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The Impact of Denture Base Material on Oral Health and Patient Comfort in Edentulous Patients
No full textThis thesis presents an in-depth and comprehensive review of the scientific literature regarding the impact of denture base materials on oral health and the comfort level of edentulous patients. Dental prostheses are an essential solution for patients in this category, and the quality of the materials used in the construction of their bases significantly influences the success of the treatment and the quality of life of individuals. This study primarily focuses on two main groups of materials used in the construction of denture bases: polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin and various contemporary thermoplastic materials. By reviewing data from a series of previous studies, eight significant case studies are analyzed, focusing on the evaluation of mechanical performance, biocompatibility, durability, and their impact on oral health. Through this literature review, it is observed that the properties of the base materials, such as resistance to damage, color, and the ability to adapt the shape and appearance of the denture to the patient\u27s mouth, are closely linked to the level of comfort experienced by the patients. Furthermore, the potential negative impacts of denture base materials on oral health are discussed, including the spread of infections, irritation of oral mucosa, and the possibility of other dental issues, such as bacteria accumulation on the base surfaces. This review aims to provide a detailed and up-to-date overview of the latest research in this field and to offer a deeper understanding of the role of denture base materials in improving the quality of life for edentulous patients. Ultimately, this thesis provides suggestions for the development of new materials and the improvement of treatment protocols that may contribute to enhancing oral health and patient comfort
Infective Endocarditis Following Dental Procedures: A Retrospective Literature Review of Reported Cases and Clinical Outcomes
No full textInfective endocarditis (IE) remains a serious and potentially life-threatening complication associated with bacteremia following invasive dental procedures. Although preventive strategies exist, cases continue to be reported, particularly among individuals with known risk factors. This study aims to systematically review the reported cases and epidemiological evidence of IE following dental interventions. A retrospective literature review was conducted using studies indexed in PubMed that reported cases of IE following dental procedures. Three studies were included: two case reports detailing individual clinical outcomes, and one population-based observational study assessing post-procedural risk. Extracted data included patient demographics, type of dental procedure, time from procedure to infection onset, microbiological findings, risk factors, clinical management, and outcomes. Across all three studies, a clear correlation was observed between invasive dental procedures— particularly tooth extractions—and the onset of IE. The case reports identified patients with prosthetic heart valves and children with congenital heart disease as high-risk groups. Oral anaerobic flora, including Prevotella species, was implicated in cases involving prosthetic valves. The epidemiological study demonstrated a transient increase in IE incidence within 1–3 months following invasive dental treatments. Clinical outcomes ranged from full recovery with antibiotic therapy and surgical intervention, to significant morbidity in pediatric cases, despite prophylactic measures. Invasive dental procedures can precipitate infective endocarditis, especially in patients with pre-existing cardiac risk factors. Increased awareness of at-risk populations, stringent infection control, and adherence to prophylactic guidelines remain essential for prevention. Further population-based research is needed to better refine risk stratification and optimize prophylactic strategies
Digital Forensic Dentistry: Maxillary Canine Dimensions as Sex Discriminators in Kosova Adults
No full textDental sexual dimorphism, particularly in maxillary canines, is one of the most reliable markers for sex determination in forensic and anthropological contexts. With the advent of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), more accurate and population-specific morphometric data can be obtained.This study aimed to measure sexual dimorphism in maxillary canine crown sizes using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans in the Kosova population. It also assessed the potential for determining sex in forensic cases.A retrospective analysis of CBCT scans from 60 subjects (30 males, 30 females) aged 18–30 years at the University Clinical Center of Kosova was conducted. Mesiodistal (MD) and buccooral (BO) crown dimensions were measured. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, Cohen’s d effect sizes, and sexual dimorphism percentages calculated using the Garn and Lewis formula.All parameters showed significant sexual dimorphism (p \u3c 0.001), with males exhibiting larger crown sizes. The highest dimorphism was observed in the left canine BO dimension (8.92%), followed by the right canine BO (8.87%). Average sex differences ranged from 0.597–0.724 mm, with large effect sizes (Cohen’s d: 1.166–1.435). Bilateral correlations were strong for both MD and BO measurements (r = 0.9610.966).Maxillary canines exhibit pronounced sexual dimorphism in the Kosova population, with BO dimensions showing slightly greater discriminatory potential than MD. These findings highlight their value in forensic sex determination and provide population-specific reference data for Kosova
Geriatric Dentistry: Challenges and Strategies for Improving Oral Care in the Elderly
No full textAs life expectancy continues to rise and demographic shifts reshape the population landscape in Kosova, geriatric dentistry is emerging as a vital pillar of the national healthcare framework. Oral health in older adults plays a crucial role in overall well-being and is closely linked to chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and neurodegenerative disorders. Despite this importance, the field of geriatric dentistry in Kosovo remains underdeveloped, marked by a lack of specialized public health policies, a shortage of trained professionals, and economic barriers that render oral healthcare inaccessible for a large segment of the elderly population. This study investigates the key challenges facing oral health in Kosovo’s aging population, analyzing socio-economic determinants, institutional capacities, and prevailing clinical practices. Drawing on a systematic review of literature and existing national data, the article proposes evidence-based strategies to enhance geriatric dental services. These strategies include increasing public awareness of oral health as a component of healthy aging, introducing targeted training programs for dental and healthcare professionals, and enacting inclusive public policies that secure sustainable funding for geriatric oral care through the national health insurance system. The findings underscore the urgent need for a redefined approach to geriatric dentistry in Kosova, one that embeds oral health into the broader continuum of holistic geriatric care. Advancing both access to and quality of dental services not only mitigates oral and systemic disease burdens but also enhances quality of life, preserves human dignity, and fosters functional autonomy in later life
Short- and Medium-Term Electricity Load Forecasting Using Machine Learning Models: A Case Study for Tirana
No full textAccurate electricity load forecasting is crucial for balancing production, distribution, and consumption of energy. Short- and medium-term predictions help manage demand over the coming days, weeks, and months, supporting efficient power system operation, market planning, and integration of renewable energy sources. Advanced forecasting techniques have been widely applied to large interconnected systems, often with the integration of exogenous variables in load management. This paper focuses on daily to monthly load forecasting for the city of Tirana, using real consumption and meteorological data, including temperature, heating degree days (HDD), and cooling degree days (CDD), to provide accurate predictions and insights for local energy management. A comparative study is conducted over a diverse set of models, considering classical regression methods, ensemble approaches such as decision trees, and machine learning architectures including artificial and recurrent neural networks. The models are evaluated for both short-term horizons (next day) and medium-term horizons (weekly and monthly). The data incorporate relevant meteorological variables and historical load patterns to capture the dynamics of electricity demand. Model performance shows accurate results across all tested scenarios, with differences aligned with their theoretical approach and the variables included. The findings highlight the challenges of applying different modeling techniques in small-scale electricity systems with strong weather dependencies. This study provides insights for improving operational forecasting in Albania and emphasizes the need for hybrid approaches and advanced deep learning architectures for robust medium-term performance
Evaluation of the Chemical Composition and Nutritional Quality of Traditional Qebap Samples from Prizren, Kosovo
No full textThis study evaluates the chemical composition of qebaps collected from ten of Prizren\u27s most popular qebap shops. Each sample was analyzed for water, protein, fat, salt, ash, and nitrite content according to standard analytical methods. The mean values obtained were as follows: water 45.90 ± 2.79%, protein 13.62 ± 0.89%, fat 14.54 ± 1.57%, salt 2.36 ± 0.43%, and ash 1.05 ± 0.05%. Compared to the reference values of the Public Health Institute of Kosovo (salt ≤ 5%, protein ≤ 22%, water ≤ 65%, fat ≤ 35%, ash ≤ 2%, nitrites ≤ 150 mg/kg), all samples were within the permissible limits. Correlation analysis revealed a moderate positive relationship between protein and water (r = 0.427) and between ash and water (r = 0.602). At the same time, fat showed a moderate negative correlation with protein (r = –0.405) and ash (r = –0.367). These results indicate that the chemical composition of qebaps in Prizren is generally balanced and complies with national food quality standards. The observed variations among samples are mainly due to differences in meat mixtures, fat ratios, and seasoning intensity used by individual producers. Overall, the qebaps analyzed represent nutritionally acceptable traditional meat products
Aesthetic and ecological impact of modern garden roses in urban environments
No full textThe use of roses in urban green spaces is primarily guided by their quality and growth characteristics, including flower colour, stem length and diameter, and the continuity of flowering throughout the summer. The aim of this study is to evaluate the vegetative growth and repeat flowering of selected modern garden rose cultivars and to assess their ecological and aesthetic impact within urban environments. The most intensive flowering stage occurred in June, with the Vaj Vicend\u27 cultivar producing an average of 35 flowers per plant, followed by the \u27Critopher Colombo\u27 cultivar with 41 flowers per plant. The lowest number of flowers was recorded in the \u27Princess de Monaco\u27 cultivar, with 23 flowers per plant. The study was conducted in the urban green space \u27City Park\u27, located in Prishtina, Republic of Kosovo, over two growing seasons from May 2023 to October 2024, cover in an area of 7.500 m². Modern garden roses are a type of modern garden roses, known for their exceptional adaptability, extended flowering season, and aesthetic appeal, making them an excellent choice for enhancing the beauty and ecological value of urban green spaces. Modern garden roses represent a group of modern garden roses, known for their high adaptability, long flowering period, and significant aesthetic value, making them ideal for use in urban green spaces in Kosovo
The impact of Apitherapy on human health
No full textApitherapy is a form of alternative medicine based on the therapeutic use of bee products, such as honey, propolis, royal jelly, pollen, beeswax, and bee venom. These substances have been used for centuries in traditional medicine for their documented antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic properties. With the development of biomedical sciences and interest in natural treatments, apitherapy is gaining increasing attention in contemporary medicine. This study aims to review the local and international scientific literature on the impact of apitherapy on human health. The analysis focuses on the findings of experimental and clinical research evaluating the preventive and therapeutic effects of bee products in the treatment of acute and chronic diseases. Possible side effects are also addressed, providing a balanced and evidence-based approach. The results of this review demonstrate the potential of bee products in improving overall health and supporting existing medical treatments. This contribution is of importance to researchers, health professionals, and practitioners of natural medicine, providing a broad basis for further research in the field of apitherapy and its safe and effective use
An Overview on Chemical Profile for Oil and Alcholic Tinctures of Rosmarinus Officinalis Plants
No full textThis study shown data on chemical profile for oil and alcoholic tinctures of Rosmarinus officinalis cultivated populations from Durres area. Rosemary is an essential perennial aromatic, evergreen shrub belonging to the family Lamiaceae and indigenous to the Mediterranean region. This plant has branches full of green leaves that exude a characteristic fragrance. For this is widely used in culinary. Rosemary is used since ancient times in traditional medicine because of its vital health effects. Rosemary is a popular and versatile, medicinal plant, and is often used in tinctures and other home remedies. It can be used to treat respiratory infections, digestive issues, and skin irritation. Rosemary tincture believed to improve cognitive function and memory. Rosmarinus Officinalis cultivated plants from Durres area (Lalzi Bay) were taken in January 2025. Plant samples, branches with their leaves, were used for the preparation of oil and alcoholic tinctures of rosemary. After six weeks tinctures were subjected of gas chromatography analyzes for identification of their chemical profile. The rosemary tinctures were injected directly in a Varian 450 GC equipped with flame ionization detector. VF-1ms capillary column (30 m x 0.33 mm x 0.25 um) were used for separation of its compounds. The chemical profile of tinctures were compared with essential oil of the same rosemary samples by using Clevenger apparatus, recommended by Pharmacopoeia. The profile of oil tincture was: Camphor \u3e Cineol \u3e alpha-Pinene \u3e Verbenone while the profile of alcoholic tincture was: Cineole \u3e alpha-Pinene \u3e beta-Pinene \u3e Camphour. The profiles of both tinctures contain the main compounds found in the essential oil of Rosmarinus officinalis but the use of oil and ethanol makes them selective solvents for some individuals: oil for Camphor and Ethanol for Cineole. Chemical profile of tinctures may be of interest in terms of the active compounds they contain
Redesigning Municipal Logos in Kosovo: Visual Identity, Legal Framework, and Graphic Design Principles
No full textThis paper aims to analyze and redesign municipal logos in Kosovo, based on Law No. 03/L-040 on Local Self-Government and the fundamental principles of graphic design. The primary objective is to identify the visual and symbolic elements that contribute to effective logo design and to evaluate their role in shaping community identity. The research methodology includes a visual analysis of the existing municipal logos of Prishtina and Prizren, interviews with professional designers, and a review of relevant literature in the fields of design and visual communication. The selection of these municipalities for comparative analysis was made to ensure geographical and aesthetic representation of diverse institutional practices. The findings reveal that municipal logos play a significant role in shaping public perception of local identity, while the level of compliance with professional design principles and legal requirements varies. The comparison between different logos identified best practices and highlighted the need for standardization and modernization of visual approaches. In conclusion, this study contributes to the formulation of guidelines for improving municipal logo design by offering research-based recommendations aimed at developing a stronger, more representative, and sustainable visual identity for municipalities in Kosovo