bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computational Studies Using COMSOL Multiphysics on Dielectrophoretic Characterization and Separation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Undergoing Tenogenic Differentiation
Authors: Oladokun Raphael 
Published: April 2024

Stem cells have unique self-renewal and differentiation capacities, which are advantageous for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering applications. Stem cells can recreate cells needed to repair injured tissues and organs in the body, for example, by regenerating connective tissues, which provide support, protection, and a structural framework for various organs and other tissues. However, a significant limitation is the susceptibility of tendons to injury with long-term loss of function.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) therapies are promising for healing tendon injuries and tears but controlling stem cell differentiation and generating homogeneous tenogenic stem cell populations remains challenging. Therefore, separating differentiating and non-differentiating MSCs to collect homogenous cells is critical for further tissue repair after transplantation. To substantiate our hypothesis that differentiating and non-differentiating stem cells have unique dielectric properties, we focused on characterizing-obtaining dielectric signatures for differentiating tenogenic and non-tenogenic MSCs on the third day of differentiation using dielectrophoresis (DEP) focused on crossover frequencies [1, 2]. The estimated values for membrane capacitance, conductivity, and permittivity after 3-day treatment of undifferentiated cells differentiating into tenogenic MSCs are 2.46±0.1 pF, 0.82±0.01 S/m, and 1.97±0.05, respectively, and cytoplasm conductivity 0.82±0.02 S/m. The treated stem cells undergo differentiation, but the untreated cells don’t. The results showed a significant difference between the 3-day treatment and no-treatment group.

The estimated properties from the dielectrophoretic characterization studies are crucial in designing a DEP-based enrichment microdevice to collect homogeneous differentiated stem cell populations for tendon repair. Using particle tracing, creeping flow (transport of diluted species model), and electric current physics in COMSOL Multiphysics simulation software, we designed a microdevice that achieves 100% separation of untreated and treated mesenchymal stem cells undergoing differentiation towards tendon.
Applying dielectrophoresis to the microdevice architecture demonstrated high selectivity and yield, processing one million treated and untreated stem cells in 6.4 and 27.8 hours, respectively.
Evaluating the effects of metal ions on malate dehydrogenase enzyme activity in Watermelon.
Authors: AGYEMANG Doris , Silva Shalika 
Published: April 2024

Malate Dehydrogenase (MDH) is an essential enzyme in the cellular respiration pathway known as the Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle. Using NAD+ or NADP+ as a cofactor, MDH catalyzes the reversible conversion of oxaloacetate to malate. It can be found in plants, bacteria, and animals. However, some metal ions, such as Cu2+, Zn2+, and Pb2+, can decrease MDH activity. In this study, the recombinant MDH protein (His-MDH) of watermelon was purified and quality tested by SDS-PAGE. The average protein concentrations of elution, cell lysate, and wash were 0.37 mg/mL, 2.23 mg/mL, and 0.24 mg/mL, respectively. According to SDS-PAGE, the size of the purified protein was approximately 37 kD, suggesting the purification of the correct protein.
The enzyme activity of the MDH protein will be tested in the presence of metal ions such as MgSO4, NiSO4, ZnSO4, CuSO4, and PdCl2, which have been shown to inhibit dehydrogenase enzymes. Our results provide valuable insight on how different metal ions present in the environment can affect the cell respiration of organisms by affecting the malate dehydrogenase enzyme. Further studies on the roles of metal ions in the TCA cycle and related metabolism, as well as the mechanisms by which metal ions inhibit enzyme activity, will be beneficial in understanding ways to improve soil conditions for higher crop production and for the understanding of evolutionary processes.
Media Literacy in the Era of Globalization: Innovative Strategies for Decoding Information
Authors: Gjerazi Blerina 
Published: April 2024

This paper explores the pivotal role of media education in addressing challenges posed by misinformation, deliberate disinformation campaigns, and the manipulation of public opinion in the contemporary digital communication and media landscape. By emphasizing globalized information interactions, it underscores the need to cultivate a culture of critical media analysis and essential skills for discerning information. Through an exhaustive literature review, the research assesses existing media education paradigms, scrutinizing their efficacy in preparing individuals for discerning engagement in digital challenges. Leveraging case studies and exploring renowned organizations, projects dedicated to fostering media literacy, and innovative platforms designed to enhance digital literacy skills, the study investigates global approaches to media literacy initiatives, focusing on successful practices across diverse regions. The role of technology is examined both as a contributing factor to and a mitigating force against challenges in media education. This exploration includes innovative tools and platforms designed to augment digital skills. Recognizing cultural dimensions, the research acknowledges the diversity of socio-cultural contexts within which individuals interpret media. Ethical considerations underscore the responsibilities of key stakeholders in championing the cause of media literacy. By providing a comprehensive examination of effective strategies and amalgamating practical knowledge and theoretical frameworks to navigate contemporary information challenges on a global scale, this paper makes a significant contribution to the scholarly discourse on media education.

Received: 25 December 2023 / Accepted: 25 February 2024 / Published: 23 April 2024
The Role of Technology in Travel Journalism: The Albanian Case
Authors: Skana Pranvera 
Published: April 2024

Digitalization has affected the specialization of travel journalism, but has brought opportunities and many new challenges. Travel journalism is now everywhere, with multimedia capabilities, personalization, interactivity, hypertext stories, virtuality, etc. The role of technology has already broken-down the traditional media monopoly, as the ability of Web 2.0 has enabled anyone to give rise to a customed media, create and distribute content, where travel journalists now thanks to different platforms allow users and travelers to plan trips, share their experiences instantly with a wide audience and react to stories published by others. In this article will examine how this genre is developing in Albania, specifically because our country is experiencing a touristic boom, but also thanks to the technology development. It will be perceived how tourism has re-dimensioned and updated this journalistic genre, through qualitative interviews of actors in the field, where through them will get to know the challenges and perspectives.

Received: 25 December 2023 / Accepted: 25 February 2024 / Published: 23 April 2024
The Process of Internationalization of Universities and its Impact on Student’s Decision Making
Authors: Tepelena Ikbale 
Published: April 2024

As higher education institutions increasingly embrace a global outlook, this study aims to explore the complexities of internationalization and provide insights into how it shapes students' choices when selecting universities. The research seeks to contribute to an understanding of the interplay between university internationalization and student decision-making. The research initiates with an exploration of the internationalization process within universities, examining the motivations, strategies, and challenges faced by institutions as they navigate the global landscape. A central focus of this study is the examination of how the internationalization of universities influences the decision-making criteria of students. It also considers the role of global rankings, institutional reputation, and cross-border partnerships in shaping students' choices within an internationalized higher education framework.

Received: 25 December 2023 / Accepted: 25 February 2024 / Published: 23 April 2024
Machiavelli’s State as a Punishment for the Violence of the Law in the Context of Human Animal Instinct
Authors: Ahmetaj Lavdosh 
Published: April 2024

In order to amend the philosophical, political and legal understanding of that personality who managed to study and structure the monumental work of the state "The Prince" so nicely, it is necessary to understand what subject content there is on which the academic life was mined and grown and Machiavelli's philosophy. The latter being one of the brightest minds in the field of the study of the state and, to understand it, it is necessary to study the cultural and intellectual environment, the product of which was our Philosopher. Viewed in this context, it is necessary to understand the European city of Florence, the main city-state of the Renaissance, where Machiavelli was born. This should be accompanied by the study of the city-state of Firenze, in relation to other Italian states with which it had extensive and very intense relations. While, on the other hand, the nature and form of government of the state of Florence, accompanied by the reformers of the state constitution, who inherited it, but remained in their ideas and views until the time of the diocese of the Republic, cannot be left without attention. On the other hand, the study of the non-Italian states, which were in a state of competition with Florence, should be looked at carefully.

Received: 25 December 2023 / Accepted: 25 February 2024 / Published: 23 April 2024
Internationalism of the Post-Cold War World: Clinton’s Foreign Policy for the Global Age
Authors: Tomja Alida 
Published: April 2024

The end of the Cold War prompted a critical reassessment of America’s global role, particularly during the post-Cold War era led by the Clinton administration. Faced with a shifting geopolitical landscape, President Bill Clinton addressed challenges and opportunities, seeking to define America’s role in this transformed international arena. As the bipolar structure of the Cold War dissolved, geo-economics took precedence over geopolitics. The ‘end of history’ narrative signaled a departure from traditional boundaries, and Clinton grappled with the choice of maintaining leadership through global engagement and internationalism. This study analyzes Clinton’s foreign policy throughout his presidency, emphasizing key issues like terrorism and the Balkans. It explores how perceptions of American decline, both economically and militarily, influenced internationalist policies. Additionally, it delves into the impact of conceptual frameworks such as ‘democratic peace,’ ‘unipolar moment,’ and ‘soft power’ on Clinton’s decisions. Drawing on primary sources and influential literature, the research suggests that Clinton’s foreign policy represented a strategic blend of internationalism and pragmatism, addressing the complexities of the post-Cold War world. To conclude, this research contributes to understanding how the end of the Cold War reshaped the global geopolitical landscape and explores the ideological underpinnings guiding the United States in the post-Cold War international arena.

Received: 25 December 2023 / Accepted: 25 February 2024 / Published: 23 April 2024
The Role of Experts in Governance: The Case of Albania in the Context of European Integration
Authors: Sadiku Blerina 
Published: April 2024

The role of experts in governance might strengthen democratic principles as it might risk them as well. However, in the complexity of the nowadays world, taking the right decisions has become complicated. Therefore, there is the need for experts to take decisions in different fields of decision-making. In the context of governance in the public sphere, apart from the experts’ decision-making, it is imperative to uphold democratic principles that ensure a fair representation of the minorities, to safeguard against any adverse impact resulting from experts’ advice or decisions on certain issues. The most developed countries or other supranational entities like the European Union undertake evaluations on the impact that policies have on certain contexts, while developing countries might encounter difficulties despite the achievements in this context. While Albania has made legislative advancements in recent years, further enhancements are expected in the future to improve instruments and mechanisms which will contribute to a soother implementation of these legislative initiatives. In contrast, the European Union has shown a notable reliance on experts in public sector governance and decision-making processes. Although experts in Albania contribute to governance, ongoing debates persist on certain issues. Hence, this article seeks to analyze the role of experts in the Albanian governance, particularly considering the country’s aspirations toward the European Union integration. By examining the implications for democratic principles and effective decision-making processes in the context of experts’ involvement, this study seeks to provide insights for enhancing governance practices in the country’s context of policy making process.

Received: 25 December 2023 / Accepted: 25 February 2024 / Published: 23 April 2024
Missing Persons from the Communist Era in Albania as a Human Rights Challenge
Authors: Abdurrahmani Bledar 
Published: April 2024

Although more than three decades have passed since the fall of communism in Albania, nothing is still known about the burial place of over 6,000 missing persons. Family members still do not know the truth about the fate of their missing relatives. Such a thing not only represents a serious violation of the right to life, but has been causing a continuous suffering to the relatives of the missing people. During the last decades, a number of international and domestic laws have focused on the state obligation to create the necessary approach and mechanisms to handle this issue. The paper aims to make an analysis of the legal status of the missing people from the communist era in international and domestic law. In particular, the paper aims to examine domestic measures about this issue. The paper supports the hypothesis that despite the legal and institutional measures undertaken, the issue of missing persons from the communist era in Albania still represents a social and human rights challenge.

Received: 25 December 2023 / Accepted: 25 February 2024 / Published: 23 April 2024
The Role of Frontex and Easo in the Field of Asylum Policies and the Guarantee of Respecting People's Rights and Integrity
Authors: Muskaj Blerina 
Published: April 2024

In the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), in CHAPTER V titled "Area of freedom, security and justice" it has recognized the competence of the topic of immigration which has gone through an important process of agentization, as has happened with many policies of other EU countries. The role of the European Union in answering the questions and problems posed by migratory flows, affecting the countries that are part of it, has been for many months one of the elements of the major debate within the European institutions, between the states and, obviously. , within them, with significant consequences on the political level. Despite the inevitable and many difficulties - the basic and inalienable rights of those who come to a certain country and those of those who have lived there for a long time and have a good reason to wait, the Stockholm Program of adopted by the European Council aims precisely to face the challenge of "guaranteeing respect for fundamental rights and freedoms and the integrity of people, while at the same time guaranteeing security in Europe". This should be supported, among others, by the development and implementation of policies to control and combat irregular and clandestine immigration, improving cooperation with third countries (of origin and transit of migrants), the objective of reaching a system of common asylum applying the principle of solidarity between member states in accordance with the article. 67, par. 2, which should lead to "the further analysis and development of mechanisms for the voluntary and coordinated sharing of responsibilities between Member States". European agencies represent an important part of the Union's institutional mechanism. FRONTEX and EASO were presented as tools to facilitate or strengthen cooperation operational between the authorities of the Member States. However, the activities they perform go beyond simple coordination, as they have acquired characteristics that can have negative consequences for others.

Received: 25 December 2023 / Accepted: 25 February 2024 / Published: 23 April 2024
The Shadow of the Future: A Framework for Reform in Higher Education
Authors: Beqa Mentor 
Published: April 2024

The vast majority of professions practiced a century ago no longer exist, having been supplanted by robotics and other technological advancements. The Global Technology Network posits that the acceleration of technological unemployment is likely to emerge as one of the most challenging societal issues of the twenty-first century. While 'creative destruction', wherein obsolete job roles are replaced by new ones, will play a significant role, our latest technologies possess the potential to eliminate more jobs than they generate. Given the geometric progression of technological advancements, robotics, artificial intelligence, 3D printing, and other disruptive innovations are poised to significantly impact conventional professions in the labor market imminently. Billions of individuals worldwide are currently employed in industries likely to be affected, and billions more entering the workforce will require employment. Higher Education (HE) is confronted with dual challenges in this process: on one hand, it needs to align its entire knowledge production chain with these dynamic requirements to ensure its outputs remain relevant; on the other hand, it must undergo self-transformation to maintain its significance in the production of both technical and non-technical knowledge. This research endeavors to pinpoint Albania's position within these global trends and explores how HE in Albania can adapt without undergoing a catastrophic shock. We advocate for a fundamental overhaul of the higher education system, focusing on transforming the relationship between the state and higher education institutions. Starting from the premise that the socialist experiment with the university system has failed, we propose the outline of a potential reform that reimagines the role of stakeholders. The efficient utilization of new technologies could facilitate this transformation.

Received: 25 December 2023 / Accepted: 25 February 2024 / Published: 23 April 2024
Non-State Actors' Impact on Albania's European Integration: Contributions, Opportunities, and Challenges
Authors: Reçi Mirjam 
Published: April 2024

This paper examines the significant role of non-state actors in the European integration process, focusing specifically on the case of Albania. The purpose is to analyze how various non-state actors in Albania, such as civil society organizations, think tanks, businesses, and grassroots movements, have contributed to the country's journey towards European integration. The paper aims to highlight the opportunities and challenges these actors bring, and how their involvement can shape Albania's path towards EU accession.

Received: 25 December 2023 / Accepted: 25 February 2024 / Published: 23 April 2024
Right to Privacy and Constitution: An In-Depth Analysis
Authors: Dhamo Ana , Dhamo Iris 
Published: April 2024

This paper presents a detailed analysis of the relationship between the right to privacy and the Constitution, examining the theoretical foundations, contemporary challenges, and legal implications of this crucial union in the context of fundamental rights. Privacy, understood as the right to be left alone and to control personal information, has evolved as a cornerstone of democratic and progressive societies. We begin by exploring the roots of the right to privacy in legal and philosophical theories, highlighting how this concept has gained importance in safeguarding human dignity and individual freedom. It also discusses historical and social influences that have shaped the perception of privacy in the context of the formation of modern Constitutions. Subsequently, emerging challenges related to privacy in the digital age are examined. The increasing interconnectivity through information technologies and the proliferation of personal data have posed new challenges to privacy protection, necessitating a critical reevaluation of existing constitutional laws and guarantees. Tensions between the right to privacy and other societal needs, such as national security and crime prevention, are also explored in an attempt to identify a balance that can safeguard both interests. Furthermore, the paper addresses recent legislative and jurisprudential developments regarding the right to privacy, both at the national and international levels. The analysis focuses on crucial court decisions, privacy laws, and legislative debates that have shaped the current legal framework. Finally, potential future developments in the context of the right to privacy and the Constitution are explored, taking into account technological advances, ethical challenges, and emerging societal needs. The aim is to provide a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of how the right to privacy integrates and evolves within the constitutional framework, contributing to a critical understanding of an increasingly relevant topic in contemporary society.

Received: 25 December 2023 / Accepted: 25 February 2024 / Published: 23 April 2024
Compatibilty of Albanian Legislation with European Union – Eu Legislation
Authors: Lila Ervis , Lila Anxhela 
Published: April 2024

EU membership would be an event with a great impact on Albanian society, on the functioning of institutions, on the economic economy and on the well-being of the people, which being a great driving force would give a variety of positive results. The desire to have the rule of law, the rule of law, the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, the economy, the state and well-being, which are seen as distinct elements for the member states of the European Union, are a strong driving force, as a way out this EU membership for the realization of the essential factors. They should aim for membership in the European Union, we should align their domestic legislation with the legislation of the European Union and implement it effectively. The obligation of the Republic of Albania for the approximation of its legislation with the EU acquis derives from the Stabilization and Association Agreement EU - Albania, which was signed on 12 June 2006 and entered into force on 1 April 2009. Article 70 of the SAA - For Albania, it would like to ensure that its existing laws and future legislation gradually go hand in hand with the EU acquis. This approximation started on the date of signing the SAA and will be gradually extended to all elements of the EU acquis required by this Agreement within a transitional period of up to 10 years, divided into two phases. During the first phase of the transitional period (which has manifested itself with the entry into force of the SAA) the approximation focused on the essential elements of the Internal Market acquis, during the second phases of Albania, to become a remaining part of the acquis.

Received: 25 December 2023 / Accepted: 25 February 2024 / Published: 23 April 2024