Request-Aware Fuzzy Load Balancing for Human Action Recognition and Monitoring in Video Streams

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real-time human action recognition and behavior monitoring within video streams impose significant computational strains on backend server infrastructures. Traditional distributed system load balancers assign dynamic incoming media tasks based exclusively on infrastructure-side metrics like CPU utilization or memory bandwidth, completely omitting request-specific computational requirements. This mismatch results in suboptimal task allocation, frame drops, and execution latencies when multi-scale convolutional operations or dense optical flow models are triggered unpredictably. To resolve this bottleneck, this paper introduces a novel Request-Aware Fuzzy Load Balancing (RAFLB) framework. The proposed paradigm establishes an adaptive, two-phase scheduling ecosystem. First, high-throughput video streams are frame-decomposed and pre-processed using spatial-temporal filtering kernels and Lucas-Kanade optical flow equations to extract intrinsic stream metadata (resolution, frame rate, structural intensity). Second, a multi-input Mamdani Fuzzy Inference Engine computes real-time routing priorities by simultaneously processing the localized Request Weight (RQ) alongside Server Busy (SB) telemetry. Experimental simulations show that RAFLB drastically reduces structural frames latency by up to 34% and prevents cluster choke points compared to conventional round-robin and resource-only load balancers.

Agribusiness Challenges and the Impact of Contract Farming on Market Access among Small-scale Bean Farmers in Pabna District, Bangladesh

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This study explores agribusiness challenges and examines the impact of contract farming on market access among small-scale bean farmers in Pabna District, Bangladesh. The study aimed to understand farmers’ experiences regarding production constraints, institutional relationships, market participation, and livelihood conditions within contract farming arrangements. A qualitative case study approach was employed to obtain in-depth insights from farmers and relevant stakeholders. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, observation, and documentation involving contract farmers, non-contract farmers, agricultural extension officers, and agribusiness representatives. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis supported by NVivo software. The findings reveal that small-scale bean farmers face several agribusiness challenges, including price instability, high input costs, weak bargaining power, limited access to formal markets, and dependence on intermediaries. Participation in contract farming was found to improve market access through stable buyer linkages, technical assistance, input support, and greater price certainty. However, farmers also experienced challenges such as delayed payments, unequal bargaining relationships, limited transparency in contractual agreements, and dependence on contracting firms. The study concludes that contract farming has the potential to strengthen market integration and improve farmers’ livelihoods when supported by transparent agreements, institutional coordination, and fair governance mechanisms. The findings provide practical implications for policymakers, agribusiness firms, and rural development practitioners in promoting inclusive and sustainable agribusiness systems in Bangladesh.

Financial Insecurity and Psychological Stress among Medical Students at Saint James School of Medicine: A Cross-Sectional Study

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Background: Financial insecurity is a growing concern among medical students and has been increasingly linked to adverse psychological outcomes. Students enrolled in international medical schools may be particularly vulnerable due to limited access to federal financial aid and increased reliance on private funding sources.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between financial insecurity and perceived psychological stress among medical students at Saint James School of Medicine (SJSM).

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 84 SJSM medical students using an online questionnaire. Financial insecurity was measured using a custom financial insecurity scale, and psychological stress was assessed using the validated Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and subgroup comparisons were performed.

Results: The mean PSS-10 score was 22.0 (SD = 7.98), indicating moderate to high stress levels. Overall, 82% of participants reported moderate or high perceived stress. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between financial insecurity scores and PSS-10 scores (r = 0.600, p < 0.001), demonstrating that greater financial insecurity was associated with higher psychological stress. Most students reported substantial financial strain, with 72.6% expressing concern about tuition affordability and 66.7% reporting that their educational debt felt overwhelming. Female students reported higher mean stress scores (23.8) compared to male students (18.2). Stress negatively affected academic functioning, with 65.5% reporting difficulty concentrating while studying, and more than one-third indicating that financial worries negatively impacted class attendance.

Conclusion: Financial insecurity was strongly associated with elevated perceived stress among SJSM medical students. These findings highlight the need for targeted institutional interventions, including expanded financial support systems, improved loan access, and integrated mental health resources to mitigate the academic and psychological impact of financial stress in international medical education settings.

Nyepi Day and Tri Hita Karana: Local Wisdom as a Culturally Embedded Framework for Global Environmental Awareness

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This study examines Nyepi Day in Bali as an expression of local wisdom rooted in the philosophy of Tri Hita Karana and explores its relevance as a framework for global environmental awareness. In the context of escalating environmental challenges, mainstream sustainability approaches often prioritize policy and technological solutions while overlooking the role of cultural and ethical practices. Employing a qualitative case study design, this research draws on participant observation, in-depth interviews, and document analysis with 30 respondents to investigate the interrelated dimensions of ritual practice, cultural expression, and ecological impact. The findings indicate that Nyepi represents a form of collective ecological restraint, marked by a complete cessation of human activities for 24 hours that leads to reduced energy consumption, lower emissions, and minimal environmental disturbance. This practice reflects the integration of parahyangan (human–divine), pawongan (human–human), and palemahan (human–nature) relationships within Tri Hita Karana, demonstrating a holistic model of sustainability grounded in cultural values. Furthermore, the Ogoh-ogoh festival preceding Nyepi reinforces social cohesion and cultural continuity while symbolically preparing the community for environmental and spiritual purification. This study argues that Nyepi offers an alternative model of sustainability that goes beyond awareness-based initiatives such as Earth Day by emphasizing collective behavioral transformation. The research contributes to sustainability scholarship by highlighting the potential of local wisdom as a practical and culturally embedded framework for advancing global environmental consciousness.

The Effect of Audit Quality, Audit Committee, and Corporate Social Responsibility on Firm Value with Firm Size as a Moderating Variable

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This study aims to examine the effect of audit quality, audit committee, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) on firm value, with firm size as a moderating variable. This research employs a quantitative approach using secondary data obtained from the annual financial reports of energy sector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The sample was selected using purposive sampling, resulting in 75 observations. The data were analyzed using multiple linear regression and Moderated Regression Analysis (MRA). The results indicate that audit quality, audit committee, and CSR have a positive and significant effect on firm value. Firm size also has a positive effect and is proven to moderate the relationship between audit quality, audit committee, and CSR on firm value. Additionally, control variables, namely profitability and leverage, are found to have a positive and significant effect on firm value. Simultaneously, all variables in this study significantly influence firm value.

Understanding the Link Between Emotional Intelligence and Substance Use Disorder

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Emotional Intelligence (EI) is an important psychological construct that influences emotional regulation, interpersonal relationships, stress management, and decision-making. Substance Use Disorder (SUD), on the other hand, is a chronic psychological and behavioural condition characterized by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences. In recent years, researchers have increasingly focused on understanding the relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Substance Use Disorder. Individuals with low emotional intelligence often struggle to identify, understand, and regulate emotions effectively, making them more vulnerable to substance use as a maladaptive coping strategy.

This theoretical article explores the relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Substance Use Disorder from psychological, social, emotional, and neurobiological perspectives. The article discusses major theories such as Self-Medication Theory, Emotional Regulation Theory, Stress and Coping Theory, and Social Learning Theory to explain how emotional deficits contribute to addiction. It also highlights the role of family environment, trauma, peer pressure, mental health conditions, and social factors in shaping emotional functioning and substance use behaviours.

The article further explains how higher Emotional Intelligence acts as a protective factor by improving emotional awareness, resilience, impulse control, empathy, and coping skills. Emotional Intelligence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, mindfulness training, emotional skills training, and family therapy can significantly improve addiction prevention and recovery outcomes.

The study concludes that Emotional Intelligence plays a significant role in understanding addiction vulnerability, relapse prevention, and psychological well-being. Strengthening emotional competencies may reduce substance dependence and promote healthier coping mechanisms and social adjustment.

Estimation of carbon sequestration in vineyards in the island of Crete, Greece

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Climate change consists of a serious global environmental problem and many efforts are focused on its mitigation either by reducing the anthropogenic carbon emissions or by absorbing atmospheric carbon. Agricultural crops usually absorb carbon via photosynthesis acting as carbon sinks. Viticulture is well developed in Crete, Greece since ancient times and the island nowadays produces several well-known grapes and wines. The carbon uptake in Cretan vineyards in Crete has been evaluated. The carbon sequestration rate in vineyards from existing studies in several countries has been used for the evaluation. These studies indicate that carbon uptake in vineyards varies in a wide range of values at 69 – 900 g C m-2 yr-1.  The total surface area of vineyards in Crete is 22,184 ha while their annual carbon sequestration has been estimated at 55,460 t C corresponding at an annual carbon sequestration per capita 0.36 t CO2. Although our results should be considered as indicative, they show that carbon sequestration in Cretan vineyards is not negligible and it should be considered in policy development regarding decarbonization in the island. Our results could be useful to policy makers and to stakeholders of the viticulture industry in the island.

Learning Motivation and Enhancement Strategies for Future Teachers: A Study of the Current Situation at the Faculty of Pedagogy, Thu Dau Mot University

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Learning motivation plays a key role in improving training quality and shaping professional attitudes among future teachers. This article focuses on examining the current state of learning motivation among students of the Faculty of Pedagogy, Thu Dau Mot University, and evaluating the motivation-enhancement strategies currently being implemented. The study employed a quantitative method through a questionnaire survey of 150 students in the Faculty of Pedagogy. The findings show that most students have fairly good and good levels of learning motivation, in which intrinsic motivation, including love for the profession and the desire for personal development, is more dominant than external motivation. However, the study also identifies several barriers affecting motivation, such as pressure from the training program, limited self-study skills, and the influence of factors in the academic environment. Regarding enhancement strategies, the survey results indicate that students highly appreciate the role of innovating teaching methods and practical experiential activities. Nevertheless, the implementation of support measures from the university and lecturers remains inconsistent in some stages, especially in personalizing training pathways and providing professional psychological support. Based on the analysis of the current situation, the article proposes several enhancement strategies, including renewing forms of interaction between lecturers and students, improving the digital learning environment, and developing specialized career-counseling programs. These findings provide practical grounds for educational managers at Thu Dau Mot University to adjust policies and training methods in order to maximize the potential of pedagogy students.

An Assessment of Sleep Quality and Associated Factors in Hospitalized Patients: Perspectives from a Tertiary Care Setting in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia

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Sleep is a vital component of human behavior essential for survival and long-term health. However, hospitalized patients frequently experience poor sleep quality due to environmental and illness-related disruptions, which can hinder recovery. This study aimed to assess sleep quality and identify associated factors among hospitalized patients in a tertiary care setting in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia. A descriptive, cross-sectional design was utilized, involving 345 adult participants recruited through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ), assessing five core items: sleep depth, latency, awakenings, return to sleep, and overall quality. Non-parametric tests were employed for data analysis. Patients reported a moderate mean sleep quality score of 3.59/6. Although 69.6% provided a positive overall rating, 63.5% experienced light sleep and 48.4% struggled with sleep latency. Statistical analysis revealed that age and hospital department did not significantly correlate with sleep quality. However, a slight positive correlation was found between longer hospitalization and improved sleep onset, suggesting environmental adaptation. Sleep disturbances are a prevalent, systemic issue in hospital settings, primarily driven by extrinsic environmental factors. Enhancing sleep quality requires institutional interventions, such as implementing protected sleep cycles and reducing nocturnal clinical interruptions.