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Copyright of Electronic Turkish Studies is the property of Electronic Turkish Studies and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Global low interest rate environment enforced banks to lower interest rates what should directly affect their profitability. Thus, this paper focuses on analysis of bank interest rate and profitability movement and their relation. Return on equity is used as measure of bank profitability. Paper presents differences and similarities between selected Western Balkan countries in terms of banking interest rates and profitability. In empirical part of research different scientific methods were used. For that purpose, data from Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina for period 2008-2018 were used. At the beginning of analysis Pearson coefficient of correlation between analyzed variables was performed. After that regression analysis was implemented. Results indicate on positive relation of long-term interest rates and negative relation of short term-interest rates with banking sector profitability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mā shāʾ Allāh is an Arabic expression used as a spoken amulet in Arabian culture prior Islam, and continued in Islamic heritage, to protect from the evil eye or to bring well luck even. This paper surveys the 'Mā shāʾ Allāh' and related inscriptions Yā Ḥāfiẓ' and Yā Ḥafīẓ in the Balkans. It focuses on the extant writings on ottoman buildings in Greece. In this regard, it publishes a group of new inscription. The study also investigates the visual impact of such inscriptions. It analyses these inscriptions considering functional, regional, chronological and calligraphic stylistic criteria. The paper characterises the meaning of the 'Mā shāʾ Allāh' inscription either as a direct message or as a mirror reflects some aspects of the period and society to which belongs. Moreover, it examines the significance of writing the Mā shāʾ Allāh in Greek alphabet 'Mάσαλα and Μασαλαχ' on Christian buildings and objects. The paper concludes that the Mā shāʾ Allāh acquired over centuries a popular folkloric cultural concept as a talisman to protect from the evil eye rather than its own original religious expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of the paper is to classify the types of capitalism in the Balkan states in the context of the European post-socialist countries and identify the principal strengths and weaknesses of institutional organization in these countries. The paper uses Amable's approach, which is supplemented by the influence of the political environment. The paper identifies two different capitalist clusters in the Balkan area: market economies (Bulgaria, Croatia, Montenegro and Romania) and hybrid economies (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia and Serbia). The Balkan countries are compared with the other post-socialist economies, the EU-8 and post-soviet countries. Within the Balkan States, only Croatia and Montenegro are approaching the EU-8 economies, while on the other hand, Albania has some characteristic in common with the Caucasian republics. In general, the Balkan States achieve better results than the post-soviet states; however, there are some common weaknesses: low quality of the education system and inefficient financial system, and rigid labour market in Albania, Croatia and Romania and underdeveloped political system in Bosnia and Herzegovina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Croatian & Comparative Public Administration is the property of Institut za Javnu Upravu and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of TEME: Casopis za Društvene Nauke is the property of TEME: Casopis za Drustvene Nauke and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: This study aimed to fill a gap of knowledge by providing a quantitative measure of molecularly identified species and genotypes belonging to Echinococcus granulosussensu lato (s.l.) causing human cystic echinococcosis (CE) in Europe during the period 2000–2021. As these species and genotypes are characterized by genetic, animal host and geographical differences, studying the E. granulosuss.l. complex is epidemiologically relevant. Methods: A systematic review (SR) was conducted on the basis of both scientific and grey literature considering primary studies between 2000 and 2021 in four databases. From a total of 1643 scientific papers, 51 records were included in the SR. The main inclusion criterion for this study was the molecular confirmation of E. granulosuss.l. at the genotype/species level as a causative agent of human CE cases in selected European countries. Results: Relevant data were obtained from 29 out of 39 eligible European countries. This SR identified 599 human molecularly confirmed echinococcal cysts: 460 (76.8%) identified as E. granulosussensu stricto (s.s.), 130 (21.7%) as E. canadensis cluster (G6/7 and G10), 7 (1.2%) as E. ortleppi (G5), and 2 as E. vogeli (0.3%). Three geographical hotspots of human CE caused by different species of the E. granulosuss.l. complex were identified: (1) E. granulosuss.s. in Southern and South-eastern Europe (European-Mediterranean and Balkan countries); (2) E. canadensis (G6/7) in Central and Eastern Europe; (3) E. ortleppi in Central and Western Europe. This SR also identified data gaps that prevented a better definition of the geographical distribution of the Echinococcus granulosuss.l. species complex in Europe: western Balkan countries, part of Central Europe, and Baltic countries. Conclusions: These results mandate longitudinal, multi-centre, intersectoral and transdisciplinary studies which consider both molecular and clinical epidemiology in animals and humans. Such studies would be valuable for a better understanding of the transmission of the E. granulosuss.l. species complex and their potential clinical impact on humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This paper is related to the current stage of development in the Western Balkans. Despite becoming growing instruments to finance sustainable green development, debt swaps and social or sustainability bonds are relative novelties in this region. At the same time, the development needs are huge, especially in the light of the COVID-19 aftermath. Results: The review of both historic financial instruments, such as the debt for nature swaps, and more recent ones, such as sustainability bonds in its variations, highlight the potential for use in developing countries. The relatively recent case from Montenegro and the recent issuance of the green bond in Serbia showcase the possibilities. The focus of this paper is an analysis of the public debt position of Western Balkan countries. The growing level of public debt over the past decade points to a lack of adequate interventions and a relatively imminent need for fiscal consolidation. The research suggests that environmental, social, governance/sustainability-linked bonds and debt-for-climate swap investments as innovative financial instruments that hold promise in leveraging additional finance to support the sustainability goals of the six countries of the Western Balkans. This influx of capital would be particularly advantageous, given their needs relative to EU accession and their economic and structural challenges. The recommendations for policymakers are derived based on the history and features of green bonds as well as debt-for-nature swaps and their diverse underlying mechanisms which are adaptable to the respective countries. Conclusions: The related countries would benefit from exploring more innovative approaches to finance sustainable societies. In close cooperation with the EU and taking the European Green Deal into consideration, it is recommended that the six countries of the Western Balkans design financing mechanisms that will bring increased transparency to the different policies and more accountability for their implementation. Applying the recommended modality may help keep the problem of the public debt at bay, while additional funds may support implementation of structural reforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes post-socialist industrial development and policy in the Western Balkans through the lens of its regional specialization and spatial concentration. Against a conceptual framework revolving around place-based industrial policy, and using the Concentration index (modified Herfindahl-Hirschman index) and location coefficients (Balassa index), a comparative analysis over three decades (1990–2020) highlights weak regional diversification and intra-regional integration of industrial activity. The findings offer a new industrial policy that transcends regional specialization and spatial concentration to address regional development, planning and governance. The concluding remarks reveal some basic paths toward effective and pro-European regional industrial policy in the Western Balkans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with the population decline in Balkan countries in the last three decades, since 1990. It researches the scale of depopulation in the Balkans and analyses the causes and possible consequences of the population decline. It argues that the failure of imposed neoliberal economic policies in the Balkan countries in the 1990s caused deindustrialization, GDP stagnation and high unemployment rates, especially of young people. Together with the shift in values from traditional to neo-liberal ones which promote materialism, hedonism, consumerism and liberal middle-class feminism, it caused dramatic reduction in fertility (live births per woman) as well as a significant brain drain and economic emigration from the Balkan countries in the last 30 years. Depopulation is becoming a limiting factor for sustainability of Balkan societies. It imposes a long-term danger for demographic survival of these societies, and generates an array of other negative economic, social and political consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Western societies face a major challenge to control their stray dog population due to its uncontrolled propagation and abandonment. Despite the management programmes implemented in many European countries, the reduction of the stray dog population has not been achieved. This is not only related to dogs' well-being, but also to their coexistence with humans, especially in urban areas. Problemsolving approaches vary in different countries, as there is no common legislation in the European Community dealing with stray dog control. To realise this research study, data from secondary sources, as well as data collected from thirteen European countries were analysed. A comparative overview of policies and measures was examined to show that stray dog population management depends on the policy implicated by each country. In contrast to countries of northern Europe, significant problems were faced mainly by the countries of southern Europe and the Balkans. The purpose of this paper was to present the legal framework of management for the stray dog population in accordance with what is implemented in different EU countries and to unveil the need for action for a common European Community Directive or Regulation dealing with stray dog control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

If the standards of living in the Western Balkans are to converge on those in the EU then the current productivity gap needs eliminating. A significant portion of that gap would ideally be eliminated through the expansion of employer-provided training. However, survey data indicate that since 2016 training incidence has been rising in only two of the six countries of the Western Balkans. The main contribution of this paper is to investigate this disappointing performance. A model of the determinants of the incidence of employer-provided training is developed based on theory and investigations in other countries. It is found that in the Western Balkans firms with foreign owners, those who export and those who report that their employees are eager to access training are more likely to provide training, whilst micro and small firms are less likely to provide training. Sentiments regarding the firm's and economy's current performance and their prospects are also significant determinants. The policy implications of these findings are addressed in the concluding section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamic and interconnected nature of inflation, interest rates, general government final consumption expenditure, and economic growth underscores their mutual influence. This paper aims to explore how inflation, real interest rates, and general government final consumption expenditure impact economic growth in Western Balkan countries from 2008 to 2022. Specifically, the study seeks to determine the significance of these factors in shaping economic performance in the region. Employing analytical techniques such as Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), fixed and random effects models, and the Hausman-Taylor model with instrumental variables (IVs), the research assesses the role of inflation, interest rates, and government consumption. The findings reveal that inflation and general government final consumption expenditure exert a significant influence on the economy in the Western Balkans, as evidenced by the application of the Hausman-Taylor instrumentals IVs. On the other hand, real interest rates exhibit insignificant effects on economic growth. Understanding these relationships is imperative for policymakers and economists in crafting effective monetary and fiscal policies that foster sustainable economic growth while upholding price stability. By comprehensively analyzing the interactions between inflation, interest rates, general government final consumption expenditure, and economic growth, policymakers can make informed decisions to bolster macroeconomic stability and prosperity across the region. Furthermore, this research contributes to the existing literature by providing insights into the specific dynamics of economic growth in the Western Balkans region. By examining the impact of inflation, real interest rates, and general government final consumption expenditure on economic performance over the specified period, the study offers valuable evidence that can inform policy formulation and decision-making processes. Additionally, the findings underscore the importance of tailored policy interventions to address the unique economic challenges and opportunities faced by Western Balkan countries, ultimately aiming to foster sustainable development and prosperity in the region. Moreover, the study highlights the need for continued monitoring and evaluation of macroeconomic indicators in the Western Balkans to ensure effective policy responses to evolving economic conditions. By incorporating a comprehensive analysis of inflation, interest rates, and general government final consumption expenditure into policymaking frameworks, policymakers can enhance their ability to mitigate economic risks and capitalize on growth opportunities. Ultimately, this research aims to contribute to the ongoing dialogue on economic development in the Western Balkans and facilitate evidence-based policymaking for sustainable and inclusive growth in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the acknowledged significance of organization communication in achieving positive organizational outcomes, there is a dearth of empirical knowledge regarding internal organization communication (IOC) influence on employee engagement (EE), particularly in Balkan countries. The aim of this study is to fill this research gap by measuring the effect of IOC in EE, thereby providing a significant contribution to the growing domain of organizational communication. Specifically, this paper investigates the relationship between eight dimensions of IOC (such as communication climate, supervisory communication, organizational integration, media quality, co-worker communication, company information, personal feedback, and subordinate communication) and three dimensions of EE (employee vigour, employee dedication, and employee absorption). The present study involved the administration of a survey to a sample of 152 employees working in public secondary education institutions within the Republic of North Macedonia. The data was subjected to analysis using SPSS software. The results of the study indicate that several IOC dimensions play a crucial role in predicting various dimensions of EE, such as employee energy, dedication, and absorption within the organization. The findings of this study make a substantial contribution to the existing knowledge on the relationship between IOC and EE in nonprofit organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new United Nations (UN) sustainable development (SD) agenda in 2015 heralded the beginning of a new global effort for the planet's sustainability through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They provide a framework for all countries, regardless of income levels, to guide national planning for achieving SD. Climate change may impact almost all SDGs and vice versa, though, of the 17 SDGs, the 13th is designated to climate action. The growing concern for environmental degradation has raised the question of how countries will manage to achieve SDGs and whether the answer can be found in their institutions. Reducing emissions necessitates environmental policies influenced by political institutions that shape policy adoption and implementation. This paper aims to analyze the effects of institutions adopting the dimensions of good governance on particular SDG indicators of the 13th SDG by using a Nonparametric Kernel Regression framework and a panel data set of 5 Western Balkans (WB) countries from 2000 to 2020. The target countries share the ambition of EU accession and hold the EU candidate status. WB countries spark our interest because of the severe institutional governance problems, which limit their ability to progress towards SDGs. The paper's empirical analysis uses a specific SDG indicator for the 13 SDG of the Europe Sustainable Development Report, similar to that used by the OECD for the report on Measuring Distance to the SDG Targets. The analysis includes as independent variables the World Governance Indicators (WGI). Contributing to the existing literature on institutions and SD, the novelty of our approach is the use of the WGI with SDG indicators in measuring the impact of quality of governance on the progress towards the 13th SDG referring to climate action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to explore the short-term economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the insurance market with particular emphasis on the Western Balkan countries. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus). This is a rare event, one we have not seen in 100 years, with major consequences for public health, economics and politics. The decline in purchasing power, the economic downturn, the decline in consumption, the rise in inflation will have a major impact on the development of the insurance market. Demand for insurance products worldwide has declined: whether health, life or non-life. The paper will trace the ability of insurance companies to manage the risks posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Consumer protection, protection of insurance contracts, investment risk management, solvency risk management and inflationary risk. The complete sample of the work will have the insurance market in the Western Balkans. The paper will be drafted based on statistical, analytical and comparative methods. The insurance market in these countries is small, but enables a study on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on insurance activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Religion & Tolerance / Religija & Tolerancija is the property of Center for the Empirical Researches of Religion and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The study of the middle Byzantine church of Saint Germanos is a good example of the complicated relations in the south of the Balkan Peninsula during the era of national allegiances and their impact on earlier and current scholarship. The founding of the church, its architecture and iconography have been studied through various lenses, but a comprehensive approach has yet to appear. The paper does neither intend to fill these gaps nor to investigate new archeological material or provide definitive solutions to the puzzling history of the monument, which, until recently, functioned within culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Instead, it proposes a re-reading of the visual and written evidence, in dialogue with the comments and interpretations that have so far been published. Moreover, the monument's iconography and the issue of its patron saint are tentatively contextualized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the rapidly changing global economic environment, economic restructuring, innovation, and globalization have led to marked changes in labor markets, creating significant skill gaps and mismatches. The recent economic upheaval, deepened by the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine standoff, has accentuated the need for a new paradigm of growth, one relying more heavily on domestic resources. The Western Balkan region, blessed with abundant natural resources and a prolific agricultural sector, still counts human capital as its most valuable asset. In this context, the evolution of education and the improvement of workforce skills become key components for enhancing economic recovery and growth in the Western Balkan economies. This research paper offers a comprehensive econometric investigation of the dynamics between education, skills, and employment within Western Balkan countries. Utilizing an extensive dataset of 2905 observations from the Balkan Barometer, Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) database, the study delves into the complex roles of compulsory, tertiary, and adult education systems in enhancing employability across six Western Balkan nations - Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia. The research employs a robust ordinary least squares (OLS) model to examine the effect of varying education levels and skills on employment while factoring in additional socio-demographic variables such as age, gender, and geographical location. The study challenges the conventional wisdom that suggests educational attainment alone is sufficient in the current job market. It provides quantitative evidence of the significant influence of both education and skills in obtaining employment. The analysis reveals a positive correlation between education, skills, and the employment index, affirming their crucial roles in job acquisition. Furthermore, the study considers auxiliary variables like age, gender, and residence, unearthing their potential interrelations with education and employment. The findings suggest that increased employment prospects are associated with older age groups, higher education levels, and urban residency. However, a notable gender discrepancy in the job market is observed, with women showing lower employment levels. The research also uncovers country-specific employment-level disparities, with Macedonia displaying the lowest and Bosnia, Herzegovina, and Kosovo exhibiting the highest employment coefficients. This study underscores the need to incorporate practical training and internships into the education system to boost the employability of young individuals. It further emphasizes the necessity for adequate material, human, and financial resources to facilitate this transition. This study underscores the need to align education and skills development for future employment strategies by providing invaluable insights for policy-making in the Western Balkans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Industry / Industrija is the property of Economics Institute and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper aims to shed light on distribution patterns and the relationship between species diversity and environmental heterogeneity of 17 Edraianthus taxa. We examined present and past distributions (Last Glacial Maximum) by applying ecological niche modelling. The environmental space occupied by the taxa was analysed using niche comparison methods. The results support the idea that the central and southern Dinaric Alps represent a centre of diversity and endemism in the western Balkan Peninsula. Diversity in Edraianthus is best explained by topographic (slope) and bioclimatic predictors (maximum temperature of warmest month, precipitation seasonality, precipitation of warmest quarter, precipitation of coldest quarter), suggesting that mountain areas with the most diversified relief have higher diversity. Niche modelling results suggest considerable range dynamics during the climatically unstable Quaternary. Thermophilic and lowland taxa responded with longitudinal shifts to ecologically suitable areas farther south, whereas high-mountain taxa responded mainly with elevational shifts. The greatest niche similarity is found among phylogenetically closely related taxa and among ecologically similar and often sympatric taxa. The least similarity was observed in species with marked differences in habitat elevation and in more geographically isolated species. Our results suggest that the extent of range and niche overlap varied among some taxa throughout their evolutionary history, which may have led to diversification at both allopatric and sympatric levels. The correlation between the genetic diversity of the most widespread taxon and the richness of taxa could be a consequence of past and present contacts. On the other hand, alternate periods of isolation may have favoured the emergence of taxa that are reproductively isolated and ecologically specialized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintaining monetary stability is the first and fundamental objective of the currency board regime, especially after political and economic crises such as the one in the Balkans in the 1990s. The very limited role of the central bank has disciplined financial institutions and governments, but at the same time is not conducive to long-term growth and employment. This policy ties the domestic currency to the 'peg' currency, leading to inflationary tendencies in the country whose currency is used as the 'peg'. Currently, the high inflation rates are caused by the pandemic crisis, but also by the war in Ukraine. This paper analyses the causes of inflation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Bulgaria as countries with currency boards. The results show that inflation in these two countries is 'imported inflation' from two points of view: the monetary policy of the European Central Bank and the inflation trend in the EMU, but mainly due to the Ukraine crisis and consequently the energy and food crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Union (EU) is the dominant political and economic influence in the Western Balkan (WB) region, but in the view of many of the region's citizens, EU integration is associated with strict and painful convergence criteria and burdensome reforms as well as the inertia of unfulfilled accession requirements. China's involvement in the region is focused mainly on much-needed but controversial infrastructure investments; accordingly, it has attracted increasing international attention over the past decade. At the same time, Turkey, the Arab States, and Russia have also shown heightened interest in the region. This paper addresses the important geopolitical question of whether a mutually-beneficial relationship for all participants is possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dating is crucial for a correct integration of plant remains in the (pre)history of crops, particularly for those that do not belong to the Neolithic package and are known to arrive in Europe much later. This paper reviews one of the earliest records of rye from Romania. The grains were discovered in the tell settlement of Cunești, which belongs to the Gumelnița communities (ca. 4600–3900 BC). In 1954, due to Danube flooding, a large portion of the south part of the tell collapsed, and between the burnt dwelling visible in the resulting profile, a large number of sherds from three typical Gumelnița pots were identified. According to the excavation's author, rye grains were found in association with those sherds, and it was assumed that a batch was stored in these Eneolithic vessels. Consequently, the rye was published as belonging to the Gumelnița period. Our reanalysis led to two radiocarbon (14C) dates, from two different laboratories, which indicate that the Cunești rye is not prehistoric but dates to the medieval period. To correct this error concerning this rye batch and the implications for European archaeology, we decided to republish these grains in an updated chronological framework. In addition, we performed stable isotope analyses on the charred grains, confirming they were cultivated on dry land, as well as a 3D morphometric investigation. Our research brings new and original data on rye cultures from the medieval period in southeastern Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetramorium Mayr, 1855 is a worldwide distributed and hyperdiverse ant genus consisting of almost 600 taxa manifesting various life history strategies. Species of the Tetramorium inquilinum species-group represents one of the most extreme forms of parasitism and consist of degenerate workerless social parasites of several Tetramorium species. So far, its members have been recorded in the Palearctic from montane to alpine zones and reveal an interesting disjunction in host selection observed between eastern-Mediterranean and western-Mediterranean species. We describe a fifth member of the Tetramorium inquilinum species-group: Tetramorium albenae Salata, van Delft & Borowiec sp. n. The species morphologically differs from the remaining members of the group by the combination of the following characters: dense and erect pilosity of appendages and the whole body, smooth head sculpture, predominantly smooth anepisternum and katepisternum, lack of blunt teeth on propodeum, and presence of distinct carianae on the dorsolateral margins of the propodeum. Tetramorium albenae Salata, van Delft & Borowiec sp. n. was collected in a lowland olive grove, a site so far not associated with the Tetramorium inquilinum species-group, from a nest of Tetramorium kephalosi (a new host species for the group). The data presented in this paper provide new insights into the habitat preferences of the species of the Tetramorium inquilinum species-group and extend our knowledge on the potential host species of these parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research paper is to build the historical journey of the development of music education since its origins until the middle of the 20th century. Based on archival documents and facts, historical and journalistic publications, texts and didactic musical pedagogical methods, as well as in other supplementary materials I present with facts, analysis and generalizing treatments in the historical plane, the path of the formation and development of the music education tradition as part of general education system and also outside it. The research model was historical research which underpins all other research into music education as even the most contemporary facts have already occurred. The technique for analysing archival documents in the context of music education were document identification, document evaluation, content analysis, interpretation of the findings from the archival documents and synthesize the information to form a coherent narrative or analysis of music education practices descriptive analysis of the technical character of music methods that is made to each document stored in the Central State Archive (CSA), the comparative method for the recognition and contributions given by every religious educational institution in Scutari or secular in the four cities. To accomplish this objective, the study is focused on the documents researched mainly in Central State Archive as well as other sources publication interviews). On this basis and according to the historic importance, the study is shed light on the path of development of Albanian music pedagogy and the stages which defined this development, both in the drawing up of programs as well as through the publication of musical books by Albanian or foreign authors. The article gives a unique contribution of the first phase of the establishment of the music education tradition in Albania, as an outcome of which there were some achievements of the artistic activities, which linked the general music education of the first half of 20th century. This study may be the beginning of a wider research for professional music pedagogy in Albania, may serve for the international researchers to know the development of music pedagogy in the early years of education in Albania and to compare it with the developments in the Balkans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Praehistorische Zeitschrift is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Gumelnița site belongs to the Kodjadermen-Gumelnița-Karanovo VI (KGK VI) communities (c. 4700–3900 cal BC) and comprises the tell-type settlement and its corresponding cemetery. This paper reconstructs the diet and lifeways of the Chalcolithic people in the northeastern Balkans using archaeological remains found at the Gumelnița site (Romania). A multi-bioarchaeological investigation (archaeobotany, zooarchaeology, anthropology) was conducted on vegetal, animal, and human remains, alongside radiocarbon dating and stable isotope analyses (δ13C, δ15N) of humans (n = 33), mammals (n = 38), reptiles (n = 3), fishes (n = 8), freshwater mussels shells (n = 18), and plants (n = 24). According to the results of δ13C and δ15N values and FRUITS, the inhabitants of Gumelnița had a diet based on crops and using natural resources, such as fish, freshwater molluscs and game. Although domestic fauna was occasionally exploited for meat, it had a role in providing secondary products. Crops were heavily manured, and chaff and other crop waste may have been necessary fodder for cattle and sheep. Dogs and pigs fed on human waste, although the diet of the latter is more similar to that of wild boars. Foxes had a diet close to dogs, which may indicate synanthropic behaviour. Radiocarbon dates were calibrated with the percentage of freshwater resources obtained by FRUITS. As a result, the corrected dates for the freshwater reservoir effect (FRE) have a delay of an average of 147 years. According to our data, this agrarian community developed a subsistence strategy under the pressure of some climatic changes that started after 4300 cal BC, corresponding to KGK VI rapid collapse/decline episode tracked recently (that begins around 4350 cal BC). This matching of our data in the two models (climatic and chrono-demographic) allowed us to capture the economic strategies that led to the resilience of those people more than other contemporary KGK VI communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Republic of North Macedonia, as a country with a central geographic location on the Balkan Peninsula, represents a transit state through which the main road passes, where nearly a million migrants passed in recent years. This is also why many gangs and criminal groups that operate in an organized manner in the territory of the Republic of North Macedonia are allowed to commit criminal offenses related to the smuggling of migrants, which is also the research problem of this paper. With the content analysis method, we offer an overview of the criminalization of the offense of "migrant smuggling" in the Republic of North Macedonia. In contrast, through the statistical method, we offer a statistical analysis of criminal offenses of this type to create a good overview of the number and manner of committing these criminal acts. Based on the results of official statistical data from 2017-2021, it has been established that the number of smuggling migrants is increasing, while the number of persons convicted for the criminal offense "smuggling of migrants" is increasing slightly. We conclude that the Republic of North Macedonia has raised its capacities following international standards and has made a legal and institutional contribution to the prevention and fight against migrant smuggling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper focuses on Aleksandar Petrov’s novel Kao zlato u vatri, originally published by this Serbian author in 1998. The novel’s main characters represent diverse ethnic groups inhabiting the Balkans (Jews, Serbians, Russians), and their fortunes intertwined with the tumultuous events of 20th century history, namely WWII and the Yugoslav Wars of the 1990s. The primary objective of the article is to address the question of whether it is feasible to apply Michael Rothberg’s model of multifaceted memory in a scenario involving distinct memory communities (such as Serbs, Croatians, and possibly Jews), characterized by a specific proximity (primarily territorial, historical and rooted in past coexistence within one national entity) and where relations are predominantly shaped by unresolved past grievances and mutual accusations of guilt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Natura Sloveniae: Revija za Terensko Biologijo / Journal of Field Biology is the property of Natura Sloveniae and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Four cores from Balkans lakes Ohrid and Prespa were studied for recognition of tephra layers and cryptotephras, and the results presented along with the review of data from other two already published cores from Lake Ohrid. The six cores provide a previously unrealised tephrostratigraphic framework of the two lakes, and supply the first detailed tephrochronologic profile (composite) for the Balkans, which spans from the end of the Middle Pleistocene to the end of the Ancient Age (AD 472). A total of 12 tephra layers and cryptotephras were recognised in the cores. One is of Middle Pleistocene age (131 ky) and correlated to the marine tephra layer P-11 from Pantelleria Island. Eight volcanic layers are Upper Pleistocene in age, and encompass the period between ca. 107 ky and ca. 31 ky. This interval contains some of the main regional volcanic markers of the Central Mediterranean area, including X-6, X-5, Y-5 and Y-3 tephra layers. The other layers of this interval have been related to the marine tephra layers C20, Y-6 and C10, while one was for the first time recognised in distal areas and correlated to the Taurano eruption of probable Vesuvian origin. Three cryptotephras were of Holocene age. Two of which have been correlated to Mercato and AD 472 eruptions of Somma-Vesuvius, while the third has been correlated to the FL eruption from Mount Etna. These recognitions provide a link of the Ohrid and Prespa lacustrine successions to other archives of the Central Mediterranean area, like South Adriatic, Ionian, and South Tyrrhenian Seas, lakes of Southern Italy (Lago Grande di Monticchio, Pantano di San Gregorio Magno and Lago di Pergusa) and Balkans (Lake Shkodra). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This paper analyzes policies of the Yugoslav foreign ministers Momčilo Ninčić and Vojislav Marinković towards the ideas of the Balkan unity. Not only were both of them prominent political figures, but also economists and in several mandates ministers of finance, national economy, trade (and industry) and/or construction. Therefore the aim is to analyze their views on the political unification and economic co-operation between the Balkan states, and factors that provided opportunities or stood as constraints to the implementation of their plans. Chronologically, the paper covers the period from the beginning of the Locarno period in the Balkans to the beginning of the Balkan Conferences. The paper is primarily based on the Yugoslav and Bulgarian archival sources, domestic and foreign published sources, and scientific literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Migrations, transfers, and population changes have taken place between states from Balkans and Anatolian area in the first half of the twentieth century. This process had as a result the appearance of new ethnicities having the place of origin as a central identity marker. Although under a general theory, each case must (also) be treated in its specific. The present paper approaches the case of Arvanites from Tyhero, Greece, a village near the river Evros, the border with Turkey. The conclusion is that their identity in relation to a place of origin, situated not far away beyond Evros, is retreating in the face of an identity connected to the entire region of Thrace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The European Commission (EC), based on the European Green Deal (2019) and the Recovery plan for Europe (2021), envisages investing 30% of the budget in climate-related programs, projects, and initiatives, which clearly shows Europe's commitment to becoming the first climate-neutral region by 2050. Activities are also planned for countries that are not members of the European Union (EU), which require complex changes in the field of legislation, strategic planning, implementation, and monitoring. To successfully plan short-term and long-term activities on these grounds, it is necessary to have a realistic picture of the state of climate change in each country—as they spill over into the entire region of Europe. The main objective of this paper is to answer the following questions: (i) is climate change observed in Western Balkans? (ii) how are certain sectors vulnerable to climate change in Western Balkans? (iii) what are the climate change adaptation strategies in the six countries of the Western Balkans? The answers to these questions can help in planning activities and initial alignment of Western Balkan countries with the EU plan to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. Main body: The main results of the research show that in all countries of the region, the average annual temperature increased by 1.2 °C compared to 1970, with stabilization and the beginning of the decline which can be expected around 2040. The main reasons for climate change in the region are: industry, energy, and heating sector based on coal exploitation, low energy efficiency, etc. Conclusions: It can be concluded that Croatia as a member of the EU has adopted, and other five Western Balkans countries are in the process of adopting the necessary regulations and strategies towards climate change mitigation, but the implementation of specific activities is at a low level. The reason for this most often lies in the insufficient commitment of decision-makers to make significant changes in the field of climate change transition (lower level of economic development, lack of investment, and preservation of social peace). Finally, this paper provides an overview of climate change by country, scenario analysis, and policy recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archaeology & Science / Arheologija i Prirodne Nauke is the property of Institute of Archaeology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of this paper is to determine the current situation in the field of geographical indications schemes (GI), obstacles for futures development and to provide recommendations for GIs development in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. GIs quality schemes provide confirmation to consumers that foodstuff is a traditional product produced in a certain area and with certain attributes. Although the Western Balkan countries are reach in well-known traditional products and have excellent ago-ecological conditions for GIs production, this quality schemes are not developed. In this paper are applied comparative methodology, literature review and field research. Results are showing that path to improvement GIs is in the further legal framework harmonization with EU legal framework, providing flexibility for registration of the GIs foodstuff processing capacities, support to the producer's organization, shifting of the national GIs recognition to the EU, systematic support to the GIs etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This paper aims to analyze the possibilities of the agricultural sector of the Western Balkan to assess compliance with the European Green Deal, which provides for the implementation of activities, which should enable the transition to sustainable agriculture and climate change mitigation. This paper is among the first to present the causality of agriculture and climate change (status, mitigation, and perspectives) in general and in light of the European Green Deal for the Western Balkan territory. Main text: Agricultural production is a leading industry in the Western Balkan. Climate change and predictions that temperatures will increase by 4 °C in the coming decades pose a risk not only to agricultural production but also to the safety of the population, because agriculture is the main source of income for a significant part of it. Uncontrolled floods and droughts caused by climate change are a particular danger for agriculture and human existence. This paper demonstrates that agriculture in the WB can be considered critically affected by climate change. Conclusions: Unless appropriate measures are taken and risk management for water resources and agriculture is improved, there will be a further decrease in precipitation and an increase in dry days by 20%. Such a scenario endangers not only the already vulnerable climate sustainability and biodiversity of the region but also the existence of a population employed in agriculture and the contribution of the agricultural sector to the gross domestic product. However, future planning based on the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) and European Green Deal, the adoption of a related regulatory framework, the establishment and regular monitoring of supporting financing mechanisms, regional cooperation, and improving risk management (with emphasis on the local level) can mitigate the present impact and decrease the expected negative impact of climate change on agriculture and biodiversity in the WB region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper is a first attempt to read through the lines of a legal text, namely the 1742 French version Constitution of Wallachia that was published in Mercure de France. Despite the differences between the original and the translation, we will not compare the two texts in the present paper. Our aim is rather to stress the ideas this very version of the Constitution presents for the first time to the French readers at a very critical moment both for the distant region of the Balkans and for their own political life and international relations under the King Louis XV. The "Constitution" seems to be conservative because the Prince is presented as elected with God's will and he offers tax exemption to the Clergy and Nobles. But, between the lines, we can see that it is an effort to relieve the poor. The Prince also admits that some Nobles, Priests and Abbots or government officials should be controlled, in order not to act for their own benefit. Thus, he stresses that the modernization of a state has to do with laws properly applied, in fiscal, judicial, administrative and social issues. All these can be seen within the frame of the Early Modernity ideas when Enlightenment is getting more mature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigated the role of interactive tourist mobile apps in tourism development. The researchers presented the e-Tracer application, which was developed taking into consideration the recent advantages in mobile computing, the importance of user-generated content and the needs of northern Greece and the lower Balkan countries. Apart from crowd-based content creation, a new generation of apps for tourism development may include additional components like serious games for tourists, map-based navigation systems and augmented/virtual reality applications, in order to offer memorable user experiences for tourists. An agile content management system design methodology was followed by taking into account the needs of alternative tourist destinations, small to medium sized real-world museums and driver rest areas located around highways which connect cross-country destinations in the lower Balkan countries and Turkey. This work positioned the role of interactive crowd-enhanced platforms for content management of tourist-related information in tourism development, economic growth and sustainability of the Egnatia motorway surrounding areas in Greece. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper focuses on the current developments of the Greek new media arts scene and digital performances, a field of contemporary art which still remains non-contextualized in a particular socio-political environment by art theoreticians in Greece. The present study explores the concept of newness in new media arts and provides an overview and a critical reflection on the role of the non-profit and non-governmental organizations (NPOs/NGOs) in structuring a new media art scene in the post-communist countries of the Balkans. Consequently, the paper seeks to contextualize the Greek scene in this historical background provided by the Balkans' recent past in contemporary new media arts. The study suggests that the current Greek scene is in a precursor phase of what took place a few decades earlier in the northern countries of the Balkans, given the fact that its new media art scene currently passes the threshold of the collaboration with a – yet limited – number of national NPOs/NGOs. Although there is not an immediate political analogy between the Balkans and Greece, nevertheless the financial and political crisis in Greece the past few years has clearly functioned as a condition for comparable politics of art management to be implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the conditionality in relation to fundamental rights during and after the visa liberalisation dialogues that took place between the European Commission and national governments of the Western Balkans countries in 2009 and 2010. Conceptually, this paper uses the visa liberalisation to study the interactions between the conditionality mechanism and securitisation paradigm in the context of the European Union (EU) justice, freedom and security area. Analysing both the formal benchmarking process and data from stakeholders’ interviews, this paper demonstrates the securitisation and side-lining of fundamental rights during and in the aftermath of the visa negotiations. As a result, this paper informs of unwanted effects of conditionality and questions the role of the EU in promoting fundamental rights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the external dimension of the EU energy policy in the scope of which we can also define the common perception of energy environment of the EU. The EU is particularly interested in the states of the Western Balkans which are in different phases of integration process towards the full EU membership, integral energy security of the EU and, finally, the EU's Energy Union. In the context of energy policies, these states are significant as an area of potential transport routes important for the diversification of EU energy supply, particularly gas. Simultaneously, this region is where the EU is facing conflicting interests beyond regional subjects, primarily Russia, which are to a great extent realized using the energy (gas) dependence of the states in the region. Consequently, the EU is strongly affirming the issue of energy security and helps the states - candidates for EU membership define and coordinate their energy policies as the basis for energy security. The EU puts emphasis on security and not on economic aspect of this policy. Subsequently, with security in general, energy security is a significant prerequisite to the process of joining the EU. Also, there is a strong interdependence of these two aspects of security in this region, where the general security of the Western Balkans influences the energy security of the EU. Thus, the paper will elaborate on the impact of security in the Western Balkans on energy security from the EU perspective. In particular, one part of the paper is dedicated to analyzing energy interests of the EU member states which share borders with this area and which should actively participate in stabilizing this region. This paper establishes the hypothesis that in the future, energy security of the EU will increasingly depend on the supply routes stretching across the Western Balkans and the neighbouring states, which places great importance on the active improvement of the stability of this area and its inclusion in the EU. The importance of the Western Balkans for the energy security of the EU and its efforts to stabilize the Western Balkans for energy security will be analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with the idea that EU has to reformate as a result of the latest challenges, including the Brexit. A possible effect and opportunity from this can be a stronger position for the EU Balkan Member States. The analysis in the paper takes into consideration all Balkan economies, including candidate countries in order to obtain a general approach for the region. This approach is new because it puts together member and candidate members from a region, in the context of re-evaluating the EU, and leads to the idea of finding a regional leader able to generate regional progress and to support the region's interests in the European Institutions. The analysis covers five representative economic indicators (GDP growth rate, gross fixed capital formation, unemployment rate, inflation rate and general government gross debt) and is realized on three levels: a comparative analyses, a cluster analysis, and a cumulative analysis as well. Moreover, regression is used in order to point out the economic disparities across the region. The main conclusion of the analysis is that the great regional economic disparities can be decrease using common regional policies. Moreover, the analysis identifies a regional economic leader able to coordinate common initiatives at least on short and medium terms. The analysis and the conclusions in the paper are supported by the latest official statistic data, pertinent tables and diagrams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]