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The article discusses a conference titled "Transfer and Adaptation: Languages and Cultures in Dialogue (The Balkans from Late Antiquity to Early Modern Times)" that brought together scholars from various European countries. The conference focused on the investigation of the Balkan region during earlier historical periods, with an emphasis on the interaction between Byzantium and the Slavic world. The conference program included sessions on etymology and history of language, exchange of ideas, manuscript tradition and written culture, the movement of texts, and the multilingual Middle Ages. Several papers were presented on topics such as Slavic borrowings in Romanian, the etymology of a title in the Bulgarian language, and language contacts reflected in inscriptions from Late Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages. The conference concluded with a guided tour of archaeological findings in Sofia. The text also discusses papers presented at a conference on manuscript tradition and written culture, which covered topics such as the introduction of Slavic scripts, the interpretation of Greek phrases in Slavonic translations, the reception of works by Dionysius the Areopagite in early Slavic literature, and the textual tradition of Old Church Slavonic translations. The conference also explored Graeco-Roman cultural ideas and texts in Bulgarian medieval literature. Scholars presented papers on subjects such as the reception of the Trojan War narrative in the medieval Slavic context, the representation of scholarly education in hagiography, and the distribution of Western texts among the South Slavs. The conference also highlighted the movement [Extracted from the article]

Purpose: This paper aims to focus on analyzing the level of corruption of small- and medium-sized enterprises and their economic performance impact in Western Balkan countries. This study uses survey data from Enterprise Surveys (ES) from 2019, a shared project of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the European Investment Bank and the World Bank Group. The selected countries are Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro and Serbia. The questions included in the data set contribute to understanding what firms experience in the private sector. Collected data are based on firms' experiences and enterprises' perceptions of the environment in which they operate. Design/methodology/approach: This paper measures enterprise performance in terms of sales, employees and fixed assets growth. The vector of independent variables comprises enterprise characteristics such as enterprise age, size, ownership structure, legal status, access to formal banking services, gender ownership and other composed variables. Moreover, to capture the level of perceived corruption by firms, we will focus on the following ES questions: "Is it common to have to pay some irregular additional payment or gifts to get things done with regard to customs, taxes, licenses, regulations, services," and the "corruption payment" is defined in the form of a dummy equal to one if the enterprise replies "frequently," "usually" or "always." Findings: Preliminary empirical research results shed light on the level and effects of corruption on enterprises' performance. However, the magnitude and statistical significance are different among the countries included in the sample. Originality/value: Instead of firm-level characteristics, research on corruption frequently focuses on effects dependent on national and institutional characteristics. To better identify the kinds of businesses that are most at risk of corruption, we have selected to focus on differences among firm characteristics in this research. Understanding factors at the firm level is preferred from a policy perspective because these findings assist policymakers to make recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of foreign aid in the Western Balkans countries' economic growth between 2009 and 2021. Design/methodology/approach: This paper uses a panel data approach to examine the effects of foreign aid on economic growth in the region and incorporates a random-effects model to accommodate the unique cross-country variations and time-specific factors, as well as a pooled OLS and fixed-effects model for a comprehensive, comparative analysis. Findings: The in-depth regression analysis shows that foreign aid has not had a significant impact on the economic growth of the region. Further evidence suggests that trade openness exhibited a significant positive correlation with economic growth, while gross capital formation, although positively associated, did not significantly impact it, indicating the complexity of its role in the region's economies. Practical implications: The analysis presented in this study has significant practical implications, particularly for policymakers in the Western Balkans. Given the region's ambitions for European Union membership and the challenges of high unemployment and inflation, understanding the role of foreign aid is crucial. Originality/value: This research provides a unique contribution to the field of development economics by examining foreign aid effectiveness within the context of a region often overlooked in the literature. The analysis also offers fresh insights into the complex dynamics of foreign aid and its implications for policy and development strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The further enlargement of the European Union is in a critical phase due to the changed political circumstances both internally in the EU member states, but also in the geopolitical context. The experiences from the past cycles of enlargement, both positive and negative, motivated some of the member states and the European institutions to revise the process of the European integration of the candidate countries, primarily the accession negotiations as a central part of the process, by setting the Rule of Law as a fundamental and most important criterion for the accession. The Rule of Law is set as a crosscutting issue in the new revised Methodology for the accession negotiations, adopted in 2020. It is part of the first cluster “Fundamentals” with which the accession negotiations start and end. The paper analyzes the current situation and challenges in the area of the Rule of Law in North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro and Albania, all of them candidate countries from the region of the Western Balkans, following the 2024 Rule-of-Law Report prepared by the European Commission that included beside the member states, also the mentioned candidate countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of the paper is analysis and proposal of a concept for establishing an efficient system for disaster management in the Western Balkan countries. After the breakup of Yugoslavia (1992), there has been no effective system for managing emergency situations, while cross-border cooperation in this respect does not exist at all. The paper provides an overview of the situation in the field of emergency and crisis management in five countries of the region and a concept of promotion and cross-border cooperation in this field. The results of the research show that no country in the region has adequate emergency and disaster management system and that, regardless of the negative experiences, an efficient multilateral cooperation system has not been established so far in this field (there is neither regulatory framework nor proposals for the model of organization and for the procedures or technical mechanisms that would make the above possible). Therefore, the concept of establishing the Regional Center for Disaster Management in the Western Balkans territory (RCDM-WB) is proposed as a first step in handling disaster situations that arise from natural phenomena or technical and technological accidents. This is the first scientifically developed proposal of this kind for the above-mentioned region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The main goal of the paper is to review the existing state and propose a model solution for the introduction of the waste-to-energy concept in the Republic of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as these Balkan countries are a source of high pollution due to the inefficient use of fossil fuels and the operation of coal-fired power plants. Besides, these countries have very low level of waste management, which results in the uncontrolled disposal of a large amount of waste which consists of plastic and microplastic materials which are difficult to decompose in natural ecosystems. Methods: Considering the type and objectives of the study, a mixed research method was chosen as a combination of exploratory research, descriptive research, explanatory research, and modeling. Results: The main result of the research shows the unfavorable situation in the field of waste management in the Republic of Serbia, as well as in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Both countries have adopted adequate strategies and plans, but waste management is not implemented accordingly, Nevertheless, numerous problems create considerable opportunities for improvement, especially regarding the potential for energy production from waste, which is an important approach to implementing the circular economy model. The study showed that the situation is particularly unfavorable in rural areas. Hence, the research proposes (a) a novel model for waste-to-energy governance and (b) a novel model for waste-to-energy management in rural areas. The research was done, and models were developed based on the examples of the Republic of Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, the results can be used in countries with a similar level of waste management and with a larger share of rural areas. Conclusions: The paper emphasizes the importance of a holistic and systemic approach to waste management, with emphasis on using waste-to-energy concept as particularly applicable in the transition to circular economy. This study proposes a model for the integration of waste management (with emphasis on plastic and microplastic) and energy efficiency, presenting a model of approach that can be used in countries that are at the beginning of introducing a circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The following research paper conducts a comprehensive analysis into the intricate dynamics governing the relationship between Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and International Trade, with a specific focus on the Western Balkan Countries-6 (WB-6). This research spans the period from 2000 to 2020 and seeks to shed light on the interplay between FDI and International Trade within this region. To analyse and interpret these dynamics, various regression models, including Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Fixed Effects, Random Effects, and the Hausman-Taylor model, are employed as analytical tools. Moreover, the research takes into consideration the influence of specific institutional factors within each country, which play a pivotal role in shaping foreign investors' decisions to invest in a particular country. The study's results reveal that gravity factors, in conjunction with institutional determinants such as economic integration, control of corruption, political stability, and other indicators of governance quality, significantly impact the attractiveness of the WB-6 countries to foreign investors. The findings of this paper hold substantial relevance for the development of an analytical framework aimed at evaluating national policies and institutions geared towards enhancing the appeal of Western Balkan countries to foreign investors. Furthermore, the research underscores the importance of these host countries prioritizing efforts to bolster the effectiveness of governmental institutions, combat corruption, streamline bureaucratic processes, and improve overall economic conditions to attract and retain foreign investment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accessible literature covered in this paper commonly highlights psyllids as a significant group of insects affecting pear trees, posing a continual challenge for commercial orchards. With the development of modern pear cultivation systems, Cacopsylla pyri Linnaeus 1758 (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) has emerged as a major pest in pear orchards across many European countries, including those in the Western Balkans. For years, the agricultural sector has primarily relied on chemical insecticides to control pear psyllas, but these methods often fail to produce satisfactory results. This is largely due to C. pyri's rapid development of resistance to chemical treatments. Consequently, modern agriculture is increasingly shifting towards biological methods to manage C. pyri, involving the identification and conservation of its natural enemies. Although there is an abundance of research on the natural predators of C. pyri and their biocontrol applications across the globe, the Western Balkan region has conducted relatively few studies on the subject. Globally, various parasitoids, predators, and entomopathogenic fungi are often cited as effective against C. pyri. Specific species registered in the agroecological conditions of the Western Balkans include parasitic wasps such as Trechnites insidiosus Crawford, 1910 (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) and Prionomitus mitratus Dalman, 1820 (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), as well as the predatory bug Anthocoris nemoralis Fabricius, 1794 (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae). However, most Balkan countries have yet to fully utilise the potential of beneficial entomofauna or develop strategies for their commercial application at a national level. Considering that C. pyri is a major pest in pear cultivation and its natural enemies have not been thoroughly explored in most of the Western Balkans, this paper aims to review the literature data on available natural enemies of pear psyllas and to highlight and promote their undeniable potential in biological control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prehistoric communities had strong ties with the animal world that surrounded them—animals were prey, sources of food, and raw materials, but also threats and mysteries, and certain animals often had an important place in the symbolic realm. With the process of domestication and the switch to animal husbandry as the main source of animal food, these relations changed considerably, and a certain dichotomy between "the domestic" and "the wild" may be noted in numerous past communities. When it comes to the Neolithic period in the Balkans, domestic animals had an important place in subsistence and economy, and it seems that cattle had a particularly prominent symbolic role. Wild species preserved some of their significance in both subsistence and symbolic realms, especially cervids (red deer, roe deer, and fallow deer). In this paper, the place of deer in the material culture of the Neolithic communities in the Balkans will be analysed: skeletal elements of deer were used for the production of diverse items, including non-utilitarian ones, or were part of ritual depositions, and deer representations are encountered in other materials, such as clay figurines. The symbolic meaning of deer cannot be reconstructed with certainty; however, it is probable that deer were tied with territoriality and the landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to establish a unified typology for the culturally significant kulla stone houses built in the cross-border region of Kosovo, Albania, and Montenegro during the 18th and 19th centuries. Despite some attempts at typological categorisation on the national level, a joint typology for this region currently needs to be improved. Based on existing literature and field research, the paper identifies the specificities of different geographical locations while validating the core attributes common to all typological variations. The findings suggest that the joint typological classification of kulla in the Balkans should primarily be based on architectural elements and, to some extent, setting, building materials and techniques, while functional composition is consistent across all types. The paper argues that defining a common typology for the Albanian kulla stone houses in the Balkans is crucial for evaluating, preserving, and developing kulla as serial properties and for their future regional development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hawala system, an informal and traditional money transfer mechanism, has been a subject of concern for counterterrorism and counterintelligence agencies worldwide due to its potential exploitation for illicit financial activities, including terrorism financing. This paper provides a comprehensive examination of the Hawala system's presence in the Western Balkans, a region historically characterized by geopolitical complexity and a complex security landscape. Drawing on empirical data and regulatory analysis, this study explores the challenges posed by the Hawala system in the context of counterterrorism and counterintelligence efforts in the Western Balkans. It examines the system's vulnerabilities, its exploitation for terrorism financing and the difficulties faced by intelligence agencies in monitoring and disrupting Hawala networks. Moreover, the paper assesses the regulatory frameworks implemented by countries in the region and offers practical policy recommendations to enhance counterterrorism and counterintelligence strategies, fostering greater security and stability in the Western Balkans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Slavica Slovaca is the property of Slavisticky Ustav Jana Stanislava SAV and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Problems of Sustainable Development / Problemy Ekorozwoju is the property of Faculty of Environmental Engineering and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Startup businesses are becoming an increasingly common term in the business world. Millions of investments, large corporations, as well as the world's best experts are connected to the concept of startup businesses. The basis of this paper is to present the situation with lending startup businesses in the Republic of North Macedonia, through analysis of the situation and challenges of the startup ecosystem in the country, and through comparative analysis of the situation with lending startup businesses in certain Western Balkan countries. The aim was to determine whether the Republic of North Macedonia has made significant progress in support, and whether it has made the transition from traditional to new methods of financing. The scientific-research contribution of this paper is in a better understanding of the strategy of the state regarding the financing of entrepreneurial ventures. The presented and interpreted results could be a useful basis and incentive for further research on this and similar topics related to the initial stage at the state and regional level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the theoretical treatment of the content of the principles on which the Public Administration Reform was built in the Western Balkans countries, led by the European Union. In addition, the principles contained in the EU regulations and which are included in the form of objectives in the Public Administration Reform Strategy in the Western Balkans countries, the claims to join the EU, if we analyse them carefully are derived or adapted from the principles of Weber's theory on Bureaucracy. Since Public Administration Reform is a process closely related to the organization and that of institutions as state organizations with the aim of modernizing them on the same principles as Weber, the idea of the ideal bureaucracy, so that such a bureaucracy should be based on: A formal hierarchical structure; Rules-based Management; Functional Specialty organization; Up-focused or In-focused Mission; Impersonal and Employment-based on Technical Qualifications. It is important that the same principles in which Weber calls for the modern organization of institutions as organizations, but also based on which the idea for Public Administration Reform in the Western Balkans countries was built, to analyse under what preconditions can be reached their realization in practice. Analysing the actions of the states of the Western Balkans to fulfil or not these principles, the weight of the Public Administration Reform process for the development of the institutions of these states will be concluded, the democratization of the societies will be measured, but at the same time it will be tested through these examples as well Weber's Theory of Bureaucracy, and its relevance in the twenty-first century. In order to carry out the work in question, secondary data were used, including scientific literature, reports on the subject from competent institutions, but also analysis from researchers and experts who deal with research and monitoring of the implementation process of the Reform in the Public Administration of the Western Balkans countries. This work will serve to raise the voice for a qualitative reformation in the centre with the citizen as the key cause for the need of such a process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2022 Greece became the fifth country in the world to ban harmful interventions and treatments on intersex infants and children. Previously, Malta, Portugal, Germany and Iceland also legally banned harmful interventions on intersex persons. A crucial difference between Greece and the rest of the aforementioned countries is that it is a Christian Orthodox country located in Southeastern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. Drawing from a contextual approach to law, in this comparative analysis the authors will use „contextuality“ to explore the meaning behind legal developments that took place in Greece regarding intersex rights and how they could potentially impact the overall situation of intersex rights in the Balkans. In addition, with this paper the authors seek to relocate the dominant focus of intersex rights from Western and Northern Europe with the aim to boost awareness of intersex issues in the Western Balkan region, especially Serbia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the phenomenon of intermarriages in the Western Balkans, shedding light on their intricate relationship with the region's tumultuous history, ethnic diversity, and socio‐political dynamics. Through a comprehensive exploration of interethnic unions across different areas, the study delves into how these marriages have historically served as symbols of coexistence and integration, particularly during the mid‐20th century, when they were encouraged by the newly‐formed states to unite the different nations living in them. However, the rise of ethno‐nationalism and the Yugoslav Wars significantly impacted these marital patterns, underscoring the complex interplay between politics, culture, and traditional norms. The paper highlights the decline in mixed marriages post‐war, persistent ethnic tensions, and varying dynamics in different locales, suggesting that comprehensive approaches are needed for sustainable peace and unity in the Western Balkans. Through this lens, intermarriages emerge not just as personal unions but as potent symbols and potential catalysts for broader societal transformations, albeit within a context of considerable challenges and the need for nuanced, multifaceted approaches to fostering lasting interethnic harmony. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following evolving electricity markets, Transmission System Operators face challenges in processes of Net Transfer Capacity calculations. Increasing uncertainties stemming from growing electricity trade exchanges, make traditional monthly calculations obsolete. To enhance system stability, the paper proposes an implementation of a fast capacity calculation method aligned with day-ahead market principles. The study discusses capacity calculation regions aligning with European Legislation, particularly examining the Albanian Power System as a case study and introduces an improved approach to net transfer capacity calculations. The paper proposes and implements a Python algorithm to automate the net transfer capacity calculation process, obtaining improved efficiency in the calculation process. The paper emphasizes the importance of ensuring power system security, promoting cross-border trade, and easing market developments, offering a practical solution to the problem of net transfer capacity calculation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using data from 1996 to 2019 covering five Western Balkan countries and applying the linear panel data estimation method, this paper examines the effect of macroeconomic indicators and financial market development on income inequality. Regression results with Driscoll-Kraay standard errors demonstrate that income per capita increases income disparities. Theoretically, there are grounds for both a positive and negative relationship between economic growth and income inequality. In addition, contrary to prevailing literature, our analysis finds no significant impact of financial market development on income inequality, while the rule of law is found to have no effect on income inequalities in these countries. We depart from previous literature by bringing new evidence on the relationship between income inequality and economic growth in the specific context of Western Balkan countries. We study this relationship in an integrated framework and rely on a larger time span, both of which are seemingly important for comprehending the income inequality-economic growth nexus. Certainly, the obtained results bear important policy implications as discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Russian invasion of Ukraine that began in February 2022 has created a sense of urgency across Europe and thus pushed forward significant changes and readjustments of foreign, security, and defense policies. These major shifts have been referred to as Zeitenwende by the German chancellor Olaf Scholz, the turning point not only for Germany but for the whole European security architecture. Western Balkans is increasingly stated as an area of strategic importance for the European (Euro-Atlantic) security community, whereby it is the geopolitical interest of the both the EU and NATO to have the Western Balkans integrated. This is one of the regions where the interests of the West and Russian Federation collide - this factor adds to the already complex security dynamics resulting from domestic, bilateral, and regional issues that affect regional security and stability. Hence, one characteristic of the regional political and security dynamics is the long-term presence of external actors. This paper explores the effects of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on the Western Balkans' political and security dynamics from the perspective of Regional Security Complex Theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The main goal of the paper is to define the level of energy efficiency in the economies of selected countries in the Balkan region that have opted for the EU Green Deal, a circular economy, and a transition to carbon neutrality. Energy efficiency, as a determinant of carbon neutrality, was selected as an indicator for analysis because it records particularly unfavorable indicators in the region under observation. The research was carried out on a sample of seven Balkan countries and their surrounding areas. An initial qualitative analysis was followed by a quantitative analysis based on a combination of statistical methods and soft computing. Six indicators were selected for the analysis covering a period of 30 years (1990–2020). Results: A significant obstacle to the green transition and the region's transition to a circular economy and carbon neutrality is energy efficiency and energy related pollution—the reliance of most countries on coal-fired thermal power plants for electricity generation. The research results showed the following: (a) the degree of economic development and membership in the European Union are not significantly related to the level of energy efficiency; (b) most of the sampled countries are in the initial stages of introducing activities to achieve carbon neutrality; and (c) only Slovenia has documented consistent indicators and evident advancements in its efforts to achieve carbon neutrality. Based on the research findings, proposals for improvements were made in the direction of policymaking and in a methodological sense. Conclusions: The implementation of circularity and carbon neutrality as a long-term goal of the European Union is not necessarily related to the level of economic development, nor can its trajectory be exclusively ascertained by means of data processing and monitoring. A more precise understanding of a carbon-neutral future can be achieved through the incorporation of qualitative data to a greater extent, a realistic evaluation of historical facts and their repercussions, as well as projections of the effects that reality and global developments after 2022 will have on each country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The subject of this paper is irregular migration and modern models of preventing the smuggling of migrants on the part of the Western Balkan route through the Republic of Serbia. The goal is to show how the new strategic approach of the Serbian police in this area can give excellent results, that the application of modern methods of policing and technical means are aimed at preventing the smuggling of migrants, i.e., the illegal movement and transport of migrants across the state border and state territory to go to countries of the European Union. Based on the conducted research, the authors have drawn certain conclusions: 1) effectiveness, efficiency, and economy in the area of suppression of irregular migration can be achieved by applying an adequate criminal strategy, 2) the new strategic approach led to the discovery and arrest of a large number of people smugglers and the discovery of illegal firearms, 3) the use of modern technical means, coordinated, joint work of different police units and management from a single center by a strategic level manager directly in charge of combating irregular migration and human smuggling in a particular area (territory) which is estimated to be a hotspot of criminal activity, is a prerequisite for success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In today's modern business and technological landscape, businesses are increasingly inclined to seek alternative methods for resolving disputes rather than rely solely on traditional court procedures. Businesses are also increasingly aware of the significance of resolving conflicts through alternative means and taking proactive measures to avoid litigation. In recent decades, investment arbitration has gained widespread acceptance and has emerged as a preferred mechanism for resolving disputes involving international investors in Western Balkan countries. Some countries demonstrate a favourable inclination towards employing arbitration as a dispute resolution mechanism by enacting legislation that grants investors the right to initiate arbitration proceedings against the state in case of failure. This scientific research objective will be achieved through the reflection of the legislative framework in the matter of investment arbitration as well as the reflection of the flow of foreign investments, analysing and not limited to the treatment of concrete cases of arbitration disputes. Through this approach, we will answer the central question of how much arbitration as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism is a stimulating factor for attracting foreign direct investment or whether multinational companies only use the legislative and incentive favours offered by the Republic of Kosovo and North Macedonia. Methods: The article was conceived based on a modern methodological framework. Within the general methodological framework of scientific research, logical methods play a crucial role in the scientific processing of the research data, drawing conclusions and determining facts through which the truth of the thesis of the work is reached scientifically. In the context of this paper, the method of analysis through which the impact of arbitration as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism in relation to the flow of investments will be analysed is noteworthy. Additionally, methods of abstraction and concretisation will also be used. Abstraction is the basis of analysis, which sometimes represents the separation of parts from the whole subject. Moreover, the comparative method will highlight the diverse normative solutions in national legislation and international legal sources. Results and conclusions: In the article, the authors propose considering the effectiveness of existing provisions and determining whether adjustments or alternative approaches are needed to maximise the benefits of foreign investment while minimising potential risks and uncertainties associated with dispute resolution processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Balkan region is rich in limestone deposits, which have created one of the largest hotspots of subterranean biodiversity. This paper gives an overview of the diversity of subterranean terrestrial arthropods in Resava Cave in eastern Serbia. This cave is protected and has the status of a natural monument. At the same time, it is one of the most visited caves in Serbia and its surroundings. Our study comprises the results of three years of biospeleological investigations of the famous Serbian cave in combination with data from the few available literature sources on the arthropod fauna of the cave. The arthropod samples were collected both manually and with pitfall traps. A total of 107 arthropod species from the four major subphyla were registered in the cave: 66 species of Hexapoda, 27 species of Chelicerata, 11 species of Myriapoda and three species of Crustacea. For four troglobitic, 16 troglophilic and 87 trogloxenic species recorded in the cave, descriptions of their microhabitats and information on their distribution in the cave are given. Considering the medium size of Resava Cave and the lack of permanent water flow in the two main levels on the one hand, and the large number of arthropod species recorded on the other, the cave is relatively rich in hypogean terrestrial arthropod fauna compared to other caves in Serbia that have been biospeleologically studied so far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the growing shares of renewable energy sources in the grids, the interest in energy storage systems has increased. The role of pumped hydro energy storage systems as flexible solutions for managing peak and off-peak prices from nuclear and fossil power plants in previous systems is now revitalized in the liberalized systems, with a volatile generation of wind and solar energy. Thus, understanding of the patterns behind the economics of energy storage is crucial for the further integration of energy storage in the grids. In this paper, the factors that impact the economic viability of energy storage in electricity markets are analyzed. The method of approach used in this study considers the electricity market price distribution, full load hours, the total costs of energy storage, and linear regression analysis. Using revenues from arbitraging a 10-megawatt (MW) pumped hydro storage system in the Western Balkans, resulting from the electricity market price distribution and the analysis of the total costs of storage, an econometric model is created. This model shows the impacting factors of energy storage development in the context of the rising renewables sector. Research shows that the previous hypothesis about the integration of energy storage systems in proportion to the increase in shares of renewables in the grids is incorrect. There is a significant correlation between energy storage revenues, the dependent variable, and the independent variables of hydro, wind, and solar generation. The conducted analysis indicates the future arbitraging opportunities of pumped hydro energy storage systems and provides useful insights for energy storage investors and policymakers. During the transitional period, until the deployment of renewables changes the effects of fossil power plants, energy storage price arbitrage is profitable and desirable for 500, 1000, and 2000 full load hours in the Western Balkan region. Despite the need for flexibility, with more renewables in the grids, large-scale energy storage systems will not be economically viable in the long run because of "revenue cannibalization". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The "beautiful viviparous fly", Wohlfahrtia magnifica, may have a magnificent appearance due to its striking morphology; however, it is a potentially deadly agent of obligate traumatic myiasis in humans and animals, with a serious impact on welfare and economics. The fly is found across the Palearctic realm, including the Western Balkan region, with reports from former Yugoslavian countries from the first half of the 20th century. In this paper, a recent case of wohlfahrtiosis recorded in Northern Serbia is evidenced using morphological and molecular techniques. Larvae were collected from two adult sheep with severe hoof myiasis and two young sheep with genital and interdigital myiasis. Morphological identification was performed for adults bred from the infested vulva and third-stage larvae (L3) collected from the hoof wounds, supported with barcoding sequences of the COI gene obtained from larval pairs from the hoof wounds of older and the genitalia of younger sheep. W. magnifica was identified according to the appearance of male fly terminalia and the morphology of L3, which was confirmed after the comparison of representative sequences of the COI gene (deposited in GenBank™ under accession numbers MT027108–MT027114) to those available in GenBank™. This finding represents the first reported case of wohlfahrtiosis in the Western Balkans in 80 years, highlighting the need to re-inform relevant stakeholders to achieve adequate disease control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This paper aims to examine the frequency and significance of diagnostic comorbidity of psychiatric disorders and somatic diseases in a sample of patients with depression as well as present current psychopharmacological treatment of the patients in the sample. Methods: The subjects in this study sample were 489 patients from the four Western Balkan countries with current primary diagnosis of major depression according to ICD 10. Comorbid psychiatric disorders and non-psychiatric illnesses were noted according to ICD 10 criteria during the diagnostic interview and analysed later. Additionally, the pharmacological treatment (existing and newly introduced) for each patient was noted and analysed later. Results: At least one comorbid psychiatric disorder was present in 72.5% of patients. The most frequent were anxiety disorders (53.6%), specifically generalized anxiety disorder (20.2%); non-organic sleep disorders (50.7%), specifically insomnia (48.4%); and sexual dysfunctions (21.4%), specifically lack of sexual desire (20.2%). Comorbidity with any non-psychiatric illness was present in 80.3% of patients. The most frequent were circulatory system diseases (55.9%), specifically hypertension (45.9%); endocrine, nutritional and metabolic disorders (51.3%), specifically hyperlipidaemia (24.0%); and other non-psychiatric disorders (60.7%), specifically low back pain (22.7%). All patients received pharmacological treatment with different medications. Most patients received monotherapy or combination therapy of antidepressants, anxiolytics, antipsychotics and antiepileptics. The most frequently used antidepressants were escitalopram, sertraline, and duloxetine. The most frequently used anxiolytics were alprazolam and diazepam, the most used antiepileptic was pregabalin, and the most used antipsychotics were olanzapine, quetiapine, and aripiprazole. Conclusion: The results of the study confirm the results of previous research studies about the high prevalence of psychiatric and non-psychiatric comorbidities in patients with depression that were conducted in the past. It would be important if future studies could prove the importance of those comorbidities on clinical severity, choice of treatment, and its outcome in patients with depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this paper is to reconsider the necessity for the green transition and the key preconditions for the implementation of a circular economy in Western Balkan countries. With the objective of the research in mind, the method of analysis and synthesis was applied to determine (1) regulatory and institutional prerequisites for the green transition; (2) the need for the Western Balkan countries to redefine the model of sustainable economic growth towards the green transition; (3) the development opportunities for recovery defined in the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans; and (4) the possibility of implementing the circular economy in the Western Balkans. Main text: The main findings of the research indicate that: (1) the countries of the Western Balkan region, following the example of the EU, should define a national strategic approach to the green transition with an accompanying action plan and regulatory framework; (2) the biggest challenge of the green transition is the reform of the energy sector and the restructuring of the energy-intensive economy; (3) the countries have untapped potential in renewable energy sources and report the improvement of energy efficiency; (4) the circular economy can boost the green transition, because the countries of the region have a five-time lower value of resource productivity than the average of the EU, while the generation of waste (excluding major mineral wastes) per GDP unit is lower compared to the EU; (5) cross-sectoral governance should be more coordinated. Conclusions: The green transition might be a development opportunity for the Western Balkans, which should enable sustainable economic growth as well as energy security and environmental protection. However, the implementation of the Green Agenda is not easy, because the region faces the problem of underdeveloped regulatory and institutional capacities that might provide not only the base for long-term planning but also financial resources for the efficient implementation of projects. In addition, it is essential to understand the principles of the Green Agenda and the interaction of all activities that should enable the achievement of defined goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Journal of Albanology (ALBANOLOGJIA) is the property of University of Tetova and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article is in convergence with the newest and most trending movements of the last decades related to the reduction of pollution, created by the business sector on a global scale, as well as to the minimization of climate change. The contribution of this paper will be in terms of the operation of green finance in the framework of the sustainable economy, as well as to the results it produces. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the real possibilities of the institutional operations of what is proclaimed on the grounds of creating preconditions for green financing. For this purpose, the sample of the Western Balkans countries has been considered for examining the sustainability of green finances. The research first reviews the latest theoretical framework related to the applicability of green finances in transition economies. Through analysis, was gathered evidence of internal and external drivers that justify green financing as an efficient input of a sustainable economy. The influence of state institutions through establishing regulations and laws that stimulate private sector developments in the transition economy through green financing as the first impetus is reviewed. The issues related to climate challenges suggested by the Kyoto Protocol are summarized. Meanwhile, the last impetus is the considerable influence of the EU, stimulating alignment with European regulatory standards, as a prerequisite for membership. Meanwhile, the results suggest that although numerous projects and funding's were dedicated to the green finance development path, these countries are lagging mostly on the implementation of green finance infrastructure, thus we cannot look forward to more substantial development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Western Balkans have faced many challenges in the last two decades. Thus the path of socio-economic progress has not been easy at all. Continuous efforts over time in the arena were made to reduce the gap in the integration path toward the EU. Year 2019, with the COVID-19 pandemic, the European economy was placed in a new economic position. Unlike other known crises, dealing with such an unknown visa, social reactions, cultural conflicts, and the many restrictions that were imposed as a security measure affected the socio-economics of the EU states, questioning the degree of real convergence between the EU states and those of the Western Balkans. The purpose of this paper is to know the effect of the global and covid crisis on the convergence of the Western Balkan states as well as the convergence between the EU states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the potential applicability of OECD competitiveness and sustainability indicators of tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The analysis assesses the current state of the country's tourism industry and identifies areas that require significant improvement to enhance competitiveness compared to other Western Balkan countries. This comprehensive study covers all relevant data necessary to measure the OECD indicators. Based on the research conducted, it was found that Bosnia and Herzegovina does not adequately monitor the competitiveness of its tourism industry. The main objective of this research is to demonstrate that the political-territorial structure of the country presents the main challenge in achieving a competitive and sustainable tourism industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examines specific artifacts - stone balls of various sizes - that constitute significant material remnants of Ottoman military history in Bulgaria. While historical records confirm the existence of Ottoman gunpowder artillery in the region, archaeological research has contributed little to its study. This is largely due to the misdating and misinterpretation of these stone balls. Through careful analysis of publicly available archaeological data and historical sources, this study presents a new perspective on using gunpowder artillery and stone projectiles in Ottoman Bulgaria. It contends that most of these artefacts were integral to the Ottoman military arsenal, challenging previous assumptions that limited them to medieval ammunition. The study provides compelling evidence for the existence of Ottoman-era stone projectiles at several sites, including Cherven, Shumen, Nikopol, Silistra, Kaliakra, and Svishtov. This evidence is corroborated by historical records, which underscore the undeniable presence of Ottoman artillery in the region, particularly in the areas between the Danube and the Balkan Mountains, which remained a vulnerable frontier zone in contrast to the land south of the mountains. Crucially, this research underscores the need for more precise archaeological documentation, comprehensive artefact descriptions, thorough contextual information, and multidisciplinary research to understand the complex history of these stone projectiles fully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to explore the correlation between migration remittances and unemployment reduction in Western Balkan countries from 2010 to 2022. The research aims to analyze the influence of migration and remittances on unemployment levels in the Western Balkans region. The study seeks to identify and analyze variables affecting unemployment, with particular attention to migration patterns and remittance flows. The study utilizes panel data sourced from the World Bank and employs various econometric methods such as OLS, fixed effects method, random effects method, and the Hausman-Taylor model. Results from the Hausman test indicate that the Hausman-Taylor instrumental variable approach is more reliable and efficient compared to fixed effects and random effects methods for examining the relationship between migration, remittances, and unemployment rates in the Western Balkans. Findings reveal a positive coefficient for migration, indicating that for every 1% increase in migration, unemployment also increases. This relationship is further clarified by examining remittances, which suggests that recipients of remittances are more likely to experience increased unemployment. The primary limitations of the research include the lack of official data available from the earliest periods for these countries. This study contributes significantly to the existing literature by providing tangible data on the relationship between migration and unemployment in the Western Balkans. The results emphasize the crucial role that migration and remittances play for citizens of Western Balkan countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ekonomika is the property of Society of Economists 'Ekonomika' and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper analyzes post-socialist industrial development and policy in the Western Balkans through the lens of its regional specialization and spatial concentration. Against a conceptual framework revolving around place-based industrial policy, and using the Concentration index (modified Herfindahl-Hirschman index) and location coefficients (Balassa index), a comparative analysis over three decades (1990–2020) highlights weak regional diversification and intra-regional integration of industrial activity. The findings offer a new industrial policy that transcends regional specialization and spatial concentration to address regional development, planning and governance. The concluding remarks reveal some basic paths toward effective and pro-European regional industrial policy in the Western Balkans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with the population decline in Balkan countries in the last three decades, since 1990. It researches the scale of depopulation in the Balkans and analyses the causes and possible consequences of the population decline. It argues that the failure of imposed neoliberal economic policies in the Balkan countries in the 1990s caused deindustrialization, GDP stagnation and high unemployment rates, especially of young people. Together with the shift in values from traditional to neo-liberal ones which promote materialism, hedonism, consumerism and liberal middle-class feminism, it caused dramatic reduction in fertility (live births per woman) as well as a significant brain drain and economic emigration from the Balkan countries in the last 30 years. Depopulation is becoming a limiting factor for sustainability of Balkan societies. It imposes a long-term danger for demographic survival of these societies, and generates an array of other negative economic, social and political consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Western societies face a major challenge to control their stray dog population due to its uncontrolled propagation and abandonment. Despite the management programmes implemented in many European countries, the reduction of the stray dog population has not been achieved. This is not only related to dogs' well-being, but also to their coexistence with humans, especially in urban areas. Problemsolving approaches vary in different countries, as there is no common legislation in the European Community dealing with stray dog control. To realise this research study, data from secondary sources, as well as data collected from thirteen European countries were analysed. A comparative overview of policies and measures was examined to show that stray dog population management depends on the policy implicated by each country. In contrast to countries of northern Europe, significant problems were faced mainly by the countries of southern Europe and the Balkans. The purpose of this paper was to present the legal framework of management for the stray dog population in accordance with what is implemented in different EU countries and to unveil the need for action for a common European Community Directive or Regulation dealing with stray dog control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

If the standards of living in the Western Balkans are to converge on those in the EU then the current productivity gap needs eliminating. A significant portion of that gap would ideally be eliminated through the expansion of employer-provided training. However, survey data indicate that since 2016 training incidence has been rising in only two of the six countries of the Western Balkans. The main contribution of this paper is to investigate this disappointing performance. A model of the determinants of the incidence of employer-provided training is developed based on theory and investigations in other countries. It is found that in the Western Balkans firms with foreign owners, those who export and those who report that their employees are eager to access training are more likely to provide training, whilst micro and small firms are less likely to provide training. Sentiments regarding the firm's and economy's current performance and their prospects are also significant determinants. The policy implications of these findings are addressed in the concluding section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamic and interconnected nature of inflation, interest rates, general government final consumption expenditure, and economic growth underscores their mutual influence. This paper aims to explore how inflation, real interest rates, and general government final consumption expenditure impact economic growth in Western Balkan countries from 2008 to 2022. Specifically, the study seeks to determine the significance of these factors in shaping economic performance in the region. Employing analytical techniques such as Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), fixed and random effects models, and the Hausman-Taylor model with instrumental variables (IVs), the research assesses the role of inflation, interest rates, and government consumption. The findings reveal that inflation and general government final consumption expenditure exert a significant influence on the economy in the Western Balkans, as evidenced by the application of the Hausman-Taylor instrumentals IVs. On the other hand, real interest rates exhibit insignificant effects on economic growth. Understanding these relationships is imperative for policymakers and economists in crafting effective monetary and fiscal policies that foster sustainable economic growth while upholding price stability. By comprehensively analyzing the interactions between inflation, interest rates, general government final consumption expenditure, and economic growth, policymakers can make informed decisions to bolster macroeconomic stability and prosperity across the region. Furthermore, this research contributes to the existing literature by providing insights into the specific dynamics of economic growth in the Western Balkans region. By examining the impact of inflation, real interest rates, and general government final consumption expenditure on economic performance over the specified period, the study offers valuable evidence that can inform policy formulation and decision-making processes. Additionally, the findings underscore the importance of tailored policy interventions to address the unique economic challenges and opportunities faced by Western Balkan countries, ultimately aiming to foster sustainable development and prosperity in the region. Moreover, the study highlights the need for continued monitoring and evaluation of macroeconomic indicators in the Western Balkans to ensure effective policy responses to evolving economic conditions. By incorporating a comprehensive analysis of inflation, interest rates, and general government final consumption expenditure into policymaking frameworks, policymakers can enhance their ability to mitigate economic risks and capitalize on growth opportunities. Ultimately, this research aims to contribute to the ongoing dialogue on economic development in the Western Balkans and facilitate evidence-based policymaking for sustainable and inclusive growth in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the acknowledged significance of organization communication in achieving positive organizational outcomes, there is a dearth of empirical knowledge regarding internal organization communication (IOC) influence on employee engagement (EE), particularly in Balkan countries. The aim of this study is to fill this research gap by measuring the effect of IOC in EE, thereby providing a significant contribution to the growing domain of organizational communication. Specifically, this paper investigates the relationship between eight dimensions of IOC (such as communication climate, supervisory communication, organizational integration, media quality, co-worker communication, company information, personal feedback, and subordinate communication) and three dimensions of EE (employee vigour, employee dedication, and employee absorption). The present study involved the administration of a survey to a sample of 152 employees working in public secondary education institutions within the Republic of North Macedonia. The data was subjected to analysis using SPSS software. The results of the study indicate that several IOC dimensions play a crucial role in predicting various dimensions of EE, such as employee energy, dedication, and absorption within the organization. The findings of this study make a substantial contribution to the existing knowledge on the relationship between IOC and EE in nonprofit organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examines the factors for the 'big moment' of the far right, its Big Bang, i.e, when far-right parties transform from marginal 'groupuscules' into considerable political players. It is the moment when political supply and social demand interact, like two elements in a chemical reaction, and are transformed into far-right vote; the far-right redox. What are the conditions and the catalyst that allow the far-right redox to take place? Discussing the importance of the media as a resource for all political actors, and especially the far-right party family and analysing examples from three Balkan countries (Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia), Greece and France, the working hypothesis is that a necessary and sufficient condition is the occurrence of a media-induced event that acts as a catalyst, leading to their rise from the political margins to the political mainstream. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has recently been observed, that a change in the crop spectrum happened during the so-called Middle Neolithic in France at ca. 4000 BC. An agricultural system based on free-threshing cereals (naked wheat and naked barley) seems to shift to one based on glume wheats. This is a major change for traditional farmers and this paper aims to shed light on its possible causes. Here we describe the results of new investigations in a key area for the understanding of this process: the NW Mediterranean arch, where free-threshing cereals are the main cultivars since ca. 5100 BC. New data confirm that the shift towards glume wheats is also observed in some sites of the NE of the Iberian Peninsula and that among the glume wheats that spread at ca. 4000 BC we should not only consider emmer and einkorn but also Timopheevi's wheat. Stable isotope analyses indicate no major decrease in soil fertility or alterations in local precipitation regimes. The agricultural change may be the result of a combination of the spread of damaging pests for free-threshing cereals and presumably new networks being developed with the North-eastern part of Italy and the Balkans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an economic policy, currency substitution – the use of a foreign currency in lieu of a domestic currency – is rarely associated with nationalism. This is due to a natural tendency to equate nationalism with economic mercantilism and with the political need to foster nationalist feelings among the population. This need not to be the case, though, as the case of the newly independent Montenegro demonstrates. How can we explain the apparent inconsistency between nationalist leaders fighting for independence and opting to use the currency of the European Union (EU), the quintessential supra-national entity? This paper suggests that conventional explanations need to be complemented with a contextual historical analysis of nationalism. By incorporating the fluid and multifaceted nature of nationalism which, in the hands of skilful political elites, can be reframed to include apparently contradictory positions, I suggest that euroisation has been extremely consistent with nationalist goals. As the content and directionality of nationalist discourse shifted, the euro was transformed into a symbol of national identity in this Newly Independent Country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an artistic paleolandscape experiment based primarily on recent palynological data from the Paleolithic site of Pešturina, in the Central Balkans of Serbia. These data are integrated into the general knowledge of flora and vegetation changes in the Balkans and southern Carpathians obtained through other paleobotanical sequences, especially pollen records from lake sediments. The paleoartistic proposal includes several drawing attempts at different geographic scales with an emphasis on plant taxa and their position within glacial refugia. The contrast with the interglacial situation is also illustrated, but the work especially focuses on the concept of long-term refugia and the altitudinal shifts of steppes, conifers, and broad-leaf trees. An ecological and biogeographical discussion accompanies the illustrations, highlighting the insurmountable methodological limitations and the challenges that pose obstacles to the progress of palynology as a technique for paleoenvironmental reconstruction at the spatial scale. The structure of the paper aims to serve as a guiding example for the teaching and scientific dissemination of paleosciences, from a conservationist perspective that is much needed in the current scenario of global change and biodiversity crisis. • Challenging Traditional Zoocentrism in Paleoartistic Research. • Paleoartistic works show Paleolithic vegetation within a Refugium in Central Balkans. • During the Pleistocene, Balkan Neanderthals survived in the ecotone between steppes and mixed forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with three different but interconnected cases of placement, displacement and relocation of Persian literary culture in the Eastern Mediterranean sphere: the reception of a line by Ḥāfiẓ in 1920s Cairo, as represented in a novel by Najīb Maḥfūẓ; a Modern Greek adverb, φαρσί , expressing multilingual fluency and its probable Ottoman roots; a Veneto-Balkanic net of circulation of Persian textual and linguistic heritage, focusing especially on Mostar. As the intertwined case-studies touched upon in this essay clearly show, only deep philological excavations in little-studied local microhistories can properly unearth the still obscure early modern ecology of Persian "between the Adriatic and the Nile". By taking a multilingual approach (in which Persian, Arabic, Turkish, Bosnian, Venetian and Italian are read as a cultural continuum), and looking at the ubiquity of the prestige of Persian against the background of a "significant geography" made of both physical and linguistic spaces we throw a new light—taking a step beyond the sometimes over-used notion of the "Persianate"—on the dynamics of inscriptions of Persian in the early modern Mediterranean and Southern European realities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Balkan countries undergoing the transition must advance their economies to be more competitive. The aim of this paper is to analyse economic growth with a primary focus on the analysis of economic convergence in the Balkan region in the period of 1997-2020. The research analyses the following Balkan economies: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia. This study applies Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as a measure of economic growth and is based on the neoclassical economic growth model: the Solow's convergence concept. The results show that the Balkan countries experienced economic convergence with a speed of 1.82% in the cross-sectional model and 7.87% in the panel data model. It means that the initially less developed economies noted higher economic growth than those richer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We here describe abundant new fossil material of amphibians and reptiles from different late Neogene localities of northern Greece: the Early Pliocene (MN 14) of Spilia 0, Spilia 1, and Spilia 2; the Early Pliocene (MN 15) of Spilia 3, Spilia 4, Spilia 5, and Vevi; and the Late Miocene or Pliocene of Chalicorrema and Rema Marmara. These new late Neogene herpetofaunas are highly diverse, documenting a considerably rich herpetofauna allowing the identification of at least two salamander, seven frog, two turtle, seven lizard, and eight snake taxa. Salamanders are represented by the salamandrid genera Ommatotriton and Ichthyosaura. Frogs are represented by the bombinatorid Bombina, the discoglossids Latonia cf. ragei and Latonia sp., the pelobatid Pelobates aff. praefuscus and Pelobates sp., the ranids Pelophylax and Rana cf. dalmatina, the hylid Hyla gr. arborea, and the bufonid Bufotes gr. viridis. Turtles are represented by the emydid Emys and an indeterminate geoemydid. Lizards are represented by the scincid Ophiomorus, two lacertids (one of which potentially pertaining to Lacerta), amphisbaenians, agamids, the anguid Pseudopus, and a potential varanid. Snakes are represented by the erycid Eryx, the natricid Natrix aff. rudabanyaensis, a small-sized elapid, an "Oriental viper", the colubriforms Periergophis and Paraxenophis, as well as two further distinct but still indeterminate morphotypes of colubriforms. For the material from Spilia tentatively referred to Ommatotriton, this is only the third occurrence in the fossil record globally. The new material of Ichthyosaura and Bombina mark the first documentation of these genera in the Greek fossil record. Abundant cranial and postcranial material from Spilia is tentatively referred to Latonia ragei, a taxon previously known from the Early Miocene of Western Europe. The new record of Pelobates represents the oldest documented occurrences of the genus in the Greek fossil record. Interestingly, the Pelobates from Spilia bears much resemblance to an extinct taxon, Pelobates aff. praefuscus, which is otherwise known from the Late Miocene of the Caucasus, and not to the extant species that currently inhabits the area. The identification of Pelophylax and Rana adds to the rather poor Neogene record of ranids from Greece. Particularly for the case of Rana cf. dalmatina from Spilia 4, this corresponds to the only documented occurrence of this extant taxon in the Greek fossil record. Similarly, the identification of Hyla gr. arborea in Spilia 1, Spilia 3, and Spilia 4, marks only the third documented occurrence of this genus in the Greek fossil record. The Bufotes material from Spilia 1, Spilia 3, and Spilia 4 represents the first documented fossil occurrence of the extant Bufotes viridis complex in Greece. The material of Emys gr. orbicularis from Vevi marks the only known pre-Quaternary record of the genus in Greece and one of the only few Neogene members of the genus known from Europe. The scincid Ophiomorus is identified in Spilia 4, known from several cranial and postcranial remains, well outside the extant range of the genus. Practically, the Spilia Ophiomorus is only the fourth known fossil occurrence of this extant genus globally and also represents one of its oldest known occurrences. Material from Spilia 1 and Spilia 3 is tentatively referred to cf. Lacerta sp., and this would mark the first known occurrence of this emblematic extant genus in the Greek fossil record, denoting the presence of the genus since at least the Early Pliocene. The new amphisbaenian specimens from Spilia 4 add to the recently described single vertebra from the same locality, and represent the youngest occurrence of amphisbaenians from continental Eastern Europe. The new agamid material from Vevi and Chalicorrema add substantially to the record of this group, which was in Greece so far known exclusively from the latest Miocene/earliest Pliocene of Maramena. A similarly important addition is the record of Pseudopus from Spilia 4, as this genus had been known in the Greek fossil record only from a very few localities. The potential varanid from Spilia represents one of the few Pliocene occurrences of this group in Europe. We identify Natrix aff. rudabanyaensis among the material from Spilia 0, Spilia 4, and Vevi, adding to the previously known record of this taxon from Maramena, however, its precise species level assignment should await a revision of Neogene European Natrix spp. The find of a small elapid from Spilia 4 represents the youngest occurrence of a coral snake from Europe, extending their statigraphic range up to the Early Pliocene (MN 14). Periergophis and Paraxenophis, two bizarre snakes, so far exclusively known from their type locality in Maramena, could be also present here, even if tentatively identified. Most notably, the new material from these localities comprises forms that are now extinct (e.g., Periergophis and Paraxenophis) or extirpated from Europe (e.g., Latonia, Varanidae, Elapidae) but at the same time also loudly attests the emergence of the extant genera that dominate the extant herpetofaunas of Greece (Ichthyosaura, Bombina, Pelobates, Pelophylax, Rana, Hyla, Bufotes, Emys, Ophiomorus, Lacerta, Pseudopus, Eryx, and Natrix), for some of which their fossil record is documented here for the first time in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By the end of the 20th century there was a growing interest among political leaders on the one hand and intellectuals on the other regarding the interference of politics at the cultural issues. The issue of culture raises a problem between peoples and the creation of political ideas that will be a challenge for the new century. Thus, the clash of civilizations by Huntington who sees the danger of the future in cultural terms, a war that will take place between the most influential cultures in the world, and the end of history by Fukuyama who argues that history should be seen as an evolutionary process and that the end of history, in this sense, means that liberal democracy is the ultimate form of government for all nations. However, this process was preceded by developments from the 90s with the wars in the Balkans, as well as with September 11 as a starting point for different political orientations. The destruction of the Bridge of Mostar will be the first event for the cultural crisis, which will continue with the attacks in the USA that question the security of the states. These two issues will open new fronts in the world. First, the cultural crisis will be cut by the dynamite of the Afghanistan regime and the destruction of the monumental statues carved in the Bamyan valley, then the wars that will take over Afghanistan and Iraq. Then would follow the Arab awakening with the so-called "Arab Spring" that until today did not flourish in any country, they remained hostage to the cultural crisis and cultural identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]