Enablers and Barriers in Indonesia’s Household Energy Transition to Induction Cookstove: A Sustainability Perspective

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The transition from LPG stoves to induction cookstove is an important part of efforts to decarbonize the household sector and achieve sustainable development in Indonesia. Although induction cookers offer potential environmental, social, and economic benefits, their adoption rate is still relatively limited. This study aims to identify and analyze the enablers and barriers to transitioning to induction cookers from a sustainability perspective, considering environmental, social, and economic dimensions. This study is based on a structured synthesis of empirical and conceptual findings from previous studies discussing the transition to electric cooking technology and clean cooking, with a focus on countries that have implemented this technology. The analysis was conducted to group and interpret the main enablers and barriers within the sustainability framework. The results of the study show that the main enablers of transition include energy efficiency and technological performance, perceived benefits of use, awareness of health and environmental risks, reliability of electrical infrastructure, and government policy and program support. Conversely, the dominant barriers include the high initial cost of the devices, the perceived high cost of electricity, limited household electricity capacity and reliability, cultural cooking habits and preferences, and strong dependence on LPG subsidies. This study concludes that the transition to induction cookers in Indonesia is still at a partial readiness stage and requires an integrated, inclusive, and sustainability-oriented policy approach to ensure fair and sustainable transition.

Nutrient Budgeting: An Enigma

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Nutrient budgeting seeks to quantify nutrient flows, evaluate the efficiency of current nutrient management practices, and provide recommendations to enhance sustainability and productivity. While fertilizer use is increasing, it’s often imbalanced, with a greater emphasis on nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) than potassium (K). The recommended NPK ratio (6.96:2.79:1 in 2019-20) differs significantly from the average crop uptake ratio (1.0:0.3:1.3). In the year 2000-2001, inorganic fertilizer was the dominant source contributing 64% of N and 78% of P inputs in Indian agriculture, whereas K input through inorganic fertilizer was 26%. The intrinsic complexity and diversity of nutrient dynamics across spatial and temporal dimensions, however, continue to make it an enigma. Numerous factors contribute to the difficulties in nutrient budgeting, such as uneven measuring techniques, variations in crop and soil properties, shifting weather patterns, and a lack of reliable field data. Furthermore, assumptions and models used to estimate nutrient flows—such as biological nitrogen fixation, leaching, gaseous losses, and crop uptake—frequently fail to account for site-specific reality. This complexity is further increased by human elements like inconsistent record-keeping and a variety of management techniques. However, by integrating field data, existing models, and literature-based nutrient coefficients, the studies in this field contributes to a deeper understanding of nutrient use efficiency and the potential for improving soil fertility management.

Performance Management Systems and Service Delivery in Nigeria’s Public Sector: A Study of Federal Civil Service Commission, Abuja, Nigeria

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This study examined the relationship between Performance Management Systems (PMS) and service delivery in Nigeria’s public sector, focusing on the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Abuja. The research was guided by three objectives: to assess the extent of PMS implementation, to determine the relationship between performance appraisal practices and employee productivity, and to examine the influence of PMS on the quality and efficiency of service delivery. The study adopted a descriptive survey design anchored on the New Public Management (NPM) Theory (Hood, 1991), which emphasizes performance-based accountability and result-oriented public administration. The population comprised 456 officers across six functional departments, including Recruitment and Appointment, Promotion, Discipline, and Records (Federal Civil Service Commission, 2025). Using Cochran’s formula for small populations, a sample of 210 respondents (46%) was selected. Data were analyzed using SPSS and STATA, employing descriptive statistics (means, frequencies, and percentages) to summarize responses on implementation, productivity, and service delivery indicators, while inferential statistics (Pearson correlation and regression analysis) tested the hypothesized relationships. Findings revealed that PMS implementation was moderate (𝑥̄ = 3.73, SD = 1.05) but significantly correlated with organizational effectiveness (r = 0.586, p < 0.01). Performance appraisal practices showed a strong positive relationship with employee productivity (r = 0.642, p < 0.01), while PMS had a significant influence on service delivery efficiency (r = 0.671, β = 0.685, p < 0.01). The study concludes that strengthening PMS through digital monitoring, transparent appraisals, and capacity development will improve accountability, employee motivation, and service delivery outcomes in the Nigerian public sector.

Best Practice on English for Specific Purpose (ESP): Design, Delivery and Assessment

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This study explores the best practices in designing, delivering, and assessing English for Specific Purposes (ESP) courses. Through a comprehensive review of pedagogical strategies and practical implementations, the research highlights components that contribute to effective ESP instruction.

The findings emphasize the importance of conducting detailed needs analyses to customize course content for diverse professional and academic contexts. Incorporating authentic materials, task-based learning, and collaborative activities are identified as critical elements for fostering real-world language application and learner engagement.

Flexibility and adaptability in course structure, supported by ongoing feedback and assessments, emerge as essential factors in addressing evolving learner needs and improving outcomes. The study also underscores the necessity of staying updated with industry trends and integrating technology to enhance personalization and accessibility. Collaborative efforts, including peer interactions and partnerships with industry professionals, further enrich the learning experience and align it with workplace expectations.

This study employed qualitative research by employing lecturers of the English Study Program, Christian University Indonesia Toraja, as respondents.

By synthesizing these insights, the research provides a framework for educators and institutions to develop ESP courses that effectively meet the demands of modern professional environments. This study contributes to the broader discourse on specialized language instruction and offers actionable recommendations for enhancing the relevance, efficiency, and impact of ESP programs.

Transparency, Trust, and Teacher Quality: Rethinking Educational Management Through a Governance Lens

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Teacher quality in contemporary education systems is often addressed through technical reforms emphasizing standards, performance measurement, and administrative accountability. However, such approaches tend to overlook the governance conditions under which professional quality is formed and sustained. This article rethinks educational management through a governance lens by examining the interrelationship between transparency, institutional trust, and teacher quality. Drawing on a critical review of literature in educational governance, organizational trust, and professional management, the study argues that the relationship between transparency and teacher quality is not direct but mediated by institutional trust. Transparency that is perceived as fair, consistent, and substantively accountable contributes to the formation of trust, enabling teachers to interpret policies as supportive of professionalism rather than as instruments of control. In trust-based governance environments, teacher quality emerges not merely as individual competence, but as a systemic capacity encompassing professional autonomy, reflective practice, contextual adaptability, and sustained commitment. Conceptually, this article contributes an integrated governance framework that positions transparency, trust, and teacher quality as mutually reinforcing dimensions of educational management. The analysis further highlights the potential role of digital governance innovations, including blockchain-based financial transparency, as institutional enablers strengthen accountability while fostering trust. By emphasizing the balance between accountability and trust, the article offers a governance-oriented perspective for developing more legitimate, sustainable, and systemically grounded strategies to enhance teacher quality.

Improvement of the Supply Chain Through Engineering and the PRP Heuristic Algorithm: Models and Case Studies

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This study presents a comprehensive literature review and technical analysis of the Production Routing Problem (PRP), focusing on integrated supply chain optimization. The research evaluates various mathematical approaches, including distributionally robust models for perishable goods and multi-scale production facilities. A core component of this work is the assessment of heuristic and matheuristic tools, such as Adaptive Large Neighborhood Search (ALNS), Genetic Algorithms (GA), and Variable Neighborhood Search (VNS), which are identified as highly efficient for solving large-scale industrial problems. Additionally, the study provides a detailed implementation roadmap, including an estimated budget ranging from $23,000 to $48,000 and a timeline of 4 to 8 months for full supply chain integration. Statistical validation through a Cost ANOVA confirms significant cost variations across different implementation phases ($p < 0.05$), highlighting the importance of strategic planning in staff training and software consultancy. The findings suggest that the integration of production, inventory, and distribution not only reduces total operational costs but also supports sustainable decision-making by balancing economic performance with environmental impact.

The Role of Soft Skills in Women’s Access to Managerial Positions in Engineering within STEM Fields

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The persistent underrepresentation of women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) constitutes a phenomenon that extends beyond the educational sphere and becomes more pronounced at decision-making levels within engineering. Far from being merely a numerical gap, this situation is rooted in structural frameworks that include organizational bias, a lack of mentorship, and the limited recognition of socio-emotional competencies in industrial environments. Within this context, the present article aims to examine the strategic role of soft skills as catalysts for women’s access to managerial positions in engineering.

To support this analysis, a mixed-methods methodological approach is adopted. On the one hand, a systematic review of the state of the art is conducted using the SALSA framework (Search, Appraisal, Synthesis, and Analysis), which enabled the integration and comparison of findings from 25 international studies published between 2016 and 2026. Complementarily, an experimental pilot study was implemented in a manufacturing company in the furniture sector located in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico, employing convenience sampling with the participation of 20 female engineers working in process engineering and sustainable design.

Based on this dual approach, significant regularities between global and local contexts are identified. In particular, the strengthening of skills such as inclusive leadership, effective communication, emotional intelligence, resilience, and adaptability is associated with substantial increases in professional confidence, job retention, and promotion opportunities, with improvements ranging between 20% and 30%. At the same time, the results of the pilot study reveal favorable impacts on organizational efficiency and innovation in productive processes.

Consequently, the findings confirm that the systematic incorporation of soft skills not only contributes to mitigating gender inequalities in engineering but also emerges as an essential component for fostering sustainable, inclusive, and competitive development in STEM sectors.

Mediating Effects of Job security on the Relationship between Trust in Management and Organizational Commitment in Downsizing Organizations

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Organizations have underestimated the adverse effects of downsizing and often overlook the challenges of motivating a remaining workforce that is emotionally affected by witnessing others lose their jobs. Yet, motivating these survivors to achieve higher productivity is vital for the company’s success and the job security of employees. It should be noted that, next to the death of a relative or friend, losing a job is one of the most traumatic experiences, as it disrupts careers and families. This research paper aims to study the mediating effect of job security on the relationship between trust in management and organizational commitment of employees. The present research findings suggest that if organizational downsizing is carried out in such a manner that employees perceive positive changes in their daily work experiences in the form of increased organizational support that enhances their trust for management and inculcates perceptions of the accuracy of the performance appraisal system, their affective and continuance commitment to the organization can be maintained or even increased. The study has significance for maintaining member loyalty by organizations which are resorting to downsizing through voluntary retirement schemes as in the Indian context.  Research strongly suggests that survivors in the organization also suffer adverse effects after downsizing has occurred.

Evaluation of a Mass Deworming Program Achieving Zero Prevalence of Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections among Primary School Children in Flood-Prone Areas

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Background: Soil-Transmitted Helminth (STH) infections remain a significant public health problem in tropical regions, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and susceptibility to flooding. Evaluating STH control programs is essential to measure the effectiveness of interventions.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the mass deworming program in reducing STH prevalence among primary school children in flood-prone areas.

Methods: An analytical observational cross-sectional study was conducted in Umatoos Village, Malaka District, from September to October 2025. The sample consisted of 194 primary school students (from SDK Umatoos, SDI Beilout, and SDK Loomota) selected from a population of 311 students. Stool samples were examined microscopically using the 2% Lugol method to detect STH infections. Risk factor data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.

Results: None of the 194 stool samples examined tested positive for STH, resulting in a prevalence of 0%. A total of 85.6% of respondents reported taking deworming medication regularly every six months. Hygienic behavior indicators showed that 91.2% washed their hands before meals, 95.4% washed their hands after defecation, 73.7% trimmed their nails regularly, and 87.1% consistently wore footwear. Environmental sanitation conditions were relatively good, with 93.3% of households having latrines and 93.8% using piped water or well water.

Conclusion: The mass deworming program implemented consistently since 2016, combined with good personal hygiene practices and adequate environmental sanitation, successfully achieved zero STH prevalence among primary school children in flood-prone areas. These findings support a comprehensive approach integrating medical interventions and behavioral changes in controlling neglected tropical diseases.

Comparative Study of the Existing and Post Intervention of the Mr. Dwiyanto’s House in Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

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This study presents a quantitative comparative analysis of environmental performance before and after an architectural intervention on a vernacular dwelling in the Gunungkidul District, Yogyakarta Special Region, Indonesia. Conducted as a longitudinal field investigation, the research employed a baseline-endline methodology with data collection in June 2025 (pre-intervention) and October 2025 (post-intervention). Key metrics included surface temperatures of building components (ceiling, walls, floor) and comprehensive indoor air quality (IAQ) parameters, notably particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) concentrations, measured against national ambient air quality standards (NAB). The results demonstrate a pronounced dual outcome. The intervention achieved its primary objective of drastically improving IAQ, with PM10 and PM2.5 levels reduced by over 90%, transitioning from exceeding to far below the NAB thresholds. However, this significant improvement coincided with a critical trade-off. A severe reduction in indoor air velocity (78%) altered the thermal environment, leading to mixed results: while floor temperatures decreased consistently, other components showed varied responses, and the heat stress index (WBGTi) slightly increased despite a lower dry-bulb temperature. The study concludes that while passive architectural strategies can effectively protect against outdoor particulate pollution, they can inadvertently compromise natural cooling ventilation. These findings highlight the essential ventilation-filtration dilemma in tropical climates and underscore the necessity for integrated, balanced design approaches in sustainable housing retrofits to simultaneously ensure occupant health and thermal comfort.