Kosovo Research Articles

Analysis of chemical elements in honey samples in the territory of Kosovo

The aim of the study was to investigate the content of macro- and microelements in fresh multi-flower honey from different regions of Kosovo. The samples of fresh honey were collected in July and September 2019 from 99 sampling locations. The samples were mineralised by microwave method and analysed by inductively coupled plasma - atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Three groups of elements of mixed origin were identified by Factor analysis; the first group is mainly of anthropogenic origin (Mo, Pb, Sb, Se, Ti, Tl) and two other groups are of mixed anthropogenic and geogenic origin (As, K, Mg, Mn, P and Ag, Al, Li). The contents of some elements in honey from Kosovo were determined within the following mean values: Ca: 110, Mn: 2.4, Mg: 65, P: 75, Zn: 2.8, Cu: 2.0, Fe: 4.6, Na: 56 and K: 970 mg/kg. The contents of the elements in the samples can be given in the following descending order: K > Ca > P > Mg > Na > Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu. In addition, it was found that the average contents of some heavy metals are as follows: Cd: 23 µg/kg, Cr: 0.38 mg/kg, Pb: 0.20 mg/kg, As: 6.8 µg/kg, which are below the limit allowed by the Codex Alimentarius CXS 193–1995 of the Food and Agriculture Organisation and the World Health Organisation (FAO/WHO).

Differences in Anthropometric Characteristics of Youth in Football Between Elite and Non-Elite Players

Study purpose. This paper is about the differences in anthropometric characteristics between elite and non-elite youth football players in the Republic of Kosovo. Therefore, our current study aims to compare the differences in anthropometric characteristics between elite and non-elite youth players. The test was conducted with 132 young football players aged 14±0.5 years. Materials and methods. The sample was divided into two groups, namely 66 young players playing in the elite league and 66 young players playing in the non-elite league. The sample of variables consisted of 10 anthropometric measurements. The results of the measurements were analyzed using statistical procedures characterized by descriptive parameters and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results. The results show that the elite league players have higher values in height and body mass compared to the non-elite league players. It should be noted that the length of the left leg is also higher in the elite league players, while the waist circumference is higher in the non-elite league players. As for knee diameter, the values are identical in both groups. Subcutaneous adipose tissue is more pronounced in the non-elite group than in the elite league players. According to the analysis of variance (ANOVA), significant differences were presented only in the three variables such as the subcutaneous adipose tissue of the back, triceps and suprailiac between the elite and non-elite groups at the level (p<0.05), while no differences were presented in other variables. That is, between the elite and non-elite groups. Conclusions. In summary, the elite league players had better values in the anthropometric characteristics compared to the non-elite league players.

Male Infertility in Patients with Post-Traumatic Stress is Associated with Increased Serum Lipid Concentration

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that can occur after experiencing or witnessing life-threatening events such as combat operations, terrorist attacks, accidents or violent physical attacks, rape, etc. Its prevalence is high and it very often occurs in comorbidity with other psychiatric and physical disorders. PTSD patients often exhibit dysregulated lipid metabolic profiles. The aim of the research was to determine the biochemical concentration of lipids (TC, TG, HDL, and LDL) in men with post-traumatic stress disorder, veterans of the war in Kosovo, who are being treated for infertility. Our study included 72 male patients with primary and secondary infertility. Patients with PTSD were permanent residents of the Dukagjin region (the cities of Pejë, Istog, Deçan, Klinë) in the Republic of Kosovo. Serum lipid concentrations were determined on the COBAS INTEGRA 400 plus apparatus. To determine male fertility, we analyzed the parameters of human ejaculation according to the latest manual (6th, WHO 2021). Criteria that must be met to confirm the diagnosis of PTSD. The following instruments were used in the research: ITQ (International Trauma Questionnaire). In patients with PTSD, the mean TC values were higher (6.38 ± 1.20) than the without PTSD group (5.28 ± 0.37) (p=0.018), the concentration of bad cholesterol, LDL was higher in PTSD patients than without PTSD patients (4.16 ± 0.31 vs. 3.65 ± 0.49) (p= 0.016), TG also had higher concentrations (2.43 ± 0.64 ) than without PTSD patients (1.78 ± 0.45), (p = 0.036). HDL in PTSD patients (1.17 ± 0.40) was significantly lower in without PTSD patients (2.47 ± 0.50) (p = 0.021). BMI had no statistically significant differences between the two groups; with PTSD and non-PTSD (26.2 vs 25.6) (p=0.430). In conclusion, biochemical analyzes of the lipid profile of PTSD patients will help clinicians to reduce the possibility of vascular disease in this population during the treatment of male infertility.

AGRO-TOURISM IMPACT ANALYSIS OF CLIMATE CHANGE USING GOOGLE EARTH ENGINE IN THE RAHOVEC WINE REGION OF KOSOVO

Abstract. Climate change is a global problem and has a major impact on the economy of the developing world. The use of open data and modeling provides a considerable resource for governments, municipalities, and NGOs to develop an understanding of how climate change will impact their communities. This paper discusses the statistical concepts used to model MODIS Land Surface Temperature dataset and calculation of water balance with interpretations of the results. The results of this paper will utilize open datasets, an analysis of the impacts of temperature changes on the developing tourist economy in the Republic of Kosovo, and the knowledge of the capacity for leveraging large geographic datasets for open climate change research. The data from this paper shows a high level of vulnerability to viticulture in Kosovo due to significant trends in water balance and land surface temperature trends within the Drini I Bardhë basin and the future impacts of this on the regions wine agro-tourism by understanding the development of climate change in the region.

Političke i bezbjednosne dimenzije u rješavanju Kosovsko-Sjevernomakedonske demarkacije granice

Drawing borders in post-conflict situations is a challenging undertaking between two or more actors that often ends up in arbitration. In some cases, it produces a political confrontation that may turn into a cycle of violence. This article sheds light on the dynamics of political and security challenges, the interaction of the foreign actors and the role of the local government and civic activism in resolving disputes related to the Kosovo-Macedonia border. This article focuses on the obstacles that came from the non-definition of the status of Kosovo and the popular and institutional dissatisfaction regarding the agreement on the border between the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) and Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), bypassing Kosovo and UNMIK from decisionmaking. Secondly, it asks whether these two sovereign countries have had the right to decide on the part of the border that separates Kosovo and Macedonia and was it an appropriate moment to reach an agreement on the border in tense situation between Kosovo, Serbia, and Macedonia? If so, why was Kosovo not included in the final stage of implementation of the agreement? Third, in unclear situation with Kosovo political status, which of the parties to the agreement would be able undertake practical ground activity, that of placing the border stones and which kind of writings will take place on them: „Serbia” and „Macedonia”, or „Kosovo” and „Macedonia”? Could the implementation of the agreement be postponed, at least for the part that divided Kosovo and Macedonia, and completed instead after the final status of Kosovo was determined? We argue that political momentum between Kosovo-Macedonia-Serbia triangle did not favor achieve such sensitive agreement between newly created states of Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and FYROM. Excluding Kosovo provisional institutions and UN civil administration from the border agreement was a mistake that produced instability, hostility and additional bitterness in interethnic relations at the early stages, followed by the status quo. And, finally, including Kosovo as a partner in implementing the border issue paved the way for interstate cooperation that led to Macedonia’s recognition of Kosovo, which erupt a short wave of anti-Macedonian rhetoric by both, Serbian political leadership and people protests. The evidence used for the arguments presented were positivists qualitative methods such as social survey and official statistics. The principle of uti possidetis was applied on the border disputes in the period after the breakup of Yugoslavia, and also in the case of the demarcation of the border between Kosovo and the states of Macedonia, Montenegro and Albania, as the best solution because it lies in „its primary aim of securing respect for the territorial boundaries at the moment when independence is achieved”. In drawing conclusions related to the article topic, I used a combined methodology of literature research, comparative analyses and positivist qualitative methods such as social surveys through structured questionnaires, official statistics, interviewing the bearers of the institutions of the time and members of the technical commission for border demarcation. Archive of Kosovo Parliament and personal files also became important sources.

Discrepancy between pupils' body and classroom furniture in elementary schools: A case study in the Republic of Kosovo.

Primary school children spend quite a lot of time sitting in classrooms. For this reason, it is necessary to make a scientific analysis of children's body dimensions and compare them with the furniture dimensions where they sit. The main aim of this paper is to present anthropometric data for pupils in primary schools in the Republic of Kosovo and give recommendations for school furniture design. Measurements were made in the public schools of four different regions in the Republic of Kosovo. The study includes 720 children from 12 different elementary schools with first and fifth graders (6-11 years old). Twelve body parts were measured: Stature, sitting height, shoulder height, lower leg length, hip breadth, elbow height, buttock-popliteal length, thigh clearance, eye height, shoulder breadth, and knee height. The descriptive data are calculated in terms of average, standard deviation, and 5th, 50th and 95th percentile. We recommend that the competent authorities in the Republic of Kosovo consider improving the infrastructure of primary schools in terms of furniture size according to the findings presented in this study. The information presented in this paper on pupils' anthropometry and the proposed dimensions for school furniture can be used by various bodies in Kosovo including, but not limited to: Ministry of Education Science and Technology, Ministry of Trade and Industry of Kosovo and furniture manufacturing industries as basic information for suitable furniture design for primary school children, as well as school principals to help in furniture selection.

Does Socioeconomic Status Affect Mental Well-being Among Children with Asthma in Kosovo?

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between mental well-being – as assessed by the SDQ among children with asthma in Kosovo and SES. Methods and Results: For this cross-sectional observational study, data were collected from five regions of Kosovo, public and private institutions, public hospitals and primary healthcare facilities in each area, a tertiary level hospital, and two private immunology clinics in the capital city. The survey included 161 Kosovar children (mean age of 11.1±2.7 years) with asthma, aged 7-16 years, and their caregivers. The survey questionnaires used were those of the American Academy of Pediatrics: The Children's Health Survey for Asthma (CHSA), the parent and child version (CHSA-C), and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). SDQ showed conspicuous (borderline or abnormal) results in 25.1% of children. None of the scales of the SDQ, except prosocial behavior, showed statistically significant differences across SES categories. Prosocial behavior scores increased significantly with increasing SES. Conclusion: Children with asthma from lower SES families in Kosovo have more social contact problems but do not show reduced mental well-being nor more conduct problems.

DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY IN RUGOVA

The territory of Rugova is part of Kosovo, which includes the western part of Kosovo. This territory consists of 13 settlements, which in the physiognomy of the landscape make up the mountainous parts that are quite attractive for visitors. In addition to the areas that attract visitors, a significant number of accommodation facilities and restaurants have been built in this area for guests visiting the area. Rugova has developed mountain tourism with all its activities because the attractive nature of the area makes this form of tourism developed. Likewise, winter and sports tourism take an important place, especially in the winter season, where the snow lasts for more than six months of the year, which is a rare phenomenon for the development of tourism. For this reason, the residents of Rugova have really turned this place into a tourist destination for visitors from all over the world. But on the other hand, they have also improved the quality of their lives. Tourism is always growing and developing in this tourist region of Kosovo. Tourists visit this place staying for days, both in summer tourism and in winter tourism. Visits are made to touristic places, where tourists also stay in family households together with local residents. Indeed, Rugova has many tourist attractions that are available for tourists. The paper presents some of the elements that have influenced and will influence the development of tourism for the future in this tourist. The development of tourism in this area presents a special report. The natural conditions and social factors are what make tourism an important economic activity for the development of this area. The tourist destination in File is visited by tourists throughout the year, many of them stay for whole days in this place. The importance of the area is also increased by the value of the National Park, which has been declared and affects the development of tourism in this area. The mountainous part itself has great potential values with all forms of relief which present real tourist attractions for visitors. In some parts, investments have been made to improve the tourist infrastructure, which provides a good basis for the development of tourism. The local population lives in the area and they welcome the guests who stay for days visiting the tourist sites of the area. The area itself has influenced the economic development of the country, which every day is changing its shape towards improvement. The large number of tourists who visit this tourist destination is the best indicator for the development perspective of tourism in this tourist area. The local residents use different products that serve tourists, such as traditional foods that are used in this area. Part of the agricultural and livestock products are used for the development of tourism in this tourist destination. Based on these indicators, the tourist destination in question presents suitable conditions for the development of the tourist product. The development of many forms of tourism such as; mountain, walking in nature, climbing, parachuting, staying during the weekend with family, all are conditions that have made this country a tourist destination for visitors. This shows the tourism development perspective of the area by using the tourist potentials which are used for the development of tourism and actually create a tourist destination.

ICT as a Didactic Tool to Facilitate the Learning Process in the Subject of Mathematics in Combined Classes

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) has become a common entity in all aspects of life. The use of ICT has fundamentally changed the practices and procedures of almost all forms of endeavor within the learning process. The use of ICT in education lends itself to more learner-centered learning environments, and this often creates some convenience for teachers and students. On the other hand, with the small number of students, schools are facing the merging of several classes led by one teacher. A combined classroom is when students from more than one grade level learn from the same teacher, in the same classroom. Therefore, this study aims to explore the process of integrating ICT into teaching and learning practices in combined classrooms in the subject of mathematics. The study is a qualitative study that focuses on a case of elementary and lower secondary school "River Heroes" in the Republic of Kosovo. In this study, the descriptive survey method was chosen to evaluate teachers' experiences in the integration of ICT in the teaching and learning process in combined classes. The total number of participants in this study was 9 primary school teachers of this school. This particular study used interviews to collect qualitative data. The results of the study show that the use of technology in teaching can be a powerful tool to help students develop their mathematical skills, especially in schools with mixed classes. The results of this study can help the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, Municipal Directorates of Education, school teachers and principals, as well as other interested bodies to design intervention and rehabilitative measures related to the integration of ICT in teaching and learning, especially in combined classes.

Prevalence of Dental Anomalies in Various Categories of Malocclusion among Orthodontic Patients in the Kosovo Region: A Retrospective Study

Abstract Objectives The objective of this retrospective research was to investigate the prevalence and the association between dental anomalies and malocclusion in a subset of Kosovo's population. Materials and Methods This retrospective descriptive study was conducted by recruiting 557 patients; 215 (38.6%) were males and 342 (61.4%) were females. The age range was from 7 to 44 years. The exclusion criteria were employed for the sample size, and 307 of 864 patients were excluded from the study. Malocclusion groups were divided through Angle's classification, and dental anomalies were defined according to the literature. Pretreatment panoramic radiographs, medical and dental history, study casts, and photographs were included to categorize malocclusion and identify dental anomalies (i.e., hypodontia, ectopic eruption, impaction, and diastema). The data were analyzed with IBM SPSS software version 16.0. The chi-squared test was utilized to calculate the frequency and percentages of malocclusion and dental anomalies. A p-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Five hundred and fifty-seven patient records from 2015 to 2020 were included. An increased prevalence of ectopic eruption (24.8%) was found in this study, whereas the least common was hypodontia (7.0%). The most common malocclusion was class I (46.9%). Vertical plane malocclusion demonstrated that 31.4% had a deep bite and 9.5% had an open bite. Most dental anomalies were significantly associated with class I malocclusion and least associated with class III malocclusion. Transverse malocclusion exhibited that 14% had anterior crossbite and 10.8% had posterior crossbite. Posterior crossbite was significantly less in the class III malocclusion group (p = 0.019). Conclusion The prevalence of the selected dental anomalies was overall high in our study; 557 of 864 patients faced dental anomalies. An association was seen between malocclusion and dental anomalies in the Kosovan population, especially with class I malocclusion. Deep bite was prominent in the vertical plane malocclusion, whereas anterior crossbite was the most common finding in the transverse plane. Anterior crowding was prevalent in the maxilla and posterior crowding in the mandible.

THE CRIMINAL OFFENSE OF TRAFFICKING IN HUMAN BEINGS IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOSOVO: A COMPARATIV SENSE

Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Kosovo, as two countries that lived through the events of war and suffered a large number of different victims and material losses during the war period, took almost identical paths in the direction of nation building.
 Although these two countries have made significant progress in some segments, due to their historical past, also had the opposite side of the coin: stagnation, underdevelopment, corruption, lack of rule of law, high level of unemployment, poverty, various forms of organized crime, etc. One of the forms of organized crime is human trafficking, which occurs in these two countries with some special characteristics due to various factors that have influenced it.
 For this negative social phenomenon, especially in the form of sexual exploitation of women and children, interest is expressed in every country, but these two countries differ from other Southeast Europe countries due to the large number of victims of human trafficking that is, because of sexual exploitation especially women and children after the end of the war events, which means that the expansion time of this phenomenon, the age of the victims, scope and manner represent special characteristics for Bosnia and Herzegovina i Republic of Kosovo.
 Methods: The article uses system-structural, formal-logical, comparative-legal, statistical and dialectical research methods. Based on the methods, we realized the purpose of this paper which is to research, analysis and introduce in comperativ sense, forms and causes of human trafficking in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Kosovo.
 Results and Conclusions: The analysis was realized within two main thematic areas: Sexual exploitation especially women and children and causes of human trafficking in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Kosovo after the end of the war events.
 The relevant state institutions in BiH and Republic of Kosovo should be systematically engaged with the aim:
 
 To eliminate or reduce the causes of human trafficking and,
 Rehabilitation and compensation of victims of human trafficking.

STUDENTS‘ VIEWS ON THE APPLICATION OF INNOVATIVE METHODS IN TEACHING

The skills and attitudes acquired in the classes allow the student to get to know and understand the world around him better, to learn more easily in the natural and social environment and to make decisions about personal prosperity. This research includes 300 students, emphasizes the issue of the quality of education in secondary schools, with a focus on the acquisition of knowledge through innovative methods, as well as the issue of the quality of students’ acquired knowledge, the impact on student achievements. Interactions between students and lecturers. Quality knowledge belongs to the level of recognition and reproduction. However, the test results so far show serious deficiencies and failures in teaching in the Republic of Kosovo, indicating the necessity of applying modern techniques and methods of the teaching process in order to improve the quality of teaching, which, among other things, requires personal creativity and engagement of teachers. In order for the aforementioned methods and techniques of curriculum implementation to be applicable, teachers need to be additionally educated and provided with appropriate contemporary literature in these areas. The paper presents the results of the statistical software package SPSS version 25, about students’ attitudes about developing the ability to use modern methods and techniques in teaching based on age, gender in relation to the program of attendance. Researchers suggest the use of innovative methods that have proven to be useful in the teaching and learning process.

The Motion of No Confidence as a Mean of Parliamentary Control in Relation to the Government and the Dissolution of the Parliament: A Comparative View Between Kosovo, France, Germany, Italy and Croatia

From the treatment that has been given to the role of the motion of confidence-no-confidence as a means of controlling the parliament in relation to the government and its effects that are produced in the inauguration of the government or in the dissolution of the assembly and the announcement of early elections, efforts have been made to underline the characteristics of this means of control, especially in countries with a parliamentary system, and the consequences it produces in the continuation or shortening of the governing mandate. When it comes to obtaining the confidence of the government through a motion of no confidence by the parliament, one naturally thinks of a rather harsh political and constitutional mean that exposes the political responsibility of the prime minister and his government cabinet or ministerial council. In the most adequate treatment of this issue, the comparative method between different states has been used, drawing parallels between the Republic of Kosovo and these states, in terms of the motion of no confidence as an extraordinary means of parliamentary control. The role of the President of the State in such a political momentum is extremely important, in creating the conditions for a government that enjoys parliamentary support.

School Administration Through the School's Electronic Management System

<p style="text-align: justify;">In recent years, our schools have faced the necessity of creating a new school administration system, which would provide a good basis for electronic management. In this article, we will show how an electronic school management system works, and we will track the teachers’ opinions from our school regarding the use of the electronic school management system. Our research method is survey research, with quantitative and qualitative data. The selected sample is a total of 25 teachers from the primary and lower secondary school "Heronjtë e Lumës" in the village of Vërmicë, municipality of Prizren, Republic of Kosovo. Data were collected using a questionnaire. In conclusion, the findings from this study showed that the participants have a positive opinion of the school's electronic management system and it met the teachers' expectations, and they think that this system should be continued in the future. The entire school and our pedagogical staff have benefited from the use of this system.</p>

Comparison of the impact of removable partial dentures on the oral health-related quality of life of older adults

This study aimed to determine the effect of metal base removable partial dentures (MRPDs) and acrylic base removable partial dentures (ARPDs) on oral health-related quality of life.The study was conducted on 40 patients. Twenty received ARPDs (nine in the maxilla and eleven in the mandible), and twenty received MRPDs (nine in the maxilla and eleven in the mandible). The patients were 4565 years old. The impact of RPDs on the patient's quality of life was analysed with the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-ALB14) questionnaire.The differences in OHIP-14 between the two dentures at three different time points were estimated. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software, version 22 (IBM), and a p-value<0.05 was considered statistically significant.The OHIP-ALB14 score for both denture types was high at T1 and then remarkably decreased at T2 (p<0.05) and T3 (p<0.05), with no significant differences between MRPDs and ARPDs users. For ARPD users, the satisfaction level significantly increased (<0.001) after one year for the dimensions of Physical Pain, Functional limitation, and Psychological Discomfort. Whereas, for MRPD users, satisfaction level significantly increased (<0.001) in the dimensions of Functional limitation, Psychological Discomfort, and Psychological Disability after a year of denture use.The findings from this study can be taken as the first step towards future research with a longer post-operative follow-up that can analyse the differences between dentures if any.The comparative analysis between ARPD and MRPD and their impact on the oral soft tissues will help prosthodontists reach accurate treatment decisions.This study has not been conducted in the region of Kosovo before. Moreover, the engineers manufacturing dental prostheses will know about the effect of their product on oral health.

Reaction to political and socioeconomic transition and self-perceived health status in the adult population of Gjilan region, Kosovo

Aim: The objective of our study was to assess the association of reaction to political and socioeconomic transition with self-perceived general health status in adult men and women in a region of Kosovo, a post-war country in the Western Balkans which has proclaimed independence in 2008. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in Gjilan region of Kosovo in 2014, including a representative sample of 867 primary health care users aged ≥35 years (419 men aged 54.3±10.9 years and 448 women aged 54.0±10.1 years; overall response rate: 87%). Reaction to political and socioeconomic aspects of transition was assessed by a three-item scale (trichotomized in the analysis into positive attitude, intermediate attitude, and negative attitude towards transition), which was previously used in the neighbouring Albania. Self-reported health status was measured on a 5-point scale which was dichotomized in the analysis into “good” vs. “poor” health. Demographic and socioeconomic data were also collected. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the association of reaction to transition with self-rated health status. Results: In crude/unadjusted models, negative attitude to transition was a “strong” predictor of poor self-perceived health (OR=2.5, 95%CI=1.7-3.8). Upon multivariable adjustment for all the demographic factors and socioeconomic characteristics, the association was attenuated and was only borderline statistically significant (OR=1.6, 95%CI=1.0-2.6, P=0.07). Conclusion: Our findings indicate an important association between reaction to transition and self-perceived health status in the adult population of the newly independent Kosovo. Policymakers and decision-makers in post-war countries such as Kosovo should be aware of the health effects of attitudes towards political and socioeconomic aspects of transition, which is seemingly an important psychosocial factor.

Potamophylaxhumoinsapiens sp. n. (Trichoptera, Limnephilidae), a new species from the Sharr Mountains, Republic of Kosovo.

The Sharr Mountains are one of the most important hotspots of terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity in the Balkan Peninsula, with many endemic and rare species. The caddisfly studies in this area increased during the past years, although insufficiently investigated areas still remain. In this paper, we describe a new species, Potamophylaxhumoinsapiens sp. n. from the Sharr Mountains in the Republic of Kosovo, which is morphologically closest to Potamophylaxidliri Ibrahimi, Bilalli & Kučinić, 2022 and Potamophylaxjuliani Kumanski, 1999. The males of the new species differ from all known species of the Potamophylaxwinneguthi Species Group by their uniquely-shaped parameres, which are long, bulbous in their basal half and thin in the remaining length, with a bunch of very thin and long, hair-like spines, grouped uniformly at the apex. The new species further differs from its most similar congeners by its very wide distance between the dorsal and ventral edges of the apical part of inferior appendages in lateral view. The new species was found at three localities from 1416 to 1505 m a.s.l.Similar to the other species of the Potamophylaxwinneguthi Species Group, which have very narrow distribution areas, we posit that Potamophylaxhumoinsapiens sp. n. is a microendemic of the Sharr Mountains. The new species is the second known caddisfly species occurring only in the Kosovan part of the Sharr Mountains.

KOSOVO INDEPENDENCY AND INTERNATIONAL STATUS IN THE 21ST CENTURY: ROLE OF POLAND AND CZECH REPUBLIC

This article is aimed to describe the process of Kosovo independence recognition, its main stages, chronology, and international status of Kosovo in 21th century under the scope of its economic and political engagement at the global arena through the reports and recommendations of international organization. Compliance of Kosovo state with the international criteria on the independency recognition is also presented in the article through overview of basic recognized legal requirements and approaches. Described the position of the sovereign state acting in accordance with its national interests and important role played by individual states, Poland and Czech Republic in particular, their military and political engagement, and social reaction to the conflict and Kosovo recognition, as well as by non-state, non-governmental and social actors, but also international organizations regarding path and recognition of Kosovo independency. Kosovo domestic state of play with respect to the independency path and international status are also presented for consideration.

Investigating the Region of Metohija in Kosovo through an Interactive Digital Ethnolinguistic Atlas

The article advocates for the imperative need to compile an interactive digital ethno-linguistic atlas of the Metohija region in Kosovo (Alb. Rrafshi i Dukagjinit, “Dukagjin Plain”). Over the course of two millennia, this area has been a unique arena for interaction among diverse ethnic and linguistic groups, including paleo-Balkan tribes, Romans, Albanians, Balkan Romance speakers, South Slavs, Rumelian and Anatolian Turks, as well as Roma (Romani, Ashkali, and “Egyptians”), among others. Remarkably, the languages and cultures of this region are still studied independently, often in isolation from one another. The formation of a comprehensive Russian scientific discourse on a range of Metohija ethnolinguistic issues is deemed a crucial task within Balkan studies. The term “ethno-linguistic,” in line with the overarching synthesizing and aggregating approach of Balkan linguistics, is proposed to be employed in both its accepted meanings in Russian academia ― ‘ethnolinguistic’ (e.g., ethnolinguistic groups of people) and ‘investigating language in relation to culture’ (e.g., Moscow Ethnolinguistic School).The article raises the question of the specificity of the linguistic, ethnolinguistic, and cultural-anthropological landscape of Metohija against the backdrop of the broader Balkan context. It queries whether, due to centuries of close contacts between its ethno-linguistic groups, a linguistic and cultural union has evolved on this territory. To address this issue, an areal study is proposed, investigating the linguistic, dialectal, and cultural- anthropological micro-differentiation of all languages and cultures within the region in relation to local ethnic and social processes, focusing on interethnic, social, interfaith, cultural, and linguistic interactions. The proposed atlas program includes ethnolinguistic and sociolinguistic inquiries, cove-ring ethnic self-identification, migrations, linguistic aspects of marital strategies, etc. Subsequently, it encompasses questions reflecting all levels of language structure across the known Metohija territorial varieties and social dialects. Additionally, it addresses questions of ethnolinguistics in the traditional sense within Russian scientific understanding.The atlas aims to provide insights into the reasons, processes, and mechanisms behind the formation of linguistic and cultural unions or the hindrance of such convergent processes in specific micro-areas of the Balkan Peninsula.

Area Calculation using Measure (iPad and iPhone App)

Mobile applications are rapidly growing in importance and can be used for various purposes. They are now widely used in education. One of the educational purposes for which mobile applications can be used is to calculate the exact result of surface area. This research aims to study the relationships between behavioral factors and the perceived usefulness of using the Measure mobile application in calculating polygonal surfaces. Also, the purpose of the research is to investigate the performance, satisfaction, and perceived behavior of the students while using this application. The methodology of the study is the observation method. The sample of the study includes 50 students from the primary and lower secondary school "Heronjtë e Lumës" Vërmica /Prizren, and from the primary and lower secondary school "Zef Lush Marku" Velezha/Prizren from the Republic of Kosovo. For data collection, the observation list with three sections of 10 indicators is the main instrument. The results of this study show that the use of the Measure mobile application in learning mathematics for students using the application helped to increase student achievement and success. Also, the application was considered satisfactory and promoted a significant increase in students' knowledge, being appropriate for its intended use.