Digital Commons Network^™

Development Of Advanced Algorithms For Autonomous Vehicle Navigation, Liridon Hoti, Besnik Qehaja, Jeton Sllamniku

UBT International Conference

This paper addresses the development of advanced algorithms for autonomous vehicle navigation, focusing on the creation of an intelligent platform capable of safely planning and managing vehicle movement without human intervention. The main objective is to design a functional and reliable system by applying modern artificial intelligence techniques, optimization methods, and sensor data processing (sensor fusion). The study begins with a review of the existing literature on autonomous navigation, identifying key approaches such as Machine Learning, Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM), and Path Planning. It then presents the development methods for the autonomous navigation system using machine learning through simulation, …

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 …

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) …

The Impact Of Short-Form Videos On Preschool Children’S English Language Acquisition- A Small Scale Research Study In Kamenica, Donjete Latifaj, Arta Bytyqi

UBT International Conference

This study explores the influence of short-form video content (e.g., YouTube Shorts, TikTok, Instagram Reels) on preschool children’s English language acquisition in Kosovo. With the increasing use of digital media by young children, understanding its role in language development is crucial. The study aims to identify whether exposure to short-form videos contributes positively or negatively to children’s vocabulary, pronunciation, and motivation in learning English. Data will be collected through a questionnaire distributed to 30 parents of preschool children in Kamenica. The findings will provide insights into the educational potential and risks of digital media in early childhood language development.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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.

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 …

Effect Of Practice On The Control Of Reach Extent, Faith N. Schroers, Troy M. Herter, Dylan Bruemmer, Takeo Ichiyanagi, Austin Herherington, Michael O'Dpnnell, Janelle Ozorowski, Chad Simmons, Jill Campbell Stewart Pt, Phd

Faculty Publications

The control of reaches to targets that vary in distance involves a combination of anticipatory planning and feedback-based adjustments. However, it is not known if their contributions to the control of reach extent change with repetitive practice. This study investigated the effect of three days of practice on the control of reach extent. Right-hand dominant participants reached with either the non-dominant left arm or dominant right arm to six targets presented in two directions and three distances in a virtual environment. The effect of practice on planning and feedback-based adjustments to control reach extent was examined by determining how well …

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 …

Compressive Deformations And Energy Dissipation Characteristics Of Broken Rock Masses Under Lateral Confinement, Tian Yu, Lin Haifei, Li Shugang, Shuang Haiqing, Xu Peiyun, Liu Sibo, Ji Pengfei, Cui Mingwei

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective This study aims to investigate the deformation and energy dissipation characteristics of broken rock masses in the caving zones of goafs during compression and to reveal their impacts on the movement and failure of overlying strata and surface subsidence. Using a self-developed experimental system, this study conducted compression experiments on broken rock masses under lateral confinement under different Talbot index values and axial stresses. Then, it analyzed variations in axial displacement, void ratio, relative breakage index, fractal dimension, and strain energy density of the broken rock masses during compression. Accordingly, this study quantified variation patterns of strain energy density …

Mechanisms And Risk Criteria For Water Inrushes Caused By Mining-Induced Propagation Of Concealed Faults In A Coal Seam Floor, Zhang Wenquan, Shao Jianli, Shi Junwei, Li Liangning

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Concealed faults in a coal seam floor, characterized by random distribution, are prone to induce water inrushes, which are difficult to prevent and control. Objective and Method This study aims to investigate the mechanisms behind water inrushes induced by concealed faults in a coal seam floor under the influence of coal mining. Through a theoretical analysis, this study established the mechanical models of the initial cracking and wing crack propagation of concealed faults under seepage pressure. By analyzing the maximum propagation height of concealed faults in the floor and the post-propagation safe thickness of aquicludes, this study proposed criteria …

Overview And Prospects Of Plain Reservoir Construction And Utilization In Coal Mining-Induced Subsidence Areas With High Water Tables In The Lower Reaches Of The Yellow River, Chen Shaojie, Jiang Ning, Zhang Genwang, Jiang Chunlin, Gao Qun

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Coal mining-induced subsidence areas with high water tables in the lower reaches of the Yellow River are encountered with pronounced contradictions between large-area water accumulation and issues including urban water scarcity, groundwater contamination, ecological degradation, and low farmland reclamation rates. These contradictions severely restrict the green, low-carbon transformation of cities with coal mines and hinder the high-quality development of the Yellow River basin. This study aims to explore the construction of plain reservoirs in these subsidence areas as a critical approach to the intensive utilization of water and land resources in the subsidence areas, as well as the ecological …

Discussion On Multi-Sphere Responses And Damage Reduction-Oriented Geological Guarantees In Coal Mining, Wang Shuangming, Sun Qiang, Li Shibo, Hu Xin, Gu Chao, Geng Jishi, Zhou Shutao, Yuan Shihao, Song Shijie, Niu Chao, Wu Yun, Chen Yang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Coals serve as a cornerstone for ensuring the energy security of China. However, coal mining activities break the original in situ stress equilibrium, triggering multi-sphere damage conduction and coupling responses in the lithosphere, hydrosphere, pedosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere from underground to the surface, involving rock mass structure, groundwater, and surface environment. Consequently, the original structural relationships, occurring elements, and functions of these spheres will be changed. Presently, investigating the multi-sphere structural evolution, conservation, and utilization in coal mining to underpin the role of coals as an energy cornerstone is significant for resolving the contradiction between the high-quality development of …

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 …

The Effects Of 12 Weeks Of Exercise On Cancer-Related Fatigue Over Time In Cancer Patients, Deborah Middleton

Doctorate in Kinesiology

Current evidence suggests that exercise is safe and well-tolerated by cancer patients and may have great potential in mitigating CRF, one of the most common adverse events experienced by patients (Campbell et al., 2019). This study aimed to evaluate if supervised group exercise for 60 minutes (30 minutes aerobic/30 minutes strength) for 12 weeks at low-to-moderate intensity can impact CRF levels over time in cancer patients. Each of the 35 participants were screened for CRF at four timepoints (Week 1, 4, 8, and 12) using the FACIT-FS self-reported questionnaire. A paired samples t-test was conducted to compare the mean FACIT-FS …

The Impact Of Social Media Use On Creativity, Mandy L. Wadsworth

Student Works

It can be noted that levels of creativity among society have declined in modern days, perhaps with no clear reason as to why. Therefore, a need exists to explore the effects of increased social media use in the modern world on creativity as a whole and its role in the rapid creativity decline. First, the factor of time displacement is examined, as passive social media use has become the replacement for creative pursuits. Free time once dedicated by individuals to generate new ideas and further improve their artistic abilities is now being used to scroll online. A second important factor …

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 …

Table Of Contents, The Editors

Coal Geology & Exploration

No abstract provided.

Influence Mechanisms Of Soil Layer Reconstruction And Fungal Inoculation On Plant Water Use In Waste Dumps, Bi Yinli, Li Zhongqing, Ke Zengming, Peng Suping

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective In the mining areas of open-pit coal mines in the arid and semi-arid regions in western China, water scarcity severely restricts ecological restoration. As preliminary ecological effects have been achieved through soil layer reconstruction and bioremediation-based reclamation technologies in waste dumps of the mining areas, there is an urgent need to investigate the effects of both technologies on the water use and growth of representative plants. This will provide a scientific basis for accelerating ecological restoration in the mining areas. Methods In a waste dump of the Heidaigou open-pit coal mine in Inner Mongolia, four experimental program for soil …

Influence Patterns Of Coal Mining-Induced Subsidence On Economic Losses From Soil Erosion Of Loess Slopes In The Middle Reaches Of The Yellow River, Song Shijie, Li Yuanhong, Wang Yi, Liu Lu, Tian Yu, Tan Qingyu

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Quantitative assessment of economic losses from soil erosion on subsidence slopes in coal mining-induced subsidence areas can offer a critical basis for formulating scientific economic compensation standards while also laying a solid foundation for efficient governance.Methods This study investigated the subsidence slopes with different morphologies in the typical loess area subjected to coal mining-induced subsidence in northern Shaanxi Province. Using methods including field sampling, laboratory tests, and environmental economics analysis, this study constructed an index system for the quantitative assessment of economic losses from soil erosion on coal mining-induced subsidence slopes and revealed the variation patterns of such …

Mechanisms Behind Consolidation-Induced Water Release From Effective Impermeable Soil Layers And Mine Water Inflow Prediction In Coal Mining, Li Tao, Gao Ying, Fan Limin, Yang Junwei

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background In the Yushen mining area, coal mining is gradually shifting toward areas with thick soil layers. This leads to continuous water release from the saturated soils above the hydraulically conductive fracture zones, thereby significantly increasing the burden of mine water drainage. Focusing on the Yushuwan Coal Mine in northern Shaanxi, this study investigated the mechanisms behind mining-induced water release from effective impermeable soil layers and predicted mine water inflow. Methods Using conventional hydrochemistry, isotopic hydrochemistry, and a high-throughput microbial sequencing method, this study conducted qualitative and quantitative identification of the primary water sources of a mine in the Yushuwan …