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Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is a medicinal plant traditionally used to control blood glucose levels and improve digestive health. These benefits are closely associated with its bioactive metabolite content. This article aims to characterize the bioactive metabolites of bitter melon and to review their potential bioactivity in glycemic control and digestive function. The method employed includes a literature-based characterization of metabolites, identification of major classes of active compounds, and evaluation of analytical techniques commonly applied in natural product research, such as phytochemical screening, chromatography, and spectroscopic analysis. The results indicate that bitter melon contains various bioactive metabolites, including flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, triterpenoids, and polyphenols, which contribute to blood glucose reduction by enhancing insulin sensitivity and inhibiting glucose absorption. Furthermore, these compounds support digestive health by improving digestive enzyme activity, exhibiting anti-inflammatory effects, and maintaining gut microbial balance. In conclusion, bitter melon represents a promising source of natural bioactive compounds with significant potential for application in health and pharmaceutical development.

The Andun Offering Dance is an important tradition in the traditional wedding ceremony of the Serawai people in South Bengkulu. It contains the main cultural symbol, Sekapur Sirih, which not only functions as a ritual complement but also has a philosophical meaning that represents the noble values ​​of the local community. This study aims to uncover the symbolic meaning of Sekapur Sirih in the Andun Offering Dance and explain the request to strengthen social relations between families united through the traditional wedding procession. The research method uses a qualitative descriptive approach through literature studies, observations, and interviews with traditional leaders of South Bengkulu. The results show that Sekapur Sirih contains values ​​of respect, welcome, purity, harmony, and prayer for the bride and groom. In addition, the existence of Sekapur Sirih functions as a cultural communication medium that maintains the identity of the Serawai people amidst social change. These findings preserve the importance of preserving traditional symbols in traditional ceremonies as an effort to maintain the continuity of local culture.

The aesthetics of Palace style puppet performances embody local wisdom and ancestral traditions that were later standardized into formal rules. Purbo Asmoro incorporates these elements of the Palace style into the shadow puppet performance of the play Irawan Rabi. The central problem addressed is: how is the aesthetic concept of cucut implemented in Purbo Asmoro's presentation of the Palace style shadow puppet play Irawan Rabi? This issue is analyzed using the aesthetic concepts proposed by Sunardi, supplemented by those of M.Ng. Najawirangka. The data collection methods included literature reviews and interviews; to ensure higher data accuracy, the play was also transcribed through the observation of audio visual recordings. The results of this study indicate that the implementation of the cucut aesthetic concept is evident in Purbo Asmoro's success in constructing scenes that evoke a humorous impression. This is observable in the ginem of the Dwarawati State audience scene; the ginem of the perang ampyak; the sabet of the perang gagal scene; the ginem of the Yasarata Hermitage scene; the sabet of the perang kembang scene; the ginem of the Kaputren Dwarawati State scene; the ginem of Dwarawati Palace scene; and the ginem of rabine Irawan scene.

Islamic education in the global era faces various complex problems and challenges, ranging from conventional teaching methods, varying teacher quality, to curriculum unpreparedness in addressing social and technological dynamics. The globalization of information and culture also significantly influences students’ behavior and identity, requiring digital literacy, critical cultural awareness, and resilience in religious values to remain aligned with Islamic principles. This study employs a library research approach with a descriptive qualitative method, analyzing various books and scientific journals related to Islamic education in the global era. The findings indicate that the problems of Islamic education include the gap between traditional methods and 21st-century needs, teachers’ unpreparedness in using technology, and the lack of integration between religious education and contemporary social contexts. Other challenges involve education management, family and community involvement, and policy-making that responds to global changes. To address these issues, recommended solutions include revitalizing an integrative curriculum that combines Islamic values with 21st-century skills, utilizing technology wisely, enhancing teacher competence, strengthening collaboration between schools, families, and communities, and developing media literacy and inclusive pedagogical approaches. Implementing these strategies is expected to produce students who are competent, adaptive, character-driven, and globally competitive without losing their moral and spiritual identity. These findings contribute to the development of Islamic education that is relevant, adaptive, and sustainable in the global era.

This study analyzes the construction of Catholic identity in the digital era from the perspective of social constructivism theory. In contrast to traditional identity formation tied to physical spaces like parishes, the digital age has created a dynamic virtual space where Catholic identity is actively shaped through theological narratives on social media. This qualitative research employs critical discourse analysis (CDA) of digital narratives from various theological sources, including papal posts and content from lay Catholic influencers. The findings indicate that Catholic identity is now constructed through digital interaction and participation, which changes how the faithful perceive church authority, form communities, and express their faith. This process has led to a shift from hierarchical authority to an authority that is also built from the ground up by the participation of the laity. Additionally, Catholic communities are transcending geographical boundaries to become "digital parishes." The implication for Inter-Faith Studies is that understanding this digitally constructed self-identity is crucial before engaging in dialogue with other religions, as the resulting narratives can be either inclusive or exclusive. In conclusion, contemporary Catholic identity is a dynamic and constructed entity, woven from both offline and online experiences.

A company budget is a structured and logical plan. In business management, a budget serves as a planning, control, and decision-making tool, enabling the company to achieve effective and efficient goals. Furthermore, a company budget aims to regulate cash flow, preventing waste. This article discusses the budgeting process in the culinary business "Seblak" and the importance of proper budgeting for culinary businesses. Budgeting enables companies to effectively manage their businesses and achieve their financial goals. Seblak is a traditional Indonesian dish originating from West Java, particularly the Bandung area. Initially, seblak was a simple dish made from raw crackers, boiled until soft, mixed with spices, and topped with various toppings such as sausage, chicken, and frozen food. Seblak is derived from the word "segak" and "nyegak," two Sundanese words meaning "pungent" or "invigorating." The name is quite synonymous with seblak, which is characterized by its spicy flavor and the use of galangal (galangal) for its strong aroma.

This study is motivated by the position of traditional music as a cultural element that not only functions aesthetically but also plays an important role in constructing social meaning, symbolism, and collective identity within a community. This article aims to examine the social meaning and function of Tagonggong music in the Tulude tradition of the Sangihe community in Londoun Village as a diaspora community. The research uses a qualitative method with a cultural ethnographic approach through participatory observation, unstructured interviews with traditional elders, Tagonggong players, and community leaders, as well as documentation. Data analysis was conducted descriptively and interpretatively using Alan P. Merriam's theoretical framework on the function of music. The results of the study show that Tagonggong music has a multidimensional function in the Tulude tradition, including symbolic communication, emotional expression, representation of cultural identity, reinforcement of social norms, and social integration and cohesion within the community.Tagonggong not only functions as an accompaniment to ceremonies, but also as a sacred musical instrument that connects the relationship between humans, ancestors, and God, while also marking the space and time of the ceremony. This finding confirms that Tagonggong is a living cultural archive that preserves the collective memory and ethnic identity of the Sangihe community in exile. Implicitly, this research enriches Indonesian ethnomusicology studies by positioning traditional music as an active social text in maintaining the cultural structure and solidarity of the communities that support it.

This study aims to analyze cash budget management at the Kuda Kepang Mas Bagong MSME located in Wates Hamlet, Cepogo Village, Boyolali Regency. This MSME focuses on traditional kuda kepang crafts that have economic and cultural value as a support for local performing arts. The method applied is a descriptive qualitative method with data collection techniques through observation and direct interviews with the business owner. The data reviewed includes the production process, production capacity, cost structure, selling price, revenue, and marketing system. The results of the study indicate that the Kuda Kepang Mas Bagong MSME has consistent market demand, especially for medium-sized kuda kepang products. However, production capacity limitations due to the use of one worker are a major obstacle in increasing business turnover. In addition, cash budget management is still carried out in a simple and unorganized manner, so the potential for liquidity control and financial planning has not reached an optimal level. This study concludes that developing a more organized cash budget and increasing production capacity can be a key strategy in improving the financial performance and sustainability of the Kuda Kepang Mas Bagong MSME.

Storytelling has been widely recognized as an effective method for teaching English to young learners because it presents language in meaningful and engaging contexts. This study aims to explore the implementation of storytelling in teaching English to primary school students and to examine the perceived benefits and challenges from the teacher’s perspective. The study employed a qualitative descriptive research design involving one English teacher who taught Grade 6 students at SDN 261 Pinrang. The participant was selected through purposive sampling due to her experience in applying storytelling activities in English instruction at the lower primary level. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview and documentation, including lesson plans and teaching materials related to storytelling used in the classroom. The data were analyzed using descriptive qualitative analysis by identifying recurring themes related to classroom implementation, student responses, perceived benefits, and instructional challenges. The findings reveal that storytelling was mainly implemented in listening and speaking activities using simple and familiar stories, visual aids, and follow-up tasks such as comprehension questions and story retelling. According to the teacher, storytelling contributed positively to students’ listening skills, vocabulary acquisition, motivation, and confidence in using English. Students showed higher levels of attention, engagement, and willingness to participate during storytelling sessions compared to traditional teaching methods. However, several challenges were also identified, including difficulty in selecting age-appropriate and culturally relevant stories, limited instructional time, large class size, and the teacher’s need for further training in designing effective storytelling activities. Despite these challenges, the study concludes that storytelling can create a positive and supportive learning environment when it is carefully planned and supported by adequate teacher preparation. The findings highlight the importance of instructional support to maximize the effectiveness of storytelling in primary EFL classrooms.

This study examines the prohibition of marriage based on the babisiak oath in Nagari Lunto, Lembah Segar District, Sawahlunto City, from the perspective of Sadd al-Dzari’ah and the views of Generation Z. The babisiak oath is a traditional vow made by previous ninik mamak (customary elders) declaring that members of the Buo Bungo tribe and the Kutia Anyia Bawah tribe are forbidden to marry, as the elders had sworn a brotherhood bond known as batali budi. This research employs a qualitative field research approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with the Head of the Kerapatan Adat Nagari (KAN) of Lunto Village and several Generation Z members residing in the area. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and qualitative methods. The findings indicate that, from the perspective of Sadd al-Dzari’ah, the marriage prohibition falls into the third category, namely a permissible act that has a strong potential to cause harm. Allowing such marriages could reopen historical conflicts, expose past grievances between the tribes, and potentially lead to social or physical disputes. Furthermore, Generation Z’s perspectives on the prohibition can be classified into three groups: those who remain obedient to the custom, those who hold a moderate stance, and those who tend to reject the prohibition. Despite these differences, most Generation Z respondents acknowledge that the babisiak oath has historical and social value that deserves preservation. However, they also emphasize the need to reinterpret its implementation in the contemporary context to prevent conflicts between customary law, Islamic legal principles, and individual freedom.

The spread of Islam in Java represents a crucial phase in the historical development of Islam in Indonesia, which occurred peacefully and gradually. This study employs a qualitative approach through literature review, aiming to analyze this dynamic through a socio cultural psychological lens. It explores how Islamic values were accepted, adapted, and internalized by the Javanese society, which already possessed a strong social and cultural system.The research is designed to evaluate the interaction between individuals and groups within the socio cultural context, and to examine how social and cultural developments influenced the community’s openness to Islamic teachings. Key figures in the spread of Islam in Java, such as the Wali Songo and scholars from the Middle East, applied intelligent and contextualized da'wah (Islamic propagation) strategies by integrating Islamic values into local cultural elements such as art, language, and traditions.The findings reveal that the success of Islamization in Java was greatly influenced by Islam’s ability to harmoniously acculturate with local culture, as well as through psychological mechanisms such as social identification, collective acceptance, and reinterpretation of religious values. Therefore, the socio cultural psychological approach provides significant insight into understanding the unique and contextual characteristics of Islam’s spread in Java.

This study examines the social realities of Iranian society, often misrepresented in international media that focus on politics, conflict, or conservatism. Using a sociological and humanistic perspective, it highlights everyday practices of courtesy, social norms, and traditions. The taarof ritual a unique form of politeness is discussed as a vivid example of how Iranians foster social harmony, respect guests, and demonstrate solidarity. The article also considers the impact of formal and customary law on social behavior, alongside the interplay between tradition and modernity in urban and rural contexts. Field observations and literature review suggest that Iranian society maintains high levels of courtesy and social cohesion, challenging common stereotypes. This research aims to enrich cross-cultural understanding and provide a more nuanced view of social life in Iran.

This study aims to analyze the policy formulation process for the Pasar Besar revitalization program in Pasuruan City, focusing on the stages involved in policy formulation. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach with interviews with informants and documentation. The results of the study reveal that the Pasar Besar revitalization policy formulation process does not fully conform to the four ideal stages. Of the four stages that should be followed: problem formulation, agenda process, alternative formulation, and policy determination, only two stages were carried out by policy makers in policy formulation, namely problem definition and policy determination. The results of the study reveal that at the problem definition stage, the Department of Industry and Trade defines the main problem as damage and unsuitability of market facilities and infrastructure, which has reached 70 percent, thus not complying with the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) for traditional markets. At the policy-making stage, the program is established and implemented through the 2022 Regional Work Plan (RKPD) of the Department of Industry and Trade, with funding provided through financial assistance to the provincial government. Several issues related to the market revitalization program policy formulation process include: the need to expand policy alternatives into several alternative options, such as considering partial or total market revitalization, and the need for alternative marking, such as gradual revitalization or making small but consistent improvements.

This study examines the transformation of family structures among Syrian refugees in Gaziantep, Turkey, using a meta-synthesis of 47 studies published between 2015 and 2024. The research focuses on changes in relational, economic, and normative aspects due to prolonged displacement. The findings reveal significant shifts in family dynamics, with 73.8% of families redefining traditional gender roles and 64.2% of women becoming the primary breadwinners. The divorce rate increased by 42.6%, with 38.7% of cases linked to economic pressures. Logistic regression shows a strong correlation (r = 0.78, p < 0.001) between displacement duration and family structure transformation. The study supports Heger, Boyle, and Ali’s (2010) argument about the fluidity of gender roles in forced migration but challenges Buscher’s (2011) view on the persistence of patriarchal structures. Additionally, 82.3% of families adopted more egalitarian parenting, and children's participation in education rose to 67.4%, reducing the gender gap to 8.2%. The study also identifies adaptive strategies, such as the use of communal support systems by 58.6% of families and the integration of local cultural values by 45.2%, offering insights into resilience and adaptive capacity in prolonged crises.

Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life is an important effort to improve infant health and survival. Although the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding are widely known, its practice is still not optimal in various regions due to the influence of social and cultural factors. This study aims to analyze the relationship between socio-cultural factors and the practice of exclusive breastfeeding in breastfeeding mothers. The study used a descriptive analytical design with a cross-sectional approach. The sample consisted of 30 mothers with infants aged 6–12 months at the Kobe Community Health Center, selected using an accidental sampling technique. Data were collected through interviews using a structured questionnaire and analyzed univariately and bivariately using the Chi-square test and Fisher's Exact Test. The results showed that 56.7% of mothers successfully provided exclusive breastfeeding. Husband's support and family traditions had a significant relationship with the practice of exclusive breastfeeding, with p = 0.030 and p = 0.040, respectively. Mothers who received high husband's support and were in a supportive family environment had a greater chance of successfully providing exclusive breastfeeding. This study concluded that socio-cultural factors play an important role in determining the success of exclusive breastfeeding.

This study examines the stigma and patterns of social support in adolescents with unplanned pregnancies in Makassar in the context of the Bugis-Makassar culture that upholds the values of siri' (honor and shame). Teen pregnancy is understood as an experience influenced by the confluence of traditional values, religious morality, and modern social demands. This study used an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach on 17 adolescent girls aged 15–19 years who experienced unplanned pregnancies in June–November 2023. Data were obtained through in-depth semi-structured interviews, recorded, verbatim transcribed, and analyzed using a six-stage science process with a focus on the experience of stigma and social support. Two main themes emerged: Living Under the Shadow of Siri': Multidimensional Stigma and Navigating Social Support in the Context of Shame. Participants experienced widespread stigma in a variety of contexts, including family (serial violations and family shame), society (moral judgments and gossip), health services (discrimination of health workers), and educational environments (bullying and exclusion). Stigma is also internalized in the form of guilt and negative identity, and is especially severe in adolescents with economic limitations. Efforts to seek support are often hampered by concerns about stigma, so adolescents engage in selective disclosure and rely more on peers. Grandma is often the most accepting source of family support. These findings underscore the need for multilevel interventions that reduce community stigma, strengthen friendly and confidential health services, and develop culturally sensitive peer support networks.

This study aims to elaborate on the mechanism of product design, word of mouth (WOM), price perception, and product quality on purchase decisions, with brand image serving as a mediating variable. The research focuses on consumers of Ogel-Ogel, a traditional snack product from Pemalang. Utilizing a quantitative descriptive method, data were gathered from 100 respondents through purposive and accidental sampling techniques. Data analysis employed path analysis and the Sobel test to measure the strength of the mediation effect. The results reveal that, partially, all independent variables and brand image exert a positive and significant influence on purchase decisions. The most crucial finding indicates that brand image acts as an effective mediating bridge, reinforcing the transformation of physical product attributes and social recommendations into actual purchasing actions. This underscores that for MSMEs in the culinary sector, visual uniqueness and quality are insufficient without consistent brand reputation management. This research provides strategic contributions for local product managers in integrating traditional marketing elements with brand equity strengthening to navigate an increasingly competitive market.

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a vital role in driving economic growth; however, their production activities frequently face uncertainty in achieving predetermined targets. Such uncertainty arises from fluctuating market demand, delays in raw material supply, labor limitations, variations in processing time, and other technical constraints. Conventional deterministic production planning methods often fail to capture these real-world risks and variations, leading to less accurate and suboptimal decisions. Therefore, a more adaptive analytical approach that incorporates probability and uncertainty is required. This study aims to analyze the probability of achieving MSME production targets using the Monte Carlo Simulation method. This method models random production conditions by generating data based on probability distributions derived from historical records. Simulations are repeated through numerous iterations to estimate possible variations in production output and measure the likelihood of meeting targets. The results indicate that Monte Carlo simulation provides more realistic and comprehensive production forecasts compared to traditional planning approaches. By understanding both the probability of success and potential risks, MSMEs can design adaptive strategies, optimize resource allocation, manage inventory more effectively, and improve overall production planning accuracy to ensure long-term business sustainability in a dynamic environment.

This study aims to analyze the implementation of market ethics from the perspective of Islamic economics on the behavior of business actors at Mandiri Jaya Jatimulyo Market, South Lampung Regency. Islamic market ethics are viewed as a moral instrument that guides economic activities to operate fairly, honestly, and oriented toward public welfare. This research employs a qualitative approach with a descriptive-analytical design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation involving business actors actively engaged in daily market transactions. The findings reveal that Islamic market ethical values, such as honesty, transparency, and moral responsibility, have been applied in trading practices; however, their implementation remains partial and largely dependent on individual moral awareness. Religiosity, economic pressure, the social environment of the market, and the level of Islamic economic literacy are identified as key factors influencing ethical behavior. This study concludes that strengthening Islamic market ethics in traditional markets requires a comprehensive approach involving continuous education, the development of an ethical market culture, and institutional support to ensure sustainable internalization of Islamic values.

The study titled “Designing a Web-Based E-Module for Empowering Tenth-Grade Students’ Writing Skills in Descriptive Text” aims to develop a digital learning medium to improve students’ descriptive writing abilities. The research applies a Design and Development (D&D) approach using the ADDIE model, consisting of analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation, supported by a descriptive quantitative method. The study addresses limitations of traditional, teacher-centered instruction that relies heavily on printed materials by integrating technology into the learning process. The research begins with an analysis of existing teaching practices and learning resources for descriptive text writing. Based on this analysis, a web-based e-module is designed to provide a more interactive and engaging learning experience. The module includes structured materials such as definitions, purposes, text structures, language features, examples, and practice exercises. The e-module is then implemented in a tenth-grade classroom setting, followed by an evaluation of its effectiveness using quantitative data. The results indicate that the web-based e-module effectively improves students’ descriptive writing skills. Interactive features, including multimedia content, self-paced activities, and immediate feedback, enhance students’ motivation and active participation. Teachers and students report positive perceptions regarding the practicality, accessibility, and usefulness of the e-module. Pre-test and post-test results also show a clear improvement in students’ writing performance. Overall, the study concludes that web-based e-modules are a promising instructional medium for enhancing writing skills and supporting student-centered, technology-integrated English language learning.