Interdisciplinary Journal of Research and Development最新文献

{"title":"The Impotence of the ‘Feminine’ EU in the Western Balkan Crises and the Future of Its Foreign - Security Policy","authors":"Alida Tomja, Alketa Dumani","doi":"10.56345/ijrdv10n105","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.56345/ijrdv10n105","url":null,"abstract":"The Western Balkan crises, including the cases of Bosnia, Srebrenica, and Kosovo, have highlighted the European Union's struggle to address the challenges posed by Serbian chauvinism and Russian interference in the region. Despite the EU's efforts, it has failed to effectively manage the crises, leading to continued instability and violence. In contrast, the United States and NATO played a critical role in resolving these conflicts and restoring peace and stability in the area. This study aims to analyze the reasons behind the EU's impotence in the Western Balkans, with a focus on the cases of Bosnia, Srebrenica, and Kosovo. Using a qualitative case study approach and a thematic analysis of primary and secondary sources, the study will identify the key factors that hindered the EU's ability to address these crises. In addition to examining past failures, the study will also explore potential solutions for policy-makers to improve the EU's foreign-security policy in the Western Balkans. Moreover, the study will emphasize the importance of collaboration between the EU, the United States, and NATO in addressing the complex challenges in this region. Overall, this study contributes to the existing literature on the Western Balkan crises and the EU's foreign-security policy. By providing a comprehensive analysis of the EU's limitations in addressing these conflicts, the study offers insights into potential avenues for improvement and collaboration in this crucial part of Europe. \u0000  \u0000Received: 22 January 2023 / Accepted: 22 February 2023 / Published: 20 March 2023","PeriodicalId":136623,"journal":{"name":"Interdisciplinary Journal of Research and Development","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133824157","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Optimal Grading Scales for Enhancing Product Evaluation by Infomediaries","authors":"A. Tartaraj, B. Trebicka","doi":"10.56345/ijrdv10n109","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.56345/ijrdv10n109","url":null,"abstract":"Infomediaries, such as movie critics, play a crucial role in evaluating product quality and providing valuable information to potential consumers. Their use of discrete grades, such as thumbs-up and thumbs-down, helps consumers make informed purchasing decisions. In this study, we aim to investigate how the grading process can be improved, addressing research questions such as determining quality cutoffs for each grade, identifying the optimal number of grades to use, exploring grading strategies for goals beyond informativeness (e.g., maximizing reviewer's traffic), and designing grading systems that encourage producers to enhance product quality. Through the use of an analytical model, we demonstrate that the optimal grade cutoffs are contingent upon the distributions of product quality and consumer taste. Additionally, we find that the resulting grading scale may exhibit unequal intervals. Surprisingly, our findings indicate that as few as five grades can approach optimality in terms of consumer welfare. Furthermore, we reveal that grading should be made more challenging when producers have the ability to invest in quality improvement. These insights shed light on the design of grading scales for reporting quality, offering practical guidance to infomediaries and industry stakeholders. By understanding the interplay between product quality, consumer preferences, and grading strategies, we can enhance the effectiveness and relevance of grading systems, ultimately empowering consumers to make more informed decisions. \u0000  \u0000Received: 12 January 2023 / Accepted: 16 March 2023 / Published: 20 March 2023","PeriodicalId":136623,"journal":{"name":"Interdisciplinary Journal of Research and Development","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"131314163","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Graves' Ophthalmopathy: A Comprehensive Review of Current Evidence and Management Approaches","authors":"Daniela Haxhihyseni, M. Krasniqi, Rezarta Kalaja","doi":"10.56345/ijrdv10n103","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.56345/ijrdv10n103","url":null,"abstract":"Thyroid ophthalmopathy, also known as Graves' ophthalmopathy or thyroid eye disease, is an autoimmune condition that affects the eyes and is often associated with hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid gland. It is characterized by inflammation, swelling, and tissue changes in the muscles and tissues around the eyes, leading to a range of symptoms including bulging eyes, double vision, eye pain, redness, and sensitivity to light. The treatment of thyroid ophthalmopathy typically involves managing the underlying thyroid condition, relieving symptoms, and preventing complications. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are commonly used to reduce inflammation and swelling in the eye tissues. They can be administered orally or locally through eye drops or injections. Orbital radiotherapy, a form of radiation therapy, may also be used to reduce inflammation in the eye tissues, particularly in cases where corticosteroids are not effective or not well tolerated. In addition to medical treatments, eye protection measures are important in managing thyroid ophthalmopathy. This may include wearing sunglasses to protect the eyes from exposure to sunlight and using lubricating eye ointments at night to alleviate dryness. If eyelid retraction or swelling is present, eyelid management techniques such as lubricating ointments, taping the eyelids closed during sleep, or using moisture chamber glasses may be recommended to protect the cornea and relieve symptoms. Managing the underlying thyroid condition is also crucial in the treatment of thyroid ophthalmopathy. This may involve medications to regulate thyroid hormone levels, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery to remove the thyroid gland, depending on the individual case. Surgical intervention may also be necessary in severe cases of eye-related complications, such as double vision or optic nerve compression. Surgical options may include decompression surgery, eyelid surgery, or strabismus surgery to realign the eyes. It's important to note that the management of thyroid ophthalmopathy is typically tailored to the specific needs of each patient and may involve a multidisciplinary approach involving endocrinologists, ophthalmologists, and sometimes surgeons. Regular follow-up and monitoring are necessary to assess the effectiveness of the treatment plan and make any necessary adjustments. In conclusion, thyroid ophthalmopathy is an autoimmune condition that affects the eyes and is often associated with hyperthyroidism. Treatment typically involves managing the underlying thyroid condition, relieving symptoms, and preventing complications. Corticosteroids, orbital radiotherapy, eye protection measures, and surgical intervention may be used as part of the management plan. It's important to work closely with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for each individual case. \u0000  \u0000Received: 14 January 2023 / Accepted: 26 February 2023 / Published: 20 March 2023","PeriodicalId":136623,"journal":{"name":"Interdisciplinary Journal of Research and Development","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"131526558","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"On the Legislation and Integrity of the Electoral Management Bodies in Western Balkans Countries","authors":"A. Kume, Linert Lireza","doi":"10.56345/ijrdv10n101","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.56345/ijrdv10n101","url":null,"abstract":"The comparative analysis of national legislation related to EMBs (Electoral Managment Bodies) in Western Balkan countries shows that in the process of drafting this legislation, all these countries had as a roadmap the recommendations given by international institutions and CoE for countries that have insufficient experience in the exercise of democracy and the rule of law. These countries have used the independent EMBs model. Political representation is the basic principle implemented in these countries for establishing the EMBs. Efforts for political balancing of EMBs are not identified in all countries and for all levels of EMBs. In the Albanian legislation, this issue is treated in a more complete way than in other countries. In multi-ethnic countries, such as North Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro and BiH, the legislation guarantees the representation in EMBs of ethnic minorities. Referring to the integrity of the EMB, the countries of the Western Balkans are classified in the group of countries with a \"moderate\" level. To increase the Electoral Integrity Index, these countries must make changes in the legislation related to EMBs and its operation in accordance with the recommendations of international institutions, such as OSCE/ODIHR, CoE, Venice Commission. \u0000  \u0000Received: 5 January 2023 / Accepted: 20 February 2023 / Published: 20 March 2023","PeriodicalId":136623,"journal":{"name":"Interdisciplinary Journal of Research and Development","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"125742214","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pulmonary Cancer","authors":"Violeta Zanaj, Klementina Vogli","doi":"10.56345/ijrdv10n113","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.56345/ijrdv10n113","url":null,"abstract":"Lung cancer is the biggest killer cancer in Europe and worldwide. The main cause of lung cancer is smoking but other causes are not excluded. Treatment of lung cancer is done with surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The best method to prevent lung cancer is to stop smoking and see a doctor as soon as you have a problem. of the respiratory system, because many symptoms of lung cancer are the same as those of other broncho-pulmonary diseases. \u0000  \u0000Received: 15 January 2023 / Accepted: 18 March 2023 / Published: 20 March 2023","PeriodicalId":136623,"journal":{"name":"Interdisciplinary Journal of Research and Development","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133135841","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Dimensions of the Best Interest of the Child in Albania","authors":"Linert Lirëza, A. Kume","doi":"10.56345/ijrdv10n104","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.56345/ijrdv10n104","url":null,"abstract":"The principle of the best interest of the child is a fundamental principle in international and national law, which requires that in all actions concerning children, their best interests must be a primary consideration. Albania is still a patriarchal society, and traditional cultural norms and practices sometimes conflict with children's rights and welfare. The aim of this paper is to address the challenges related to cultural and social norms and to fully implement the principle in Albanian context. In Albania, this principle is enshrined in various legal instruments, including the Constitution, the Family Code, and the Law on the Protection of Children's Rights etc. As a result, the paper analyses the principal of best interest of the child in custody and guardianship cases, adoption proceedings, divorce process and child protection cases. In this context, the paper is focused in “Balancing the elements in the best-interests assessment”. However, despite these legal and institutional frameworks, Albania still faces challenges in fully implementing the principle of the best interest of the child. One of the main challenges is the lack of resources and capacities to adequately protect and promote children's rights, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable children. The COVID-19 pandemic has also exacerbated these challenges, with increased reports of child abuse and neglect. In these conditions, the paper presents appropriate recommendations in order to have full implementation of this principle in Albania. \u0000  \u0000Received: 4 January 2023 / Accepted: 25 February 2023 / Published: 20 March 2023","PeriodicalId":136623,"journal":{"name":"Interdisciplinary Journal of Research and Development","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"123504070","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Albanian Assemblies and Odes in Conflict Resolution","authors":"Mois Kamberi","doi":"10.56345/ijrdv10n110","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.56345/ijrdv10n110","url":null,"abstract":"Throughout the historical developments of Albanians, the opinion has been encountered that Albanians have a tendency not to get along with each other. This opinion has been spread by historians, philosophers, writers and journalists of different countries, especially neighboring ones. Researchers from other countries, especially neighboring countries, have tried and are still trying to reason that \"Albanians have a conflicting gene\", that \"Albanians' souls have been possessed by the demon of revenge that does not allow them to be understood\" that \"intolerance does not allow Albanians to reach an agreement\" etc. These thoughts are dangerous, because they take on a political meaning and become systems of concepts and ideas with an aggressiveness to the point of racism for the purposes of divisions and conquests. The work aims to provide historical data on how Albanians, in order to resolve conflicts, have talked in chambers and convened in assemblies, forgiving the bloodshed when the homeland was in danger. The purpose of the paper is to show the historical tradition of the Albanians of the assembly, to put patriotic interests above everything else, in the war against the invader. The institutionalization of the assembly, the ode, has functioned as a circuit, radiating through waves, which expand and close within a new circuit, when the homeland is in danger. The documented geohistorical map of the extent of the assembly outlines the spatial and temporal lines, in the South and the North, but is more present in Northern Albania. Archival documents show that in the odes of the assemblies, where popular leaders gathered, they resolved conflicts, shed blood, and pledged allegiance in the war against the invader. \u0000  \u0000Received: 16 January 2023 / Accepted: 18 March 2023 / Published: 20 March 2023","PeriodicalId":136623,"journal":{"name":"Interdisciplinary Journal of Research and Development","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"128066815","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Impact of Environmental Issues to Security in the Balkans","authors":"Linert Lirëza","doi":"10.56345/ijrdv10n106","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.56345/ijrdv10n106","url":null,"abstract":"Significant global and localized environmental threats may adversely impact human security in the Balkans. NATO has been addressing security challenges related to the environment for many years. The aim of this article is to identify environmental factors and the way how they affect in Balkan security. Water sources seem that create tension between states. From the other side, environmental pollution, including those that are linked to climate change can pose risks to energy security. As a result, the paper treats the necessary of regional cooperation in order to avoid potential conflicts and guarantee stability in Balkans. \u0000  \u0000Received: 14 January 2023 / Accepted: 25 February 2023 / Published: 20 March 2023","PeriodicalId":136623,"journal":{"name":"Interdisciplinary Journal of Research and Development","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"115480034","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bootstrapping the Seasonal Means and the Overall Mean in Rainfall Time Series","authors":"Lorena Margo Zeqo, Eljona Milo Tasho, Denisa Kafazi","doi":"10.56345/ijrdv10n108","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.56345/ijrdv10n108","url":null,"abstract":"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. \u0000  \u0000Received: 12 January 2023 / Accepted: 16 March 2023 / Published: 20 March 2023","PeriodicalId":136623,"journal":{"name":"Interdisciplinary Journal of Research and Development","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"116366534","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Driving Small Business Expansion: Evaluating the Effects of Tax Exemption for Small Enterprises in Albania until 2029","authors":"B. Trebicka, A. Tartaraj","doi":"10.56345/ijrdv10n112","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.56345/ijrdv10n112","url":null,"abstract":"This paper examines the effects of tax exemption on small enterprises in Albania until 2029, with a focus on driving business expansion. The study aims to assess the impact of this fiscal policy on small business growth and explore its implications for the Albanian economy. By evaluating the effects of tax exemption on various dimensions of small enterprises, including revenue generation, profitability, employment, and investment, this research provides valuable insights into the potential benefits and challenges associated with the policy. Drawing on both quantitative and qualitative data, the study employs a comprehensive approach, combining statistical analysis with in-depth interviews of small business owners and key stakeholders. The findings contribute to the existing literature by shedding light on the effectiveness of tax exemption as a tool to promote small business expansion and provide policy recommendations for policymakers and government authorities. The results of this research will inform decision-making processes related to fiscal policies aimed at supporting small businesses, ultimately fostering sustainable economic development in Albania. \u0000  \u0000Received: 15 January 2023 / Accepted: 18 March 2023 / Published: 20 March 2023","PeriodicalId":136623,"journal":{"name":"Interdisciplinary Journal of Research and Development","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"129962630","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}