Analysis of Microbiological and Physicochemical Quality of The Water of Lake Tshombe for its Use for Recreational Purposes (Bathing Water)

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The city of Lubumbashi was built on land watered by numerous waterways, particularly rivers. However, these rivers contribute to the beauty of the Lubumbashi landscape and discharge their waters, mostly of poor physicochemical and microbiological quality, into the Kafubu River. All of these rivers are prone to various types of pollution. Lake Tshombe, formerly known as the “Municipal Lake” and artificially created by damming the Lubumbashi River, also serves as a tourist mirror for the city. This lake, long plagued by increasing eutrophication, is also fed by polluted waters from the Karavia, Kamisepe, Kalubwe and Lake Kipopo rivers and is the focus of this research. We have focused our investigations on a qualitative study of the water in this lake and contributing in some small way to the beautification efforts of the city of Lubumbashi. At the end of this research which focused on analyzing the water of Lake Tshombe from a physicochemical and microbiological point of view in order to determine whether it can be used without health risk for recreational purposes, we can draw the following conclusion on the quality.

Application of Theoretical Concepts of Nursing Anthropology and Transcultural Nursing in Improving The Performance of Infection Prevention and Control Nurses (IPCN) in Hospitals

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Infection prevention and control (IPC) is a fundamental component in ensuring patient safety within hospital environments. The performance of Infection Prevention and Control Nurses (IPCN) significantly determines the success of IPC programs, yet it often faces complex challenges related to staff adherence, frequently rooted in internal organizational cultural aspects. This study aims to cognitively explore how theoretical concepts of nursing anthropology and transcultural nursing can be integrated to enhance IPCN performance, particularly in addressing cultural barriers affecting IPC practice compliance in healthcare facilities. The method used was a conceptual literature review enriched with cognitive exploration based on field studies based on reflection on the author’s personal experience and observation in the hospital environment. Core concepts such as cultural competence, culturally congruent practice, and cultural context, along with transcultural nursing care models and the analogy of family theory serve as the primary analytical framework. The study’s exploration reveals that a comprehensive understanding of healthcare staff’s values, beliefs, and cultural practices is essential for designing effective and culturally sensitive interventions to improve IPCN performance. Further discussion describing the design of the application of theoretical concepts of nursing anthropology and transcultural nursing for IPCN performance improvement was explained through the adaptation of the Five-step problem solving process in Transcultural Interprofessional Practice Model (assessment, mutual goal setting, planning, implementation, evaluation) as a guide for IPCN. The conclusion recommends a transcultural approach as a transformative strategy for IPCN include the development of cultural competence, advocacy for supportive policies, and the necessity for further empirical research to test the effectiveness of this model.

Boosting Numeracy Through Differentiated Outdoor Learning in Mathematics: A Learning Material Development Study

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This research and development study aimed to develop, validate, and determine the effectiveness of differentiated learning materials in Outdoor Learning Mathematics (OLM) for enhancing students’ numeracy skills. Following the 4D development model (Define, Design, Develop, and Disseminate), the research meticulously crafted a learning module, Student Worksheets (LKPD), and a numeracy skills test package tailored for seventh-grade students. The materials underwent rigorous validation by expert lecturers and teachers, confirming their validity with all components achieving a ‘Valid’ category (Va ≥ 3). Their practicality was established through classroom observations, demonstrating an average implementation score of 83.37% (‘Good’ category). The effectiveness was primarily assessed via a quasi-experimental design involving an experimental class (n=29) and a control class (n=27) at SMP Nahdlatuth Thalabah Kesilir Wuluhan. Although pre-test and post-test data were not normally distributed (Shapiro-Wilk Sig. < 0.05), their variances were homogeneous (Levene’s Sig. ≥0.05 for “Based on Mean”). A Mann-Whitney U test revealed a significant difference in post-test numeracy skills between the experimental and control classes (Asymp. Sig. (2-tailed) = 0.009, p < 0.05), indicating a positive influence of the developed materials. The experimental class also showed higher classical mastery (75%) and a greater proportion of students reaching ‘proficient’ numeracy levels. These findings suggest that the differentiated OLM materials are highly effective in improving students’ numeracy skills through contextual and engaging problem-based learning experiences.

Is Newa The Answer to North Badung Tourism Development?

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Badung has many tourism destinations and cultures that are the mainstay of Bali tourism. Measuring from the Gross Regional Domestic Product, it can be said that this Regency is the largest economic contributor in the tourism sector. The existence of the COVID-19 Pandemic has caused the downfall of various sectors, including the tourism industry. Regional Regulation No. 6 of 2020 concerning Strengthening the Tourism Sector Program of Badung Regency aims to increase the competitiveness of tourism in synergy with cross-sectors. This policy is expected to increase innovative tourism development and provide welfare for communities around tourist destinations.

This research was conducted in the northern region of Badung Regency using qualitative methods with qualitative data types that use purposive sampling as a way to obtain appropriate research informants. There are data sources in the form of primary data sourced from the results of in-depth interviews and observations and secondary data sources derived from policy documents, scientific articles and reports.

The results of this study indicate that strengthening development in Badung Regency can be seen from its shortcomings and advantages through the policy implementation process. The northern Badung region, which is still far below the southern Badung region, requires better coordination with other stakeholders, especially with the implementation of NEWA-based tourism that is in accordance with tourism development in this region.

The Influence of Work Discipline, Leadership Style, and Procedural Justice on the Performance of Employees of the Regional Environmental Agency of Karanganyar Regional

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This study aims to examine the extent to which work discipline, leadership style, and procedural justice influence the performance of employees at the Environmental Agency of Karanganyar Regency. A quantitative approach with a survey method was employed, involving the entire population of 84 employees as the research sample. Primary data were gathered through questionnaires completed by all respondents, supported by field observations as part of the data collection techniques. The results reveal that each variable work discipline, leadership style, and procedural justice—has a positive and significant individual impact on employee performance. Collectively, these three variables also contribute significantly to performance improvement, accounting for 60.7% of the variation in employee performance. Further analysis indicates that work discipline has the most substantial influence. Therefore, it is recommended that the Environmental Agency of Karanganyar consistently enforce discipline policies and provide regular training to enhance employee performance.

21st Century Student Learning Profile in the Era of Global Challenges

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This type of research is descriptive quantitative. This research aims to obtain students’ 21st  century learning profile. The subjects of this study consisted of 52 students of class XI of SMAN 14 Makassar. The method used in this research is survey method by using questionnaire instrument. The data obtained were then analysed using quantitative descriptive analysis techniques. The results of this study showed that the profile of 21st century learning in students at SMAN 14 Makassar was still relatively good. The results showed that although 21st century learning at SMAN 14 Makassar is still quite good, it still needs to be improved further. The active participation of students in the learning process can be a great potential that needs to be developed further to face the increasingly rapid global challenges. Therefore, the optimisation of 21st century learning at SMAN 14 Makassar becomes an evaluation material for stakeholders that really needs to be implemented to provide readiness to students in facing life in the future.

Digital Transformation of MSME Product Photography in Bandung: Visual Strategies to Enhance Competitiveness in the Online Marketplace

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Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a vital role in Indonesia’s economy; however, many continue to face challenges in remaining competitive within the digital marketplace, particularly in terms of product visual marketing. This study aims to design an effective and affordable product photography strategy for MSMEs using a Design Thinking approach. A case study was conducted on Qaireenmoez, a fashion-based MSME located in Bandung, which incorporates traditional wastra Nusantara textiles as the core element of its products. The design process followed the five main stages of Design Thinking: Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test. The initial phase identified several key issues, including the difficulty of visually expressing brand identity, limited access to professional photography services, and a lack of understanding of effective digital branding strategies. The resulting visual concept incorporated professional product photography techniques, consistent branding, inclusive model representation, and the enhancement of the aesthetic elements inherent to wastra textiles. During the testing phase, the product photo prototypes were evaluated by 100 potential consumers through an online survey. The results revealed that the newly designed visuals significantly improved consumer perception of the brand and increased purchase intention. These findings underscore the importance of user-centered and strategically designed visual content in enhancing the digital competitiveness of MSMEs. This research offers a replicable visual design model for other MSMEs with limited resources, while also contributing tangible support to the sustainable growth and visibility of MSMEs within the digital economy.

Asthma as a Type I Hypersensitivity Reaction and Laboratory Diagnosis: A Review of Current Literature

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Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease affecting people worldwide. Globally, over 260 million people were estimated to have asthma in 2019, with an incidence peak in children aged 5–9 years. Prevalence tends to be higher in high-income countries (~6–8%) than in low- and middle-income countries (~2–5%). In Nigeria, national surveys find that 2.5% of people report doctor-diagnosed asthma, while 6.4% have “clinical asthma” (symptoms suggestive of asthma) and 9.0% report wheezing in the past year. Rates rise with age: e.g. 10–17-year-olds have clinical asthma in ~3–10%. In Southeast Nigeria (Enugu State), school-based studies similarly show high prevalence: one recent survey found overall bronchial asthma in ~11.3% of children, with urban pupils (13.1%) slightly more affected than rural (11.2%). Asthma is an IgE‐mediated type I hypersensitivity reaction characterized by an initial sensitization to inhaled allergens, followed by allergen challenge that triggers mast cell and basophil degranulation, resulting in bronchoconstriction, mucus hypersecretion, and airway inflammation. Understanding asthma immunopathology is essential for precision therapy. Therefore, a central objective is to precisely phenotype patients so that appropriate biologics can be selected. Standardized biomarkers are critical for this. For instance, serum total and specific IgE (or skin prick) assess atopy, blood eosinophil count and sputum eosinophils measure airway eosinophilia, and FeNO reflects IL-13–driven inflammation. International guidelines endorse such testing: NICE and ATS recommend FeNO for asthma diagnosis and monitoring, and ERS/ATS guidelines highlight sputum eosinophil counts and FeNO to guide therapy in severe casest. In practice, an elevated FeNO (>50 ppb) or blood eosinophils (≥150–300 cells/µL) suggests Type-2-high asthma responsive to steroids and biologics. Indeed, sputum-guided management (treating to maintain eosinophils <3%) reduces exacerbations, although its use is currently limited to specialty centres.

Alternative Food Supplements in the Form of Catfish Meal-Cowpea Based Biscuits and Their Implications for Acceptability

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Energy-protein deficiency is one of the nutritional disorders, the highest prevalence is in toddlers, pregnant, and breastfeeding mothers. has long-term impacts that result in slow growth and development, decreased intelligence, decreased immunity, productivity, and health and mental problems. However, energy-protein deficiency can be overcome through a high-energy and protein diet therapy program by providing additional food (PMT) in the form of biscuits, but PMT biscuits often experience stock limitations so that the KEP resolution program also always fluctuates following its availability, to solve the KEP problem, there needs to be innovation in nutrition through the use of local foods such as catfish and cowpeas which are processed and presented in the form of biscuit products as additional food substitutes. This study used an experimental method with a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of 5 treatments and 4 replications, the treatments are as follows; P0; commercial food supplement biscuits (control), P1; biscuits containing 10% catfish-cowpea flour, P2; biscuits containing 20% catfish-cowpea flour, P3; biscuits containing 30% fish meal-cowpea flour, P4; biscuits containing 40% catfish meal-cowpea flour. The data were analyzed using one way-Anova statistical test and continued with the least significant difference (LSD) test using SPSS 24 software. Based on the results of statistical tests using a one-way ANOVA test at a 95% confidence level (p <0.05), it shows that there is a significant difference (p = 0.027) in the color of the biscuits, there is a significant difference (p = 0.020) in the taste of the biscuits, while the texture of the biscuits shows an insignificant difference (p = 0.094), and the aroma of the biscuits also shows an insignificant difference (p = 0.091). The conclusion of this study is based on the results of the organoleptic test, this study shows the potential for using catfish flour and cowpeas as alternative raw materials to increase protein content in food products, but requires optimization in terms of consumer acceptance.

 

Examining Development Project Selection Difficulties in Digital Communication Companies: A Root Cause Analysis

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ABC, a leading company in communications technology, is facing challenges in developing a fair and unbiased process for selecting new ventures amid an increasing number of computer program development projects. In conditions where the industry faces many projects taking place simultaneously, but the number of available developers is limited, the process of managing and evaluating projects becomes increasingly complex. This results in a decrease in the level of customer satisfaction with the products and services the company provides. In addition, the company faced problems due to the unavailability of clear and consistent project evaluation guidelines. The lack of clear and consistent guidelines resulted in less efficient resource allocation and extended the duration of project completion. This research focuses on improving the decision-making process by using root cause analysis to identify key issues and their impacts. The methods used include surveys, semi-structured interviews, and root cause analysis to explore the core problems and needs of stakeholders. The results showed four main causes of weak project management and decision-making: technical, financial, administrative and strategic planning issues. Overall, the research provided insights into how these issues affected service performance, increased operational waste, reduced quality, and resulted in stakeholder dissatisfaction.