Urban coastal tourism areas, such as the Padang Beach Tourism Area (PBTA), face significant environmental challenges associated with increasing solid waste generation. This study utilizes Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in accordance with ISO 14040 standards to compare two solid waste management (SWM) scenarios for an average operating day. Scenario 1 represents the current city-scale system, characterized by limited informal recovery, with most of the collected waste disposed of at the Air Dingin controlled landfill. In contrast, Scenario 2 proposes a planned area-scale system that incorporates waste sorting, composting, and material recovery at a dedicated facility, directing any residual waste to the same landfill. The analysis focuses on a functional unit of 1,892.67 kg (1.893 tonnes) of PBTA waste generated per day, with landfill methane emissions quantified using IPCC 2006 parameters. Characterization uses the CML-IA baseline midpoint method, while EU25 normalization provides supplementary interpretative support. Results indicate a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 1.84×10³ kg CO₂-eq/day for Scenario 1, compared to 3.87×10² kg CO₂-eq/day for Scenario 2, reflecting a 79% reduction primarily due to decreased landfill waste. Findings underscore that enhancing local recovery strategies can significantly improve the environmental performance of SWM practices in coastal tourism areas.
One important aspect of tropical climates is the diurnal precipitation cycle, which is strongly modulated by seasonal dynamics and atmospheric processes. This study investigates the diurnal variation of precipitation over the Mentawai Islands, a small-island region off western Sumatra that is highly exposed to heavy rainfall and hydrometeorological hazards. Hourly precipitation accumulation (PA), frequency (PF), and intensity (PI) were analyzed using IMERG V07 and GSMaP V08 satellite datasets for the wet season (November–March; NDJFM) and dry season (May–September; MJJAS) during the period 2000–2022. In addition, ERA5 reanalysis was employed to examine the associated vertical velocity, relative humidity, and surface wind convergence. The results show that PI is generally higher during the dry season (1.5–3.3 mm/h) than during the wet season (1.5–2.6 mm/h), particularly over smaller islands (Sipora and North Pagai) and adjacent coastal seas, whereas both PA and PF are greater in the wet season. Seasonal variations in vertical velocity (ω) and offshore low-level winds enhance nocturnal convection over the Mentawai Strait, leading to earlier diurnal peaks of PA and PI during MJJAS (23–01 LT) compared to NDJFM (01–03 LT) over the Mentawai Islands. In contrast, the large-scale monsoon circulation regulates the seasonal pattern of PF amplitude without significantly altering the timing of its diurnal peak. These findings not only elucidate the complex diurnal mechanisms in maritime island climates but also suggest the need for localized rainfall monitoring and early-warning systems to support ecosystem sustainability and the livelihoods of Mentawai communities that depend on nature.
The flavonoid-rich fraction from the ethanolic extract of the leaves of Cosmos caudatus Kunth. (Kenikir) was analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry with a quadrupole and time-of-flight analyzer featuring an electrospray ionization source (QToF-ESI-MS/MS). The deprotonated molecules [M−H]⁻ were analyzed, and the flavonoids were tentatively annotated based on accurate mass and product-ion patterns. Chemical analysis of the fraction identified quercetin and three C-3 hydroxy group-substituted quercetin glycosides, namely quercetin 3-O-rutinoside (rutin), quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (isoquercitrin), and quercetin 3-O-arabinofuranoside. The results show that the fragmentation behavior of flavonol 3-O-glycosides can be analyzed based on the breakage of glycosidic link and interglycosidic linkages. Removal of the sugar moiety allows the distinctive product ions to be identified. Investigation of negative ion ESI-MS/MS spectra of flavonol O-glycosides allows their rapid characterization as flavonol 3-O-glycoside and enables their direct analysis in crude plant extracts. This study provides a detailed analysis of the MS/MS fragmentation pathways of 3-O-glycosylated flavonoids in a flavonoid-rich fraction of C. caudatus.
Corn cob (Zea mays L.), a common agricultural waste, may act as a natural inhibitor of the α/β-glucosidase enzymes, which are crucial for blood glucose regulation and carbohydrate metabolism. This potential arises from secondary metabolites in corn cob, including phenolics, flavonoids, polysaccharides, and steroids, which have been reported to exhibit α/β-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Despite its abundance, corn cob has been largely underexplored as a source of dual α-/β-glucosidase inhibitors, particularly through fraction-based bioactivity profiling. This study aims to assess the potential of the methanol extract and fractions (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and butanol) of corn cob as α- and β-glucosidase inhibitors. The methodology includes drying and grinding corn cob, followed by maceration and fractionation. The inhibitory activities of the extract and fractions against α- and β-glucosidase were evaluated in vitro using spectrophotometry with a microplate reader and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) bioautography. Furthermore, the secondary metabolite content of the bioactive fraction was determined via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The corn cob extract and fractions exhibited inhibitory activity against α- and β-glucosidase, with the n-hexane fraction showing the lowest observed IC50 values (IC50=22.11±1.07 µg/mL for α-glucosidase and IC50=77.28±0.29 µg/mL for β-glucosidase). LC-MS/MS profiling of the n-hexane fraction led to the detection of 21 compounds; of these, 10 were putatively identified as fatty acids, steroids, terpenoids, and flavonoids, which act as active inhibitors of α- and β-glucosidase. These findings highlight the novel potential of corn cob waste as a dual enzyme inhibitor and a promising natural therapeutic candidate for managing diabetes and hyperglycemia.
Toddler highchairs are essential for parents, restaurants, and daycares to support children’s eating activities. However, products on the market have several limitations, including insufficient stability, limited height adjustment, and uncomfortable materials. This study aims to develop a safer, more comfortable, and flexible ergonomic toddler feeding chair using a structured product development approach supported by computer-aided design (CAD) in SolidWorks, digital structural analysis, and considerations of environmental responsibility. The research follows a phased product development methodology: needs identification, concept development, system design, structural analysis, digital validation, and production cost estimation. The chair incorporates an aluminum frame to enhance stability. The seat combines polypropylene and foam for user comfort, while folding and height-adjustment mechanisms ensure adaptability across different conditions. Static simulation in SolidWorks confirmed that the design withstands loads up to 30 kg, with stress, deformation, and safety factor values within acceptable limits. Environmental responsibility was considered at the material level through the selection of recyclable materials (such as aluminum and polypropylene) with anticipated long product life and efficient resource use; no formal life-cycle assessment was conducted. Although digital validation produced promising results, further work is required to develop prototypes and conduct physical user testing to evaluate ergonomics and usability under real conditions. With these improvements, the proposed design shows potential to outperform conventional products and achieve broad applicability, while further environmental validation remains necessary to substantiate sustainability outcomes.
