UKLO Repository (University St. Kliment Ohridski)
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Opportunities for tourism development in the town of Ohrid
No full textMacedonia appeared on the map of Europe after the collapse of former Yugoslavia in
1991. For many years, its official name was the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, but since
2019, the country has been called the Republic of North Macedonia. The country boasts a particularly favorable tourist and geographical location. Both natural and anthropogenic tourist resources
are diverse. The attractiveness of tourist resources itself is one of the most important elements in the
formation and development of tourist activities. Many tourists visit the lakes, mineral springs and
mountain resorts in the country. The numerous monasteries create good conditions for pilgrimage
tourism along with rural tourism, hunting, fishing, etc. The Republic of Macedonia is home to over
700 cultural and historical monuments, whose number, value, and diversity make an important contribution to the development of cognitive tourism.
The town of Ohrid stands out with its significant cultural and historical heritage. The town’s interesting architecture attracts many tourists, both from the country and abroad. In 1979 and 1980 respectively, Ohrid and Lake Ohrid have been recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. Ohrid
is one of only 28 UNESCO World Heritage Sites that have been designated as both a cultural and a
natural heritage site
ADAPTIVE LEARNING AND ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR STUDENTS WITH CEREBRAL PALSY
Full text linkThis research analyzes the impact of adaptive learning and assistive technologies on the cognitive, academic, and
functional development of students with cerebral palsy in special and inclusive schools across North Macedonia.
A mixed-method was implemented over a 12-month period including 30 participants from 6 to 17 years (M = 10.8
± 3.2). Quantitative data were collected with the Functional independence measure, Gross motor function classification system, and standardized academic tests across reading, writing, mathematics, and attention domains, while qualitative data were collected from teacher and caregiver interviews. Statistically significant improvements were found in engagement (Δ = +16.3; p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 1.66) and functional independence (Δ = +9.7; p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 1.25), indicating large effect sizes. Eye-tracking and speech-to-text systems produced the most significant performance improvements. Qualitative analysis found three major themes - improved communication, increased motivation, and the need for teacher training showing the holistic benefits of adaptive learning integration. Correlation analysis (ρ = 0.73, p < 0.001) showed that viewed independence and satisfaction were strongly associated to cognitive progress. The results support international evidence showing that early and consistent implementation of assistive and adaptive technologies encourages inclusion, autonomy, and academic participation. This research concludes that combining adaptive digital systems with individualized rehabilitation strengthens educational equity and quality of life for students with cerebral palsy, while
demonstrating the importance of the need for teacher capacity building and sustainable policy models to secure
lasting efficacy and accessibility
OPTIMIZING DIETARY STRATEGIES IN THE CARE OF PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS
Full text linkIntroduction: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder requiring a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach, with dietary management serving as a foundation for optimal glycemic control and prevention of complications. A structured dietary regimen complements pharmacological treatment, yet long-term adherence remains challenging due to behavioral, socioeconomic, and educational barriers.
Materials and methods: This research involved 40 participants with type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes mellitus. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire that assess dietary habits, nutritional knowledge, viewed obstacles to dietary adherence, and participation in professional nutritional counseling. Clinical indicators such as fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels were recorded to evaluate glycemic control in relation to dietary practices.
Discussion: Although most participants appreciated the significance of diet in diabetes management, consistent adherence to recommended practices was limited. The most frequently reported barrier was poor dietary discipline, followed by limited availability of suitable food and financial constraints. Positive dietary changes such as reduced sugar intake, elimination of sweetened beverages, and increased vegetable consumption were found, but were inconsistently maintained. Finally, the role of nutritionists in planning and implementing appropriate dietary strategies was underrepresented, with most participants relying on self-designed diets or
guidance from diabetologists.
Conclusion: Despite general awareness of the importance of nutrition, there is still a critical shortfall between knowledge and implementation. Greater integration of nutritionists into multidisciplinary diabetes care, expanded patient education, and adoption of digital tools for individualized dietary support can improve dietary adherence and glycemic outcomes
CHANGES IN COLOR PARAMETERS OF HUMMUS ENRICHED WITH BLACK SEED (NIGELLA SATIVA) OIL DURING STORAGE
No full textHummus is a widely consumed plant-based spread whose popularity has continuously increased due to its
favorable nutritional profile and potential for functional enrichment. In such products, visual appearance,
particularly color, represents one of the first and most important quality attributes shaping consumer perception and
acceptance. Changes in color may also serve as an indicator of physical and chemical processes occurring during
storage, especially in semi-solid plant-based matrices such as hummus.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different concentrations of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) on the
color characteristics and color stability of hummus during storage. Five hummus formulations were prepared,
including a control sample and samples containing 4, 6, 8, and 12% NSO, expressed as a proportion of the total lipid
phase. All samples were stored at 4 ± 1 °C for a period of 21 days.
Color parameters L*, a*, and b* were determined using image-based color analysis, with digital image processing
followed by transformation from the RGB system to the CIE Lab color model. The total color difference (ΔE) was
calculated in order to assess the visual perceptibility of color changes during storage. Statistical analysis revealed
that storage time had a significant effect on all color parameters (p < 0.05), whereas the effect of NSO concentration
was limited, with statistically significant differences observed only for L* values. During storage, L* values initially
decreased up to day 14, indicating slight darkening of the samples, followed by a pronounced increase on day 21.
The a* parameter progressively shifted toward more negative values, suggesting changes in the red–green balance,
while b* values showed a continuous increase, indicating enhanced yellowish tones. The ΔE values increased
throughout the storage period and reached an average value of 16.11 after 21 days, corresponding to a clearly
perceptible visual color change. Higher NSO concentrations were associated with increased variability and higher
ΔE values, particularly in the sample containing 12% NSO.
Overall, the results indicate that the color of hummus remains relatively stable during the first 2 weeks of storаge at
4 ± 1 °C, after which visually noticeable changes occur. The incorporation of Nigella sativa oil contributes to the
evolution of color during storage, highlighting the importance of optimizing the level of functional lipid enrichment
in order to maintain the visual quality of hummus-based products.
Keywords: Hummus, Nigella sativa oil, color parameters, storag
The role of practical laboratory work in stimulating students’ interest in natural sciences
Full text linkThis study examines the role of practical laboratory work in stimulating students’ motivation and perceived learning effectiveness in natural science subjects in lower secondary schools in the Republic of Kosovo. Using quantitative research design, data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 168 science teachers and 183 seventh grade students across 24 public lower secondary schools. The study focuses on the implementation of laboratory work, the availability and quality of laboratory equipment, and students’ perceptions of learning in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, within the framework of the
national curriculum. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to examine associations between laboratory practices, instructional conditions, and student motivation. The findings show that participation in laboratory
activities is positively associated with higher levels of student motivation and perceived learning effectiveness, with statistically significant differences across subjects. Chemistry demonstrates the strongest perceived benefits
when laboratory conditions are adequate, whereas limitations in equipment and infrastructure constrain effective implementation in Physics and Biology.
Overall, the results underline the pedagogical value of practical laboratory work while highlighting structural inequalities in access to laboratory resources. The
study offers evidence-based recommendations for curriculum implementation, teacher professional development, and institutional investment to support more equitable laboratory-based science education in lower secondary schools
THE IMPACT OF GREEN SKILLS MISMATCHES ON GREEN JOB CREATION: EVIDENCE FROM NORTH MACEDONIA
No full textThe green transition and the adoption of new green technologies impact all workers, necessitating upskilling and reskilling to remain relevant to the changing labour market. The dynamics of the green transition is determined by many factors including the required green skills and related skills mismatches. Hence, the aim of this paper is to assess the impact of green skills mismatches on green job creation in North Macedonia. The empirical analysis is based on a survey of a representative sample of 530 companies, randomly selected from all regions, economic activities and company sizes. The green job creation is assessed by estimating fractional logit regression. Besides the standard control variables, particular attention has been paid to the underskilling, overskilling, skills deficits, skills obsolescence and horizontal skills mismatches. The obtained results suggest policy measures in the fields of education and business cooperation aiming to overcome skill mismatches and accelerate the green transition
Dissecting happiness: modeling economic determinants of subjective well-being in Europe and Central Asia
No full textThis study investigates the economic determinants of subjective well-being across 49 countries in Europe and Central Asia. Using the Ladder score as a measure of life satisfaction, a multiple linear regression model was applied to assess the impact of key socioeconomic variables, including GDP per capita, unemployment, inflation, urbanization, income inequality (Gini coefficient), life expectancy, health expenditure per capita, and homeownership rates. The results reveal significant negative effects of unemployment and inflation on subjective well-being, while life expectancy and health expenditure per capita positively influence happiness levels. Urbanization and income inequality showed weaker or insignificant effects. These findings underscore the critical role of economic stability and public health investments in enhancing life satisfaction. This research provides a comprehensive, region-specific empirical assessment and valuable insights for policymakers aiming to improve citizens’ quality of life through targeted economic and social policies.
Keywords: happiness, subjective well-being, economic determinants, Europe and Central Asia, regression analysi
LOW-BUDGET MEASURING DEVICE FOR DETERMINING CARBON DIOXIDE LEVELS IN INDOOR SPACES
Full text linkNowadays, when it comes to measuring indoor air quality, the most common topic of discussion is the impact of PM particles on human health. However, in indoor environments, the impact of some gases on human health is more significant than the impact of PM particles. Very often, VOC (volatile organic compound) measurement is declared sufficient to detect indoor air quality, which is not entirely accurate. The meaning of VOC measurement is often misunderstood. For exmaple, CO2 sensors and VOC sensors measure very different things. CO2 and VOC are two critical components in air quality that can significantly impact human health and comfort. CO2 is a naturally occurring gas primarily
produced by human respiration and combustion processes. While it is harmless in small quantities, elevated levels in enclosed spaces can lead to drowsiness, decreased cognitive
function, and long-term health concerns. VOCs, on the other hand, are a group of chemicals released into the air from various sources, such as cleaning products, paints, and building materials. These compounds can have adverse effects ranging from mild irritation to more severe conditions like respiratory issues, headaches, and even long-term chronic illnesses when exposure is prolonged. In this paper, we focus on the impacts of CO2 on human health and ways to efficiently and inexpensively measure CO2 levels