Balkan Journal of Interdisciplinary Research Feed

Mental Marketing and Political Leadership: A Quantitative and Comparative Analysis of Trump, Obama, and Berlusconi

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This study explores the intersection of mental marketing strategies and political leadership, focusing on three high-profile figures: Donald Trump, Barack Obama, and Silvio Berlusconi. Employing a mixed-methods approach combining sentiment analysis, polling data, and statistical modeling, the paper investigates how these leaders leveraged emotional and cognitive marketing tools to shape voter behavior and maintain political influence. Through the lens of neuromarketing, branding theory, and political communication, the research identifies patterns of message framing, media influence, and psychological positioning that contributed to their respective successes and failures. Results indicate that mental marketing tactics—particularly emotional resonance, media saturation, and brand consistency—correlate with shifts in public approval and election outcomes. The study concludes by proposing a framework for evaluating political leadership effectiveness based on marketing cognition and psychological manipulation strategies, offering insights for scholars, strategists, and democratic institutions alike.

The value and role of counselling psychologists in university settings

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The figure of the psychologist is integrated into many settings, including hospitals, health centers, schools, and both public and private institutions. However, their presence is often lacking in university environments. This study focuses on examining the role and significance of psychologists within university settings. It aims to explore the effects and benefits of having psychological service to students, as well as to evaluate the counseling process and its impact on emotional well-being. The goal is to provide recommendations for enhancing mental health and emotional support programs in universities. The research includes a contextual analysis, a literature review, and a questionnaire administered to students regarding the perceived importance of psychologists in university life. The sample consists of 320 students: 89% females and 11 % males. A strong majority of students expressed the need for mental health professionals on campus to face universities challenges.

Analysing performance indicators in Albania’s primary health care centers: Workload equality, documentation variability and the case for performance-linked incentives

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This study provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of performance indicators across thirty primary health care (PHC) centers in Albania, exploring the relationship between workload, documentation quality and uniform remuneration. Albania’s PHC system collects rich electronic data through the e-Visita digital platform, making every patient visit, diagnosis and follow-up electronically traceable. These data reveal large variations in follow-up consultations, chronic disease management, active-patient registration, vaccination activity and preventive visits. However, despite these substantial differences, physician remuneration remains identical nationwide. The empirical analysis shows substantial variation in workload. The average number of visits per physician across centers is approximately 3 800 per year, ranging from as low as 389 visits per physician in one center to over 7 100 visits per physician in another. The average number of residents per physician ranges between 1900 and 3500. Despite these objectively measurable differences in workload and performance, physician remuneration remains uniform, with no financial differentiation for high-workload or high-performing centers. Data were collected through institutional performance reports, electronic audits. The analysis demonstrates that centers with higher documentation completeness, stronger chronic disease follow-up and higher preventive service volumes operate under significantly greater workload than others. Yet this workload does not translate into differentiated financial recognition. Physicians in high-performing centers frequently reported concerns about fairness, noting that the uniform salary system does not reflect the measurable differences in performance and institutional demands. Given that Albania already possesses a fully functional electronic monitoring system, the study argues that the existing digital data infrastructure is sufficient to support transparent, objective and reliable performance-linked financial incentives. Introducing such incentives could enhance motivation, reduce inequities and improve service quality without imposing additional reporting burdens.

The role of physical sports activities in traditional bullying behaviors among Albanian adolescents in upper secondary school (ages 16–18)

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This study examines the relationship between adolescents’ participation in school-based physical sports activities and traditional bullying behaviors in Albanian upper secondary schools. The school environment plays a crucial role in shaping adolescents’ emotional and social development, where bullying manifested through physical, verbal, or psychological aggression remains a persistent issue. Adolescents reporting low emotional regulation or limited family and peer support are more likely to engage in aggressive or intimidating behaviors, while a weak school climate further increases the likelihood of bullying. Using a cross-sectional correlational design, data were collected from 214 students aged 16–18 across 12 schools in Tirana. Findings show exceptionally high interest (91.5%) and willingness (98%) to participate in sports activities, accompanied by strong cooperative behaviors and peer support during physical activities. Experiences of isolation, mockery, or intimidation during sports were reported at low levels. The results indicate that active engagement in school sports strengthens group cohesion and prosocial interactions, contributing to a measurable reduction in traditional bullying behaviors among adolescents.

Challenges and directions of Albanian criminal policy towards cybercrimes

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Cybercrimes nowadays are becoming an increasingly worrying phenomenon, as their number and complexity are constantly increasing. This is closely related to the fact that modern society is developing in a digital age, where technology evolves at a rapid pace and encompasses every aspect of economic, social, and institutional life. As a result, Albania’s Criminal Code has also undergone significant changes, in order to adapt to new forms of criminality that occur in the virtual space. Being new criminal offenses, not only the way these provisions are applied in practice is of interest, but also the criminal policy pursued by the criminal procedure authorities, mainly the prosecution and the court. This paper provides an analysis of the Albanian criminal policy in the field of cybercrimes, based on the statistical data reported for the years 2023 and 2024. The analysis shows a clear fragmentation of the implementation of legal provisions; some provisions are practically unimplemented, such as those related to the distribution of racist or xenophobic materials and insults with discriminatory motives, while some others have a limited application, such as cases of racially motivated intimidation and illegal data sharing. Criminal offenses related to interference with data and computer systems show a high frequency of proceedings, but with minimal court results, highlighting challenges in the technical examination, lack of digital expertise and inter-institutional cooperation. On the other hand, fraud and computer forgery show a more stable and efficient implementation, due to the direct economic impact that drives denunciation and investigation. Transitional provisions, such as unauthorized computer access, begin to yield concrete results with penalties identified for the first time. The study highlights the need to strengthen investigative and judicial capacities, as well as for a more integrated and effective criminal policy approach to cybercrimes in Albania.

Molecular and Immunophenotypic Modulation Induced by Radiotherapy in Breast Carcinoma

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Breast cancer remains one of the most significant causes of morbidity and mortality among women worldwide. Beyond its therapeutic role, radiotherapy (RT) may induce biological alterations that modify hormonal receptor expression and HER2 amplification. This study evaluated 152 breast carcinomas diagnosed at the University Hospital Center ‘Mother Teresa’ (2023–2025), comparing pre and postradiotherapy profiles using IHC and SISH. Findings reveal marked immunophenotypic plasticity, including ER/PR downregulation and HER2 amplification. Molecular insights suggest that radiation induced oxidative stress, genomic instability, and epigenetic remodeling drive these changes. Understanding RT induced reprogramming is essential for optimizing post treatment therapeutic decisions.

Technological innovations and the transformation of Biology education technology - The Vision for the future of the Albanian educational system

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The study is about how technological advances are being used to teach biology in the Albanian school system, and how it will change in the future. Technological advancement has the potential to considerably improve learning and teaching experiences as applied in education. The results were based on the ‘National programme for the professional development of teachers’, initiated by the quality assurance agency in pre-university education in Albania and the Ministry of Education and Sports. During a two-months period almost 140 teachers were trained. The study will also contain the final results and evaluations of the teachers, as well as parts from the worksheets and biology-related stimulations, that are becoming more and more important nowadays to create a better learning environment for students. It examines up-and-coming technologies such as interactive digital platforms, and advanced simulation tools that have impacted biology education. It also shows how these technologies can increase student involvement, make learning more immersive, and improve comprehension of intricate biological concepts. The research further looks into issues like limitations on infrastructure, teacher training and curriculum development. This study therefore should offer suggestions for aligning these advancements with the Albanian educational framework by proposing a strategic vision for the future. This vision aims to update biology instruction so that it becomes in-house with modern scientific achievements hence making students well prepared for tomorrow’s science-based industries.

The relationship between public opinion, decision-makers, and public policy in American democracy

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This study aims to examine the relationship between public opinion and the decision-making process in American democracy. People’s attitudes on different issues should be considered in the policy-making process as an indicator of the health of representative democracy. To evaluate these interactions, I reviewed approximately forty academic articles that address the opinion–policy relationship and elite polarization. In conducting this analysis, I identify a reciprocal dynamic in which public opinion influences political leaders and policy outcomes. The evidence also supports my expectation that elite polarization plays a role in shaping public opinion. I found that polarization of the political elite influences public opinion and policy outcomes of Congress. Summing up, it can be concluded that decision makers in some issues don’t react to public opinion but to the public resonance of their attitudes. In the future, efforts should focus on gathering more information about the strength of elite polarization’s impact on public opinion across different issues, causal inferences about responsiveness, and how this phenomenon influences the quality of American democracy.

The digital transformation of companies, among the COVID-19: “Automation & Digitalization”

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Thus, COVID-19 has had a major impact on businesses, society and the economy in general and has significantly accelerated the need for digital transformation of companies. Among other things, COVID-19 has built a new narrative for the way of doing business, taking into account the changes caused to companies in all sectors. Therefore, it is important to discuss ways for companies to orient themselves towards mitigating the economic consequences of the pandemic and adapt accordingly to withstand it. Considering, COVID-19 as the main driver of the digital transformation of companies, as well as digital transformation as a necessary process for companies to stay relevant and competitive in the market, this summary addresses the importance of digital transformation as a pillar for economic recovery.

The right to private life in Albanian Constitutional and ECHR Case law

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The right to private life is one of the fundamental human rights, protected in particular by the constitution and international human rights mechanisms. This paper analyzes the concept, importance and challenges of the protection of this right in the constitutional practice and that of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). Within the framework of the Constitution, the right to private life means the protection of personal data, family life, home and communications of the individual against unauthorized interference by the state or third parties. The protection of this right has been extended in a number of provisions of the Constitution, namely Article 35 (protection of personal data), Article 36 (freedom and secrecy of correspondence) and Article 37 (inviolability of residence). Meanwhile, in the practice of the ECHR, this right is closely linked to the principles of the protection of privacy and the right of the individual to personal freedom. However, key challenges include balancing the right to privacy and state security needs, technological developments that increase the risk of privacy breaches, and differing court positions in different cases. In this paper we aim to analyze the role of courts in guaranteeing this right, as well as the impact of ECtHR practice on domestic legislation and international standards. Finally, the need for a careful balance between the right to private life and public interests is emphasized, ensuring effective protection of individual rights in the digital and global age.

Enhancing workplace motivation through process-based approaches: Comparative case study evidence from Albania

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This paper examines the evolution, classification, and practical application of motivation theories in contemporary organizational settings, with particular emphasis on the comparative strengths of content and process theories. Motivation theories have evolved to explain the complex nature of human behavior in the workplace. While content theories focus on identifying the specific needs that drive individuals, process theories emphasize the cognitive mechanisms that influence motivation. This article argues that process theories have broader application in contemporary organizations due to their flexibility, empirical support, and adaptability to diverse work environments. It examines the practical application of process motivation theories in three Albanian organizations. Drawing on Vroom’s expectancy theory, Adams’ equity theory, and goal-setting theory, the study highlights how these approaches effectively enhance motivation, performance, and job satisfaction in diverse organizational contexts. The findings demonstrate that process-based approaches provide measurable and adaptable frameworks for managing motivation in modern Albanian workplaces. By applying theory-driven approaches tailored to contextual needs, organizations can create more equitable, goal-oriented, and engaging workplaces. Overall, this study affirms the superior applicability of process theories and highlights their central role in designing evidence-based motivational practices in modern organizations.

Property rights adjudication in Albania: Conformity with European Human Rights Jurisprudential standards

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The article aimed to assess the transformation of Albania’s legal system for the protection of property rights under the influence of European standards. The methodology included comparative-legal and historical-legal analysis of Albania’s legal acts, a systemic analysis of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) decisions regarding Albania, and a statistical analysis of quantitative indicators of the reform of the compensation system. The evolution of Albanian legislation was analysed, from the initial 1993 law to the modern 2015 law, and key ECHR rulings in cases against Albania from 2007 to 2025 were studied. It was found that by 2015, only 2.5 percent of restitution and compensation decisions had been implemented, whereas, after the introduction of the new system, the Property Compensation Agency had conducted financial assessments for over 25,000 claims by 2020. Typical violations of the convention standards were identified, including the lack of an effective enforcement mechanism and excessive discretion of the executive power in determining compensation forms. The government allocated about 1.2 billion euros for compensation through cash and land funds, setting a ten-year deadline for completing payments by 2026, with a minimum compensation value of 10 percent of the property value. Contemporary challenges in law enforcement were identified, particularly problems with the quality of property data in the national registry, where over 80 percent of records contain inaccuracies. The results demonstrate a radical transformation of Albania’s legal system from complete failure to enforce restitution decisions to the creation of a centralized compensation mechanism with clear deadlines and guaranteed funding. The study confirms the effectiveness of the pilot ruling procedure as a tool for systematically addressing structural deficiencies in national legislation.

Consumer protection policy in the EU

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Consumer protection refers to the legal and institutional framework that safeguards consumer welfare and rights by preventing unfair commercial practices and ensuring transparent market information. Elsewhere, consumer protection policy occupies an important place in working on the formation and strengthening consumers confidence in the European Union (EU). This paper discusses the gestation, rationale, and implementation of the EU consumer protection laws which have been majorly implemented through the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and the Charter of Fundamental Rights. This includes the Consumer Rights Directive, the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, or the more recent Digital Services Act with a special focus on their functions whose aim is the protection of the consumer from unfair business practices. Thus, this paper also discusses existing case law such as Planet49 as well as the recent case of Banco Español de Crédito that supports the EU’s consumer protection agenda. However, it is important to point out that the EU has several limitations in this respect, including cross-border enforcement, regulation of the digital market place, and guaranteeing totality of protection throughout the EU member countries.

Natural Gender and Cultural Cognition in Albanian Animal Idioms: How Male-Female Animal Pairs Structure Figurative Meaning

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This study examines approximately 150 Albanian idiomatic expressions derived from animal terms, with a particular focus on how natural gender functions as a structuring principle in the formation of figurative meaning. Drawing on material from Fjalori frazeologjik i gjuhës shqipe (1999) (“Phraseological Dictionary of the Albanian Language”) and Fjalori i gjuhës së sotme shqipe (1980) (“Dictionary of Contemporary Albanian”), the analysis investigates how the physical traits and behavioral patterns of animals motivate idiomatic extensions to human character, social roles, and moral evaluation. The central aim is to explore the semantic divergences that emerge between idioms formed with male and female animal names, and to show how these divergences reflect culturally embedded conceptualizations of masculinity and femininity. Methodologically, the study applies qualitative semantic analysis informed by cognitive linguistics and cultural linguistics. The idioms are organized into paired lexical sets, pulë (hen) - gjel (rooster), dele (ewe) - dash (ram), dhi (goat) - cjap (billy goat), lopë (cow) - viç (calf)/ka (bull)/qe (oxen), kalë (horse) - pelë (mare), mace (cat) - maçok (tomcat), which allow for a systematic comparison of shared features, motivational imagery, and evaluative orientations. The findings indicate that male animal idioms typically foreground agency, strength, assertiveness, or risk, whereas female animal idioms emphasize vulnerability, domesticity, emotional sensitivity, or economic burden. These patterns reflect not merely biological characteristics but culturally transmitted symbolic codes embedded in Albanian pastoral life. The results demonstrate that Albanian animal-based phraseology functions as a dense repository of cultural cognition, where gender distinctions are reproduced, reinforced, and naturalized through everyday language use. By revealing the semantic asymmetries across male-female pairs, the study contributes to broader discussions on the cultural grounding of idioms and the ways in which linguistic structures encode social hierarchies, behavioral expectations, and gendered moral evaluations. The analysis highlights the value of phraseology as a site where language, culture, and cognition intersect, offering insights into how traditional ecological knowledge continues to shape contemporary figurative language.

The figure of the “Other” in function of the reading approach: From authorship to interpretation

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This study examines the transformation of self-image and hetero-image in literature and its intermedia adaptations, analyzing the impact that historical context, ideological objectives, and approach to reading have on the imagining of the “Other.” Drawing on the theoretical contributions of Jean-Marie Carré, Hugo Dyserinck, and Joep Leerssen, as well as methods of comparative and intermedia analysis, the study investigates how these imaginings change over time and space, particularly in the context of Ismail Kadare’s works and their adaptations for stage and screen. The hypothesis of this paper is that the conception of the “Other” in three dimensions – as a construct of the author, the characters, and the reader/adapter – is a non-linear process, shaped by historical realities, ideological discourse, and interpretive approach (be it author-centered, text-centered, or reader-centered). The research question guiding this analysis is: How do conceptions of the “Other” differ at the levels of the author, characters, and reader/adapter, depending on historical and cultural contexts, and how is this dynamic reflected in the construction of identity and alterity in literary discourse and its adapted variants? In conclusion, the study concludes that the image of the “Other” is not an immutable construct, but a transformable category that changes depending on historical contexts, ideological objectives and the reading approach that is given to the original text during the process of interpretation or adaptation. The analysis of stage and film adaptations of literary works supports this hypothesis, showing that the figure of the “Other” is reconfigured not simply because of the medium, but in accordance with the goals and vision of the adaptor. Imagology, in this sense, serves as a valuable theoretical framework to investigate the permanent changes in the perception of the “Other” in different cultural and discursive contexts.

Towards a Positive Pedagogy (PP) through the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in teaching French

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

In today’s Albanian educational context, one of the most pressing challenges for schools and universities is how to preserve linguistic diversity while motivating students to learn languages other than English, which currently dominates the foreign language landscape. Within this framework, Positive Pedagogy offers a valuable approach by placing students’ well-being, motivation, and personal potential at the center of the learning process, creating a supportive and engaging environment. In parallel, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have emerged as some of the most powerful tools for designing interactive and personalized learning experiences that reinforce both the emotional and cognitive dimensions of education. This article draws on more than twenty years of experience at the Alliance Française of Elbasan, which for over a decade has combined the principles of Positive Pedagogy with the use of ICT in teaching French as a foreign language. The findings highlight that this integrated approach has had a positive impact on student motivation and engagement, making learners more willing to participate actively, express themselves, and experience French not only as a language but also as a cultural journey. The case of the Alliance suggests that combining Positive Pedagogy with ICT can offer a concrete response to the challenge faced by educational institutions today: making the learning of diverse foreign languages more attractive and meaningful.

Curriculum mapping: Unveiling the connections among courses and program learning outcomes

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The curriculum should be a living organism, constantly evolving as society, technology and education change. Long-term curriculum renovation is required to sustain coherence among learner outcomes, teaching, learning and assessment in teacher preparation programs. This process aids discovering gaps and keeping curricula up to date with new educational trends to prepare future teachers for their work. The interest in curriculum development is increasing; however, methods are still emerging particularly in teacher education where connections between the content of the course contents and program learning outcomes are often not established. Blending expertise with scholarship is important for enriching the academic experiences of student teachers. This study is specific to a course from a biology curriculum for students studying to become biology teachers, but has broader applicability. It focuses on the extent to which PLOs are embedded within the curriculum, and it also identifies some deficiencies about professional competences that are needed from prospective biology teachers. The study is structured into sub-sections that focus on current curricular design, analysis of PLOs and survey of their distribution in the programme of biology teacher education in Albania. The study also works towards enhancing some of the curriculum planning practices in teacher education.

Some characteristics of epibiotic macroinvertebrates in Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) reared in a mariculture of Butrint Lagoon (Albanian coast of Ionian Sea)

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The taxonomic analysis of the macroinvertebrates, which represents the association of biofouling on the mussels cultivated in the Butrint Lagoon, has identified 29 taxa that were included in 7 major taxonomic groups. The most significant number of taxa belonged to chordates (7) and molluscs (6). The seasonal average values of species diversity index (D) for the epibiotic macrofauna were: 0.596±0.056 (in summer); 0.638±0.078 (in autumn); 0.474±0.045 (in winter), and 0.682±0.069 (in spring). The evaluations according to seasonal averages gave the following values for the abundances (A,ind/0.1 m²) of epibiotic macrofauna in different parts of the mussel’s strings: A=63.46±52.132 (upper part); A=49.62±42.485 (middle part) and A=30.49±22.004 (lower part). In the period August-October, 2023, the average values of the numerical abundance of the macroinvertebrates according to the three areas in which the mussel cultivation system is situated were: in the Manastir area, 67.3±17.085 ind/0.1m²; in “Mussel’s House” area, 51.2±12.157 ind/0.1m² and in the Ksamil village area, 62.7±11.988 ind/0.1m². The analysis of variance did not confirm the significant differences between three areas (t<1.812;n=10; P>0.05).

Adopting circular economy principles in the tourism sector – Shkodra Region

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The circular economy is an innovative approach that aims the efficient use of resources. This study explores the economic impact of the circular economy in the tourism sector in Shkodra Region, analyzing the financial benefits derived from optimizing the consumption of energy, water and other materials used in tourism operations. This study aims to address the following questions: • How does CE principles affect the reduction of costs for tourist operators? • What are the most effective strategies for resource management? • What are the main factors influencing the adoption of CE practices by tourism businesses? The study is based on an empirical research approach, combining case study analysis with data collection through interviews with tourism operators in the Shkodra Region. The case studies include analyzes of businesses that have implemented circular economy strategies, evaluating savings in the use of energy and consumables. Preliminary results show that businesses that have implemented circular economy measures, such as the use of photovoltaic panels for electricity production, water management systems and material recycling, have experienced significant reductions in operating costs. Recommendations • Encouraging investments in renewable energy, to reduce costs in the long-term. • Implementation of water and energy management systems, through smart technologies. • Promotion of supportive policies and fiscal incentives to facilitate the adoption of CE practices. The results of this study show that the circular economy can have a significant impact on reducing costs for tourism operators, while simultaneously contributing to the development of a more sustainable tourism model.

Collaboration in the commission of a criminal offense

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This paper presents a theoretical, comprehensive topic of the criminal offense committed in collaboration, the forms and types of collaboration, as well as the criminal liability for this offense according to the relevant provisions and laws. The basis of criminal liability is the presence of a criminal offense, while its precondition or prerequisite is the determination of the specific criminal offense, which is provided for in the specific provision of the special part of the Criminal Code or special criminal laws. Criminal offense is the product of the joint activity of the accomplices, of the contribution that each and all together have given in its fulfillment with active actions or inactions, while the subjective side, a special characteristic and a necessary element of cooperation in the criminal offense is the agreement of the accomplices to commit it. In this sense this paper also addresses the forms of cooperation, where simple cooperation and special cooperation are distinguished.