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Optimization and Control of Hybrid Energy System with Fuzzy Logic
No full textConventional energy systems face major challenges such as the depletion of nonrenewable fossil fuels, low energy efficiency, and environmental pollution. As a result, decentralized energy systems have emerged as a new trend. The implementation of hybrid systems, which consist of multiple energy sources, can improve system performance and reduce maintenance and replacement costs by complementing each other. However, controlling such a hybrid energy system represents a nonlinear problem due to the variability and nonlinear characteristics of its components. Therefore, a non-classical control method is required for optimal management. This study proposes a microgrid composed of a small hydropower plant with reservoir, a photovoltaic system, batteries, and loads, focusing on the modeling and control of this system. The study applies a fuzzy logic controller as the control methodology to monitor generation, load, and battery conditions, as well as to control water pumps for efficient energy management. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed fuzzy logic-based system in ensuring the optimal operation of batteries and water pumps under different working conditions
Gender-based differences in Cardiovascular Response in the magnitude and mechanisms of Isometric Exercise
No full textTo synthesize evidence on gender specific cardiovascular responses to isometric exercise and clarify implications for exercise prescription and risk assess-ment. Methods: A narrative synthesis of human studies examining acute cardiovascu-lar responses during isometric tasks focused on heart rate, blood pressure, and peripheral vascular resistance, with comparisons by sex or gender and consider-ation of moderating factors such as fitness level and menopausal status. Results: Isometric exercise produced increases in heart rate, blood pressure, and peripheral vascular resistance. Men generally showed greater pressor responses with higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure, which is consistent with larger muscle mass, stronger sympathetic activation, and greater vasoconstrictive activ-ity. Women typically exhibited larger heart rate elevations and a greater reliance on cardiac output, patterns plausibly linked to estrogen mediated vasodilation and comparatively reduced vascular reactivity. These differences were evident across studies but appeared attenuated in individuals with higher fitness levels and in relation to menopausal status. Conclusion: Gender meaningfully modulates cardiovascular reactivity to iso-metric exercise, with men tending to display greater blood pressure elevations and women relying more on heart rate and cardiac output. These distinctions, rooted in hormonal, autonomic, and morphological factors, support personalized exercise programming and risk stratification. Future research should investigate molecular pathways including sex hormone receptor signaling and assess the im-pact of gender affirming therapies on exercise responses
Gomato_ICSSC2025 - Two-Speed Peripheries: Kosovo, Georgia, and the Toxic Legacy of Bucharest 2008
No full textThis study examines how the divergent outcomes of Kosovo and Georgia reveal the structural flaws of the post–Cold War European security order. It explores how the quality of deterrence—credible in Kosovo and ambiguous in Georgia—shaped statehood trajectories, regional stability, and the evolution of the Euro-Atlantic security architecture. The research adopts a comparative qualitative approach grounded in deterrence theory and the geopolitics of frozen conflicts. It draws on historical case studies, official NATO and UN documents, and secondary academic sources to analyse how the presence or absence of credible deterrence influenced post-conflict consolidation. Findings indicate that tangible military deterrence, embodied by NATO’s enduring KFOR presence, secured Kosovo’s stability, while declaratory deterrence and delayed commitments left Georgia exposed to Russian intervention. The 2008 Bucharest Summit institutionalised this asymmetry, embedding structural ambiguity into EuroAtlantic policy and weakening deterrence credibility. The study concludes that Western ambiguity has functioned as an accelerant of conflict rather than a restraint. It argues that credible, visible, and enforceable deterrence remains essential to prevent further destabilisation along Europe’s periphery and to preserve the legitimacy of the Euro-Atlantic order
Constitutional Legacies and Strategic Dependence: The U.S. Role in Shaping Japan’s and Kosovo’s Security Policy
No full textJapan’s diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific reflects a continuous effort to balance its enduring security dependence on the United States with the growing challenges posed by China’s regional assertiveness. This balance is rooted in Japan’s postwar constitutional framework, particularly Article 9, which institutionalized pacifism and imposed legal restrictions on the use of military force. These provisions, established under strong American guidance during the occupation, continue to shape Japan’s regional security behavior, alliance management, and participation in collective defense. Similarly, the United States played a decisive role in drafting Kosovo’s 2008 Constitution, where Article 126 defines the structure of the Kosovo Security Force and embeds its defense policy within Western, U.S.-backed frameworks. By examining these two U.S.-influenced constitutional models, this study compares how Japan and Kosovo operate within distinct yet parallel geopolitical contexts-Japan in the Indo-Pacific and Kosovo in the Euro-Atlantic region. Both states exemplify how constitutional design, alliance commitments, and postwar reconstruction have produced enduring patterns of strategic dependence. Despite differences in scale and context, each case demonstrates how U.S. constitutional and security influence has constrained full autonomy while ensuring alignment with broader American and allied interests. Although both Japan and Kosovo have introduced legislative revisions aimed at strengthening their defense capacities and expanding their roles in regional security, they continue to face significant external threats and strategic vulnerabilities. The research concludes that these legacies persist in defining both nations’ diplomatic behavior, security engagement, and capacity to navigate an increasingly polarized international environment
Innovative Psychotherapeutic Approaches through NeuroSound and MentalTimer: Evidence from Clinical Practice in Kosovo
No full textThe integration of neuroscience and technology into psychotherapy is reshaping therapeutic practices worldwide. This paper introduces two innovative tools – NeuroSound and MentalTimer – that are being successfully applied in Kosovo to enhance psychotherapeutic outcomes. NeuroSound uses neurofeedback-based auditory stimulation to regulate brainwave activity, improving focus, cognitive flexibility, and emotional stability. MentalTimer combines structured cognitive exercises with mindfulness-based timing techniques, supporting self- regulation, stress resilience, and executive functioning. As official representatives of these systems in Kosovo, our team has treated over 300 cases, addressing conditions such as anxiety, attention deficits, and emotional dysregulation. Results demonstrate significant improvements in concentration, emotional control, and overall mental well-being, confirming the effectiveness and applicability of these methods. By complementing traditional psychotherapy, NeuroSound and MentalTimer offer innovative, accessible, and evidence-informed strategies that contribute to global efforts in advancing mental health care and applied neuroscience
Recent Advances in Analgesic Drug Discovery: Azole-Based Heterocycles as Key Scaffolds
No full textThis review presents the latest progress in the design and synthesis of small-molecule analgesics incorporating azole-based heterocyclic frameworks. The study highlights how structural variations in rings such as imidazole, triazole, thiazole, indazole, and oxadiazole contribute to diverse analgesic mechanisms, including cyclooxygenase inhibition, opioid receptor modulation, and sodium channel blockade. Structure–activity relationship (SAR) analyses reveal that fine-tuning substituents and introducing bioisosteric replacements enhance both potency and safety profiles. Moreover, azole scaffolds have shown remarkable adaptability in computational drug design (CADD) workflows, facilitating the identification of novel analgesic leads. Emphasis is also placed on optimizing formulation properties alongside pharmacological efficacy, as delivery potential remains a crucial aspect of therapeutic development. Collectively, this work provides a comprehensive insight into the evolving role of azole-based heterocycles as essential pharmacophores in modern analgesic drug discovery and innovation
Radon Concentration Measurements in Some Enclosed Environments in the Gjilan Region
No full textThe aim of this study was to assess the concentration of radon (²²²Rn) in 31 locations, including schools, public buildings, and private residences in the municipalities of Gjilan, Kamenica, and Viti, to compare the results with international standards and identify potential public health risks. Measurements were conducted during May–June 2025 using the portable AMES PRM-145 device, which detects alpha radiation through scintillation cells. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods, calculating the average radon concentration and the annual effective dose according to UNSCEAR and ICRP (2009) models. The results revealed elevated concentrations in several sites, with the highest value of 363.15 Bq/m³ recorded at SHFMU “Skënderbeu” (Gjilan) and the lowest of 88.62 Bq/m³ in Viti. The findings confirm the need for continuous monitoring and preventive measures in indoor environments, providing a scientific basis for the development of radiological protection policies in Kosovo
Sustainability of Public Health Services in Times of Crisis: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic
No full textThe COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the challenges and weaknesses of health systems worldwide, particularly in the field of public health. The capacity of services to ensure continuous and equitable access for the population was tested in an unprecedented way. Analyzing these experiences is essential for building more sustainable and resilient systems against future crises. Aim To analyze the key lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic regarding the sustainability of public health services and to identify successful strategies that can be institutionalized for coping with future emergencies. Methodology A literature review was conducted using scientific sources and reports from national and international institutions (Ministry of Health of Kosovo, WHO, ECDC, CDC) published during the period 2020–2024. Studies on healthcare service management, public policies, and sustainability practices during crises were included. Results The findings show that countries with flexible public health systems, continuous investment in epidemiological surveillance, and cross-sectoral collaboration were able to maintain essential services more effectively during the pandemic. Digital technologies, transparent communication, and community engagement were identified as key factors of sustainability. However, shortages of human and financial resources, dependency on imported medicines, and lack of institutional coordination were major barriers. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic provides valuable lessons for strengthening public health services. To enhance sustainability, continuous investment in infrastructure, human capacities, and technology is required, as well as the development of integrated mechanisms for rapid response. Sustainability should not be perceived as an emergency reaction but as a permanent component of health systems
Results of Active Case Finding among the Roma, Ashkali, Egyptians Minority Group in Peja municipality
No full textPassive case finding remains the principal strategy for tuberculosis (TB) detection in Kosovo under the WHO-recommended DOTS framework. The National Tuberculosis Program (NTP) policy forsees, the active case finding (ACF) strategy to be applied among high-risk populations. Objective: To assess the additional value of ACF implemented among RAE minority population in Peja municipality. Methods: The community nurses conducted household surveys in the municipality of Peja, where approximately 3,836 RAE residents live. Symptom based screening was conducted among adult household members regarding TB history, symptoms, and risk factors. Individuals reporting at least one TB-related symptom and a history of TB contact plus one or more risk factors were classified as TB suspects and referred for diagnostic evaluation. Results: In total 936 adults were surveyed, 67 (7.1%) met the TB-suspect criteria; 32 (48%) presented for evaluation. Of those, two cases (6.2%) were diagnosed, one with smear-positive TB and one with smear-negative TB. All cases were previously managed within the National TB Programme (NTP). Conclusion: Active case finding among these minority groups did not reveal additional new TB cases, suggesting that passive case detection within the existing NTP framework effectively captures most TB cases in Kosovo. Better follow-up of referred TB suspects could improve case detection
The Interdisciplinary Intersections of Molecular Biology with Life Sciences
No full textAs an interdisciplinary science, molecular biology plays a fundamental role in comprehending the holistic structure of the life sciences and in building bridges between different disciplines. By examining the structure, functions, and interactions of biomolecules at the cellular level, this field encompasses a wide spectrum of research, ranging from the central dogma processes of DNA replication, transcription, and translation to multilayered omics approaches (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, epigenomics, and metagenomics). These approaches not only contribute to our understanding of the regulation of genetic information and the emergence of cellular responses but are also directly associated with the main axes of the life sciences such as biodiversity, ecological balance, health, and environmental sustainability. The integration of molecular biology with the life sciences creates new research opportunities across a wide spectrum, from human health to agricultural productivity, environmental monitoring methods to biotechnological innovations. This interdisciplinary approach not only deepens the understanding of fundamental biological processes but also paves the way for the development of strategic solutions that will shape the future of the life sciences. Therefore, the dynamic interactions that molecular biology establishes with the life sciences carry a transformative potential in both academic and applied research. The contributions of molecular biology to the field of health sciences are not limited to the understanding of fundamental disease mechanisms but also profoundly transform diagnostic and therapeutic processes. Through pharmacogenomic approaches, the efficacy and side-effect profiles of drugs can be predicted by considering individual genetic differences, thereby enabling the development of personalized therapeutic strategies. The investigation of drug-cell interactions at the molecular level accelerates the design of targeted therapies and opens new avenues in the management of complex diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and rare genetic conditions. Furthermore, the discovery of molecular biology-based biomarkers has become one of the most powerful tools of modern medicine in early diagnosis and prognostic evaluations. Moreover, molecular biology provides not only advancements in human health but also frameworks for the preservation of biodiversity, the balanced functioning of ecosystems, and the sustainable use of natural resources. Extending from the genetic analysis of microbial communities to the understanding of the effects of environmental factors on biological systems, as well as to biotechnology-based applications such as plant and animal breeding, these contributions serve both the comprehension of the holistic structure of life and the construction of a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future for humanity. In this presentation, the interdisciplinary intersections of molecular biology with life sciences will be explored, emphasizing its implications for health sciences, biotechnology, environmental studies, and the broader life science domain