Volume-11, Issue-12, December 2025

Abstract

Mobility is an essential prerequisite for social and economic connectivity, especially for residents of rural environments who depend on public transport to access services in the city. Urban public transport plays a key role in ensuring equal mobility opportunities, allowing rural communities regular access to jobs, education, healthcare and shopping centers. This work analyzes the mobility and satisfaction of public transport users in Bitola, with special emphasis on line no. 14 connecting Scheherazade, Bistrica and Kravari with the city. Public transport in Bitola is operated by the Public Transportation Enterprise, which serves multiple urban and suburban lines providing basic connectivity between rural and urban areas. Line 14 is a significant transportation link for residents of the suburbs, especially those traveling for work, education, health services and shopping. Through a survey conducted among the users, key problems such as irregularity of buses, technical malfunction, insufficient informativity and poor road infrastructure were identified. Respondents suggested improvements such as vehicle modernization, increased frequency, timely arrival, real-time information, and infrastructure improvements. Research indicates that quality public transport is key to good mobility of rural residents and their integration with the city of Bitola.

Keywords: Mobility, Rural areas, Public transport, Survey.

References

References not available

Abstract

The urgent deployment of micro hydropower (MHP) plants in the unelectrified villages and territories of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a critical strategic intervention to stimulate sustainable industrialization. Despite the nation's immense hydropower potential, a profound energy deficit persists in rural areas, severely constraining socio-economic development. This article argues that localized electrification via micro plants provides a clean, stable, and adaptable energy solution tailored to rural communities. Employing a methodology that combines a literature review with field-based case analysis from 14 localities across five provinces, the study demonstrates that MHP deployment can significantly improve electricity access. The results indicate that this approach acts as a catalyst for job creation, fosters the development of local agro-industrial and artisanal activities, and directly reduces energy poverty. The discussion underscores that realizing this potential requires strong political commitment and the establishment of appropriate financing mechanisms. In conclusion, prioritizing these decentralized energy infrastructures is an essential lever for achieving sustainable and inclusive industrialization in the DRC.

Keywords: Micro hydropower plants; rural electrification; Democratic Republic of Congo; industrialization; renewable energy; rural development; energy poverty.

References

References not available

Abstract

Against the backdrop of a deepening aging population in China, the elderly face significant challenges in terms of old-age security. The development of the digital economy presents new opportunities for optimizing their financial asset allocation; however, technological barriers and insufficient financial literacy remain major obstacles. Based on data from the 2019 China Household Finance Survey (CHFS), this paper systematically analyzes the impact of household digital economy participation on the financial asset allocation of the elderly. The empirical results indicate that the digital economy can significantly optimize the asset allocation structure of the elderly by enhancing financial literacy, increasing attention to financial information, and strengthening risk tolerance. This effect is more pronounced in urban households and businessowning households. Based on these findings, this paper proposes improving age-friendly digital infrastructure and financial education systems, as well as optimizing information services and product supply mechanisms, to effectively translate the benefits of the digital economy into tangible improvements in the well-being of the elderly.

Keywords: Digital Economy; Elderly Population; Financial Asset Allocation

References

References not available

Abstract

A method for the digital measurement of odors using gas analyzers is presented. This capability enables a new level of precision in identifying spoiled products (e.g., in grain storage and transportation), detecting narcotics, digitizing odors in the culinary and cosmetics industries, and developing olfactory television. This paper details a measurement approach and methodology based on thermodynamic equations for a nonequilibrium odor measurement system. A practical example of a microcontroller calculation for a digital odor detection device using MQ-type gas analyzers is provided, including the process for determining the empirical coefficients integrated into the algorithm.

Keywords: digital olfaction; electronic nose; gas sensor array; sensor fusion; microcontroller signal processing; odor profiling; grain spoilage detection.

References

References not available

Abstract

Background: Indian adolescents face a severe dual burden of malnutrition driven by poor dietary choices. This study evaluated changes in Individual Dietary Diversity Scores (IDDS) and anthropometric measurements following a six-month structured, school-based nutritional counselling intervention among 400 urban school-going adolescents (200 boys and 200 girls; aged 12–16 years) selected via purposive sampling from two schools in Gurgaon, Haryana, India.

Methods: Anthropometric measurements and 24-hour dietary recalls, stratified using the 9-group Individual Dietary Diversity Score (IDDS) (Food and Agriculture Organisation) framework, were assessed pre- and post-intervention. The six-month intervention comprised interactive sessions on balanced nutrition, recommended dietary allowances, healthy cooking methods, food hygiene, and healthy snack alternatives.

Results: Post-intervention data revealed significant (p<0.001) improvements in anthropometric parameters and dietary optimization. Underweight prevalence declined from 41% to 18% in boys and from 54% to 38% in girls, with corresponding shifts into the normal-weight category while overweight and obesity rates remained stable. Mean IDDS improved for boys (4.12 to 4.78) and girls (3.54 to 4.59), driven by increased consumption of micronutrient-dense greens, vitamin A-rich produce, and quality proteins. Comparative analysis demonstrated that for boys, overall dietary diversity maintained a significant (p<0.05) positive correlation with linear growth and healthy mass accumulation. Conversely, girls' anthropometric changes were associated with specific food groups rather than overall scores; notably, regular intake of milk and milk products showed a negative correlation with BMI (p<0.001), suggesting a potential stabilizing effect against excessive adiposity.

Conclusions: Structured school-based nutritional education was associated with enhanced dietary diversity and positive anthropometric changes in this cohort. The findings highlight distinct gender-specific nutritional responses and suggest that school-based interventions may offer a promising strategy to address adolescent malnutrition.

Keywords: dietary diversity, anthropometric measurements, adolescents, nutrition education

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