Journal La Lifesci

Haemosporidian Parasites in Domestic and Wild Birds

Isra’a M. Essa — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 13:31:13 +0700

This study aims to provide brief information about the role of haemosporidian parasites in birds and significant implications for avian health, population dynamics, and control efforts. Haemosporidian parasites, belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa, are a diverse group of protozoan organisms that infect a wide range of vertebrate hosts, including birds. These parasites have a complex life cycle, with both sexual and asexual stages, and are transmitted by blood-feeding insects such as mosquitoes, midges, and blackflies. The potential impact of these parasites include a wide range of health issues in infected birds, including anemia, decreased body condition, and reduced reproductive success. Additionally, the distribution of parasitic populations within individual hosts can lead to complex interactions between the host and its parasites, which can influence the overall population structure and dynamics of both the host and the parasite. The prevalence and genetic diversity of haemosporidian parasites can also vary depending on various factors, such as the migratory patterns of birds, availability of suitable vectors, and environmental conditions in different regions. In conclusion, haemosporidian parasites play a crucial role in the dynamics of bird populations, influencing their health, fitness, and population structure. Understanding the complex interactions between these parasites and their avian hosts is essential for developing effective strategies for the conservation and management of bird populations.

The Relationship Between Feeding Patterns and Stunting Incidence in Toddlers from the Perspective of Maqashid Shariah

Weni Saputri, Irwansyah Irwansyah — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Stunting is a condition where a person's height is shorter than the height of other people in general. Stunting is a condition of failure to thrive in children under five as a result of chronic malnutrition so that the child is too short for his age. Factors that cause stunting include food intake, infectious diseases, parenting patterns, health services and environmental sanitation, economic, socio-cultural, educational and environmental factors. The research aims to determine the relationship between feeding patterns and the incidence of stunting among toddlers in the Working Area of the Terjun Community Health Center, Medan Marelan District. The research was carried out from March to August 2024 in the Working Area of the Terjun Community Health Center, Medan Marelan District using a cross sectional approach. The research sample was 100 respondents, taken using purposive sampling technique. The research results showed that 35.0% of toddlers were in the stunting category and 65.0% of toddlers were in the non-stunting category. The feeding pattern of toddlers is 54.0% of toddlers with inappropriate feeding patterns and 46.0% of toddlers with appropriate feeding patterns. The results of the chi-square test analysis of this research showed that there was a significant relationship between feeding patterns and the incidence of stunting in toddlers in the Working Area of the Terjun Community Health Center, Medan Marelan District with a significance value of p=0.009 (p<0.05), from the results of the analysis it was obtained also OR=6.756.

Application of Several Concentrations of Palm Fiber Liquid Organic Fertilizer and the Composition of Planting Media on the Growth of Moringa Oleifera L

Malika Mulyawati, Dewi Firnia, Samsu Hilal, Abdul Hasyim Sodiq — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study aims to analyze the effect of the application of several concentrations of liquid organic fertilizer based on palm fiber and the composition of plant media on the growth of moringa plants (Moringa oleifera L.). Palm fiber liquid organic fertilizer was chosen because of its potential as a source of environmentally friendly nutrients that can increase plant productivity. The study was conducted using a random group design (RAK) with treatment of various concentrations of liquid organic fertilizer (0%, 15%, 20%, and 25%) as well as variations of plant media by volume (1:1) (top soil, top soil + cocopeat, top soil + husk charcoal, and top soil + compost). The observed growth parameters included plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, leaf chlorophyll, plant wet weight, leaf wet weight and root wet weight. The results showed that the concentration of liquid organic fertilizer of palm fiber and the composition of the plant media significantly affected the growth of moringa plants. The combination of 20% palm fiber liquid organic fertilizer concentration and top soil + compost (P2M3) provides the best growth results compared to other treatments. These findings provide important insights for the development of more efficient and sustainable moringa cultivation techniques.

Strategy to Improve Food Security in Anticipation of Food Crisis in North Sumatera

Berlian Puspita Ningrum, Reni Ria Armayani Hasibuan, Aqwa Naser Daulay — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The purpose of this study is to analyze the food security strategy implemented by the North Sumatra Provincial Government in anticipation of the food crisis. This study will use a descriptive qualitative approach method through literature studies and interviews with the Food Security and Horticulture Service of North Sumatra Province. The sampling technique was carried out using Purposive Sampling. Data that has been collected from key informants and related institutions, then processed and analyzed through three steps, namely external factor evaluation, internal factor evaluation, and QSPM matrix. The results of the study show: Analysis of internal and external factors in the SWOT matrix, is positioned in Quadrant I by implementing the S-O strategy where strengths are used to take advantage of opportunities. The strategy is in the form of counseling to farmers so that they can improve their abilities and skills by collaborating between the agricultural service and the extension agency and collaborating with farmers to sell their harvest to Buloq Sub Drive North Sumatra with the aim of not importing food needs from outside so that the opportunity to become an independent region can be realized. Based on the SWOT analysis, eight alternative strategies were formulated to improve food security, with the main priority being to reduce the intensity of agricultural land conversion, increase collaboration between government agencies, and manage agricultural resources optimally. Other strategies include increasing access to agricultural product marketing, providing assistance for facilities and infrastructure by the government, and intensive assistance to farmers through counseling in each village.

Effect of Contaminated Surface Water by Residents of Brick Kilns on Antioxidants and Lipid Profile of Rats

Duaa R.M. Al-Safi, Zahraa N.K. Al Aboudi — Sat, 15 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Antioxidants and lipid markers have gained significant attention in recent decades for their pivotal role in promoting overall health and well-being. On other hand, the improper disposal of industrial effluents has emerged as a major environmental challenge leading to contamination of water sources that subsequently impact public health. Estimation of the effect of contaminated water by the residents of brick kilns on the level of antioxidants (CAT, GPX, and SOD), lipid peroxidation MDA, and lipid profile (TC, HDL, LDL, and TG). A total of 30 surface water samples were collected from the areas near the brick kilns located in Al-Hai, Al-Kut, and Badra cities into labeled plastic containers. Then, overall 60 rats were divided equally into two groups; the 1st was given tap water (negative control), and the 2nd was given the contaminated water (experimental). After 75 days, blood was collected from all animals to obtain the sera that tested using the specific species quantitative enzyme-linked sorbent assay (ELISA) kits to measure the concentration of antioxidants, lipid peroxidation and lipid profile. In comparison to values of control group, results of antioxidants including CAT (5.419 ± 0.363 pg/ml), GPX (24.533 ± 1.317 IU/ml) and SOD (4.013 ± 0.479 U/ml) were reduced significantly; while significant increases were shown in results of lipid peroxidation MDA (187.333 ± 10.402 ng/ml), as well as in LDL (641.611 ± 54.809 ng/ml). However, insignificant variation between the values of experimental and control groups was seen in values of TC (3.528 ± 0.332 nmol/ml), HDL (36.283 ± 1.881 ng/ml), and TG (567.556 ± 72.724 ng/ml).

Spatial Analysis of Flood Vulnerability and Retention Ponds

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Flooding is one of the causes of environmental damage worldwide. Several things that can affect flooding in urban areas, Palembang experiences periodic flooding problems, especially every rainy season. The data in this article consists of primary data obtained from location surveys in retention ponds, including: documentation, topography, depth of retention ponds and secondary data from related agencies, including: location maps, climatology, regional topography. Palembang City has varying levels of flood vulnerability: high (Jakabaring, Kertapati, Plaju, and Seberang Ulu), medium (Ilir Barat and Sukarame), and low (Alang-Alang Lebar). Lowland areas with poor drainage systems require more attention. Retention ponds play an important role in managing rainwater runoff, such as the Jakabaring Sports Hall (200,000 m²), Ogan Permai Indah (22,217 m²), and Brimob Demang Lebar Daun (30,000 m²). The city's topography, which is mostly flat and low, especially around the Musi River, further increases the risk of flooding.

Feasibility of Skipjack Katsuwonus Pelamis Fishing Unit Business in the Flores Sea

Muhammad Aldair Mukstofa Carda, Nur Islah Sugianto, Nursanti Nursanti — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 15:55:47 +0700

The present research determines the financial practicality of skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) fishing unit establishments located in the Flores Sea portion of South Sulawesi. A survey-based research project took place between September and December 2024 to obtain data from Bulukumba and the Selayar Islands regencies through random sampling procedures. The research relied on interview sessions together with questionnaires and observations as well as literature review for data collection. The financial assessment performed a cost breakdown followed by income evaluation using NPV with IRR and Net B/C and PP calculations. The skipjack tuna fishing businesses employing purse seine gear in the Flores Sea operate at a profitable level. Financial analysis demonstrates profitability and sustainability potential because the regencies achieved positive NPV and IRR exceeding interest rates together with Net B/C Ratio values higher than one and PP that lasts for less than three years. The research results validate ongoing support for the skipjack tuna fishing industry throughout the region.

Formulation and Organoleptic Test on Cookies Made from Potato Peel Flour

Septiani Septiani, Ratnayani Ratnayani — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 16:15:56 +0700

Processing potatoes into flour is one way to reduce the risk of damage and extend the shelf life of potatoes. Potato flour has high absorption, fine texture, sweet taste, and a distinctive fragrant aroma. Cookies are dry baked goods produced by baking dough made from wheat flour, either with or without substitutes, along with oil or fat, and optionally incorporating other food ingredients and approved additives. Based on this, it is necessary to conduct research on potato flour formulations in cookies with organoleptic tests to determine the best formulation for making cookies from potato peel flour, obtaining the best formulation it can reduce the dependence of the community and industry on the use of wheat flour. The research used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four formulations (0%, 25%, 50%, and 75% potato peel flour substitution) and two repetitions. Organoleptic testing, including hedonic and hedonic quality assessments, was conducted to evaluate panellists' preferences for colour, texture, taste, and aroma. The results showed that cookies with 25% potato peel flour substitution (F1) were the most preferred, achieving the highest scores in all sensory attributes. However, increasing the substitution level resulted in a darker colour, firmer texture, and a more pronounced bitter taste, affecting overall acceptability.