Scientific Nexus

Photometric determination of asteroid 9 Metis rotation period using the OZT-ALTS robotic telescope

Achmad Zainur Rozzykin — 2025-07-06

Asteroid 9 Metis, a prominent main-belt object with an irregular shape and diameter of approximately 190 km, provides insights into early solar system formation and evolution. We determined its synodic rotation period through ground-based photometric observations using the OZT-ALTS robotic telescope at Institut Teknologi Sumatera (Itera). Observations were conducted on May 6, 2025, spanning 6.2 hours continuously. We analyzed 125 calibrated light frames using aperture photometry to construct a light curve. Period analysis employed the Lomb-Scargle periodogram method, suitable for unevenly spaced astronomical data. The periodogram revealed a dominant peak at 2.51 hours. However, the folded light curve exhibited characteristic double-peaked structure with two maxima and minima per cycle, indicating this represents half the actual rotation period. The true synodic rotation period was therefore determined as 5.01 ± 1.01 hours. This result agrees with previously reported values (~5.08 hours), confirming that asteroid 9 Metis has an elongated shape or heterogeneous surface reflectivity. Our study demonstrates that accurate rotational periods can be obtained using moderate-sized telescopes and modern photometric techniques for kilometer-scale asteroids. These findings contribute to understanding asteroid rotational dynamics and provide reference data for future shape modeling studies.

Analgetic effectiveness of fenugreek seed extract (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) in acetic acid-induced male ddY strain mice

Riska Okta Via — 2025-07-28

Pain represents a significant health challenge, with current nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) carrying hepatotoxicity risks that necessitate safer alternatives. This study evaluated the analgesic activity of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) seed extract using the acetic acid-induced writhing test in male ddY strain mice. Twenty-five mice were randomly allocated into five groups (n=5): negative control (1% Na-CMC), positive control (diclofenac sodium 50 mg/kg), and three fenugreek extract groups (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg). Pain was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 1% acetic acid, and writhing episodes were counted for 180 minutes. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey's post-hoc test. All fenugreek doses significantly reduced writhing compared to negative control (p < 0.05). The extract demonstrated dose-dependent analgesic activity, with protection rates of 30.8%, 35.9%, and 41.0% for 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg doses, respectively. The highest dose (600 mg/kg) achieved 71% of diclofenac's analgesic efficacy (46.2% protection). Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, tannins, and polyphenols. These findings suggest fenugreek seed extract possesses significant analgesic properties and represents a promising natural alternative for pain management.

Analyzing sediment characteristics between intertidal and supratidal zones at Kelapa Kunjir Beach, Lampung Indonesia

Delilla Suhanda — 2025-07-29

The differing hydrodynamic processes between the intertidal and supratidal zones significantly influence the distribution of grain size and sediment types. This study aims to analyze the sediment fractions and types based on granulometric parameters in both zones. The method involved collecting sediment samples from five stations in each zone, followed by dry sieving laboratory analysis and granulometric statistical calculations. The results show that the intertidal zone is dominated by gravelly sand, with gravel ranging from 20.4% to 35.5% and sand from 61.3% to 78.7%, with no silt or clay detected. The supratidal zone exhibited more variation, with gravel ranging from 16.4% to 38.2%, sand from 41.3% to 70.6%, and silt from 2.3% to 39.2%. Sorting values ranged from 1.5 to 2.3, skewness from −0.8 to −0.07, and kurtosis between 1.7 and 4.0. Sediment types in the intertidal zone were predominantly gravelly sand, while the supratidal zone consisted of gravelly mud and muddy sand. It is concluded that differences grain size distribution and sediment types between the two zones are influenced by variations in environmental energy. The intertidal zone reflects moderate to high-energy conditions, while the supratidal zone indicates a lower-energy environment with potential for fine material accumulation.

Sol-gel synthesis and characterization of iron- and nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalysts for enhanced rhodamine B degradation

Ilma Maulidina — 2025-07-28

Rhodamine B is a carcinogenic synthetic dye extensively used in textile and food industries, requiring effective removal from wastewater. Conventional titanium dioxide (TiO₂) photocatalysts demonstrate limited effectiveness under solar irradiation due to ultraviolet light activation requirements. This study evaluated strategic modification of TiO₂ electronic structure through low-concentration iron and nitrogen doping to enhance visible-light photocatalytic performance for rhodamine B degradation. Nanoscale TiO₂ materials were synthesized using sol-gel methodology and doped with iron and nitrogen precursors. Comprehensive characterization employed X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy to evaluate structural, optical, and morphological properties. Structural analysis confirmed preservation of anatase crystalline phase with 12.94 nanometer average crystallite size. Optical characterization revealed bandgap modifications from 3.27 eV for pure TiO₂ to 2.85 eV for iron-doped and 3.25 eV for nitrogen-doped samples. Nitrogen-doped TiO₂ achieved superior rhodamine B degradation efficiencies of 94.16% under ultraviolet irradiation and 83.34% under visible light, significantly outperforming pure and iron-doped materials. Enhanced performance resulted from optimized charge carrier dynamics balancing improved light harvesting with reduced electron-hole recombination. These findings establish a practical approach for developing cost-effective, solar-responsive photocatalysts for sustainable wastewater treatment applications.

Bioinformatics analysis of andrographolide as an antisquamous cell carcinoma of the cervix

Raymond Devara — 2025-07-31

Andrographolide, a natural substance isolated from Andrographis paniculata showing anticancer activity can be tested in silico to analyze its target in treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. Objective of this study is dentifying andrographolide’s therapeutic target in treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. Bioinformatics analysis was done by intersecting genes dysregulated in cancer and genes regulated by andrographolide. Potential therapeutic target genes activity related to cancer was analyzed and probable target genes were docked with andrographolide. Eighty three potential therapeutic target genes were identified and gene ontology and KEGG pathway analysis revealed their role in cancer. Target genes were further selected, resulted in three genes probable to be docked with andrographolide. Binding energy in kcal/mol between andrographolide and MAPK3, MMP9 and JAK2 respectively were -9.954, -9.470 and -8.482. Meanwhile, positive control binding energy were -10.050, -9.459 and -9.422. Andrographolide is shown to interact with a few key amino acid residues, such as Ile48 and Tyr53 in MAPK3, His230, His236, Pro246 and 247 in MMP9 and Leu983 in JAK2. In conclusion, MAPK3, MMP9 and JAK2 are potential therapeutic target genes for andrographolide within the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix.