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Analyzing Credit Risk Factors: A Western Balkans Case Study
No full textThe purpose of this research paper is to determine factors of credit risk expressed in terms of non-performing loans in six countries of the Western Balkans (Kosovo, Albania, North Macedonia, Bosnia, and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia). The research uses different econometric techniques for the presentation of econometric models, where 4 models are used: OLS, fixed-effects model, random-effects model, and Hausman Taylor IV estimators. The results from the empirical analysis presented show that unemployment and the real interest rate have a positive impact on the growth of non-performing loans where both coefficients are statistically significant at the 1% level, while other variables (financial stability, economic growth, and inflation) show a statistically significant negative impact. These findings are important for the decision-makers of the financial systems of these countries, especially countries that have limited use of monetary policy, making decisions to create greater financial stability to reduce credit risk
Applying Lasso Regression for Property Price Prediction in Emerging Markets: An Empirical Study of Prishtina\u27s Real Estate Sector
No full textThis study employs Lasso Regression (LR) to forecast apartment prices in Prishtina, analyzing a dataset of 1,468 transactions from the Kosovo Department of Property Taxes (2019-2023). Focusing on variables like distance to the central business district and apartment size, LR was selected for its ability to perform feature selection and regularization, applied using Python. The preliminary model included variables such as distance to central business district, distance from main road leading to central business district, size, floor, distance from bus stations, distance from ambulances, distance from schools, distance from green spaces, income status of inhabitants per apartment, and distance from public parking and after feature selection and regularization excluded variables such as the distance from the main road leading to the CBD, distance from bus stations, distance from ambulances and schools, and distance from public parking The methodology involved evaluating model accuracy with metrics such as Mean Squared Error and Coefficient of Determination. Emphasizing LR\u27s feature selection, significant predictors were identified, streamlining the model and offering insights into Prishtina\u27s property price determinants, highlighting LR\u27s effectiveness in feature selection in the context of emerging markets real estate valuation. The Lasso Regression model applied to Prishtina\u27s apartment prices demonstrated moderate predictive accuracy, with an R² of 0.501, indicating it captures about half of the market\u27s variability. Performance metrics, including MAE, RMSE, and MSE, underscore the tradeoff between model simplicity and precision. Despite lacking a direct feature importance ranking, Lasso\u27s feature selection capability identifies key variables, offering insights into Prishtina\u27s real estate market. This study highlights the potential of Lasso Regression in feature selection and regularization within emerging markets, showcasing its strength in simplifying complex datasets for enhanced interpretability and actionable insights, thus marking a significant contribution to the field by suggesting to integrate Lasso regression with other ML models for better predictive accuracy
The importance of lighting in the Architectural design of individual houses
No full textThis thesis explores the importance and benefits of natural lighting in the architecture of individual buildings. The purpose of the study is to explore the impact of natural light on improving the quality of life and the energy efficiency of buildings. The use of natural lighting can reduce the need for artificial lighting, bringing economic and ecological benefits. The methodology used includes analysis of existing literature, case studies and computer simulations to assess the impact of natural lighting on architectural design. The results show that the integration of natural lighting in the architectural design not only improves the aesthetics of the space, but also contributes to the health and well-being of the residents. Natural lighting reduces visual stress and improves productivity and mood. Furthermore, the efficient use of natural light can significantly reduce electricity consumption, bringing significant economic and environmental benefits. As a conclusion, this study highlights the importance of integrating natural lighting into the architectural design process of individual buildings. It is recommended that architects and designers consider natural lighting strategies to create healthier and more sustainable spaces
The Impact of the facades of Collective Housing on Urban Identity: Case Study of Ferizaj
No full textAmong all cities in Kosovo, Ferizaj, which has experienced some of the most dynamic post-war changes, has seen rapid urban growth that paradoxically resulted in aesthetic disorder in the facades of townhouse buildings. Despite rising incomes and increased urbanization, the absence of strategic planning and oversight in facade interventions for residential buildings has created visual chaos, disrupting the city\u27s architectural harmony. The inconsistent alterations—ranging from the use of different colors and materials to the addition of enclosed balconies—have drastically transformed the town’s architectural order. 115 This study uses the case of the city of Ferizaj to demonstrate how the ad hoc interventions on the facades of collective buildings have been compromising the beauty of the town and, more importantly, these interventions have a direct impact on the resident’s life quality. By conducting interviews with various stakeholders, the research explores the consequences of lacking standards and regulatory oversight in housing development. To address this aesthetic chaos in Ferizaj’s collective housing facades, it is crucial to develop a plan for unification and improvement, including the community and institutions, to achieve a more attractive and functional cityscape. Ultimately, the research will recommend a coordinated approach to facade materials, emphasizing collaboration between the community and local authorities to create a more coherent and aesthetically pleasing urban image
AI in Architecture: Achieving a Balance Between Computational Insights and Human Creativity
No full textGraham Wallas identifies the four fundamental steps in the creative process: preparation, incubation, illumination, and verification. This paper investigates the selective integration of artificial intelligence into the creative framework, with an emphasis on the preparation and verification stages to improve creativity without compromising human inventiveness. AI can speed up data collection and trend analysis throughout the preparation process, allowing architects to focus on conceptual and high-level ideas. In the verification stage, AI may carefully evaluate and improve ideas, ensuring their practicality and resilience through thorough analysis and feedback. By carefully incorporating artificial intelligence into various phases of selected architectural projects, such as housing and kindergarten, we use its computational capability to improve human creativity, resulting in more creative and rigorously verified outputs. This method ensures the integrity of the creative process, allowing artificial intelligence to enhance rather than replace human creativity and intuition
Money Laundering in Kosovo
No full textThe purpose of this paper is to analyze and understand the methods of money laundering in Kosovo, including the theoretical and practical aspects of the fight against this phenomenon. In this regard, they include: The concept of money laundering, which is very important for the public to understand what constitutes money laundering and how it affects society, economy and politics. Then the methods and forms of money laundering, such as the ways used for money laundering because it is important to identify the practices that may be used in the reality of Kosovo. Negative reflections in society, psychology and economy; Identifying the impacts of money laundering on the social, psychological and economic levels will provide us with a clear picture of how this phenomenon affects in general. Further, the role of inter-institutional cooperation in combating the crime of money laundering. The state of this form of organized crime in Kosovo and the legal frameworks provide a complete overview of the local context in relation to criminal policies (ie the importance of criminal laws and international conventions in the fight against this phenomenon). So with this paper, we intend to contribute through the study to the recommendation of measures for the successful fight against this negative phenomenon in Kosovo
Establishment of the Kosovo Stock Exchange Challenge and opportunity
No full textThe purpose of the paper is to reflect the role and importance of the establishment and operation of the Stock Exchange in fulfilling the general landscape of the economic and financial system of the Republic of Kosovo. It is worth noting that organized securities exchange markets represent a very important segment of every developed economy, which until recently were an almost unknown or very little-known phenomenon in our country. Such markets represent places where securities are bought and sold, that is, places where financial resources are reallocated. This is precisely the reason why different interests and different financial institutions are intertwined here, and as is the case with all other markets, the securities market represents the highest level of market organization within a financial system. The establishment of the stock exchange would undoubtedly motivate the promotion of higher savings and the promotion of long-term investments, which would create opportunities to raise funds through Venture Capital, the facilitation of foreign portfolio investments in Kosovo, provided the necessary mechanism (the market) to invest in securities and shares that would enable greater economic growth which means higher incomes and a higher standard of living. The Republic of Kosovo today faces the challenge of establishing the Stock Exchange, which from a legal point of view, its establishment and operation is a complex process due to the necessary legal and institutional framewor
Guarding the Future: A Closer Look at Kosovo\u27s Constitutional Security Sector Arrangements
No full textThis article critically examines the constitutional definition of the security sector in Kosovo, highlighting it as a paradigmatic example of liberal democracy. It focuses on the essential principles of separation, control, and balance of powers within the security apparatus. The article argues that security, whether national or public, is a primary state duty enforced through law enforcement and legitimate use of force. It underscores the risks of power exploitation by influential interest groups in the absence of proper constitutional regulation, especially in post-conflict societies. The integration of violence mechanisms into a legitimate defence system as prescribed by the constitution is imperative for upholding the core mandate of safeguarding the state and ensuring comprehensive human security. The article stresses that mere compliance with constitutional norms is insufficient; effective regulation must prevent any single branch from consolidating power. It examines Kosovo\u27s extensive constitutional oversight of its security sector, detailing the delineation of power-sharing between the executive and legislative branches and within the executive itself to prevent monopolization of control, thus fostering accountability and transparency in security operations
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing English for Specific Purposes (Esp) Teaching
No full textIn the recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has impacted various sectors, including language education. One of the fields that has particularly benefited from AI integration is language education, specifically English for Specific Purposes (ESP). ESP courses are designed to meet the student’s language needs of learners in a specialized field. This paper explores how AI can effectively improve the outcomes of ESP courses and how it can be incorporated into ESP curricula. By addressing both benefits and challenges of AI in ESP, this paper aims to provide educators with insights into leveraging AI tools to meet the evolving demands of language learners in specific disciplines. The findings suggest that AI can serve as valuable supplementary tool in ESP teaching, it should complement, rather than replace traditional teaching methods
From Page To Screen: A Comparative Analysis of John Steinbeck\u27s The Grapes Of Wrath and Its Film Adaptation
No full textJohn Steinbeck\u27s The Grapes of Wrath, published in 1939, poignantly depicts the struggles of the Joad family during the Great Depression as they migrate from Oklahoma to California in search of a better life. The film adaptation by John Ford, released the same year, has generated extensive discourse on the interplay between the novel and its cinematic counterpart. This article investigates the thematic and narrative elements present in both versions, focusing on character portrayals, symbolism, and socio-political commentary. Ford\u27s adaptation aligns with Steinbeck\u27s original vision while also introducing distinct cinematic interpretations that reflect the era\u27s social dynamics. By analysing these aspects, the article aims to elucidate the enduring influence of The Grapes of Wrath on American literature and cinema, highlighting its relevance in discussions of class struggle and human resilience. What sets apart is the effect of storytelling and narrative power, characters` development and visual impact, as well as omission and simplification of the movie and book