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SF₆-Free Solutions: Blue GIS and Clean Air in MV/HV Power Systems
No full textSulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) has been the predominant insulating and switching medium in medium-voltage and high-voltage (MV/HV) gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) for several decades, primarily due to its superior dielectric properties. However, SF₆ is also the most potent greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential (GWP) 23,500 times that of CO₂ and an atmospheric lifetime exceeding 3,000 years, making its substitution a critical environmental priority. This paper evaluates emerging SF₆-free alternatives, with particular emphasis on Blue GIS technology, which combines vacuum switching with clean air insulation. The study analyzes their technical performance, operational reliability, safety characteristics, life-cycle environmental impact, and economic feasibility in comparison with conventional SF₆-based systems. Large-scale European projects and case studies are reviewed to demonstrate practical deployment and operational experience. Findings confirm that SF₆-free GIS provides a robust, reliable, and environmentally sustainable pathway for modernizing electrical grids, supporting decarbonization strategies and advancing the transition toward carbon-neutral power systems
Digital Technologies for Modernizing Coal-Based Power Systems in Kosovo
No full textKosovo 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 system. This dual approach recognizes the short-term necessity of coal while strategically preparing the sector for a more sustainable and diversified energy mix in the long term. The paper presents a set of realistic, data-driven strategies tailored to Kosovo’s present energy challenges and future ambitions, highlighting the importance of digital modernization as a bridge toward sustainability
BIOAQUA COST Action: Biomolecular Pathways to Sustainable Aquaculture – Transforming European Fish Farming Through Innovation and Collaboration
No full textEuropean aquaculture is at a turning point. The sector is growing fast, but it also faces heavy disease pressure, rising costs, and stricter environmental demands. The BIOAQUA COST Action (CA22160) offers a new way forward. Instead of treating problems after they appear, it focuses on biomolecular tools that prevent them from the start. This paper looks at how continuous pathogen monitoring, water prophylaxis, eco-friendly treatments, and noninvasive welfare checks can cut losses, reduce antibiotic use, and strengthen biosecurity while keeping consumer trust. It also introduces BIOAQUA’s five working groups, which cover water prophylaxis, alternative treatments, fish welfare, sustainability pathways, and stakeholder engagement. The Action combines solid scientific methods with real-world application. It builds shared data systems, training programs, and networks that bring together research scattered across Europe into one coordinated effort. We demonstrate how BIOAQUA is establishing prevention as the standard through real-world examples of ongoing projects and potential future developments. This change puts European aquaculture in a stronger, more competitive, and ecologically conscious position going forwar
National Symbols in Traditional Textiles
No full textNational symbols constitute an inseparable part of the spiritual and material heritage of the Albanian people. They are not merely decorative ornaments encountered in weaving and clothing, but carriers of historical, cultural, and spiritual meanings. Regardless of the circumstances and the manner of their presentation, they reflect the thought and emotions of those who expressed them through their work. On the other hand, by employing national symbols in folk art, the identity of the respective community was both disseminated and preserved. Among the symbols that found wide use in weaving and clothing, the most prominent are the double-headed eagle, the six- and eight-pointed star, and the goat horns, although other motifs appear as well. In this study, however, we will focus on these three symbols, which find powerful expression in weaving, in the ornamentation of folk costumes, and in objects of daily use. In fact, all three are closely related to the national hero Gjergj Kastrioti – Skanderbeg. The double-headed eagle in clothing and textiles is preserved as an ancient symbol of freedom, pride, and unity. Over time, it acquired a special place in folk ornamentation. It appears in ceremonial garments throughout the Albanian lands, sometimes more prominently, sometimes less. In many cases, in order to avoid restrictive circumstances, it was often stylized artistically while preserving its sentiment and emotional charge. Thus, in many woven pieces such as carpets, prayer rugs, and cushions, the eagle appears in various artistic forms, carrying not only decorative function but also a patriotic message. Through these symbols, the Albanian folk artist preserved a strong bond with the symbolism of freedom even during times of occupation. Through clothing, the eagle conveyed the message of pride and national belonging, becoming an identifying element of Albanians wherever they lived. What mattered was not the precise form or location of its appearance, but the fact that the symbol was maintained and disseminated in every household
Information Systems Obsolescence and Its Impact on Business Digital Transformation
No full textThe digital transformation of businesses is a necessary requirement of recent times and a new opportunity for businesses to move from the form of carrying out operations in a conventional way to the new form where technologies are what they want. This process, is accompanied by many delicate challenges that often place businesses in an unenviable financial or competitive situation. One of the challenges that this paper discusses and analyzes is the obsolescence of information systems (IS). IS that are operating and that are more or less showing difficulties in improvement, lack of stability and accuracy, as well as the inability to integrate with new digital technologies. Such a challenge exposes businesses, among other things, to increased operational costs and increased risk for cybersecurity. IS Obsolescence as a phenomenon is widespread throughout the globe, but academic research on this topic seems to be limited. This becomes even more difficult when considering that quantitative research is geographically limited to Kosovo. The research applies quantitative and qualitative approaches by conducting a survey with local businesses and analysing case studies. The results are supposed to help accelerate academic knowledge on this topic and increase the efficiency of businesses as they can gain knowledge regarding more effective sustainability management
Opportunities and Challenges in the Use of AI in Commercial Contracts
No full textUndoubtedly, today we are all witnesses that the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has brought profound changes in all areas of social life, including commercial relations, opening new perspectives for the drafting, interpretation, and enforcement of contracts. AI can provide increased efficiency in the negotiation process between contracting parties, analyze complex legal provisions, and predict risks, thereby reducing costs and transaction time. However, the integration of AI into commercial contracts is also accompanied by significant challenges, such as the lack of legal clarity, issues of liability for automated decisions, ethical concerns, and the protection of sensitive data. This paper aims to analyze the current and potential role of AI in the field of commercial contracts by examining the latest international practices, as well as the opportunities it offers for a more transparent, fair, and innovative contractual system. Through an analytical approach, the paper emphasizes the need for a clear regulatory framework and legal harmonization, in order to balance the use of AI with the protection of the rights of contracting parties, with the ultimate goal of ensuring legal certainty
The path towards sequestration and confiscation of illicit assets in Kosovo
No full textIn Kosovo, there are three elements of seizure/confiscation that prosecutors must take into account and they are: firstly the instruments (means) used in the commission or preparation of the criminal offence, secondly whether any of the prohibited items (weapons, smuggling) are found, and thirdly any criminal proceeds that have been identified. In all cases, the steps of identification, freezing and confiscation must be respected. The Code of Criminal Procedure regulates confiscation of instrumentalities (tools) and material benefits from criminal offenses and contains provisions that facilitate the seizure or freezing of assets and their confiscation. The Law on Expanded Confiscation Powers allows the prosecutor to request the confiscation of assets when the defendant dies, flees the jurisdiction (flees), or has legally unjustified possessions. The Agency for the Administration of Sequestered and Confiscated Assets (AAPSK) has the legal responsibility for the managing these assets that have been seized or that may be subject to confiscation following a successful conviction. This paper will address the path of seizure and confiscation and will clarify some fundamental principles that serve as basic rules guiding the identification, freezing and confiscation of assets
The role of telecollaboration as a primer in EFL team teaching exchanges
No full textHigher education faces significant worldwide challenges in the coming future with the inroads being made by AI technology and increasing competition from alternative educational pathways. This presentation puts forward the case for integrating telecollaborative and virtual exchange cooperative ventures between universities and other institutions of higher education into existing and proposed degree programmes to enhance attractiveness of academic courses, add educational value and enhance long-term resilience of the courses being offered. The presentation will briefly review the history of telecollaboration and virtual exchange with reference to pioneering scholar Robert O’Dowd’s work in language education and applied linguistics before examining the value of student and staff exchanges in promoting an understanding of intercultural digital literacy and competence with a view to promoting skills for working life in an increasingly globalized labour market
Peculiarities of Word Stress in English and Macedonian Language
No full textThe aim of this study is to define stress and compare the characteristics of stress patterns in English and Macedonian. Stress is defined as the emphasis or intensity placed on a speech sound, syllable, or word, resulting in increased loudness or prominence. The Macedonian language exhibits simpler and more regular stress patterns compared to English. In two-syllable Macedonian words, the stress typically falls on the second syllable. For words with three or more syllables, the stress is placed on the third syllable from the end. Additionally, Macedonian includes a form of compound words known as “акцентски целости”, where two or more words are pronounced with a single, unified stress pattern. In these cases, the usual rule applies - the stress remains on the third syllable from the end. In contrast, English stress patterns are more complex and unpredictable, with numerous exceptions influenced by etymology, word class, and morphological structure. This comparative analysis concludes that English has more challenging stress patterns and irregularities than Macedonian
Anthems and City Anthems – Phenomenon or tendency - (Analytical review after listening to the Ferizaj Anthem, written by Prof. Astrit Mustafa)
No full textThis study review will discuss Anthems in general and certain Anthems in particular. Here we will talk about the many types of Anthems, the multitude of Anthems created by Albanian patriots, the ‘borrowing-adaptation’ of melodies or lyrics for Anthems. The creation of the Ferizaj City Anthem in 2023, on the 150th anniversary of the city’s creation, became the reason for making an analytical review regarding similar phenomena or such tendencies undertaken by various personalities of Culture in general. In addition to the Ferizaj Anthem, this analytical review will also discuss similar phenomena that have occurred both in the Albanian space and in different countries of the world. In fact, cases will be examined when a simple song (pretends) to become an Anthem, then the necessary conditions for a musical piece to be treated as an Anthem (duration, form of construction, Tempo, Rhythm, Dynamics, Text, Character, etc.) and even the place of creation, including the reason for creation