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Environmental Accounting in Albania: Current Public Disclosure and the Reality Behind Closed Doors
Full text linkEnvironmental accounting (EA) has become an essential tool for incorporating environmental costs and performance into corporate reporting and decision-making. This paper analyzes the status of EA in Albania, a developing economy and EU candidate, by evaluating the public disclosure of environmental information and the internal practices of EA within enterprises. A content analysis was performed on the websites and financial reports of 100 big Albanian enterprises, in conjunction with a structured survey of 71 managers. Results indicate a substantial disparity between outward reporting and internal practices. Public environmental disclosures are scant; only a limited number of companies release quantitative or financial environmental data, and almost none produce independent sustainability reports, indicating a "gray" reporting environment. Survey results reveal that approximately one-third of organizations have initiated internal environmental accounting practices or sustainability initiatives, albeit without external communication. Significant obstacles hindering the wider implementation of Environmental Accounting encompass constrained financial resources, the absence of regulatory mandates, inadequate stakeholder pressure, and minimal awareness or expertise in sustainable accounting, as noted by prior literature in developing countries. Analyzing the results via stakeholder, legitimacy, and institutional theories indicates that the lack of external pressures and obligatory frameworks has resulted in complacency in disclosure, notwithstanding increasing internal awareness. The research underscores an immediate necessity for enhanced regulatory frameworks, capacity development, and stakeholder involvement in Albania. In aligning with the EU’s CSRD (2022) and global reporting requirements, it is imperative to bridge the divide between public reporting and private practice to enhance corporate transparency and accountability
Equine-Assisted EMDR, DBR Therapy, and the Introduction of Animal-Assisted Interweaves
Full text linkDespite there being a wide range of models for providing animal-assisted interactions in mental health settings, there is still no universally accepted standard of practice for providing trauma treatment, particularly for those with complex trauma. With this in mind, this article introduces a conceptual framework for partnering with animals via two specific phase-based trauma treatment models. To further promote the mind/body connection, especially in the healing of complex trauma, it is the author’s supposition that two trauma treatment models, specifically EMDR and Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) ® therapies, are highly suitable for collaborating with animals, all whilst maintaining treatment fidelity as well as client and animal welfare. In particular, the author explores the clinical rationale behind and examples of partnering with equines and canines through what the author has termed “Animal Assisted Interweaves” (AAI) alongside the phased trauma treatment approaches of Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) via EquiLateral: The Equine-Assisted EMDR Protocol ® as well as Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR)®
Constructing Sovereignty in Crisis: A Constructivist Analysis of Liberia’s Ebola Response
Full text linkThis article examines how Liberia established its sovereignty, legitimacy, and international identity during the Ebola crisis of 2014-2015. While many existing research focus on institutional weaknesses and material dependence, this study employs a constructivist perspective to highlight how ideational and normative factors influenced Liberia’s response.
By conducting a discourse analysis of governmental communications, UN resolutions, international reports, and media coverage, the study explores how Liberia framed its crisis management, engaged with international partners, and presented itself as a legitimate state under global scrutiny. The findings indicate that Liberia’s response was shaped not only by resource constrains but also by a conscious process of aligning with international norms, constructing its identity, and asserting its legitimacy. By analyzing Liberia’s experience, this article contributes to discussions on global health governance, African statehood, and the relevance of Constructivist theory in international relations
The Implementation of Teaching Models and the Use of Common ICT Tools for Scientific Literacy in Greece’s Second
Full text linkIntroduction: In recent decades, numerous studies conducted both in Greece and worldwide highlight the lack of student interest in the natural sciences, which contributes to a broader crisis in scientific literacy - including the knowledge, attitudes, and skills associated with it. Therefore, the search for appropriate teaching models, combined with the use of ICT in the educational process - particularly in the field of adult education, including Second Chance Schools (SCS) - has become a modern educational objective. Purpose: To study and statistically analyze the teaching approaches and ICT tools incorporated into their instruction by Scientific Literacy educators in Greece’s SCS, in comparison to their demographic and professional characteristics. Method: The research employed a structured questionnaire distributed via email to Scientific Literacy educators in SCS across Greece. The survey focused on three main research question groups. Using factor analysis, correlations among variables were explored, and the most significant ones were further analyzed using the chi-square test.
Results:
6% of SCS Scientific Literacy educators use the “collaborative teaching” model, with 55.3% of them aged 36–45 (p<0.01).
The “experimental teaching” model is avoided by 76.3% of female educators (p<0.05), 84.6% of educators under 35 (p<0.01), and 100% of those with little or no teaching experience (0–3 years) (p<0.05).
4% of educators apply inquiry-based teaching; of these, 33.3% are second-subject educators (p<0.01).
Of the 39.4% who apply collaborative learning, 55.3% are aged 36–45 (p<0.05).
7% of educators with minimal or no teaching experience do not use project-based learning (p<0.05).
5% of educators use computers daily, with 56.3% being second-subject educators.
1% do not use interactive whiteboards, 72.7% of whom are physicists, chemists, or second-subject educators (p<0.05).
8% frequently use the Internet, and 38.1% of those who frequently use educational software apply differentiated instruction (p<0.05).
7% use ICT tools primarily for lesson demonstrations. Of the 47.0% who use ICT to support traditional teaching, 67.7% apply the “traditional teaching” model (p<0.01).
3% of the 34.8% who use experimental teaching use ICT tools for simulation experiments (p<0.01).
Conclusion: The majority of Scientific Literacy educators in Greece’s SCS do not prefer experimental teaching and mainly use ICT tools for demonstration purposes
Profil virologique de l’infection virale B chronique au Service de Médecine Interne de l’Hôpital National Donka de Conakry
Full text linkIntroduction : L’hépatite B est une inflammation du parenchyme hépatique provoquée par un virus hépatotrope. Malgré la disponibilité d’un vaccin efficace, l’infection chronique par le virus de l’hépatite B (VHB) demeure un problème majeur de santé publique en raison de sa forte prévalence, de ses complications et de son impact socio-économique.
Objectif : Décrire le profil virologique de l’infection chronique par le VHB chez les patients suivis au service de Médecine Interne de l’Hôpital National Donka.
Méthodes : Il s’agissait d’une étude rétrospective descriptive menée sur une période de six ans (1er janvier 2017 – 31 décembre 2022). Ont été inclus tous les dossiers médicaux de patients porteurs chroniques du VHB disposant du bilan minimal requis (biochimie, virologie et histologie), conformément aux recommandations de l’European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) 2017.
Résultats : Parmi les 1 436 patients porteurs du virus de l’hépatite B recensés, 464 (32,3 %) répondaient aux critères d’inclusion. L’âge moyen était de 36 ± 16,2 ans (extrêmes : 18–74 ans), avec une prédominance masculine (60,1 %, sex-ratio 1,5). Les commerçants constituaient la catégorie socioprofessionnelle la plus représentée (16,6 %), suivis du personnel de santé (7,1 %). Les principaux facteurs de risque étaient liés aux soins médicaux, notamment les extractions dentaires (45 %) et les interventions chirurgicales (24,8 %), tandis que la scarification représentait 8,2 %. Un antécédent familial de portage du VHB a été retrouvé dans 23,3 % des cas, dont une transmission maternelle dans 20,4 %. L’infection était le plus souvent découverte de façon fortuite (80,2 %), traduisant une méconnaissance fréquente de la maladie. La charge virale était détectable chez la majorité des patients (89,4 %), avec des valeurs majoritairement faibles (<2000 UI/mL dans 71,6 % des cas). Cependant, 16,6 % présentaient une virémie supérieure à 10 000 UI/mL, exposant à un risque accru de progression vers des complications hépatiques. Les transaminases (ALAT et ASAT) restaient dans les limites de la normale chez plus de 85 % des patients, ce qui suggère que l’atteinte hépatique peut évoluer silencieusement. Une fibrose significative était néanmoins observée dans un quart des cas, soulignant l’importance du dépistage précoce et du suivi histologique. Sur le plan virologique, le profil prédominant était l’infection chronique HBeAg négative (70 %), suivie de l’hépatite chronique HBeAg négative (18,1 %). Trois cas d’hépatite B occulte (0,6 %) ont également été identifiés. Ces résultats mettent en évidence la forte proportion de patients présentant une infection à bas niveau de réplication mais avec un risque non négligeable de progression, ce qui justifie une surveillance clinique et virologique régulière pour prévenir les complications telles que la cirrhose et le carcinome hépatocellulaire.
Conclusion : L’infection chronique par le VHB touche principalement l’homme adulte jeune et est le plus souvent découverte de manière fortuite. Le profil virologique prédominant est l’infection chronique HBeAg négative, suivie de l’hépatite chronique HBeAg négative. Ces résultats soulignent la nécessité d’un dépistage systématique et d’une évaluation précoce du statut virologique et histologique afin d’orienter la prise en charge et de prévenir l’évolution vers les complications.
Introduction : Hepatitis B is an inflammation of the liver parenchyma caused by a hepatotropic virus. Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a major public health problem due to its high prevalence, complications, and socioeconomic impact.
Objective: To describe the virological profile of chronic HBV infection in patients followed up in the Internal Medicine Department of Donka National Hospital.
Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study conducted over a six-year period (January 1, 2017 – December 31, 2022). All medical records of chronic HBV carriers with the minimum required tests (biochemistry, virology, and histology) were included, in accordance with the recommendations of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) 2017.
Results : Among the 1,436 patients identified as carriers of the hepatitis B virus, 464 (32.3%) met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 36 ± 16.2 years (range: 18–74 years), with a predominance of males (60.1%, sex ratio 1.5). Traders were the most represented socio-professional category (16.6%), followed by healthcare workers (7.1%). The main risk factors were related to medical care, particularly tooth extractions (45%) and surgical procedures (24.8%), while scarification accounted for 8.2%. A family history of HBV carriage was found in 23.3% of cases, including maternal transmission in 20.4%. The infection was most often discovered incidentally (80.2%), reflecting a frequent lack of knowledge about the disease. The viral load was detectable in the majority of patients (89.4%), with mostly low values (<2000 IU/mL in 71.6% of cases). However, 16.6% had viremia greater than 10,000 IU/mL, exposing them to an increased risk of progression to liver complications. Transaminases (ALT and AST) remained within normal limits in more than 85% of patients, suggesting that liver damage may progress silently. Significant fibrosis was nevertheless observed in a quarter of cases, highlighting the importance of early screening and histological follow-up. From a virological perspective, the predominant profile was chronic HBeAg-negative infection (70%), followed by chronic HBeAg-negative hepatitis (18.1%). Three cases of occult hepatitis B (0.6%) were also identified. These results highlight the high proportion of patients with low-level replication infection but with a significant risk of progression, which warrants regular clinical and virological monitoring to prevent complications such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Conclusion: Chronic HBV infection mainly affects young adult men and is most often discovered incidentally. The predominant virological profile is chronic HBeAg-negative infection, followed by chronic HBeAg-negative hepatitis. These results highlight the need for systematic screening and early assessment of virological and histological status in order to guide management and prevent progression to complications
AI and Cyber-Enabled Threats to Democracy through Algorithmic Manipulation and Generative AI in Undermining Democratic Integrity
Full text linkThe increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into digital platforms has escalated threats to democratic integrity worldwide, primarily through algorithmic manipulation, generative AI technologies, and large language models (LLMs). This study comprehensively investigates how these advanced technologies are systematically leveraged by state and non-state actors to destabilise democracies. The paper scrutinises empirical cases from the United States, European Union, India, Türkiye, Argentina, and Taiwan, analysing the operational mechanisms and socio-political implications of AI-driven disinformation. Findings demonstrate how generative AI, deepfake technologies, and sophisticated behavioural targeting exacerbate polarisation, weaken institutional trust, and distort electoral processes. Despite the growing prevalence of such cyber-enabled interference, regulatory and institutional responses remain fragmented and inadequate. Consequently, this research culminates in proposing a robust strategic implementation framework, emphasising platform transparency, regulatory innovation, technological safeguards, and civic resilience measures
EU market in Sight, Russian at the Gate: Three Decades of Aspiration and Resistance
Full text linkSince 1991, Georgia has followed a difficult yet ambitious path. The declaration of independence and the pursuit of a Euro-Atlantic future placed the country before numerous formidable challenges: Russian occupation, economic collapse, hybrid warfare, painful transitions of ruling power, and deep political polarization. Despite these obstacles, Georgia emerged as a leading Eastern Partnership country, implemented notable digital and infrastructure reforms, and secured EU candidacy in 2023. This parallel dual process reflects both the nation’s steadfast commitment to its European choice and the persistent efforts to break its resilience from the North.
Georgia’s progress, achieved amid external sabotage, faced renewed destabilisation after its inclusion in the EU enlargement package. What war could not accomplish, Russia pursued through media influence, capital inflows, market manipulation, and exploitation of Georgia’s unresolved vulnerabilities, ultimately reorienting its economy. The failure of the DCFTA further weakened Georgia’s European trajectory, while Russian immigration and asset flows reshaped its political landscape.
This article questions whether the EU acted too late in opening broader access to the internal market for Georgia. In parallel with political processes, could earlier and more intensive market integration have ensured stability, economic convergence, and social well-being? Instead of a fragmented model, could this have fostered a synchronised process of political, economic, and social Europeanization? Does Georgia’s trajectory reflect not only a national setback, but also a broader failure of the EU’s influence in the region?
Methodologically, the article employs analytical-descriptive and historical-assessment approaches, drawing upon both primary and secondary sources, including EU documents, International agreements, resolutions of international organizations, official reports, Georgian legal acts, historic documents, scholarly articles, statistical data, as well as media/journalistic sources. This combination serves to construct a comprehensive account of Georgia’s European integration dynamics from independence to the present
Factors of PONASI Ecological Complex Resource Degradation
Full text linkPONASI ecological complex abounds with fauna and floristic species. But these resources are in a phase of degradation. The aim of this study is to analyze the main factors contributing to the degradation of the PONASI ecological complex. In order to assess the degradation factors, a systematic approach was used. It is an approach that takes into account the various phenomena responsible for degradation and the interactions. Data collection techniques focused on documentary research, interviews, field surveys, the use of the snowball sampling method, and the processing of some climatic parameters. For this research, a total of twelve (12) villages were surveyed. The results showed that anthropogenic and climatic factors contribute to the degradation of the resources of the PONASI ecological complex. The anthropogenic factors consist of vegetation fires, excessive wood cutting, grazing, and picking immature fruit, and agricultural front. These factors are exacerbated by the limits of governance which result in a lack of legal texts' application, a weak appropriation of the decentralization policy by the local authorities. The results of this study have demonstrated that there are a multitude of factors that contribute to the degradation of the PONASI ecological complex. It is urgent to take the necessary measures to reverse this trend of degradation
Aspects diagnostiques et thérapeutiques de la fistule de l’ouraque dans un hôpital rural peu équipé : à propos de 7 cas
Full text linkIntroduction : Le but de cette étude était de décrire la démarche diagnostique et thérapeutique de la fistule de l’ouraque en milieu peu équipé. Patients et méthode : Il s’est agi d’une étude transversale observationnelle menée à l’Hôpital de l’Ordre de Malte d’Elavagnon, de Novembre 2019 à Octobre 2021 (24 mois), incluant les patients pris en charge dans le service de chirurgie dudit hôpital pour fistule de l’ouraque. Le diagnostic était de présomption clinique. La confirmation diagnostique était per-opératoire. Résultats : Sept cas, tous de sexe masculin ont été enregistrés. L’âge moyen des patients étaient de 7 ans (extrêmes : 4 ans et 11 ans). L’écoulement intermittent d’urines par l’ombilic était le principal signe fonctionnel (5cas / 71,4%). Les autres signes fonctionnels étaient la tuméfaction ombilicale (2cas / 28,6%) et l’ombilic humide (2cas / 28,6%). La manœuvre de recherche d’écoulement d’urines par l’ombilic était positive dans tous les cas. Le traitement était chirurgical. Il avait consisté en la résection du trajet fistuleux emportant une collerette vésicale. Une sonde vésicale était mise en place par voie urétrale pour cinq à six jours post-opératoires. Les suites opératoires étaient simples chez tous les patients. Conclusion : La fistule de l’ouraque est une affection non exceptionnelle. Son diagnostic en milieu rural est clinique. Le traitement est chirurgical et le pronostic est bon.
Introduction: This study aims to describe the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of urachus fistula in a poorly equipped environment. Patients and method: It was an observational cross-sectional study conducted at Malte Order Hospital of Elavagnon, from November 2019 to October 2021 (24 months), including patients managed in the surgical department of this hospital for urachus fistula. The diagnosis was clinically presumptive. Diagnostic confirmation was intraoperative. Results: Seven cases, all males, were registered. The mean age of the patients was 7 years (extremes: 4 years and 11 years). Intermittent discharge of urine from the umbilicus was the main symptom (5 cases / 71.4%). Other symptoms were umbilical swelling (2 cases / 28.6%) and wet umbilicus (2 cases / 28.6%). The research on urine flow through the umbilicus was positive in all cases. The treatment was surgical and consisted of resection of the fistulous pathway with the removal of a bladder flange. A bladder catheter was inserted through the urethra for five to six days after surgery. The postoperative course was simple in all cases. Conclusion: Urachus fistula is not an exceptional condition. Its diagnosis in rural areas is clinical. The treatment is surgical and the prognosis is good
