Development of Outdoor Learning Mathematics Project Based Learning Tools on Simple and Compound Interest to Improve Students’ Critical Thinking Ability

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This research is motivated by the continued dominance of conventional mathematics learning in vocational high schools, which rarely incorporates practical and contextual activities. Consequently, students’ critical thinking skills remain suboptimal, and learning tools based on the Outdoor Learning Mathematics Project (OLMP) are not yet available. This study aims to describe the process and results of developing OLMP-based learning tools for the topic of simple and compound interest that are valid, practical, and effective in improving vocational high school students’ critical thinking skills. This Research and Development (R&D) study adopted the 4D model (Define, Design, Develop, Disseminate). The subjects were 11th-grade students at SMKS 1 Pancasila Ambulu Jember. The developed tools included a Teaching Module, Student Worksheets (LKM), a FRISCO-oriented Critical Thinking Skills Test Package, and a User Manual. The results indicated that the learning tools met the validity criteria, with an average expert validity score (𝑉𝑎) ranging from 3.68 to 3.78 (valid category). The practicality criteria were also met, evidenced by an average learning implementation score of 3.78 (high category), a student activity rate of 91.35% (very active category), and a positive student response rate of 96.19%. Furthermore, the effectiveness criteria were achieved with a learning mastery rate of 85% (exceeding the 70% threshold), a moderate-to-high increase in the average N-Gain score, and an independent sample t-test showing a statistically significant difference compared to the control class (𝑝 < 0.05). Based on these findings, it is concluded that the OLMP-based learning tools for simple and compound interest are valid, practical, and effective in enhancing the critical thinking skills of vocational high school students.

Comparative Evaluation of Yield and Agronomic Traits of Four Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Varieties under the Agro-Climatic Conditions of Char Asiab District, Kabul, Afghanistan

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Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a staple cereal crops that provides income and support the livelihoods of local farmers of Afghanistan, while also playing a vital role in food security. It is a major source of carbohydrates and proteins for human consumption, while its straw is commonly used as livestock feed in Afghanistan. yet productivity remains below potential due to limited availability of locally adapted improved varieties. This study evaluated the agronomic performance, yield, and yield-related traits of four winter wheat varieties (Sohla 02, Sohla 018, Chont, and local variety Riza Gul) under irrigated conditions in Char Asiab District, Kabul, during the 2024–2025 growing season. Using a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications, the data was analyzed with Statistical Tools for Agricultural Research (STAR 2.0.1) software. significant varietal differences were observed for most traits. Result showed that Sohla 018 produced the highest grain yield (4,866.67 kg ha⁻¹), 1000-grain weight (44.36 g), and grains per spike (51.11). While Sohla 02 showed superior vegetative growth, this did not translate to higher yield. The findings identify Sohla 018 as the most suitable variety for cultivation in Char Asiab District, with potential to improve wheat productivity and contribute to food security in Afghanistan.

The Influence of Customer Experience, Local Wisdom, on Customer Loyalty Clothing Market Mediated bt Customer Relationship Management

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This study aims to analyze the effect of customer experience, and local wisdom on customer loyalty in the clothing industry in batam city, with customer relationship management (CRM) as a mediating variable. The backgrounds of this research is based on the condition of the clothing industry in batam, which is still considered an immature market, characterized by intense competition, unstable purchasing power, adn suboptimal implementation of marketing strategies and customer relationship management. This research uses a quantitative approach with a survey method through questionaries based on a Likert scale distributed to clothing consumers in batam. The sampling technique used is purposive sampling, with criteria of respondents who have purchased clothing product. Data analysis was conducted using Structural Equation Modeli g (SEM-PLS) to examine both direct and indirect relationship between variables. The result show that customer experience and local wisdom have significant effect on customer loyalty, both directly and indirectly through CRM as mediating variable. In addition, CRM plays an important role in strengthening the relationship between independent variables and customer loyalty. These findings indicate that improving customer experience,  and integrating local wisdom must be supported by effective customer relationship management to optimally enhance loyalty. This study provides theoretical contributions to the development of marketing management, particularly regarding the mediating role of CRM, and offers practical implications for clothing businesses in Batam in designing more effective to improve customer loyalty

Risk Factors for Needle Stick Injuries (NSIs) Among Medical Solid Waste Handlers at Hospital X, Lampung Province, Indonesia

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Background: Needle Stick Injury (NSI) is an occupational accident that poses a risk of transmitting infectious diseases to personnel responsible for managing solid medical waste. The occurrence of NSI is presumed to be influenced by compliance with the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), the implementation of safety boxes, adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) training.

Objective: To analyze the association between compliance with PPE use, safety box implementation, adherence to SOPs, and OHS training with the occurrence of NSI among solid medical waste management personnel at Hospital X, Lampung Province.

Methods: A quantitative study with a case–control design was conducted from May to July 2026 involving 45 respondents, consisting of 9 cases and 36 controls. Data were collected through questionnaires, observations, and secondary data, and were analyzed using the Chi-square test with a 95% confidence level.

Results: A total of 20.0% of respondents had experienced NSI. No significant associations were found between PPE compliance (p = 0.171), safety box implementation (p = 0.086), or adherence to SOPs (p = 0.118) and the occurrence of NSI. However, OHS training was significantly associated with NSI (p = 0.048). Respondents who had inadequate OHS training were six times more likely to experience NSI than those with adequate training (OR = 6.000; 95% CI = 1.238–29.069).

Conclusion: OHS training was identified as a factor significantly associated with the occurrence of NSI, whereas compliance with PPE use, safety box implementation, and adherence to SOPs showed no significant associations. Strengthening structured and comprehensive OHS training programs is essential to reduce the risk of Needle Stick Injury.

English Majors’ Perceived Effects of the Use of TikTok on Self-Regulated Learning

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The use of social media platforms has been popular among EFL learners and has become a topic of interest to researchers around the world in various academic contexts. This study, therefore, investigated the perceived effects of TikTok on self-regulated language learning strategies of English majors at a private university in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, for comprehensive insights. The study involved 103 English-majored freshmen, who participated in the completion of the questionnaire; concurrently, 10 of them were recruited for the semi-structured interviews via convenience sampling. Subsequently, quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS 27, and qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis. There were 64 females (62.1%) and 39 males ( 37.9%), whose responses were considered valid for the analysis procedures. The findings of the numerical data and interview responses indicated that the use of TikTok for SRL activities was frequent and regular, with general positive perceptions towards its effects on autonomous learning, which were illustrated through 4 dimensions: Metacognition, Cognition, Motivation, and Behavioural/Emotional aspects. Moreover, the results of Skewness and Kurtosis fell within the recommended thresholds of ±1, suggesting acceptable normality of the data distribution. By acknowledging the favourable results, this study demonstrates TikTok’s potential as a valuable tool for self-regulated English learning, fostering learners’ autonomous behaviour and motivation. However, limited generalizability due to small sample size, reliance on self-reported data, cross-sectional design, and the focus on one group of participants remained the limitations of the current study, leaving room for future suggestions on longitudinal and multi-context studies.

Vietnamese Non-English Majors’ Perceptions of the Impact of ChatGPT on Self-Directed Learning: A Study at a Public College

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ChatGPT has attracted considerable interest from educators and researchers in teaching English as a foreign language; however, there is not much empirical evidence about the effects of ChatGPT on EFL learners’ self-directed learning. The current study explores the impact of ChatGPT on self-directed learning among EFL learners in a Vietnamese public college. A mixed-methods research design was used. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected through a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews through the participation of 144 non-English majors. Data were analyzed quantitatively through descriptive statistics and qualitatively through thematic analysis. Findings revealed that non-English majors mostly used ChatGPT for self-study, language practice, and answer verification. Furthermore, ChatGPT had a moderate positive effect on self-directed learning among participants, especially in terms of personal responsibility and self-regulation. However, ChatGPT’s role in promoting learner autonomy was rather insignificant. The findings imply that ChatGPT may be efficiently integrated into English learning, provided it is done alongside pedagogical guidance and critical assessment of ChatGPT responses by learners.

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) Production from Wastewater: Microbial Pathways, Production Strategies, and Sustainability Perspectives

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The increasing accumulation of petroleum-based plastic waste and wastewater has intensified the need for sustainable waste management and biodegradable alternatives. Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB), a microbial biopolymer, has emerged as a promising substitute for conventional plastics. This article reviews the potential of wastewater as a renewable substrate for P3HB production, with emphasis on microbial pathways, production strategies, and sustainability aspects. It discusses different wastewater sources, P3HB-producing microorganisms, metabolic engineering approaches, production processes, and polymer recovery techniques, highlighting the factors that influence productivity and product quality. The integration of P3HB production into biorefinery systems and its contribution to resource recovery, greenhouse gas mitigation, and the circular bioeconomy are also addressed. Overall, wastewater-based P3HB production represents a sustainable and economically attractive approach for biodegradable polymer production, although further technological advances are required to support large-scale industrial implementation.

German Hazardous Substances Law

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German hazardous substances law serves as a national supplement to the requirements of European hazardous substances legislation. Its specific provisions must be taken into account – alongside European rules – when distributing products within the Federal Republic of Germany. Key German regulatory instruments in this field include the German Chemicals Act, the Ordinance on the Prohibition of Chemicals, the Hazardous Substances Ordinance, and the Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances. Their essential contents are presented and discussed. The national legal hierarchy regarding hazardous substances and the enforcement and compliance monitoring carried out by various stakeholders are also addressed.

Differences in Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scores Across Workload Categories Among Nurses Working at Community Health Centers in Metro City, Lampung Province

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Background: Increasing workloads among nurses working at community health centers, driven by high service demands and limited staffing, may adversely affect mental health, particularly symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.

Objective: To examine differences in depression, anxiety, and stress scores across workload categories among nurses working at community health centers administered by the Metro City Health Office.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2025 to July 2026 at 11 community health centers. A total of 55 nurses were recruited using purposive sampling. Workload was assessed using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), whereas depression, anxiety, and stress were measured using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Kruskal-Wallis test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: Most respondents had a high workload (60.0%). The largest proportions of respondents were classified as normal for depression (49.1%), anxiety (54.5%), and stress (83.6%). The Kruskal-Wallis test showed significant differences in depression (p = 0.006), anxiety (p = 0.001), and stress (p = 0.040) scores across workload categories. The high-workload group had the highest mean ranks for depression (33.27), anxiety (34.67), and stress (32.26).

Conclusion: Depression, anxiety, and stress scores differed significantly across workload categories, with the highest mean ranks observed among nurses in the high-workload category. Equitable workload distribution and accessible psychosocial support are needed to protect nurses’ mental health and maintain the quality of healthcare services.

Knowledge of Content and Students Rules in Planning Mathematical Literacy Lesson: A Case Study of Preservice Teacher from Bachelor of Mathematics

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Knowledge of Content and Student (KCS) is a crucial component of teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge because it enables teachers to anticipate students’ characteristics and use this knowledge to make appropriate instructional decisions. In the context of mathematics literacy, teachers are expected not only to understand mathematical content but also to anticipate how students engage with contextual mathematical problems. This study aims to explore the KCS of a pre-service mathematics teacher from bachelor of mathematics in planning integrated mathematics literacy instruction. A qualitative case study design was used. Data were collected through observations of lesson plans, questionnaires, and semi-structured interviews and analyzed using methodological triangulation. The findings indicate that the participant developed knowledge about students by identifying their prior knowledge, anticipating learning difficulties, and considering students’ interests and motivations before making instructional decisions. These forms of pedagogical anticipation informed the selection of contextual learning tasks, instructional approaches, grouping strategies, and various activities. However, the participants tended to interpret students’ readiness for mathematics literacy learning through the lens of prerequisite mathematical knowledge, while explicit anticipation of students’ mathematics literacy processes received relatively less attention. This study demonstrates that planning mathematics literacy lessons requires teachers not only to identify prerequisite mathematical knowledge but also to anticipate students’ readiness throughout the entire mathematics literacy process. These findings contribute to an understanding of how KCS are applied in mathematics literacy lesson planning and provide implications for strengthening pre-service mathematics teacher education.