Development of Learning Tools Assisted by Lumio By Smart to Improve Mathematical Problem Solving Ability

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This study aims to describe the process and results of the development of learning tools assisted by Lumio by SMART on flat building material to improve the mathematical problem solving skills of junior high school students in grade VII. At Sunan Kalijogo Junior High School, students’ ability to solve varied geometry problems is still low. Students tend to focus on the end result without understanding the solution strategy, so they are only able to solve the problems that are modelled by the teacher. This research uses the 4D development model. The validation results showed the device was very valid (score 3.71). The learning was well implemented, student activeness reached 93.6%, and student response was 90.71%. Classical completeness reached 89.4% with ability improvement in the moderate to high category. The independent sample t-test resulted in a significance of 0.000 (<0.05), showing a significant difference between the experimental and control classes. Thus, the device developed was declared valid, practical, and effective. The implementation of the device also increased the involvement and motivation of seventh grade students of Sunan Klijogo Junior High School, as well as creating a collaborative learning environment and supporting a significant increase in mathematical problem solving ability. This research can be a reference for the development of innovative learning, and is recommended to be applied to other materials to improve mathematical problem solving skills.

The Impact of Industrial Agriculture Based Problem Based Learning Model on the Scientific Literacy and Learning Outcomes of Fourth Grade Elementary Students

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Low student performance in learning outcome and scientific literacy remains a pressing issue in Indonesian elementary education. One contributing factor is the lack of connection between curriculum content and students’ everyday experiences. This study addresses this problem by implementing a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model contextualized within local industrial agriculture, specifically banana farming, to enhance both learning outcomes and scientific literacy among fourth-grade students. A quantitative approach with a posttest-only control group design was used. The participants were 41 fourth-grade students, divided into an experimental group (n = 20) and a control group (n = 21). The experimental group received instruction using the industrial agriculture-based PBL model, while the control group was taught using conventional Direct Instruction. Data were collected through standardized tests measuring learning outcomes and scientific literacy, and analyzed using normality tests and the Mann-Whitney U test. The findings indicated a significant difference between the two groups. The experimental group achieved a higher average learning outcome score (98.55) compared to the control group (89.00), with a significance level of p = 0.020. For scientific literacy, the experimental group’s mean score was 93.30, significantly higher than the control group’s 75.43 (p = 0.000). Additionally, 13 students in the experimental group reached Level 6 scientific literacy, demonstrating advanced skills in critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and problem-solving. The industrial agriculture-based PBL model has a significant and positive impact on both learning outcomes and scientific literacy. By embedding real-world, locally relevant problems into science instruction, this model not only boosts academic achievement but also cultivates key 21st-century skills such as reflection, collaboration, and contextual problem-solving. These findings support the broader application of contextual PBL in elementary science education, particularly in rural and agriculturally rich areas.

Quality Processes at National and International Levels: A Comparative Analysis

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In an increasingly interconnected world, the concept of quality has transcended local boundaries and evolved into a global imperative across sectors such as education, industry, healthcare, and governance. Quality processes—defined as systematic mechanisms to ensure consistency, efficiency, and excellence—are now embedded in both national policies and international frameworks. At the national level, countries establish quality assurance agencies, standardization bodies, and policy-driven monitoring systems tailored to local development goals and cultural contexts. In contrast, international quality frameworks such as ISO standards, the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM), and global education harmonization initiatives aim to provide universally accepted benchmarks for performance and accountability. This research explores the parallels and divergences between national and international quality systems, highlighting best practices, challenges in implementation, and the need for alignment in a globalized environment. By examining quality assurance mechanisms in multiple sectors, the study provides a comprehensive understanding of how countries can integrate global standards without compromising national priorities. The findings suggest that a hybrid model—rooted in national needs but aligned with international expectations—offers the most sustainable path toward long-term institutional credibility and global competitiveness.

Recognizing Informal and Non-Formal Learning: Potential Advantages of Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) in Bulgarian VET

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Vocational education and training (VET) is a key factor in the development of human capital, competitiveness and social cohesion in modern society. VET provides an opportunity to acquire and update knowledge, skills and competencies necessary for successful implementation on the labor market and in life. VET also helps meet the needs of employers and the economy for a skilled and adaptable workforce capable of meeting the dynamic and complex challenges of technological and social change. In this context, one of the main objectives of VET is to ensure flexibility and transparency of educational pathways and to promote continuous lifelong learning. In the article, an adaptive flexible model working towards this goal is proposed, namely the development and implementation of an effective and fair system for recognizing and evaluating the person’s previous training, knowledge and skills, regardless of whether it is formal, informal or self-taught, i.e. called APL (Accreditation of Prior Learning) system, which currently have no analogue in Bulgaria. The subject of this article are several modifications of the APL, applicable to the conditions of the Bulgarian VET. The article posits that APL is important and useful mechanism for modernization and improvement on the professional education and training in Bulgaria, which can contribute for increasing on competitiveness and employment on the working strength, as well as for development on economy and society. For realizing fully the benefits from APL, it is necessary to overcome the existing ones obstacles and to introduce suitable changes and innovations in the system on the professional education and training. APL as a process is a process through which a person’s prior learning is recognized and assessed, regardless of whether it is formal, informal or self-learning.

Assessment of Zooplankton Density in Khajikotnoor Reservoir, Kalaburagi District, Karnataka

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Zooplankton are of prime importance in aquatic systems, playing vital roles as water-quality indicators and having significant influences on food web dynamics. This paper examines the abundance and diversity of zooplankton species in the Khajikotnoor reservoir, which is a vital freshwater body in Khajikotnoor village, Kalaburagi District, Karnataka. The sampling was conducted from January 2024 to December 2024 using conventional methods for the collection of plankton. Later, the zooplanktons collected were analyzed and grouped up to the species level. A total of 26 different zooplankton species were documented. They were grouped under principal groups consisting of Rotifers, Cladocera, Copepods, and Ostracoda. Among them, Rotifers turned out to be the dominant group. The results indicate that the Khajikotnoor reservoir harbours a very diverse population of zooplankton with a relatively healthy aquatic ecosystem. But human activities and eutrophication pose potential threats to the reservoir’s biodiversity. This research highlights the significance of continuous monitoring of zooplankton diversity as a bioindicator in assessing ecological well-being and formulating conservation strategies to protect the aquatic biodiversity of the reservoir.

Factors Influencing HIV Testing and Status Disclosure Among Young Women and Men in Kafue and Lusaka Districts

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Adolescent HIV testing and status disclosure rates remain low in Zambia with many people unaware of their status. HIV testing rates for adolescents and young people are about 61 percent for females and 49 percent for males while HIV disclosure is about 83 percent for females and 77 percent for males. This study explored the factors influencing HIV testing and status disclosure among male and female young people in Kafue and Lusaka Districts. The study specifically intended to identify factors that influence HIV testing and status disclosure among young people, explore experiences and attitudes towards HIV Testing and status disclosure among young males and young females living with HIV and determine facilitators and barriers for HIV Testing and status disclosure among the male and female participants. The study adopted a cross-sectional design and was anchored in a mixed method approach. It was conducted in Lusaka and Kafue districts of Zambia. The study applied both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis techniques. The study utilized both primary and secondary data. Primary data was obtained from young people, while secondary data was sourced from relevant national and international reports and policy documents as well as peer reviewed journals.  The sample comprised of 359 male and female young people (i.e.180 females and 179 males. Out of this total, 83 males and 101 females were from Kafue district while 96 males and 79 females were from Lusaka district) attending youth friendly corners and the ART clinics. The participants were randomly selected. Results showed that HIV testing awareness and knowledge were prevalent among Adolescents and Young People (AYP), with educational platforms and friends being significant sources of information. It was also found that many factors influenced HIV status disclosure among adolescents and young people (AYP) in Kafue and Lusaka. These included strong support networks, comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), youth-friendly health services, anti-stigma campaigns and the influence of role models, family members, high rates of disclosure to sexual partners, healthcare providers and school counsellors or teachers.  Barriers to disclosure included fear of stigmatization and discrimination, concerns about confidentiality, negative family reactions and the impact on romantic relationships. Further, respondents experienced significant hardships following the disclosure of their HIV status, with girls often suffering from increased judgment and social isolation, while boys faced stigma and a pressure to appear unaffected. In coping with these challenges, they developed various strategies: finding solidarity in support groups, drawing strength from family support, seeking professional counselling, engaging in education and advocacy, expressing themselves artistically, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, it was recommended that there must be the development of gender-sensitive programs, community engagement with a focus on gender roles, and the creation of accessible services with consideration for gender dynamics. Additionally, urban youth engagement needed to incorporate gender-specific messaging, and educational efforts to emphasize gender equality. Support networks and safe spaces needed to account for gender differences. In addition, the policies ought to advocate for gender equity, addressing legal and social challenges specific to young men and women in the context of HIV testing and disclosure.

Exploring Prototype-Based Clustering for Malware Detection: Insights from MutantX-S

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Computers and internet-based technologies are an essential aspect of modern life. Numerous network architectures are used to connect computers, and occasionally, it’s feasible for a particular network or machine to be attacked by malicious software, or malware. Numerous negative outcomes, such as system damage, data theft, performance deterioration, spamming, and more, might arise from these attacks. Malware comes in a variety of forms, including as viruses, worms, spyware, rootkits, and many more. Every year, millions and millions of new malware samples are sent to antivirus research firms. The ever-increasing number of malware samples makes it impossible to examine each one separately. This results in a low detection rate of fresh malware samples due to a delay in the propagation of malware signatures. Researchers from Symantec Labs created Mutant X-S, a scalable malware categorization framework, to address this problem. MutantX-S is able to efficiently group samples according to how similar they are to one another. This framework offers a scalable solution to handle the enormous volume of malware that exists in the wild. The Mutant X-S is designed to enhance current dynamic behavior-based systems rather than replace them in order to improve malware program coverage and clustering accuracy [1].

Making Mobile Corn Dryer Using Temperature and Water Content Sensors Based on The Internet of Things

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This corn drying is done to increase the storage capacity and increase the economic value of the corn and the corn used has been shelled by reducing the water content to a maximum of 14% if the corn is said to be dry. The heating element here is very important to accelerate drying, the more elements used, the faster the time required for the drying process. To detect room temperature and humidity, a DHT11 sensor and a water content sensor are needed to determine the water content in the corn. The research method used in writing this article is a literature study by comparing the results of water content sensor measurements in experiments according to SNI. The results of the lowest water content measurement which has a water content of 13.4% with a time of only 120 minutes and 100 g of corn. The study of the water content value with the lowest value in the test can be used as a reference for designing a corn dryer prototype with a heating element using a DHT11 sensor and an Arduino Uno-based water content sensor.

The Comprehension of Language Recognition Among Social Media Users in Jakarta

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Living life and building relationships, an individual needs recognition that can generate respect and admiration from others. This research uses a quantitative method. The data was collected using a questionnaire distributed to 97 respondents with certain criteria. The validity test uses the Pearson Correlation statistical test. Cronbach’s Alpha statistical test was used to test reliability. Because the Cronbach’s Alpha value is 0.548 > 0.198 (Rtable), it can be concluded that the questionnaire is reliable or trustworthy as a data collection tool. The standard deviation of respondents’ answers is 6.580%. The total average score or mean is 57.51%, respondents’ level is at ENOUGH level (between 41%-60%). The results show that the level of understanding of Recognition Language among social media users in Jakarta is ‘enough’. There is still a lack of language of recognition between fellow students or even between teachers and students or in society, which finally culminates in bullying.

Facile Synthesis and Antifungal Efficiency of Nickel and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

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Nickel oxide (NiO) and Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were synthesized using a simple, eco-friendly co-precipitation method followed by ultrasonication. The synthesis utilized AR-grade NiCl2·6H2O and Zn(NO3) 2·6H2O with NH4OH as a precipitating agent, offering a cost-effective and scalable approach. Structural analysis via X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the formation of pure cubic phases with crystallite sizes ranging between 10.4–18.5 nm for NiO and 11.6–19.2 nm for ZnO, depending on the calcination temperature (400–600°C). UV–Vis spectroscopy revealed a tunable band gap: NiO exhibited Eg values of 4.1 eV (500°C) to 1.6 eV (600°C), while ZnO showed Eg from 3.6 eV (500°C) to 4.0 eV (600°C), indicating potential for visible-light-driven photocatalytic or optoelectronic applications. FTIR confirmed strong metal–oxygen bonding, and SEM revealed well-defined porous morphologies. Notably, antifungal activity tested against Aspergillus niger and Fusarium spp. using the Kirby–Bauer method showed zone of inhibition (ZOI) up to 17.4 mm for ZnO and 16.6 mm for NiO, respectively, at a nanoparticle concentration of 200 µg/ml. This study is innovative in demonstrating a temperature-tuned synthesis approach that correlates nano-structural features with antimicrobial efficiency, enabling design of next-generation biocompatible antifungal agents for biomedical coatings and environmental remediation.