsorb the dye. In the case of eNC, the result showed that D-eNC afforded a better dye adsorption than B-eNC. At the same concentration of eNC at 3 wt. %, D-eNC could adsorb at about 1 9.3 % of MO while only 2 .4 % of MO could be removed by B-eNC. Finally, all of adsorbent could maintain pH and TDS within water quality specification.

Pectinase enzymes are commercial enzymes that can damage pectin by breaking down polygalacturonate acid into monogalacturonate acid through the release of glycosidic bonds. Pectinase enzymes can be produced from a variety of microorganisms, especially from types of mold such as Aspergillus niger using waste as a substrate like a banana peel. Lemon ginger drink is a functional beverage innovation made from ginger with the addition of lemon to add a refreshing sensation. However, the cloudy, pale, and sedimentary appearance in lemon ginger drink causes a lack of interest in consumers, especially young people. When consuming functional drinks such as lemon ginger, there is turbidity caused by polysaccharides such as pectin. Therefore, enzymatic clarification using pectinase is an effective way to reduce pectin in this drink. This study aims to find out the concentration of Aspergillus niger in producing pectinase enzymes from banana peel waste and its application to the clarification of lemon ginger drinks. The method used in this study was a randomized design group (RAK) consisting of 1 factor, the treatment of concentrations of Aspergillus niger 0 mL, 1 mL, 2 mL, 4 mL, and 6 mL. Then followed by the application of pectinase enzymes produced in the clarification of lemon ginger drink, concentration of 0%; 0,08%; 0,10%; 0,12%; 0,16%; 0,20%; and 0.24%. The Data obtained is analyzed using a printing analysis (ANOVA), and if there is influence, then proceed using BNJ test at a real level of 5%. The results showed that the concentration of Aspergillus niger suspension is best in producing pectinase enzymes of 6 mL, with the enzyme activity of 1.83 U/ml. Then the application of pectinase enzyme in the clarification of lemon ginger drink with a concentration of 0.16% better in improving lower clarity and viscosity of the resulting lemon ginger drink.

Research on molecular dynamics analysis of the influence of body temperature on HSA fluid volume balance using the Lennard-Jones potential model with temperature variations of 35 ℃ , 37 ℃ , and 40 ℃ in the form of cubic systems in GROMACS applications. The results show that the denaturation of HSA that is affected by body temperature causes changes in osmotic pressure in the body with changes in the balance of HSA fluid volume. At temperatures of 35 ℃ denaturation s occurs Thr566 to Gln580 with a distance of 20.9 A, Lys444 to Met446 with a distance of 5.76 A, Asn61 to Cys62 with a distance of 3.9 A, Glu570 to Ser579 with a distance of 18.09 A, and Gly431 to Cys438 with a distance of 11.43 A. At a temperature of 37 ℃ denaturation s occurs Ile513 to Cys514 has a distance of 3.75 A, Pro303 to Glu311 has a distance of 12.78 A, Asn267 to Ser270 has a distance of 4.65 A, Leu275 to Cys279 has a distance of 7 A At a temperature of 40 ℃ denaturation s occurs Ser304 to Glu311 with a distance of 11.38 A, Asn267 to Ile271 with a distance of 7.75 A, Asn61 to Cys62 with a distance of 3.9 A, and Ala511 to Cys514 with a distance of 4.86 A. RMSD results shows that stable structural changes occur in HSA with values of 2.6–9.0 nm. And the Lennard-Jones average energy yield shows that the interaction behavior between HSA atoms is dynamic. At a temperature of 35 ℃ of 7.97E + 05 kJ/mol, a temperature of 37 ℃ of 6.78 kJ/mol, and a temperature of 40 ℃ of 7.89E + 05 kJ/mol.

Removal methylene blue from water using coconut waste ash activated by NaCl is studied in this paper. The characteristic of morphology and pore structure of coconut waste ash is analyzed using SEM, show that pores were formed after activation. XRF analysis revealed that the coconut waste ash before activation contains 20,19 % of Si. The effect of NaCl concentration on the adsorption behavior is investigated. The results show that the optimum concentration of NaCl to activating the coconut waste ash is 300 ppm. The adsorption capacity of coconut waste ash without activation, NaCl-activated coconut waste ash on 200 ppm, 300 ppm, and 400 ppm is 1.103 mg/g, 1.152 mg/g, 1.2102 mg/g, and 1.1109 mg/g respectively.

The Research about the design of high temperature helium gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) terraces with thorium fuel recycled using the SRAC program has been completed. This research includes the percentage of fuel enrichment, reactor core size, reactor core configuration, criticality, and the distribution of the power density. The calculation of reactor core is done in two dimensions \sfrac{1}{6} hexagonal terrace section with a triangular mesh. The fuel is used, i.e. thorium with a burn-up of 20 GWd/t and 30 GWd/t, and helium gas as a cooler. The results obtained in this study show that the ideal HTGR reactor core design with reactor core size and configuration are (x) 22 cm at point (y) = 2035,05 cm and at (y) 11 cm at point (x) = 2035,05 cm, then enrichment in fuel 8%. The result of maximum power density is 550.3685 Watt/cm3 where the position at (x) = 22 cm and axis (y) = 11 with the effective multiplication factor value keff of 1,0000002.

This study about burn up calculations on the HCLWR reactor with two dimensional hexagonal geometric models of uranium using SRAC COREBN has been carried. This study used uranium-235 and uranium-238 as the fuels, light water as coolant and moderator. The calculation was done with computational simulation of COREBN. The calculation aims to produce a conversion ratio more than 1 and a critical multiplication factor (keff). The research used fuels enrichment, burn up period, burn up step, linier power and volume fraction parameters. The percentage of enrichment from U1 and U3 were 3% and U2 was 2,5%. The volume fraction of each material was 52% fuels, 12% cladding, and 36% coolant, the reactor operating period for 548 days with 6 step of burn up then the reactorpower is 2400 MW and the linear poweris 1,792722 MW/cm. The calculation of conversion ratio was 1,01233 and keff was 0,901.

Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) is the most important component in fuel cell devices. Electrodes composing MEA greatly determine the performance and durability of its application in passive Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC). Fabrication and characterization of electrodes with various loading Pt-Ru/C catalysts and their application to DMFC have been carried out. The XRD characterization results indicate the presence of C atoms which are indicated by the appearance of peaks at angles 2θ = 25°-30°. In areas, 44.4° and 45.1° indicate the presence of Ru even with low intensity and platinum in the area of 54.67°, 39.86°, 54.736°, 39.88°, and 68.3°. The highest ECSA value and electrical conductivity and low resistance showed the best catalytic activity possessed by electrodes with the loading of Pt-Ru/C catalyst 10 mg/cm2. MEA with a catalyst loading of 8 mg/cm2 is known to have a fairly large initial voltage before the load is given based on the results of Open Circuit Voltage (OCV) measurements. The MEA performance was observed based on I-V and I-P performance tests using the SMART2 WonAtech Fuel Cell Test Station on passive DMFC stacks with 3 M methanol as fuel. The best MEA shown in MEA with catalyst loading is 10 mg/cm2 because it can maintain and achieve a voltage and power density that is quite higher than other MEAs in each load increase in the form of current density.

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglicemic. Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) and Salam ( Syzygium polyanthum (Wight) Walp.) are plants which recognized as blood glucose controller. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of the combination of the two extract in decreasing blood sugar levels of diabetic rats. The rats divided into 6 groups: group I (normal control) without treatment, group II (negative control), group III (positive control), group IV (extract of mangosteen with dose of 400 mg), group V (extract of salam leaf with dose of 400 mg) and group VI (combination of mangosteen 200 mg and salam leaf 200 mg). Data were analyzed by One-Way Anova, followed by PostHoc Bonferroni analysis. Then the combination of the extract was formulated in powder dosage form blended with PVP, Sucralose and Lactose. The evaluation included physical test are organoleptic, water content and flowability time. The results showed that the combination of the extracts of mangosteen and salam leaf comprising half doses of eact extract could lower blood glucose levels significantly (P

This research aims to to study the ability of awar-awar plants ((Ficus Septica Burm. F)) to accumulate heavy metals. Awar-awar are grown in glass reactors and treated with 10 ppm mercury solution wich one, two, and three weeks in time variations. The analysis using CV-AAS showed that the total absorption of mercury heavy metals by awar-awar plants in reactors I, II and III was 81.7%, 34.6% and 85.4% respectively. When the phytoremediation process takes place the plant shows no symptoms of damage or even death even though it has accumulated more than 50% of mercury from the growing media. The BCF value of awar-awar plants in reactor I was 2.79 reactor II was 0.53 and reactor III was 0.55. While the TF values ​​in reactors I, II and III were 0.04; 1.13 and 0.97. The calculation results of BCF and TF values ​​show that Awar-awar plants (Ficus Septica Burm. F) can accumulate heavy metals of mercury so it is recommended to be used as a phytoremediation agent in mercury-contaminated soils.

The increasing popularity of leaf and fruit of African nightshade as vegetables in Indonesia stimulates farmers to harvest both leaf and fruit from single plant alternately; the yield is presumably affected by fertilizer rate, e.g., nitrogen. The present study aimed to evaluate such hypothesis through evaluation of plant production, N absorption, and its status. Seedlings were treated with five N levels, i.e., 0, 90, 180, 270, and 360 kg/ha in Leuwikopo Experimental Farm, IPB Bogor, Indonesia. The results revealed that leaf and fruit productions were sensitive to nitrogen level. Leaf and fruit productions had quadratic correlation to N levels, i.e., r 2=0.9671 and r 2=0.9483 with optimum dosages as 304.8 kg/ha and 336.5 kg/ha, respectively. Proper N application is important for both leaf and fruit productions because nitrate level in leaf had quadratic relationship (r 2=0.5264) and it has a linear relationship in fruit production (r2=0.9587) by increasing N level from 90 to 360 kg N/ha. From the total fresh mass leaves and fruits harvested, the optimum N for the best alternate harvesting was 271.1 kg/ha (r 2=0.9644). Keywords: African nightshade, intercropping, N uptake, nitrate status, photosynthetic rate

Clove is an important commodity in Indonesia and it is used as a main material for cigarettes. Clove propagation can be conducted by generative method, but this method takes a long time to produce a considerable number of seedlings. To overcome such problem, it can be applied a tissue culture technique. An effort has been conducted to induce calli from sliced clove leaves and performed at Plant Biotechnology Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Tadulako University from June-November 2016. The aim of this experiment was to determine the most suitable type and concentration of auxins for callus induction of sliced clove leaves via in vitro culture. This experiment used a Completely Randomized Design with six treatments, namely 0.25 ppm 2.4-D; 0.50 ppm 2.4-D; 0.75 ppm 2.4-D; 0.25 ppm NAA; 0.50 ppm NAA; and 0.75 ppm NAA. Parameters observed consisted of the speed or time of appearance, the percentage, color, and texture of calli. Data were analyzed by using analysis of variance and differences between mean treatments were determined by Duncan Multiple Range Test at 5% level. The results of this experiment indicated that the type and concentration of auxin most suitable for callus induction of sliced clove leaves was culture medium supplemented with 0.75 ppm 2.4-D. In such medium composition, it was obtained the quickest callus formation, namely average 4.22 WAC with the percentage of callus formation was up to 100%. In general, the colors of calli were white, yellowish white, and brown; with the textures of formed calli were soft, compact, and intermediat. Keywords: callus formation, clove, growth hormone, tissue culture

The aims of this experiments was to evaluate the appropriate concentration of BAP for shoots induction of orange via in vitro culture. This experiment was conducted in Plant Biotechnology Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Tadulako University from Mei to August 2017. This experiment used a Completely Randomized Design with five treatments, namely 0.5 ppm BAP, 1.0 ppm BAP, 1.5 ppm BAP, 2.0 ppm and 2.5 ppm.. Data was analyzed using analysis of variance and differences between means of the treatments were determined by Honestly Significant Difference test at 5% level. Results of this experiment indicated that the most suitable concentration of BAP for the shoots induction of orange was the medium culture supplemented with 0.5 ppm BAP. In such medium composition, the quickest and the highest number of shoot formation was obtained as well as the highest number of leaf formation at 6 weeks after culture, namely 3.02 days after culture, 1.52 shoots and 2.40 leaves per explant, respectively.

In Indonesia, starch, particularly that obtained from bengkuang (Pachyrhizus erosus), is abundant and inexpensive, thereby increasing the value of bengkuang starch, which can be mixed with bioplastic-based starch. A biocomposite comprising nanocellulose from water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and bengkuang starch was successfully fabricated using the solution casting method. Nanocellulose content in the matrix was kept constant at 1 wt%. Moreover, during fabrication, the biocomposite gel was treated in an ultrasonic bath for 0, 15, 30, and 60 min. Further, thermogravimetric analysis, moisture absorption measurements, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were performed. The biocomposite sample vibrated for 60 min had the highest thermal stability and exhibited low moisture absorption. The soil burial test proved that this biocomposite, as opposed to 0-min vibrated samples, has a slower biodegradation rate. This result was supported by morphological evaluation after biodegradation, in which the 60-min vibrated samples showed a coarse surface and low porosity formation. Keywords: Nanocellulose, Biodegradation, Biocomposites, Hyacinth fiber, Thermogravimetric analysis

Biofilms made from modified sago starch to improve the mechanical and physical properties have been studied . This study aimed to prepare and characterize biofilms from sago starch and modified sago (acetylation, oxidation, cross-link and precipitation). Modified of sago starch was prepared by some methods: precipitation using ethanol as solvent, acetylation modified of sago starch using acetic anhydride, oxidation modification using hydrogen peroxide and cross-link modification using sodium acetate. Biofilms were made from modified sago using glycerol with a concentration of 1.0% weight, where glycerol acts as a plasti c izer to impart the thermoplasticity of the starch film. Biofilm made from native sago was then compared to biofilm from modified sago starch. The effects of modified sago starch to the biofilm were measured on its moisture contents, contact angle value, mechanical properties such as elongation and tensile strength. T he chemical structures were evaluated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and morphology of biofilm were measured by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The optimum condition of modified sago starch used in biofilm in this study is by acetylation. The result show that modified acetylation of sago starch can improve the properties of biofilm Keywords : biofilms, sago, acetylation, oxidation, cross link, SEM, FTIR

Direct Alcohol Fuel Cell (DAFC) performance is influenced by electrocatalysis reactions that occur in Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA). In this study, MEA was made with Pt-Ru/C (anode) and Pt/C (cathode) catalysts. The results of the electrode characterization with XRD showed a carbon peak at 26.63° and Ru at 40.58°. Based on the results of Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) measurements, the Electrochemical Surface Area (ECSA) electrode value is known to be 373.601 cm2/mg. Meanwhile, the impedance value is 4.315 Ω and the electrical conductivity value is 6.61x10-4 S/cm. MEA testing using MeOH 3 M fuel produces Open Circuit Voltage (OCV) of 0.650 V. Meanwhile, MEA performance testing uses a mixture of methanol and ethanol 2 M in loading conditions obtained the best mixture of fuel composition is methanol: ethanol = 90:10 with a maximum power density of 4.34 mW/cm2 and is able to maintain the voltage at 0.649 V under conditions of 6.875 mA/cm2. The results also showed that the volume of ethanol which was too high resulted in a decrease in cell performance in the fuel mixture caused by the competition of adsorption between competing methanol and ethanol occupying the active site of the catalyst. Keywords: DAFC, fuel cell, Pt-Ru/C, ethanol, methanol, Open Circuit Voltage