Horizons - International Scientific Journal
Horizons – International Scientific Journal (HISJ) is an annual, international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal published by the University “St. Kliment Ohridski” – Bitola, North Macedonia. In addition to its regular annual issue, the journal also publishes occasional special issues. HISJ serves as a platform for disseminating high-quality research across diverse academic disciplines, fostering scholarly communication and advancing interdisciplinary dialogue. The journal seeks to bridge disciplinary boundaries by promoting collaboration, integrative perspectives, and impactful multi- and interdisciplinary research. Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), HISJ prioritizes research addressing SDG-related themes and global challenges. Through this publication platform and its broader academic initiatives, the University supports knowledge creation and dissemination that contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Horizons - International Scientific Journal | HISJ Published and edited by: University "St. Kliment Ohridski" - Bitola First publication: 2005 ISSN (Online): 2955-2303 | Open Access | Language: English | Full-text formats available: PDF You can submit your article at any time throughout the year. Submission Email: horizonti@uklo.edu.mk Authors are strongly encouraged to carefully review the Review Policy, Article Guidelines, and Publication Ethics sections before preparing and submitting a manuscript. Prior to submission, authors should ensure that their article fully complies with all applicable requirements, formatting standards, and ethical guidelines established by the journal. Indexed: EBSCO; Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ); Central and Eastern European Online Library (CEEOL); CrossRef; Google Scholar; Mir@bel; WorldCat; Dimensions; J-Gate; Electronic Journals Library; HARVARD Library (HOLLIS); Information Matrix for the Analysis of Journals (MIAR); Open Policy Finder (JISC) (Formerly Sherpa services); Diamond Discovery Hub; Izvor - Macedonian Journal Repository; Swisscovery HISJ will be continuously indexed in more academic databases.
University St. Kliment Ohridski - Bitola
APPLICATION OF HSV COLOR ANALYSIS AND GREEN MASKING FOR UXO DETECTION IN DENSE VEGETATIONS
This study examined the applicability of HSV color-space analysis and green-mask segmentation for the preliminary detection of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in densely vegetated terrain using UAV-acquired imagery. The research addressed the problem of limited visibility in natural environments where vegetation frequently obscures surface objects and reduces the effectiveness of conventional optical detection. High-resolution RGB images collected by a low-altitude UAV flight were converted into the HSV domain to isolate vegetation based on hue, saturation, and value distributions. Segmentation thresholds were optimized through histogram-based calibration and iterative refinement. The analysis revealed that vegetation covered approximately 70–74% of the test area, resulting in complex contour patterns and underscoring the need for color-space preprocessing in cluttered environments. Importantly, UXO models were consistently excluded from the green mask, indicating that the segmentation method successfully differentiated non-vegetative objects from natural background elements. These findings demonstrated that HSV-based vegetation extraction enhanced object visibility and provided a reliable foundation for subsequent UXO recognition. The study concluded that integrating HSV segmentation with UAV imagery improves early-stage UXO detection and should be further expanded through multimodal sensing and machine-learning approaches.
Thematic Section Articles: Interdisciplinary Advances in Engineering, Technology and Applied Sciences
Copyright (c) 2026 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
MICROWAVE-ASSISTED EXTRACTION OF CELLULOSE FROM LAMINARIA DIGITATA BIOMASS
Cellulose was isolated from the brown seaweed Laminaria digitata using both conventional alkaline extraction and microwave-assisted extraction to assess the efficiency of microwave treatment in enhancing extraction while preserving cellulose integrity. Microwave-assisted extraction using 4% (m/v) sodium hydroxide at 336 W for 30 min yielded 5.6 ± 0.53% cellulose, comparable to 5.7 ± 0.79% obtained via conventional extraction over 24 h. Microwave-assisted extraction offered a significant advantage by reducing the extraction time nearly 48-fold without compromising the yield. FTIR analysis confirmed characteristic cellulose bands, indicating preserved functional groups. Structural indices (TCI 1.48 ± 0.12; LOI 1.23 ± 0.06; HBI 0.68 ± 0.01) suggested moderate crystallinity, good lateral order, and relatively weak hydrogen bonding. SEM analysis revealed a rough and porous surface, while EDS analysis confirmed high purity with carbon and oxygen as the main elements (56.30 wt% and 41.50 wt%, respectively) and only trace calcium. These results indicate effective removal of non-cellulosic and mineral components, exposing crystalline cellulose domains. Overall, MAE is a rapid, efficient, and eco-friendly method for isolating cellulose from L. digitata, producing a structurally intact, chemically pure biopolymer suitable for applications in biocomposites, nanocellulose, and other bio-based materials.
ENHANCING MEASUREMENT SCIENCE EDUCATION THROUGH EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND MODERN PEDAGOGIES
This study analyzed the current state of Measurement Science education in engineering programs, focusing on curriculum relevance, teaching practices, and integration of modern technologies. A structured survey conducted among students from three European universities revealed that, while students have a solid foundation in traditional measurement principles, their exposure to advanced topics such as Digital Twins, Industry 5.0, artificial intelligence, predictive maintenance, and energy-aware sensing remains limited. The findings also showed that traditional lectures remain effective for theoretical understanding; however, active learning methods, collaborative work, digital tools, and industry engagement are not sufficiently incorporated into the learning process. Students emphasized the need for more hands-on, practice-oriented experiences that better reflect real-world engineering environments. Based on these insights, the study proposes recommendations for curriculum modernization, including the integration of emerging technologies and the wider adoption of student-centered learning approaches to strengthen competencies and improve workforce readiness in engineering fields.
ALLPASS-BASED DUAL-NOTCH FILTER WITH CLOSELY SPACED NOTCH FREQUENCIES
In this paper, the method for designing a digital filter with two closely spaced notch frequencies is presented. The filter is implemented using two all-pass filters connected in parallel. To achieve an approximately linear phase, one of the all-pass filters is a pure delay. The proposed configuration, consisting of two IIR all-pass filters, can provide two notch frequencies and a flexible phase response. Unlike a filter of the same configuration with a piecewise-constant phase, where the filter order is 4 to realize two notch frequencies, the described approach for designing an approximately linear-phase filter allows increasing the filter order to reduce the approximation error.
APPEAL TO THE SUPREME COURT: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS IN THE JUDICIAL SYSTEMS OF ALBANIA, KOSOVO AND NORTH MACEDONIA
As essential components of the rule of law, the rights to due process and legal certainty play a key role in guaranteeing justice. This study aims to analyze the function, importance and role of recourse to the Supreme Court as a legal tool. The research problem addressed is to what extent recourse fulfills its function in protecting the rights of individuals, unifying judicial practice and strengthening legal certainty. The objectives of the study include analyzing the legal framework governing recourse, examining judicial practice, and identifying implementation gaps. A doctrinal research approach was used through the analysis of laws, court decisions and scientific literature. The findings show that although recourse offers a higher level of judicial protection, it is often hampered by a selective approach, procedural delays and inconsistencies in the interpretation of the law. The study concludes that, to guarantee a functional, efficient and reliable judicial system, it is necessary to strengthen the role of the Supreme Court and to improve procedural legislation, thereby making recourse an essential instrument for the protection of fundamental human rights.
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
FACTORS THAT AFFECT IMAGE RECOGNITION EFFICIENCY WITH HUGGING FACE MODELS
This study investigated the factors influencing the performance of image recognition systems, with particular attention to image quality, image type, and computational hardware. The objective was to identify optimal configurations for real-world applications by examining the trade-offs among accuracy, processing time, and computational efficiency. Pre-trained image classification models were evaluated on datasets comprising high-, low-, and mixed-resolution images, including natural landscapes, medical scans, and complex scenes. Each experimental condition was assessed in both CPU and GPU environments to measure recognition accuracy and processing time. The results indicated that high-resolution images generally improved recognition accuracy but also increased processing time and computational demands. Image complexity was found to affect both accuracy and inference time, particularly for deeper models. GPUs consistently outperformed CPUs, reducing inference time by more than 72 percent in some cases, especially when processing high-resolution or complex images. Nevertheless, CPUs provided acceptable performance for simpler tasks or in hardware-constrained environments. Overall, these findings provide practical guidance for selecting appropriate hardware and image configurations to optimize the performance of image recognition systems.
PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS ON THE ANATOMICAL LINKS WITHIN THE DONKEY DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
The domestic donkey (Equus asinus) is descended from the African wild ass (Equus asinus africanus). In most developing countries, donkeys are used to carry goods and water, and to guard herds as livestock guardians. Little attention has been given to the anatomical structure and morphological characteristics of donkeys, and they have not been extensively studied. This study aims to contribute to a better understanding of a part of donkey anatomy. The length of the intestine from the stomach to the rectum was measured in 9 animals. The donkeys belong to the Balkan donkey group. Considerations for analysis could include the efficiency of nutrient absorption, the role these segments play in donkeys’ overall digestive process, and the variability observed across specimens.
MECHANISMS OF MASTITIS IN DAIRY CATTLE: INVOLVEMENT OF OXIDATIVE STRESS AND INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE
The transition period, spanning late gestation to early lactation, is a critical window for high-producing dairy cows due to markedly increased energy requirements. During this phase, cows undergo profound physiological and endocrine adaptations, often resulting in negative energy balance. Elevated metabolic activity drives higher oxygen consumption, leading to excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals, which trigger oxidative stress. At the same time, endogenous antioxidant defenses are frequently weakened, rendering biological macromolecules vulnerable to damage and disrupting normal metabolic and physiological functions. Consequently, cows are at heightened risk of metabolic and infectious disorders, including ketosis, retained placenta, metritis, and particularly mastitis. Despite its often subclinical nature, oxidative stress has emerged as a major factor influencing animal health and productivity, making it a growing area of interest in veterinary research. This review consolidates current insights into the mechanisms and consequences of oxidative stress in dairy cattle, with a focus on its pathophysiological contribution to mastitis development. Furthermore, it highlights the broader implications of oxidative imbalance on lactation performance and overall herd wellbeing, underscoring the importance of targeted strategies to mitigate oxidative damage and optimize health outcomes in high-yielding dairy cows.
DIGITAL MARKETING STRATEGIES AND BUSINESS PRACTICES: CASE OF THE SOUTH-WEST REGION OF THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA
This paper explores the digital marketing strategies and business practices of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Southwestern region of the Republic of North Macedonia. This region represents a tourism-driven area with a growing presence of small and medium-sized enterprises. Rather than focusing on consumer perspectives, the study examines how businesses develop, implement, and measure digital marketing activities to enhance their market presence and customer interaction. Using a quantitative research approach, data were collected from 31 local enterprises to identify the extent of digital channel use, strategic objectives, and performance indicators. The findings contribute to understanding how regional businesses leverage digital tools to strengthen brand visibility, engage customers, and advance their competitive positioning in emerging digital markets. The insights and recommendations provided aim to guide marketers in developing effective digital marketing strategies that resonate with their target audiences and adapt to the dynamic digital landscape.
TOURIST VALORIZATION OF THE CENTRAL CULTURAL CORE OF PRILEP, BASED ON HILARY DU CROS’ MODEL
This paper identified and investigated the cultural assets of Prilep that had the potential to generate economic benefits for the local community, recognizing cultural heritage as a key factor in tourism. It examined the influences on tourists and the role of cultural-historical monuments in tourism development. The research focused on six monuments representing various periods of Prilep’s cultural history. Valorization was conducted using Hilary du Cros’ method, designed to assess the tourist potential of cultural heritage. Findings based on sub-indicator analysis placed Prilep in cell M (2,3) of the tourist valorization matrix, confirming strong potential for cultural heritage tourism. However, to fully realize this potential and ensure sustainability, a strategic, integrated approach was considered essential. The results highlighted the need for planned management, continuous monitoring and promotion, infrastructure development, and mitigation of negative impacts from tourism, including risks to cultural assets due to investment projects. Based on the findings and assuming key conditions were met, it was proposed that Prilep be included on North Macedonia’s tourist map.
LEGAL AMBIGUITIES AND STATE TIES: ASSESSING THE WAGNER GROUP UNDER INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW
The Wagner Group, a Russian state-linked private military company (PMC), exemplifies the growing use of quasi-state armed actors in contemporary conflicts. Operating across multiple theatres, including Ukraine, Syria, and several African states, Wagner blurs the boundaries between state and non-state actors, raising profound legal and political questions. This article examines the group’s status and activities through the lens of international humanitarian law (IHL), focusing on combatant classification, state responsibility, and accountability for violations of the laws of armed conflict. Drawing on treaty provisions, customary norms, and relevant jurisprudence, it argues that the Wagner Group’s close operational and financial ties to the Russian Federation create a hybrid legal profile that challenges traditional frameworks of attribution and liability. The analysis highlights the urgent need to clarify the application of IHL to private military entities operating under state direction and offers recommendations to strengthen oversight and enforcement mechanisms.
Copyright (c) 2025 Vesna Poposka, Aleksandar Grizhev, Goran Ilik https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
MODERN ASPECTS OF QUASICONTINUOUS FUNCTIONS
The concept of continuity became an inspiration for the creation of topology. In the 20th century, there were many attempts to generalize this concept. One such attempt was made by the Polish mathematician Stefan Kempisty in the 1920s, when he introduced the concept of quasicontinuity. Various concepts of continuity in topological spaces are defined and their interconnections are examined. In this paper, we consider only Kempisty's quasicontinuity for functions of several real variables, in order to give a new approach to these functions regarding various applications in many fields of technical sciences. New proofs are provided for three of his fundamental theorems from his original work. A new generalization of Kempisty's theorem is made with three new theorems, each of which is individually stronger than Kempisty's theorem and which address the issues posed by his theorem. Two of these theorems, in general form, were proved by J. Ewert, who obtained them while examining multiplied functions, but the proofs given in this paper do not utilize the mentioned results of J. Ewert.
THE IMPACT OF THE ZEOLITE ON THE GROWTH OF THE COMMERCIALLY GROWN RAINBOW TROUT
This study evaluates the impact of zeolite supplementation in feed on the growth and condition of commercially grown rainbow trout. Over 12 weeks, 600 rainbow trout were divided into three groups (200 fish per group) and reared under standardized conditions. Group A received only commercial feed, while Groups B and C were supplemented with 1% and 2% zeolite, respectively. Growth performance and Fulton’s condition factor were assessed biweekly on eight occasions. The greatest growth was observed in Group B, followed by Group C, with the lowest growth in Group A. Fulton’s condition factor decreased as fish mass and length increased, ranging from 1.34 to 0.91 in Group A, 1.34 to 0.84 in Group B, and 1.12 to 0.96 in Group C. Notably, Group C demonstrated the best final condition factor (0.96) and feed conversion efficiency. Zeolite supplementation, particularly at 1%, significantly enhances growth performance in rainbow trout, while 2% supplementation improves condition factor and feed efficiency. These findings highlight zeolite's potential as a beneficial feed additive in aquaculture systems. Further research is recommended to optimize dosage and evaluate long-term effects.
TREATMENT OF CHRONIC PAIN IN PERSONS WITH CERVICAL SYNDROME: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Cervical syndrome, characterized by chronic neck pain and functional impairments affects quality of life. This review aimed to assess the determinants of quality of life and the effects of physical treatments in managing chronic neck pain. A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE and Elsevier databases, selecting studies published between 2010 and 2023 based on the PICOS criteria. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated with Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Twenty-nine studies analyzing interventions such as stabilization exercises, McKenzie techniques, Pilates and Feldenkrais methods were reviewed in this study. The results indicated that physical treatments reduced pain intensity and improved quality of life, with combined physical and psychological therapies seeking superior outcomes. However, considerable heterogeneity was observed in pain reduction (I² = 65%) and quality-of-life improvement (I² = 72%), and methodological limitations were noted, especially regarding blinding and comparability. This review focus on the effects of physical treatments for chronic neck pain while accenting the need for standardized protocols and integrated therapeutic approaches to improve patient outcomes.
ENHANCING QUALITY AND EXTENDING SHELF LIFE: THE ROLE OF Ɣ-IRRADIATED BLACK PEPPER (PIPER NIGRUM) IN MORTADELLA PRESERVATION DURING COLD STORAGE
The aim of this study was to assess the impact of incorporating Ɣ-irradiated black pepper (Piper nigrum) at the maximum approved radiation dose of 10 kGy on the quality characteristics and shelf-life of sliced mortadella bologna-type sausage (IBP) stored at 4 ± 2 °C for 21 days in vacuum packaging. The sterility of the black pepper grains was confirmed using the standard microbiological agar plate method, revealing < 0.01 log cfu/g microbial activity, a state maintained after the pepper's addition at 1.5% of the total sausage mass. This led to an extended lag phase in microbial growth within the IBP samples during storage, positively influencing various sensory and biochemical parameters. Statistically significant improvements (p ≤ 0.05) in hardness and color intensity were observed by the 14th day, enhancing overall appearance and resulting in lower TVB-N values due to decreased microbial activity. These findings suggest that Ɣ-irradiated black pepper can enhance the quality and extend the shelf-life of mortadella bologna-type sausages during cold storage in normal atmosphere packaging.
EVOLVING LEGAL RESPONSES TO STALKING AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT: A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
The aim of the paper is to study the phenomenon of stalking and sexual harassment, which, from being an invisible “private problem,” has gained the focus of a “public phenomenon” worthy of the attention of the global scientific community. The change in the perception of this phenomenon is accompanied by changes in legislative solutions. The paper begins by examining the causes of its emergence and presence throughout different periods. The paper presents several global and domestic studies and, through the obtained results, explains the reasons for its occurrence, risk factors, and typology of violent relationships. Тhe research method involves reviewing current legal practices, analyzing psychological factors that contribute to stalking behavior, and exploring the barriers victims face in reporting such incidents. The article examines international legal standards and domestic legislation with a focus on prevention. One chapter of the paper is dedicated to a comparative analysis of legislative solutions from several European countries and Western Balkan states. In the conclusions and recommendations for strengthening protective measures against stalking and sexual harassment, improvements, corrections, and changes in several segments are proposed to develop a strong strategy for the prevention and protection against stalking and sexual harassment.
ETHICAL AND LEGAL ASPECTS OF THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS: A SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PERSPECTIVE
In the face of the dynamic development of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in healthcare, this article analyzes the ethical and legal aspects of its use in an international context. The aim of the study was to identify key challenges related to the implementation of AI in medicine and to assess existing legal regulations and bioethical standards at the global level. The study employed a method of analyzing scientific literature, international legal acts, and reports from organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and the European Union. An assessment of existing legal regulations and bioethical standards in force at the global level was also conducted. The results indicated significant problems related to the protection of patient data, lack of algorithm transparency, and potential inequalities in access to AI technologies. The legal analysis revealed fragmentation of international regulations and the need for harmonization of provisions to effectively protect patient rights and ensure clinical safety. The conclusions emphasize the necessity of international cooperation in creating uniform legal and ethical frameworks for AI applications in medicine. De legeferenda conclusions are shaped as follows: establishing global standards, promoting ethical programming, and educating medical personnel and patients in the field of AI technologies to maximize benefits and minimize risks associated with its use.
FEMALE CHARACTERS’ RELATIONSHIP TOWARD THEIR BEAUTY IN LITERARY WORKS
The research question in this paper is related to the way female characters are described in the literary works of foreign and domestic famous authors with the aim to showcase their relation with the beauty specifically personal, self perceived beauty, and their differences and similarities. Sampled are 11 female characters from different time periods, starting from ancient times to the present day. The analysis rests on the actantial model and on the qualitative content analysis in which the coding is the base. Five categories of female characters, i.e. women who treat their personal beauty in a different way are distinguished: women who perceive themselves as unmatched beauties or who are vain or narcissistic in the world, then there are the opposite types of narcissists, those beauties who remain indifferent to their own beauty, then women who fear their beauty, cold beauties and finally, those whose beauty is untouched by time.
А COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF FIRST-PERSON PRONOUN USE IN AI AND HUMAN ESSAYS
This study comparatively analyzed the use of the personal pronoun “I” in AI-generated and human-written essays through an AntConc analysis of two self-made corpora of texts, to (dis)prove the hypothesis: AI-generated essays will use the first-person pronoun "I" significantly less frequently than human-written essays. The first corpus of essays in this study, all generated by ChatGPT, consisted of 100 essays totaling 29,442 words. The second corpus of 100 essays, written by humans, included texts with a total word count of 39,878. The frequency analysis revealed a significant disparity in the use of the pronoun “I” between the two corpora. In the AI-generated essays, "I" was used only 15 times, contrasting sharply with the human-written essays, where “I” appeared a total of 523 times. These findings showed the noteworthy differences in the narrative styles of AI and human writers, showing the potential limitations of free Generative AI models in replicating human-like self-reference and subjectivity in written discourse.
OPTIMIZING EFL INSTRUCTION FOR BILINGUAL LEARNERS IN NORTH MACEDONIA
More and more children nowadays are exposed to content in English from an early age. They acquire English alongside their native Macedonian and, as a result, speak the foreign language fluently before they even begin attending school. Thus, EFL teachers in North Macedonia regularly encounter students with exceptional English proficiency who use the language as a native tongue rather than a foreign language. The number of such children is high and ever-growing. Understanding this, this study addresses the perceived lack of a suitable curriculum for these advanced learners. We aim to bridge the gap between their language abilities and standard English instruction by developing a program for fourth-grade bilingual students. To understand students’ needs, benefits, and challenges comprehensively, we incorporated teacher feedback via a survey into the process. Our findings indicated that many bilingual students seem to be under-challenged in traditional English classes. Despite administrative hurdles and potential motivational issues, our findings suggest that tailored instruction would yield many advantages for bilingual students in North Macedonia.
INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE: INSIGHTS INTO SOCIOLINGUISTIC, DISCOURSE AND STRATEGIC PROFICIENCY OF ESP STUDENTS
In this increasingly interconnected world, effective intercultural communication is vital for tackling diverse social and professional contexts. This study explores intercultural communicative competence (ICC), with a specific focus on examining sociolinguistic, discourse, and strategic abilities. Using a Google Forms questionnaire, data were gathered from 37 participants across various age groups (18-38 years). It included 37 ESP students from the Faculty of Biotechnical Sciences, at St. Kliment Ohridski University-Bitola, enrolled across various food technology undergraduate, master’s and PhD programs. This sample was selected because it included current and potential future participants in student exchange programs (ERASMUS, CEEPUS), as well as foreign students studying at the faculty, making them particularly relevant for evaluating intercultural communicative competence. The analysis reveal certain perceptions into participants' capacities to adapt speech to different communication contexts, engage in conversations with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, and employ strategic communication strategies when faced with language barriers. This is a supplementary analysis and it provides an investigation of ICC, highlighting how sociolinguistic, discourse, and strategic competencies intersect. The findings point out both the strengths as well as the weaknesses of the participants’ ICC, highlighting the need for acquisition of the aforesaid competencies for the efficient conduct of their intercultural communication endeavors, offering recommendations for educators and researchers to improve intercultural communication in the modern world.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE MOTHER-DAUGHTER RELATIONSHIP AND THE LOSS OF THE MOTHER THROUGH THE PRISM OF THE NOVEL "BELLA SAMA" BY VIOLETA TANCHEVA-ZLATEVA
The subject of interest in the scientific article is the latest prose work of the Macedonian writer Violeta Tancheva-Zlateva, titled unusually “Bella sama”. The novel follows the family history of the adolescent Bella, from the moment before her birth, up to her enrollment in college. The article examines the mother-daughter relationship, through Maria Lena's relationship with her aunt, as a surrogate mother figure, then the relationship between Maria Lena and her daughter Bella. In the article, great attention is paid to the meaning of this relationship, in order to highlight its importance in the development of a young person. Accordingly, the article discusses the impact of the loss/death of the mother on the adolescent Bella, the way she copes with grief, but also how she manages to continue fighting in life on her own.
DIFFERENT PERCEPTION REGARDING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES – UNEMPLOYED INDIVIDUALS AND EMPLOYERS
A frequent problem faced by employers in the labor market in the Republic of North Macedonia are candidates who possess formal knowledge but lack the necessary skills, abilities and knowledge. In short – they lack the competencies required for successful performance in a specific job position. In every hiring process, employers first assess the competencies possessed by the job candidate, or the potential that determines whether they will be successful in the workplace. It should be emphasized that competencies encompass skills, abilities, knowledge and personal traits that match the job requirements, determining whether a specific candidate is suitable for the job or needs to improve some skills and develop competencies necessary for the position. Most of the technical competencies should ideally be acquired during formal education i.e. undergraduate studies for the majority of citizens in Macedonia. The entire problem regarding the different perceptions of employment opportunities between the two sides of this issue – the unemployed and the employers – lies in the different assessment of the candidate's competencies from both sides (often including a lack of awareness of the competencies required for the job being applied for by the candidates). The analysis in this paper is focused on this extremely relevant issue, with an emphasis on the fact that quality education based on real needs is the foundation for a healthy economy, a healthy labor market and progress in any country.
ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL MEDIA PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGEMENT IN MACEDONIAN AND TURKISH FOOTBALL CLUBS IN SEASON 22/23
Public relations essentially represent one of the most effective ways to communicate and promote sports clubs. Two-way communication is a key element of well-organized and orderly public relations. With the emergence of social networks, due to the opportunities they offer, public relations represent an important link in the successful management of every sports club. The main goal of the research is to present the current state of public relations management on social networks among football clubs from the First Macedonian League and football clubs from the First Turkish Super League, as well as to make a comparison between the two leagues. In order for the data source to be objective, we applied the following research methods: observation method, analysis method, comparative analysis and synthesis method. After analyzing all segments that indicate the level of success of public relations management through social media, we can conclude that football clubs from the First Macedonian football league do not work enough on public relations and are far less successful compared to football clubs from the First Turkish Super League who recognized the importance of successfully managing public relations through social media for their club.
PRIVACY AND PERSONAL INFORMATION PROTECTION IN KOSOVO: CHALLENGES AND PERSPECTIVES
As a fundamental human right, privacy, and data protection are becoming increasingly important in the digital age. This study examines the challenges and opportunities for privacy and data protection in Kosovo, with a particular focus on the legal system, the impact of technology, and public awareness. A qualitative research approach was used, reviewing reports from relevant organizations, international treaties, and legal documents. While the findings show significant progress in aligning Kosovo’s legal system with European standards, they also reveal gaps in implementation and knowledge. Rapid technological advances have outpaced legislative measures and exposed vulnerabilities in data security. The study comes to the conclusion that in order to address these issues, it is imperative to enhance the National Agency for Personal Data Protection, improve enforcement mechanisms, and advance public education. Establishing robust protections for personal data in Kosovo's changing digital environment requires cooperation between the public and commercial sectors.
Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE STATE AUTHORITIES AND INSTITUTIONS IN THE SUPPRESSION OF CORRUPTION IN THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA
Corruption is a phenomenon that seriously threatens the rule of law, because instead of the rule of law and its norms, it will be ruled by individuals guided by self-interested goals. Corruption is a criminal phenomenon with a wide spectrum of criminal acts that manifest from the lowest level of „petty “but „widespread“corruption to the highest level of „high“ corruption, which is a „cancerous wound“ for the development of democracy and human rights of citizens. It is direct attack on the constitutional order, above all on the constitutional principles and guarantees for human freedoms, rights and equality of citizens. The exercise of public powers very often takes on the character of performing certain services only for those citizens who can pay for them. However, the most serious forms of corruption are the abuse of public powers, power and their use by acquiring wealth to the detriment of the state budget and damage to citizens and entrepreneurship as entities that set aside from their incomes to fill the state budget. The rule of law should guarantee „the freedom of the market and entrepreneurship and ensure an equal position of all subjects in the market entities“ to guarantee the freedom and equality of citizens in all spheres of social life. Suppression of corruption is the responsibility of several state bodies and institutions, but how efficient and effective they are in their actions is the subject of this research for the period from 2018 to 2022 through the use of a normative analysis method, a comparison method and a statistical method.
ACCESS TO PUBLIC INFORMATION AS A FUNDAMENTAL DEMOCRATIC RIGHT OF CITIZENS
Countries that insist on development of a democratic society for freedom of information, that is, the right to access public documents. Only informed citizens are able to make correct decisions about each government and evaluate their work. That is why in this paper I will try to sublimate in one place all the documents starting from the Constitution of RNM through the Law on Free Access to Public Information as well as the international Conventions and Declarations on which these norms are based in our country. The goal that the author wants to achieve is to see to what extent the international standards for informing citizens are incorporated in the part of transparency in the operation of the institutions and to what extent the possibility of "positive obligation" is applied by the holders of information of public interest, in terms of the commitment to inform the citizens, directly or through the media. The data that is used in this paper is provided through a content analysis of the documents related to the given problem, as well as through an analysis of the answers given to a survey questionnaire addressed to a reference number of respondents made in the period May - September 2023.
PROVIDING “LEGAL IDENTITY” FOR ALL – THE CASE OF THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA
From birth, each individual has the right to have an identity. The identity of an individual is the assertion of his or her existence in a society and is a fundamental human right. However, hundreds of millions of people go without proper identification, without the means to officially verify who they are, and about half of the world's nations lack a system of universal birth and death registration. The UN has recognized that and so ‘legal identity for all including birth registration’ has been established as one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. When it comes to the Republic of North Macedonia, about hundreds of people were not registered in the birth register, without established legal and civil identity. As a result, these people could not receive treatment, use social assistance services, be involved in formal education, earn for a dignified life and acquire citizenship.The too long non-resolution of their status, the failures of previous initiatives and the real challenges and difficulties they faced imposed the need for a permanent and systemic solution to this burning problem.Just a few months ago, the amendments of few laws were finally adopted by the Parliament, with which all unregistered persons in the country who fought with the system to prove their legal identity, obtain personal documents, and thus gain access to basic rights, should become full-fledged citizens of the Republic of North Macedonia. Through the analysis of the previous and current legal solutions to this problem, this paper will provide a more comprehensive analysis of the existing and future challenges that stand оn the way of the ultimate goal - securing a legal identity for all.
LEGAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL ASPECTS OF FIGHT AGAINST NARCO-CRIMES IN SERBIA: STATE AND DEVELOPMENT
Paper deals with the problem of drug abuse in Republic Serbia which is one of the most difficult forms of the organized crime. The first part gives an overview of the concept, type and characteristics of the drug. The second part is dedicated to the national legislative framework for combating drug abuse. Particular attention is paid to solutions in the Criminal Code, strategic documents and action plans, then to authorized bodies (court, prosecution, police, and medical institutions) as well as multi-agency co-operation on the national level. The situation and the movement of narco crime were based on data from investigations of charged and convicted persons within ten years period. In concluding considerations state the need for harmonization of legal solutions in accordance with court practice and EU standards as well as strengthening the social response.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AS A GLOBAL PHENOMENA
Environmental protection is very important in today's conditions due to the enormous pollution of the planet Earth.The consumption of natural resources and the use of renewable energy sources are particularly significant. Sustainable development is one of the principles of environmental protection that is significant for the development of humanity. This principle is part of international environmental law and refers to the sustainable use of resources, taking into account future generations. The author of the paper analyzes the international legal framework and indicators of sustainable development. The author also gives some recommendations on how to apply this principle in the next period.