Asian Journal of Engineering, Social and Health

Doing More with Less? Minus Growth, Workforce Capacity, Technology Support, and Communication Effectiveness at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise

2026-09-25T07:29:45+00:00

The pressure to “do more with fewer resources” has become an important feature of public-sector organizational reform, yet its implications for organizational communication capacity remain insufficiently understood. This study examined the relationships among perceived minus growth, workforce capacity, technological support, and communication effectiveness at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise. Cross-sectional data were collected from 166 respondents and analyzed using descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), Pearson correlation analysis, ordinary least squares (OLS) regression with HC3 heteroskedasticity-robust standard errors, and moderation analysis. The results showed that perceived minus growth was strongly and negatively associated with workforce capacity (β = −0.690, p < .001; R² = .477). Workforce capacity was positively correlated with communication effectiveness at the bivariate level (r = .226, p = .003), but its unique association was not statistically significant after accounting for technological support (β = .039, p = .615). In contrast, technological support demonstrated a positive and statistically significant unique association with communication effectiveness (β = .406, p < .001). The interaction between workforce capacity and technological support was not statistically significant (p = .209), providing no evidence that technological support moderated the relationship between workforce capacity and communication effectiveness. Descriptively, workforce capacity was relatively low (M = 2.22/5), whereas perceived communication effectiveness remained high (M = 4.14/5), indicating a performance–capacity puzzle. This study contributes to the literature by distinguishing perceived communication effectiveness from the workforce capacity supporting it and by positioning technology as a complementary enabling resource rather than as a demonstrated substitute for workforce capacity.

Organic Fertilizer Ecosystem Development (Bang Eko Tempur) Program: A Circular Economy-Based Social Innovation for Enhancing Community Welfare in Banggai Regency

2026-10-07T04:10:06+00:00

Dependence on chemical fertilizers, limited access to subsidized fertilizers, and the underutilization of organic waste remain significant challenges to achieving sustainable agriculture in Banggai Regency, Indonesia. This study aims to examine the implementation of the Bang Eko Tempur Program as a circular economy-based social innovation designed to enhance community welfare through the development of an organic fertilizer ecosystem. The study employs a descriptive qualitative approach involving active community participation. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, field observations, and a review of secondary data obtained from program implementation reports in Moilong District, Banggai Regency. The data were analyzed using qualitative descriptive analysis by categorizing the findings into economic, social, and environmental dimensions. The findings indicate that the Bang Eko Tempur Program successfully converts organic waste generated by the community and non-hazardous organic waste from the company into organic fertilizer through collaboration among the company, village governments, and community groups. The program generates economic benefits by increasing household income, reducing agricultural production costs, and improving crop yields; social benefits by strengthening community capacity, encouraging greater participation, and reinforcing local institutions; and environmental benefits by promoting organic waste utilization and the adoption of more sustainable agricultural practices. The interconnection among these three dimensions demonstrates that the Bang Eko Tempur Program, as a circular economy-based social innovation, contributes to enhancing community welfare while supporting sustainable development.

Coupler Modification for Periodic Preventive Maintenance on Sakai SV526D and SV700TF Compactor Units to Improve The Efficiency and Reliability of Hydraulic System Inspection

2026-09-25T07:31:13+00:00

Hydraulic pressure inspection is essential for the preventive maintenance of heavy equipment; however, incompatible diagnostic connections can prevent mechanics from completing scheduled inspections. At PT Antareja Mahada Makmur, Mifa Jobsite, the hydraulic test ports on Sakai SV526D and SV700TF compactors were incompatible with the available Komatsu pressure gauge equipment, while the procurement of dedicated Sakai diagnostic tools was constrained by uncertain availability. This study aimed to identify the hydraulic pressure inspection constraint, implement a hydraulic test coupler modification, and evaluate its implications for preventive maintenance activities. A descriptive qualitative case study was conducted using the Suggestion System framework, encompassing problem identification, improvement planning, technical implementation, and field evaluation. Data were obtained from maintenance documentation, component damage records, dealer quotations, and field observations conducted before and after the modification. The intervention involved replacing the original hydraulic test couplers with Genuine Komatsu couplers, thereby enabling the existing pressure gauges to be connected to the compactors. Field observations indicated that the modification restored hydraulic pressure inspection capability, improved test-port cleanliness, reduced the observed risk of hydraulic oil spillage, and facilitated easier connection and disconnection of the pressure gauge equipment. These findings suggest that adapting diagnostic interfaces can address equipment compatibility constraints while supporting scheduled hydraulic system inspections. However, reductions in breakdown frequency, improvements in equipment reliability, and financial savings were not quantitatively established. The study concludes that hydraulic test coupler modification represents a practical improvement for preventive maintenance activities; however, further quantitative evaluation is required to determine its effects on maintenance efficiency, operational performance, cost savings, and equipment reliability.

From Local Potential Toward Sustainable Enterprise: A Case Study of Progresif UMKM as a Participatory MSME Empowerment Program in Bojonegoro

2026-10-08T07:08:19+00:00

This study examines how PROGRESIF UMKM, a participatory corporate social responsibility program in Sambiroto and Ngampel Villages, Bojonegoro Regency, organized local potential into more structured enterprises and what evidence supports early sustainability indications. Method: A descriptive qualitative case study used social-mapping and program documents, stakeholder records, a beneficiary satisfaction survey (n = 27), and Social Return on Investment (SROI) data for 2023–2025. Changes were mapped with the Sustainability Compass across Nature, Economy, Society, and Well-being. Results: Participatory diagnosis and multi-stakeholder collaboration were associated with stronger group institutions, product diversification, and wider market access through an integrated MSME center. Documented monthly income reached approximately IDR 2.5–3 million per member in the batik group and IDR 1.5–4 million in the snack group. The satisfaction index was 3.58 (conversion score 89.57, very good), while cumulative SROI was 1.09. Community participation (3.41) and stakeholder synergy (3.31) were among the lowest satisfaction elements, and the 2024 annual SROI was 0.92. Conclusion: The case shows a plausible participatory pathway from local potential to stronger enterprise capacity, but the evidence supports early indications rather than established sustainability. Interpretation is limited by reliance on implementer records, an unconfirmed composition of the 27 survey respondents, the absence of a comparison group, and incomplete documentation of SROI assumptions and validation.

Bioferdom Farmer Field School: Enhancing Agricultural Productivity Through SOP Adoption and Bioferdom Fertilizer Implementation in Banggai Regency

2026-10-07T04:10:17+00:00

This study aimed to assess the impact of a needs-based farmer field school integrated with Bioferdom fertilizer application on farmers' knowledge, adoption of standard operating procedures (SOPs), corn productivity, and the economic feasibility of corn farming. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach incorporating active community participation and a single-group pretest–posttest design. Data were collected through focus group discussions (FGDs), in-depth interviews, field observations, and demonstration plot monitoring involving 24 members of the Mosa'angu Farmers Group. The effects of biosulfur fertilizer were evaluated separately in an experimental plot using a 5 × 5 factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD), with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) fertilizer rates and biosulfur application rates as treatment factors, each replicated three times. The findings revealed that the average knowledge score increased from 40.0 to 77.8 (normalized gain [N-gain] = 0.63; p < 0.001), while SOP adoption increased from 19.9% to 85.1% (p < 0.001). Corn productivity increased from 0.99 to 1.87 metric tons per hectare, representing an 89.4% improvement, while the revenue-to-cost (R/C) ratio increased from 1.26 to 2.10. In the experimental plot, the combination of 75% of the recommended NPK fertilizer rate with 75–100% of the designated biosulfur application rate produced plant growth comparable to that achieved with 100% NPK fertilizer without biosulfur supplementation. This finding suggested the potential to reduce NPK fertilizer requirements, although the reported 9–19% cost savings would require further economic validation. Overall, the integration of needs-based farmer field schools with fertilizer innovations derived from gas industry by-products demonstrated potential as a community empowerment model consistent with circular economy principles. The program also supported progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly No Poverty (SDG 1), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Life on Land (SDG 15).

Prevalence of Coagulopathy and its Association with Glycemic Control Complications in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Literature Review

2026-10-06T03:49:11+00:00

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with hemostatic abnormalities that may contribute to vascular complications; however, the reported prevalence of coagulopathy and its relationship with glycemic control remain inconsistent across studies. This systematic literature review aimed to synthesize evidence regarding the prevalence of coagulopathy and its associations with glycemic control and diabetes-related complications. The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines and included searches of Europe PMC and supplementary sources for studies published between 2021 and 2026. A total of 32 articles were included and critically appraised using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) appraisal tools. The findings were analyzed through narrative synthesis and bibliometric mapping using VOSviewer. One study reported a coagulopathy prevalence of 26.6%; however, variations in diagnostic definitions and laboratory thresholds precluded a pooled prevalence estimate. Poor glycemic control was associated with elevated fibrinogen, D-dimer, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and selected platelet indices, whereas prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) demonstrated inconsistent patterns. Fibrinogen-related markers were associated with diabetic retinopathy, diabetic kidney disease, and peripheral neuropathy, while D-dimer and coagulation factor XI were associated with cardiovascular outcomes. These findings suggested potential interactions among coagulation activation, impaired fibrinolysis, and diabetes-related vascular injury. Nevertheless, the predominance of cross-sectional studies limited causal inference. Hemostatic biomarkers may complement individualized risk assessment for diabetes-related complications; however, the available evidence does not support routine coagulation testing in all patients with T2DM. Further prospective, multicenter studies employing standardized diagnostic criteria and laboratory measurements are needed to establish the predictive validity and clinical utility of these biomarkers across diverse patient populations.

Effects of Secretome Administration on Serum Interleukin-6, Neurogranin, and Neurological Outcomes in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

2026-10-15T02:33:00+00:00

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can result in persistent neurological disability, while secondary inflammatory responses represent a potential therapeutic target for adjunctive interventions. This single-blind pilot randomized controlled trial investigated whether intrathecal administration of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell (UC-MSC) secretome was associated with changes in serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), neurogranin concentrations, and early neurological outcomes following traumatic SCI. Ten patients undergoing surgery were randomly assigned to receive either standard care plus a single intraoperative intrathecal administration of UC-MSC secretome (n = 5) or standard care alone (n = 5). Serum biomarkers were measured preoperatively and at 8 hours, 2 days, and 4 days postoperatively. Neurological and functional outcomes were assessed using the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS), Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM), and IANR-SCIFRS before surgery and at hospital discharge. Linear mixed-effects models were used to account for repeated measurements, assessment time, age, and sex. Adjusted serum IL-6 concentrations were significantly lower in the secretome group (β = −52.61 pg/mL; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −87.19 to −18.04; p = 0.043). The association with serum neurogranin concentrations did not reach the reported threshold for statistical significance (p = 0.057), while improvements in neurological and functional outcomes did not differ significantly between groups. Baseline differences in biomarker concentrations, the small sample size, and the short follow-up period limited the interpretation and generalizability of these findings. Furthermore, the reported confidence interval and p-value for neurogranin required reconciliation to ensure statistical consistency. These preliminary findings suggested a potential early anti-inflammatory biomarker response following intrathecal UC-MSC secretome administration but did not establish neurological improvement or clinical efficacy in patients with traumatic SCI.