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        <title>Academic Journal of Business, Administration, Law and Social Sciences Feed</title>
        <link>https://sciendo.com/journal/AJBALS</link>
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            <title>Academic Journal of Business, Administration, Law and Social Sciences Feed</title>
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            <link>https://sciendo.com/journal/AJBALS</link>
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        <copyright>All rights reserved 2026, International Institute for Private, Commercial and Competition Law</copyright>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Femicide in Albania: Analysis of criminal legislation in the perspective of international obligations]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2026-0007</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2026-0007</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

This article examines the Albanian legal framework regarding the killing of women on gender-based motives, with the aim of assessing its compliance with international standards binding upon the Republic of Albania. Specifically, the analysis focuses on obligations arising from the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights. Comparative legal analysis reveals significant shortcomings in Albanian criminal legislation with respect to femicide. Notably, the Albanian Criminal Code does not contain a specific provision criminalizing the killing of women as a gender-motivated offense. Furthermore, the criminal provisions fail to explicitly incorporate the aggravating circumstances required by the Istanbul Convention. Even the draft of the new Criminal Code does not fully address the obligations imposed by the Convention. Drawing on comparative examples from Italy, Croatia, Belgium, Malta, and Cyprus, the article argues that Albania must undertake legislative reforms to implement the recommendations made by international organizations concerning femicide. The article concludes that only through further alignment of domestic legislation with international standards, combined with effective practical implementation, can Albania ensure the effective protection of women’s lives and dignity.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[The impact of judicial delays on guaranteeing the right to property and the right to a trial within a reasonable time in Albania]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2026-0002</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2026-0002</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

The right to a trial within a reasonable time, often summarized by the maxim “justice delayed is justice denied,” has gained increasing significance in recent years, particularly in the context of property-related proceedings. This principle, enshrined in the Constitution of Albania and international legal instruments, ensures that parties receive timely court decisions, thereby safeguarding the effective restoration of their violated rights. Compliance with this principle is not solely the responsibility of the judiciary; parties to the proceedings are also expected to contribute by avoiding unnecessary delays, cooperating with investigations, implementing court orders, and adhering to procedural deadlines. Such cooperation facilitates efficient judicial processing and supports the administration of justice. In Albania, adjudication within a reasonable time remains a critical challenge. The increasing number of cases reviewed by the European Court of Human Rights underscores a systemic problem. While the legislature has established statutory deadlines for trials across all court levels, practical implementation often falls short. Structural difficulties within the judicial system, compounded by reforms such as the judicial map and the vetting process (procesi vetting), have resulted in staff shortages and increased workloads for judges, limiting their capacity to manage caseloads effectively. These systemic issues have caused significant delays, particularly in cases concerning property rights, thereby affecting both the fundamental right to property and the broader right to due process. The present study focuses on the intersection of these two rights—property rights and the right to a timely trial—and seeks to analyze how delays in judicial proceedings impact their effective protection in Albania.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[The approach to the names of living beings in Albanian dictionaries (1954, 1980, 2006)]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2026-0008</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2026-0008</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

This study examines the treatment of names of living beings in three major Albanian dictionaries (1954, 1980, and 2006) through a comparative diachronic lexical-semantic analysis based on systematically constructed tabulated data. The corpus comprises denominations of domestic animals, wild animals, birds, and fish, organized according to identical criteria to enable direct comparison across lexicographic sources. The analysis addresses both quantitative and semantic developments. The tabulated data indicate a gradual increase in the number of lexical units across all categories from 1954 to 2006, with the most pronounced growth observed in denominations of birds and domestic animals. At the semantic level, the findings reveal a clear developmental trajectory: a predominance of monosemy in the 1954 dictionary, a significant expansion of polysemy in the 1980 dictionary, and a tendency toward stabilization and consolidation of meanings in the 2006 dictionary. The study further identifies differentiated semantic patterns across categories. Birds and domestic animals demonstrate greater lexical enrichment and fluctuation, whereas fish and wild animals exhibit comparatively greater stability. Based on the tabulated data, the lexical field appears to be structurally organized into a paradigmatic core, an intermediate dynamic zone, and a peripheral zone. Overall, the findings suggest that the development of names of living beings in Albanian dictionaries reflects both internal semantic processes and evolving lexicographic principles, underscoring the dynamic and stratified nature of this lexical field.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Advancing smart metering and regulatory frameworks in Albania’s energy sector]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2026-0004</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2026-0004</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

The energy sector in Albania requires modernization through the implementation of reliable metering systems and the adoption of standardized regulatory criteria. Such measures are essential to ensuring efficiency, transparency, and long-term sustainability within the sector. Without these improvements, economic stability may be significantly compromised. This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the current metering infrastructure in Albania, with the primary objective of identifying challenges related to energy monitoring and data management and proposing feasible solutions. The analysis examines best practices in metering technologies alongside relevant regulatory frameworks to assess their applicability within the Albanian context. Financial support for this research was provided by the Government of Albania. Particular attention is given to community-specific regulations and innovative approaches to electricity and water metering. Data were collected through stakeholder consultations, technical assessments, and reviews of national regulatory policies. The study outlines a strategic plan for the implementation of smart metering applications, emphasizing the use of digital platforms, process optimization, and adaptability to evolving legal frameworks. Anticipated benefits include improved billing accuracy, reductions in technical and non-technical losses, and increased consumer trust. Conducted in collaboration with energy experts, regulators, and policymakers, this research aims to enhance transparency in the energy sector and support Albania’s alignment with European Union energy standards.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[The statute of limitations on the enforcement of criminal sentences: Challenges and the need for reform]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2026-0005</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2026-0005</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

This paper analyzes the legal institution of the statute of limitations on the enforcement of criminal sentences, examining its foundational elements and the challenges that have emerged in its practical application. It explores the development of Supreme Court jurisprudence concerning this institution and highlights key interpretative trends. Particular attention is given to the difficulties judges encounter when applying statutory limitation rules to the enforcement of sentences, as well as to potential legal solutions addressing these challenges. In addition to doctrinal and jurisprudential analysis, the paper adopts a comparative perspective by examining relevant legal provisions in other jurisdictions, including Kosovo and Italy. Furthermore, it identifies existing legal gaps and emphasizes the need to harmonize current provisions with recent developments in criminal legislation, as well as to amend or introduce new provisions to ensure more effective and consistent application of the statute of limitations on the enforcement of criminal sentences.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[The Voice of Pain: Lamentation (Gjama) 1 from an Anthropological and Psycholinguistic Perspective]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2026-0003</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2026-0003</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

This paper examines gjama, the traditional Albanian ritual of lamentation, through anthropological and psycholinguistic perspectives, highlighting its role as a culturally codified and performative expression of grief. Unlike spontaneous expressions of pain, gjama and related lament practices constitute structured vocal and bodily performances that communicate social, emotional, and symbolic meanings. In northern Albania, gjama is performed primarily by men in response to the death of individuals associated with honor, social status, or familial authority, while women participate in complementary mourning practices. The ritual involves formulaic language, repetition, prosodic modulation, rhythmic patterns, and synchronized bodily gestures, thereby transforming personal loss into a collective experience while reinforcing communal cohesion and cultural continuity. From a psycholinguistic standpoint, the vocalizations present in gjama—including screams, tremors, and tonal variations—function as forms of emotional prosody that activate neural circuits associated with empathy, emotional perception, and social cognition in both performers and listeners. These paralinguistic features enable grief to be perceived and shared communally, rendering pain communicable across individuals and generations. Moreover, the linguistic formulas embedded within the ritual provide cognitive and emotional scaffolding, allowing performers to articulate structured expressions of grief even under conditions of intense emotional stress. Historically, gjama can be traced to pre-Christian and medieval Mediterranean mourning traditions. Literary, archaeological, and ethnographic evidence suggests continuity between ancient funerary laments—such as those found in the Epic of Gilgamesh—and contemporary Albanian practices. Anthropological analysis frames gjama as a socially sanctioned mechanism for regulating grief, preserving cultural memory, and affirming social roles. By integrating historical, cultural, and psycholinguistic perspectives, this study demonstrates that lamentation is not merely an emotional response to death but rather a complex, semiotic, and embodied process through which societies structure, ritualize, and communicate collective suffering.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Legal Aspects of the Economic Integration Process for the Western Balkans in the implementation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA)]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2026-0009</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2026-0009</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

This paper aims to provide a theoretical and practical examination, as well as a legal analysis, of the Western Balkans’ integration process in the implementation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA). From this perspective, the countries of the Western Balkans have both a moral and legal basis to become part of the European family. Countries such as Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina have made progress in fulfilling their obligations under the SAA while simultaneously promoting economic growth and social welfare for their citizens.
All Western Balkan countries have experienced varying levels of progress, including both achievements and setbacks, in implementing the directives required under the Agreement. As a result, these countries do not share the same level of advancement and hold different statuses within the integration process; however, their ultimate objective remains the same. The signing of the SAA—a bilateral agreement establishing mutual rights and obligations—serves as a driving force for legislative reform through alignment with European Union (EU) standards, the strengthening of political dialogue, and the promotion of good neighborly relations aimed at preventing existing or potential conflicts and fostering economic and social development. Through the Agreement, the free movement of goods, services, labor, and capital has been promoted, contributing to the development of an inclusive and mutually beneficial market between the Western Balkans and the European Union. Legal and regulatory frameworks have been harmonized with European standards in areas such as product production, service provision, labor rights, compensation systems, working conditions, transport, energy, fisheries, and financial services.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Confiscation of Criminal Assets in Albania: Financial law instruments between punitive justice and preventive regulation]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2026-0001</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2026-0001</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

The confiscation of criminal assets has become a central instrument in contemporary strategies to combat organized crime, corruption, and money laundering. As modern criminal activity is predominantly motivated by economic gain, measures aimed at depriving offenders of illicit profits are increasingly viewed as more effective than traditional custodial sanctions alone. Asset confiscation therefore serves a dual function: it operates as a punitive response to unlawful conduct while simultaneously acting as a preventive regulatory mechanism designed to disrupt criminal economies and protect the integrity of financial and economic systems. This paper examines the confiscation of criminal assets in Albania within the broader framework of financial law, positioning it at the intersection of criminal justice and preventive regulation. The analysis explores the theoretical foundations of asset confiscation, tracing its evolution from a conviction-based criminal penalty to more expansive models, including extended and non-conviction-based confiscation. Particular attention is given to the Albanian legal framework, its development in the context of post-communist transition, and its alignment with international and European standards on asset recovery and anti-money laundering. The paper further assesses the constitutional and human rights implications of preventive confiscation measures, especially regarding property rights, due process guarantees, and the presumption of innocence. It argues that while Albania’s confiscation regime reflects international best practices and contributes to the effective disruption of organized crime, its legitimacy ultimately depends on proportionality, judicial oversight, and robust procedural safeguards. The study concludes that asset confiscation represents a powerful but legally sensitive financial law instrument requiring careful balance between effectiveness and fundamental rights protection.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Gustav Meyer and the Albanology of the nineteenth century]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2026-0006</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2026-0006</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

This paper focuses on Gustav Meyer (1850–1900), one of the founding figures of Albanian studies, whose work played a decisive role in establishing the scientific study of Albanian historical linguistics. During the nineteenth century, Albanology was still an emerging field, characterized by limited empirical data, fragmented descriptions of the Albanian language, and ongoing debates regarding its linguistic classification. In this scholarly context, Albanian was often studied indirectly and lacked a systematic grammatical framework.
Meyer’s research marked a decisive turning point by introducing rigorous comparative methods and firmly situating Albanian within the Indo-European language family. Through meticulous analyses of phonetics and morphology, he laid the foundations for the scientific study of Albanian. His work established methodological standards that combined systematic phonetic description with detailed morphological analysis, thereby advancing both the precision and the scope of Albanian linguistics.
This paper examines Meyer’s Grammar of the Albanian Language (1888), with particular emphasis on its morphological structure and the systematic integration of phonetics. Selected examples from his work illustrate Meyer’s structured approach and highlight the enduring significance of his contributions to nineteenth-century Albanology. By situating Albanian within a comparative Indo-European framework, Meyer not only advanced the study of the language itself but also contributed to the broader development of historical linguistics in Europe.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Steinmetz’s Dictionary and its Structure -The linguistic area of the lexicon]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2025-0027</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2025-0027</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

Karl Steinmetz’s German–Albanian dictionary can be considered a dialectal-regional glossary, as it reflects the spoken language of Northern Albania, especially around Shkodër. Though limited in scope, with around 980 entries, the dictionary captures everyday vocabulary, cultural expressions, and lexical forms used in early 20th-century Albanian society. It aligns with broader trends in Albanian lexicography, such as the earlier Fjaluer i Rii i Shchypes (1908), which had a similar dialectal focus.
Despite its size, Steinmetz’s work retains lasting value as a linguistic and ethnographic document. It not only served foreign learners of Albanian but also preserved dialectal features and vocabulary otherwise at risk of fading. Echoing Jani Thomai’s views on pre-World War II bilingual dictionaries, Steinmetz’s glossary contributes to the documentation of regional speech and cultural identity. It is a significant resource for further research in dialectology, historical linguistics, and sociolinguistics.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[AI in language learning assessment: Examining the limitations of online testing and the reliability of teacher judgement]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2025-0028</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2025-0028</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

The rapid integration of AI in language assessment has provoked heated discussions concerning validity, reliability, and academic integrity of remote testing used for ESL/EFL assessment. While the rapid integration of AI in assessment tools improves accessibility, scalability, and efficiency of resources and processes, the challenges of ensuring equitable testing conditions, preventing academic misconduct, and measuring language proficiency in high-stakes settings raise crucial questions. This is a comparison study between online technology-driven AI-based assessment versus teacher-mediated assessment in a British international school in Abu Dhabi. About 60 ESL students contributed to a 3-month study, with AI-administered tests used alongside traditional, in-person teacher assessments. Mixed-method analysis, drawing on quantitative scoring data, teacher observations, and student feedback, reported that AI-based assessments (i.e., CAT4, GL) often yielded inflated scores and were inconsistent at assessing productive and contextual language skills. Despite recent developments in policy such as Cambridge’s forthcoming hybrid model of assessment, one that reflects a reliance on the digitalization of testing, the findings indicate that there should still be a human-in-the-loop to support validity, fairness, and the integrity of second-language assessment.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Interference of the executive power in the judiciary in Albania]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2025-0023</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2025-0023</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the interference of the executive power in the functioning of the judiciary in the Republic of Albania. It examines not only concrete instances of such interference—including those exerted through the media—but also their broader impact on the rule of law and the constitutional principle of separation of powers.
The study draws upon an in-depth examination of key decisions of the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court of Albania, which have established essential standards for safeguarding judicial independence. Particular attention is devoted to the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), whose case law has significantly shaped the modern understanding of judicial independence and the accountability of judges and prosecutors. Through the analysis of specific cases, the paper identifies the most common forms of executive interference, including political pressure, influence over appointments, transfers, and dismissals of magistrates, as well as the repercussions these actions have on public perceptions of judicial independence, the effective functioning of judicial institutions, and overall trust in the justice system.
In conclusion, the paper proposes concrete measures to strengthen judicial independence, such as improving the legal framework, enhancing transparency in appointment processes and judicial self-governance, and reinforcing the institutional culture of separation of powers. In doing so, the study contributes to the academic and institutional discourse on maintaining the balance of powers in a democratic state and aligning the Albanian justice system with European standards of independence and impartiality.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Reinforced Concrete slabs designed by Finite Element Methods - A Case study]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2025-0031</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2025-0031</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

The traditional methodology for designing slab systems typically commences with manual calculations of support and span moments based on linear elastic theory. These moments are subsequently redistributed according to the adopted design framework to achieve an optimal balance between structural performance and cost efficiency. The reinforcement areas are then computed for each region of moment distribution, with supplementary reinforcement introduced to control cracking and mitigate punching shear effects.
Contemporary computer-aided design approaches, employing finite element (FE) analysis, determine internal forces at the elemental level under the same linear elastic assumptions. The resulting reinforcement requirements are provided for each mesh element. Accurate control of internal force magnitudes, particularly bending moments is essential when employing linear elastic FE analyses. The quality of the FE mesh is a critical factor, requiring attention to parameters such as element shape, aspect ratio, and the relative size of adjacent elements. Mesh-related irregularities may also arise in slabs supported by interior, edge, or corner columns, as well as in areas containing openings. In the case study below, the design sequence of reinforced concrete slabs using the SAP2000 program (FEM analysis) is described to meet the requirements of flexural behavior, punching shear capacity and overall deformation performance according to the Eurocodes.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[From fiscal sustainability to financial security in old age: Evidence on pension reform in Albania]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2025-0029</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2025-0029</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

This paper analyses the social and economic impact of the three-pillar reform of the pension system in Albania, assessing its contribution to fiscal sustainability and the financial well-being of older persons. The study draws on national and international data (INSTAT, World Bank, IMF, ISSH) for the period 2015–2024 and combines empirical analysis of economic indicators with a review of public policies. The results show that the 2015 reform increased contributory coverage by about 3.5%, stabilized pension spending at 8.7% of GDP and gradually reduced poverty among those aged 65+ from 23.4% to 19.6%. However, structural challenges such as informality, low replacement ratio and lack of voluntary private funds remain prominent. The study concludes that Albania has advanced towards a more sustainable and equitable system, but additional reforms are required to strengthen the second and third pillars, expand formal participation, and guarantee an adequate level of income in old age.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[An overview of the chemical profile of some aromatic-medicinal plants of the South region (Llogara) in Albania]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2025-0025</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2025-0025</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

Albania, located in the Mediterranean region, possesses a climate highly suitable for the growth of numerous plant species (over 3,000), of which more than 300 are aromatic and medicinal. These plants are widely used in culinary applications, traditional medicine, and as ornamental species. Medicinal plants have been utilized since ancient times due to their health-promoting effects, and they continue to play an important role today, both in traditional therapies and in the formulation of pharmaceutical products and dietary supplements. Owing to their natural origin and minimal side effects compared to synthetic drugs, herbal medicines are increasingly incorporated into long-term treatments and clinical applications. The biological properties of these plants are mainly attributed to their phytochemical constituents, particularly essential oil components. This study presents data on the chemical composition of essential oils from three of the most commonly used aromatic plants in Albania, primarily from the southern region: Salvia officinalis L. (sage), Origanum vulgare L. (oregano), and Laurus nobilis L. (laurel). Wild populations of these species were collected from the Llogara Mountain area (southern Albania) in June 2025. Air-dried plant materials were subjected to hydro-distillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus to obtain the essential oils. The chemical composition was analyzed by gas chromatography equipped with a flame ionization detector (GC/FID) using a VF-1ms capillary column for compound separation.
The results showed that α- and β-thujones were the most abundant constituents in S. officinalis oils; carvacrol and thymol were predominant in O. vulgare; and 1,8-cineole (cineol) was identified as the major component of L. nobilis essential oil. The chemical profiles of these Albanian wild populations were consistent with previously reported data for the Balkan and broader Mediterranean regions.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[The June 1924 movement in Albania and the neutrality of Korça]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2025-0032</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2025-0032</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

In June 1924 in Albania, the political clashes that had begun a year earlier culminated in an armed conflict. The opposition forces, taking advantage of the assassination of the Albanian politician Avni Rustemi, organized an uprising and seized power. Prominent political and military figures of the time took part in this movement. The most important figure of these events was Fan Noli, a deputy from Korça. The uprising was centered in Vlora, but other northern cities, such as Shkodra, also supported it. Korça, however, remained neutral in this confrontation. This paper seeks to answer the question: Why did Korça choose to remain neutral? To understand the reasons behind this choice, we will analyze the political and historical situation of the Korça region and the factors that led to this stance.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Temporary measures according to the family code - Albanian practice]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2025-0026</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2025-0026</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

Family law, as corpus of rights and obligations, also regulates relationships arising from marriage and not only. Marriage is one of the earliest institutions, which has served as the basis for the creation of the family and social relations. During the marital relationship, the mutual rights and obligations of the spouses towards each other and the family arise. The dissolution of the marriage ipso iure terminates these mutual rights and obligations, but on the other hand, it brings about a series of legal consequences of a personal and property nature. Dissolving a marriage is a difficult process, both emotionally, psychologically and financially, and is often accompanied by tensions between spouses and children. In these circumstances, in order to protect certain fundamental rights, the law provides for certain temporary measures that can be taken by the court during the process to guarantee these rights.
This paper will analyze each of these measures, addressing their importance and necessity during the process of dissolution of marriage. Despite the fact that the law provides for these measures exhaustively in a single provision, what is noticeable is that in practice there are different positions regarding their implementation. In many cases, the courts treat them as a lawsuit in a separate process and in other cases their decision-making goes beyond what is provided for in Article 139 of the Family Code.
In order to have an easier and more effective process for the parties, it is important to have a consolidated judicial practice and a uniform application of the law, based on the principle of legality. As a result, the paper will be enriched and analyzed with practical cases and will identify the problems encountered in the adjudication and implementation of interim measures, which during their implementation in practice in many cases have lost the purpose provided for in the law.
Finally, the aim is to present the conclusions reached, based on the analysis and judicial practice.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[The Albanian state’s responsibility for prosecuting perpetrators of violence against women and girls in practice]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2025-0024</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2025-0024</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

Rape of women and girls constitutes one of the most serious violations of human rights and a deep social problem in Albania. The Albanian state, as the guarantor of fundamental rights, has the legal, institutional and moral responsibility to prosecute perpetrators of violence and to protect victims. This paper aims to analyze in a concise manner the fulfillment of this responsibility, within the framework of Albania’s constitutional and international obligations, in particular under the Istanbul Convention and the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights.
Although positive legal steps have been taken, such as the adoption of the law on measures against violence in domestic relationships and the establishment of protective structures, challenges remain. Practical cases show shortcomings in the investigation, lack of inter-institutional coordination, poor implementation of protection orders and inadequate punishments for perpetrators. These failures constitute a violation of the state’s “procedural duty” to protect the life and dignity of women.
In conclusion, the need for strengthening institutional capacities, rigorous law enforcement and increasing social awareness is underlined to effectively combat gender-based violence in Albania. The state has the obligation to act decisively to prevent and combat this form of violence.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[From ethnographic narratives to cultural Tourism: Integrating intangible heritage into sustainable development in Northern Albania]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2025-0030</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2025-0030</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

This study examines the conventional clothing/costumes and decorative accessories from Shkodra and the Northern Highlands, as described by William Le Queux in “An Observer in the Near East” (1907), focusing on their cultural symbolism and potential role in the development of cultural tourism. What is observed reveals a dual dimension of clothing: everyday dressing characterized by elaborately embroidered garments, veils, and urban elements that displayed social status, modesty, and craftsmanship; and festive and ritual clothing, in which costumes and ornaments functioned as public displays of wealth, marital status, and collective identity. Women’s clothing featured embroidered fabrics in red and black, complemented by white veils, colorful silk scarves, and heavy belts adorned with silver, iron, or decorative stones.
At the same time, men combined local and Ottoman elements such as the silk-ribbon fez, the silk shawl, and weapons, which were used symbolically, in ritual contexts, including during religious ceremonies.
The analysis reveals that colors and ornaments carried specific cultural meanings: red symbolized solemnity and strength, while white represented purity and devotion, and metals (gold, silver, and iron) embodied wealth and social prestige. These cultural codes transformed clothing into a visual language that conveyed identity, faith, and community belonging. In festive contexts, especially during the Festival of Our Lady of Shkodra, clothing and ornaments served as performative instruments combining material and intangible heritage.
This rich heritage unlocks exciting possibilities for sustainable cultural tourism. By reviving traditional festivals, designing special tours that celebrate traditional costumes and ceremonies, empowering local artisans, and incorporating intangible traditions (such as hospitality and meaningful ornamental symbols) into authentic visitor experiences, Shkodra can showcase its unique cultural character and attract discerning international travelers. The findings reveal that historical clothing and decorative arts represent more than symbols of belonging and social structure, and they are powerful instruments for safeguarding, sharing, and celebrating Albania’s cultural legacy
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Unveiling the Impact of Accelerator Program Designs on Startup Success]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2025-0021</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ajbals-2025-0021</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

The rapid proliferation of startups has become a cornerstone of modern economic growth and innovation. As the engines driving technological advancements and job creation, startups often face significant challenges in their early stages, including limited resources, market uncertainty, and the need for rapid scaling. Accelerator programs have emerged as critical support systems designed to mitigate these challenges by providing mentorship, funding, networking opportunities, and structured guidance. Despite their growing popularity, the impact of various dimensions of accelerator program designs on startup success is still to be explored as an area in academic research. This study aims to fill this gap by conducting a narrative literature review to synthesize the understanding in the way different characteristics of accelerator programs design influence the performance and growth of startups in terms of success. Findings collectively indicate that a nuanced approach to program design, considering sector, geography, culture, and startup-specific needs, is crucial for maximizing the impact of acceleration programs. The main contribution of the paper is highlighting the critical role of effective program design in ensuring the success of economic initiatives, particularly for start-ups in accelerator programs. By offering a nuanced construct of success and identifying key components such as mentorship and ecosystem engagement, it advances both academic understanding and practical strategies for optimizing acceleration outcomes. A key limitation is the absence of a systematic literature review, which may narrow the scope of insights and limit the comprehensiveness of its conclusions. Future research could focus on developing a standardized success construct, enforceable as a curriculum to guide and assess start-ups in accelerator programs. This framework could be contextualized within theoretical paradigms like the Competence-Based View to explore competencies and contextual variables critical to entrepreneurial success sustainability.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
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