bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrophysiological and Behavioural Responses of Anomala Dimidiata to Three Host Plant’s Volatiles
Authors: Muni Nending , Chakravorty Jharna , Rajashekar Yallappa
Published: June 2023

The electrophysiological and behavioural responses of Anomala dimidiata (Coleoptera: Rutelinae) were studied for its host kiwi plant’s (Actinidia deliciosa) three volatiles, (Z)-3-Hexen-1-ol, Linalool, and (-)-α-Pinene. This experiment comprises electroantennographic assay using EAG and field testing in the Kiwi Horticulture field using synthetic compounds. In EAG assays, all three test compounds elicit significant responses with 55.66±3.41% for (Z)-3-Hexen-1-ol, 44.97±1.08% for Linalool, and 53.75±0.33% for (-)-α-Pinene in male beetles and 54.82±3.52% for (Z)-3-Hexen-1-ol, 44.97±0.30% for Linalool and 53.75±4.69% for (-)-α-Pinene in females beetles as compare to reference compound. In the field testing, (Z)-3-Hexen-1-ol baited traps caught maximum beetles while (-)-α-Pinene-baited traps had significantly less number of beetles attracted to them. Linalool-baited traps caught 60.1% fewer beetles than (Z)-3-Hexen-1-ol baited traps but 62.7% more beetles than (-)-α-Pinene- baited traps. This study concludes that (Z)-3-Hexen-1-ol is a potential attractant host plant volatile for A. dimidiata.
Seasonal Incidence of Spodoptera litura (F.) on Soybean
Authors: Rajashekar K , Chauhan Sreedhar , Santhosh K
Published: June 2023

An investigation was carried out to “Study on seasonal incidence of Spodoptera litura (F.) on soybean” at Agriculture Research Station (ARS), Adilabad, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University during kharif, 2017 and 2018. The pooled results indicated that among different sowing dates viz., 15 th -18 th of June (sowing I), 25 th -28 th of June (sowing II), 5 th -7 th of July (sowing III), 15 th -17 th of July (sowing IV) and 25 th -27 th of July (sowing V) sowing I recorded minimum incidence (2.81 larvae/ meter row length) of S. litura population and maximum incidence in sowing II (4.34 larvae/ meter row length), similarly sowing I recorded minimum incidence (2.97 larvae/ meter row length) and maximum incidence in sowing II (4.34 larvae/ meter row length) during kharif, 2017 and 2018, respectively.
Relative Effects of Three Instructional Approaches on Reasoning Skills and Retention of Students in Evolution Concepts
Authors: Asare Maxwell
Published: June 2023

Evolution, a major unifying biological theme that deals with the origin of life on earth, is the concept that most Ghanaian Senior High School (SHS) students hold misconceptions about. This makes its meaningful understanding challenging, especially on problems that require them to think in abstract forms. The author of this study, therefore, investigated the relative effects of three instructional approaches (demonstrative lecture, problem-based approach, and classroom discussion) on reasoning skills and retention of Ghanaian Biology students in evolution concepts. A quasi-experimental design was employed for the study. The population comprised all Science Two students in Berekum Municipality and Berekum West District. Multistage sampling techniques were employed to select thirty-nine (39) students for the study. Biology Reasoning Skills Test-Evolution (BRST-E) of a coefficient value of 0.76 was the instrument designed to gather data. Results from the ANCOVA reveal that students exposed to a problem-based approach had a significant gain in their reasoning [p<0.05, η2p=0.193] and retention [p<0.05, η2p=0.281], whereas the t-test results revealed that male students made advancements in their reasoning skills than females [df=24,t=5.08, F=4.36, p<0.05]. Therefore, Biology instructors in Berekum Municipality and Berekum West District should embrace the use of a problem-based approach in delivering evolution lessons to shape students’ levels of reasoning and memory retention.
Moving out of the Human Vivarium
Authors: Mollen Joost
Published: June 2023

Homes are increasingly being built as sensor-laden living environments to test the performance of novel technologies in interaction with real people. When people’s homes are turned into the site of experiments, the inhabitants become research subjects. This paper employs findings from biomedical research ethics to evaluate live-in laboratories and argues that when live-in laboratories function as a participant’s main residence, they constrain an individual’s so-called ‘right to withdraw’. Withdrawing from the live-in laboratory as a participant’s main residence means losing one’s home, which creates negative financial and psychological consequences for participants. I will argue that such costs conflict with a participants’ right to withdraw on two counts. First, that the exit costs from the live-in laboratory constitute a penalty, and second, that the costs of withdrawing from the live-in laboratory function as a constraint on a participant’s liberty. The paper concludes that (i) the right to withdraw is a necessary condition for the ethical permissibility of modern live in lab experiments and conclude (ii) the practice of making an experimental home as a participant’s main residence is ethically problematic.
Influence of co-milling oxide physical properties on the structural changes of natural clinoptilolite zeolites
Authors: Natsagdorj Narantsogt , Lkhagvasuren Narangarav , Munkhjargal Bolortuya , Temuujin Jadambaa
Published: June 2023

Zeolites are a family of open-framework aluminosilicate minerals used in many diverse fields, including building materials, agriculture, water treatment, and catalysis. In this study, natural zeolites were mechano-chemically treated by co-milling with corundum and cristobalite. The idea behind the study was that co-milling with high-hardness oxides would cause natural zeolite to undergo more structural distortion, potentially increasing its reactivity and sorption capabilities. Corundum has a density of 3.95 g/cm3 and a hardness of 9, while cristobalite has a density of 2.27 g/cm3 and a hardness of 6-7, according to the Mohs hardness scale. In a planetary ball mill, the zeolites and 20 wt.% of various oxides were co-ground for 30 min. The grinding media used were hardened steel balls with a weight ratio of 20:1 between the balls and the minerals. Raw minerals and milled products were evaluated using X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. It revealed that co-milling with different hardness oxides had a minor effect on the structural distortion of raw zeolite. Crystallite size reduction and amorphization were observed in high hardness oxides rather than in zeolite particles. After milling, the amorphization of natural zeolite milled alone was 30.4%, while no significant amorphization was observed when co-milled with corundum and cristobalite. Preliminary results of Cr(VI) adsorption tests on raw and milled zeolites indicate that co-milling with high-hardness oxides is not the preferred method to enhance the activity of natural zeolite.
Ivan Štrafela Don, politična in življenjska usoda informbirojevca
Authors: Rihtarič Ivan
Published: June 2023

At the end of May 1950, the Gornja Radgona department of the State Security Administration (UDV Gornja Radgona) arrested Ivan Štrafela Don, and the Party’s district committee questioned him and accused him of overt action against the state as a Cominform member. He admitted almost all of the actions he was being accused of and was willing to present them before the workers and the members of the Party as well. At the end of October 1950, after being expelled from the Party, the District Court in Maribor sentenced him to eight years of imprisonment with forced labour and five years of loss of civil and political rights. The attempts of the convict’s wife to achieve a lower punishment were unsuccessful; however, Štrafela was nonetheless pardoned in 1955, and he returned home. He did less demanding and responsible work in the industry and local politics, but he remained under surveillance and was preventively detained during Tito’s visit in the Pomurje region (in 1966 and 1969). His wife’s attempts to achieve a revision of the procedure after his death (1986) were unsuccessful between 1999 and 2001.
Od več ljubljanskih do enotne mestne občine: upravnopravni in teritorialni razvoj od komunalnega sistema do sodobne lokalne samouprave med letoma 1955 in 1994
Authors: Petelin David
Published: June 2023

The period after the Second World War interfered with the administrative organisation of municipalities with the socialist political and economic framework. The introduction of the workers’ self-government system also influenced the organisation of state and local government. Ljubljana has received seven administrative divisions in four decades. The introduction of the communal system in June 1955 blurred the borders between the city and the countryside, so Ljubljana was initially divided into nine municipalities, and since 1964 it had been divided into five municipalities (Center, Bežigrad, Šiška, Moste - Polje, Vič - Rudnik) until the introduction of a new system of local self-government in independent Slovenia in 1995. The City Council (1964 City Council of Ljubljana, 1969 City Assembly of Ljubljana) was established in 1955 to resolve common local issues at the city level, and the Council of the Ljubljana Region was established at the inter-municipal level. In the forty-year period, the communal system had proven itself to be administratively deficient, as it performed tasks within the competence of state authorities more than it dealt with the needs of the local population.
Vloga političnih beguncev iz Slovenije pri oživljanju slovenstva v zamejstvu v Italiji
Authors: Jevnikar Ivo
Published: June 2023

The present Slovenian communities in the Italian borderlands have undergone extraordinary changes in the size and composition of their populations over the last century. After World War II, a large number of political refugees from Slovenia also settled there. Since the Italian authorities did not grant them Italian citizenship, most of them emigrated across the ocean after a few years. The rest became actively involved in the social and cultural life of the borderlands. Certainly, the refugees played a very prominent role in the culturally deprived Slovenian community in the Primorska region, which was the result of a quarter of a century of fascist oppression. This applies in particular to the education, media, cultural activities and religious life, where traces of their work are evident.
Rapport Annual 2022
Authors:   Islamic Development Bank Institute
Published: June 2023

Annual report 2022
STADYUMLARIN KENTTEKİ SOSYAL YAPILANMASININ TÜRKİYE AÇISINDAN DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ
Authors: BÜLBÜL Ece , YAMAÇLI Ruşen
Published: June 2023

Küresel iklim değişikliğine olumsuz anlamda etki eden sektörlerden biri inşaattır. Enerji, su, ham madde gibi kaynakların büyük miktardaki kullanımı inşaat sırasında olmaktadır. Sera gazlarının %38’ine inşaat sektörü neden olmaktadır. On beş günde bir oynanan futbol maçı ve Avrupa Futbol Şampiyonası, FIFA Dünya Kupası, Olimpiyatlar gibi kısa süreli spor organizasyonları için inşa edilen stadyumların inşaatı sırasında harcanan enerji ve kaynakların yanı sıra maliyetler de yüksek olmaktadır. Buna karşılık stadyumların yıl içerisindeki kullanımı kaynak tüketimi ile doğru orantıda olmamaktadır. Bu çalışmada yurt dışındaki stadyumlardan futbol dışında da kullanılacak şekilde tasarlanan örnekler üzerinden ülkemizdeki mevcut durum değerlendirilmiştir. Bu amaçla nüfusu en fazla olan illerin kent merkezlerinden İstanbul’dan Vodafone Park, Ankara’dan Ankara Stadyumu, İzmir’den Gürsel Aksel Stadyumu seçilmiş olup stadyumların kullanım olanakları ve kentlinin stadyumla etkileşimi incelenmiştir. Bu inceleme sonucunda; ülkemizdeki stadyumların kentli ile yeterli oranda etkileşim halinde olmadığı ortaya konulmuş olup, bu etkileşimi arttırmak amacıyla teknolojiden de yararlanılarak farklı etkinliklerin düzenlenmesine elverişli çok amaçlı kullanımı olan stadyumların tasarlanması ve gerekli fonksiyonların düzenlenmesi için ilke ve çözüm önerileri ortaya konmaktadır.
ETNOBOTANI KEANEKARAGAMAN JENIS TUMBUHAN DI PULAU MOTI, PROVINSI MALUKU UTARA, INDONESIA
Authors: Setiawan Marwan , Wardah  , Oryzanti Parwa , Kuncari Emma Sri
Published: June 2023

Pulau Moti merupakan salah satu dari gugusan pulau-pulau kecil kepulauan Halmahera dan terletak di sebelah barat pulau Halmahera. Penduduknya tersebar di seluruh kawasan pulau, terutama di sekitar kawasan pantai dengan mata pencaharian sebagian besar sebagai nelayan, petani kebun pala dan cengkih. Namun demikian, informasi mengenai sumber daya keanekaragaman jenis-jenis tumbuhannya belum banyak terungkap. Oleh karena itu perlu dilakukan penelitian guna mengungkap potensi dan keanekaragaman jenis tumbuhan yang ada di kawasan pulau Moti. Pengumpulan data kajian etnobotani menggunakan metode kualitatif dan kuantitatif. Analisis data menggunakan nilai guna (Use Value/UV) dan Index of Cultural Significance (ICS). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan 96 jenis tumbuhan dimanfaatkan oleh masyarakat pulau Moti, yaitu sebagai bahan obat (35 jenis), pangan (18 jenis), kayu bakar (14 jenis), kerajinan (12 jenis), bangunan (10 jenis), minuman (2 jenis), racun (2 jenis), pakan ternak, ritual dan tanaman hias (masing-masing 1 jenis). Tiga puluh sembilan jenis di antara 96 jenis tumbuhan berguna memiliki nilai UV (0,2-0,8) dan ICS (2-80), sedangkan jenis tumbuhan yang memiliki nilai guna (UV) tertinggi Arenga pinnata Merr. (0,8) dan tumbuhan memiliki nilai ICS tinggi Arenga pinnata Merr. (80), Barringtonia asiatica (L.) Kurz (48), dan Myristica fragrans Houtt. ( 48).
KARAKTERISTIK MORFOLOGI DAN VIABILITAS POLEN PADA EMPAT JENIS MAGNOLIA
Authors: Normasiwi Suluh , Kurniawati Feby
Published: June 2023

Magnolia merupakan tumbuhan berbunga yang primitif dengan warna menarik dan memiliki keunikan tersendiri. Beberapa kajian biologi reproduksi Magnolia telah dilakukan, salah satunya tentang polen. Polen Magnolia memiliki catatan fosil yang panjang dan bentuk morfologi paling primitif, sehingga menarik untuk dipelajari lebih lanjut. Di samping itu, pengetahuan tentang kualitas polen penting dilakukan dalam pengembangan budidaya tanaman Magnolia untuk memprediksi kemampuan reproduksi tanaman sebagai bagian dari studi hibridisasi. Penelitian bertujuan untuk mengetahui karakteristik perbedaan morfologi dan viabilitas polen pada empat jenis Magnolia, di antaranya M. champaca, M. grandiflora, M. liliifera, dan M. obovata. Pengamatan morfologi polen menggunakan Scanning Electron Microscopy. Pengujian viabilitas polen dilakukan dengan dua metode, yaitu pewarnaan (I2KI 1%, Orcein 2%, dan TTC 1%) dan perkecambahan in vitro (asam borat 5 ppm dan sukrosa 5%, 10%, 15%, dan 20%). Hasil pengamatan menunjukkan keempat jenis Magnolia memiliki morfologi dan keunikan yang hampir sama. Ukuran polen paling besar yaitu M. grandiflora, sedangkan polen paling kecil yaitu pada jenis M. champaca. Selanjutnya, pengujian pewarnaan menggunakan larutan I2KI memiliki nilai viabilitas polen lebih tinggi dibandingkan orcein dan TTC. Pada pengujian perkecambahan secara in vitro, hanya polen M. grandiflora yang mampu berkecambah pada media asam borat + sukrosa 5% dalam suhu 4℃ C.
Application of computer aided audit system and innovation research of enterprise financial audit under the background of big data
Authors: Zhang Kaiqi
Published: June 2023

In the rapid development of social economy and science and technology, in the face of the continuous increase of network information resources, the Internet, computer technology, information technology, etc., has changed the content form of daily life and social production, and brought great convenience for people's life and work. From the perspective of enterprise financial audit, the financial audit work with big data technology as the core is much higher than the traditional financial audit work in terms of work efficiency and work quality. Therefore, after understanding the development trend of enterprise financial audit work under the background of big data, this paper mainly studies the relationship between the current enterprise financial audit work and computer-aided audit system according to the emergence of computer-aided audit system in the new era, and defines the development direction of enterprise financial audit work in the future.
REGIONAL BIODIVERSITY OF PLANT CROPS IN POLISH AGRICULTURE CHANGES DURING EU MEMBERSHIP
Authors: Wiśniewski Łukasz
Published: June 2023

The aim of the research was to assess regional changes in the biodiversity of the plant crops on farms. The subject of the study was the structure of crops and groups of crops consisting of 16 species. The spatial scope of the study is Poland in the system of 16 voivodeships, while the time range is the years 2004-2021. The basic method was the Shannon-Wiener index, which was calculated for individual years and regions. In addition, Pearsons linear correlation coefficient was used to identify the relationship between the level of biodiversity and selected agricultural characteristics; and linear regression to determine the trend. The results were presented using choropleth maps and line charts. It was shown that during the period of membership in the EU the evenness of the analyzed structure was characterized by relatively small changes. The regional analysis made it possible to divide Poland into the north-western-central part, where the structure of crops over the years under study became more and more even (d Voivodeship is the clear leader) and the south-eastern part, where the differences between individual crops/groups of crops became more and more even are getting bigger (in this case, this applies in particular to the Maopolskie and Podkarpackie voivodeships). A positive relationship was found between the diversity of the structure of crops and groups of crops and the level of global agricultural production, which indicates that biodiversity can create high-performance agriculture, which is the food base of the country.
QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE OPINION OF POLISH FARMERS ACCORDING TO THE SUBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE INCOME SITUATION
Authors: Grontkowska Anna , Gębska Monika
Published: June 2023

The aim of the article is to determine the quality of life of farmers depending on their subjective assessment of the income situation. Farmers level and quality of life are most often analyzed and assessed based on the situation of households in the survey of household budgets of various groups. The presented research was conducted on 294 farms in 2019 using an interview questionnaire. Based on the obtained data, the quality of life and job satisfaction in agriculture were assessed depending on the subjectively declared assessment of the farms income situation. The study determined the level of assessment for specific formulations on a 5-point scale, where 1 meant a very low rating and 5 a very high rating. Farmers assessed aspects of the quality of life concerning the elements motivating and discouraging agricultural production. Among the elements inducing a farmer to work in agriculture, a relationship was noted between the income situation of farmers and the following phrases: agriculture as a source of livelihood and lifestyle, job satisfaction, and pride in being a producer/breeder. The higher the score in this respect, the more favourable the evaluation of the farms income situation. Concerning the discouraging elements, only the dependence of opinions about the excess of European Union standards and regulations on the income situation of farmers was confirmed.
LEGAL STATUS OF THE ALBANIAN HIGH PROSECUTORIAL COUNCIL IN THE LIGHT OF THE 2016 CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM
Authors: Nowak Krystian
Published: June 2023

The article attempts to analyse the systemic position of the High Prosecutorial Council in the Albanian constitutional system as shaped by the 2016 constitutional reform. The author of this article analyses the regulations of the Constitution of the Republic of Albania and ordinary legislation that define the place and role of the Prosecutorial Council within the Albanian constitutional system. He focuses on showing the legal status of the Prosecutorial Council, draws attention to its composition and competences, which are decisive for the actual establishment of the guarantees of the independence of the prosecution service in Albania. The solutions adopted lead to the conclusion that it is a specialised body of a mixed nature, whose actions are aimed at guaranteeing the independence of prosecutors.
REFLECTIONS ON THE RUSSIAN FEBRUARY REVOLUTION OF 1917. SEVERAL HISTORICAL AND LEGAL REMARKS FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF 2022-2023
Authors: Sadłowski Michał Patryk
Published: June 2023

This article is about the changes in the state system during the February Revolution of 1917 in Russia. Article contains an analysis of political system and political competitions at the beginning of the Russian Revolution od 1917. On the background this description the author of the article provides characteristic of constitutional changes of Russia during revolution. In this area the article contains characteristic the idea of The All Russian Constituent Assembly (Vserossiyskoye Uchreditelnoye sobraniye) and other reform proposals conducted by The Russian Provisional Government. The second problem discussed in the article concerns memory of the Russian Revolution of 1917 and political instrumentalization of them in contemporary Russia
QUALITY OF HOUSING CONDITIONS IN RURAL AREAS IN POLAND AT VOIVODESHIP LEVEL
Authors: Głowicka-Wołoszyn Romana , Wołoszyn Andrzej , Stanisławska Joanna
Published: June 2023

he aim of the research was to conduct a multidimensional assessment of the quality of housing conditions in rural households of different voivodeships (provinces) in comparison to households in Poland overall. The research involved separate evaluations of the quality of internal and external housing conditions. Internal housing conditions pertained to the dwellings themselves and included the standards of their use and the presence of sanitary and technical installations. External housing conditions characterized the housing environment, including nuisances related to noise, crime, and deficiencies in technical and service infrastructure. The overall assessment of the quality of housing conditions encompassed both internal and external indicators. These assessments were based on the values of synthetic indicators determined using the TOPSIS method. The analyses were conducted using individual non-identifiable data from the Household Budget Survey carried out by the Central Statistical Office in 2021. For half of the voivodeships, the quality of internal housing conditions in rural households was assessed as average, while in the dzkie Voivodeship, it was assessed as low. A very high rating was obtained for seven voivodeships: lskie, Opolskie, Podkarpackie, Maopolskie, Lubuskie, Wielkopolskie, and Pomorskie. On the other hand, the quality of external conditions was assessed as high only in the Maopolskie and Podkarpackie Voivodeships, while in the dzkie Voivodeship, it was also assessed as low.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ECONOMIC FUNCTION OF FORESTS ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE STATE FORESTS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE 2030 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Authors: Pater Beata , Sroka Wojciech
Published: June 2023

The article shows the economic function of the State Forests in the context of sustainable development and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda goals. This theoretical and review article was developed on the basis of the literature analysis supported by statistical summaries illustrating the subject matter. The State Forest manages almost 77% of forest resources in Poland. Forest management conducted by the State Forests is based on a multifunctional model, resulting from the need to distinguish all natural functions performed by forests: ecological (protective), economic and social function. Forest management is conducted in a sustainable manner, ensuring the renewal of forest resources and the durability of natural processes, while ensuring the possibility of drawing financial benefits from resource management. The State Forests by employing over 25,000 people with an average salary higher than the average salary in the national economy by almost 60% (2021), transferring to the state budget almost 3 billion PLN in various taxes and by supplying local budgets with a forest tax with a total value of over 235 million PLN (2021).
Climate change and ecological literacy in Ghassān Shibārū’s climate fiction novel "2022"
Authors: Bakker Barbara , Al-Rubaey Nejood
Published: June 2023

Climate change has been attracting increasing attention as one of the most significant consequences of the anthropogenic global warming and fictional narratives have increasingly been involved in engaging human imagination on the topic of climate change. Climate fiction, or cli-fi, is the umbrella term that designates fiction with climate change as its main theme. Climate fiction has been primarily published in English so far and narratives specifically problematising anthropogenic climate change are still quite rare in the Arabic literary landscape. In this regard, the novel 2022 by the Lebanese author Ghassān Shibārū constitutes an interesting case, given that it is authored in Arabic but displays several of the characteristics typical of the cli-fi genre. This paper aims at providing an analysis of Shibārū’s novel 2022 as representative of Arabic climate fiction. The main features of the climate fiction genre and its relationship to the scholarship of ecocriticism are first outlined. An overview of the environment as a theme in Arabic literature and Arabic literary studies then follows. The paper subsequently presents the concept of ecological literacy, which constitutes the theoretical framework for the analysis of the characters in the novel. After a synopsis of the plot, the characters are analysed and discussed and the novel itself is examined as instance of climate fiction as intended by the Anglophone definition of the genre. The authors argue that the purpose of the novel is didactic, since, rather than narrating a fictional story, the novels exploits a fictional story in order to spread awareness of global warming and climate change.

Keywords:   Contemporary Arabic literature • Climate change • Climate fiction • Ecocriticism • Ecological literacy
Biocontrol of Pathogens using a Sustainable Tool: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Ballal Suhas , Pathak Kratika , Sharma Shweta R.
Published: June 2023

Sustainable agricultural methods are essential to achieving the objective of ending world hunger because of the expanding global population. The agricultural sector is very concerned about both the Modern Environmental Health Hazards (MEHHs) which were troubles to Public Health (PH) caused by insect repellent experience, residue, with the rise in insecticide resistance. Today’s farming methods rely on microbial bio-stimulants, which are safer and more productive than synthetic agrochemicals. In this respect, using microorganisms for BioControl (BC) that may stifle insects and phytopathogens is one of the most crucial methods for sustainable agriculture. Understanding these bacteria’s role in promoting development as well as the management of the illness is essential since they are being used in the field as biopesticides or biofertilizers, with varied degrees of efficiency. For plant and insect pathogen analysis, we have used Biocontrol analysis. Through the use of advantageous microbes, substances, or healthy cropping practices, BC inhibits plant diseases, boosts plant immunity, and/or modifies the environment
Public Services, Community, and Its Involvement in Decision-Making for Local Development
Authors: Draçi Parashqevi , Laska Anxhela
Published: June 2023

Nowadays, the comprehensive approach to the decision-making of local government and the community is increasingly emphasized as an important factor without which there can be no sustainable development. Community participation in decision-making for the allocation of economic resources in the public sector is an important issue that is closely related to the economic efficiency of the use of resources and the consolidation of democracy in a country. Community participation in decision-making, as one of the essential elements of sustainable development, creates appropriate interaction and makes residents self-direct their behavior in accordance with the objectives of sustainable development. The objectives of the study aim to highlight: 1) the important role of the community in public decision-making for the use of economic resources 2) solving problems begins with the participation of residents in local government decision-making, 3) residents' perception of public services provided by the government local, 4) residents' perception of participation in public decision-making for the allocation of economic resources by the local government. The research method in this study is based on the literature study, analysis, and monitoring carried out by independent institutions and organizations on community participation in local government decision-making and on the qualitative technique for collecting primary data through interviewing residents in the study area. The results of the data analysis show that most of the interviewed residents do not know the development plans of their settlement. But the communities themselves have already realized that their participation in the planning process for the development of their settlements is necessary. For this reason, the local government and all other actors must create effective mechanisms to ensure the participation of residents in decision-making for local development, making the process more participatory and inclusive.

 

Received: 10 January 2023 / Accepted: 19 February 2023 / Published: 20 March 2023
Graves' Ophthalmopathy: A Comprehensive Review of Current Evidence and Management Approaches
Authors: Haxhihyseni Daniela , Krasniqi Marsida , Kalaja Rezarta
Published: June 2023

Thyroid ophthalmopathy, also known as Graves' ophthalmopathy or thyroid eye disease, is an autoimmune condition that affects the eyes and is often associated with hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid gland. It is characterized by inflammation, swelling, and tissue changes in the muscles and tissues around the eyes, leading to a range of symptoms including bulging eyes, double vision, eye pain, redness, and sensitivity to light. The treatment of thyroid ophthalmopathy typically involves managing the underlying thyroid condition, relieving symptoms, and preventing complications. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are commonly used to reduce inflammation and swelling in the eye tissues. They can be administered orally or locally through eye drops or injections. Orbital radiotherapy, a form of radiation therapy, may also be used to reduce inflammation in the eye tissues, particularly in cases where corticosteroids are not effective or not well tolerated. In addition to medical treatments, eye protection measures are important in managing thyroid ophthalmopathy. This may include wearing sunglasses to protect the eyes from exposure to sunlight and using lubricating eye ointments at night to alleviate dryness. If eyelid retraction or swelling is present, eyelid management techniques such as lubricating ointments, taping the eyelids closed during sleep, or using moisture chamber glasses may be recommended to protect the cornea and relieve symptoms. Managing the underlying thyroid condition is also crucial in the treatment of thyroid ophthalmopathy. This may involve medications to regulate thyroid hormone levels, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery to remove the thyroid gland, depending on the individual case. Surgical intervention may also be necessary in severe cases of eye-related complications, such as double vision or optic nerve compression. Surgical options may include decompression surgery, eyelid surgery, or strabismus surgery to realign the eyes. It's important to note that the management of thyroid ophthalmopathy is typically tailored to the specific needs of each patient and may involve a multidisciplinary approach involving endocrinologists, ophthalmologists, and sometimes surgeons. Regular follow-up and monitoring are necessary to assess the effectiveness of the treatment plan and make any necessary adjustments. In conclusion, thyroid ophthalmopathy is an autoimmune condition that affects the eyes and is often associated with hyperthyroidism. Treatment typically involves managing the underlying thyroid condition, relieving symptoms, and preventing complications. Corticosteroids, orbital radiotherapy, eye protection measures, and surgical intervention may be used as part of the management plan. It's important to work closely with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for each individual case.

 

Received: 14 January 2023 / Accepted: 26 February 2023 / Published: 20 March 2023
Driving Small Business Expansion: Evaluating the Effects of Tax Exemption for Small Enterprises in Albania until 2029
Authors: Trebicka Brunela , Tartaraj Azeta
Published: June 2023

This paper examines the effects of tax exemption on small enterprises in Albania until 2029, with a focus on driving business expansion. The study aims to assess the impact of this fiscal policy on small business growth and explore its implications for the Albanian economy. By evaluating the effects of tax exemption on various dimensions of small enterprises, including revenue generation, profitability, employment, and investment, this research provides valuable insights into the potential benefits and challenges associated with the policy. Drawing on both quantitative and qualitative data, the study employs a comprehensive approach, combining statistical analysis with in-depth interviews of small business owners and key stakeholders. The findings contribute to the existing literature by shedding light on the effectiveness of tax exemption as a tool to promote small business expansion and provide policy recommendations for policymakers and government authorities. The results of this research will inform decision-making processes related to fiscal policies aimed at supporting small businesses, ultimately fostering sustainable economic development in Albania.

 

Received: 15 January 2023 / Accepted: 18 March 2023 / Published: 20 March 2023
The Eastern Medıterranean Energy Resources and Redetermınatıon of Regıonal Balances: Turkıye's Posıtıon
Authors: Aydin Ulviyye Sanili
Published: June 2023

The Eastern Mediterranean energy resources are incredibly significant for the states in the region as these reserves are vital to ensure their energy security and promote economic development. Geographically bordering the region, Turkiye, Israel, Egypt, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus (GCA), Greece, Lebanon, Syria and Libya follow active policies in the Eastern Mediterranean. On the other hand, countries such as the USA, Russia, England, France and Italy try to take their position in the energy equation in the Eastern Mediterranean, although they do not have a border with the region. In this context, the world's largest energy companies focused on the region and compete with each other for a share in the energy exploration and pipeline projects there. In the Eastern Mediterranean region, which can be compared to a multivariate equation, many problems, crises and cooperation opportunities coexist due to the geopolitics of it. Europe’s intensifying energy crisis followed by the Russian-Ukrainian war added a new dimension to the current situation in the region. It seems that the energy resources in the Eastern Mediterranean will redetermine the balance of power in the regions. Using literature review as a research methodology, the aim of this paper is to analyze Turkiye’s position in the process of redistribution of cards in the region. The data will be collected using various methods, including a review of the academic studies, public documents and statistics, interviews and official declarations of the authorities.

 

Received: 05 May 2022 / Accepted: 16 May 2023 / Published: 20 May 2023
Hybrid Democracies of the Western Balkans
Authors: Pano Doriana
Published: June 2023

The governance models of Western Balkan states are now based on a liberal democracy and the development of an open and free economy. In the early 2000s, the European Union was very active in the Western Balkans, strongly promoting democratic values for good governance and strengthening the implementation of the rule of law, democratizing state institutions, with the aim of creating a legal order to protect and respect human rights. Despite the engagement of European Union structures, it is now evident that in some countries of the Western Balkans, there are tendencies towards an authoritarian model of the state, away from a functional system for effective governance. The reasons are mainly due to internal factors and circumstances of the region. The international factor has consistently criticized these governance models being created in some Western Balkan countries, which take the form of hybrid democracies. This form of governance has already established its own status quo and is an approach that is resistant to change, both by international factors and by domestic governmental/political structures. The integration of Western Balkan states into Euro-Atlantic institutions, especially the European Union, remains the main topic of discussion for key leaders, not only within the region but also among the main leaders of the European Union member countries. Integration is a complex process that requires mutual cooperation. On the one hand, serious commitment is required from Western Balkan countries to meet the conditionality criteria, and on the other hand, the European Union must be willing to undertake concrete initiatives for their inclusion. These initiatives may also require reforms within the structures of the European Union. Diplomatically, initially, traditional bilateral relations were seen as the most reliable alternative to achieve Euro-Atlantic integration, which the Western Balkan countries aspire to so much. Despite numerous efforts, the Western Balkan countries now feel "fatigued" from the long wait, resulting from difficult conditions and technicalities. The governance of the region's countries is under constant pressure from bureaucracy and the weakness in decision-making of European Union institutions, as well as from the constraints and conditions applied over the years. This situation has led to an "internal upheaval" both within the political class and the civil society of Western Balkan countries. High-ranking political leaders of some Western Balkan countries have now taken joint political initiatives with regional significance. Based on the various developments in a complex region such as the Western Balkans, this paper aims to present the implications that may arise in the Euro-Atlantic integration process from the involvement of actors with different geo-strategic interests.

 

 

Received: 05 May 2022 / Accepted: 16 May 2023 / Published: 20 May 2023
Liability for Causing Damage under European Private International Law: Albanian Rapprochement Framework during the Integration Process Towards the EU
Authors: Cela Ervis , Çela Radovan , Kalemaj Endi
Published: June 2023

In this paper, the responsibility for damage will be dealt with in the field of European private international law. The historical part of causing damage will be dealt with, where we will focus mainly on the provision of national legislation and what international legislation has dealt with! Responsibility will be addressed from the point of view of Regulation II of Rome, some special obligation relationships, focusing on some specific damages which this regulation deals with, and the scope of the appropriate law! The alignment of Rome II Regulation with Albanian internal legislation will be addressed. First, we will deal with the historical part of the paper, how it was treated at the time of Zog and until today, then we will continue with the treatment of the current and international legislation, bringing the comparative part and the innovation in the domestic legislation and will to conclude with some conclusions which should be in the attention of the legislators for the future. When a damage is caused, which comes as a result of human actions, a civil legal relationship arises. The damager who causes this legal relationship must be held responsible, this requires certain stages to be passed where it is determined what is the damage that has occurred, the conditions that must be met, the calculation of the facts, the legitimacy that the parties have process etc. The cause of damage is divided into two categories, contractual and non-contractual damage. That part of the law that regulates contractual and non-contractual damages recognizes the right of persons to be compensated for the damages that may have been caused to them as a result of the breach of contract or the commission of any illegal action. The other commonality between the two types of damages is the reason for exemption from responsibility for causing these damages, which can be force majeure, extreme necessity.

 

Received: 05 May 2022 / Accepted: 16 May 2023 / Published: 20 May 2023
Integration Standards and Public Administration Dimensions in Light of the Integration Perspective of Albania in the EU
Authors: Aliaj Erjola , Tiri Edvana
Published: June 2023

After the fall of the communist regime, one of the challenges and the highest priority for the external politics, is the European integration, that is also the aspiration of all Albanians. The European integration is not merely the implementation of various political, legislation, technical and institutional criteria, but rather a union of democratic, communal and integration values and ideals of the Albanian society into the European community, into the community of freedom and democratic values and norms, where these aspirations take credit. During this transitioning period, the Albania European integration has been constantly replete with political and institutional challenges and political processes that must be developed and progressed by the political parties and the Albanian society in general. Moreover, it is worth mentioning that during this transitioning period, Albania has carried over important problematics related to the development of sustainable political institutions, a functional public administration, a free election process with democratic standards, a sustainable financial system, as well as a sustainable social, cultural and intercommunity processes. Therefore, in this context, the present paper will analyse the Albanian perspective and challenges with the focus on the standards and nature of integration in the European Union. In order to comprehend the changes and development in light of this perspective, this paper will also consider the role and the importance of Public Administration integrating dimensions, aiming at understanding the evolution of Albania and its legislation in the European perspective. The analyses of its integration dynamics are to understand the improvement of Albania's image in the world in terms of these aspects, the change of the policy-making concept, the development of political institutions, as well as the evolution of Albanian legislation to align with that of the EU. Moreover, this analysis shall not simply render this paper actual and coherent with the most essential integration politics, legislation and institutional that relate directly with the Albanian European integration process, but it will rather demonstrate that Albania has yet a very long road ahead to become part of the European Union and the achievement reached so far have been positive and promissory.

 

Received: 05 May 2022 / Accepted: 14 May 2023 / Published: 20 May 2023
Human Rights in the Face of Global Challenges
Authors: Lusha Evelina
Published: June 2023

Human rights in the face of global challenges are becoming increasingly important as the world becomes ever more interconnected. The global community is facing a multitude of challenges, from climate change, wars and displacement to political instability and economic inequality. In response to these issues, the international community has renewed its focus on human rights. This renewed focus has led to an increased emphasis on the protection and promotion of fundamental rights, such as the right to life, liberty, and security of the person. At the same time, global challenges threaten to undermine the progress made in protecting human rights. For example, the displacement caused by climate change has the potential to create conditions in which human rights abuses can flourish. Similarly, economic inequalities can lead to social exclusion and discrimination. In order to protect and promote human rights in the face of these global challenges, governments must work in partnership with non-governmental organizations, civil society groups, and individuals. This collaboration should focus on strengthening existing human rights laws and creating new ones to tackle the issues of climate change, displacement, and economic inequality. In addition, governments should ensure that everyone has access to the justice system.

 

Received: 05 May 2022 / Accepted: 18 May 2023 / Published: 20 May 2023
Legislative Solution to Prevent the Interference of Foreign Financing in the Electoral Campaign and their Destabilizing Effects
Authors: Kume Andon
Published: June 2023

The Albanian legislation, the Electoral Code and the Law for political parties, prohibit the financing of the election campaign by foreign governments, institutions and/or public or private entities, for political parties and their candidates. Among the effects that such financing can cause, the main ones are: (i) misgovernance and the promotion of destabilizing situations in the country, (ii) the promotion and generation of destabilizing situations in the Balkan region. For well-known geostrategic reasons, the countries of the Western Balkans, including Albania, are really exposed to the interference of foreign funding in election campaigns. This situation conditions the need for further adjustments in the legislation with the following objectives: (i) preventing the interference of foreign financing in the election campaign (ii) strengthening the sanctions (ii) treating this legal violation as a serious criminal offense that must be included in SPAK jurisdiction. Among the issues that should be treated with priority are also the necessary legal regulations through which must be prevent the use of social media and portals as channels for the realization of the objectives aimed at by foreign fundings. Together with these changes, support for strengthen of the capacities of law enforcement institutions for tracking, identifying and punishing violations of the law that prohibits the financing of the election campaign of political parties and their candidates with foreign fund is necessary.

 

Received: 05 May 2022 / Accepted: 16 May 2023 / Published: 20 May 2023