Sufficiency Index Research Articles

The Effectiveness of “Gamilab” Media Online Games For Arabic Vocabulary Mastery at Junior High School

This study explains the effectiveness of teaching Arabic vocabulary mastery using Gamilab media online games, particularly at the junior high school level. The difficulty students face in learning is due to a lack of supportive facilities, which affects their motivation during lessons. This research employs a quantitative approach, with the experimental method used by the researcher. The experimental design follows the "pretest-posttest one group design."The population of this study consists of 80 students from Mts Muhammadiyah Muallimien Muallimat Jakarta. The sampling method used is purposive sampling, and the sample under investigation includes 25 eighth-grade students from Mts Muhammadiyah Muallimien Muallimat Jakarta, drawn from one class. The validity test results show that 20 (100%) of the pretest and posttest questions are valid. The reliability test, conducted using SPSS 26 with Cronbach's Alpha, yielded a coefficient of 0.733, indicating that the test instrument comprising 20 questions is reliable, as the alpha value exceeds the threshold of 0.70.Regarding difficulty levels, 60% of the questions were categorized as easy, while 40% were considered moderately difficult. In terms of item discrimination, 70% of the questions had a sufficient index, 30% had a good index, and 10% had a poor index. The normality test showed significance values of 0.194 and 0.68, both greater than 0.05, indicating that the data is normally distributed. However, a significance value of 0.43, which is less than 0.05, suggests that the data is not homogeneous. A significance value of 0.000 (less than 0.05) was obtained, further confirming this.The mean scores of the pretest and posttest showed an improvement from 47.40 to 74.00. Thus, it can be concluded that Gamilab media is quite effective in enhancing Arabic vocabulary mastery.

Potential of Fasting C-peptide to Glucose Ratio and Triglyceride Glucose Index as Markers for β-Cell Dysfunction and Insulin Resistance in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes on Insulin Therapy.

Pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is combined from initial insulin resistance (IR) and subsequent β-cell dysfunction. Insulin therapy can replace β-cell function in advanced stages. However excessive insulin therapy increases IR and may expose the patients to risk of cardiovascular disease. We aim to assess β-cell function and IR in patients with type 2 diabetes on insulin therapy by fasting C-peptide to glucose ratio (FCPGR), and triglyceride glucose (TyG) index respectively to support treatment plans. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Galiawa Diabetes and Endocrinology Teaching Center in Erbil City, Iraq,from June 2023 to January 2024. A convenient sample of 100 patients with T2DM on insulin-based therapy were included after obtaining informed written consent and excluding conditions such as acute illness,uncertain type of diabetes, etc. Each patient was evaluated for anthropometric parameters and current treatment details. Biochemical tests were then carried out to calculate metabolic syndrome (MetS) index score, FCPGR, and TyG index. Finally, patients were divided into four subgroups according to their FCPGR and TyG index and the data were analyzed statistically. The data showed those patients with sufficient β-cell function were 60(60%), and patients withhigh TyG index were 95 (95%). There was a significant negative correlation betweenFCPGR and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (p-value=0.001), while there was a positive correlation between TyG index and HbA1C (p-value=0.001). None of these markers were correlated with BMI (p-value=0.297, and 0.976), duration of T2DM (p-value=0.258, and 0.458), and dose of insulin therapy (p-value=0.901, and 0.477). Patients with sufficient β-cell function and high TyG index had the lowest HbA1C. The study provides valuable insights into the utility of FCPGR and TyG index as biomarkers for β-cell function and insulin resistance in T2DM patients on insulin therapy. The significant correlation with HbA1C underscores their potential in clinical practice. However, the lack of correlation with BMI, disease duration, and insulin dose suggests that further investigation is needed to fully understand these biomarkers' implications across diverse patient profiles.

Nitrogen deficiency in maize fields of the Southern Pampas does not affect kernel number but reduces weight per kernel.

Nitrogen (N) requirement of maize has been increasing over the past decades, but there has been a lack of adjustment in fertilization management practices across different regions in Argentina. The higher N requirement in modern hybrids is associated with a higher post-flowering N accumulation. Additionally, soil fertility in the Argentina Pampas has consistently decreased in recent years. Whether the effects of N deficiency are expressed in the post-flowering period is still unclear at field level. The objective of this work was to quantify the yield reduction attributed to N deficiency and to identify the physiological basis of this effect at the field level for typical high-tech farms across the south-eastern Pampas of Argentina. Nineteen experiments were conducted during the 2020/2021 growing season in the south-eastern Pampas, evaluating two N managements i) Farmers' N level; ii) High N input. Results showed that the additional N input increased grain yield by an average of 6.4% (average grain yield difference of 712 kg ha−1). Weight per kernel was the only yield component that responded to N fertilization. Farmers' N management did not affect N accumulation or growth-related variables such as leaf area index, green leaves per plant, PAR interception, nitrogen sufficiency index until flowering, but the farmers' N level reduced these variables during the grain filling period leading to differences in aerial biomass and N accumulated at physiological maturity. Farmers' N level led to decreased post-flowering N uptake during grain filling period, which reduced the photosynthetic capacity of the canopy. These findings suggest that N management strategies and models need to be reviewed for high-tech maize systems.

Autonomy, Resilience and Life Satisfaction among Badminton Paralympians.

People with disabilities are marginalised in mainstream culture and they also experience increased restrictions in a variety of areas, such as sport. The barriers they encounter may adversely affect their life satisfaction, especially if they have a low perceived sense of autonomy and resilience. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between autonomy, resilience and life satisfaction in para-badminton athletes and the mediating role of resilience in the relationship between autonomy and life satisfaction. Data were collected from 137 para-badminton athletes (male: 65.0% and female: 35.0%). Self-reported measures were used to assess the participants' autonomy, resilience and life satisfaction levels. A structural equation model analysis was performed; the model had sufficient fit indices (comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.94, root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.06, standardised root mean square residual [SRMR] = 0.07). The findings showed that autonomy had a significant effect on resilience (β = 0.32, P = 0.001). Further, resilience had a significant effect on life satisfaction (β = 0.19, P = 0.011) and significantly mediated the effect of autonomy on life satisfaction (β = 021, P = 0.033). This study revealed that autonomy fosters resilience among athletes, in turn allowing them to achieve greater life satisfaction. Therefore, society and sport communities should actively seek ways to improve the autonomy and resilience levels of athletes with disabilities.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Bahasa Malaysia Version of the Lymphedema Functioning, Disability, and Health Questionnaire for Upper Limb Lymphedema in Patients with Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema.

Background: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is the most prevalent comorbidity that occurs following breast cancer treatments and has negative impact on the patients' quality of life (QoL). The Lymphedema Functioning, Disability, and Health Questionnaire for Upper Limb Lymphedema (Lymph-ICF-UL) is a valid and reliable instrument in assessing the QoL of patients with BCRL. However, the Bahasa Malaysia (BM) version is not available yet. This study aimed to translate the Lymph-ICF-UL into BM and to evaluate its validity and reliability. Methods and Results: A forward-backward translation was performed based on Sousa's guideline, and then, the face, content, construct validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability were tested. Face validity was assessed by five patients, and content validity was evaluated by six experts. Then, construct validity and internal validity were assessed in 107 patients. Finally, test-retest reliability was analyzed in 21 patients. Two items were eliminated following suggestions from the patients and experts. All patients found the scoring system and items clear and relevant. The results showed sufficient content validity index and modified kappa statistics value. Confirmatory factor analysis showed acceptable fit indices. Cronbach's alpha values ranged from 0.67 to 0.95, intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from 0.88 to 0.99, standard error measurement was 2.29-6.15, and the Bland-Altman plot showed an agreement between two test occasions. Conclusion: These results suggested that the Lymph-ICF-UL BM has good validity and reliability in evaluating the QoL of patients with BCRL in Malaysia.

Association of body composition and survival in patients with locally advanced breast cancer: a historical cohort study.

Altered body composition has been attributed to major health problems globally, particularly in patients with cancer. To date, there have not been sufficient indices for body compositions in predicting the survival of locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). To assess the association between body composition and overall survival (OS) as well as disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with LABC. A retrospective study was conducted of patients with LABC diagnosed between 2010 and 2018. Body composition parameters, including skeletal muscle and adiposity parameters, were measured using computed tomography at the L3 vertebra using in-house software developed by MATLAB and freeware Python 3.6.13. The association between body composition and OS and DFS were analyzed using a log-rank test and multivariate Cox-proportional hazard regression. Of 199 patients, 72 (36%) died during the follow-up period (range = 3.8-150.7 months). Median survival was 101 months. Low visceral-to-subcutaneous ratio ≤0.3 (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 2.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.51-4.37; aHR = 2.46, 95% CI = 1.33-4.56), and high composite fat (aHR = 3.26, 95% CI = 1.69-6.29; aHR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.11-4.3) were associated with lower OS and DFS. Positive lymph nodes ≥3, progesterone receptor negative, and total radiation dose >5000 cGy significantly decreased both OS and DFS. A history of previous treatment before body composition assessment and surgery had a protective effect on OS and DFS. No association of sarcopenia, body mass index, and adiposity areas with survival outcomes was observed. Low visceral-to-subcutaneous ratio and high composite fat were independent prognostic factors for OS and DFS in patients with LABC. However, other body composition parameters showed no effect on survival.

Agronomic performance of plant growth-promoting microorganisms and nitrogen sufficiency index in common bean

This work aimed to assess Rhizobium tropici, Azospirillum brasilense, and Trichoderma asperellum co-inoculation effects, besides N-fertilizer supplementation as determined by the nitrogen sufficiency index (NSI) on the development of common bean. Field trials were carried out in a randomized block design with four replicates at three different locations. Treatments consisted of sole or combined inoculation of R. tropici, A. brasilense, and T. asperellum, besides N-fertilization. Seeds were inoculated with R. tropici and/or T. asperellum using 10 g of each inoculant kg−1 of seed. At the phenological stage V2/V3 A. brasilense was inoculated using 300 ml ha−1. Nitrogen sufficiency index (NSI), number of nodules (NN), nodule dry mass (NDM), root dry mass (RDM), shoot dry mass (SDM), number of pods (NP), number of grains (NG), and grain yield (GY) were assessed. NN and NDM were higher under R. tropici, A. brasilense, and T. asperellum co-inoculation. This same co-inoculation provided RDM and SDM similar to the use of 120 kg ha−1 of N. R. tropici, A. brasilense, and T. asperellum co-inoculation supplemented with N-fertilizer at the phenological stage R5, provide NP and NG similar to 120 kg ha−1 N, and to 80 kg ha−1 N supplemented with N at the phenological stage V4. NSI was effective to determine the N needs of common bean. The co-inoculation of two doses ha−1 of R. tropici, three doses ha−1 of A. brasilense and two doses ha−1 of T. asperellum, supplemented with N-fertilizer at phenological stage V4 based on NSI, stimulated growth and yield components of common bean, providing GY equivalent to the N-fertilized treatments.

The Influence of Motivation on the Achievement Index of Early Level Dental Health Vocational Program Students During the Pandemic

Motivation is a process that instigates change within an individual, empowering them to act towards achieving specific goals. Individuals with strong achievement motivation strive to be intelligent and enhance or refine their abilities to fulfill their tasks. This study aims to explore the motivation and achievement index of Level I students majoring in dental nursing at Poltekkes, Ministry of Health, Jakarta I, in 2021. Utilizing a descriptive research design, the population for this study comprised 39 Level I students, all of whom were included in the sample through a total sampling technique. Data were collected via a questionnaire administered through a Google Form. The findings reveal that the majority of students' learning motivation falls within the high category, involving 21 respondents (53.8%). Regarding the student achievement index, the majority, or 35 respondents (89.7%), were categorized within the good learning achievement bracket. The study further indicates that females predominantly exhibit good motivation, accounting for 19 respondents (48.7%). Research on the achievement index based on gender demonstrates that both genders show a high motivation level, with 3 male respondents (7.7%) and 32 female respondents (82.1%) respectively. The study also highlights that students with high learning motivation paired with a good achievement index total of 20 respondents (51.2%), with no students having high motivation alongside a merely sufficient performance index. In conclusion, Level I students of the Department of Dental Nursing at Poltekkes, Ministry of Health Jakarta I, predominantly exhibit high motivation and good learning achievement indexes, with a significant majority being female.

Effect of Need-based Nitrogen Scheduling on the Growth and Productivity of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum)

Background: Under the present context of global warming and climate change, the choice of an ecologically hardy crop is having prime importance. Nutrient management is an important approach for improving crop growth and productivity. Among all the nutrients, nitrogen helps in the overall growth of the plant. Nitrogen helps to synthesize chlorophyll and thereby supports building the protein units that enhance plant growth. As nitrogen is highly mobile, it is lost through different ways such as volatilization, leaching, nitrification, etc. Split application of nitrogen through proper scheduling is an important approach to reduce nitrogen loss as well as to improve nitrogen use efficiency. Hence, the investigation was conducted to find out how the scheduling of nitrogen is affecting pearl millet growth and productivity. Methods: The present study was conducted in kharif season of 2022 on pearl millet at Post Graduate Experimental Farm, M. S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture. The experiment was carried out in randomized complete block design with 3 replications and 9 treatments, namely, T1: control, T2: 50% basal RDN, T3: 100% basal RDN, T4: 50% basal RDN + 50% at 30 DAS, T5: 50% basal RDN + 25% at 30 DAS and 45 DAS, T6: 50% nitrogen as basal + topdressing @10 kg nitrogen/ha at sufficiency index less than 95%, T7: 50% nitrogen as basal + topdressing @10 kg nitrogen/ha at sufficiency index less than 90%, T8: 50% nitrogen as basal + topdressing @10 kg nitrogen/ha at sufficiency index less than 85%, T9: 50% nitrogen as basal + topdressing @10 kg nitrogen/ha at sufficiency index less than 80%. Result: The results showed that the application of 50% nitrogen as basal + topdressing @10 kg nitrogen/ha at sufficiency index less than 95% gave the maximum growth, yield, and income was also significantly higher with this application. So, it could be recommended to the farmers for growing pearl millet during kharif season in southern Odisha to achieve higher growth and productivity.

Sustainable Fishery Value Chain (SFVC): Study Case in Tilapia Industry

This research is built on the concept of sustainable value chains, where a framework for sustainable value chain analysis emerges that covers not only economic aspects but also includes environmental and social impacts in a collaborative model of value chain management. It explores the dimensions on which value chain sustainability should focus. It illustrates how and why it is necessary to take a broader perspective in ensuring the internal economic sustainability of the chain in line with its external socio-environmental consequences. This research aims to analyze the sustainability of the tilapia processing value chain. This research uses the Multi-Dimensional Scaling analysis method supported by Rap-fish software. The Rapfish methodology is a flexible technique that rapidly assesses fisheries status by integrating ecological and human factors according to identified norms. The results of this research show that the sustainability of the tilapia processing value chain is considered entirely sustainable from economic, social, and environmental aspects, with a sufficient sustainability index of 74.40%. The sustainability of the value chain relies on four key actors: tilapia cultivators, collectors, processors, and distributors. The sustainable tilapia processing value chain strategy in North Sumatra can limit floating net cages by considering the environmental carrying capacity and supported by suitable policies and active stakeholder participation in community-based legal institutions. This research found this is a strong sustainability concept if implemented with better governance and policy management in the tilapia industry value chain.

Cultural adaptation and reliability testing of the Chinese version of evidence-based practice knowledge assessment in nursing: A cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThe EKAN is a reliable and validated tool for objectively measuring the evidence-based practice (EBP) knowledge of nurses. Thus, we set out to translate and culturally modify the Evidence-Based Practice Knowledge Assessment in Nursing (EKAN), and then evaluate its validity and reliability among Chinese practicing nurses. MethodsThis cross-sectional study consisted of two phases. The first phase involved translating the EKAN into Chinese (EKAN-Chinese), using a process of forward translation, back translation, review, cultural adjustment as well as a pilot study. The second phase aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the EKAN-Chinese and establish a baseline measure of EBP knowledge among 120 nurses from a large general hospital in Beijing, China. Data were collected from August to November 2022 and analyzed with Rasch software. This study was reported using the cross-sectional STROBE checklist. ResultsThe newly translated, EKAN-Chinese was pilot-tested after slight modification of four items without altering the intended meaning. The outfit unweighted mean square was 1.03 (SD = −0.13), the infit weighted mean square was 1.00 (−0.17), and the mean difficulty index ranged from −3.43 to 2.85 according to validity indices. The results of the reliability indices revealed low person reliability (0.49), high item reliability (0.96), moderate person separation index (0.99), and sufficient item separation index (4.71). The mean EKAN-Chinese sum score was 9.8 (max score = 20, SD = 2.9). ConclusionThe newly translated EKAN-Chinese showed sufficient psychometric evidence to support use in practicing Chinese nurses. The EKAN-Chinese can be used by nurse leaders in China as a potential screening tool to 1) objectively identify nurses who need educational training in evidence-based nursing practice, and 2) gauge the effectiveness of education and training programs to improve EBP knowledge and ultimately, evidence-based care.

A laboratory evaluation of the effectiveness of voltage unbalance factor of opposite temperature analysis of a three-phase induction motor

This paper presents, based on experimental tests, an analysis of the effects of unbalance voltage on temperature rise of three-phase induction motor (TIM) with a view to evaluating effectiveness of the method of measurement employed, namely the method of symmetrical components. To do so, one motor is subjected to conditions of unbalance, strategically chosen, and their elevations of temperatures measured in three-phases are displayed. Among the many results obtained, it was found for voltage combinations where the voltage unbalance factor (VUF) has values very close to 0%, the existence of temperature rises higher than those where the VUF is greater than 2%. From investigations made, it is concluded that the use of VUF as single and sufficient index for the quantification of voltage unbalance is inappropriate.

Analysis of carrying capacity of higher education based on topological number theory in the context of ecological theory of education

Abstract This paper focuses on analyzing the educational carrying capacity of colleges and universities by using topological number theory and the educational carrying capacity development index. The scale range of the educational carrying capacity of colleges and universities can be determined by identifying relevant definitions of topological space and some topological invariants. Using the relevant definitions of topological space to divide the college education-bearing intervals of different regions and combining the human development index and imbalance coefficient processing, we construct the formula of the balanced and sufficient development index of college education-bearing capacity, which is used to analyze the education bearing capacity of colleges and universities. Analyze different states of college education carrying capacity based on the college education carrying capacity bearing structure. Examine the educational carrying capacity of colleges and universities by examining their educational resource allocation with the help of human and financial resources. The results show that the teacher-student ratio of the urban function expansion area is 0.052, which is the smallest teacher-student ratio among all the districts, indicating that although the district is rich in teachers’ resources, the balanced and sufficient development index of the educational carrying capacity of colleges and universities in District A and District D is high, and the top two rankings have been maintained for a long period in the process of development, and the index of the balanced and sufficient development of education in District A will be 60 in 2021, which is in the area of the development of higher value of the educational carrying capacity.

Evaluation of Nutrient Levels, Optical Sensors and Decision Support Tools for Nitrogen Optimization in Rice during Dry Season

Background: Improving the efficiency of nitrogen utilization in rice is vital for achieving significant crop yields with minimum harm to the environment. To tackle this challenge, various portable optical sensors and decision-support tools have been emerging in recent times. However, there is currently a lack of comprehensive assessment and comparison of these tools with different levels of fertilizer recommendation with and without additional supplementation of nano urea. Methods: The current study was carried out during the dry season of 2021 and 2022 at the P.G. Experimental Farm of Centurion University of Technology and Management. The investigated treatments encompassed the following: T1: Absolute control, T2: 90-45-45 (N-P2O5-K2O kg/ha), T3: 120-60-60 (RDF), T4: 150-75-75, T5: T2+NU @ 2 ml/L at panicle initiation, T6: T3+NU @ 2 ml/L at panicle initiation, T7: N application at LCC d™ 3, T8: N application at LCC d™4, T9: N application at SI less than 90%, T10: Nutrient Expert (TY: 5.5 t/ha), T11: Rice crop manager (TY: 5.5t/ha) which were allocated in randomized block design with three replications. Result: The findings showed that implementing nitrogen (N) application when the sufficiency index (SI) is below 90% led to a significant 16.85% boost to grain yield of rice compared to the application of 120-60-60 at fixed intervals as per the standard recommendation. In the former approach, 150 kg N/ha was applied in four splits. However, N application at a leaf color chart (LCC) value of 4 or less was considered efficient, with maximum agronomic efficiency (18.22 and 19.22 kg grain/kg N applied) and recovery efficiency (43.27% and 50.25%) observed in 2021 and 2022, respectively since, this approach resulted in a comparable yield increase and nitrogen absorption with a reduced nitrogen input.

Study of the low-cost HIPS and paraffin-based terahertz optical components

The ever-increasing popularity of the terahertz (THz) frequency range reveals the increasingly obvious applicability limiting factor – the price of the final setup. This study is intended to contribute to the solution by evaluating the THz frequency range suitability of the optical components, fabricated using two easily accessible materials – high impact polystyrene (HIPS) and paraffin. The primary analysis using time-domain spectroscopy (TDS) revealed promising results, as both materials had sufficient refractive indexes of n ≈ 1.55 and a high transmittance. That allowed one to assume the feasibility of creating a low-cost THz frequency range lens. Lenses of focal lengths of f = 20, 30, 40 mm were fabricated using extrusion 3D printing and paraffin moulding. The produced lenses showcased the satisfactory beam focusing ability, comparable to that of already existing much less cost-efficient solutions. The THz imaging using the fabricated lenses has successfully been realized, proving the applicational possibilities of the imaging system with the proposed low-cost components employed.

Evaluation of precision nutrient tools and nutrient optimization in maize (Zea mays L.) for enhancement of growth, productivity and nutrient use efficiency

Modern agriculture relies heavily on inputs, with nutrient application being a significant cost factor and a critical driver of crop productivity. Maize, a nutrient-demanding cereal crop, necessitates precise nutrient management to enhance yields. Optimizing nutrient application in maize is essential for timely nutrient supply and improved nutrient use efficiency. Considering these facts, a field study for two consecutive years during 2021-22 and 2022-23 rabi season was conducted by considering 13 nutrient management treatments, which were replicated three times. The treatments included the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) along with its higher and lower levels in combination with nutrients prescribed by different precision nutrient management tools and the foliar application of nano urea. Among different nutrient management practices, the treatment chlorophyll content meter sufficiency index (SI)-based nitrogen management at SI 90-95% resulted in taller plant height (240 cm), leaf area (3259 cm2/plant), dry matter accumulation (2069 g/m2) and stem girth (8.1 cm) at harvest. The yield attributes such as number of cobs/ plant (1.78), number of grains/ cob (239.3), weight of cob (312 g) and number of rows/ cob (14.4) were also significantly superior to RDF with the former treatment. As a result, the treatment consisting of chlorophyll content meter sufficiency index (SI)-based nitrogen management at SI 90-95% produced significantly higher grain (7.74 t/ha), stover (12.40 t/ha) and biological yield (20.12 t/ha) as well as registered higher agronomic nutrient use efficiency. The study concludes that chlorophyll content meter sufficiency index (SI)-based nitrogen management at SI 90-95% can be adopted in maize cultivation for enhancing growth, productivity and nutrient use efficiency.

Smart City Development Strategy of Wonogiri Regency

Technology transformation in the smart city concept begins with the implementation of policy transfer to local governments. Wonogiri Regency is one of the districts that implement smart city policy transfer from the central smart city policy. So it is necessary to analyse regional strategies in implementing smart cities. Regional smart city strategy analysis is an analysis carried out to assess the strengths weaknesses opportunities and threats in order to get a picture of the capacity and capability of the region in implementing smart city development programmes. This research aims to analyse the smart city development strategy of Wonogiri Regency. With the regional strategy analysis, Wonogiri Regency can map the right programme according to the dimensions of smart city. So that the implementation of this smart city can run smoothly in accordance with the goals of the Indonesian smart city movement. This study took a locus in Wonogiri Regency, which has a sufficient SPBE index and was chosen to be one of the implementers of the Indonesian smart city movement. Researchers used qualitative methods to analyse the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of Wonogiri Regency to develop appropriate strategies for these conditions. Researchers found that the smart city strategy is combined with other strategies to solve the problems of the Wonogiri community. The smart city action plan is formed from action plans for smart governance, smart environment, smart society; smart living; smart economy, and smart branding. The action plan must adjust to the strategy formed. The focus of the Action Plan from Wonogiri Regency is to provide integrated services ranging from data to applications.

Modelling the associations between academic engagement, study process and grit on academic achievement of physical education and sport university students

ObjectiveThe present study examined the impact of academic engagement, study processes, and grit on the academic achievement of physical education and sport university students. MethodsAn internet-based survey recruited 459 university students aged 19–25 years (M = 21 ± 1.3) in physical education and sports (PES) to fill out questionnaires on Physical Education-Study Process Questionnaire (PE-SPQ), Physical Education-Grit (PE-Grit), academic engagement (A-USEI), and Grade Point Average (GPA). A path analysis was carried out to understand variable relationships.ResultsData from each variable exhibited symmetrical and normal distribution, as indicated by the skewness and kurtosis values. The model’s fit indices showed sufficient Comparative Fit Index (CFI = 0.92), Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI = 0.90), Goodness of Fit Index (GFI = 0.99) and Normed Fit Index (NFI = 0.90) and showed acceptable levels. The results indicated a statistically significant positive impact of engagement (β = 0.299, p < 0.001) and study processes (β = 0.397, p < 0.001) on academic achievement. However, the effect of grit on achievement was non-significant.ConclusionsAcademic engagement as well as study processes are two important factors predicting academic achievement while grit seems to be not a major predictor. Hence, physical education and sport faculty and university administrators should prioritize student engagement as a determinant of academic outcomes by reforming or redesigning physical education and sport curriculum modules that can facilitate engagement.

European governments’ electromobility plans: an assessment with a focus on infrastructure targets and vehicle estimates until 2030

Electromobility offers great potentials to the decarbonisation of the transport sector. The purpose of this study is to analyse the development of electromobility in the European Union (EU) and in the United Kingdom (UK) by 2030. The study is based on the objectives provided by the EU Member States and UK in their national implementation reports, as foreseen by the Directive 2014/94/EU on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure. As the initial data coverage was not full, in order to produce a complete data set on registered electric vehicles and public recharging points, we estimated missing values with different statistical techniques and critical analysis of the initial data. A set of proposed indicators, namely the share of electric vehicles, the density of publicly accessible recharging points, the electric vehicles and recharging points annual growth rates and the sufficiency index, were averaged at EU27+UK level to depict the envisaged evolution of electromobility in the present decade. The results show that the objectives of the countries’ governments are overall less ambitious than the goals defined in the EU Green Deal for 2025 and in the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy for 2030. Most of the indicators vary significantly in the 2016–2030 period, often revealing an increased divergence between the development of electric vehicles and public recharging points. Two policy implications are derived: (i) the use of a combined set of indicators to assess the governments’ electromobility plans could be pursued, while the ratio of ten electric vehicles per recharging point may no longer be a useful benchmark; and (ii) measures supporting the uptake of recharging infrastructure are still needed to mitigate the divergence with electric vehicles and to meet the ambitious objectives of the EU Green Deal and Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy.

Male Urethritis in Primary Care: Real-World Evidence From a Portuguese Center.

Introduction Early diagnosis and treatment of male urethritis are fundamental for preventing complications and further transmission. Primary healthcare services are the first point of contact for patients. This study aimed to assess the practice and compliance of Unidade Saúde Familiar Conde Lousã (USF CL) with best clinical practices. Materials and Methods A retrospective study was undertaken on male urethritis cases at USF CL from January 2018 to March 22, 2021, identified using the International Classification of Primary Care (ICPC) coding system. We established quality criteria encompassing treatment, diagnostics, and reporting. A "sufficiency index" was introduced as a performance metric, which was designed to offer a multiparametric assessment of adherence to these criteria. Results Of 77 cases, 60 were included, averaging 27 years of age. In all, 40.7% showed treatment adequacy, with a sufficiency index of 0.28 for epidemiological characterization and 0.52 for co-infection screening. Prevention measures indexed at 0.28, with 27.1% diagnostic notifications. Conclusion The study reveals gaps in managing male urethritis at USF CL, underscoring the need for standardized guidelines and better diagnostic tools in primary care. Based on these results, a new multicentric specialized sexually transmitted infections clinic was created within our unit in collaboration with a tertiary hospital [Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Central (CHULC), Lisbon, Portugal] and the national laboratory center [Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Lisbon, Portugal].