Digital Commons Network^™

“River Of Death”: Industrial Pollution And The North Texas Trinity River Inthe Progressive Era, Meghan Scott-Chaber

Journal of Texas History

No abstract provided.

Redefining Frontier Womanhood: Irish Female Landownership In Mexican Texas, Kelly Mcmichael

Journal of Texas History

No abstract provided.

Front Matter, Editorial Team

Journal of Texas History

No abstract provided.

Full Issue, Editorial Team

Journal of Texas History

No abstract provided.

Theorising The Everyday Sporting Lives Of Africans, Manase K. Chiweshe

Journal of Global South Sport Studies

Sport in Africa is often studied through the lenses of elite competitions, colonial legacies, or development agendas, yet the everyday sporting practices of ordinary Africans remain under-theorised. This paper focuses on African agency in producing sporting cultures. Drawing on ethnographic research conducted across Zimbabwe, I argue that informal football matches, schoolyard games, and community fitness rituals are not merely recreational but rather sites of meaning-making, resistance, and social negotiation. Theoretical frameworks from African sociology (e.g., Nyamnjoh’s incompleteness and Mbembe's banality of power) illuminate how sport operates as a terrain of ordinary ingenuity, where tactics such as repurposed equipment, self-organised leagues, …

Cardiovascular Disease And Pregnancy: Clinical Outcomes From A Tertiary Center Experience In Saudi Arabia, Nouf Alanazi, Sara Abou Al-Saud, Wareef Almousa, Ghada Alshalan, Jumana Alqahtani, Munira Alsharif, Abrar Alshahrani, Hessah Alothman

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Cardiovascular disease complicates pregnancy and elevates maternal and fetal risks. Local data in Saudi Arabia is scarce. This study examines pregnancy outcomes in women with cardiovascular disease at a tertiary center. A retrospective cohort study of 103 cardio-obstetric patients (2015-2023) at King Khalid University Hospital. Multivariable logistic regression identified risk factors for adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, with significance at p

The Ethics Of Prison Labor: The Usage Of Incarcerated Firefighters In California, Courtney Beals

Soaring: A Journal of Undergraduate Research

No abstract provided.

Business Financial Information Systems, Lirie Koraqi, James Jolovski Prof.

International Journal of Business and Technology

An information system is a combination of software, hardware, and telecommunication networks to collect useful data, especially in an organisation. Many businesses use information technology to complete and manage their operations, interact with their consumers, and stay ahead of their competition. Some companies today are completely built on information technology.

Well designed and implemented business information systems should provide the information management and outside parties need to make informed and timely decisions about the operating health of the company. Business considers the need to have information available to assess the profitability of a new product they are selling or their …

Digital Transformation Management And Organizational Performance: The Case Of Albanian Healthcare Sector, Oltjan Hamza

International Journal of Business and Technology

Purpose - The integration of digital technologies into the healthcare system is essential for improving both operational efficiency and quality of services. This study examines the relationship between digital transformation management and organizational performance in the healthcare sector in Albania, with particular focus on the mediating role of leadership in digital transformation and the digital skills of the healthcare staff. Methodology - The study employ a quantitative method through a structured questionnaire using a Likert scale, which was distributed to 93 healthcare sector employees in public and private institutions in Albania. Findings - Data collected through the survey were analyzed …

The Impact Of Structured Debates On Developing Speaking Proficiency In English Language Learners: A Case Study With 2nd Year Students In The Course Of English Language Skills 4, Trendeline Haliti

International Journal of Business and Technology

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of debates as a pedagogical tool in English language education. This study investigates the impact of structured debates on developing speaking proficiency in English language learners, specifically focusing on second-year students enrolled in the course "English Language Skills 4." Utilizing the Lincoln-Douglas format, the research examines how debates enhance fluency, accuracy, and linguistic complexity in speaking and not only. Data collection methods included direct observation during the debates and analysis of reflection letters written by the students post-debate. These reflection letters provided insights into the students' perceptions of how participating in the debate affected …

Applied Cryptography With Python, Hizer Leka, Albiona Leka

International Journal of Business and Technology

Cryptography is a key aspect of information security and provides data security. This paper aims to provide a better understanding of cryptography and its application with Python through real life examples. It covers the basics of cryptography, containing information about symmetric and asymmetric encryption methods. Throughout the paper we dive into different encryption methods, from simple to more complex, starting with the Caesar Cipher that has been used by people ever since ancient times, the Reverse Cipher which is one of the simplest encryption methods, all the way to implementing a RSA Algorithm using Python’s cryptography library, always providing knowledge …

The Role Of Digital Media In The Promotion Of Cultural Heritage And Art, Arben Arifi

International Journal of Business and Technology

The goal of this paper is to provide an overview of how digital media are creating new conceptual and operational landscapes. On one hand, digital media are altering expectations regarding digital tools for both individuals and institutions. On the other hand, they are giving artists new opportunities to explore and innovate in their creative expressions. The question arises: Is culture merely our past, our roots, ancient artifacts, or historical art? Culture encompasses all the elements that shape our identity and influence how we behave and interact in various aspects of our lives both personal and public. It includes practices we …

Multicriteria Analysis For Identification Of Potential Urban Green Spaces In Gjakova (Kosova), Eli Binxhija, Edon Maliqi

International Journal of Business and Technology

Green spaces are essential for maintaining the quality of life. Due to rapid urbanization, they are rapidly disappearing in Gjakova. This study aims to automate the process of identifying the suitable areas for future urban green spaces in Gjakova city, considering multiple criteria, including: topographic, environmental and socio-economic. The study has integrated multi-criteria spatial analysis in Geographic Information System (GIS), in order to evaluate the suitability of the site selection of urban green spaces. It combines a number of factors in both data models (vector and raster), such as land use/land cover, elevation, slope, existing green areas, proximity to road, …

The Artistic And Informative Functions Of Facial Painting And Colors In Bridal Attire Across Various Ethnographic Regions, Nexhat Cocaj

International Journal of Business and Technology

The artistic values of figures and colors used in the facial painting of brides and in various parts of women's attire, on one hand, and the informative function of those figures used in facial painting, such as the sun, amulet, and serpent figures, and later their use in certain parts of the clothing, demonstrate the profound understanding of nature by the Albanian people. It shows how deeply they contemplated the future and how they depicted the life they wished for a marital couple through these figures and colors. The figures that were initially used in facial painting, following the onset …

Assessment Of Microbiological And Physicochemical Parameters In Ground Beef From Fast Food Outlets In The Prishtina Region, Diora Kastrati, Veton Haziri, Ibrahim Mehmeti, Violeta Lajqi Makolli, Arianeta Nura, Flutura C. Ajazi

International Journal of Business and Technology

Fast food consumption has significantly increased, particularly in fast-paced cities like Prishtina. Hamburgers, one of the most consumed products in this industry, rely on ground beef, which poses notable food safety risks due to potential contamination and inadequate hygiene practices. The aim of this study was to evaluate selected microbiological and physicochemical parameters in ground beef from fast food outlets in the Prishtina region. The research involved analyzing 12 samples from various fast-food establishments in Prishtina, collected during June-July 2024. Microbiological analyses focused on total mesophilic aerobic bacteria and Escherichia coli, using standard cultivation methods on Plate Count Agar and …

A Systematic Literature Review: Big Data Maturity Model In The Telecommunication Industry, Fatmir Desku, Adrian Besimi

International Journal of Business and Technology

This paper presents a systematic literature review focused on Big Data Maturity Model, with a specific emphasis on its application within the telecommunications sector. It addresses two primary research questions: the models currently available for assessing Big Data Maturity and the models predominantly used within the telecommunications industry. The review reveals that several models, such as Gartner's Data Maturity Model (GDMM), IBM's Big Data & Analytics Maturity Model, The Data Warehousing Institute (TDWI's) Big Data Maturity Model, the Data Management Maturity (DMM) Model, and the Big Data Maturity Model (BDMM), are widely recognized. However, no single model has been predominantly …

Ways Of Acquiring Ownership According To Legislation In The Republic Of Kosovo, Erëza Vladi, Enisa Haliti, Sevdai Morina

International Journal of Business and Technology

The Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo considers the right of ownership as a constitutional category, which means that the Law on Property and Other Property Rights of Kosovo regulates the way of gaining and losing ownership, but in our case we will discuss only the ways of her profit in real estate. According to Article 18, paragraph 1 of the Law on Property and Other Property Rights of Kosovo, property is defined as follows: "Ownership is the complete right to an object. The owner can dispose of the thing according to his wish, especially to possess and use it, …

Applying Lasso Regression For Property Price Prediction In Emerging Markets: An Empirical Study Of Prishtina's Real Estate Sector, Visar Hoxha, Albana Shala, Veli Lecaj, Fuat Pallaska, Hazer Dana

International Journal of Business and Technology

This study employs Lasso Regression (LR) to forecast apartment prices in Prishtina, analyzing a dataset of 1,468 transactions from the Kosovo Department of Property Taxes (2019-2023). Focusing on variables like distance to the central business district and apartment size, LR was selected for its ability to perform feature selection and regularization, applied using Python. The preliminary model included variables such as distance to central business district, distance from main road leading to central business district, size, floor, distance from bus stations, distance from ambulances, distance from schools, distance from green spaces, income status of inhabitants per apartment, and distance from …

Comparative Evaluation Of Microcontrollers For Real-Time Heart Rate Monitoring And Tachycardia/Bradycardia Detection, Arxhend Jetullahu, Luan Mulaku, Saranda Demolli

International Journal of Business and Technology

The growing demand for portable healthcare devices has led to combining microcontrollers with machine learning models to enable real-time health monitoring. It's quite paramount, specifically in the context of identifying irregularities in heart rate, like tachycardia—where the heart races unusually fast—and bradycardia, an instance of a sluggish heartbeat. The neat thing is that this study takes a stab at contrasting the effectiveness among three popular microcontroller types—the ESP32, the Raspberry Pi, and the Arduino Nano 33 BLE Sense—in terms of real-time tracking of heartbeats and spotting any oddities (using, of course, a model developed with some machine learning elements). At …

Newspapers Printed In Albanian Language In Kosovo And The News On Cultural Events, Ferid Selimi

International Journal of Business and Technology

Considering the case of Albanian cultural news in Kosovo (Albanians in Kosovo constitute about 97% of the population), this paper discusses the inclusion of cultural news in written journalism. Until 2020, four daily newspapers in the Albanian language were published in Kosovo. As of 2020, no printed newspaper is operating. Therefore, we have considered two printed newspapers: "Koha Ditore" and "Epoka e Re" and we have presented culture-related news as a set of practices through which knowledge is obtained and cultural events are perceived. Empirically, we analyzed media coverage of culture in two newspapers published from 2000 to 2020. The …

“Alla Maria” Of Z. Ballata-Modernism In A Pianistic March, Indira Cipa

International Journal of Business and Technology

The topic titled as Alla marcia of Z. Ballata-modernism in a pianistc march në një marsh pianistic brings the results of a comprehensive analytical approach made on one of Zeqirja Ballata's 14 piano works. Z. Ballata (1943) is an emblematic figure of Kosovar music in general, and of modern and postmodern music in particular. In his creative opus of about 160 works, there are also 14 piano works, of which in Alla Marcia this theme elaborates the means of expression. The research used qualitative method. Acording to the empirical corpus, the study is Case study. The purpose of the research …

Director-Dramaturg And Director-Actor Relationship In Theatre, Fiona Gllavica

International Journal of Business and Technology

The research object in this paper is the symbiotic relationship between the stage director and the playwright, as well as the stage director and the actor in the theater. The genesis of theater, has its roots in religion and ritual. Since the Antiquity, the actresses through their stage appearances, has introduced the world of gods and people, shoëing different dilemmas, but not offering solutions for them. Debates on society, presented through theatrical works, in front of the public, in different periods of time, are still debatable. Theatrical art, stage art, uses the ëord and body language to convey the message …

The Impact Of The War In Ukraine On Conscription Policies In Western Balkan Countries, Alfred Marleku, Elsa Llalloshi

International Journal of Business and Technology

This research paper examines the impact of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine on the transformation of conscription policies in Western Balkan countries. Several Western Balkan governments have considered reinstating military service in response to escalating tensions in the region. The study analyzes the geopolitical pressures stemming from the conflict and assesses how they have prompted these nations to rethink their defense strategies through the lens of conscription. By exploring the causal relationship between heightened regional insecurity and policy shifts, this paper provides insights into the broader implications of the Ukraine war on military readiness and national security in the Western …

The Interplay Of Stress, Health, And Well-Being Among Health Providers In Primary Health Service, Anita Sadikaj, Rinor Berisha

International Journal of Business and Technology

Stress, health, and well-being are intrinsically connected in a complex interplay that has captured the attention of researchers, healthcare professionals, and individuals seeking to lead healthier lives. The delivery of healthcare services in Primary Health Services relies heavily on the dedication and resilience of healthcare providers, including physicians, nurses, and support staff. These professionals are the backbone of the healthcare system, ensuring that essential medical care is provided to individuals and communities. However, the demanding nature of their work, which often involves long hours, heavy workloads, and complex patient interactions, places them at risk of experiencing high levels of stress. …

Physicochemical And Biological Evaluation Of Aque-Duct Water In Kosovo, Demokrat Nuha, Arbër Bytyçi, Fisnik Laha, Pajtim Bytyçi, Osman Fetoshi

International Journal of Business and Technology

The study analyzes the water quality of aqueducts in Drenas, Prishtina, Lipjan, and Shtime, Kosovo, in June and August 2024. The parameters assessed include physicochemical properties like color, turbidity, pH, free chlorine, chlorides, conductivity, and metal ions (Fe²⁺, Mn²⁺, Al), alongside biological indicators such as coliform bacteria. The results indicate that most parameters are within acceptable limits, reflecting overall good water quality. However, variations were noted: Prishtina's low chlorine levels may pose microbial risks, and the increased chlorides and conductivity in Lipjan suggest the impact of urban runoff or industrial activities. Seasonal shifts, especially during August, influenced the concentration of …

Bone Ring Technique, Sinan Arllati, Kreshnik Syka

International Journal of Business and Technology

Tooth extraction is accompanied by vertical reduction of the alveolar ridge as a result of the bone atrophy. In cases where we are dealing with the upper jaw, changes in alveolar bone dimensions can also be accompanied by pneumatization of the maxillary sinus. These changes are even more often after the extraction of the maxillary first and second molars, and especially after the extraction of two or more teeth in a row in the distal maxillary region. Different techniques and materials are used to provide adequate bone support for dental implants in these cases. In the presented case, the autogenous …

Determination Of General Parameters, Total Phenols And Total Flavonoids Content For The Assessment Of The General Quality Of Herbs From The Two Sideritis Species (S. Scardica And S. Raeseri), Bujar Qazimi, Shpend Dragusha, Hyrije Koraqi, Gentiana Balaj, Vesel Qazimi

International Journal of Business and Technology

The determination of general parameters (loss on drying test, total ash, and ash insoluble in dilute HCl) as well as the determination of total phenols content (TPC) and total flavonoids content (TFC) were determined in the aerial part of Sideritis scardica and S. raeseri collected in different localities in North Macedonia and Albania. In the analyzed samples of S. scardica and S. raeseri loss by drying was 6.65-8.01% and 7.08-8.42%, the content of total ash was 4.91-7.41% and 4.72-7.74%, while the content of total ash insoluble in diluted HCl was 0.13-0.27% and 0.05-0.75%, respectively. The amounts of phenolics content and …

Study On The Use Of Mechanized-Fired Clay Bricks As A Supplementary Cementitious Material, Esra Elsheikh

International Journal of Business and Technology

The current global tendency is to replace a portion of the cement in the concrete mix with materials of cementitious properties to mitigate the cement industry’s negative environmental impact. This study explores using finely milled Fired Clay Brick debris to replace cement in the production of mortars partially. The aim is to create a more cost-effective mortar while tackling the problem of disposing of waste bricks. Two samples of it were collected from two factories, pulverized into a powder, and added to the cement mortar mixtures in 10%, 15%, and 20% by cement mass. Mortars were examined for their chemical …

Building Enveloperetrofitting Innovation: Recycled Materials Role In Digital Fabrication And 3d Printing, Amr Soliman Elgohary, Haytham M. Elbadrawy, Ahmed Elsamanoudi

HBRC Journal

Traditional construction methods are one of the main causes of resource depletion. This research explores the intersection of digital fabrication methods using recycled materials and eco-friendly construction through retrofitting the building envelope to achieve sustainability. Traditional methods of retrofitting existing building elements consume many resources (materials-energy) and produce a lot of waste. In this context, 3D printing, a modern digital manufacturing method, stands out as a promising alternative, offering innovative ways to reduce material and energy consumption and reduce waste in the building construction process. This technique can be used to produce innovative modules that may improve the environmental performance …

The Hidden Cost Of Metformin: Deficiency Of Vitamin B12 In Iraqi Patients With Type 2 Diabetes, Noor Mohammed Obaid, Halla Talib Salih, Mohammed Abdulzahra Hussein, Yousif M. I Al-Mohammed Amin, Mustafa Raheem Oglah

Maaen Journal for Medical Sciences

Background: Metformin remains a cornerstone in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, extended use has been increasingly linked to vitamin B12 deficiency, contributing to neuropathy, anemia, and cognitive impairment.

Objective: To assess the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency among Iraqi patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus receiving long-term metformin therapy and to identify associated clinical and demographic risk factors.

Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 500 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients on metformin for ≥18 months. Serum vitamin B12 levels were measured using chemiluminescence immunoassay. Correlations with demographic and clinical variables (including smoking, hemoglobin, and fasting blood sugar were …