University Of Prishtina Research Articles

The Rationale and Design of the KOSovan Acute Coronary Syndrome (KOS-ACS) Registry.

The KOSovan Acute Coronary Syndrome (KOS-ACS) Registry is established as a prospective, continuous, nationwide, web-based registry that is operated online. The KOS-ACS registry is designed with the following objectives: (1) to obtain data on the demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of ACS patients treated in Kosovo; (2) to create a national database with information on health care in ACS patients treated in Kosovo; (3) to identify the national features of associations between ACS characteristics and clinical outcomes, including mortality, complications, the length of hospital stay, and the quality of clinical care; and (4) to propose a practical guide for improving the quality and efficiency of ACS treatment in Kosovo. The Kosovo Society of Cardiology and University of Prishtina will be responsible for the development of the KOS-ACS registry and centralized data analysis at the national level. The KOS-ACS Registry will enroll all patients admitted, at any of the registered clinical centers, with the diagnosis of ACS and who will be clinically managed at any of the Kosovo hospitals. Data on patient demographics, clinical characteristics, previous and hospital drug treatment, and reperfusion therapy will be collected. The type of ACS (unstable angina, NSTEMI, or STEMI) will also be clearly defined. The time from first medical contact to balloon inflation (FMC-to-balloon) and door-to-ballon time will be registered. In-hospital death and complications will be registered. Data on the post-hospital primary outcome (MACE: cardiac death, all-cause mortality, hospitalization, stroke, need for coronary revascularization) of patients, at 30 days and 1 year, will be included in the registry.

Literary Works and Technology Aids Inclusion in Foreign Language Learning: Case of Kosovo Students’ Approach

Introduction: The research in this paper was adapted to provide insight into the expectations, prejudices, and openness of higher education students of the University of Prishtina to the inclusion of literary material in the teaching/learning of English and French as a second foreign language (FL2). Simultaneously, as the modern and technologically developed world requires, the paper deals with the opinion on the contribution of appealing teaching material and technology aids in the acceptance of literary works (LWs) in foreign language learning (FLL). Purpose: Apart from some excerpts in the course books, LW inclusion in foreign language learning (FLL) is almost non-existent in the Kosovo education system. Through this study, we concurrently aim to raise the awareness of the students of the advantages that literary works can bring into the foreign language classroom incurring learner-centred teaching/learning, progression of critical thinking and judgment skills as well as sharing experiences and opinions through non-linear and more spontaneous manner. Method: In this study, 69 respondents are freshmen at the University of Prishtina (UP), Faculty of Philology who are mainly future teachers of foreign languages and elected English and French language as their FL2. The method used in this paper consists of quantitative and qualitative approaches aiming for a more thorough analysis through the SPSS statistical computer program and descriptive statistics. Conclusion: The findings revealed that the students have a positive approach to the merge of LWs and foreign language learning, less through printed LWs and more through digitized literature. Hence, applying the merging of literature with language, in the new pedagogical practices and English/French language curricula can be optimistic expectations. Significance: The significance of the study lies in the fact that this under-investigated issue can help in creating insight into the current condition in FL classrooms and help FL curriculum changes in the Kosovo middle and upper high schools as well as higher education FL course curriculum. This study raises hope for merging language and literature in FL classrooms.

Future Professionals: Student Satisfaction with the General Medicine Degree Curriculum at University of Prishtina

Future Professionals: Student Satisfaction with the General Medicine Degree Curriculum at University of Prishtina

SoTL in the health professions: An international case study

AbstractThis article presents a case study of the integration of the scholarship of teaching and learning at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Prishtina in Kosovo. We discuss the challenges and opportunities inherent in bringing together a specific cultural, economic, and political context with the beliefs and practices of SoTL in the health professions.

TURKISH COLOR TERMS AS A LINGUISTIC CHOICE OF ALBANIAN SPEAKERS

: It has been ascertained that Turkish loanwords have an important place and status in the Albanian language. Color terms are an interesting part of this category of the Albanian lexicon, which plays an important role as a carrier of cultural and lingual inheritance. This paper studies color names and their meanings as well as their role as a linguistic choice of different varieties of the Albanian language. Lexicalization patterns of color naming in Albanian are examined with special emphasis on Turkish loanwords. The meaning, function, and role of Turkish loanwords are observed based on relevant dictionaries and the Albanian National Corpus. The attitude of Albanian speakers towards Turkish loanwords was investigated based on a survey conducted with students at the University of Prishtina. This study presents valuable data collected from different sources. Their analysis has shown that Turkish loanwords are used to name different categories of the color spectrum; they fit all lexicalization models of Indo-European languages, they can be the only term used to name the focal color category in different dialects, and the change in the meanings of these words has led to the emergence of new focal colors. Therefore, this paper argues that the existence of Turkish color terms in Albanian cannot be explained only with the universalist approach and that the relativist approach should not be ignored, due to the linguistic choice speakers make in different varieties of Albanian language.

Pedagogical approaches in modern geodesy and integrating earth measurement techniques into STEM education

Relevance. In the context of an increasingly dynamic and interconnected world, the integration of geodesy into STEM education has emerged as a crucial domain for nurturing a comprehensive understanding of Earth�s intricate spatial dynamics. Purpose. The purpose of this research is to carry out a comprehensive analysis of pedagogical approaches in modern geodesy and to investigate the process of integrating advanced land surveying methods into the educational structure of Kosovo. Methodology. The study utilizes content analysis, functional and historical approaches, induction, and comparative analysis to examine Kosovo's higher geodesical education, focusing on the University of Prishtina's Geodesy Department from 2003 to 2023. Results. This study highlighted the significance of cultivating a robust geospatial skill set among students to address pressing global challenges and promote sustainable development. This research highlighted the key role of innovative learning strategies and experimental learning methods in improving the landscape of geodesy education. This paper offered a blueprint for designing an inclusive and dynamic curriculum that fostered a profound understanding of geospatial concepts while fostering a culture of scientific inquiry and critical thinking. Conclusions. The research presents the changes in the Department of Geodesy over the years, both in terms of study program accreditation and curriculum adjustments to align with labor market needs. It also highlights the department's participation in European Union projects, which has significantly elevated the quality of education. Keywords: accreditation; curriculum; study program; European projects; students

ATTITUDES OF ECONOMICS STUDENTS TO SEARCHING FOR JOBS THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA: THE CASE OF KOSOVO

Abstract. The article examines how the landscape of social networks has significantly transformed the job search process. The objective of the study was to evaluate attitudes to searching for a job on social media with a focus on students attending the Faculty of Economics, University of Prishtina. The findings indicate that selfperceived level of social media activity is associated with time spent on social networks, and that unemployed individuals are more likely than those with jobs to use social media. The results show the most popular methods used for job searching were social media networks and online job portals. A noteworthy finding is that even individuals who do not use social networks recognise the importance of maintaining a professional profile on social media when it comes to searching for work. The study’s findings hold implications for both job seekers and employers by highlighting the importance of using social media while searching for a job, necessitating strategic investments in online platforms, customised support programmes harnessing these platforms, enhanced digital literacy, and continuous research to adapt policies in response to evolving social media trends among job seekers. Keywords: social media, job searching, recruitment, digitalisation

Teaching Engineering Graphics through Digital Presentations for Engineering Students

Abstract: All new students at the University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina”, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, take an Engineering Graphics course in the first semester. The subject is divided into two sections: Technical Drawing and Descriptive Geometry. To teach lectures, professors use didactic equipment such as LCD projectors and drawing on the table. Assistants demonstrate exercises by drawing mechanical parts in the table. In 2014, teachers began using digital presentations with animations in their lectures. They contain developed presentations using PowerPoint software with stepby- step animations of mechanical parts. The paper examines the effectiveness of this methodology from both the student and teacher perspectives. The study is based on a survey of students, teachers’ experiences, and a comparison of exam results. The analysis discusses the methodology's effectiveness, presentation quality, knowledge gained, ease of learning, impact on exam pass rate, and other benefits.The following are some key findings from this paper: students accept and favor this teaching methodology; it is more effective than hand drawing; it has a significant impact on exam pass rates; and it is simple to understand the lectures. Teachers like this methodology because it allows for step-by-step explanation with animations; repeating options; presentations are created only once, easy corrections, developing many examples of mechanical parts with less effort, and students can easily access them. The paper contributes to a new teaching methodology for students in their first year of Engineering studies, Bachelor level, in the subject of Engineering Graphics. Keywords: Engineering graphics, Teaching methodology, Digital presentations, Animations, Higher education, Teaching survey.

Exploring a field-tested, substantive exchange of ideas: a discussion

PurposeHere the authors thoroughly explore a field-tested exchange of ideas, a discussion. The authors share a robust discussion script that models a wise-practice pedagogical approach for promoting civic competence [problem-based historical inquiry (PBHI)] and then describe precisely how the discussion is an exemplar of that approach.Design/methodology/approachScores of teachers and teacher educators have participated in this discussion in real-world classroom settings. This was first experienced during a professional development seminar at the University of Prishtina in Kosovo when the first author, working with Kosovar colleagues including the second author, led this seemingly impromptu discussion of major values in conflict over the issue of whether Kosovo's government should make tobacco use illegal. This has since been implemented in several undergraduate and graduate education courses in the United States of America.FindingsThe discussion script contains two types of text: (1) traditional text – default formatting – which constitutes the semi-structured wording a discussion leader would say aloud and (2) supplementary text – italicized formatting – that provides educative suggestions for professional development.Originality/valueFinally, the authors share suggestions for revising this discussion for future iterations and ways teachers and teacher educators can further develop the skills for facilitating discussions.

Presurgical Nasoalveolar Molding Modified Technique in Complete Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Infant: A Case Report

Through this research, we have presented a modified presurgical nasoalveolar molding (PNAM) device, protocol, and equipment of preoperative nasal alveolar formation techniques to improve lip, nose, alveolar, and palatal deformity in the Department of Orthodontics and Maxillo-Facial Department at the University of Prishtina. A two-week-old boy was brought to our Department of Orthodontics. The baby was diagnosed with non-syndrome bilateral complete cleft of the primary and secondary palate. After a complete examination and orthodontic therapeutic planning, precaution was taken for creating a PNAM appliance and sent to the laboratory. An intraoral molding plate was established on both sides of the separate segments of the maxilla and fixed with a mini screw to approximate the maxillary segments. Parts of the strings built in the front side activated (please check) and, together with the nasal stent, were added to correct the nose deformity. By using modified NAM to close the cleft segments, both the ones of the upper lip and the ones of the palate, we achieved the same results and reduced possible tissue damage by maintaining the conventional NAM apparatus. We used an alveolar formation plate with traction stainless steel to reduce the separate parts. Under this presurgical treatment, the cleft alveolus and palatal segments were reduced considerably. Also, the parts of the flatting nasals of the nose were set up. Through interdisciplinary work, we created a new modified NAM appliance to avoid the obstacles of the traditional NAM devices and to improve the presurgical treatment by using the benefits of the postnatal period of the child to have a more effective treatment. Despite the inability of previous studies to decide on the degree of efficacy of PNAM and the fact that scientific data is limited, we consider that our research can contribute to a better understanding of why it is essential to use PNAM and of the need to enhance the apparatus.

Preparing University Students of English Department for the Kosovo Labor Market: A Case Study Conducted at the University of Prishtina

This research aims to examine whether graduates of English Department and Literature in Faculty of Philology at University of Prishtina are prepared to enter the labor market and if their higher education preparation meets the requirements of employment. Moreover, this study will try to analyze if there are job skills built and implemented specifically in this department, and what skills are students mostly being taught in this institution. This paper analyzes and interprets the results, by backing up the arguments with factual sources to answer the two broad questions of the study. The findings reveal that while there is a certain level of job skills implementation, particularly in teamwork, research, and critical-thinking skills, there is room for improvement and a need for greater incorporation of employability skills. Most English graduates feel sufficiently prepared for the labor market, but a minority attribute their lack of readiness to the insufficient implementation of job skills. Communication skills, practical skills, leadership skills, critical-thinking skills, and problem-solving skills were identified as areas where students desired higher implementation. The study suggests that additional preparation and training are necessary for English graduates to meet the requirements of the labor market and feel confident before entering employment.

Effectiveness of online learning process during the Covid-19 pandemic in Kosovo

The global coronavirus crisis led to a radical transformation of the education system. Educational institutions had to switch to virtual teaching methods due to mandatory isolation and the decline of economic activity. Online learning was a surprise and a challenge for both universities and students. To analyze the effectiveness of online learning, we conducted 500 surveys from December 2021 to March 2022 at the Faculty of Economics, University of Prishtina. We assessed factors such as motivation for online learning, home conditions, motivation to read more, and the level of collaboration between students during the Covid-19 pandemic. These factors were used to determine the effectiveness of online learning. In measuring the effectiveness of online learning, we measured students’ experience with online learning before the pandemic, students’ willingness to pursue additional academic levels in the future, professors’ encouragement to be active, work done during online learning, and desire to practice online education in the future. Based on the collected data, we applied a structural equation model (SEM), which shows that the results are significant, but the effectiveness of online learning is low. The research will help to identify the challenges students face during online learning due to their isolation and how this affects the holistic effectiveness of online learning.

Bioethical Knowledge and Attitudes Among Dental and Medical Students in the Medical Faculty, University of Prishtina

The importance of bioethics as a formal subject has been recognized globally. The purpose of this study was to analyze undergraduate medical and dental students’ knowledge, practice and attitudes regarding bioethical questions through a questionnaire. This cross-sectional study was conducted among students from the Medical Faculty who were in their first or fourth year of education. There were no differences in bioethics awareness between direction (general medicine [GM] or dentistry) or years of study among 301 GM and dental students. In this research, GM and dental students, in general, indicated a positive attitude and knowledge of bioethics.

Historical, cultural and musical analysis of folk songs about the Çanakkale battle in Albanian Music Folklore: Albanian teachers’ opinions

Albanian culture coexisted for a period of over 500 years with Ottoman culture, at the turn of the new century, along with the Balkan troubles that led to the continued embrace of the transition from an old culture to the ideology of the Young Turk movement, and the continuation of joint Albanian-Turkish actions, in order to protect the Albanian Vilayets from the Serbo-Montenegrin occupiers. Early nineteenth-century Turkey emerged from bloody wars on all sides of its borders and from a weak government led by Abdul Hamid II faced a new war in 1915 now in defense of the Dardanelles in the bloodiest battle "The Battle of Canakkale". The First World War found Albanians divided and occupied in some of its territories, however, from 1912 Albania had declared Independence, but Kosovo, Skopje and Bitola, Ulcinj and Bar had remained outside the borders, while Chameria - the South of Albania had been invaded by Greece. During the First World War a large number of Albanians remained in the Turkish military service, many others joined the Turkish army, mainly Albanians who had migrated to Turkey from the violence of the Serbo-Montenegrin invaders, as well as some more from Kosovo, Skopje, Tetovo, Presevo, Shkodra, Ulcinj, etc who volunteered to help the Turkish army. According to history, oral literature and written documents, many Albanians died heroically, it is said that about 25,000 martyrs had died in this battle. In their honor, the Albanian people composed songs, it is worth mentioning the "song dedicated to the Battle of Canakkale" by the most prominent folklorists of the Albanian nation. Our research was done through a semi-structured interview with: 5 teachers of Albanian literature (at the same time master’s students at the University "Kadri Zeka" in Gjilan, Kosovo); 5 history teachers (at the same time master’s students at the University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina”, Prishtina, Kosovo); 2 independent researchers from the Institute of History "Ali Hadri" Prishtina, Kosovo.

The Ideo-Political Differentiation a Tool to Prevent the Raising of National Awareness in Kosovo

The federal police units exercised a fierce violence to oppress the Demonstrations that took place in the year 1981 in Kosovo. The political measures included the ideological and political differentiation. A large part of the Albanian people became subject to persecution. The purpose of all these measures was to destroy the Albanian intellectual elite, in particular educational institutions, to prevent the strengthening of national awareness. It was no coincidence that the political differentiation was more severe at the University of Prishtina; many professional and national staff were fired. All these actions were taken under the guise of "fighting Albanian nationalism and separatism", which often happened that Albanians persecuted their patriots under the slogan mentioned above.
 Therefore, the paper "The ideo-political differentiation a tool to prevent the raising of national awareness in Kosovo", aims to elaborate the mentioned campaign and the consequences deriving from it.

Ecological footprint as a tool for change of individual attitudes toward the environment and better education for sustainability

One of the most direct and easy to be use indicators of individual sustainability to date is the Ecological Footprint. The Ecological footprint measures how much bio productive area (whether land or water) a population would need to produce to sustain the renewable resources it consumes, and to absorb the waste it generates. The purpose of this research is, in addition to a self-assessment of the students' knowledge about the basic concepts of individual sustainability such Ecological footprint, biocapacity, Carbon footprint, Water footprint and Earth Overshoot Day, to undertake the first calculation of the individual ecological footprint in Kosovo. The research hypothesis was that the Ecological footprint of our group would be below the global average of 2.8 global hectares (gha). The sample of this research consists of 240 students of the Faculty of Education, University of Prishtina.
 With this calculation, students have shown their individual impact in the environment according to their lifestyle: housing, food, travel, purchase of goods and how much waste they generate. The data have shown that the average Ecological footprint of the sample is 3.4 gha, with a minimum value of 2.5 gha and a maximum of 5.3 gha. This figure is 0.6 gha above the global average Ecological footprint and larger than three neighboring countries of Kosovo. The largest percentage of the group's footprint is transportation, followed by housing, food, waste, and purchases of goods.

What Does Our Discipline Mean? Uncertainties of Students in Perception of Ethnology and Cultural Anthropology/Case Study of Kosova

When in 2001 the Department of Ethnology and Cultural Anthropology at University of Prishtina was opened for the first time, there was a lack of knowledge about this field of study. Students that enrolled in the Department came up with different reasons and motivations. Since then, the Department made changes and transformations to both the curriculum and the pedagogical approaches used. These changes opened the department to collaborative teaching methods. Over time, narrowly defined, traditional concepts of ethnology and anthropology were expanded into diverse methods, theories and approaches. This article considers the ways in which the department developed and how anthropology was perceived by the students. What were the dilemmas and uncertainties that accompanied students in their choice? How much did parents, relatives and their friends support them? If they would have another opportunity, would they make the same choice again? These are the questions that will be discussed in this paper, besides my personal experience and reflection, firstly as a student in this department and later as teaching assistant.

The Ideopolitical Differentiation and Violence of The Serbian Rule Against Albanian Lecturers and Students at the University of Prishtina (1981-1990)

The years 1966-1974 marked a turning point in the modern history of Kosovo. The political changes in Yugoslavia, which followed the fall of the Serbian hegemonic block, facilitated the efforts of the Albanian population to achieve national and political rights. The opportunity to continue education in the Albanian language was accompanied by the advancement of the constitutional position of the Socialist Autonomous Province of Kosovo within the Yugoslav federation. The opening of the University of Prishtina, the Academy of Sciences, scientific research institutes, cultural institutions, etc., resulted in the raising of the Albanian national consciousness not only in Kosovo but also in other areas inhabited by Albanians in the former Yugoslavia. In 1981, Albanian student demonstrations broke out in Kosovo, the main demand of which was to equalize Kosovo's legal status with other Yugoslav republics. But Yugoslav political circles viewed the demonstrations as an attempt to overthrow Yugoslavia's constitutional order. They were forcibly suppressed. At the same time, Serbian political circles, which had always tried to obstruct Albanian national achievements, took the opportunity to politically attack the University of Prishtina, which they considered a source of Albanian nationalism, and possibly to close it. Many lecturers and students were convicted, imprisoned, and expulsed from the University. Therefore, the paper "The ideopolitical differentiation and violence of the Serbian rule against Albanian lecturers and students at the University of Prishtina 1981-1990" aims to elaborate the approach of Yugoslav communist policy to the 1981 student demonstrations in Kosovo, the Yugoslav state violence against lecturers and students, and the measures that were taken to collapse the University of Prishtina, respectively ideological and political differentiation.

THE EFFICIENCY OF ONLINE LEARNING DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF SOUTHEAST EUROPEAN COUNTRIES AS PARTICIPANTS IN THE NEW PATH OF EDUCATION

The focus of this research is education during the coronavirus pandemic in Southeastern European countries (Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia). It encompasses elementary education, high schools and higher education. The aim of the research is multiple. With it, we want to present methods of distance learning during the pandemics in the above mentioned countries, challenges and advantages that have emerged, as well as potential solutions for removing faults. This is primarily qualitative research relying on several methods. We conducted interviews to understand the experiences of different stakeholders participating in the education process. This research also relies on quantitative data, i.e. researches doing by The University of Prishtina, Pedagogical Institute of Kosovo, as well as results of opinion polls and research conducted by Student Parliament and Senate of the University of Sarajevo. Their research was conducted throughout the academic year 2020/2021. Also, we compiled different texts from media, as well as statements from different stakeholders. Our method is primarily inductive – because in some cases general ideas and conclusions about distance learning in Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina are based on different individual examples. Information in this research in relation to the section on North Macedonia is mainly based on three sources: Data from the website of Ministry for Education and Science of the Republic of North Macedonia; Morphosis Foundation Survey from September 2020 entitled Status and Challenges for Managing Online Teaching in Primary School; and Findings from the research with directors, teachers, and parents: Experience and Attitudes about Distance Learning, a document prepared by Reactor. Our key conclusion is that Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia were not an exception regarding to the problems that arose during the pandemic in terms of education, such as online teaching, adapting students to new learning conditions, training of teachers for teaching in extraordinary and new circumstances, assessment criteria, etc. However, the situation has also brought opportunities to re-think existing education models and to find new solutions at schools and universities.

Gender Equality Policies and Gender Mindset in Kosovo

This paper discusses gender equality concerns within higher education, politics and examines the gender related policies introduced in Kosovo. Gender differences emerge in primary and secondary education partly because traditional gender roles and stereotypes tend to be reproduced in schools. These differences are then reflected in and further strengthened by the choices made and opportunities open to women and men at the higher levels of education and vocational training. Therefore, it is important to examine whether and how Kosovo attempt to combat these inequalities. Kosovo have designed policy and have supported projects targeting gender inequalities in education and incorporate specific gender equality provisions in legislation or in governmental strategies and make it compulsory for political parties to create their own gender equality policies. In politics are obliged 30% quotas for female places in Assembly, but in other Higher management positions are mostly males, for example in 6 public Universities all rectors and most deans are male. In Higher Education Institutions are two main concerns in Kosovo with respect to gender inequality in higher or tertiary education: horizontal and vertical segregation. Firstly, it is concerned about horizontal segregation, that is, the problem that women and men choose different fields of study in higher education, with women being under-represented in engineering and science. Secondly, it is also concerned about vertical segregation. This problem is related to the currently existing 'glass ceiling' in tertiary education: while women outnumber men amongst higher education graduates. They participation in Higher Education its slightly increased at the doctoral level, and there are even fewer women amongst academic staff in universities, or none of them as Rector but few of them as Vice-Rector at the managerial level in universities. These two issues and the policies intended to deal with them will be discussed in this paper. 1)University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina” since 1970, University “Ukshin Hoti” Prizren since 2010, University “Haxhi Zeka” Peja, University “Isa Boletini” Mitrovica, University “Kadri Zeka” Gjilan und University “Fehmi Agani” Gjakova since 2011