Digital Commons Network^™

The Impact Of Water On Concrete Quality, Ibush Luzha, Bujar Aliu, Teodor Zguro

UBT International Conference

Water is vital to concrete, and it has a dual role. This paper will examine the impact of the quantity (water/cement ratio - W/C) and water quality on concrete. W/C directly affects workability, mechanical strength, porosity, and durability. A low W/C gives stronger concrete but with difficult workability; a high W/C improves workability but weakens mechanical properties and durability. Water quality is also critical; impurities such as chlorides, sulfates, and organic substances can negatively affect cement bonding and strength, cause corrosion of reinforcement, and degradation. Water is also essential for curing, which maximizes strength and durability. Therefore, strict control of …

Continuous Integration And Continuous Deployment (Ci/Cd) In Modern Software Engineering: A Comparative Study Of Jenkins And Github Actions, Zana Sadiku, Lavdim Beqiri

UBT International Conference

The rapid evolution of software delivery models has shifted the focus from manual releases toward fully automated pipelines. Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) have become central pillars of modern software engineering, enabling faster iterations, early defect detection, and consistent delivery across environments. Among the most widely adopted tools for implementing CI/CD are Jenkins, an open-source automation server known for its extensibility, and GitHub Actions, a cloud-native CI/CD platform tightly integrated with GitHub repositories. This paper provides a comparative analysis of Jenkins and GitHub Actions in the context of DevOps practices, focusing on setup complexity, scalability, customization, integration flexibility, and …

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, …

Friends Recommendation In Dynamic Social Networks Using Breadth-First Search Algorithm, Rigon Pira, Jeta Domi, Besnik Qehaja, Edmond Hajrizi

UBT International Conference

Social networks are constantly evolving, and recommending new con- nections is essential for improving user engagement. This paper proposes a friend recommendation system using the Breadth-First Search (BFS) algorithm on dy- namic graphs, offering a simple, scalable, and efficient solution. The network is modeled as an undirected graph, where users are vertices and friendships are edges. BFS explores the graph level by level, identifying potential friends through mutual connections while excluding existing friends. An adjacency list representation ensures memory efficiency and supports real-time updates. Can- didate friends are ranked by the number of shared mutual connections, with higher counts indicating …

Audio Signal Compression Using Wavelet Transform: A Matlab Implementation, Rigon Pira, Argjend Azizi, Gentrit Halimi, Zhilbert Tafa

UBT International Conference

In modern signal processing, the need to efficiently analyze and store non- stationary signals has become increasingly important, particularly for audio applications where both time and frequency localization are essential. Traditional Fourier-based methods provide global frequency information but fail to indicate when these frequencies occur, making them suboptimal for real-world, time-var- ying signals. This paper investigates the use of wavelet transforms, specifically the Daubechies wavelet for audio signal compression. A practical implementa- tion is developed in MATLAB, where the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) is applied to decompose audio signals into approximation and detail coefficients. Thresholding techniques are employed to remove …

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 …

Evaluation Of Dental Arch Width And Its Correlation With Gender And Age In Adolescents With Early Permanent Dentition, Delvina Panxhaj, Jeta Kubati Kiseri

UBT International Conference

The development of the dental arch during adolescence represents a crucial period for shaping the orofacial structure and orthodontic planning. The main objective was to assess whether significant differences exist in these parameters depending on gender and age.In this study, conducted at the University for Business and Technology (UBT) in Pristina, the morphometric dimensions of the mandibular arch—specifically intercanine width, intermolar width, and arch length—were analyzed in a sample of 40 dental study models. Participants were divided into two age groups: the first group included study models of children aged 1213, and the second group included those aged 13–14; in …

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) …

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 …

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 …

Meditation As Part Of The Intervention In Alleviating Distress In The Psychotherapy Process Of Adults, Bilokurova Tetyana, Ali Idrizi

UBT International Conference

This paper aims to clarify the effect of meditation on the process of psychotherapy and its impact on emotional relief, compared to the techniques of psychoeducation and discussion about the problem. The main problem that this paper addresses is: Is there a difference between the intervention technique of meditation, the psychoeducation and discussion about the problem in emotional relief during the process of psychotherapy in adults? This question addresses an important issue in the field of psychotherapy, analyzing which of these approaches may have a greater impact on the emotional well-being of individuals facing emotional and psychological challenges. The main …

Self-Efficacy And Academic Performance Of Students, Denis Celcima, Diana Sejdiu Shala, Malsore Hetemi

UBT International Conference

This study examines the relationship between self-efficacy and academic performance in students, analyzing differences according to socio-demographic factors such as gender and residence. Participants (N = 115) of this study are students from different university programs in Kosovo. A quantitative method was used, with two instruments: the General SelfEfficacy Scale (GSE) and the Academic Performance Scale. The results show a positive and significant correlation between self-efficacy and academic performance. Furthermore, based on the results, males have higher self-efficacy, while students from rural areas have shown higher levels in both variables. The findings suggest the development of programs that strengthen selfefficacy …

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 …

Technological Processing Of Wheat And Comparative Quality Analysis Of Flour Types Produced In 2024 And 2025, Nora Rrahimi, Aulona Sfishta, Resul Sahiti

UBT International Conference

Wheat (Triticum spp.) is one of the most important agricultural crops worldwide and plays a key role in feeding the population. It is a fundamental raw material for staple foods such as bread, pasta, and other dough-based products. Flour, produced through wheat processing, is classified into types based on ash content, degree of refinement, and nutritional composition. Among the most widely used are types 400, 500, and 850, each with distinct technological properties and applications in the food industry. This paper studied the technological process of wheat milling and conducted a comparative analysis of flour types 400, 500, and 850 …

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 …

Witnessing Healing Through Fantasy: Trauma, Community, And Art In A Court Of Thorns And Roses, Alexandria A. Remm

Dialogue: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Popular Culture and Pedagogy

Drawing on theorists such as Bruno Bettelheim, Lucy Bonds, Stef Craps, Dominick LaCapra, and Laura Loumeau-May, this paper explores the role of trauma and healing in Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series by examining protagonist Feyre Archeron’s journey. Specifically, Feyre’s journey with trauma and how she heals throughout the series. The analysis highlights how Feyre’s recovery is deeply tied to empathy, her acts of artistic creation, and her evolving relationships with others, especially with those who have also endured their own trauma. In addition to textual analysis, the paper incorporates reader and fan responses—particularly fanart …

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 …

Professional Development Program: Sexual And Gender Minorities Education And Training, Aiden Echols, Bs, Madison Via, Bs, Audrey L. Zapletal, Otd, Ms, Otr/L, Cla, Chse, Karla A. Bell, Pt, Dpt, Phd, Fnap

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Background

LGBTQ+ communities experience health care and health disparities; some reasons include:

• barriers in care
• negative attitudes
• lack of awareness by healthcare providers.

Studies have found healthcare professionals are not adequately trained in LGBTQ+ care

Educators benefit from professional development related to LGBTQ+ inclusivity in higher education.

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 …

Risk Prediction Of Surface-Water Bursting In The Gully-Crossing Mining Section Of Shallow Coal Seams Within Thin Bedrock Zones, Niu Chao, Luo Yutao, Liu Ning, Xiao Lele, Sun Qiang, Zhang Weiwei, Xue Xicheng, Zeng Dabao, Bai Yang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background The gully-crossing mining of shallow coal seams within thin bedrock zones is prone to connecting hydraulically conductive fracture zones in the overburden with surface water bodies, significantly increasing the risk of water disasters, such as water inrushes and surface-water bursting in mines. Some mining faces in the Shandong Coal Mine, Shaanxi Province are located beneath the Shajie Gully basin, where storm runoff is highly likely to flow into the underground mine through mining-induced fractures, posing a serious threat to mine safety. Therefore, there is an urgent need to research risk identification and assessment of surface-water bursting. Methods This study …

Influence Patterns Of Nanomaterials On The Properties Of Ultrafine Sulfoaluminate Cement, Li Xiaolin, Wang Pengfei, Gao Yinghui, Zhang Mingxuan, Dong Enyuan, Qu Yue, Zhao Yue

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective and Methods This study aims to reduce the economic cost of sulfoaluminate cement-based grouting materials while also achieving excellent grouting reinforcement effects. To this end, it investigated the variation patterns of the compressive strength, setting time, and fluidity of the ultrafine fly ash (UFA)-ultrafine sulfoaluminate cement (USC) system by incorporating different dosages of silica fume (SF) and nano-silica (NS). Furthermore, the mechanisms behind the hydration reactions of the system were explored. Using multiple distinct testing techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) mineralogy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), this study analyzed …

Unshrouding Narratives, Beliefs, And Practices Related To The Aye-Aye (Daubentonia Madagascariensis) In Eastern Madagascar, Alessio Anania, Fiona Besnard, Delaid C. Rasamisoa, Erito Andriantsitoherina, Jean Fidele Mosa, Marco Campera, Megan Phelps, Dean Gibson, Timothy M. Eppley, Giuseppe Donati

Anthropology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Ethnoprimatology emphasizes the complex sociocultural dimensions of human-alloprimate interactions, often overlooked in conservation practices and narratives shaped by ecological perspectives alone. In Madagascar, lemurs are deeply embedded in local traditions structured around taboos, legends, and kinship beliefs. Among them, the aye-aye ( Daubentonia madagascariensis ) is frequently subject to a narrative portraying it as an evil animal, an omen, or a harbinger of misfortune. Yet, cultural representations of the aye-aye across Madagascar are far more diverse. While some reports describe ritual killings, others recount respectful mortuary practices bestowed upon these primates. We explored the beliefs, narratives, and practices associated with …

Structural Characteristics Of The Overburden And Water Yield Property Of Weathered Bedrock Aquifer In A Representative Medium-Deep Coal Seam, Wang Lu, Hua Zhaolai, Huang Hao, Li Zenglin, Ren Shuaifeng, Wang Sitong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background The weathered bedrock aquifer represents a major water-filled aquifer encountered during coal mining in the Jurassic coalfield in northern Shaanxi Province. Therefore, evaluating the water yield property of the weathered bedrock aquifer is the key to the prevention and control of water hazards in coal seam roofs. Methods This study investigated panel 12 of the Caojiatan Coal Mine, Shaanxi Province. Analysis of the stratigraphic and lithological structure types of the overburden of coal seam 2^–2 identified the weathered bedrock as the primary overlying water-bearing aquifer of the coal seam. Using net-to-gross (NTG) ratio, sandstone thickness, weathering influence index, …

An Experimental Study On The Breakthrough Pressure Of Different Co2 Phases Against Cap Rocks For Carbon Storage In Saline Aquifers, Dan Wendong, Li Yi, Wang Fugang, Hu Zhikai, Diao Yujie, Ma Xin, Liu Ting

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective CO₂ breakthrough pressure, a core parameter for characterizing the sealing performance of saline aquifers as cap rocks, holds important scientific significance and application value for ensuring the safety of CO₂ geological storage engineering and assessing its storage potential. However, there is a lack of systematic studies on the variation patterns and mechanisms of breakthrough pressure under different occurrence phases of CO₂ (supercritical, liquid, and gaseous) currently. Accordingly, universal and reliable conclusions are yet to be reached. Methods This study conducted experiments on a natural low-permeability unsaturated sandstone core. Using the step-by-step method, 13 groups of breakthrough …

Characteristics And Driving Forces Of The Spatiotemporal Evolution Of Surface Water Bodies In Ecologically Fragile Mining Areas In The Yellow River Basin: A Case Study Of The Yushenfu Mining Area, Chen Chao, Xuan Ang, Hu Zhenqi, Wang Yiming, Zhang Jiachao, Wang Guo, Yang Fuqin

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background This study aims to respond to the strategic demand for ecological protection and high-quality development in the Yellow River basin. To this end, research on the characteristics and driving forces of the spatiotemporal evolution of surface water bodies under the disturbance of intensive coal mining serves as the basis and a prerequisite for mitigating the contradiction between coal mining and water resources in ecologically fragile mining areas of the Yellow River basin. Methods Based on 10 stages of remote sensing image data from 1980 to 2023, information about surface water bodies in the Yushenfu mining area was extracted using …