Overcoming Type II Diabetes Using Microalgae

The process of deciding our research objective involves a collaborative approach. We recognize the importance of selecting a relevant topic that can contribute to scientific knowledge. In this context, we conducted a literature review to identify gaps in existing knowledge and ongoing discussions in the field of diabetes research. This helped us identify the potential benefits of investigating the bioactive compounds of microalgae, specifically Chlorella vulgaris, in relation to diabetes mellitus. We discovered that Chlorella vulgaris has shown promising properties and potential therapeutic effects in various health conditions. Therefore, our research aims to review the bioactive compound of Chlorella vulgaris and their role in treating or preventing diabetes mellitus. Through the group's dynamic, we have learned the value of collaboration, diverse perspectives, and open communication. Each member brings their different opinions, which spark new ideas and stimulate critical thinking. We also learned the importance of effective time management and organization to arrange priority lists.

Writing an outline for our systematic review has been a valuable learning experience for our group. There are several challenges that our group encountered throughout the process of making a systematic review outline. Defining clear and concise research objectives can be a complex task and require a deep understanding of the topic. From our research objective, we must identify the gaps of the existing research and determine ways to fill these gaps. Despite these challenges, our group have learned the importance of clearly defining our research objectives. Creating the outline emphasized the significance of comprehensive literature search and data extraction. As we developed the outline, we realized that we need to cast a wide net in our strategy to capture relevant studies and data sources. The outline also helped us articulate the specific aspects we wanted to investigate, ensuring that our focus aligned with our research objectives. The outline served as a roadmap for the research process, which helps us to streamline our workflow and ensure progress at each stage of the review.  This process also increases our knowledge and awareness about the role of microalgae in treating or preventing diabetes mellitus.

In searching for the literature, our group first decided on the keywords that will be used to gather all the relevant articles in the database. We use three primary databases, which are Science Direct, Taylor & Francis Online, and Pubmed. In addition, we also use Perpusnas to access other databases, such as EBSCOhost, to collect more articles related to our topic. To receive articles highly related to our topics, we use advanced search features and search for the articles based on our keywords. During the search, we feel that our group has a good dynamic as all members actively search for relevant articles. We divided the task where each member searched for the literature in one database. Although we struggle in searching for the articles as some databases show a very limited number of papers, we work together to think of similar keywords that are related to our topic. Overall, we feel satisfied with the teamwork of our group as we also keep each other updated on our progress and help each other finish the task.

For the reading task of sorting through journals and literature, our group divided it equally among all members. Each member was given 153 works of literature to sort through and compile into an Excel file. We set the deadline, and every group member can successfully accomplish the goal on time. Then, we discussed it with our lecturer and requested their feedback. We discussed ways to improve the feedback and ensure the result gained was good and in line with all members' expectations. After revising, we continued discussing re-screening the journals we had obtained. During the discussion, we all shared our individual perspectives, tried to comprehend one another's viewpoints, and ensured that nobody was left out. This was done to ensure we could achieve the best result based on mutual agreement.  

We felt that we work well together as a team and have a strong relationship. During the systematic review process, we ran into several challenges during the discussion process, such as finding time to discuss things that worked for all of us, considering that we all have different schedules. Apart from that, the revisions the lecturer gave were also one of the challenges we faced. Although we don't have much time, and there are many things to discuss, this process is one of the most challenging parts. Despite this, the fact that we are so dedicated to working together well and that we are so supportive of each other has allowed us to overcome these challenges. From this, I felt that we have a good dynamic as a team; we complete each other in doing our assignments and can set future goals and work towards them.

While doing assignments 1 until 4, our group always clarifies what to do in each of the assignments first to make sure that each of our members understands the task. If one of the members has still not understood the assignment, they also usually ask about it first. For clarification, we will have a meeting to explain the assignment to each other again to help those who don't understand and to make sure that there are no misunderstandings regarding the assignment. When all our members have understood the assignment, we will discuss and have an agreement on the points that we're going to discuss in the assignments. Each of our members actively participates and gives opinions in our group discussion. Then, we will proceed to divide the tasks based on those points. 

In doing the assignments, we do have some struggles regarding the deadline because it coincides with the deadline of other courses. However, we feel proud that we're able to make time to have a group meeting and divide the task of the assignment. Because of the limited time until the deadline, it is also expected that we won't get the best results. Even though our results of the assignments might not be the best, we feel relieved and happy that it has been done on time. Through this, we learn that we need to manage our time properly. We need to remind each other more about the deadline and discuss when we need to do the assignments. We also learned about teamwork, solidarity, and our topic more. Chlorella vulgaris as a microalgae has an impact on blood glucose.