Achievement Of Goals Research Articles

Digging into Complexity: The Wicked Problem of Peatland Protection

AbstractThe significance of rewetting peatlands, as a key instrument for peatland protection and response to climate change, is increasingly recognized by both experts and the public. Its widespread implementation however still faces numerous challenges. Characteristics of the issue itself as well as the corresponding policies transform the issue into a wicked problem. Showcasing the lack of clarity in funding structures at the German national and federal‐state levels highlights the linked obstruction of necessary actions, implementation options, and financial resources for peatland protection. This poses challenges to climate protection, adaptation efforts, and the achievement of related Sustainable Development Goals. In Germany, an update of peatland protection policies highlights the structural challenges in coordinating peatland protection efforts and helps identify gaps and opportunities. A mixed methods approach is used to analyze both strategic documents and the results of a survey on associated funding. The results indicate a multi‐level policy structure with several German federal states recognizing the potential and relevance of peatland protection but still facing obstacles regarding the distribution of responsibilities, data availability, and overall structures. Recognizing peatland protection as a wicked problem can highlight research gaps and help in developing individual solutions that can be transferred to an international level.

THE DIPLOMAT WITHIN: LEADING WITH UNITY IN A MULTIPOLAR WORLD

AbstractThe authors, who have varied and extensive experience in areas such as business and law, note that their “article leverages our collective experiences worldwide as leaders, lecturers, coaches, and speakers, that underscore the increasingly urgent need for diplomacy skills in everyday human interactions.” They further discuss the importance of diplomacy and diplomatic skills in modern workplaces. The authors “introduce the following three‐tiered Personal – Organizational ‐ External Diplomacy Framework, inspired by modern diplomatic thought. It cuts through dense literature on diplomacy and provides a navigational tool on how to add diplomacy skills into the organization’s DNA to nurture peaceful coexistence and achievement of goals, from interpersonal to global engagements.” They discuss three steps in detail, which in their words are (1) Mastering Personal Diplomacy, (2) Developing Organizational Diplomacy, (3) Developing External Diplomacy. For instance, core skills in step 1 are, in their words, self‐awareness, emotional intelligence, systems thinking, positive regard for others, effective communication, and trust building skills. Step 2 includes, in their words, Leadership Diplomatic Composure, Psychological Safety and Performance, Learning and Development, Engagement and Dialogue, Diversity and Teamwork, and Strategic Implementation. Step 3 includes, in their words, Engagement with External Stakeholders, Leadership in Global Challenges, and Public Diplomacy and Policy Advocacy.

The effect of cognitive emotion regulation on direct-acting antivirals adherence in patients with hepatitis C

IntroductionAdherence to direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) could be a predictor of chronic viral hepatitis C (HCV) therapeutic failure. We examined the perceptions of patients receiving DAAs to determine how cognitive factors influence their decision to maintain adherence. Also, we explored the threshold of DAAs adherence for obtaining sustained virologic response (SVR) among patients with HCV, in order to better implement a strategy that improves the DAAs adherence in the future clinical practice.MethodsA single-arm prospective study was performed. Patients with HCV that started and completed DAAs treatment in the County Hospital of Craiova, Dolj, Romania, were enrolled. Patients’ medication adherence was assessed using the HCV-AD10 questionnaire, and the cognitive emotion regulation was measured with CERQ questionnaire (five positive/adaptive cognitive emotion-regulation domains and four negative/maladaptive domains). Spearman correlation analysis was conducted to explore the relationships between adherence and different factors. ROC-curves were used to evaluate the adherence threshold to achieve SVR. A linear regression model was performed to analyze the primary outcome (DAAs adherence) to be the target variable based on given independent variables (age, treatment duration, severity of HCV, the nine adaptive and maladaptive strategies).Results368 patients (mean age: 61 years) with HCV diagnosed 4.05 ± 6.38 (average) years ago were enrolled. Mean (±SD) adherence via HCV-AD10 was 91.51 ± 8.34, and the proportion of the participants achieving SVR was 96%. Patients with an adherence less than 84% (5 patients, 1.36%) was considered nonadherent and they have a high probability of not achieving response (sensitivity and specificity of 83% and 80%, respectively). We obtained significantly higher values of three adaptive strategies between adherent and nonadherent patients following DAAs treatment: in positive refocusing (p-value = 0.044), refocus on planning (p-value = 0.037), and positive reappraisal (p-value = 0.047).DiscussionThe interplay between the three adaptive strategies of the cognitive emotion regulation and the enhancement of DAAs adherence contributes to a more holistic comprehension of patient behavior in the context of HCV treatment. Increasing refocusing and planning using goal setting and assisting patients in establishing specific, achievable goals can be crucial strategies for clinicians aiming to improve adherence among their patients.

Real-World Comparison of Oral Versus Injectable Semaglutide for the Reduction of Hemoglobin A1C and Weight in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Background: No head-to-head comparisons of semaglutide formulations currently exist in the literature. In practice, many may think that oral and injectable semaglutide formulations are interchangeable, although there is currently limited real-world data to determine whether this is accurate. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of oral versus injectable semaglutide on hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) and weight in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods: This was a retrospective single-center review of adult patients who had a diagnosis of T2D and were treated with oral or injectable semaglutide between November 1, 2019, and July 31, 2022. Primary outcome was a comparison of changes in HbA1C (%) and weight (kg) from baseline to 6 months between patients receiving oral versus injectable semaglutide, stratified according to highest dose received. Secondary outcomes included frequency of dose reductions and discontinuations, achievement of clinical goals, and presence of an embedded clinical pharmacist at patients’ primary care office. Results: A total of 105 patients were included. Patients experienced mean decreases in HbA1C and weight from baseline to 6 months of −1.75% ( P < 0.001) and −3.64 kg ( P = 0.015), respectively, in the oral semaglutide group and −1.35% ( P < 0.001) and −5.26 kg ( P < 0.001), respectively, in the injectable semaglutide group. When directly comparing semaglutide formulations, oral semaglutide demonstrated a 0.4% greater numerical reduction in HbA1C ( P = 0.523) and injectable semaglutide demonstrated a 1.62-kg greater numerical reduction in weight ( P = 0.312). Adverse events (AEs) occurred more frequently with oral semaglutide than with injectable semaglutide (16.7% vs 4.9%). Discontinuation due to AEs was more common with oral semaglutide. Conclusion: In this study, patients with T2D who received oral semaglutide demonstrated greater reductions in HbA1C, whereas those treated with injectable semaglutide had greater reductions in weight, although there were no statistically significant reductions in HbA1C or weight between the 2 formulations. Rates of AEs and discontinuation were more common in the oral semaglutide group.

Peace as a Facilitator of the Implementation and Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals

Peace as a Facilitator of the Implementation and Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals

Organizational Performance Improvement Strategies Through the Implementation of Balanced Scorecard at KPPN Jakarta VII

KPPN Jakarta VII is a vertical agency under the Regional Office of the Directorate General of Treasury of DKI Jakarta Province, Directorate General of Treasury, Ministry of Finance which has the task of carrying out the authority as the State General Treasurer, distributing financing at the expense of the budget, and administering budget receipts and expenditures through and from the state treasury based on statutory regulations. In carrying out the tasks and objectives of the organization, KPPN Jakarta VII carries out performance management based on a balanced scorecard. Balanced scorecard is a strategic management system that guides leaders and members of the organization to translate the vision, mission, and strategy of the organization into real measurable actions. Organizational performance is measured so that it can reflect the achievement of organizational goals. This is very important as part of the implementation of good governance. This paper provides an overview of the implementation of the balanced scorecard at KPPN Jakarta VII as a tool in managing organizational performance. The method used is descriptive qualitative with primary data in the form of performance improvement strategies and organizational performance achievements. As a result, the consistent and continuously improved implementation of the balanced scorecard results in an increased organizational performance score of KPPN Jakarta VII and encourages the creation of service innovations as a form of adaptive organization.

Situational and Dispositional Achievement Goals and Measures of Sport Performance: A Systematic Review with a Meta-Analysis

The purposes of this systematic review (PROSPERO ID: CRD42024510614, no funding source) were to quantify relationships between situational and dispositional dichotomous achievement goals and sport performance and explore potential relationship moderators. Published studies that reported at least one situational or dispositional achievement goal and a performance score were included. Studies without performance scores or based in a non-sport context were excluded. Information sources consisted of studies found in relevant published meta-analyses and EBSCOhost databases (finalized September 2024). The following statistics were conducted to assess the risk of bias: class-fail-safe n, Orwin’s fail-safe n, and funnel plots with trim and fill estimates. The summary statistics were r and d. Thirty studies from 1994 to 2024 met all inclusion criteria with 8708 participants from Europe, Asia, North America, and Oceania. The majority of samples were non-elite male youths and adolescents. The random-effects relationships (r) between task climate, 0.20 [0.14, 0.25], task orientation, 0.17 [0.12, 0.23], ego orientation, 0.09 [0.03, 0.16], and sport performance were small and significantly different (p < 0.05) from zero, while the ego motivational climate relationship was not, −0.00 [−0.48, 0.05]. The random-effects standard differences in means (d) for both the task orientation, 0.08 [0.02, 0.14], and ego orientation, 0.11 [−0.05, 0.26] were minimal in meaningfulness. Mixed-effects moderator analyses resulted in the following significant (p < 0.05) sub-group differences: subjective compared to objective performance measures (task orientation), elite compared to non-elite samples (task climate), and athlete-completed compared to coach-completed performance measures and performance records (task orientation). Finding only 30 studies meeting the inclusion criteria, which limited sub-group samples for moderation analyses, was the main limitation. Despite this limitation, AGT provides athletes and practitioners performance enhancement strategies. However, caution is warranted regarding relationship expectations given the small mean effect size values and the true prediction interval ranging from negative to positive, perhaps as a result of the heterogeneous samples and performance measures. A clear line of future research, considering the reviewed studies, with elite athletes is needed to verify the performance benefits of the task climate and ego orientation as well as the use of the ego goal orientation in selection decisions.

Критерії відповідності фінансового менеджменту емітента зелених облігацій

Introduction. A fundamental principle in the green bond market is the financing of projects that have a positive impact on the environment. Socially responsible investors want to be sure that the proceeds from the issuance of these securities are used as intended, and that the projects being financed contribute to the achievement of environmental goals. For this purpose, the relevant international standards have already been adopted on the green bond market. Problem Statement. In the green bond market, manipulation often occurs when the proceeds from the issuance of these securities are allocated to projects that are not actually environmentally friendly, although they are portrayed as such. Compliance of the financial management of the issuer of green bonds with generally accepted standards is always in the focus of attention of socially responsible investors. An urgent task is to measure the compliance of financial management with generally accepted standards, which will affect the future results of the issuer of green bonds in the distribution of income to achieve environmental goals. Purpose of the article is to identify the criteria for compliance of the green bond issuer's financial management with internationally recognized standards. Methods. The following research methods were used: the generalization method (when studying theoretical sources, scientific works of famous scientists and researchers on selected issues); methods of comparisons and synthesis (during the review of international acts, existing practices and standards), the method of analysis (to identify the criteria of compliance of financial management in the green bond market); logical method (for forming conclusions). Results. The article reveals the concept and features of financial management in the green bond market, examines global practices and standards for managing proceeds from the issuance of these securities. The principles and requirements that issuers of green bonds on the global and European markets should follow are summarized. On the basis of the conducted research, the criteria of compliance of financial management in the market of green bonds are singled out. Conclusions. The principles and methods contained in international standards and recommended acts on the green bond market provide a basis for measuring the compliance of the issuer's financial management with internationally recognized practices. The conducted research made it possible to single out the following criteria: 1) the ability to properly select and evaluate projects; 2) confirmation of the targeted direction of income; 3) availability of separate accounting of receipts; 4) organization of control over revenue management; 5) involvement of an independent third party in the control. Identified financial management compliance criteria make it possible to identify the green bond issuer's strengths and weaknesses for further improvement of its internal practices, increase transparency, and improve management processes and foundations. Checking the issuer of green bonds according to each of the criteria on a point basis allows establishing the general level of compliance of its financial management with the expectations of socially responsible investors.

MIAMI: development and validation of a revised measure of academic misconduct

Academic misconduct remains a perennial concern in tertiary education around the globe. Research intended to explain this phenomenon has been conducted for almost 100 years. One of the most cited researchers is Donald McCabe, whose work was rooted in a survey instrument he developed in the late 1980s and distributed to 100,000 + students over the following two decades. Recognizing the need to continue to understand academic misconduct in the 21st century context, the present study updated and validated the original McCabe instrument as an inventory of academic misconduct behaviors, and derived psychometrically sound factors of the same to enable researchers to examine the predictors of these behaviors. Specifically, our updated instrument (named MIAMI: McCabe/ICAI Academic Misconduct Inventory) was shown to have construct validity through associations with the following predictors in a survey of tertiary students (n = 2329): academic integrity climate, peer norms, moral attitudes, and achievement goal structures. The updated survey will facilitate further research that will advance our understanding of academic misconduct and test the efficacy of interventions designed to promote academic integrity.

Analisis Komunikasi Interpersonal untuk Meningkatkan Kinerja Pegawai pada Dinas Kependudukan dan Pencatatan Sipil Kabupaten Karawang

The aim of the research is to determine, analyze and explain the impact of interpersonal communication on employee performance at the Population and Civil Registration Service of Karawang Regency. Using qualitative methods with interview, observation and documentation techniques, this research reveals that interpersonal communication plays a crucial role in achieving optimal performance. Key elements such as openness, empathy, positive attitudes, and orientation towards others are the main focus in daily interactions in the work environment. Even though employee performance has been recognized with awards from the West Java Province Population and Civil Registration Service, this research also identified the problem of frequent miscommunication, which can hinder work effectiveness. Employee competency development programs, such as "Dukcapil Belajar," have been proven to contribute to improving performance. The results of this research emphasize the importance of effective interpersonal communication to support organizational success and suggest that efforts to improve interpersonal communication continue to be made to minimize miscommunication and support the achievement of organizational goals.

Food Security Achievement through Women Empowerment: A Study of Informal Sector in Lahore

Background: Women empowerment (WE) in food security is one of the global issues faced by women in all the countries of the world. Achievement of zero-hunger goal of Sustainable Development Goals in 2030 (SDG) still seems to be unachievable because of this food insecurity. This research aims to study the achievement of food security by enhancing WE in the informal sector in Lahore, Pakistan. Moreover, the analysis goals are to determine the contribution of microcredit facilities and management skills in the enhancement of WE which improves food security. Method: This study was quantitative and descriptive. Using a primary survey questionnaire on cross-sectional data source by simple random sampling, 495 women borrowers in the informal sector of Lahore, Pakistan were investigated. Data analysis was done using SMART PLS3. Results: The results of the study revealed a positive relationship between WE and food security through the active participation of women in production decisions. The utilization of resources within the households is strengthened by familial rights, social support, and the removal of gender disparity. Conclusion: Women's capacity to contribute more to the daily household expenditure is increased by the higher income, and eventually, it increases their empowerment and food security.

Analisis Kompetensi, Produktivitas Kerja, dan Kinerja Pegawai pada Pusat Pengelolaan Pendapatan Daerah Wilayah Karawang

This research aims to find out and understand the results of competency analysis, work productivity and employee performance at the P3DW Karawang Office. This research uses qualitative methods with a descriptive approach, and data is collected through interviews, observation and documentation. The research results show that employee competency at the P3DW Karawang Office is good, but special training and providing equal development opportunities for all employees are still needed to improve their skills. Employee work productivity is considered quite good, supported by effective communication and cooperation with superiors. However, this research also found that several facilities and infrastructure in the office were still inadequate. Therefore, it is necessary to make efforts to improve facilities and develop human resources more intensively to ensure employee performance can continue to improve and support the achievement of organizational goals..

АНАЛІЗ ЦІНОВИХ СТРАТЕГІЙ ТА СПОЖИВЧА ПОВЕДІНКА В КОНТЕКСТІ МАРКЕТИНГОВИХ ДОСЛІДЖЕНЬ

Abstract introduction. The article examines the views of scientists regarding the formation of price strategies. The main approaches to pricing are considered, with the help of which companies set optimal prices for their services and goods. Factors affecting the company's choice of pricing strategy and affecting consumer behavior are considered. It is conducted research in relation to behavior of consumers and built model of satisfaction of consumer necessities. The purpose of the article. Consideration of pricing strategies of companies and their impact on consumer behavior. Researching consumer behavior and building a model for satisfying consumer needs in goods or services. Methods. Carrying out research the methods of abstraction, analysis, logical, theoretical and historical generalization and comparison are used. For basis of research a dialectical method is taken. Results. The article examines the main approaches to pricing, with the help of which companies set optimal prices for their services and goods. The factors affecting the company's choice of price strategy are considered, and the factors influencing consumer behavior are highlighted. Conducted research on consumer behavior. The proposed model of meeting the needs of consumers in goods or services, which contains 8 sections: the consumer's awareness of the need for the need for a product or service; collection of information; selection of goods or services; decision-making; purchase (payment) of goods or services; evaluation of the choice made and enrichment of experience; the degree of satisfaction of the need for a product or service and consumption of the results. Conclusiоns. After researching and analyzing the available types of marketing price strategies, business entities choose their own price strategy, taking into account certain existing tools, taking into account: characteristics of the service or product, market segment, market competition, competitor analysis, level of market demand, marketing strategies, etc. .. The use of the correct price strategy and the concept of pricing contributes to the achievement of goals: ensuring the stable financial condition of the business entity, meeting the needs of consumers. The offered model in relation to satisfaction of necessities of consumers in commodities or services gives understanding to the process of making decision by consumers in relation to a purchase that is the basic factor of success of company in a competition environment. Companies, that is able to adapt oneself to the necessities of consumers and, to their requirements, that understand the customers, have more chances to retain and attract clients, promote a competitiveness and score a success at the market. The question of the method of determining prices for certain types of services and the behavioral reaction of consumers requires further research.

Enhancing wind turbine energy efficiency: Tribo-dynamics modeling and shape modification

The performance of wind turbine gearbox planetary bearing systems directly influences the turbine's reliability, energy production efficiency, and economy. However, the lack of a comprehensive model to accurately predict the dynamic meshing load of helical gears and temperature effects hinders a deeper understanding of the transient performance of gearbox planetary sliding bearings. Additionally, research on shape modification for gearbox planetary sliding bearings remains inadequate. This study develops a comprehensive tribo-dynamics model that considers the dynamic meshing forces of helical gears and temperature effects. The model's effectiveness is validated by the concordance between experimental data from a full-size test bench and simulation results on oil film thickness and temperature. Transient simulation analysis indicates insufficient lubrication, high-temperature rise, and severe contact that reduce electricity production efficiency and reliability, all of which occur at bearing axial edges. Therefore, three modified bearing designs (super-elliptical, trapezoidal, and quadratic shapes) are introduced, and their improved performance is thoroughly compared. The super-elliptical design increases the minimum oil film thickness by 2.60 μm. The trapezoidal design reduces cumulative friction energy losses by 4.34 %. Each modified design successfully reduces the edge wear and oil temperature. The underlying enhancing mechanisms are revealed to be oil film uniform redistribution and lubrication states' alteration. This work can contribute to the reliability, electricity production efficiency, and economy of global wind turbines and support the achievement of net-zero emission goals.

Balancing Academics and Athletics: Examining Academic and Athletic Identity Profiles in a Large Sample of NCAA Division I College Athletes

College athletes balance academic and athletic roles and, as a result, can hold different combinations of academic and athletic identities. The purpose of this study was to identify common identity profiles in a large sample of Division I (elite) college athletes in the U.S. and to examine these profiles on a number of measures in academics and athletics: performance, motivation (e.g., achievement goals, autonomous motivation, competence, interest, effort, value, persistence, passion), satisfaction, and ethical conduct (e.g., cheating, plagiarism, sportspersonship, gamesmanship, aggression). Profiles were derived in Study 1 (N = 1124) and cross-validated with an independent sample in Study 2 (N = 184). Results showed four common identity profiles: (1) fully engaged college athletes with the highest academic and athletic identities, (2) committed athletes with a low academic identity and a high athletic identity, (3) academics-focused college athletes with an average academic identity and a low athletic identity, and (4) academically unengaged athletes with an extremely low academic identity and a low athletic identity. The identity profiles differed significantly across the measures of academic and athletic performance, achievement motivation (mastery, performance, task, and ego goals), satisfaction, and ethical conduct (academic misconduct, homework cheating, plagiarism, test cheating, sportspersonship, gamesmanship, instrumental aggression) in Study 1, as well as autonomous motivation (competence, relatedness, value/usefulness, effort/importance), academic persistence, and athletic passion (harmonious, obsessive) in Study 2. Taken together, findings provided evidence of both the multidimensional nature of college athletes’ identities and the heterogeneity of the college athlete population. Overall, these findings point to the importance of concurrent examination of academic and athletic identities as separate yet interrelated dimensions in research studies. This approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of college athletes' experiences and provides a more nuanced perspective on their identity development.

Intergovernmental networks and local government capacity for disaster management in North Sumatra

The objective of this study is to examine the impact of decentralization on disaster management in North Sumatra Province. Specifically, it will analyze the intergovernmental networks, local government resilience, leadership, and communication within disaster management agencies. The study used a hybrid research approach, integrating qualitative and quantitative methodologies to investigate the connections between these factors and their influence on disaster response and mitigation. The study encompassed 144 personnel from diverse government tiers in North Sumatra and performed a meta-analysis on the implementation of disaster management. Intergovernmental networks were discovered to enhance collaboration in disaster management by eliminating regulatory gaps and efficiently allocating logistics. Nevertheless, local governments have obstacles as a result of limited resources and inadequate expertise, notwithstanding the progress made in infrastructure technology. The F test results reveal that leadership and communication have a substantial impact on the performance of BPBD personnel. The meta-assessment classifies its impact as extraordinarily high, suggesting comprehensive evaluation and successful achievement of goals in disaster management planning. Efficient cooperation among relevant parties is essential in handling calamities in North Sumatra. The government, commercial sector, NGOs, universities, and society have unique responsibilities. To improve effectiveness, governments should encourage private sector involvement, while institutions can increase their research contributions.

The influence of lifestyle and environmental factors on host resilience through a homeostatic skin microbiota: An EAACI Task Force Report.

Human skin is colonized with skin microbiota that includes commensal bacteria, fungi, arthropods, archaea and viruses. The composition of the microbiota varies at different anatomical locations according to changes in body temperature, pH, humidity/hydration or sebum content. A homeostatic skin microbiota is crucial to maintain epithelial barrier functions, to protect from invading pathogens and to interact with the immune system. Therefore, maintaining homeostasis holds promise to be an achievable goal for microbiome-directed treatment strategies as well as a prophylactic strategy to prevent the development of skin diseases, as dysbiosis or disruption of homeostatic skin microbiota is associated with skin inflammation. A healthy skin microbiome is likely modulated by genetic as well as environmental and lifestyle factors. In this review, we aim to provide a complete overview of the lifestyle and environmental factors that can contribute to maintaining the skin microbiome healthy. Awareness of these factors could be the basis for a prophylactic strategy to prevent the development of skin diseases or to be used as a therapeutic approach.

WEB BASED INTERNAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM A DESIGN AND PROTOTYPING

Improving the quality of education in higher education institutions is crucial to support the development of human resources and the progress of the nation. Utpadaka Swastika University, as one of the higher education institutions in Indonesia, is committed to producing high-quality and competitive graduates. To ensure this quality, an effective and efficient internal quality assurance system (SPMI) is necessary. This research aims to design and build an internal quality assurance system based on the web using PHP and MySQL at Utpadaka Swastika University with the prototyping method. Software testing is conducted through Black Box Testing. This internal quality assurance system aims to ensure the quality of higher education provided by universities through the implementation of the Tridharma of Higher Education, in order to realize the vision and meet the needs of stakeholders. The achievement of quality assurance goals through the internal quality assurance system will be accredited through external quality assurance systems. This system can assist in presenting document information accessible to program heads, leaders, auditors, administrators, and quality assurance body (LPM) leaders. It facilitates program heads in the process of collecting and submitting documents for evaluation and audit instruments, allowing the LPM to directly identify issues and quality standards in the internal quality assurance process. This system is expected to be used as a reference for further development of an Internal Quality Assurance System so that the system can have better features.

Integrated Community Development to Alleviate Poverty and Social Problems: Case Study of DesaBerdaya (Empowered Village) Rumah Zakat

This research explores the community empowerment model implemented by Rumah Zakat through the DesaBerdaya program to reduce poverty and social issues in Indonesia. The program uses an integrated approach encompassing economic, educational, health, environmental, and disaster mitigation sectors, aiming to improve the quality of human resources through local empowerment. The program also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in poverty alleviation, good health, quality education, and access to clean water and sanitation. The research findings indicate positive systemic changes in various villages that have received interventions from this program, both in social and economic aspects. Significant improvements in community welfare have been observed, with the program running sustainably at the local level. The program successfully empowered communities to become self-reliant and created long-term impacts on village development in Indonesia.

Is Remission Now an Achievable Goal for More Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?

More than 3.4 million people worldwide are affected by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic, complex, and unpredictable autoimmune condition that can take years to diagnose. SLE, the most common form of lupus, frequently has a profoundly negative impact on the quality of life for patients, with many reporting chronic fatigue, anxiety, and pain as symptoms. Inadequate disease control, and associated side effects of current treatment for people with SLE, lead to recurrent flares in symptoms and high risk of organ damage. Fifty percent of people with SLE have irreversible organ damage within 5 years of diagnosis due to long-term oral glucocorticoid (GC) use, disease flares, and persistent disease activity. SLE mortality remains unacceptably high and is one of the top 10 causes of death in young women in the USA. Although the speed of innovation has accelerated in recent years, there is still a great need beyond symptom management to tackle the underlying cause of the disease and achieve clinical remission for patients. In 2023, the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) updated its recommendations for SLE management, elevating the importance of treating to target remission or low disease activity with elimination of steroids, where possible, to reduce the risk of organ damage and adverse outcomes in patients. EULAR defines remission in SLE, according to the Definition of Remission in SLE (DORIS) criteria, as having no disease activity while receiving treatment, but GC ≤5 mg/day. Two leading SLE experts, Ian Bruce, Queen’s University Belfast, UK, and Julia Weinmann-Menke, Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany, discuss why remission is now a realistic goal in SLE, and how aiming for early and sustained remission can help to improve patient outcomes and address urgent unmet medical needs.