Regions Of Albania Research Articles

Raising awareness of financial education among youth in the Elbasan region, Albania

This study aims to assess the current state of financial literacy among youth aged 15–25 in the Elbasan region of Albania, with a particular focus on the differences between urban and rural areas. Utilizing a mixed-method approach, the research collected data through surveys and interviews with students, educators, and community members. The quantitative data were analyzed using ANOVA and regression models, while qualitative insights were gained through thematic analysis of the interview responses. The findings revealed significant gaps in financial literacy, especially in rural areas, where access to financial education is limited. Over 68% of schools do not offer dedicated financial literacy modules, and most youth rely on family guidance for financial decisions. The study also highlighted a clear need for more practical financial education, as 85% of respondents expressed that their current education does not adequately prepare them for managing personal finances. In response to these findings, the research proposes several recommendations, including integrating practical financial education modules into school curricula and initiating community-based financial awareness programs. The study also suggests fostering collaboration between educational institutions and policymakers to address these gaps effectively. By identifying critical deficiencies in financial education, this research provides a foundation for future interventions aimed at improving financial literacy among youth, especially in underserved rural areas. The study emphasizes the importance of equipping young people with the necessary skills to make informed financial decisions, contributing to their long-term economic stability and the development of their communities.

Factors influencing farmers' willingness to provide private land for a coordinated flood mitigation scheme in the Drin basin

AbstractFlooding poses a significant and recurring threat in numerous regions. The adverse impacts of flooding can be mitigated through risk sharing, such as insurance or risk reduction. However, insurance might not be accessible in underdeveloped markets or in instances where floods are too frequent. Similarly, the necessary funding or land for structural measures might not be available. Alternatively, measures could be implemented on private land, either through individual initiatives or as part of a coordinated effort. This approach was explored in the flood‐prone regions of Albania and North Macedonia. A survey conducted among 124 farmers revealed that 73% of them are willing to allocate land for flood mitigation, provided they receive adequate compensation. Furthermore, certain factors increase farmers' willingness to cooperate. A logit model indicated a positive correlation between expectations of future floods (increased severity and frequency), receipt of ex‐ante financial support, positive perception of the effectiveness of agricultural flood mitigation measures, and age. Those who view flood protection as personal responsibility and those more inclined to pay for flood insurance are less likely to cooperate. The findings could be utilized to identify farmers who are likely to contribute to establishing a coordinated effort on a stable basis.

Distribution of episodes of kidney diseases admitted at the University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa” in Tirana, Albania, during the period 2010-2023

Our aim was to describe the distribution of kidney diseases among hospitalized patients in Tirana, the capital of Albania, during the period 2010-2023. A case-series study was conducted including all episodes admitted with kidney diseases at the University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa” in Tirana during the period 2010-2023 (overall: 15,763 episodes; 46% females; overall mean age: 54.0±17.3 years). We found that ≈56% of the kidney disease episodes were 35-65 years old, followed by >65-year-old individuals (≈28%). Most of the kidney disease episodes (about 43%) hospitalized were from the Tirana region, followed by districts pertinent to South Albania (23%). Older patients (>65 years) were more prevalent among males compared to females (301% vs 25%, respectively; p<0.001). Patients from the Tirana region were more prevalent among females compared to males (45% vs 42%, respectively, p<0.001). This study provides evidence on the distribution of the episodes of kidney diseases admitted at University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa” in Tirana, the largest region in Albania, a country in the Western Balkans that is undergoing deep reforms in all sectors, including also the health sector.

Contribution to knowledge of the true bugs species (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) in the habitats of the Berati area in Albania

The present study provides taxonomic information pertaining to the distribution patterns of “true bugs” insects (Hemiptera: Heteroptera), throughout the ecological systems of the Berat region in Albania. Specimens were collected from May to September spanning the years 2018 to 2020. The data were collected from stations that exhibited ideal habitats for this specific order, encompassing regions with ample flora, cultivated fields with crops, elevated hills, and hilly terrains. In the Berat region, our inquiry has successfully identified a total of 38 species belonging to the Heteroptera suborder (Hemiptera order). Furthermore, we have furnished citations for every Heteroptera species that have been identified inside the Berat region. Before our investigation, there was a total of 47 recorded species of “true bugs” in Berat. Significantly, our research uncovers a total of 24 species that have not been previously recognized in the Berat region. As a result, our research significantly expands the documented count of Heteroptera species in Berat to 71.

Re-inventing through re-finding. Riparian agriculture for environmental system revitalization marking a new identity for lower shrinkage and isolation in Finiq

The paper is a focused exploration of strategies aimed at revitalizing Finiq Municipality's environmental and cultural landscape, with a particular emphasis on riparian agriculture. Located in the southern region of Albania, Finiq possesses remarkable natural, historical, and culinary assets. However, the region grapples with persistent challenges such as population decline, economic stagnation, and cultural identity erosion. This study's core objective is to present innovative strategies centered around riparian agriculture, which can lead to the revitalization of Finiq's environmental systems, foster economic growth, mitigate isolation, and renew the region's cultural identity. The primary aim of this study is to introduce and advocate for riparian agriculture as a transformative force capable of rejuvenating Finiq Municipality's environmental systems, thereby stimulating economic revitalization, reducing isolation, and rekindling the region's cultural identity. This study employs a comprehensive research methodology that encompasses an in-depth examination of Finiq's environmental and cultural assets, an assessment of the challenges facing the region, and an exploration of successful riparian agriculture practices. Insights gained from local engagement and case studies form the basis for the development of strategic recommendations tailored to Finiq's unique context. In terms of the main conclusions derived from the paper, we should highlight the need for the adoption of riparian agriculture which can catalyze environmental restoration, economic growth, and cultural revival in Finiq. Encouraging community-based agricultural initiatives, including cooperatives and farmer markets, can enhance local engagement, promote economic development, and strengthen social bonds. Implementing terrace farming practices in hilly and mountainous areas has the potential to optimize land use, prevent environmental degradation, and support agro-tourism, offering unique products and experiences. Improvements in irrigation and drainage systems are essential to sustain agricultural growth and mitigate flooding concerns. Integrating renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, with agriculture can create additional income streams, enhance energy sustainability, and contribute to Finiq's environmental regeneration.

Predictor of willingness to pay for early warning climate system and agronomy advisories services in Albania: A case study of medicinal plant in “Malesi e Madhe”

Abstract Access to useful climate information is critical for adaptation needs of Albanian smallholder farmers, yet empirical studies documenting the socioeconomic, environmental and household predictors of access to and willingness to pay for climate information services have been limited to date. This paper addresses the need by identifying the predictors of access to and willingness to pay for climate information by smallholder farmers in the northern area of Albania, a “dangerous hotspot” where slight changes in rainfall and temperature often result in considerable yield losses. The study uses data collected from 201 household surveys in 5 communities across 29 districts in the “Malesia e Madhe” region of Albania using a simple random sampling method. Sampling was conducted in end 2023 and start of 2024 and participants were interviewed face to face by questionnaires following a contingent valuation method for collecting data for willingness to pay for early warning climate system. The EFA analysis was performed on farmer’s awareness to climate changes and their impact on quality and productivity. Our findings suggest that the majority of smallholders are aware of duration of drought (95%), increase of number of hot days (88.1%) and presence of weeds (59.7%). From the findings, farmers perceive that climate changes have affected the quality of medicinal plants in the last 5 years, by increasing the number of hot days (96%), number of rainy days (93.5%) and duration of drought (86.6%), also farmers perceive that climate change has impacted the yield level by duration of drought (87.1%), increase of hot nights (78.1%) and number of rainy days (76.1%). The findings suggest that the majority of smallholder farmers were not willing to pay for the cost of receiving climate information delivered via SMS. The results from the marginal analysis suggest that access to climate information is influenced by farm topology factors. The marginal effects logistic regression shows statistically significant effect in household predictors such as farmer’s size and income. Results suggest that the provision of climate information should be defined and adopted to meet the needs of smallholder farmers with different socioeconomic backgrounds to enable farmers manage climate risks and build reasonable adaptive capacity.

Montmorillonite Clay as an Adsorbent for the Remediation of Cd (II) Ions in Aqueous Solutions: A Comparison With Pb (II) Ions

ABSTRACTHeavy metal ions are hazardous to both human health and the environment. Montmorillonite (MMT) clay has recently piqued interest for its adsorption capacity of heavy metals and its use in controlling contaminants, in particular in surface and waste waters. This research sheds light on the possibility of the application of natural Albanian MMT clay from the Prrenjas Region of Albania as an adsorbent of Cd (II) ions in aqueous solutions, making a comparison with the capacity of such clay for the adsorption of Pb (II) ions. The set of variables studied included concentrations of metal ions, amount of clay pH, time, and temperature of interaction and adsorption process (all of them following batch technique), and optimal conditions have been determined. The adsorption capacity of natural clay for Cd (II) ions was 6.735 mg/g, as compared to 17.9 mg/g for Pb (II) ions. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were applied to evaluate the mode of adsorption with results showing that all isotherms are linear and the Langmuir model fitted better with the experimental data. It is determined that the adsorption of Cd (II), similar to that of Pb (II), is well‐fitted by the second‐order reaction kinetic following the Lagergen model. The results demonstrate good potentiality for Prrenjas MMT as a low‐cost adsorbent to remove Cd (II) from aqueous systems, in particular, for wastewater treatment.

Cytotoxic activity of liposomal Thymus capitatus essential oil on HT-29 human colorectal cancer cell line.

Multidrug resistance, severe side effects, and high cancer treatment costs are still well-known issues and remain an open challenge. These factors reduce the therapy's efficiency and safety, seriously affecting human health. Developing therapeutic approaches based on plant extracts, especially based on essential oils with cytotoxic and antioxidant properties, could be of efficacious strategies. This work incorporated Thymus capitatus essential oil (TEO) in liposomes. Thymus capitatus is a plant native to the northern region of Albania and found specifically in the Mediterranean region. TEO has several biological activities and cytotoxic properties. Due to its volatility, poor solubility, and chemical instability, however, its applicability is restricted. Incorporation into liposomes enables its effective use because the exposure time to the active compounds can be extended, increasing its efficacy against colorectal cancer cell lines, as highlighted in in vitro studies. TEO demonstrated detectable cytotoxic action against HT-29 colorectal cancer cells, and this action could be enhanced by applying various formulations of TEO-loaded liposomes to this cell line. Among the tested nanosystems, TEO-Phospholipon 90H liposomes showed more significant cytotoxic effects than TEO-Lipoid S100 liposomes and TEO-Phospholipon 85G liposomes. TEO-Phospholipon 90 H liposomes also maintained its physicochemical stability for six months at 25 °C. This research suggests that TEO, particularly when encapsulated in TEO-Phospholipon 90 H liposomes, may offer a promising therapeutic approach. However, these findings are based on in vitro studies and further in vivo research is needed to validate the efficacy and safety of this approach in clinical settings.

AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF POTENTIAL FACTORS IMPACTING STUDENT SATISFACTION – A STUDY FOCUSED ON STUDENTS LIVING IN THE NORTH OF ALBANIA AND ATTENDING PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES (CASE: UNIVERSITY OF SHKODRA, UNIVERSITY OF TIRANA AND THE UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE, TIRANA

Objective: This study aims to explore the factors influencing student satisfaction among attendees of public universities in the northern region of Albania, against the backdrop of declining student enrollment and significant emigration trends. Theoretical Framework: Student satisfaction is understood as a crucial aspect of educational evaluation, influenced by various factors such as educational experiences, services, and facilities (Chatzoglou et al., 2021). Emphasis is placed on understanding the interplay between demographic variables and their impact on satisfaction levels. Method: Data was collected via questionnaires distributed to students at the University of Shkodra, Tirana, and the University of Medicine in 2023. Factor and reliability analyses were employed to identify significant factors affecting student satisfaction. Multiple regression analysis was conducted, with variables including reputation, cost of study, course quality, employability prospects, and service quality. Results and Discussion: The findings indicate that demographic variables exhibit a notable influence on student satisfaction levels. Moreover, the regression analysis identified several factors—such as reputation, cost of study, and service quality—as significant predictors of student satisfaction. Research Implications: This study contributes to understanding the nuanced dynamics of student satisfaction within the Albanian higher education context. The findings hold implications for university administrators and policymakers in devising strategies to enhance student satisfaction and address the challenges of declining enrollment. Originality/Value: By focusing on the specific context of northern Albanian public universities, this research sheds light on understudied aspects of student satisfaction amidst broader socio-economic challenges. The study's findings underscore the importance of tailored interventions to improve overall student experiences and retention rates.

A STUDY ON TRUE BUGS (LYGAEIDAE, INSECTA) IN THE CENTRAL ALBANIAN HABITATS

The present research examines the ecological and systematic characteristics of true bugs, namely those belonging to the Lygaeidae family, within the central regions of Albania. The study was carried out in four designated sites, namely Dajti, Krraba, Iba, and Vora, which offer favorable environments for the proliferation of Lygaeidae insects. These insects have tiny to medium size, with certain specimens exhibiting vibrant hues like as red, black, and yellow, while red and black are the prevailing colors. A total of 96 biological specimens belonging to this particular family were identified over the period spanning from 2021 to 2023. There were 15 species and 12 genera of the Lygaeidae family observed at these locations. The results of the systematic analysis indicate that the genus Lygaeus exhibited the highest level of diversity, consisting of three species with a frequency of 20%. This suggests that the ecological conditions associated with these stations provide the most conducive habitats for this particular genus. The Krraba station displayed the greatest species diversity, with a total of eight species (corresponding to a frequency of 53.33%). In contrast, Dajti and Vora stations had the lowest diversity, each with only four species (corresponding to a frequency of 26.67%).

On the Use of Instrumental and Macroseismic Data to Evaluate Ground-Motion Models: The 2019 Mw 6.4 Durres, Albania, Earthquake Sequence

Abstract In this study, we analyze the existing ground-motion models (GMMs) applicable in Albania for horizontal peak ground acceleration (PGA) and spectral acceleration (SA) using instrumental ground motions, and also incorporate online citizen responses from “Did you feel it?” (DYFI) to compensate for the sparse distribution of strong-motion stations and provide better constraints for near-fault motions. Our evaluation focuses primarily on the damaging 26 November 2019 Mw 6.4 Durres earthquake, incorporating 1360 DYFI online citizen responses collected after the Durres mainshock event, along with two significant September foreshocks and two large November aftershocks with a moment magnitude Mw>5.0. In general, the DYFI intensities exhibit higher values than instrumentation data, and we find that SA at 0.3 s better represents the observed macroseismic intensities for all events. In the meantime, the reversible relationships between macroseismic intensities and PGA/SA, as established by Oliveti et al. (2022) based on a dataset from the European region (Italy), show a better fit for the converted DYFI observations when compared to instrumental data, in contrast to the fit of the converted DYFI observations by Worden et al. (2012). This underscores the importance of regional characterization when considering the datasets from online citizen responses. The extensive DYFI intensities set, particularly in near-fault regions, significantly improves the evaluation of GMMs due to the sparse distribution of instrumentation data. Moreover, we account for data variance, and applied the log-likelihood approaches to select and rank a candidate set of GMMs. In addition to recommending a set of GMMs suitable for the Albania region, our study highlights the valuable applications of using online citizen responses like DYFI for ground-motion estimations, which are crucial in regions with limited instrumental station coverage. These online citizen response datasets contribute to better constraining the selection of GMMs, although careful consideration is necessary when relating intensity to ground motion for regional characterization. Our study makes a significant contribution to GMM selection and provides a valuable reference for the logic tree structure in subsequent seismic hazard assessments on both national and regional scales.

Serological evidence of Maedi-Visna and Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis in sheep and goats in the Korça region in Albania

Lentiviruses infect small ruminants and cause similar but different two significant diseases: Maedi-Visna in sheep and Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis in goats. In the current study, 91 of 413 adult sheep and goats from the Korça region tested positive for small ruminant lentiviruses. Furthermore, 11 of the 25 small ruminant herds have at least one positive animal for small ruminant lentiviruses. The overall observed herd prevalence was 44.0% (95% CI: 29–59) for both diseases, 38.6% (95% CI: 18.6-55.1) for Maedi-Visna in sheep, and 66.7% (95% CI: 43.1-90.2) for Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis in goats. The average observed prevalence rate ranges from 20% to 82.9% (95% CI: 12–89.2) within positive goat’s herds, while within sheep-positive herds, it varies from 23.1% to 57.1% (95% CI: 11.7–70.4). There was a positive correlation between seroprevalence rate and animal species; goats seem to have an odd 2.36 (OR 95% CI: 1.48-3.76) higher than sheep to test positive in ELISA. Other risk factors, such as farm size, indoor versus outdoor rearing, and close farm biosecurity, may play a role in disease transmission between and within small ruminant animals’ herds. This is the first study on the prevalence of Maedi-Visna infection in sheep and one of the few published Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis studies in Albania. These findings support the presence of Small Ruminant Lentiviruses (SRLV) in the Korça district emphasize the need for monitoring and controlling SRLV infection in sheep and goats. According to the study’s conclusions, a yearly monitoring program is essential and must be developed in the future to keep the disease under control. This initiative aims to help owners understand SRLV and the need to raise seronegative animals

The main factors affecting credit card use in Albania-the case of Tirana

Considering the importance of debt in the economy, this study aims to find out the main factors that indicate the changes in credit card usage in Albania. Moreover, the research is focused on answering the questions regarding the attitude of cardholders and non-cardholders in particular after Covid-19 pandemic. Firstly, specific data have been taken from the Bank of Albania and the information was used to release the position of credit cards in Albania in recent years, by illustrating the total number of credit card payments and the number of issued and active credit cards in years. After that, a survey was conducted through an online questionnaire and personal interviews in order to have a clear picture of the current use of credit cards in Tirana. Data collected and analyzed points out that the majority of citizens have knowledge about credit cards. It is indicated that education and level of income are the main factors that affect credit card usage. The pandemic situation affected also the behavior of customers, making them buy more often with credit cards. The data show that the biggest advantage regarding credit cards is that they are a very practical payment method. However, financial institutions should create other eligibility criteria that could be met by a wider proportion of the population and also they should be more informative. As this research paper is related only to people who live in Tirana, further study is needed to cover other regions of Albania as well.

Biodiversity and functional roles of soil organisms: An analysis of millipede populations in Southern Albania

Soil organisms are an important component of the biodiversity of terrestrial biogeocenoses. Their considerable taxonomic and ecological variability determines a significant functional role in soil formation processes, mechanisms of sustainable development and productivity of natural ecosystems. The aim of the study is to develop a practical approach to the ecological assessment of soil organisms populations using the example of Diplopoda in the southern region of Albania. The study was carried out using general scientific methods of cognition: system and cluster analysis, synthesis, specification, abstraction, formalization, deduction, generalization, and the statistical method. The article systematizes and analyses statistical data on the assessment of populations of millipede species found in the study area. It considers the influence of environmental factors on the distribution of representatives of the class Diplopoda. It calculated the frequency of species according to the collection areas, constant values for the species of the three represented orders. Based on the data variety, composition of each zone is carried out with cluster analysis using Average Linkage. The similarity between zones is studied. The dendrogram obtained indicates the proximity of zones according to their diversity composition. Based on the results of the study, a system of tools was proposed as part of the ecological assessment of soil organisms populations, and the main approaches to its implementation were developed. The practical significance of the obtained results lies in the possibility of using them to study the dynamics of soil organism populations, including in the period of global climate change, to develop a dynamic approach to the ecological assessment of soil ecosystems and to implement an appropriate adaptation and regeneration strategy

Using Local Ecological Knowledge of Fishers to Identify the Presence and Habitats of Angelsharks in Albanian Waters

Abstract The Mediterranean Sea is a hotspot for shark and ray extinctions and is home to the following three angelshark species: sawback angelshark Squatina aculeata, smoothback angelshark Squatina oculata, and common angelshark Squatina squatina. We conducted a questionnaire-based survey in four coastal regions of Albania, Shëngjin (Lezhë), Vlorë, Himarë (Sarandë) and Durrës, with the aim of collecting historical and current data on angelshark catches in the Albanian seas (Adriatic and Ionian Seas). Although the occurrence of common angelshark was reported by Croatian fishermen in the Adriatic Sea, we included the other two species in our study. The number of observations was minimal, although this is the first study of angelshark species sightings in Albania. It will establish a baseline study that will allow further work on the conservation of these regionally extinct and highly endangered species.

Reflections from the 2019 Durrës Earthquakes: An Earthquake Engineering Evaluation for Masonry Typologies

Two earthquakes struck the NW region of Albanian territory on 21 September 2019 (Mw = 5.6) and on 26 November 2019 (Mw = 6.4). The epicenters of the seismic activity were located offshore NW Durrës, one of Albania’s most populated cities, located 30 km from the capital Tirana. Various aftershocks followed subsequently. While there were no reported injuries, a number of buildings sustained significant damage near the epicenter following the initial event. Subsequently, during the second event, there was loss of life and extensive damage to civilian structures, resulting in multiple collapses. This study focuses on the earthquake damages observed in residential and public buildings in the earthquake-affected region. The earthquakes predominantly affected low-rise masonry buildings, while the newly constructed RC structures built according to the latest seismic rules were almost unaffected. The commonly encountered building typologies in the region, together with photos showing the amount of destruction are presented here. As observed by the authors during the reconnaissance visit to the stricken area, examples of various damage patterns are presented, along with a technically substantiated description of the reasons for those damages. Although modern buildings during recent earthquakes in the region show acceptable performance, the detailed surveys from the Durrës Earthquakes showed that there is still an important level of deficiency in current masonry buildings built by conventional methods and materials. This problem may reoccur in future earthquakes that may hit other rural regions of Albania, which must be focused on systematically in the near future.

E-public Services Evaluation, based on Citizens’ Perception, (The Albanian Case)

The development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in recent years has significantly affected business activities in the private sector, as well as in the public sector. Over the years, there has been a growing trend in utilizing technology to provide public services at national and global levels. In Albania, the government and public agencies have faced challenges in implementing electronic services, aiming to enhance the efficiency of public service delivery and meet the needs of citizens and society. The objective of e-government is to cater to the general public’s expectations and satisfaction by offering valuable public services. In this regard, an e-government platform plays a crucial role in facilitating the efficient provision of electronic services, enabling citizens, businesses, and the public to interact successfully with the government and its institutions. The increasing demand for electronic services in Albania is driven by citizens’ desire to improve the quality of public service delivery. To assess the significance of electronic services, this study examines relevant indicators on the e-Albania platform. A survey was conducted in the Tirana region of Albania, involving the distribution and completion of 190 questionnaires. The variables were evaluated using a Likert scale (1-5 rating). The main objective of this research is to assess citizen perception and evaluate the importance of electronic services offered by the e-Albania platform, through measuring citizen’s perception.

Socio-Demographic Correlates of Barriers to Access Healthcare Services among Children in Post-Communist Albania

Access to healthcare services is an essential component of promoting public health and sustainable development. Our aim was to assess socio-demographic correlates of barriers to accessing healthcare services among children in Albania, a post-communist country in Europe. An online survey was conducted in September 2022, including a nationwide representative sample of 7831 school children (≈54% girls) ranging from grades six to nine from all regions of Albania. A structured and anonymous questionnaire was administered to all children inquiring about a range of potential barriers to accessing healthcare services. Overall, about 42% of the children reported that they had barriers to accessing healthcare services. There were no gender differences, but there were significant ethnic differences (51% among Roma/Egyptian children vs. 42% among the general sample of the children); urban/rural differences (46% rural vs. 39% urban); and socio-economic differences (52% among children with a lower maternal education vs. 31% among children with a higher maternal education; 66% among children from poor families vs. 35% among children with a higher family income). In transitional Albania, children residing in rural areas, children from Roma and/or Egyptian communities, and especially those pertinent to low socio-economic families report considerably more barriers to accessing healthcare services, which is a cause of concern.

Ecology of soil animals (Diplopoda class, Myriapoda group)

Class Шplays an important role in natural ecosystems, because it supports biodiversity and soil stability, and a change in the number or distribution of centipede species can indicate changes in the environment, such as pollution, soil degradation, climate change, etc. The purpose of the study is to identify the existing species of soil animals of the Diplopoda class, as well as to determine environmental factors that can affect their distribution. Species’ diversity was assessed by collecting individuals and classifying them into order, family, genus, and species. Climatic factors, namely temperature and precipitation, are also determined. As a result of the study, ecological aspects of centipede development were evaluated and their distribution and dependence on environmental factors, such as climatic, edaphic, and trophic factors, were analysed. In the southern region of Albania, 22 species of the Diplopoda class of the Myriapoda group were identified, among which mainly decomposers of organic remains and phytophages. The regions of Llogara and Šhašhica were noted as the regions with the highest diversity of millipedes. In addition, it was established that the variation of species is influenced by the environment, the presence of organic substances, and climatic factors. Temperature and humidity are determining factors influencing the distribution of the Diplopoda class in different biotopes. Species that have a large regional distribution and are most widespread in time throughout the year: Pachyiulus cattarensis, found in the period June-November, Glomeris pulchra – May-July, SeptemberOctober, Pachyiulus varius – May-October. A less active period was noted for the following species: Polydesmus complanatus, Glomeris latermarginata, Typhloiulus albanichus, Pachyiulus hungaricus, Glomeris pustullata. The research, which was carried out, is of practical importance for nature conservation, as the Diplopoda class plays an important role in maintaining ecosystems and biodiversity and can be an indicator of the state of the environment

Bootstrapping the Seasonal Means and the Overall Mean in Rainfall Time Series

Several bootstrap methods have been studied nowadays for estimating the parameters in periodic data and it is important to consider the periodicity present in choosing the right bootstrap method. In this study we conducted a comparison of the performance of several block bootstrap methods designed for dependent data in the case of a real data time series with periodic structure such as the rainfall time series that is a time series with meteorological data collected monthly in a region in Albania. R programming language is used to perform the bootstrap and to obtain the results. We proposed a block bootstrap procedure in the case of estimating the seasonal means and the overall mean in the time series studied and based on the results obtained we notice a good performance of our proposed bootstrap procedure compared with other procedures considered.
 
 Received: 12 January 2023 / Accepted: 16 March 2023 / Published: 20 March 2023