Abstract. Aging naturally reduces physiology, increasing susceptibility to injuries, particularly in the knee joint, which supports substantial body weight and is vulnerable to osteoarthritis and ligament injuries. The current study investigates the effectiveness of leg muscle strength training in reducing knee pain intensity among elderly women aged 45 years and older residing in Gayamsari District, Semarang. A pre-experimental design employing a one-group pre-test post-test approach was implemented. Forty-two participants were selected using purposive sampling methods. The intervention involved leg muscle strengthening exercises conducted twice per week for six weeks, with each session lasting 40 minutes. Knee pain intensity was assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale both prior to and following the intervention. Data analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed ranks test due to non-normally distributed data. Findings indicated a statistically significant reduction in knee pain intensity, with average pre-test pain scores recorded at 3.2 ± 2.2 and average post-test scores recorded at 0.9 ± 1.4 (p = 0.000). Of the participants, 40 demonstrated a reduction in pain levels, whereas 2 participants showed no improvement, potentially influenced by additional medical conditions including gout and hypertension. In conclusion, leg muscle strength training significantly contributed to reducing knee pain intensity in elderly women, thereby justifying inclusion in rehabilitation programs targeting knee pain associated with osteoarthritis and ligament injuries. Further research is recommended to investigate tailored training protocols that account for co-morbid conditions and their impact on pain management efficacy.
Abstract in Indonesia. Penuaan secara alami mengurangi fisiologi, meningkatkan kerentanan terhadap cedera, terutama pada sendi lutut, yang menopang berat tubuh yang substansial dan rentan terhadap osteoatritis dan cedera ligamen. Penelitian saat ini menyelidiki efektivitas latihan kekuatan otot kaki dalam mengurangi intensitas nyeri lutut di antara wanita lanjut usia berusia 45 tahun ke atas yang tinggal di Kecamatan Gayamsari, Semarang. Desain pra-eksperimental yang menggunakan pendekatan satu kelompok pra-tes pasca-tes diterapkan. Empat puluh dua peserta dipilih menggunakan metode purposive sampling. Intervensi melibatkan latihan penguatan otot kaki yang dilakukan dua kali seminggu selama enam minggu, dengan setiap sesi berlangsung selama 40 menit. Intensitas nyeri lutut dinilai menggunakan Numerical Rating Scale sebelum dan sesudah intervensi. Analisis data dilakukan dengan menggunakan uji peringkat bertanda Wilcoxon karena data tidak terdistribusi normal. Temuan menunjukkan pengurangan signifikan secara statistik dalam intensitas nyeri lutut, dengan skor nyeri pra-tes rata-rata tercatat sebesar 3,2 ± 2,2 dan skor pasca-tes rata-rata tercatat sebesar 0,9 ± 1,4 (p = 0,000). Dari peserta, 40 menunjukkan pengurangan tingkat nyeri, sedangkan 2 peserta tidak menunjukkan perbaikan, yang mungkin dipengaruhi oleh kondisi medis tambahan termasuk asam urat dan hipertensi. Sebagai kesimpulan, latihan kekuatan otot kaki berkontribusi signifikan terhadap pengurangan intensitas nyeri lutut pada wanita lanjut usia, sehingga membenarkan dimasukkannya dalam program rehabilitasi yang menargetkan nyeri lutut yang terkait dengan osteoatritis dan cedera ligamen. Penelitian lebih lanjut direkomendasikan untuk menyelidiki protokol pelatihan yang disesuaikan yang memperhitungkan kondisi komorbiditas dan dampaknya terhadap kemanjuran manajemen nyeri.

This study explores the understanding and practice of political communication among Generation Z activists ahead of the 2024 regional election in Palembang using a qualitative approach. Data were obtained through in-depth interviews with Generation Z activists and relevant literature analysis. The theory of symbolic interactionism is used to understand how political understanding is formed through communication and social interaction within the context of local politics. Generation Z activists in Palembang play a crucial role in disseminating political information, particularly to young voters, through community discussions and social media. The findings show that activists actively engage in various forms of political activities such as discussions, policy advocacy campaigns, and election monitoring to ensure a transparent and fair electoral process. Social media serves as their primary platform for spreading relevant political information and raising public awareness. However, activists also face challenges related to misinformation and disinformation on social media, which can negatively influence public opinion. Through social interactions within communities and organizations, these activists construct collective meanings regarding social and political issues that are highly relevant to their lives. In conclusion, the involvement of Generation Z activists in Palembang’s 2024 regional election reflects their commitment to political and social change. Therefore, strengthening social media literacy, improving political education, and ensuring more transparent election monitoring are essential to empower young generations to continue acting as agents of change for societal progress. These activists play a critical role in supporting democratic sustainability and social advancement. 

This study explores the understanding and practice of political communication among Generation Z activists ahead of the 2024 regional election in Palembang using a qualitative approach. Data were obtained through in-depth interviews with Generation Z activists and relevant literature analysis. The theory of symbolic interactionism is used to understand how political understanding is formed through communication and social interaction within the context of local politics. Generation Z activists in Palembang play a crucial role in disseminating political information, particularly to young voters, through community discussions and social media. The findings show that activists actively engage in various forms of political activities such as discussions, policy advocacy campaigns, and election monitoring to ensure a transparent and fair electoral process. Social media serves as their primary platform for spreading relevant political information and raising public awareness. However, activists also face challenges related to misinformation and disinformation on social media, which can negatively influence public opinion. Through social interactions within communities and organizations, these activists construct collective meanings regarding social and political issues that are highly relevant to their lives. In conclusion, the involvement of Generation Z activists in Palembang’s 2024 regional election reflects their commitment to political and social change. Therefore, strengthening social media literacy, improving political education, and ensuring more transparent election monitoring are essential to empower young generations to continue acting as agents of change for societal progress. These activists play a critical role in supporting democratic sustainability and social advancement. 

<p>Kemampuan Bahasa Inggris terutama TOEFL untuk santri pondok pesantren sangat dibutuhkan terutama agar santri pondok pesantren bisa menghadapi tantangan dunia global, mengingat pondok pesantren masih dianggap institusi yang hanya mengajarkan ilmu agama saja kepada para santrinya. Untuk menjawab kebutuhan jaman dimana segala hal saat ini menggunakan bahasa pengantar bahasa Inggris, untuk mewujudkan hal tersebut maka dibutuhkan sumber dayamanusia yang paham bahasa Inggris yang pada kenyataannya masih belum bisa terwujud. Hal ini karena salah satunya adalah kurangnya pengetahuan dan penguasaan Bahasa Inggris terutama TOEFL. Dari program Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat terdahulu yang dilakukan dosen FTIK Universitas Semarang telah diadakan pelatihan mengenai <em>Speaking </em>maka tim Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat FTIK Universitas Semarang kali ini mengadakan kegiatan dengan metode praktikum mengenai pembelajaran Bahasa Inggris terutama TOEFL berbasis web<em>. </em>Hasil yang ingin dicapai adalah selain diharapkannya ada peningkatan kemampuan dan pengetahuan dalam kemampuan Bahasa Inggris terutama kemampuan TOEFL dikalangan santri pondok pesantren khususnya Nurul Hidayah Pedurungan Lor, wilayah Semarang Timur namun juga bisa        terbitnya laporan hasil Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat ini di Jurnal Dimastik Fakultas Teknologi Informasi dan Komunikasi Universitas Semarang.</p>@font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; mso-pagination:none; text-autospace:none; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0021;}.MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-size:11.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-font-kerning:0pt; mso-ligatures:none; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;}.MsoPapDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-pagination:none; text-autospace:none;}div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;}

<p>Bagi calon mahasiswa yang ingin masuk ke perguruan tinggi negeri, istilah SNMPTN, SBMPTN, dan Jalur Mandiri tentu sudah harus dipahami dengan baik. SNMPTN, SBMPTN dan jalur mandiri merupakan jalan bagi calon mahasiswa untuk bisa masuk perguruan tinggi negeri favorit mereka. Namun, kemungkinan untuk diterima dapat dikatakan tidak mudah. Berdasarkan wawancara tim abdimas dari USM kepada beberapa siswa di SMK Yayasan Pharmasi Semarang, banyak siswa yang tertarik untuk masuk perguruan tinggi negeri. Namun, mereka banyak yang belum tahu jenis tes yang harus dilalui. Tim abdimas mencoba menunjukkan jenis tes Bahasa Indonesia, mereka menyatakan bahwa tes tersebut termasuk dalam kategori sulit. Butuh fokus berlatih agar bisa mengerjakan soal-soal tersebut. Ketidaktahuan siswa-siswi SMK Yayasan Pharmasi ini sebetulnya menunjukkan kekurangsiapan mereka dalam menghadapi ujian masuk perguruan tinggi. Butuh pelatihan/ pendampingan untuk menghadapi tes masuk perguruan tinggi khususnya tes Bahasa Indonesia mengingat aka nada perubahan besar dalam tes Bahasa Indonesia di tahun 2023. Melalui metode pelatihan: ceramah, tanya jawab, dan praktik mengerjakan soal Bahasa Indonesia, para siswa sekarang sudah mulai memahami prosedur masuk PTN dan terampil mengerjakan jenis soal Bahasa Indonesia yang akan diujikan di SBMPTN 2023 nanti. Luaran yang dicapai dari kegiatan ini berupa berita yang disampaikan di media massa dan dihasilkannya buku ajar Bahasa Indonesia untuk masuk PTN. Selain luaran itu, peningkatan pengetahuan dan keterampilan para siswa juga sudah terlihat dari hasil kuesioner yang diolah dengan skala Likert.</p><strong>Kata kunci</strong>: Soal Bahasa Indonesia, Pelatihan, PTN

The existence of the corona virus outbreak hampers teaching and learning activities that usually take place face-to-face. The learning system is carried out remotely by utilizing information technology. One of the big challenges in implementing the distance learning model is that the academic community is not yet accustomed to using a blended and online learning system. Teaching lecturers must pay attention to student learning styles because in each teaching, their effectiveness will closely match the student's learning method or style, in addition to their personal characteristics and intellectual abilities. Lecturers' lack of understanding of learning styles has a negative impact on students. The purpose of this study was to examine the learning styles of students of the Faculty of Economics, University of Semarang in a bold manner. This study used a descriptive research design. The population in this study were all 500 USM FE students who took sports courses in the odd semester of 2020/2021, aged 18-25 years. Sampling in this study using total sampling. The data analysis technique in this research is descriptive statistical analysis method. The result of this research is that the learning style of FE USM students has the highest kinesthetic, namely 40.8%, the second is visual as much as 33.8%, the third is auditory as much as 25.4%. Many students prefer an online lecture system by actively viewing, listening and doing direct question and answer with the lecturer, which is 41.2%. The suggestion that can be given is that the lecturers should increase theproportion of teaching the online system with live video, audio, display material and do direct question and answer. Systems with only live audio and display only material should be greatly reduced since few people like them.