Digital Commons Network^™

Design And Validation Of An Injection Mold For A Plastic Product, Leonor Caka, Fidan Smaili

UBT International Conference

In this paper, product and mold design in injection molding process is presented, as well as their material selection. Before the first prototype, computer-aided design CAD and tools for computer-aided engineering (CAE) (like MFA – Mold Flow Analysis) were used to achieve the best possible flow quality and ensuring that the process will be economical during production. Suitability for industrial application is assured by analyzing the mechanical, technical and chemical material’s properties. Disadvantages of injection molding, such as the high initial cost for mold equipment are emphasizes, and also highlighted its benefits for mass production compared to other manufacturing processes. …

Ribosome Biogenesis, Ribosomal Protein Alterations, And Tumor Suppressor P53 In Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms And Therapeutic Opportunities, Mendorr Xharra, Yllka Gashi, Anjeza Temaj, Erda Aliu, Sefedin Bilalli, Driton Selmani, Shefki Xharra, Kumrije Xharra, Gazmend Temaj, Nexhibe Nuhi

UBT International Conference

Ribosomes, as essential cellular machines for protein synthesis, are tightly regulated in normal cells but become dysregulated during cancer development, contributing to uncontrolled proliferation and biomass accumulation. Increased ribosome biogenesis and mutations in ribosomal proteins are hallmark features of many cancers. These alterations often lead to ribosomal stress, triggering p53-mediated cellular responses, a key tumor suppressor pathway frequently mutated or inactivated in malignancies. Advances in understanding ribosome-related molecular pathways have paved the way for novel anti-cancer therapies targeting ribosome biogenesis, ribosomal protein function, and associated signaling cascades. Additionally, the formation of polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) contributes to tumor heterogeneity …

The Relationship Between Parenting Styles And Self-Esteem, Mirlinde Bilalli, Ermire Bilalli

UBT International Conference

Introduction: One of the aspects of human personality that most contributes to improving life quality and realizing one’s true potential is self-esteem. From an early age, the foundation is laid for the future person—someone who knows what they want and knows how to realize themselves. The first environment where a child experiences the world is their family. Parents play the role of educators, helping the child build their value system. It has been found that the family environment influences the development of certain personality traits, such as self-esteem. Aim of the study: To determine whether there is a relationship between …

The Role Of Organizational Culture And Management Strategies In Sales Employee Performance, Dorjana Feimi

UBT International Conference

In today’s highly competitive economic environment, organizations encounter increasing challenges in managing human resources and sustaining high performance, particularly within the sales sector. This study examines the impact of organizational culture and management strategies on sales employees’ performance, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors that drive motivation, engagement, and professional outcomes. A quantitative research design was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire that combined closed-ended items with an open-ended question. This methodological approach allowed for the collection of robust statistical data to analyze the relationships between variables, while also capturing employees’ personal perceptions and experiences. The study offers …

The Institutional Role Of Journalism In Post-Conflict Societies: The Case Of Kosovo, Ferid Selimi

UBT International Conference

This study asserts that the traditional professional values underpinning journalism are becoming increasingly ambiguous, while established normative frameworks have diminished in their descriptive influence. Drawing on Hanitzsch’s (2011) typology of journalistic cultures, the research analyzes responses from a structured survey of 46 media professionals. Through the application of the Priority Model, the study explores how these professional role orientations intersect with neo-Gramscian perspectives on hegemony, particularly in shaping journalists’ priorities during the production and dissemination of news. The research investigates the institutional roles of journalistic cultures within Kosovo, with a specific focus on their evolving engagement in broader societal responsibilities …

Employment And The Impact Of Nepotism In Human Resources, Arsim Gjinovci, Dren Gjinovci

UBT International Conference

The two interconnected problems of nepotism and corruption damage economic growth and public institutions while breaking down the rule of law. Nepotism manifests when organizations give employment opportunities to family members and personal acquaintances instead of selecting candidates based on their professional qualifications. Nepotism and corruption together create an environment of unfair competition that damages public trust between citizens and investors which threatens democratic governance. The research investigates which elements support nepotism and corruption while studying their effects on organizations and economic performance of the nation. The research investigates how these phenomena directly influence personnel selection and career progression throughout …

The Economic Impact Of University–Industry Collaboration: The Case Of Albania, Klaudija Guga, Ilira Pulaj

UBT International Conference

University–industry collaboration (UIC) is now considered a strategic driver for development and economic growth, knowledge transfer, and innovation capacity, particularly in developing economies. This paper examines the economic impact of UIC in the Albanian context, where structural challenges in higher education and low industrial competitiveness have historically limited the establishment of mutual partnerships. By analyzing national policies, university institutional frameworks, and firm-level data, the study highlights the opportunities and barriers that shape effective collaboration. Findings indicate that UIC in Albania remains underdeveloped, often characterized by informal relationships and a lack of financing mechanisms. However, promising initiatives in sectors such as …

System Models In Family Businesses And Measuring Trust Through Sustainable Family Business Model: An Application On Family Businesses In Tirana, Oltjan Hamza

UBT International Conference

In this study, in family enterprises operating in the city of Tirana, the aim is to measure the relationship between family participation and social capital, as well as its impact on the types of social capital, bonding capital and bridge capital. In this context, the first part deals with family enterprises, the second part deals with family system models, while the third part presents domestic and foreign studies on social capital. Methodology - The data were collected through a survey in 167 family businesses in Tirana, where at least the first generation was in management, and were analyzed with the …

The Application Challenges And Impact Of Lean Management Principles In Public And Private Sectors In The Developing Countries, Mirlinda Jashanica Gashi, Edmond Hajrizi, Ylber Limani

UBT International Conference

This research aims to discuss and analyse the impact of lean management application on productivity, effectivity and efficiency, sustainability, digital technology and innovation in manufacturing and service industries. In addition, the study proposes a strategic model for lean implementation strategies for developing countries with focus on the case of Kosovo. It is assumed that developing countries struggle with the adaptation of lean management techniques in different industrial contexts, including all strategic factors, as discussed in this study. Consequently, the objectives of this paper are oriented towards quantitative exploration of existing challenges of organisations and businesses within the Kosova region, and …

Leadership And Organizational Culture As Catalysts Of Innovation And Business Sustainability, Fisnik Ferizi, Kujtim Zylfijaj

UBT International Conference

This paper examines how leadership and organizational culture jointly stimulate innovation and promote business sustainability, focusing on enterprises in Kosovo. Adopting a qualitative methodology, data were gathered from twelve firms across diverse sectors through open-ended questionnaires and analyzed thematically. The study identifies three dominant dimensions: leadership-driven innovation for efficiency and transformation, culture-based creativity and learning, and innovation as a collective pathway to sustainable growth. Findings demonstrate that transformational and inclusive leadership encourages experimentation, collaboration, and psychological safety, while innovation-oriented cultures reinforce adaptability and resilience. Furthermore, open innovation through partnerships with universities and external stakeholders enhances knowledge exchange and sustainable outcomes. …

The Reciprocal Relationship Between Musical Hearing And Piano Performance: A Collaborative Student–Teacher Research Approach, Leutrina Pireva, Alorë Shala

UBT International Conference

This study aims to explore the reciprocal relationship between the development of musical hearing and piano performance, with an emphasis on the importance of music notation literacy and technical practice as key elements in shaping musical sensitivity. Through the acquisition of notation skills and the regular practice of piano works from various styles, the student not only improves interpretative abilities but also develops relative hearing and recognition of musical structures. The research adopts a qualitative and exploratory approach, combining the experience of an outstanding student in piano performance with pedagogical observations and comparisons with other students. The analysis is enriched …

New Notation In The Piano Parts Of Z. Ballata's Chamber Works, Indira Cipa

UBT International Conference

Zeqirja Ballata (1943), a Kosovar composer, is considered by local and international scholars and music critics as an emblematic creator in general and as a promoter of modernist and postmodernist compositional techniques in particular. He composed about 160 works of various formations and genres. The paper New Notation in the Piano Parts of Z. Ballata's Chamber Works is a part-aspect of the previous in-depth study: The Piano Works of Zeqirja Ballata-Promoting the Contemporary Style, where indicators have been identified that, the analysis of Ballata's chamber works, can strengthen the conclusion that Ballata is a Kosovar composer with the earliest and …

The Dialogue Of Light: Humanity, Spirituality And Sacred Spaces, Shkurte Dalipi, Sanelina Sadiki, Shaindera Krasniqi

UBT International Conference

The shape of human experience involved in sacred architecture has been always impacted by the light as a fundamental element. In addition, the profound relationship between natural light, spiritual perception, and the human presence in sacred spaces is elaborated in this theme. In religion, light symbolizes the truth, the triumph of good over evil, or even the God itself, and as such it is the key emotional medium in religious and spiritual architecture that evokes transcendence. The role of light in architecture is to invite a reflection on how daylight is intertwined with architectural form to create rooms that develop …

International Conference On Applied Medicine Nursing, 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 …

International Conference On Mechatronics, Systems Engineering And Robotics, 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 …

International Conference On Journalism, Media And Communication, 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 …

International Conference On Modern Music, Digital Production And Management, 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 …

International Conference On Psychology, 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 …

Precast Concrete Panels In Fire, Francesco Daniele, Bruno Dal Lago

UBT International Conference

Precast concrete panels are widely used as compartmentation or cladding systems in buildings with fire safety requirements. Although the live loads acting on such panels under service conditions are generally negligible, in fire conditions failures often arise from the malfunction or collapse of their connection systems. When exposed to fire, panels undergo significant thermal deformation, including elongation and deflection, which may compromise structural integrity and lead to connection failure. This study investigates the deformative behaviour of monolithic solid precast panels under fire exposure through non-linear heat transfer and thermomechanical analyses. Based on the results, a practical nomogram is proposed to …

High-Performance Sha-256-Based Request Signing: A Comparative Study Of Standard And Custom Implementations, Gentrit Halimi, Rigon Pira, Argjend Azizi

UBT International Conference

Ensuring data integrity in modern software integrations with third-party providers is critical for secure communication and reliable transaction processing. This study focuses on implementing SHA-256 hashing for verifying the authenticity and integrity of HTTP requests. Two approaches are analyzed: the built-in .NET SHA-256 implementation and a fully custom SHA-256 algorithm implemented from first principles. Both methods are evaluated for correctness, security, and performance. Experimental results demonstrate that the custom implementation achieves comparable security guarantees while offering improved execution speed and minimal memory usage. The findings highlight the relevance of SHA-256 in protecting data against tampering and its suitability for high-performance, …

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) …

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 …

From Advertising To Reality: A Visual Analysis Of Fast-Food Products And Their Impact On Consumer Perceptions, Kaltrina Veselaj Shllaku, Visar Shllaku, Arberesha Hoxha

UBT International Conference

Fast food restaurant chains place great emphasis on presenting their products in advertisements through highly visually appealing images. However, there is an ongoing concern regarding the mismatch between the product shown in advertisements and the one that consumers actually receive. This study aims to identify the visual differences between the advertised product and the real one, as well as to analyze the impact of these discrepancies on consumer perception, brand credibility, and purchasing behavior. A comparative method and visual analysis were applied; statistical data were collected through questionnaires distributed across local and international fast-food chains. A total of 200 questionnaires …

International Conference On Integrated Design, 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 …

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 …

Online Cyber-Physical Neural Network Model For Real-Time Hybrid Simulation, Faisal Nissar Malik, Liang Cao, James Ricles, Austin Downey

Faculty Publications

Real-time hybrid simulation (RTHS) is an experimental testing methodology that divides a structural system into an analyticaland an experimental substructure. The analytical substructure is modeled numerically, and the experimental substructure ismodeled physically in the laboratory. The two substructures are kinematically linked together at their interface degrees of freedom,and the coupled equations of motion are solved in real-time to obtain the response of the complete system. A key challenge inapplying RTHS to large or complex structures is the limited availability of physical devices, which makes it difficult to representall required experimental components simultaneously. The present study addresses this challenge by introducing …

The Interactive Effects Of Negative Life Events, Cortisol Reactivity, And Gender On Psychological Distress Among Emerging Adults, Li Shen Chong, Teresa Mejia, Kate L. Senich, Christy L. Olezeski, Elana B. Gordis

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Negative life events are associated with the development of psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, and traumatic stress symptoms. Evidence suggests that individual differences in stress response system activity may alter susceptibility to psychological distress for those with exposure to negative life events. In particular, women experience greater levels of psychological distress than men. Given that emerging adulthood is characterized by stressful, significant life transitions that may constitute risks for psychological distress, this study examined whether hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity and gender influenced the link between negative life events and psychological distress among emerging adults. Participants ( N = 176; mean …

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 …