Positive Reinforcement to Improve fine Motor Skills in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

ASD is characterized by challenges in social communication and interaction and repetitive behaviours that can significantly impact one’s daily functions. Fine motor skill deficits are common in children with ASD, so appropriate intervention is needed. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of positive reinforcement in improving fine motor skills in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study respondent was a 9-year-old boy diagnosed with moderate ASD who had difficulty pressing toothpaste and opening food wrappers independently. The research was conducted using a single-subject experimental method (AB), and positive reinforcement was used to encourage the desired behaviour. Reinforcement, such as praise and high fives, is given immediately after the desired behaviour is demonstrated. The study involved direct observation and recording of behaviour from the baseline stage through followup sessions using thematic analysis. The results showed significant improvements in the subjects’ ability to perform the targeted motor skills independently. The subjects showed changes in fine motor skills from an average score of 1 with assistance to a score of 2. This study emphasizes the importance of positive reinforcement in improving fine motor skills in children with ASD and suggests its widespread application in therapeutic settings

Designing a Cross-cultural Picture Book: A Glance at Legenda La Salaga

Many aspects of Indonesian traditional culture may serve as a valuable source of inspiration in the creative industries. The picture book Legenda La Salaga (2021) is one recent example retelling a Mandar legend from West Sulawesi. Uniquely, the Mandar story is illustrated using traditional Balinese kamasan painting style, a deliberate choice by the book’s authors to highlight the archipelago’s multicultural society. This paper aims to describe some of the book’s visual elements and design processes that supported the book’s aim. This is done through a qualitative and explanatory approach using empirical observations of the finished product complemented by experiences of the book’s designers. The book designers built each scene into a spread with modified painting scenes on one page and trilingual text on the opposing page. In the painting scenes, digital modifications were applied to accommodate the difference in medium while still preserving essential Balinese traits such as aun-aun. In terms of typography, application of Lontara’ script text balances Mandar-Balinese visual elements and introduces the general reader with this often-neglected aspect of Sulawesi culture. Legenda La Salaga shows that considerations to cross-cultural aspects were present in every stage of the design production and applied by all collaborators. Keywords: picture book design, La Salaga, kamasan painting, Lontara’ scrip

Application of Embellishment Techniques to Fashion Products with Pekalongan Buketan Batik Inspiration

The fashion business is now experiencing several advancements, including the employment of methods for manufacturing decorations, among others. However, many people in Indonesia have yet to recognize the enormous potential for developing cultural diversity by preserving Indonesian culture by utilizing traditional cloth in a way that adapts the Batik Buketan motif using the Tasik Embroidery technique, which will be combined with beads made into embellishments and applied to fashion products. The local fashion sectors have changed dramatically over time, starting with the processes utilized to create wonderful fashion goods using sustainable principles. Several designers apply embellishment methods, such as designer Biyan Wanaatmadja uses floral patterned embroidery and beading accents; Benita Oktaviana applies a custom-made cheongsam with embroidered elements; Nita Senoadji uses Indonesian traditional literature motifs which he applied in the form of embroidery; and Cynthia Tan adds custom-embroidered lettering on the wedding dress. This research provides an understanding of why designers play such a crucial role in maintaining Indonesian culture. This research employs qualitative methods of investigation. The findings of this study take the shape of an experimental examination of beading mixed with Tasik embroidery techniques, which will result in new decorative innovations in the form of bead embroidery that can be applied to fashion goods created with beading techniques. Keywords: embellishment, tasik embroidery, sustainable, buketan bati

IL-6–174 G/C transversion might decrease male infertility risk: A case-control study

Background: Genetic predispositions have been identified as important factors in male infertility. Among the many genes related to male reproductive function, interleukin 6 (IL-6) has emerged as a key player. Despite the growing recognition of genetic factors in male infertility, the specific association between the IL-6–174 G/C genetic polymorphism and male infertility remains an area that needs further investigation.Objective: This investigation explores the correlation between the IL-6–174 G/C transversion and male infertility.Materials and Methods: In a case-control study, a total of 314 men who referred to the Kashan Infertility Center, Shahid Beheshti hospital, Kashan, Iran, were enrolled for IL-6–174 G/C polymorphism analysis. The study comprised 163 infertile participants as the case group and 151 fertile men as the control group. Following the screening, 2 ml of whole blood was collected from each participant. Cases were categorized into 3 subgroups based on World Health Organization criteria: (i) nonobstructive azoospermia (n = 42), (ii) oligozoospermia (n = 61), and (iii) asthenozoospermia (n = 60). After DNA extraction, genotypes of the samples at the -174 G/C (rs1800795) locus were determined using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Results: Our genetic investigation demonstrated a significant association between the GC genotype and male infertility. Furthermore, a correlation was observed between the heterozygous GC genotype and reduced risk of oligozoospermia and asthenospermia. Additionally, the C allele was correlated with a decreased risk of infertility and specific subgroups such as oligozoospermia and asthenospermia.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the IL-6–174 G/C transversion could potentially serve as a protective genetic factor against male infertility

Development Agency of Pancasila Ideology Policy Evaluation and Structural Design

This research examines the Pancasila Ideology Development Agency (BPIP’s) bureaucratic simplification process. Bureaucratic simplification has eliminated Echelons III and IV by altering their functions. The policy impacts broadly on organizational structure, design changes, performance, personnel, and the workplace. The study used a mixed method with a focus on qualitative approaches. Interviews, observations, questionnaires, and source triangulation were used to collect data and evaluate its validity. The research findings from the CIPP dimension show that the bureaucratic simplification agenda are still not performing well. It is acknowledged that some indicators related to its adoption are yet to produce favorable results. It is concerned with changes in the work system that each work unit has not fully recognized and adjusted. As a result, it is critical to strengthen the work system by formalizing the squad team system, increasing productivity, and establishing a clear division of tasks and authority among deputies, directorates, and functional groups. Deputies and directors encounter difficulties, in overseeing and directly managing job completion in functional roles since the middle line previously occupied by the head of the sub directorate and the head of the section has been eliminated. Furthermore, structural changes are required to shift the structural function of general administration from the Main Secretariat Unit to the Deputies and Directors in BPIP. It indicates that the functionalization and simplicity of bureaucracy still need organizational structures

SALAM-RINDO Application: An Innovation to Improve Licensing Services

Innovation in public services through the application of information technology to improve the quality of public services in Indonesia, specifically through the SALAM RINDU application (Integrated Easy Licensing Service System) launched by the Investment and One-stop Integrated Services Office (DPMPTSP) of Banjarmasin City. Using adescriptive qualitative approach, this study aims to evaluate the implementation of the SALAM-RINDU application in strengthening bureaucratic reform and improving the quality of licensing services in the health sector. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and document studies, then analyzed using the Miles and Huberman method. The results of the study indicate that the SALAM-RINDU application facilitates the previously manual licensing process and supports bureaucratic reform by providing faster, more efficient, and easily accessible services. However, the implementation of this application still faces challenges such as a lack of socialization, unclear information regarding requirements, and technical issues. This study concludes that the SALAM-RINDU application can increase the efficiency and effectiveness of public services in Banjarmasin City but requires improved technology infrastructure and more intensive socialization efforts

Transforming Public Sector Performance; Innovative Approaches to Optimizing Functional Positions in Kepahiang's Bureaucratic Reform

This research examines the challenges of optimizing functional positions in Kepahiang Regency as part of a wider program of bureaucratic reform, with a particular focus on improving the performance of the public sector. The management of functional positions in Kepahiang Regency presents a few challenges, including the placement of civil servants who do not align with the initial formation, the lack of requisite technical training, and suboptimal performance evaluation. This study employed a systematic approach to mapping the 204 functional officials across 26 work units, identifying 37 categories of positions that exhibited variations in the specific expertise required. A SWOT analysis was employed to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats inherent to the management of functional positions in Kepahiang Regency. The results demonstrated a discrepancy between employees educational backgrounds and the requirements of their positions, which negatively impacted work efficiency and effectiveness. Furthermore, this research proposes the development of a predictive model that is tailored to the socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of the region, intending to support performance improvement. It is anticipated that this model will be used as a reference in human resource development planning in the public sector, as well as in strategic decision making. The findings of this research contribute to the strengthening of functional position management and the improvement of the compensation system, as well as more sustainable career development, to encourage better public services in Kepahiang Regency

The Influence of Exports, Imports, and Domestic Investment on Inflation Control in Indonesia

This study aims to analyze the effect of exports, imports, and domestic investment on the inflation rate in Indonesia in the short and long term. The data used is secondary data for the period 1992-2021. The analysis method used is the auto regressive distributed lag model. The results of this study indicate that in the short term, the inflation rate in Indonesia is influenced by the previous year’s inflation, exports and exports the last year, imports the prior year, and investments the previous year. Meanwhile, in the long term, investment has a significant effect on the inflation rate, but exports and imports are not important

Sustainability of Tourism Villages in Madura

This research aims to analyze the sustainability of tourist villages in Madura. This research is very urgent because four districts in Madura have very large tourism village potential (145 villages), but village SDGs achievements are relatively low in East Java. Tourism villages are very strategic for achieving village SDGs, as an integrated and sustainable effort to create villages without poverty. The research results show that the development of tourist villages in Madura has been implemented on a massive scale but its sustainability is greatly influenced by community conflicts after the village head election. After the village head election, tourist villages are often characterized by two conflicting community groups, namely: the group supporting the elected village head and the group supporting the village head candidate who was not elected. A tourist village that has been developed by the previous village head will be guaranteed its sustainability if the new village head selected comes from the previous group of village heads and vice versa. So every change of village head often has implications for the sustainability of the tourist village. Many tourist villages in Madura were closed after a change of village head

Development of Pyrex Glass Handcraft

One of the crafts with aesthetic value and much loved by many levels of society is made of glass, but it is still rare to engage in this business. Therefore, the author tries to develop works to be used as a new venture or art expression. Data were collected by conducting studies of glass processing companies, interviews, visits to field locations, visual observations, and literature studies. This was done to understand the manufacturing process. The stages of solving the problem are carried out through the design thinking method process step and its implementation by applying design theory and preparing the required work equipment. The result of this research was a product in the form of a prototype. It is hoped that this design research can be helpful and a reference for developing design works or the basis for further research. Keywords: art, aesthetic, design work, glass craf