bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Private Pensions (The Only Way to Increase Pensions System in Albania)
Authors: Petraj Ina 
Published: June 2023

The private pensions market, even though it is known as a relatively new market in Albania, its study and analysis takes on a very special importance as this market is directly related to the growth of pensions as a whole. In the doctrine of financial law, three main pillars are recognized for the way the pension scheme works today. The first pillar is a state insurance system of the pay-as-you-go principle. This system is based on the principle of solidarity and continuity of generations. The second pillar is a combination of the state system and the private one, where every insured person in the compulsory state insurance scheme (the first pillar) is legally obliged to pay a part of the individual contributions to a private pension fund. In our opinion, this way remains one of the best ways for the development and growth of this market in Albania, solving at the same time a very big social problem related to the third age in our country. The third pillar is a completely voluntary system with private management, where every person who wants to have higher sources of income for the retirement period enters into an insurance relationship with these private institutions, which, through efficient management, ensure higher income large and additional benefits against the payment of contributions. This paper is a study of the private pension market in Albania and the analysis of some of its constituent elements, in an attempt to answer some important issues related to the development of this market as a whole.

Received: 05 May 2022 / Accepted: 16 May 2023 / Published: 20 May 2023
Kosovo's Journey Towards European Integration: Progress, Challenges, and the Way Forward
Authors: Tare Denisa 
Published: June 2023

Kosovo, a landlocked country in the Western Balkans, declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Since then, it has been actively pursuing its European integration process to become a fully-fledged member of the European Union. The European integration process is a strategic priority for Kosovo, as it seeks to align its legal, institutional, and administrative framework standard. The process promotes democratic governance, the rule of law, human rights, and economic development. Kosovo's European integration process is guided by the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) it signed with the European Union in 2015, which sets out the framework for Kosovo's engagement with the European Union and outlines the necessary reforms and commitments for its European integration. The SAA is accompanied by several other European Union instruments and initiatives, such as the European Reform Agenda, which provides a roadmap for reforms, and the European Investment Plan, which aims to boost economic growth and investment in Kosovo. The European integration process is crucial for Kosovo's political stability, economic prosperity, and social development. It is seen as a way to strengthen the rule of law, democracy, and human rights. And to enhance Kosovo's regional cooperation and reconciliation efforts. However, Kosovo faces various challenges in its European integration process, including corruption, organized crime, weak governance, and socio-economic disparities. In this context, discussion on the necessary steps for Kosovo to continue its path towards European integration, focusing on key areas such as reforms, democratic governance, alignment with the European Union acquis, economic development, human capital, regional cooperation, administrative capacities, citizen engagement, dialogue with the European Union, and progress monitoring. By taking these steps, Kosovo can progress in its European integration process and move closer to its goal of European Union membership.

Received: 05 May 2022 / Accepted: 14 May 2023 / Published: 20 May 2023
The Challenges for the Revitalization of Education
Authors: Çaka Ilir 
Published: June 2023

The dynamics of the events that have taken place during the last period, have placed the world education in general, but also the school in particular in the face of insignificant challenges. Trying to understand how and how much they cope with the change that this system had to face, especially Pre-University Schools and Universities brought concern to all actors in the field of education, but not only. This, in fact, has put the education system in the face of very complex problems. It had to undergo a series of changes and this had to happen at a rapid pace.The necessity for capacity building both in technological means for all actors involved in this new way of education, as well as in the preparation of teachers and pedagogues in the use of technology and online platforms was an indisputable challenge, where a very big role played even themselves. Given the challenges and dynamics of recent years, especially the "disease" faced not only by humanity, but also the world education system, the hypothesis raised in this study is: Will we be able to bridge the gap created by knowledge acquisition in this period? Will the education system be restored to its former efficiency, or should the entire system be reformed?

Received: 4 June 2021 / Accepted: 10 July 2021 / Published: 15 July 2021
Evaluation of Teaching Methods in Medical Technical Science Department of Aleksander Moisiu University of Durres
Authors: Kalaja Rezarta , Krasniqi Marsida 
Published: June 2023

Teaching is the key to have a well- prepared student in the job market.The department of medical technical science has always been committed to teaching as high quality as possible. The aim of our study is to evaluate the teaching methods in Medial Technical Science Department in Aleksander Moisiu University of Durres. This is a cross- sectional studies conducted in a period of 2 moths were 332 students participate. Student’s feedback on teaching methods was collected through “Google form questionnaire”. Questions regarding type of teaching methods, how satisfy students were about teaching methods and what they suggest to improve the teaching were collected. Data were presented as percentage. In our study students were satisfied with teaching methods except with laboratory and hospital practice. Most of the students reported that video projector teaching methods has a great impact in understanding the lecture. More teaching and students interactivity and evaluation forms in the end of the lecture were suggested from the students.

Received: 30 January 2022 / Accepted: 5 March 2022 / Published: 20 March 2022
Contribution to the General History of School Health Service in Albania (From Origins to Nowadays)
Authors: Sota Jani 
Published: June 2023

We are all witnesses of the great traces left by the school health service in Albania, especially after the Second World War, in the protection of the health of preschool and school age, we are witnesses, when the bodies and personalities of health and education defined the role of health care in kindergartens and schools. The purpose of this study is to highlight the common features and characteristics of the health service in preschool and school institutions with a special identity, in order to care for the physical and mental health of children and students, hygienic care and disease prevention. infectious infections, as well as health education in the learning process. Methodology: study of source materials, such as newspapers, magazines and monographs; A comparison has been made between the school health service in Albania and those of western countries during the years, in order to derive their common features and goals. Procedure: analysing in detail some aspects of identity of school service or of any contemporary feature of our country or western countries, we will see that: the historical development of the school health service in Albania, compared to those of western countries; Albanian government policies to protect the health of children and students; organization of health service in kindergartens and schools of towns and villages; regulations of the school health service which determined the character of this service, the prophylactic and medical one according to the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) to ensure the development of physical and psychomotor norms of children and students, etc ; indicators of the improvement of the hygienic-sanitary conditions of preschool and school institutions after 1990; etc.

Received: 4 January 2022 / Accepted: 24 February 2022 / Published: 20 March 2022
Impact of Unethical Cannabis Marketing and Its Legal Status on Albanian Consumers
Authors: Lamçe Nives , Mani Aelita , Xhuveli Adriana 
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this paper is to study how different marketing strategies regarding cannabis products can affect the buying behavior of consumers in a developing country like Albania, where cannabis cultivation, production, and marketing of its by-products are still prohibited. Primary data have been collected through a structured questionnaire distributed to a population residing mostly in Tirana, but also in Kosovo and the Republic of North Macedonia, made up of students as well as young and middle-aged professionals of different fields. This sample has been chosen to study if people from countries with a legalized cannabis market tend to be more affected by cannabis advertising and consequently to use more cannabis products, as well as the risk of a negative impact of massive advertising on abusive use of medical and recreational cannabis among different age-groups of the society, especially the most vulnerable ones. To evaluate the data, a regression analysis has been used, which showed that unethical marketing practices in advertising cannabis for recreational and medical purposes do affect considerably sales of these products among citizens. The findings are important to help compile the relevant legislation regarding the marketing of cannabis for these purposes, to adapt to the consequences of possible future legalization.

Received: 25 December 2021 / Accepted: 20 February 2022 / Published: 20 March 2022
Challenges of Teachers and Leaders in Education During the Covid-19 Period
Authors: Deliu Elda 
Published: June 2023

The previous year turned out to be a very intense period for all of us. Packed full of unusual challenges which cause a heavy psychological burden on anyone. Different individuals coped with this situation in different ways. The most affected persons to be included in the study are teachers and heads of educational institutions. This paper aims to highlight the challenges faced by teachers during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, the way it is run and the impact and this situation on their psychological health. The participants of the study are 173 teachers from the city of Durrës, part of the preschool cycle, elementary education, lower secondary education, lower secondary education, as well as 14 heads of public and private educational institutions (school and kindergarten). The teachers were interviewed through the platform "Google Form", according to the Pandemic restrictions. At the end of the paper, it was concluded that the difficulties during this academic year the teaching process faced, was of high level. Student negligence, lack of technological equipment or even the non-cooperation between teachers and parents brought various problems. Too much quarantine, online learning, excessive documentation, remain a key stress factor for teachers. It was noticed as a positive point the cooperation between teachers and heads which led to the successful closing of the school year.

Received: 13 January 2022 / Accepted: 25 March 2022 / Published: 30 March 2022
Developing Essential Skills for Further Education or Employment: A Case from Perth, Western Australia
Authors: Hasa Daniela , Ajazi Kristina 
Published: June 2023

Lifelong learning is part of important educational policies, which are generally developed to ensure that adults are provided with opportunities to either further their education or to complete their education process, which could have been interrupted for various reasons. It also provides learners with training opportunities, particularly a certain group who is seeking employment. However, there is more to the concept of lifelong learning than just this traditional definition. Nowadays, the lifelong learning concept applies to learning that occurs throughout ones’ life and it involves various social groups; it also takes place at either a formal, non-formal or informal learning setting. The paper intends to provide an overview of how the concept of lifelong learning is applied by a training organization in Perth, Western Australia, known as Centacare Employment and Training. It will provide an overview of its main programs and how they are delivered to the target groups. The objective of this paper is to identify some of main characteristics of adult learning and how they can be used to inform higher education teaching methodologies and policies, so that they have a positive effect on this group of the society and on the society in general. In addition, the methodology that will be used for the paper is based on observations and hands on teaching experience within this setting, as well as supported by the examination of the literature available for this topic. Finally, the results of this paper will be delivered as recommendations, which can be adopted by HE institutions or relevant actors responsible for the drafting of educational policies.

Received: 12 April 2022 / Accepted: 29 June 2022 / Published: 1 July 2022
A New Path to a New “Normal”: Beyond Coronavirus
Authors: Kadiu Arjana , Tivari Saimira 
Published: June 2023

Beyond causing a health crisis, the Pandemic is “forcing” a new, inevitable global economic order. What will happen next, in the new reality? A restructuring of the economic and social order is beginning to happen. This makes us wonder about how the next normal will be? Especially in developing countries like Albania, the path may be more difficult and may require more time. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of establishing the key elements of the new right path. A green approach, according to global standards will help Albania toward sustainable economic development. Based on current theoretical research and following descriptive and explanatory research, the study aims to design the steps for a stable development path and analyze issues related to green growth processes in Albania. A stable economic development requires a lot of engagement from all actors and all leaders. Based on current studies, about other countries around the world, and adapted path for Albania, as a country of the Western Balkans will be proposed. Like all countries around the world, Albania is also engaging in the Covid battle. At the end of the study, it is aimed to design a structure, explaining the necessary steps to the “next normal”.

Received: 15 September 2022 / Accepted: 22 October 2022 / Published: 30 November 2022
Mediatization of European Union Integration Process
Authors: Gjerazi Blerina 
Published: June 2023

The process of European integration for the Albanian government is characterized by several stages whose cycle has not yet been completed. The first phase, which began in 1992, focused on economic and trade cooperation with the European Economic Community, to be followed 14 years later by the Stabilization and Association Agreement, the signing of which paved the way for the European Union integration process. The third stage is characterized by some important achievements, where at the end of 2010 the visa regime for Albanians in the Schengen Area was abolished, while in 2014 Albania received the status of EU candidate country. However, the final goal has not yet been achieved. The common denominator of all stages remains "professional and depoliticized administration, strengthening the rule of law, the fight against corruption, the fight against organized crime, the protection of human rights" . The effects of this process have been comprehensive regarding reforms, strategies, government plans and international cooperation. Naturally, this process, which is so important for Albania and Albanians, could not stay out of the media spotlight. Due to the extraordinary impact on the Albanian society, this process has opened a wide discourse in the public opinion and has had the predisposition to be placed as the priority agenda of the day. Political discourse has also influenced the prioritization of this issue in different spheres and levels of society. As society and the public do not have a direct connection to the process, much of the news, events and information about integration is conveyed through the media. The media in this case is not only the mediator for conveying information about the European integration process, but also enjoys the potential to influence public opinion through mediatization. Krotz (2007) depicts mediatization as a “metaprocess that affects democracy, society, culture, politics”. While Lundby (2009) adds that "it does not simply refer to an ongoing process that evolves throughout history, but to developments that are highly contemporary" . From this point of view, the media discusses historical contexts, reports the developments, integrates them into the daily events based on the respective features of the type of communication.

Received: 10 September 2022 / Accepted: 21 October 2022 / Published: 30 November 2022
Contradictions Between War and Natural Trends for Peace in the Concerned Balkan State
Authors: Ahmetaj Lavdosh , Karaj Kamila 
Published: June 2023

War as a phenomenon of crisis as political as economic as a phenomenon and geopolitical are evidenced not just as curiosity, but viewed as clear and concrete tendencies, to attract the political and ideological attention of states and peoples who were found prone naturally towards peace. Whereas, from a geopolitical point of view, it seems that Europe, in dealing with the situation, is not sufficiently prepared for a crisis as deep as military as well as economic, which contradicts the revanchist tendencies of Russia, which in its political history has been shown. Instigator of tensions, in the troubled Balkans. This phenomenon is reflected in the history of the Balkan states since the beginning of the twentieth century. For almost a century, she has been known for inciting nationalism in the Balkans through her puppets, who already seem to be in the crosshairs of the Ukraine crisis, but also internationally. Whereas, in the inter-Balkan relations, the expression of the crisis reflects its symbiosis, which is bringing a dangerous precedent in the world peace.

Received: 17 September 2022 / Accepted: 26 October 2022 / Published: 30 November 2022
The Anthropization of the Tirana-Durra Region Case Study: Former Durrës Swamp
Authors: Reka Armela 
Published: June 2023

Anthroposizing is the transformation or adaptation of the environment to meet the needs of humans. This phenomenon in its most advanced stage in the territory recognizes the process of urbanization. The process of anthropization, which leads to urbanization, is mainly related to the alienation of land use. In the area of the former Swamp of Durrës, the change in land use has come gradually, leading to intensive urbanization. Some of the anthropizing processes that lead to urbanization are: covering the land with inert materials, fragmentation of habitats for different purposes, land occupation for future investment purposes. We are already in a transitional phase. The need to preserve this area is threatened by the effect of population growth, uncontrolled population movement and their activities. This prolonged anthropization process developed over 30 years has created strong environmental impacts in the area, translating once again the alienation of the land, the creasing of the land and different uses. All these alienations have caused the swamp to take on its characteristics such as: oversaturation with water and the creation of bogs. Anthropogenic activity is always increasing, causing "urban surprises"

Received: 10 September 2022 / Accepted: 21 November 2022 / Published: 20 December 2022
Study and Monitoring of Driving Forces that Arise at the Contact Point Between the Wheel Border and the Rail during the Motion of the Rail Vehicle on a Curved Path of the Railway Line
Authors: Doraci Koçi , Selmani Erjon , Çomeni Leonard 
Published: June 2023

One of the most acute problems faced today by Railway Transport Companies is the rapid wear of locomotive wheel borders in the freight transport. Hence, the purpose of this article is to find ways to reduce the forces acting on the wheels of railway vehicles, generally during their movement in small radius turns. For means of simplification has been assumed that the train is moving at uniform speed during a curved path. Analyzing the scheme of action of forces on the pair of wheels, we see that one of the ways to reduce this consumption phenomenon is to reduce the parasitic moment of frictional forces. With reference to the practice of roller-contact studies, we modeled mathematically the redistribution of frictional forces at the point of contact of the wheel – rail pair and realized two computer models for two variants of wheel profiles: conical and curved.

Received: 23 September 2022 / Accepted: 28 November 2022 / Published: 20 December 2022
A Survey of Students, Professors, and Stakeholders' Expectations for the New MSc Study Program in Maritime Environmental Protection and Management at the University of Montenegro/Faculty of Maritime Studies in Kotor
Authors: Nikolic Danilo , Skuric Maja , Gagic Radmila 
Published: June 2023

This study presents achieved results of conducted survey within the Erasmus + CBHE project "Development of Regional Joint Master Program in Maritime Environmental Protection and Management - MEP&M". The purpose of the study was to determine the expectation of students and professors at University of Montenegro/Faculty of Maritime studies Kotor and Montenegrin blue economy stakeholders toward new regional interdisciplinary joint MSc program Marine Environmental Protection and Management. In addition, the study included a survey of professors' and students' satisfaction with existing courses in different fields of marine environmental protection and management, the implementation of distance learning at the Faculty, and their knowledge of English, as the new program will be held in English and organized as blended learning. Survey on satisfaction level of blue economy stakeholders with cooperation with academia was conducted as well. According to the findings, the majority of respondents showed high expectations for the new MSc program and believe that having this program is very important for the University as well as blue economy sector in Montenegro. Also, satisfaction levels of different surveys showed that professors and students would need additional preparation in order to fully implement new MSc program, and that current collaboration between the university and the blue economy sector would need to be enhanced.

Received: 24 September 2022 / Accepted: 24 November 2022 / Published: 20 December 2022