Journal of Vocational Health Studies

THE ROLE OF INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERISTICS, PSYCHOSOCIAL ENVIRONMENTS, WORK FATIGUE, AND CALORIC ADEQUACY IN PERFORMANCE AMONG FEMALE POTTERY ARTISANS IN KARANGANYAR, BOROBUDUR

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Pottery making is a vital tourism-supporting industry in Karanganyar, Borobudur, predominantly operated by female workers. Purpose: Investigate the factors influencing the performance of female pottery workers in Karanganyar. Method: A cross-sectional approach was employed and respondents were selected using simple random sampling techniques, yielding 43 participants out of 70 female workers. Data were collected using questionnaires and measurement devices (reaction timer, stature meter, and digital weight scale), then analyzed using Chi-square. Variables such as performance, psychosocial environment in the workplace, individual characteristics (age, marital status, number of children, and length of service), fatigue, and calorie adequacy were measured. The Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) and the Individual Work Performance Questionnaire (IWPQ) were employed to assess psychosocial environments and performance, respectively. Result: The majority of pottery workers were 41 - 50 years old (32.56%), were married (93.02%), had 1 - 2 children (46.51%), and had more than 30 years of services (46.51%). Calorie deficits affected 41.86% workers, with 62.79% showing moderate performance, 81.40% experiencing a moderate psychosocial environment, and 48.84% facing mild fatigue. The Chi-square test revealed a significant association between age (p-value = 0.023), fatigue (p-value = 0.033), psychosocial environment (p-value = 0.022), and calorie adequacy (p-value = 0.047) toward performance. Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of age, psychosocial environments, work fatigue, and calorie intake on the performance of female pottery workers.

OPTIMIZATION OF ANNEALING TEMPERATURE AND PRIMER CONCENTRATION OF CYTOCHROME B (CYT B) GENE FOR PIG DNA DETECTION WITH REAL-TIME PCR METHOD

Novia Azahra Fatoni, Ai Djuminar , Acep Tantan Hardiana , Fusvita Merdekawati — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: One company in Indonesia has developed a pig DNA detection kit by designing primers with the real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method using the cytochrome b (cyt b) gene. It is necessary to optimize the PCR process to optimize pig DNA detection, including annealing temperature and primer concentration, which can increase sensitivity, specificity, and precision. Purpose: This research aims to determine the optimum annealing temperature and primer concentration for the detection of pig DNA using cyt b gene. Method: In this research, the extracted sample isolates were subjected to 12 treatments with 2 repetitions. Optimal data analysis was based on the lowest Cycle Threshold (CT) value in the amplification curve. Result: Out of a total of 24 samples, an increase in the CT value was observed at annealing temperatures of 57 °C, 59 °C, and 60 °C compared to 58 °C, across various primer concentrations. The primer concentrations with the lowest CT values were successively found to be 0.4 μM, 0.3 μM, and 0.2 μM. Conclusion: The results of the research that has been conducted indicate that the optimal annealing temperature for detecting pig DNA using the cyt b gene in this research is 58 °C, and the optimal concentrations of forward and reverse primers are 0.4 μM.

ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF FOOT SPRAY OF TELANG FLOWER EXTRACT AND COFFEE GROUNDS

Susilo Yulianto, Miftaqul Jannah, Makhabbah Jamilatun — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Foot odor is a problem that often occurs, one of the causes being the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria which contaminates sweaty feet and dirty shoes. Foot spray can be used to reduce foot odor. Telang flowers (butterfly pea) and coffee grounds can be formulated in foot spray to reduce foot odor because they have a distinctive aroma and contain flavonoid compounds as antibacterials. Purpose: This research aims to determine the antibacterial activity of foot spray using telang flower extract and coffee grounds against Staphylococcus aureus. Method: The research was conducted using the disc diffusion method. Foot spray was made in three formulas with varying concentrations of telang flowers and coffee grounds, namely I (0.5 : 0.125), II (1 : 0.25), and III (2 : 0.50). Result: The test results of three formulas showed yellow, orange and brownish purple colors, a distinctive odor of menthol, pH 4.54 - 4.56, viscosity 4.00 – 6.00 Cp and dry time 1 minute 1 second – 1 minute 53 seconds. The antibacterial activity test showed that foot spray had antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with the diameter of the inhibition zone in Formulas I and II in the medium category, while in III it was in the strong category. This shows that the higher the concentration of telang flowers and coffee grounds, the greater the antibacterial activity. Conclusion: Foot spray made from telang flower extract and coffee grounds could reduce foot odor by inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.

DIFFERENCES IN WORKERS' BLOOD PRESSURE DUE TO NOISE IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY IN EAST JAVA, INDONESIA

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Continuous noise exposure can cause an increase in blood pressure and work-related stress in the rotary production area of PT APB Manufacturing Industry in East Java Province, Indonesia. Purpose: This research aims to analyze the effect of noise intensity on blood pressure before and after work among employees in the rotary production area of the manufacturing industry in East Java Province, Indonesia. Method: This research employed an analytic observational study with a cross-sectional design. The sample, obtained through cluster random sampling, consisted of 49 people. Data were collected by measuring noise intensity and monitoring blood pressure before and after work. A Paired Sample T-test was conducted to assess differences in workers' blood pressure before and after exposure to noise. Result: Significant differences were observed in both systolic (p-value = 0.000) and diastolic (p-value = 0.010) blood pressure before and after work. Conclusion: Increased blood pressure appears to be linked to noise levels in the workplace exceeding the threshold value. Consequently, there is a need for control efforts to overcome this issue.

ANTHOCYANIN-CONTAINING PLANT EXTRACTS AS AN ALTERNATIVE DYE FOR MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION OF SOIL-TRANSMITTED HELMINTHS

Ari Nuswantoro, Riska Alfianita, Fitra Fathuhudin, Veny Veny — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Eosin is commonly used for microscopic examination of Soil-Transmitted Helminth (STH) infections, but natural anthocyanin-based pigments remain underutilized. Purpose: This study evaluates the potential of anthocyanins extracted from red beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), hibiscus flowers (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), and amaranth leaves (Amaranthus tricolor) as eosin alternatives for staining STH eggs in stool smears. Method: Extracts were obtained using 96% ethanol for 24, 48, and 72 hours, with nine replications. Stool preparations were stained with these extracts and compared to eosin, assessing color intensity, contrast, and egg layer clarity. Result: Red bean extracts scored 2.1, 2.7, and 2.8 at 24, 48, and 72 hours, with the latter two showing no significant difference from eosin. Hibiscus flower extracts scored 1.6, 2.2, and 2.8, with the 72 hours extract comparable to eosin. Amaranth leaf extracts scored 1.4, 1.7, and 1.9, all significantly different from eosin. Conclusion: Red bean extracts (48 and 72 hours) and hibiscus flower extract (72 hours) provided staining comparable to eosin, with red bean extract being the most promising alternative. These findings suggest that anthocyanin-based stains can serve as viable substitutes for eosin in diagnosing helminthiasis via stool smear microscopy.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PHYSIOTHERAPY OUTCOMES BETWEEN INFRARED-TENS COMBINATION AND PNF THERAPIES IN NPH PATIENTS

Sri Lestari Ramadhani Nasution, Ermi Girsang, Siti Aminah — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: The pain experienced by Nucleus Pulposus Herniation (NPH) patients can have an impact on productivity and may lead to disability. Therefore, non-pharmacological therapies can serve as alternatives in reducing pain levels for Grade I and Grade II NPH patients. Purpose: To compare the difference in effectiveness between Infrared-Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (IR-TENS) combination and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) therapies in reducing pain among NPH patients. Method: This research employed a quasi-experimental design with a two group before and after intervention conducted at the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit of Royal Prima Hospital in Medan. A total of 20 NPH patients were provided with interventions, consisting of a combination of IR and TENS therapies for 10 patients, and PNF therapy for the other 10 patients, administered eight times for one month. Pain measurement was conducted using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) questionnaire before and after the interventions. The statistical analysis employed an Independent Sample T test, with a significance level (α) set at 0.05. Result: There was a reduction in moderate and severe pain scales in both groups, and no subjects were experiencing severe pain anymore. However, the reduction in moderate pain scale was higher in the group receiving the combination of infrared and TENS therapies (80%) compared to the PNF therapy (70%). The Independent T test showed that there was no significant difference between the effectiveness of the combination of IR-TENS therapies and PNF therapy on pain in NPH patients (p-value = 0.075). Conclusion: Both groups of patients experienced a reduction in pain scale after the interventions, although there was no significant difference in the outcome between the two treatment groups. This implies that both therapies are equally effective in suppressing pain in NPH patients.

THE EFFECT OF 50% EDAMAME BEAN (GLYCINE MAX L. MERRIL) EXTRACTS ON THE SURFACE ROUGHNESS OF HEAT-CURED ACRYLIC RESIN

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Edamame bean (Glycine max L. Merril) extract is an alternative to denture cleanser because it contains antifungal and antibacterial compounds, such as flavonoids. However, flavonoids may increase the surface roughness of heat-cured acrylic resin. Purpose: This research aims to analyze the effect of 50% edamame bean extract as a denture cleanser on the surface roughness of heat-cured acrylic resin. Method: Twenty four square shaped heat-cured acrylic resin plates of 10 x 10 x 2 mm were divided into four groups: A1, A2, B1, and B2. Each group was immersed in distilled water (A1 for four days and A2 for 11 days) and 50% edamame bean extract (B1 for four days and B2 for 11 days). The surface roughness was measured using a surface roughness tester TR 220. The data were then analyzed using the Two Way ANOVA test followed by the Tukey HSD test with a significance value of p-value < 0.05. Result: The average surface roughness in heat-cured acrylic resin increased in 50% edamame extract immersion for four and 11 days. The highest increase was experienced in 50 % edamame extract immersion for 11 days with a value of 0.158 μm. In contrast, the distilled water immersion group noted the lowest surface roughness for four days and 11 days. Conclusion: Edamame extract significantly affects the surface roughness of heat-cured acrylic resin after immersion for four and 11 days.

THE ENHANCEMENT OF GLASS IONOMER CEMENT HARDNESS BY ADDING GOURAMI SCALES POWDER NANOPARTICLES

Erawati Wulandari, Nadie Fatimatuzzahro, I Dewa Ayu Ratna Dewanti, Anita Faizah — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Material hardness in dentistry is used as a measuring tool to determine the ability of a restoration material to withstand the compressive force of masticatory. The hardness of Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) is a mechanical property related to the abrasion and compressive strength of the GIC. If the material’s hardness is low, it results in low material resistance and causes a fracture. Therefore, it is necessary to add materials that contain hydroxyapatite (HA), which can increase the hardness of GIC, as in gourami fish scales. Purpose: This research aims to determine the influence of adding Gourami Fish Scale Powder (GFSP) nanoparticles to GIC hardness. Method: The twenty five sample is in tablet form and divided into five sample groups, namely G0: GIC without the addition of GFSP, G1: GIC powder + 0.5% GFSP, G2: GIC powder + 1.5% GFSP, G3: GIC powder + 2.5% GFSP, G4: GIC powder + 3.5% GFSP. Hardness test was using Vickers Hardness Tester. Data were analyzed using a One Way ANOVA test. Result: The average values of the hardness results from lowest to highest were the G0 (55.5 ± 2.70 VHN), G1 (56.9 ± 3.36 VHN), G2 (63.7 ± 7.73 VHN), G3 (66.3 ± 1.44 VHN), and G4 (70.1 ± 4.72 VHN), while the One Way ANOVA test results were significant among all groups (p-value < 0.05). Conclusion: The addition of GFSP nanoparticles increased GIC hardness. The highest hardness value was obtained by adding 3.5% GFSP nanoparticles.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WORK STRESS BEFORE AND AFTER SPIRITUAL EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUE (SEFT) THERAPY

David Martua Sehat Nababan, Decy Situngkir, Ira Marti Ayu, Ahmad Irfandi — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Nurses are susceptible to work stress caused by conflicts with coworkers and superiors, as well as uncertainty about the effects of therapy on patients. The preliminary study results on 15 nurses showed that 11 nurses (73%) experienced moderate stress, while four nurses (27%) experienced severe stress. Purpose: This research aims to analyze the differences before and after Spiritual Emotional Freedom Technique (SEFT) therapy in reducing nurses’ stress. Method: This study applied a quantitative approach, utilizing a pre-experimental design with a one-group pre-post test design involving 36 nurses before and after SEFT therapy. Sampling was conducted using a total sampling technique. The study was carried out from July to August 2021, using the Occupational Stress Inventory-Revised Edition (OSI-R) questionnaire. A Paired Sample T test was utilized as the statistical test. Result: The univariate test results for work stress before and after SEFT therapy were 77.75 and 71.11, respectively. The bivariate test, with p-value of 0.001, revealed differences in work stress scores before and after SEFT therapy for nurses. Conclusion: SEFT therapy can reduce the stress of nurses at Hospital A. Therefore, the hospital management needs to implement SEFT therapy to reduce work-related stress for the nurses.

Back Matter Vol. 8 No. 3 2025

JVHS — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Back Matter Vol. 8 No. 3 2025

Front Matter Vol. 8 No. 3 2025

JVHS — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Front Matter Vol. 8 No. 3 2025

LABORATORY WASTEWATER TREATMENT USING MICROBIAL FUEL CELL: A FUTURE PARADIGM OF SUSTAINABILITY

Turin Afroz — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: In Southwestern Bangladesh, the absence of safe drinking water is a severe catastrophe. Coastal inhabitants were pressured to drink saline water and were not able to fetch conveyable drinking water. The Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk value for Cr, Ni, Cd of mine area of Dinajpur, Hazaribagh tannery, Singair, Manikgonj, Rajshahi city and Chuadanga is found from 18.2 × 10−3 to 1.32 × 10−3 where more than 1 × 10–4 is considered significant. At present the global burden of excreta-related syndrome is enormously high. Therefore, laboratory wastewater treatment is an urgent need. Purpose: A microbial fuel cell can be considered a sustainable tool to mitigate this problem. The findings of this study will help the reader to know that biotechnology in the laboratory is a self-sustaining wastewater treatment method. Future direction is also anticipated. Moreover, people will be able to understand the wise use of water. Review: It was a descriptive type of qualitative study with a literature review. The literature research was performed electronically through Springer, PubMed, Google Scholar and distinctive databases. The literature published between 2013 - 2024 was searched to identify the relevant literature using the keywords: “Microbial fuel cells,” “sustainability,” “wastewater,” “saline water,” and “Bangladesh.” Result: This study explored different studies related to the existing mechanism of MFC in wastewater treatment. The paper highlighted remarkable research from 2016 to 2024 as well as challenges and solutions to these challenges in scaling up MFC. Conclusion: The author strongly recommends that laboratory wastewater treatment by microbial fuel cells is a paradigm of sustainability for its capability of low sludge production results in a reduction of secondary pollution and low carbon footprint arising from less fossil-related CO₂ production as a result of low energy consumption. A lot more work is essential in the field to produce a sustainable energy source in countries like Bangladesh.