North Kosovo Research Articles

COVID-19 effects on mental health of children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities in North Kosovo

Background. People with intellectual disabilities (ID) are susceptible to physical, mental and social implications of the COVID-19 pandemic. Aim. Learning the way young individuals with disabilities dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic and how it affected their lives. Materials and Methods. An epidemiological questionnaire including information on the person’s health, mental state, behavior, educational capabilities, and epidemiological and clinical features of the COVID-19 infection was completed by 41 children/young adults and their family members. Results. During the two-year period of the pandemic, we monitored the frequency of COVID-19 infection in children and adolescents with intellectual disorders, children’s mental condition, and the occurrence of post-COVID symptoms. We also discussed the role of society regarding economic stability and support for families with a disabled member. Conclusions. The severity of COVID-19 symptoms was the independent predictor of mental status deterioration. Children and adolescents with ID experienced a greater prevalence of COVID-19 infection as well as post-COVID sequelae.

Records of lichen species from genus Acarospora, new for Serbia, Southwest Balkan Peninsula

The lichens: Acarospora impressula, A. nitrophila, A. nodulosa, A. schleicheri, A. sinopica, A. smaragdula and A. umbillicata, collected in North Kosovo are reported as a new species to Serbia, following a recent lichenological survey. Location, herbarium deposits and substrates are given, together with notes on distribution of the reported taxa.

Staking claims: Hybrid governance and state-making on the North Kosovo frontier

This article examines how state and non-state actors claim public authority in areas of contested sovereignty. It develops the concept of the frontier as a point of departure. As zonal spaces of weakly established or overlapping authority, frontiers have historically been sites of collaboration between state and non-state actors. Extending the concept to shed light on contemporary forms of state and non-state governing arrangements, I argue that frontiers can be can also be analysed across specific domains of public authority. I highlight three domains in particular: the symbolic domain, where the state is imagined as a collective actor; the contractual domain, which depends on the use of public services to establish a social contract; and the protective domain, the classic Hobbesian justification for the state as a provider of security. Applying the frontier framework to North Kosovo, I argue that Serbia has sustained a near monopoly over the symbolic and contractual domains in the contested region yet is severely constrained in the protective domain. As a result, Belgrade has relied on outsourcing authority to local illicit actors to maintain leverage. However, these actors have also carved out their own autonomous forms of authority and actively manipulate the ambiguous political boundaries in North Kosovo to their advantage.

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.

North Kosovo and the Serbia-Kosovo normalization dialogue

The article describes and discusses political and security trends in Serb-majority North Kosovo during the Serbia-Kosovo normalization process launched in 2011. Perspectives from the local Serb population in the face of the interests and policies of the governments of Serbia, Kosovo and the Western great powers that promote normalization are highlighted, showing that critical views of normalization and associated trends are widespread in North Kosovo. In this connection, it is argued that dissatisfaction and insecurity with normalization and associated trends also became present in the region’s political life, pointing to latent challenges to the legitimacy and sustainability of normalization.

Moving borders between Kosovo and Servia: Opening up the balkans pandora’s box?

The article analyses the possibility of Pristina and Belgrade accepting to change Kosovo’s borders and its likely consequences for peace in the Balkans. It argues that such a possibility raises worries of further instability – including war – returning to the region as other minorities feel discriminated against and the will for independence or integration in a neighbouring country grows and turns into a chain reaction. The logic of exchanging some of North Kosovo municipalities with a Serb majority for some eastern Serbian ones of Albanian majority is one of separation of ethnic groups. This goes against the prevailing consensus although the opinion of part of the international community seems to be shifting. However, Kosovo is not just a territory of Albanian majority where many Serbs live. It is also the melting pot where the Serbian orthodoxy and culture come together with its churches and monasteries dating back to the Middle Ages. The reality is that since the end of the war nearly twenty years ago and several attempts to pacify Kosovo the region remains very unstable. The UN Security Council Resolution 1244 and the Ahtsaari plan in 2007 for a multi-ethnic and democratic Kosovo were insufficient to generate a mutually accepted solution although it conceded several rights to the Serb minority and protection of their religious monasteries under international supervision. Furthermore, most of the negotiations that occurred since the 2011 clashes led to agreements hardly ever implemented and part of the region, notably North Kosovo, still remains very unstable. Keywords: Kosovo, Serbia, Changing borders, Independence, War.

Mental and Physical Health of Students Who Study in Post-conflict North Kosovo

Objective – To examine health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among Serbian students who study in the northern Kosovo prov­ince and to explore potential differences in HRQoL relative to students’ region of origin. Materials and Methods – This study was conducted from April to June 2015. A total of 514 students from the University of Priština temporarily settled in Kosovska Mitrovica were enrolled in the study. The students completed the socio-demographic and lifestyle questionnaire, Beck Depres­sion Inventory (BDI) and the generic HRQoL questionnaire Short Form-36 (SF-36). The region of origin was classified based on the area in which the students were originally from: Republic of Serbia vs. North Kosovo vs. Southern enclaves. Results – The highest scores were observed for Physical Functioning and the lowest for Vitality. No difference in HRQoL was observed between students from the Republic of Serbia, North Kosovo and Southern enclaves. Compared to females, males scored better on Bodily Pain, General Health, Social Functioning and Mental Health. They also had better Physical and Mental Composite scores and Total HRQoL than females. Worse depressive symptoms were consistently associated with poorer HRQoL across all three groups of students. Conclusion – The HRQoL among Serbian students in the northern Kosovo province does not differ based on their region of origin. Health care services for university students should prioritize prevention, early recognition and treatment of de­pressive symptoms.

Kosovo: Secession as a Nation-building Project

The article focuses on stateаnd nation-building in the partially recognized Republic of Kosovo. The main research question is whether it is possibleto build effective state institutions withinnon-consolidated borders after a “remedial secession” relying on the support of international actors. The article identifies thefactors that determine this possibility. Theyare tradition of independent political being and power organization; peculiaritiesof sociocultural and ethnic composition;goals and strategies of the external actorsand their compliance with needs of the internal actors and the population; level ofnew institutions’ applicability. The authorsconclude that the tradition of power organization, non-consolidated borders (including socio-cultural borders), contradictions between different international organizations and between them and internalactors hamper the process of state-buildingin Kosovo to a great extent. The evidenceis the lack of visible improvements reflected by indicators of the economic and institutional development. Furthermore, weakintegration of Serbian minority, especially in the North Kosovo, remains a majorchallenge to nation-building within existing borders.

Social Marketing Challenges in Western Balkans: Evidence From Kosovo

In a global world, doing business in heavy industry is becoming a concern to the environment. The need for production, export, and consumption under these circumstances has come as a challenge for marketers, consumers and surrounding residential population. The Western Balkan countries include Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro and Kosovo. Kosovo has witnessed a considerable economic transformation during recent years, but is has fallen short of considering and implementing a strategy for the preservation of the environment. Kosovo is relatively rich with underground and surface resources, having large quantities of minerals and coal. But despite this, Kosovo continues to be the most underdeveloped country in the region. Exploiting these resources can have a great impact on economic growth and with it, consumer needs are more satisfied. Social marketing has a major impact on the activities of businesses in these areas and ensures that these businesses operate in accordance with certain rules and laws. This would also help in matters of general health of the population. Through Pearson's correlation and case studies, recommendations and conclusions will be given on the studied topic. The results show that there are positive and negative relationships between the variables which are significant.

Positive attitudes towards persons living with HIV in North Kosovo: The university students' perspective.

HIV-related stigma could delay the identification and treatment of persons living with HIV (PLHIV), particularly in regions affected by ethnic conflicts. The aims of this study were to assess attitudes towards PLHIV and examine factors associated with stronger positive attitudes towards PLHIV among university students in the Serbian province of Kosovo. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Pristina temporarily settled in Kosovska Mitrovica during the academic year 2013-2014. A total of 1,017 first- and fourth-year students completed an anonymous questionnaire about socio-demographic characteristics, PLHIV, high-risk groups for acquiring HIV and health behaviour. The main outcome measure was the Attitude Score (ATS), calculated as a sum of points awarded for all attitude-related items. The majority of students (84%) expressed positive attitudes towards PLHIV, while others were indecisive. Most students held negative opinions about persons who use drugs (64%), homosexual persons of both genders (50%) and sex workers (42%). Being female (odds ratio [OR]=1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-2.09) and older (OR=1.13, 95% CI 1.03-1.24), not doing paid work while studying (OR=3.35, 95% CI=1.63-6.84), studying health-related disciplines (β=-0.113, 95% CI=-0.085 to -2.747), having stronger positive attitudes towards homosexual persons of both genders (OR=0.77, 95% CI=0.64-0.94) and not using illicit drugs (β=2.08, 95% CI=1.03-4.20) were associated with stronger positive attitudes towards PLHIV. Social inclusion of PLHIV and individuals at high risk for acquiring HIV could help reduce the HIV-related stigma.

Tick Fauna of Small Ruminants in South Part of Serbia, with Emphasis to North Kosovo

The study regarding tick fauna and season distribution of ticks of small ruminant in the south part of Serbia, with emphasis on north Kosovo was performed during 2017. During the study we examined a total of 114 flocks of goats and sheep from Zvečan and Leposavić districts (villages Ceranja, Majdevo, Zemanica, Mure, Rudine, Žitkovac, Oraovica, Mošnica, Donji Krnjin, Belo brdo, Mioliće, Drenova and Beliće). Infections occurred at and on 56.14% of examined sheep and 31.42% of examined goats. The most abudant tick species were Ixodes ricinus, followed by Dermacentor marginatus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, R.bursa, Haemaphysalis punctata and D.recticulatus.

The Occurrence of Bovine Digital Dermatitis (BDD) on Service Period in Dairy Cows in Kosovo

The aim of the study was to estimate the frequency of bovine digital dermatitis (BDD) in dairy cows in region of north Kosovo in the period of time from calving to conception. A total of 200 dairy cows were examined clinically for the presence of bovine digital dermatitis (BDD) on service period in Dairy Cows in Kosovo. 25 out of 200 cows have been affected by BDD. The prevalence of this condition was evaluated, and the time of successful insemination was surveyed. The most affected numbers of animals were first parity heifers 11 or 44 %, CI 95% (26.67 to 62.93), second parity 06 or 24 %, CI 95% (11.5 to 43.43), third parity 04 or 16 %, CI 95% (6.40 to 34.65), fourth parity 03 or 12 %, CI 95% (4.16 to 29.95) as well as fifth parity with 03 or 12 %, CI 95% (4.16 to 29.95). Our study revealed that the hind legs were mostly affected than the front legs. 64 % of the pathologies were detected in the hind legs and 36 % in the front legs. The affected cows were successfully inseminated 127, 2 ± 14.42 days after parturition. This study shows on how important is the health management of the farms and farmers are often not cautious about the consequences.

Citizenship in Post-Conflict Kosovo

The recent developments of the refugee crisis have shaken Europe but many forgot that it all happened with the Kosovo Albanians leaving their land in the winter of 2015 and heading to EU. They have been the first passengers on the immigration route leading to EU after many others followed them creating a big immigration crisis. The reasons for this crisis are various and we will focus on the case of Kosovo and thus try to help understanding it. Years ago Kosovo citizens started leaving their country legally with Serbian passports and this has created a worrying effect in the EU. As an outcome Serbia was forced to issue a different kind of passport to its citizens in Kosovo. In fact Serbian citizenship belongs to each and every citizen of Kosovo, in fact they are all dual citizens. The problem was that the Serbian government issued passports of a different kind to its Kosovo citizens and that way prevented them from using the visa free travel to EU. This case of discrimination is coming together with the somewhat forceful pushing of the Kosovo citizenship onto the Serbian minority in North Kosovo.

Elemental concentrations and soil-to-moss transfer factors of radionuclides in the environment of North Kosovo and Metohija

This paper deals with investigations of elemental concentrations and soil-to-moss transfer factors of radionuclides in area of municipalities Kosovska Mitrovica and Zubin Potok. Twelve samples of soil and moss Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. were collected during May 2018. Transfer factors of radionuclides: 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs were calculated with regard to elemental concentrations of radionuclides in soil and moss samples. Analysis was done in order to indicate the different ways of adopting radionuclides by mosses. According to calculated transfer factors and analysis, authors concluded that the soil is dominant source of natural radionuclides and their concentration in moss occurred due to resuspension of soil particles, while artificial 137Cs is present in soil and moss samples as a consequence of atmospheric dry and wet deposition.

Aspirations Towards Entrepreneurship and Self-awareness Among Young Female Population in the North of Kosovo & Metohija

Encouraging entrepreneurial culture and developing entrepreneurial education are a key factors for the development of modern economies and society as a whole. Although the number of female entrepreneurs is growing, it is still relatively low and one of the ways to achieve the gender balance in the field of entrepreneurship is the entrepreneurial education that will introduce women with the ability of the business venture through the phenomena of education.
 The aim of this research is to examine the aspirations and intentions towards entrepreneurship in female undergraduate students and to understand which factors influence students’ entrepreneurial intention and behavior. The survey was conducted among female population of the final years of the University of Priština temporary seated in Kosovska Mitrovica as well as female students of the fourth year of secondary schools in the North of K&M.
 
 We find that the half of respondents never engaged in entrepreneurial activities and that one third of them were involved in such activities by helping parents, friends or acquaintances. Female students in North Kosovo&Metohija generally recognize and highly rank qualities such as desire for success, confidence, creativity and initiative as very important for engaging in entrepreneurial activities. Their previous experience and positive attitude towards entrepreneurship are promising factors for the future growth of the number of female entrepreneurs in North K&M.

First record of Chaetopteroides kosovarorum Ibrahimi & Oláh, 2013 (Insecta: Trichoptera) from the Republic of North Macedonia

Caddisfly specimens were collected with entomological net and ultraviolet light trap during 2016 and 2017 at eight localities in North Macedonia, Kosovo and Serbia. During this investigation we found 13 species. Here we report first record of Chaetopteroides kosovarorum from North Macedonia, as well as new localities for this species in Kosovo and Serbia. This species belongs to an extremely rare genus, inhabiting only few mountainous areas in the Balkans, and until recently has been reported only from its type locality in Kosovo.Beside this, several other rare species were recorded during this investigation such as: Rhyacophila obtusa and Drusus botosaneanui.

Illict drug use and academia in North Kosovo: Prevalence, patterns, predictors and health-related quality of life.

PurposeThe purpose of this study were to estimate the prevalence and patterns of illicit drug use in a sample of University students from North Kosovo, to assess factors associated with illicit drug use and to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among students according to illicit drug use.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at the Student Public Health Center, where 514 University students were enrolled from April to June 2015 in North Kosovo. Participants completed the general socio-demographic and behavioral questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the SF-36 questionnaire for HRQoL assessment. Data on lifetime illicit drug use were self-reported.ResultsAs much as 16.0% of students reported ever illicit drug use. The most frequently used drugs were marijuana (9.3%) and bromazepam (7.6%). Factors associated with ever illicit drug use were: being smoker and alcohol user, having chronic diseases and having higher depressive symptoms score. Ever illicit drug users reported all domains of HRQoL as worse.ConclusionThese results could serve as a tool for implementation of preventive strategies and University policies to promote healthy lifestyles and behaviors. Measurement of HRQoL could also be used as indicator of the effect of interventions designed to reduce and/or prevent illicit drug use at institutions of higher education.

Towards a comprehensive framework of mediation success: EU mediation in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue

The European Union has gained increasing importance in international mediation over the last decade. Driven by the powerful role assigned to the High Representative and the European External Action Service by the Lisbon treaty, the EU has been facilitating high-level talks between Belgrade and Pristina over their relationship since 2011. Although the signing of the Brussels Agreement in 2013 was a breakthrough, developments in north Kosovo suggest that the process might have significant shortcomings. This paper's guiding research question of how to assess mediation success addresses the existing gap between external and internal perspectives. It introduces a comprehensive analytical framework to assess mediation success that combines several previously suggested ideas into a single framework. The question of how to measure successful mediation contributes not only to theory development but targets the interface between science and policymaking. The framework, as applied to the EU mediation efforts in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, has unveiled the in conclusive character of the process. Whilst being a success for the European Union, this paper argues a deficit in local legitimacy exists. Increasing levels of internal violence in Kosovo hint that it failed to fully address the root causes of the dispute.

The Development of Internal Political Processes in Kosovo (1999-2017)

Influence of Yugoslavia’s collapse, as well as of external factors on Kosovo’s separation from Serbia is explored in this article. Particular features of Kosovo’s internal policy development and problems with a full international recognition of its independence are also highlighted. The problem of Kosovo’s status within the diplomacy of “power poles” in modern international relations system in the context of NATO’s war against Yugoslavia in 1999 is underlined. Kosovo is a multi-party parliamentary representative democratic republic. The State is governed by legislative, executive and judicial institutions which derive from the Constitution adopted in June 2008, although until the Brussels Agreement, North Kosovo was largely controlled by institutions of the Republic of Serbia or parallel institutions, funded by Serbia. The legislative power in Kosovo is held by Parliament. The executive authority is vested in the Government, headed by Prime Minister. The President is Head of State and represents the unity of the people, elected every five years, indirectly by the National Assembly, in a secret ballot by a two thirds majority of all deputies of the Assembly. Key trends in Serbian policy towards Kosovo after the democratic transformation of its political system and in conditions of Serbia’s aspirations for European integration was examined. The process of Kosovo’s recognition has shown that Kosovo is an irreversible reality and an essential factor for peace and stability in the Balkan region. This could be best proved by the recognition of Kosovo among all neighboring countries (except Serbia), by the vast majority of the countries in the region and the Euro-Atlantic community.

Political Parties and Minority Governance in Hybrid Political Orders: Reflections from Lebanon’s Palestinian Settlements and Kosovo’s Serbian Enclaves

ABSTRACT This article analyses how minority populations govern and are governed in South Lebanon’s informal Palestinian settlements and the Serbian enclave in North Kosovo. Drawing on literature about hybrid political orders, it is argued that in both settings political parties play a linchpin role in local governance. Based on this finding, three key functions of political parties in the governance of minority populations in hybrid political orders are identified: representation, provision and brokerage. Understanding the interdependencies and trade-offs between these different roles contributes to remedying the analytical blind spot regarding the nature, positions and roles of political parties in hybrid political orders.