Digital Commons Network^™

Computational Analysis Of Gdp, Inflation, And Unemployment Trends In The Western Balkans, Adea Krasniqi, Vehbi Neziri

UBT International Conference

Using computational econometric techniques, this study examines three important macroeconomic indicators over a multi-year period: GDP growth, inflation, and unemployment. The study uses a Python-based analytical pipeline for data processing, visualization, and interpretation by integrating cross-sectional and time-series data from trustworthy sources. The methodology evaluates indicator behavior under different economic conditions by using statis- tical learning and segmentation across multiple temporal phases. Based on the research outcomes, traditional macroeconomic frameworks, such as Okun's Law and the Phillips Curve, exhibit limited predictive accuracy across heterogeneous economic environments, particularly when incorporating the effects of global disruptions. The research presents a modular analytical …

The Use Of Artificial Intelligence In Medicine: Benefits And Risks, Aurela Gashi, Faton Kabashi, Vehebi Sofiu, Mirlinda Selimaj, Laura Gjikokaj

UBT International Conference

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly transforming the field of medicine by enabling rapid and precise diagnosis, personalized therapies, and advanced data management. From interpreting complex medical images to predicting chronic disease risks and tailoring treatments for individual patients, AI demonstrates unprecedented potential to enhance healthcare outcomes. However, alongside these opportunities emerge critical challenges and risks. Biased training datasets may lead to inaccurate diagnoses, while concerns over data privacy and ethical responsibility raise fundamental questions about the limits of automation in healthcare. This paper emphasizes that the integration of AI should not aim to replace physicians but rather to support them, …

Comparative Analysis Of Monolithic And Microservices Architectures In Web Development, Denis Bajçinca, Faton Kabashi, Laura Gjikokaj, Mirlinda Selimaj, Lamir Shkurti

UBT International Conference

This study examines the comparison between monolithic and microservices architectures in web application development, focusing on their impact on performance, scalability, maintainability, and complexity management. Through a review of the literature and practical analysis of real-world case studies, Netflix (representing monolithic architecture) and Etsy (representing microservices architecture) were evaluated using key performance and technical efficiency metrics, employing tools such as Google Lighthouse and HAR file analysis. Tests were conducted on both desktop and mobile platforms to assess architectural influence under varying conditions. Findings indicate that monolithic architecture provides stable performance and centralized control, particularly on desktop platforms, while microservices offer …

Ai In Dentistry: Human Insight Powered By Intelligent Tools, Diella Uka

UBT International Conference

Artificial intelligence is shifting routine dentistry from manual interpretation to datadriven care. Vision algorithms now screen panoramic and cone-beam CT images in seconds, flagging caries, periapical lesions, and anatomical landmarks with specialist-level accuracy. Predictive models merge these findings with electronic records to forecast implant stability or periodontal risk before symptoms arise, enabling earlier, patient-specific interventions. Realworld studies report shorter chair time, more consistent diagnoses, and clearer patient communication when dentists use AI-annotated images at the point of care. Progress brings responsibility. Models trained on narrow datasets can overlook certain ages or anatomies; performance may drift as imaging protocols evolve; and …

The Impact Of Health System Digitalization On Advancing Oral Public Health In Kosovo, Shqipe Hyseni Buleshkaj, Naser Rugova

UBT International Conference

Digitalization of health systems has emerged as a transformative force in improving healthcare delivery and accessibility worldwide. In the context of Kosovo, where oral public health faces challenges such as limited preventive programs, low awareness, and restricted access to specialized services, digital health solutions can play a key role in advancing both efficiency and equity of care.This study explores the impact of health system digitalization on advancing oral public health in Kosovo, with a focus on identifying opportunities, challenges, and perceptions among key stakeholders.A qualitative research design was applied, utilizing a structured questionnaire distributed to three groups of respondents: (1) …

Revolutionizing Dentistry With Artificial Intelligence, Dugagjin Sokoli, Genc Demjaha, Vlora Berisha, Teuta Komoni, Arta Gjikolli, Krenare Mehmeti, Saranda Dermaku, Donika Arifi

UBT International Conference

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into dentistry represents a paradigm shift in diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning. Traditional approaches to radiographic interpretation, implantology, and prosthodontics, while effective, are inherently limited by inter-operator variability, time constraints, and the complexity of patient-specific factors. Recent advances in AI, including machine learning, deep learning, and predictive analytics, provide tools capable of analyzing large, complex datasets with precision and consistency beyond human capability. This paper aims to critically examine the role of AI in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and optimizing treatment planning in dentistry. A comprehensive literature review highlights AI’s significant contributions across three main …

Empowering Inclusive English Language Learning Through Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities And Challenges For Students With Specific Learning Difficulties, Alma Lama, Duli Pllana, Zohaib Hassan Sain

UBT International Conference

Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration into English language education transforms classroom instruction methods specifically for students who have Specific Learning Difficulties (SLDs), including dyslexia, ADHD and language processing disorders. The research uses a mixed-methods approach, which includes both systematic literature review findings and qualitative data obtained from classroom observations, together with teacher interviews in inclusive English language settings. The research investigates how artificial intelligence tools, such as intelligent tutoring systems and speech-to-text technologies, and adaptive language learning platforms, are used to create personalized instruction and support cognitive and linguistic development. AI tools deliver customized adaptations that help students with dyslexia decode …

Classroom Management In The 21st Century: A Qualitative Review Across Higher Education Contexts, Trendeline Haliti

UBT International Conference

This qualitative review explores how classroom management has evolved in 21stcentury higher education, emphasizing global trends, local implications, and practical recommendations for transitional systems like Kosovo. By synthesizing 15 qualitative and mixed-method studies published between 2012 and 2025, the study examines how management practices are reshaped by digitalization, massification, and student autonomy. Findings reveal that classroom management in higher education has moved beyond control toward coconstructed engagement, with technology and class size emerging as key mediators. The paper argues that managing learning today means managing relationships, attention, and space. It concludes with recommendations for institutional support, pedagogical redesign, and future …

Digital Technologies For Modernizing Coal-Based Power Systems In Kosovo, Agron Bislimi, Arbesa Nikaj

UBT International Conference

Kosovo continues to rely heavily on lignite for its electricity generation, making coal a dominant and unavoidable part of its energy landscape for the foreseeable future. Rather than pursuing an abrupt replacement, this paper advocates for the modernization of existing coal infrastructure through digital technologies that enhance efficiency, reduce emissions, and improve operational transparency. Smart monitoring, predictive maintenance, and real-time control systems are emphasized as cost-effective solutions to improve the performance of current power plants. At the same time, these digital upgrades lay the foundation for the gradual integration of renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind, into the power …

Effective Control Of Hypertension With Single-Pill Combination Antihypertensive Drugs, Belma Gjergjizi Nallbani, Ali Nallbani, Gentiana Balaj

UBT International Conference

Arterial hypertension is a major global health concern, often requiring effective management strategies to reduce cardiovascular risks. This study underscores the clinical effectiveness of Single Pill Combination (SPC) therapy in managing hypertension among patients previously on monotherapy or suboptimal treatment regimens. Although BMI and comorbidities such as dyslipidemia were prevalent, they did not consistently predict treatment response—highlighting the complex interplay of factors influencing blood pressure outcomes. Although there was variation in how each patient responded, SPC therapy generally led to better control of blood pressure. Further research is still needed to understand what other factors may influence the success of …

Anxiety Among Adolescents Aged 15-18 In The City Of Prizren, Besarta Sadriu, Kosovare Hamiti

UBT International Conference

Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health concerns among adolescents, significantly impacting their well-being and daily functioning. This study explores the level of anxiety among adolescents aged 15-18 in the city of Prizren, focusing on differences by gender, age groups, and type of school (public vs. private). The methodology employs a quantitative approach, with data collected using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), a well-known instrument for measuring anxiety symptoms. The study included 60 students from two high schools, one public and one private, comprising 31 girls and 29 boys. The findings aim to shed light on how demographic …

International Conference On Pharmaceutical And Natural Sciences, University For Business And Technology (Ubt) In Kosovo

UBT International Conference

UBT Annual International Conference is the 14th international interdisciplinary peer reviewed conference which publishes works of the scientists as well as practitioners in the area where UBT is active in Education, Research and Development. The UBT aims to implement an integrated strategy to establish itself as an internationally competitive, research-intensive university, committed to the transfer of knowledge and the provision of a world-class education to the most talented students from all background. The main perspective of the conference is to connect the scientists and practitioners from different disciplines in the same place and make them be aware of the recent …

Critical Observations On Effectiveness Of Urban Planning Documents And Processes In Kosovo During 2000 - 2025, Egzon Bajraktari, Binak Beqaj, Shqiprim Ahmeti

UBT International Conference

The shrinking population in towns throughout Italy has left many abandoned public spaces. The sustainable revitalization of these public spaces and their historic backgrounds could bring back the city life in these towns and attract visitors from outside. Achieving the goals of environmental sustainability in small town historic sites should be done carefully inside their context, all the while focusing on bringing people together in a social space. The goal of this paper is researching of the use of sustainable technologies such as vertical gardening and Living Wall Systems to be used as sustainable solutions tackling climate issues, at the …

Bridging The Scale Gap In Climate Action Plans: Conceptual And Spatial Fragmentation From Ecocity Visions To Building-Scale Strategies, Gizem Köprülü

UBT International Conference

Cities are increasingly developing strategies to adapt to the impacts of climate change. The need for strategies from urban planning to building-scale interventions, is also emphasized in the climate action plans of European capitals. In this context, considering values such as climate resilient design and citizen involvement in the process should be the most important part of an effective climate response. This paper examines this disconnect in the context of Europe’s differing climatic problems—floods and heavy rainfall in the North, drought and urban heat island effects in the South—and the shifts in climate zones that cause these problems to become …

International Conference On Food Science, Nutrition And Agriculture, University For Business And Technology (Ubt) In Kosovo

UBT International Conference

UBT Annual International Conference is the 14th international interdisciplinary peer reviewed conference which publishes works of the scientists as well as practitioners in the area where UBT is active in Education, Research and Development. The UBT aims to implement an integrated strategy to establish itself as an internationally competitive, research-intensive university, committed to the transfer of knowledge and the provision of a world-class education to the most talented students from all background. The main perspective of the conference is to connect the scientists and practitioners from different disciplines in the same place and make them be aware of the recent …

“Tell Your Papa”: Aesthetics Of Confrontation And Visual Witnessing In Nigerian Protest Music, Omotayo Jemiluyi

Dialogue: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Popular Culture and Pedagogy

This study analyzes the music video “Tell Your Papa” (2025), a politically charged protest song by Nigerian artiste Eedris Abdulkareem, as an exemplary case of aesthetics of confrontation, here conceptualized as a multimodal strategy in which direct address, anti-spectacle visual style, literalism, and discomfort converge to confront political power. Focusing on the song’s explicit critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his son Seyi Tinubu, and other prominent political figures, the analysis demonstrates how Abdulkareem renders indistinct the line between music and political discourse through a visual-sonic language that is accusatory, documentary-stylized, and unflinchingly courageous. While building on the lineage …

Retracted: Analysis Of Energy Sector Co2 Emanations Using Wavelet-Based Numerical Technique, Yeshwanth R., Kumbinarasaiah S.

Iraqi Journal for Computer Science and Mathematics

This study aims to present the modified Chebyshev wavelet collocation method (CWCM) to investigate and obtain the numerical approximation of $CO_2$ emissions from the energy sector utilizing the fractional mathematical model. The need for energy rises as the population grows. Burning fossil fuels produces a significant portion of the world's energy, which raises the atmospheric concentration of $CO_2$ and causes global warming. The combination of mathematical modeling studies and numerical simulations allows us to understand the $CO_2$ emissions from the energy sector. Our objective is to build an operational matrix of integration (OMI) based on Chebyshev wavelets and use it …

The Roddey Mcmillan Record - October 25, 2025, Winthrop University

The RMR 2020-2029

The Roddey McMillan Record (RMR) is Winthrop’s monthly multicultural student publication. The RMR has been a significant voice of the minority population of the Winthrop community since its creation by Gail Harris in April 1986. It promotes awareness and understanding of issues concerning minorities for the prosperity of the entire Winthrop community. The purpose of the RMR is to shine light on the many diverse cultures at Winthrop, focusing on issues, concerns and happenings of those who represent the multicultural community on campus. The Roddey McMillan Record is named after Dr. Cynthia Roddey and Atty, Sheila McMillan. Cynthia Roddey was …

35th Anniversary Gala, Widener University Commonwealth Law School

35th Anniversary Gala

History of Widener Law Commonwealth

Widener Law Commonwealth has its roots in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where a growing need for legal education in the state capital led to the founding of the school in 1989. Established as the Harrisburg campus of Widener University School of Law, it was created with the vision of providing students with direct access to the Pennsylvania State Capitol and the many opportunities available through courts, firms, and public service organizations in the region.

The law school welcomed its first students in 1989 and quickly developed a reputation for blending rigorous academics with hands-on learning. From its …

An Introduction To Ecofeminist Thought For International Relations Students, Vivian Ike

International Relations - All Scholarship

This article introduces students of International Relations (IR) to ecofeminism, its diverse approaches, and critiques. Ecofeminism emerged in the 1970’s following the history of the intersection between the transnational women’s movement and the global environmental movement (Kelleher 2019).

A Structured, Competency-Based Framework For Aspiring Cardiothoracic Surgeons, Adham Ahmed, Samantha Colon, Gianna J. Dafflisio, Purab Kothari, Nina Uzoigwe, Alice Zhou, Juli Buchwald, Betemariam Sharew, Carter Glenn, Steven Medvedovsky, Justin Olivera, Ryan Kramer, Gabrielle Colon, Jonathan M. Tomasko, Sara J. Pereira, Mara Antonoff, Marc Pelletier, Irbaz Hameed

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

OBJECTIVE: Cardiothoracic surgery requires mastery of a broad knowledge base and advanced skillset to manage critically ill patients. Although competency-based assessment frameworks have been developed in several specialties, there remains a paucity of resources to guide practical progression for early cardiothoracic surgical trainees.

METHODS: Members of the Thoracic Surgery Residents Association, Thoracic Surgery Medical Student Association, and attending cardiothoracic surgeons with a strong track record of surgical education were invited to share their insights and experiences. A structured, milestone-driven roadmap was developed on the basis of their contributions.

RESULTS: We developed a structured, competency-based framework for early surgical trainees, with …

Multi-Year Tracking Of European Sea Bass Shows Large-Scale Connectivity, Summer Site Fidelity, And Repeatability In Migration Timing, Jena E. Edwards, Allert I. Bijleveld, Anthonie D. Buijse, Peter Davies, Alice E. Hall, Jeroen Huisman, Inge Van Der Knaap, Melanie P. Meijer Zu Schlochtern, Jan Reubens, Emma V. Sheehan, Thomas Stamp, Hendrik V. Winter

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

Movement data are essential to the effective conservation and management of migratory species. European sea bass, an ecologically and economically important migratory species in the northeast Atlantic, has expanded its range northward in recent decades. However, the dynamics of its large-scale and seasonal movement patterns across much of its range remain poorly understood. Notably, increasing sea bass abundance in the Wadden Sea, amidst widespread population declines across its broader range, highlights the potential significance of seasonal habitats for the species’ overall stability. We used acoustic telemetry to explore the importance of northern summer foraging grounds for sea bass, including examination …

Shu World Review- October 25th 2025, Diplolab

SHU World Review

No abstract provided.

Unmasking The 1920s Ku Klux Klan In Tillamook County, Oregon, David A. Horowitz

History Faculty Publications and Presentations

The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) arrived in Oregon in the early 1920s, during the history of the second Klan. The Klan quickly spread throughout the state, aided by a mostly white, Protestant population, as well as by racist and anti-immigrant sentiments which were already embedded in the region.

Much of the influence of KKK Tillamook Chapter No. 8 came between 1921 and 1928, when the lodge pursued an anti-Catholic agenda and supported Prohibition and law enforcement through its dominance of local government, the police, and the courts.

Ultimately, the struggles and decline of the Klan in Oregon coincided with the …

Exploring The Impact Of Guangdong Province's Talent Policies On The Retention Of Fresh Master's Graduates For Employment In Guangdong, Kai Hong Sun

Lingnan Theses (Doctoral degree)

University graduates' choice of local employment serves as a core driver for promoting regional economic innovation, by effectively meeting corporate talent demands and injecting high-quality talent resources into regional development. This dynamic holds strategic significance for sustaining regional economic growth and fostering social stability. Talent policies attract graduates to local employment by offering preferential conditions and development opportunities while advancing their career growth and achieving mutual benefit and win-win outcomes for both talent and regions. Investigating the influence of talent policies on graduates' employment location decisions holds practical relevance in the current context.

This research examines the mechanisms through which …

Social Vulnerability Associations With Hypopharyngeal Carcinoma Treatment And Prognostic Disparities, Camaren M. Cuenca, David M. Bruss, David J. Fei-Zhang, Jill N. D'Souza, Anthony M. Sheyn, Jeffrey C. Rastatter, Daniel C. Chelius

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Objectives: Prior studies investigating the impacts of social determinants of health (SDoH) on hypopharyngeal cancer have only assessed the impact of individual factors on patient outcomes. This study uses the CDC's Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) and a national patient cohort to examine how the interrelational influence of SDoH affect hypopharyngeal cancer prognosis, treatment, and follow-up. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed patients from 1975 to 2017 with a diagnosis of hypopharyngeal carcinoma in the NCI-SEER database. Net social vulnerability and its contributions from 15 SDoH variables were ranked and scored across all US counties, yielding a SVI. SVI scores were …

A Story Within Stories: Using An Analytic Framework To Move From Individual To Collective Storying In The Analysis Of Academic Entrepreneurship Narratives, Olga Gusak, Elena Lyutykh

The Qualitative Report

In this article the objective is to tell a story of one narrative inquiry that employed paradigmatic analytic procedures to explore academic entrepreneurship. Participating twelve college leaders in executive positions in vocational education schools in the USA, invited as information rich cases from personal networks, were powerful storytellers, comfortable with sharing representative anecdotes and shaping the strategic story for their organizations. Their stories were gathered during two rounds of in-depth interviews. Relational ontology and constructivist epistemology underpinned data collection and inductive analysis with assumptions about researchers and participants as co-constructors of the meaning of the social phenomenon of academic entrepreneurship. …

Unraveling Historical Carbon Records Of Zostera Marina Seagrass Meadows: High-Resolution Analysis, Dating, And Methodological Evaluation Of Deep Sediment Cores, Jessica A. Cramp, Jodie K. Fisher, Geoff E. Millward, Siân E. Rees, William Blake, Mark Parry, Martin J. Attrill

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

Understanding long-term carbon storage in temperate seagrass habitats is crucial for assessing their role as a “nature-based” climate solution. However, many studies often use shallow cores, low-resolution analyses, and inconsistent methodologies, limiting the ability to infer large-scale carbon storage potential. This study presents the first high-resolution carbon analysis of temperate seagrass sediments to 3 m depth and provides first estimates of sediment and carbon accumulation rates for UK subtidal meadows. Three sediment vibrocores were collected from a subtidal Zostera marina meadow at Drakes Island, Plymouth Sound, UK. High-resolution sampling at 1 cm intervals in the upper meter, and every 5 …

Thrombi From Stroke Due To Cardioembolic Etiology Have Higher Cd11b-Positive Cells Compared To Large Artery Atherosclerosis, Carson Finger, Gomana Emara, Gabriel S Chiu, Kelly Li, Sunil Sheth, Chunfeng Tan, Maria Parekh, Mehmet Enes Inam, Deepa Dongarwar, Bharti Manwani

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Identifying the underlying etiology of ischemic stroke is crucial for implementing effective stroke prevention measures. In the era of thrombectomy, ischemic stroke thrombus composition has gained considerable interest in the recent years. However, only a limited studies have analyzed the inflammatory milieu of the thrombus in association with stroke etiology. Atrial Fibrillation (AF), a common etiology of large strokes, is difficult to detect, but is known to be an inflammatory disease with a dominance of CD11b cell types (characterizes bone marrow derived myeloid cells such as monocytes, neutrophils, macrophages, and natural killer cells) in the atria. We hypothesized that thrombi …

Newspapers And Schooling: A Comparative Field Analysis Of England And Germany, Christian Herzog, Peter Kelly

School of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences

This study establishes a field analytic approach for investigating and comaparing the influence of the print news media on educational politics in England and Germany. We identify cases from each country where national, regional and local newspapers act as intermediaries between actors engaged in discussions about schools and then subject these to field analyses focused on the form and content of press coverage. This allows us to identify in each country the role of newspapers as sites of political debate, as political actors and as shapers of public opinion.