Exploring the Relationship between Sociocultural Identity and Lexical Richness: Insight from High School Students’ Writing

Background: Many variables, including culture and social conditions, bind language. The study of cultural aspects and language learning still has many gaps, such as exploring writing skills. Writing is considered a productive language skill that correlates with how students express and understand their circumstances and environments. Objective: Therefore, this research explores sociocultural identity with Lexical Richness in text writing. Methods: This research was conducted using a quantitative method. The research design is correlational analysis. The research participants were 86 eleventh grade students selected by purposive random sampling. The results showed that the significance value was 0.575, so it was concluded that there was no significant relationship between sociocultural identity and lexical richness in writing. Findings: In addition, the research also found a high gap among students in expressing ideas with diverse words, where the range between the most and least varied text was 47% and the average 56.9%. It is hypothesized that the students' basic ability to use English will be a crucial indicator that influences competence before other external factors, such as their cultural background interference. In addition, this research can serve as a basis for future studies, especially considering that external factors in learning can play a role depending on prerequisite conditions. Conclusion: For teachers and educators, this research could give insight into a more applicable way to develop vocabulary and writing

Experimental Study of Drying Fruits and Vegetables Using The Freeze Drying Method With The Aim of Maintaining The Nutrition and Effectiveness of Processed Products

The potential of natural resources in tropical countries is very diverse. one of them is the abundant agricultural products. but there are some obstacles in the post-harvest cycle and the continuous availability when the harvest season ends. various methods of preserving agricultural products have been tested from conventional methods to advanced technology. one of the technologies for preserving agricultural products is freeze drying. various innovations continue to be tested until they get consistent results with good energy efficiency. This method was originally started in the pharmaceutical industry. Various treatments and flexible adaptations make this method penetrate the food industry to maintain the quality of food products. In the food industry, freeze drying is suitable for food products such as meat, fruits, grains, and vegetables. The advantage of freeze drying is that the food products produced do not change shape, form, texture, taste, and nutrition even though they have gone through the drying process. Of the various characteristics of fruits and vegetables have their own properties that can be changed with the temperature parameters applied in the freeze dryer method

Optimizing Proportional Integral (PI) Controller Using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) Method in Active Rectifier

In the era of Industry 4.0, power converters such as Active Rectifiers have become crucial for converting AC voltage to adjustable DC voltage. While implementing a DC Constant Power Load is beneficial, it introduces additional complexity in maintaining power system stability. This research optimizes PI control on Active Rectifiers using the PSO method to address this challenge. The results indicate that the PI controller optimized with PSO achieved a Kp of 0.4509 and a Ki of 2.7611 in tests with resistive loads, and a Kp of 3.1364 and a Ki of 6.8141 in tests with constant power loads. Using constant power loads showed a faster response with lower rise time but often resulted in higher overshoot compared to resistive loads. Nevertheless, both testing conditions demonstrated a stable system without undershoot, confirming the effectiveness of the PI-PSO controller in optimizing the performance of active rectifiers for more responsive and efficient power electronics applications

Developing and Validating Pre-Service EFL Teachers’ Grit Scale: Evidence from Indonesia

Background: Training to become an English teacher can be challenging for pre-service non-native English language teachers. In L2 English settings, they need to play a unique dual role as L2 teachers-in-training and L2 learners. Unlike trainees in other subjects, EFL teacher trainees use the target language they are still learning as the medium of instruction. Grit, a positive psychology concept referring to passion and perseverance, may help explain their perseverance and passion to become future EFL teachers. However, a specific grit scale to measure pre-service EFL teachers’ grit is still unavailable. Objective: The purpose of the present study is to develop and validate a pre-service EFL teachers’ (PET) grit scale. The scale was designed to measure pre-service EFL teachers’ grit to become English language teachers. Methods: To develop and validate the scale, an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) (n = 117) and a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) (n = 149) were conducted. Participants were final year pre-service EFL teachers in a private teacher training institution in Indonesia. Findings: The self-report questionnaire comprised 11 items which were categorized into three subscales: passion for professional development, perseverance for professional development, and determination to become English teachers. The results indicated that the scale demonstrated moderate fit indices (RMSEA = .081; CFI = .92; TLI = .89; SRMR = .079, RNI = .92) with a chi-square value of χ² = 81.077 (df = 41). Furthermore, the empirical findings suggested that the newly designed instrument was valid and reliable (ω = 0.81; α = 0.80) for measuring pre-service EFL teachers’ grit. Conclusion: The present study provides a valid and reliable measurement tool to evaluate the success of pedagogical interventions targeting grit among pre-service EFL teachers. For example, the scale can be utilized to identify pre-service EFL teachers who may need additional support to sustain their grit during challenging phases (e.g., teaching practicum, early stages of teacher training), thus enabling targeted interventions aimed at improving their grit levels. PET-Grit which can help improve teacher training programs and contribute to the growing body of research in this area. Theoretically, the present study highlights the complexity of pre-service EFL teachers' dual roles as both L2 learners and future L2 teachers, demonstrating that grit manifestation is culturally and contextually sensitive, thereby supporting the need for context-sensitive psychological constructs in applied linguistics

How important are entrepreneurial passion, government support, and financial resource availability in improving SME performance?

This research examines entrepreneurial passion (EP) along with the possible outcomes on business performance among MSMEs. Entrepreneurial passion is an important factor that drives business success through the emotional strength that urges individuals to do whatever it takes to achieve their business goals, especially the food and manufacturing MSMEs in Surakarta. The objective of this research is precisely to identify entrepreneurial passion and its impact on business performance through the role of government support (GS) and financial resource availability (FRA). Based on the entrepreneurial identity approach of 180 MSMEs in the small manufacturing and food business sectors in the Surakarta Region, passion as a founder, inventor, or business developer on the impact of their business performance results was identified. The results revealed that EP and GS significantly affected MSME performance. The FRA did not significantly affect the MSME performance. In this case, GS partially mediates the influence of EP on performance, while FRA could not mediate the influence of EP on performance. This research implies that government support has an essential role in fostering an entrepreneurial passion in the context of small businesses that are still in the growth stage. In addition, MSME players need to know their character according to their passions to produce superior performance; this aligns with the personality-job fit theor

Enhancing Listening Skills through Project-Based Learning (PjBL) in Chokai 5 Class for JLPT N2 Preparation: A Classroom Action Research

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the Project-Based Learning (PjBL) model in the Chokai 5 (listening) class. It is designed for those who wish to pass the JLPT N2. This research involved sixth-semester students of the Japanese Literature Study Program in Language and Culture Faculty of Maranatha Christian University. Using classroom action research (CAR), this study gathered the data using observations in pre-cycle, cycle 1, and cycle 2. In addition, this study also collected data through the simulation exam of JLPT N2 and the questionnaires  on the students' perceptions of the PjBL model. The results of the study confirmed a substantial increase of 26.7% in the number of students achieving a minimum score after participating in the JLPT N2 listening simulation, compared to a pre-cycle frequency. The difference was statistically significant ( P <.05). The questionnaire results showed positive perceptions of learning using PjBL. Thus, it can be understood that the PjBL method can make students enthusiastic about independent learning to improve JLPT N2 listening score results

Thidiazuron-Induced Somatic Embryogenesis in Cymbidium bicolor Orchid In Vitro

Cymbidium bicolor is a highly hunted and traded orchid, leading to a decline in its wild population. Orchid conservation can be achieved through tissue culture, particularly via somatic embryogenesis. Thidiazuron (TDZ) is a growth regulator used to induce somatic embryogenesis. This study aimed to determine the optimal TDZ concentration for somatic embryo formation. Stem explants of C. bicolor were cultured on Murashige Skoog (MS) medium with TDZ concentrations of 0, 1, 2, and 3 ppm. Observations were conducted weekly for two months using a stereo microscope and OptiLab. Variables observed included the percentage of green explants, somatic embryo formation time, the number of explants forming somatic embryos, and the number and morphology of somatic embryos. The study was arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 14 replications. Results showed that TDZ addition influenced somatic embryo formation and maintained the green color of explants. Media with TDZ promoted faster growth and larger embryo size compared to media without TDZ. The optimal concentration was 1 ppm TDZ, which produced the highest number of embryos (172) and the fastest formation time compared to other concentrations (TDZ 0: 27, TDZ 2 ppm: 60, TDZ 3 ppm: 39)

Formulation and Physical Characteristics Evaluation of Sargassum sp. Lip Gel for the Exfoliative Cheilitis Treatment

Exfoliative cheilitis is a disease that often occurs, especially in Indonesia, exacerbated by hot weather and vehicle exhaust pollution, which can cause dry and cracked lips. The components found in Sargassum sp. are beneficial in enhancing the effectiveness of vitamin C, aiding skin regeneration, and potentially acting as antioxidants to combat free radicals. To develop a lip care formulation from Sargassum sp. seaweed to overcome the problem of exfoliative cheilitis. Sargassum sp. was crushed and extracted to produce three kinds of formulations that tested for homogeneity using methylene blue, which was dripped on each replication on a watch cup and stirred until a homogeneous mixture between the oil and water content. Viscosity was tested using a Brookfield viscometer, the organoleptic assessment was done visually, the pH test was performed using a pH meter, occlusivity was tested using filter paper, the stability test was evaluated using a centrifuge, and the adhesion test was conducted using an adhesion test tool. The study results revealed in the organoleptic test that the form of the three formulations was the gel form, with transparent yellowish to yellowish brown color. At the same time, the aroma was slightly pungent, which is typical of Sargassum sp. (F1-2). In the viscosity test, there were significant differences between preparations F1(48.740±408.412), F2(9.420±274.955), and F3(2200±91.652). In the pH test, there were significant differences between F1(5.657±0.019), F2(6.838±0.058), and F3(8.960±0.112). All formulations were homogeneous and stable after centrifugation for 30 minutes in the homogeneity and stability tests. In the occlusivity test, there was no significant difference in preparations F1-3, and only significant differences were found in the occlusivity test at 24 and 48 hours in the F3 formulation. In the adhesion test, there were significant differences between F1(2.4367±0.168), F2(2.1467±0.127), and F3(1.3467±0.145). Formulations 1 and 2 met the gel preparation test criteria, while formulation 3 did not meet the gel preparation test criteria

Cerebellar Tremor Caused by Meningoencephalitis Tuberculosis in A 17-Year-Old Patient: A Case Report

Meningitis Tuberculosis (TB) is a rare manifestation of extrapulmonary TB and can progress to Meningoencephalitis. Cerebellar tremor is a tremor in the head caused by cerebellar diseases such as strokes, tumors, multiple sclerosis, and certain drugs. This study describes a case of a 17-year-old boy who was infected with TB meningoencephalitis with cerebellar tremors. A 17-year-old boy came to the emergency room at K.R.M.T. Wongsonegoro Hospital with the main complaint of shaking head. The patient was diagnosed with meningoencephalitis TB and cerebellar tremors. Meningitis TB occurs due to the hematogenous spread of primary pulmonary TB or from rupture of the subependymal tubercles into the subarachnoid space and can progress to Meningoencephalitis. Clinical manifestations that can appear are a combination of meningitis and encephalitis and movement disorders caused by encephalitis. The management obtained in this patient was TB drugs, corticosteroids, and anti-seizures. Cerebellar tremor is one of the clinical manifestations caused by Tuberculosis encephalitis that must be watched out for to get adequate treatment

Pengaruh Penambahan Octane Booster Pada Bahan Bakar Terhadap Emisi Gas Buang Kendaraan Bermotor Empat Langkah 150cc

The increasing demand for motorcycles in Indonesia has contributed to rising air pollution, particularly from exhaust emissions such as CO, HC, CO₂, and O₂. This study aims to investigate the effect of adding Octane Booster to Pertamax fuel on reducing harmful emissions from 150cc four-stroke motorcycle engines. The experimental method involved adding 0.2g, 0.5g, and 1g of Octane Booster per liter of fuel and testing engine performance at 2000, 2500, 3000, and 3500 rpm using an emission analyzer. The results showed that the addition of Octane Booster significantly reduced emission levels of CO, HC, CO₂, and O₂. The most effective reduction was observed with 1g Octane Booster at 3500 rpm, where CO was reduced by 31%, HC by 34%, CO₂ by 35%, and O₂ by 33% compared to standard fuel. The study concludes that Octane Booster not only improves combustion efficiency but also contributes to lowering emissions, thereby supporting efforts to mitigate global warming and air pollution caused by motorized vehicles