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Background and objectives. Physiotherapy programs in individuals experiencing chronic lower back pain (CLBP) aim to improve function, disabilities from worsening. As per clinical practice guidelines, many methods are applied, such as the McKenzie method, therapeutic exercises, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), traction, thermotherapy etc. The effectiveness of these methods is supported by a wide range of evidence and studies, making them some of the most diverse and well-established approaches. These physiotherapeutic treatments are combined every day. Therefore, the aim of this research is to provide a comparative investigation on two different physiotherapy programs containing a combination of these treatment modalities in individuals with CLBP. Materials and methods. This research involved 60 patients who were separated into two groups. Group I received the McKenzie treatment method, passive modalities, lumbar traction, and a walking program. Group II received therapeutic exercises, passive modalities, lumbar traction, and a walking program. Both groups underwent treatment for six weeks. Subjects were tested using research instruments at the beginning, at the end of three weeks, and at the end of six weeks of treatment. The evaluation instruments used were the visual analog scale, Finger-to-Floor test, the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire, and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale. Results. Pain intensity, functional disability, lumbar flexibility, and self-confidence showed greater improvement after six weeks of treatment in both programs (p 0.05). Conclusions. The data obtained from both groups support the effectiveness of both treatment programs and suggest that they can be considered as options for viable programs treatment for patients with CLBP.

Purpose: This paper investigates the main factors of international tourist arrivals to three Mediterranean destinations, namely Greece, Albania and Montenegro. Methods: A gravity model for panel data was used to analyze the number of tourists from twenty of the most important origin countries during the period 2012-2021. Results: Findings show that international tourism is adversely affected by bilateral distance and large-scale crisis such as COVID-19 pandemic. On the other hand, the flow of international visitors is positively related to populations and incomes per capita in origin and destination countries, geographical contiguity and climate similarity. Other pull factors for tourism flows include total investments in infrastructure, and political stability and absence of violence or terrorism. Implications: The results of this research provide some important implications and recommendations for tourism industry policymakers and managers.

Drawing on insights from a four-day online workshop, which explored geo-engineering and policy making with 13 youth participants, an academic and youth authorial team provide a guide to the co-creation of policy briefs. Drawing on excerpts from the policy brief at different stages of development and commentary provided by the authors during the workshops, we set out four stages including (1) Identifying the key message and audience, (2) Reading and critically engaging with examples of policy briefs during the drafting process, (3) Developing the policy brief text, and (4) Reviewing and revising the policy brief. We have developed this guidance with a co-creative, group work approach in mind and suggest that this has relevance for those working in and beyond the discipline of geography.

Malvina Hoxha,1 Visar Malaj,2,3 Bruno Zappacosta,1 Najada Firza4,5 1Department of Chemical-Toxicological and Pharmacological Evaluation of Drugs, Catholic University Our Lady of Good Counsel, Tirana, Albania; 2Department of Economics, University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania; 3CERGE-EI, Center for Economic Research and Graduate Education-Economics Institute, Prague, Czech Republic; 4Department of Economics and Finance, University of Bari ”Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy; 5Department of Economics and Business, Catholic University Our Lady of Good Counsel, Tirana, AlbaniaCorrespondence: Malvina Hoxha, Tel +355-42-273-290, Email m.hoxha@unizkm.alBackground: The prevention of myelomeningocele (MMC) and meningocele (MC) is a public health concern. A systematic review on economic factors associated with MMC and MC can help the policy makers to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of screening and treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review to provide up-to date pharmacoeconomic evidence of all economic studies present in literature on different aspects of MMC and MC.Methods: We searched in the National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database (NHSEED), PubMed, Cost-effectiveness Analysis Registry (CEA Registry), Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD), Health Technology Assessment Database (HTAD), Cochrane Library, and Econlit. The PRISMA guidelines were followed in the search and evaluation of literature. Only articles in English not limited by the year of publication that fulfilled the eligibility criteria were included in this systematic review.Results: Nineteen papers were included in the study. The studies were very heterogeneous and reported a comparison of the costs between prenatal versus postnatal repair, the cost of fetoscopic approach versus open surgery, the cost of ventriculoperitoneal shunting (VPS) versus endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), and ETV with choroid plexus cauterization (ETV/CPC), the cost of hospitalization, and the cost of diagnosis for MMC.Conclusion: The results of this study can help in implementing new policies in different countries to assist MC and MMC patients with the cost of treatment and screening.Keywords: cost, myelomeningocele, meningocele, neural tube defects, pharmacoeconomic

For Russia, the Western Balkan region holds significant historical, cultural, and religious ties, and while from a historical point of view the Western Balkans represents an area where Russia tries to be a long-time actor, the relationship between Moscow and Western Balkan states also depends on international factors such as EU integration. Additionally, this relationship is further impacted by current international crises. The objective of this article is to confirm the rise of Russian influence in the Western Balkan countries, and to determine how and to what extent it has impacted the region. For this purpose, a qualitative analysis is conducted with secondary data from many sources, including reports and policy events; the analysis also includes a rhetorical review of public appearances by the political leadership of the Western Balkan countries. First, we consider Russia’s pro-active approach manifested through its economic involvement in the region, and second the reactive approach of the Western Balkan countries due to their disillusionment with the EU, and the Covid-19 pandemic. Further, we argue that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a strong catalyst, as it directly affects the relationship of the Western Balkan countries with Russia, the EU, and vice versa.

Objective: Starvation in early life can cause poor bone health and metabolic aberrations in bone minerals, leading to abnormal bone development. Holocaust survivors have been exposed to starvation and malnutrition before and during World War II. This paper aims to provide the current state of knowledge on the osteoporosis risk in Holocaust survivors and their descendants. Methods: The PubMed and Scopus databases were searched. Papers that reported original data on the risk of osteoporosis in Holocaust survivors and in their offspring were included in the study. Results: Ten studies were included in this review. The majority of studies were case-control ones (n=7) versus two self-reported and one longitudinal study. Despite the limited cohort numbers and the small number of studies in the literature, the data showed a potential increased risk of osteoporosis in Holocaust survivors and especially in their descendants. Conclusions: The review of these studies showed a higher prevalence of osteoporosis among Holocaust survivors and their offspring. Knowledge of the trans-generational inheritance of osteoporosis in the descendants of Holocaust survivors should increase the awareness of primary care health workers on osteoporosis screening and early diagnosis and implementation of preventive measures, including adequate vitamin D and calcium supplementation, and pharmacological treatment.

ObjectivesTo provide a basis for clinical management decisions in Purpureocillium lilacinum infection.MethodsUnpublished cases of invasive P. lilacinum infection from the FungiScope® registry and all cases reported in the literature were analysed.ResultsWe identified 101 cases with invasive P. lilacinum infection. Main predisposing factors were haematological and oncological diseases in 31 cases (30.7%), steroid treatment in 27 cases (26.7%), solid organ transplant in 26 cases (25.7%), and diabetes mellitus in 19 cases (18.8%). The most prevalent infection sites were skin (n = 37/101, 36.6%) and lungs (n = 26/101, 25.7%). Dissemination occurred in 22 cases (21.8%). Pain and fever were the most frequent symptoms (n = 40/101, 39.6% and n = 34/101, 33.7%, respectively). Diagnosis was established by culture in 98 cases (97.0%). P. lilacinum caused breakthrough infection in 10 patients (9.9%). Clinical isolates were frequently resistant to amphotericin B, whereas posaconazole and voriconazole showed good in vitro activity. Susceptibility to echinocandins varied considerably. Systemic antifungal treatment was administered in 90 patients (89.1%). Frequently employed antifungals were voriconazole in 51 (56.7%) and itraconazole in 26 patients (28.9%). Amphotericin B treatment was significantly associated with high mortality rates (n = 13/33, 39.4%, P =

Blockchain technology, initially designed for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, has emerged as a powerful tool in the financial sector. This study explores its potential integration into the Albanian banking system. The Albanian banking sector, like others worldwide, faces challenges in currency management, security, and efficiency. The research assesses how blockchain can address these issues and aligns with Albania's existing regulatory framework. The study begins with an overview of Albania's banking sector, highlighting key regulations and practices. It emphasizes the limitations of traditional banking systems, particularly related to transparency, security, and cross-border transactions. Blockchain technology's key attributes, such as immutability and transparency, are examined as potential solutions. Specific blockchain applications in Albania, like cross-border payments, digital identity verification, and supply chain finance, are considered. The comparative analysis evaluates how blockchain can enhance efficiency, reduce transaction costs, and increase access to financial services in the Albanian banking system. It also highlights the need for regulatory adjustments to accommodate this technology. Challenges, including regulatory compliance, cybersecurity concerns, and interoperability, are addressed, along with strategies to mitigate them. This research provides a comprehensive view of the opportunities and challenges of blockchain technology in Albania's banking system, aiming to inform policymakers, financial institutions, and stakeholders about the potential benefits of adopting blockchain solutions while considering regulatory adjustments to create a secure and efficient financial landscape in Albania.

AimsThis study aims to examine the construct validity of Physical Activity Neighborhoods Environment Scales, Oman (PANES-O), and compare the subjective perceptions with objective measures in Muscat, the capital area of Oman.MethodsWalkability index scores using GIS maps were calculated for 35 study areas in Muscat based on which five low and 5 high walkable study areas were randomly selected. A community survey was then conducted in November 2020 in each study area using the 16-item PANES-O instrument to measure the participants' perception of neighborhood density, land use mix, infrastructure, safety, aesthetics, and street connectivity. Due to pandemic restrictions, a social media-based purposive sampling strategy was utilized to reach community-based networks and complete digital data collection.ResultsSignificant differences between the low and high walkablehigh-walkable neighborhoods were observed for 2 of 3 macroenvironment subscales, density and land use. Respondents in high walkable neighborhoods perceived their areas as having more twin villas (P = 0.001) and apartment buildings (P < 0.001), greater access to destinations (like more shops, and places to go within walking distance; P < 0.001), easy access to public transport (P < 0.001), and more places to be active (P < 0.001); than their counterparts in low walkable neighborhoods. In terms of microenvironmental attributes, respondents in high walkablehigh-walkable neighborhoods perceived their areas to have better infrastructure, better aesthetic qualities, and better social environment than their counterparts in low walkablelow-walkable neighborhoods. Significant differences in perceptions across 12 of the 16-item PANES tool confirmed that 6 of the 7 subscales were significantly sensitive to built environment attributes between the low and high walkable study areas. Respondents in high walkable neighborhoods perceived their areas as having greater access to destinations (like more shops, places to go within walking distance; P ≤ 0.001), easy access to public transport (P ≤ 0.001), more places to be active (P ≤ 0.001), better infrastructure (like more sidewalks, facilities to bicycle; P ≤ 0.001), and better aesthetic qualities (P ≤ 0.001). PANES-O also was able to rate high walkable neighborhoods to be higher in residential density and land-use mix compared to the low walkable neighborhoods demonstrating its sensitivity to the GIS maps' objective measures.Conclusions and recommendationsThese results provide preliminary strong support for the construct validity of PANES-O, suggestingconfirming that it is a promising tool for assessing macroenvironmental perceptions related to physical activity in Oman. Further research using objective measures of microenvironments and device-based physical activity scores is needed to confirm the criterion validity of the 10 micro-environmental attributes of PANES-O using objective measures for the microenvironment. PANES-O could be used to generate and develop the needed evidence on the most appropriate approaches to improving the built environment to promote physical activity and urban planning in Omanthe country.

Home gardens play an important role in the overall agricultural system. In addition to providing helpful information that can support and encourage local communities to develop their home gardens sustainably as a form of in situ management and conservation of plant biodiversity, the study seeks to understand the significant role and benefits of home gardens for the well-being of rural communities. In order to preserve these natural resources, a variety of data was obtained via field observations on the issues related to the use of plants and the variety of agricultural species found in the farms and home gardens of two villages in the central Albania. A total of 47 plant species, belonging to 29 families, were identified from field observations in the home gardens of the 82 farmers interviewed. Important plant species, such as Sideritis raiseri Boiss and Heldr, categorized as critically endangered by the IUCN Red List; Origanum vulgareae L. and Juglans regia L., categorized as endangered; Salvia officinalis L. and Prunus persica L. as vulnerable; and Crataegus heldreichii as low-risk, were also recorded in the home gardens under study. The outcome implies that there is a considerable degree of variability or variation in the plant species that the farmers have grown in their home gardens. These findings indicate that home gardens are suitable places for the conservation of these plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over two decades, extensive research and heated debate have addressed tensions between carceral and abolitionist responses to gendered violence within feminism. Disagreements arise from the existing multiplicity of feminist approaches and divergent socio-economic and political contexts in which such violence occurs. At the same time, different conceptions of the state and community also impact on feminist organizing around these issues in particular contexts. This article analyses the tensions between so-called carceral feminism and abolitionist feminism in the context of Albania and Kosovo, two countries not only heavily impacted by domestic and sexualized violence and feminicide but also with a significantly rising feminist mobilization. Using the photo-elicitation method, we interviewed feminist activists and academics regarding the ways they interpret gendered violence, the strategies and interventions they deem most relevant in addressing it, and the contradictions and tensions that exist in their discourses and practices. Our aim is to offer a contextualized critique of carceral feminism, while illustrating the reasons and lack of alternatives that have impeded a transformative imagination towards abolitionist feminism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association between habitat and tree diversity was examined using a tree data collection of 29 plots in the Mediterranean coniferous forest at Divjakë-Karavasta National Park. A total of 75 plant taxa—consisting of 17 orders, 34 genera, 24 families, and 833 individuals—were identified from the field observation. The three most prevalent tree species in the area were Ulmus campestris L. (10.4%), Pinus halepensis Mill. (15.6%), and Pinus pinea L. (30.7%). Pinus pinea L. had the maximum stand density of 256 individual’s ha-1 and the largest base area of 20.36 m² ha-1, with the highest number (22) found in S25. Pinus halepensis Mill. with 130 individuals ha-1 and a basal area of 20.31 m² ha-1, had the second-highest stand density. A few species have dominated the forest structure in all 29 plots, and many species have fewer individuals, according to the Shannon index value (H'=2.35) for the entire research region. The Simpson index (D) data for the full test surface in the study indicates a good degree of variety among the forest trees observed on this surface, with a value of 0.8. The species richness index, which ranges from 0.14 to 1.6 for examined surfaces, shows variation in the measured values. The Berger-Parker Index's overall representative value for the study area is 0.3. The study provides baseline data for the management of protected areas in developing countries such as Albania and illustrates the potential of the in situ method in the conservation of natural resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate and provide insight into the prevalence and patterns of off-label drug use in the pediatric population from the perspective of community pharmacists, addressing the existing data gap in a developing setting. Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted on Albanian community pharmacists in June 2021. The online administered survey explored the participants' demographic details, perceptions, and experiences with off-label prescriptions in pediatric patients. The statistical analysis conducted on the survey data comprised the construction of frequency tables and the application of the chi-square test for independence. Key findings: Three hundred and thirty-six community pharmacists nationwide completed the survey, out of which 186 (55.3%) were practiced in Tirana, the capital of Albania. Over 80% of surveyed pharmacists (n = 275) had encountered off-label drug prescriptions in pediatric patients, yet only 40% of participants reported dispensing medicines for off-label use. Community pharmacists reported that general pediatricians tended to prescribe off-label medications more frequently than pediatric subspecialists or general practitioners. It was found that off-label prescriptions were more frequently observed among children aged between 2 and 11 years. Antibiotics were the most reported medicines for off-label use in this study mentioned in almost all off-label categories. Conclusions: Prescribing medicines for unapproved uses for the treatment of pediatric patients is present in community settings in Albania. This indicates the need for further data collection and analysis to understand off-label practices in our country's pediatric population comprehensively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pneumonia caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 emerged in China at the end of 2019. Because of the severe immunomodulation and lymphocyte depletion caused by this virus and the subsequent administration of drugs directed at the immune system, we anticipated that patients might experience fungal superinfection. We collected data from 186 patients who had coronavirus disease–associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) worldwide during March–August 2020. Overall, 182 patients were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), including 180 with acute respiratory distress syndrome and 175 who received mechanical ventilation. CAPA was diagnosed a median of 10 days after coronavirus disease diagnosis. Aspergillus fumigatus was identified in 80.3% of patient cultures, 4 of which were azole-resistant. Most (52.7%) patients received voriconazole. In total, 52.2% of patients died; of the deaths, 33.0% were attributed to CAPA. We found that the cumulative incidence of CAPA in the ICU ranged from 1.0% to 39.1%.

The paper empirically examines and assess the relationship between public debt and economic growth in the European transition countries from 1995 to 2017 (both years inclusive). The study attempts to identify and determine the threshold values or the extent to which public debt-to-GDP ratio has a positive effect on economic growth, and beyond which point debt-to-GDP ratio has a negative effect on the economic growth in European transition countries. For this purpose, we employ different econometric models and techniques such as pooled OLS, fixed and random effects models, GMM (Generalized Method of Moments), and bootstrap method in order to determine threshold values of public debt-to-GDP ratio. The findings prove the general theoretical assumption that at low level of public debt- to-GDP ratio has a positive effect on economic growth, whereas beyond a certain turning point a negative effect on growth prevails in the European transition countries. In addition, the results show different levels of threshold values of public debt-to-GDP ratio among European transition countries. So far, it is confirmed that for less developed European transition countries the threshold values of the debt-to-GDP is lower than for more developed ones in the sample. Therefore, the findings provide additional information for European transition countries, which have debt levels above the threshold values, as to reduce their public debt and to support long-term economic growth prospects.

One of the problems when students go to university is that they are faced with insufficient skills (reading, summarizing and writing). These skills are not just an option for students – they are a necessity. One of these skills is text summarizing. Summarizing strategies may be called the gist of the literary text. Different summarization strategies may be required for different text types and lengths. The ability to summarize well means your reading comprehension and writing skill should be excellent. Summarization is a high-level comprehension strategy which is effective in improving reading achievement and text summary quality.

Abstract Background About 1468 Syrian and Turkish doctors, serving in primary health care, have received the mhGAP training during 2016–2019. As additional training needs were identified, MoH and WHO wanted to understand the usefulness of the training and its impact in responding to the mental health needs of Syrian refugees in Turkey. Methods A five component assessment was done in 2019, consisting of feedback of trainees, assessment of increase in knowledge; utilization of service; compliance to treatment guidelines and service user satisfaction. The purpose was to understand the perception of participants on the training; estimate the knowledge gained—attributable to the training; estimate the increase in mental health cases identified and treated; compliance with treatment guidelines; as well as perception of the services received by end-beneficiaries. Results Results indicate that most of the respondents were happy with the training, but preferred additional mhGAP training as a refresher course in the future. There was knowledge gained due to the training, 9% for the Syrian and 5% for Turkish doctors. The knowledge gained has helped the practicing doctors to be more attentive and increase the numbers of cases diagnosed after the training for almost all groups of diagnoses. Most doctors, observed during practice, comply with the guidelines shared during the training, but improvement is still needed when it comes to prescription and treatment of certain conditions. The average number of mental health cases identified increased by 38 (%27) cases in the year following the training. We observed over 70% compliance with guidelines for 9 out of 12 criteria in question. The results of the patient exit interviews indicate a high level of satisfaction with the MHPSS services provided. About 95% of beneficiaries were happy with the quality of the service, and 92% having their needs met. Conclusions The mhGAP training was found useful. More training should be conducted to fill in the gap in service provision and meet the mental needs of Syrian refugees in Turkey.

The tourism sector plays a crucial role in economic growth of developing countries. Tourism increases business and employment opportunities and contributes to the development of local infrastructure. The preservation of cultural heritage and the promotion of peace between nations are other benefits of this sector. The main objective of this study is the investigation of the main demand and supply factors of international tourist arrivals to Albania, given the important role of the tourism sector on the national economy. A gravity-type equation is estimated through three different estimation techniques, controlling for basic and experimental independent variables. The basic assumption of the gravity model states that bilateral flows depend on some factors related to the origin and destination countries and other factors that approximate the bilateral distance. The analysis is based on an annual dataset of international tourist arrivals to Albania from 22 origin countries over the period 2001–2018. Empirical results show a satisfactory explanatory power of the considered equations.

There are growing concerns with rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across countries. These concerns are enhanced by the increasing and inappropriate utilization of ‘Watch’ antibiotics with their greater resistance potential, AMR is further exacerbated by the increasing use of antibiotics to treat patients with COVID-19 despite little evidence of bacterial infections. Currently, little is known about antibiotic utilization patterns in Albania in recent years, including the pandemic years, the influence of an ageing population, as well as increasing GDP and greater healthcare governance. Consequently, total utilization patterns in the country were tracked from 2011 to 2021 alongside key indicators. Key indicators included total utilization as well as changes in the use of ‘Watch’ antibiotics. Antibiotic consumption fell from 27.4 DIDs (defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants per day) in 2011 to 18.8 DIDs in 2019, which was assisted by an ageing population and improved infrastructures. However, there was an appreciable increase in the use of ‘Watch’ antibiotics during the study period. Their utilization rose from 10% of the total utilization among the top 10 most utilized antibiotics (DID basis) in 2011 to 70% by 2019. Antibiotic utilization subsequently rose after the pandemic to 25.1 DIDs in 2021, reversing previous downward trends. Alongside this, there was increasing use of ‘Watch’ antibiotics, which accounted for 82% (DID basis) of the top 10 antibiotics in 2021. In conclusion, educational activities and antimicrobial stewardship programs are urgently needed in Albania to reduce inappropriate utilization, including ‘Watch’ antibiotics, and hence AMR.

BackgroundTurkey hosts an estimated 3.7 million Syrian refugees. Syrian refugees have access to free primary care provided through Refugee Health Centers(RHC). We aimed to determine factors that influence patient satisfaction in refugee health centers.MethodsThe study was a cross-sectional quantitative study. A patient survey was administered among 4548 patients attending services in selected 16 provinces in Turkey. A quantitative questionnaire was used to collect information on patient satisfaction and experience in the healthcare facility. Information on "overall satisfaction with health services" was collected on a 5-point Likert scale and dichotomized for analysis. Logistic regression was conducted to identify factors that influenced patient satisfaction.ResultsWe found that 78.2% of the participants were satisfied with the health services they received. Factors related to service quality and communication were significant determinants of patient satisfaction. The strongest predictors of satisfaction were having a sufficient consultation time (AOR: 2.37; 95% CI: 1.76-3.21; p< 0.0001), receiving a comprehensive examination (AOR: 2.01; 95% CI: 1.49-2.70; p < 0.0001) and being treated with respect by the nurse (AOR: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.52-2.85; p< 0.0001).ConclusionProviding integrated, culturally and linguistically sensitive health services is important in refugee settings. The quality of service and communication with patients influence patient satisfaction in refugee health centers. As such, improvements in aspects such as consultation time and the quality of physician-patient interaction are recommended for patient satisfaction.

Ahmet Zog was the "King of the Albanians" from September 1928 until April 1939, when the country was invaded by fascist Italy. During his reign Albania experienced an unprecedented period of relative stability and progress. Zog's government took the first small steps towards the creation of a modern European country. King Zog developed a strong economic dependence on Mussolini's Italy, but he did not implement fascist ideas and policies. Albania welcomed and assisted persecuted Jews since 1933, when Hitler came to power as chancellor of Germany. Zog's attitude towards Jewish immigration was strongly influenced by Herman Bernstein, United States Ambassador to Albania during the years 1930–1933. Prior to Italian occupation, Albania was considered a safe transit point for Jewish refugees seeking to reach prosperous and stable destinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ingmar Bergman, acclaimed as a master of psychological cinema, is renowned for his ability to blur the lines between fantasy and reality in his films, delving into the depths of the human psyche with unparalleled nuance and complexity. This article embarks on an exploration of Bergman's unique filmmaking approach, aiming to dissect the intricate interplay between fantasy, reality, and psychological depth that characterizes his cinematic oeuvre. Through a comprehensive analysis of Bergman's key works, including "Persona," "Wild Strawberries," and "The Seventh Seal," this articale seeks to uncover the underlying themes, motifs, and techniques employed by the filmmaker to create immersive cinematic experiences that resonate deeply with audiences. By delving into the nuances of Bergman's storytelling, symbolism, and character development, this article aims to shed light on the enduring legacy of one of cinema's most influential auteur and the profound impact of his exploration of the human condition on contemporary filmmaking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hands are highly susceptible to traumatic injuries, the treatment of which can often result in postoperative complications such as hand stiffness. This study reports the effectiveness of physiotherapy combined with dynamic splinting in managing traumatic hand injuries. Problem Statement and Approach: This case report features a 28-year-old male who sustained a traumatic injury in the third finger of his left hand. Materials and Methods: The patient was referred to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic at the University Clinical Centre of Kosovo, 11 weeks after surgery. Initial physical examination revealed that the hand was painful and swollen. There was also a partial disappearance of the lines of the palm, with redness and severe limitation in the movement of the wrist and fingers. Treatment began 11 weeks after the surgery and lasted for six months. Before commencing physiotherapeutic treatment, which consisted of electrotherapy, active/passive movement, scar management, mirror therapy, muscle strength exercises, coordination, and application of a dynamic splint to achieve a range of motion, hand assessment was done at the baseline after two, four, and six months. Pain was assessed using the verbal numerical scale (VNS) and the range of motion was measured using a goniometer. These values were presented according to Total active/passive motion (TAM Classification). Further, grip strength was assessed using the Jamar dynamometer. Results: Reduction in pain, and improvement in range of motion and muscle strength were observed. The pain reduced from 9 of 10 to 2 of 10; the total passive range of motion in the third finger increased from 30° to 160°; the total active range of motion increased from 0 ° to 100 °; and the grip strength increased from 3.3 kg after two months to 14.5 kg, six months after injury. Conclusion: Following a traumatic hand injury, tailored combined physiotherapy treatment played a crucial role in restoring the functionality of the hand, by decreasing the pain, and improving the range of motion, muscular strength, and coordination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]