Central Kosovo Research Articles

PREZENT 3. L. MN. U GOVORIMA KOSOVSKOG POMORAVLJA

The paper presents the status of the present form of 3rd person plural in the vernaculars of the Kosovsko Pomoravlje. An overview of the situation in the neighboring vernaculars is like- wise provided: Vranje, Bujanovac, Preševo, Gornja Pčinja, Kumanovo, Skopska Crna Gora, Gatnje, Central Kosovo, Sirinić, Prizren, Podgor and Podrima. The review was analyzed in such a way that the specificities of the vernaculars of Kosovsko Pomoravlje can be observed in relation to the nearer and more distant Prizren-South Moravian areas. It is concluded that the present form of 3rd person plural in Kosovsko Pomoravlje occupies a central place regarding the environment, for a.ll the present Prizren-South Moravian variants reflected in the observed suffixes: -v, -w, -u, -ju

A Combined EPMA and LA-ICP-MS Investigation on Bi-Cu-Au Mineralization from the Kizhnica Ore Field (Vardar Zone, Kosovo)

This paper describes a newly discovered Bi-Cu±Au mineralization co-occurring with Pb-Zn-Ag hydrothermal mineralization within the Kizhnica-Hajvalia-Badovc ore field, central Kosovo, Vardar Zone. The mineralogy of two styles of Bi-Cu±Au mineralization was described using EPMA in combination with reflected and transmitted light microscopy. Hydrothermal Cu-Bi veinlets in the Kizhnica andesite quarry consist of Bi sulfosalts (bismuthinite, cosalite, aikinite, and krupkaite), pyrite, hematite, chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite, and tetrahedrite group minerals. Disseminated Bi-Au-Cu-Te mineralization from the contact type of mineralization (hornfels) consists of Bi sulfosalts (cannizzarite, bismuthinite, galenobismutite, cosalite), associated with sulfarsenides (arsenopyrite, gersdorffite, and cobaltite), base metal sulfides (chalcopyrite, pyrite, sphalerite, pyrrhotite, and galena), native gold, native bismuth, and tetradymite. LA-ICP-MS analyses of sphalerite, chalcopyrite, and tetrahedrite indicate increased content of In and Sn in the Kizhnica Bi-Cu-Au mineralizing system, while LA-ICP-MS analyses in pyrites show the presence of many elements, e.g., Au, As, Co, Sb, Tl, Hg, Pb, Bi related to the structure of pyrite or controlled by nano-inclusions. The results suggest a connection between Bi-Cu±Au mineralization and the proximity to intrusive rocks, which may be helpful for Au exploration in Kosovo.

Theorising ‘Good Personhood’ in Rural Kosovo: Inconspicuous Coexistence and Local Serb Responses to Security and Identity Dilemmas

This paper explores the everyday experiences, perceptions, and practices of Kosovo Serbs residing in the rural fabric of Southeast Kosovo with regard to security-related issues. Building on previous qualitative social research conducted in Central Kosovo, it particularly investigates how local responses of ordinary Serbs reflect a certain pragmatic performativity in the face of Kosovo Albanians. In-depth interviews and focus groups were held with locals, while field observation was conducted to construct locally nuanced knowledge about the relations between ordinary Serbs, their identity, and the surrounding landscape. Similar to the Central Kosovo study’s findings, the results confirm that in Southeast Kosovo, local Serbs neither displayed nor unfolded forms of vernacularism or disloyalty toward Kosovo Albanians. Conversely, they were found reflecting on potential creative solutions for tackling poverty and underdevelopment in the hope of avoiding replications of post-1999 Kosovo War ideologies emanated by respective national media coverages and political rhetoric. Moreover, it is argued that security experts have de facto overlooked untapped processes of present-day interethnic coexistence and resilience between Serbs and Albanians in the rural fabric by largely giving salience to the tense atmosphere in the Serb-majority urban clusters of North Kosovo. In fact, results also show that Kosovo Serbs pragmatically perform an account of quotidian practices for restoring a sense and self-image of ‘personhood’ in the eyes of the ‘ethnic other’. Employing a research approach that aimed at avoiding unnecessary ethnicisation, this paper sheds light on a peace potential and true civic responsibility that emerged spontaneously from Kosovo Serb voices. Overall, the paper lays the ground for debating the notion of ‘personhood’ as a lens through which to unravel inconspicuous yet present interethnic coexistence in post-conflict Kosovo.

Diversity of Hesperiidae, Pieridae and Papilionidae Butterflies (Lepidoptera, Papilionoidea) in the mountain massif Shkoza in Kosovo

In this paper we present the results of a survey of three butterfly families: Hesperiidae, Pieridae and Papilionidae, in the Mountain massif Shkoza in central Kosovo, conducted from May to October 2016. Among 29 recorded butterfly species in this survey, 14 (48%) species belong to Pieridae, 10 (24%) to Hesperiidae and 4 (13.7%) to Papilionidae. Recorded species belong to five faunal elements according to Kudrna, Pennestorfer & Lux (2015) (KPS): 14 are Euro-Siberian (ES), 10 are Euro-Oriental (EO), two species are Mediterranean (EM), two are Holarctic (Hol) and one Boreo-Montane. Regarding the IUCN Red list status (van Swaay et al., 2010), three species Carcharodus floccifera (Zeller, 1847), Thymelicus acteon (Rottemburg, 1775) and Parnassius mnemosyne (Linnaeus, 1758) are Near Threatened (NT), while the other 27 are of Least Concern (LC). From our results we can conclude that the massif Shkoza has a well developed butterfly fauna, however further research is needed to have a complete picture of its diversity.

Ethnobotany of rural and urban Albanians and Serbs in the Anadrini region, Kosovo

Ethnobotanical studies in South-Eastern Europe have gained several scholars’ and stakeholders’ interest since they are considered crucial for evaluating and valorizing the local bio-cultural heritage. While the Kosovar flora is estimated to comprise more than 2500 species, Kosovo also represents a reservoir of cultural, linguistic, and religious diversities. An ethnobotanical field study was carried out in the spring of 2017 among Albanians and Serbs living in rural and urban environments of the Anadrini region, central Kosovo. The study aimed to assess if the different ethnic affiliations or rural/urban environments could have affected traditional local plant uses among communities who lived together in the same region over many centuries. The field survey was conducted via semi-structured interviews with 150 local adults chosen among the traditional knowledge holders and focused on traditional uses of wild food and medicinal plants relevant to human or animal health. We recorded and identified a total of 72 plant species belonging to 34 plant families. A comparison between Serbs and Albanians shows a similar number of used plant species/taxa. In contrast, the comparison among rural and urban populations showed that urbanization only affected (decreased) the traditional environmental knowledge retained by Albanians living in Rahovec-who, in response to complex historical trajectories, still speak a Slavic language and possibly adopted very “hybridized” plant-centered customs. This work’s findings could be implemented in rural sustainable projects aimed at fostering both environmentally-friendly circular economies and social cohesion.

TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY OF DAIRY FARMS IN CENTRAL KOSOVO

Kosovo has the key resources needed for a developed agriculture. However, Kosovo’s agriculture consists of very small farms which are featured with the fragmentation of their land, old buildings and equipment, though functional. Ministry of Agriculture (MAFRD) started to support farmers with direct payments in 2009, but only for a few agricultural cultures. Support for dairy cows started in 2012, and support for milk quality started in 2014. In this context, the purpose of this paper is to accurately portray the characteristics, and technical efficiency of dairy farms in Central Kosovo, respectively in the region of Pristina - beneficiaries of direct payments for milk quality. Consequently, through Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), under Variable Return to Scale (VRS) using output orientation, the efficiency rate of dairy farmers is calculated. Therefore, findings show that not all the farms are fully efficient, or fully utilizing their assets and their inputs. Additionally, the study revealed that the size of the farm, and the feeding system affect the TE. Therefore, large-size farms and farms who used seasonal grazing had overall higher TE. However, the level of education does not have a significant effect on the farm’s efficiency.

Beyond the territory principle: Non-territorial approach to the Kosovo question(s)

This article presents an attempt to approach the dispute over Kosovo between Serbs and Albanians from a non-territorial perspective, with particular focus on the preservation of the Serbian cultural and religious heritage. First, we argue that the Kosovo issue is at present commonly understood as an either-or territorial dispute over sovereignty and recognition between Serbian and Kosovo Albanian politicians. However, we claim that a lasting resolution to the Kosovo issue actually needs to account for at least three separate aspects: 1) status of Northern Kosovo which is ethnically Serbian and still maintains various ties with the Serbian state, 2) status of Serbian cultural and religious heritage, chiefly UNESCO world heritage Serbian medieval monasteries and churches and 3) the fact that the Serbian population in central Kosovo, i.e. south of the river Ibar, where most of the mentioned monasteries and churches are located, are located in small municipalities or enclaves of Serbs surrounded by vast Albanian populations. We examine the applicability of the non- territorial approach (NTA) to the Kosovo issue by analyzing the normative framework directly regulating the Serbian cultural and religious heritage in Kosovo, its preservation and protection, particularly of Serbian Orthodox monasteries, churches and other historical and cultural sites, while comparing these regulations to the existing normative NTAs in Croatia and Montenegro. Arguably, since most Serbian monasteries and churches are not included in any sovereignty negotiations, we point to the potential to combine territorial and non-territorial approaches, regardless of the continued obstacles in implementation arising from continued contestation of Kosovo?s sovereign status.

Učestalost i histološko-citološka korelacija premalignih i malignih promena na grliću materice kod žena različitog životnog doba

Introduction: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common and accounts for about 6.6% of all cancers in women. Aim: The aim was to determine the frequency of premalignant and malignant changes in the cervix, to examine the histological-cytological correlation of premalignant and malignant changes in the cervix and the correlation of the women's age with the stage of cervical disease. Material and Methods: A retrospective study analyzed 186 cervical biopsy specimens and cervical smears (Papanicolau test) at the Institute of Pathology of the Faculty of Medicine in Pristina, based in Kosovska Mitrovica, over a three-year period from 2016 to 2018. Results: Of the 186 subjects, 62 had mild premalignant changes of type LSIL, 22 HSIL, and as many as 20 (10.75%) cervical cancer. There was a statistically significant positive association between histological and cytological findings (r = 0.854; p <0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in the age of the subjects with regard to histological findings (F = 11,327; p <0.001). Subjects with HSIL were significantly older than those diagnosed with cervicitis chronica (p = 0.029). Subjects diagnosed with planocellular carcinoma were significantly older than women with cervicitis chronica (p <0.001) and LSIL (p <0.001). Conclusion: There is an increasing trend of cervical cancer in Northern Kosovo and in the Serbian enclaves in central Kosovo and Metohija. Subjects with cervical cancer were significantly older than subjects with mild premalignant cervical changes. There is a significant histologic-cytological correlation of cervical findings, so we believe that more massive cervical screening, especially in younger women, could reduce the incidence of premalignant and malignant diseases of the cervix.

Contribution to the knowledge on the flora of Mt Golesh, central Kosovo

Contribution to the knowledge on the flora of Mt Golesh, central Kosovo

Analiza vrednosti vitamina D u serumu u akutnom virusnom bronhiolitisu

Introduction: Bronchiolitis is an acute viral disease of lower respitatory pathways in children under 2 years of age. It is manifested by coughing, whistling and refusing food intake. The most common cause of bronchiolitis is a respiratory syncytial virus. Vitamin D is a steroid hormone which is synthesized in the skin after sun exposure or food intake. With discovery of Vitamin D receptors and hydroxylated enzymes in immune cells, a potential role for Vitamin D in maintaining immune homeostasis was seen. It has been established that Vitamin D induces a change of the antimicrobial polypeptide, cathelicidin, which has both antibacterial and antiviral roles. Objective: Determine whether the serum Vitamin D levels in acute viral bronchiolitis patients from Central Kosovo is lowered. Methods: This prospective study included 34 children aged up to 2 years, that have been diagnosed with the heavy form of acute viral bronchiolitis. Blood was drawn from all subjects to analyze serum Vitamin D levels. Results:Average levels of Vitamin D, measured in all subjects, was 35.5 ng/ml. After Vitamin D levels stratification, 62% of the subjects had normal levels of serum Vitamin D, while 38% of the subjects had lower levels of serum Vitamin D. 15% of children had lower levels than 20 ng/ml. With children of ages up to 12 months there was a statistical significance of negative direction between Vitamin D serum levels and body height (r=-0.683, p=0.010) and between Vitamin D serum levels and body weight (r=-0.725, p=0.005). With children of ages up to 24 months there was only a statistical significance of negative direction between Vitamin D levels and body height (r=-0.540, p=0.011). Conclusion: Our research confirmed that children with acute viral bronchiolitis have a significant deficiency of Vitamin D, although it's a required addition to nutrition for children under the age of 2 years.

Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of children with morbilli in Serbian enclaves in Central Kosovo

Introduction Morbilli is a highly contagious disease manifested by catarrhal changes of the conjunctiva, mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract, and maculopapular rash that spreads from the face and neck towards the trunk and extremities. Even nowadays, morbilli poses a significant social and health problem in the regions that have not reached adequate levels of vaccination. The aim of the study was to investigate epidemiological and clinical characteristics, as well as vaccination status of persons affected by morbilli in Serbian enclaves in Kosovo. Methods This is a retrospective 3-month study (October–January 2017). Sixty-nine affected children were treated at the Pediatric Department of the Clinical Hospital Center Pristina. The diagnosis was established according to epidemiological and clinical characteristics, blood count, and findings of specific IgM antibodies in serum. The method of descriptive epidemiology was used in the study. Student's t-test was used to compare the numerical means and the Chi2 test and Fisher's exact test were used for comparing distribution of descriptive characteristics. Results Mean age of children was 8.25 ± 3.83 years (MIN 7 months, MAX 18 years and a half), male gender: 7.16 ± 6.29, female gender: 9.43 ± 5.87 years. Age-related distribution was: 22.7% between 10–14 years, 18.7% between 2–5 years, 13.0% between 5–9 years, 9.7% between 6 months and 1 year, 6.6% less than 2-year-old, and 9.7% children between 15–19 years of age. There were 76.7% unvaccinated children and 23.3% incompletely vaccinated children. The infection was acquired: in 48.6% in school and pre-school facilities; in 23.1% in healthcare facilities; in 14.1% the infection occurred due to family epidemic, the source of the infection was of unknown etiology in 10.1%. As for ethnicity, there were 37.6% Roma children, 27.4% Albanian, and 22.4% Serbian children. Clinical signs and symptoms were: temperature (higher than 39 °C - 57.8%, up to 38.5 °C - 44.5%; 9.4% had subfebrile conditions); facies morbillosa - present in 83.5%, dry cough present in 33.7%; Koplik's spots in 6.4%; nausea and vomiting in 36.7%, diarrhea in 21.2%; initial maculopapular rash retroauriculary - 79.8%, on face - 95.2%, on the trunk - 78.2%, on the extremities - 49.9%. Tipe of rashes was: dense rashes (60.7% > Roma children, 19.6% > Albanian children, 8.9% > Serbian children) and sparse rashes: 39.3% Serbian children. Complication of the disease was: laryngitis - 34.6%, otitis media - 11.4%; pneumonias - 53.6% and death - 1.8%. Conclusions The majority of affected children were Roma and Albanian unvaccinated children. Due to the course and complications of the disease, morbilli should be eradicated by mandatory vaccination of unvaccinated and incompletely vaccinated individuals. Epidemiological and healthcare control of affected persons in Serbian enclaves in Kosovo should be performed regarding the disease reports, laboratory and serological testing, as well as isolation and treatment of infected individuals.

Trend assessing using Mann-Kendall's test for Priština meteorological station temperature and precipitation data, Kosovo and Metohija, Serbia

The study includes statistical analysis of Pristina meteorological station data on temperature and precipitation trends. The data are organized into four time series: average annual air temperatures (Ta), average maximal annual air temperatures (Tamax), average minimal annual air temperatures (Таmin), as well as annual precipitation sums (RRsum), all in the period 1949 – 1999. The Mann-Kendallʹs (MK) trend test analysis of the corresponding hypotheses discloses that the H 0 hypothesis should be accepted. The general conclusion is that there is no trend neither in maximal, minimal, average temperatures, nor in average annual precipitation for the 1949 – 1999 period for the central Kosovo and Metohija (K&M).

Current music and dance practice of central Kosovo and Metohija: Transformations since the 1990s

Ethnomusicological and ethnochoreological research of the central part of Kosovo and Metohija has been conducted since the late 19th century up to the present. However, the gathered data are sparse and provide insufficient (and only partial) information regarding the music and dance tradition of this area. This fact was the main motive for arranging our own field trip to the region, during 2015 and 2016. The recorded material and numerous informants' narratives provided an important insight into the state of both previous and contemporary music and dance practice, enabling one to examine the transformations regarding music and dance that have taken place since the 1990s from several viewpoints: national and multinational, professional and amateur, local and regional. The causes of the changes that have occurred over the course of the last few decades, will be discussed in this paper through the political, ideological, sociological, and cultural prism. Thus, our attention will focus particularly on the national ensembles Shota (Pristina) and Venac (Gračanica), as well as on the local repertoire of different ethnic groups - Serbian, Albanian, Romani and Croatian, in former and contemporary conditions. An especially intriguing question is to what extent, and in what ways did geopolitical restructuring and cultural evaluations in the post-socialist period influence the sustainability, i.e. the change in music and dance forms, as important aspects of the self-representation of the ethnicities that exist in this region?

Operating costs of agricultural holdings with equal production possibilities

Research subject is the analysis of state and basic problems in farm production of pork, as well as economic analysis of fattening pigs. Research included specific case studies on a family farm, pig farm in Gracanica, found in central Kosovo and Metohija and a cooperative farm, a pig farm in Žitorađa located in Toplica district. During a time period in 2012, the volume and applied technology of producing fattened pigs was monitored on both farms and given economic results were analyzed. In the observed period it was determined that the number of fattened livestock on the private farm was 40, while on the cooperative farm it was 30,000. Produced fattened pig on the private farm costs 87 € and pork meat side is 1.16 €/kg. The price of a fattened pig on a cooperative farm is 142 € and pork meat side is 1.94 €/kg. Average weight of a fattened pig on both farms is 100 kg, while the share of pork meat sides varies from 78% -79%.

Awareness, habits and behaviors associated with the oral health of children in elementary schools on Kosovo and Metohia

Oral health is an integral part of the general health of humans and significantly affect the quality of life. Dental caries is today the most widespread disease of our civilization, which if untreated leads to tooth loss. It is significant to note that studies show the possibility of successful prevention of diseases of the oral cavity. Traditionally, there has always been lower economic and educational level of the population in rural areas, and also a lower availability of dental services. Possible reasons for this include the lack of pediatric dental offices in schools in rural areas, the greater the distance of the dentist, the lack of properly organized school dental care, lack of knowledge about the importance of oral health by their parents as role models and unfavorable socio-economic status. The aim of this study was to examine the level of awareness and habits of children and parents toward oral hygiene and bad habits in the Serbian enclaves in Kosovo and Metohija and to compare them with children who live in urban areas in Kosovska Mitrovica. The study included 160 elementary school students in the area of Kosovska Mitrovica (urban area) and the Serbian enclaves on Kosovo and Metohia (rural area) which included elementary school students from Sirinic District, the Kosovo Morava, the central Kosovo, villages of Suvo Grlo and Banja in municipality Istok. By examining the frequency of tooth brushing we found that 32 (40%) of children in enclaves brush their teeth once a day, 40 (50%) two times a day, and only 8 (5%) of them maintain hygiene teeth 3 times a day. Boys who wash their teeth three times a day were 12.5% and 37.5% of girls. The children from the enclave more often come to the dentist when they have an appointment (33:8), while children from Kosovska Mitrovica more often come to the quarterly control (21:4). An interesting fact is that 15.33% of children from urban areas cited as a source of oral health information from the Internet and Android application for mobile phone or tablet. The difficult security situation, limited freedom of movement, the poorly developed dental services, poor health education and promotion of oral health of the population of Serbian enclaves, the reason for the weaker informing children and parents about preventive dental measures. It is necessary to mobilize all sectors of society on joint actions aimed at the promotion of oral health.

Budget planning process in the municipality of Prizren

The main goal of this study is to clarify budget planning process in the municipality of Prizren and to indicate some of the aspects of its functioning. Meanwhile, the study will emphasise the importance of this process in the units of local self-government. Planning process, as a first phase of the management process, represents basis on which entire phases are relying and comparing. Theoretical frames is oriented toward the determination of the local self-government and its functioning according to the actual legal frame in Kosovo, defining the budget, its functions, principles, structures and approving procedures. Practical aspects of work are related to the description of the steps, activities, phases and budget planning procedures of local self government in Kosovo. In the end, we have performed survey within the Prizren Municipality and we have determined the flow of budget planning process, which are its sources and were planning resources are spend or invested. Generally observed, the budget of Prizren Municipality is mostly dependant on central Kosovo budget. On the annual level, the finances received from the central Kosovo budget are over 80% from the total amount of finances, and rest of 20% of finances are collected from the own sources: property and other taxes, and other resources. All finances of the budget of Prizren Municipality are used for functioning of the municipality and investments. Budget funds are dedicated mostly for investment on the municipal infrastructure (reconstruction and modernization of the school equipment, sport and recreational fields, clinics, local road networks, water system, etc.). For the category of investment in the capital project are dedicated more than 40% of the total of available sources of the municipal budget.

Threenew country records from the genusLimnephilusLeach, 1815 (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae) from the Republic of Kosovo.

New faunistic data on Trichoptera from Kosovo based on sampling carried out during the autumn of 2013 and first half of 2014 are presented. Limnephilus bipunctatus was found in a small stream in Kaqandoll village located in northern Kosovo and in Shtuticë village located in central Kosovo. Two male specimens of Limnephilus decipiens were found at Gurrat e Hasan Agës Springs and Bistrica e Lloqanit River, an alpine area in the Lloqan mountains, which belong to the Bjeshkët e Nemuna mountains. A single male specimen of Limnephilus stigma was found in Klinë, located in central Kosovo. All three species are rare in Kosovo. A preliminary checklist of eight species of Limnephilus from Kosovo is provided along with biogeographical and ecological notes. This paper is a further contribution to the faunistic list of Trichoptera of Kosovo, one of the least explored countries in Europe.

Old Cultivars and Populations From Traditional Pepper-Growing Regions of Serbia as Breeding Potential

In order to collect and preserve the pepper gene fond (Capsicum annuum L.) material was collected in locations in South Serbia and Central Kosovo with long tradition of growing old pepper varieties. The area around the town of Aleksinac (villages Moravac, Pr?ilovac, Nozrina and Luzane) has a long tradition of growing old varieties and populations of pepper. The Zabarka and Cokotanka varieties are typical representatives hereof, and have been included in this study. From the area near the town of Leskovac (village Donja Lakosnica) we included the variety Lakosnicka. This variety is very much grown here and is intended for grinding. In Central Kosovo, material was gathered in Laplje selo and Preoce, and the varieties collected were Rosajka and Bobinka crvena. These varieties have very specific colour, shape, size, aroma, intensity of heat and mode of usage. The different varieties will be stored in the Serbia Gene Bank and become valuable material in the selection and breeding of pepper in programs for obtaining varieties suitable for drying. The characteristics of the plants and fruits were studied and according to these traits grouping was done. Correlation of genotypes and traits was done by PCA (Principal Component Analysis). PCA grouped genotypes according to their traits (morphological and chemical) in two groups each. Genotypes grouped in this way represent the basic material for program of breeding pepper varieties suitable for drying. The selected varieties on the basis of superiority of characteristics can be proved a valuable material for any pepper breeding of Serbia which can be recommended for commercial cultivation.

Parallel Governance and Boundary Strategies in Gracanica, Kosovo

In the period after 1999, the international community abrogated Serbia's sovereignty over Kosovo. It took responsibility for governing Kosovo and actively supported the development of autonomous Kosovar government institutions. Simultaneously, the Serbian authorities immediately started to rebuild Serbian government institutions in the parts of Kosovo that hosted a Serbian majority population. This article analyzes how this situation of parallel governance affects ethnic boundary strategies in the village of Gracanica, the largest Serbian village in central Kosovo. The article is based on evidence collected during fieldwork in Gracanica one year after Kosovo's declaration of independence in 2008. In this period, the Kosovar government implemented a decentralization program, which would transform Gracanica into a Serb majority municipality. Using Andreas Wimmer's multilevel process theory on boundary making, the article argues that in the period studied, “the scripts of action” concerning how to deal with the Kosovar government do slowly change, but this is largely a pragmatic response and Kosovo Serbs still identify themselves with Serbia. Important explanatory factors for these changing local dynamics are the changes in institutional structures (less Belgrade, more Pristina), the changes in (the balance of) resources offered by either government at the local level, the characteristics of the local political networks, and the weakness of local leadership.

The concentrations and exposure doses of radon and thoron in residences of the rural areas of Kosovo and Metohija

This paper deals with the results of indoor radon and thoron concentrations and exposure doses obtained for 63 dwellings out of the 14 rural communities of Central Kosovo, North Kosovo and Prizren region. These research activities are part of overall radiological research that has systematically been carried out since 1986, particularly in Kosovo and Metohija regions. Passive radon/thoron discriminative detectors, exposed for three months, were used. The arithmetic mean concentrations of indoor radon and thoron are C Rn = 429 Bq m −3 C Tn = 85 Bq m −3.