Prof. Assoc. Arben Kaçurri1, Mark Dodaj2, Enkeleida Lleshi3 1,2,3Department of Sports Performance, 1,2,3 Sports Research Institute, Sports University of Tirana, Albania 1ORCID ID; Arben Kaçurri https://orcid.org/0009-0005-9788-0693, 2ORCID ID; Mark Dodaj https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6505-6918 3ORCID ID; Enkeleida Lleshi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2800-4615 Corresponding Author: Enkeleida Lleshi enlleshi@yahoo.com https://doi.org/10.63711/ijdr.net20250201 Download: Full Text PDF ABSTRACT Virtual games are an example of a new technique to improve balance. This research is to assess gender differences in balance parameters and provide immediate feedback on the impact of walking. Method; No.30 female and No.34 male, aged 20 – 21 years, hiked every two days for 20 days, for several hours and involved elevation gain on uneven terrain, according to a present program. Isokinetic & isomeric force of knee extension & flexion were measured by using the Dynamometer Genu/Prima (Easy tech), in two testing sessions, before and after hiking program. In each testing session the force test was executed once. Results; Force index scores were used as indicators to define the difference. Hiking has positive effects on strength parameters and girls experience less improvement in strength parameters than boys. The force index score in isokinetic trial were increased 18.66% (p < 0.05) for the male group, 5.89% (p < 0.55) ns, and in the isometric force trial the index scores after hiking were increased 21.54% (p < 0.05) for the male group, 7.68% (p < 0.25) ns for the female. The work index (J) estimated after hiking were increased in both, male and female, respectively 14.44% (p < 0.05) for the male group, 6.78% (p < 0.35) the female group. Conclusion; Future research on the impact of hiking on motor skills and strength metrics would be helpful. It is necessary to conduct intervention research designed to assess the impact of hiking as a strength training method on enhancing motor abilities.
Business and Moral Conflicts. Ethical Challenges in Contemporary Management
Prof. Dr. Mariya Kicheva-Kirova Department of Business Administration College of Tourism – Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria E-mail: maria_55@mail.bg ORCID: 0000-0002-1313-1814 Download: Full Text PDF https://doi.org/10.63711/ijdr.net20250104 ABSTRACT As society and business evolve rapidly, ethical dilemmas surrounding their governance are becoming increasingly significant. This article examines the complex landscape of moral conflicts in the business world, highlighting the pressures and stress experienced by corporate leaders. It explores the roles of various stakeholders, the erosion of trust, and the challenges to managerial integrity and honesty under continuous scrutiny. The discussion focuses on the root causes of ethical tensions across multiple levels – employees, organizations, trade relations, society, and the global business environment. The analysis reveals that ethical issues are not isolated incidents but deeply embedded problems within modern management. As such, they require a comprehensive exploration and a reasoned framework for identifying corrective strategies. Through ethical leadership and improved decision-making, organizations can enhance stakeholder satisfaction and promote more responsible and sustainable business practices. Keywords: Ethical pressure, Ethical stress, Trust, Integrity, Honesty
Dark Tourism in Bulgaria – A Conceptual Guidebook
Dr. Vladimir Karadzhov Chief Assistant Professor, PhD (Economic and Social Geography) Department of Geography, Ecology and Environmental Protection Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, South-West University “Neofit Rilski” – Blagoevgrad E-mail: karadzhov@swu.bg ORCID: 0000-0002-7514-5517 Download: Full Text PDF https://doi.org/10.63711/ijdr.net20250102 ABSTRACT This article explores the phenomenon of dark tourism in Bulgaria, a niche tourism sector that focuses on sites associated with tragedy, death, and the macabre. The author proposes a general classification of dark tourism sites, offering a framework to understand this unique form of tourism. The study further introduces the first exemplar guide to dark tourism in Bulgaria, presenting a comprehensive list of site based on the author’s extensive research. These include locations tied to Bulgaria’s turbulent history, such as abandoned Communist-era structures, post-war labor camps, and sites of cultural mythology. Visualizations of key destinations enhance the analysis, showcasing their significance and potential for tourism development. A detailed literature review situates Bulgaria’s dark tourism potential within global and regional contexts, identifying gaps and opportunities for sustainable growth. This study aims to stimulate further research and establish Bulgaria as a notable destination for dark tourism enthusiasts. Keywords: Dark tourism, Thanatourism, Disaster, Cultural Heritage, Guidebook
The Influence of Citizenship Education on National Identity in the EU
Dr. Rumyana Popova Chief Assistant Professor, PhD Department of Philosophical and Political Sciences, Faculty of Philosophy South-West University “Neofit Rilski” – Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria E-mail: r.popova@swu.bg ORCID: 0000-0001-5169-8558 Download: Full Text PDF https://doi.org/10.63711/ijdr.net20250103 ABSTRACT This study explores the complex relationship between citizenship education and national identity within the European Union (EU), focusing on the role of education as a key agent of political socialization. Citizenship education serves a dual function: it fosters a balanced sense of national belonging grounded in democratic values, and it acts as a safeguard against extreme forms of nationalism. In an era marked by globalization, migration, and rising populist movements, citizenship education equips young people with the knowledge, skills, and civic awareness necessary to navigate both national and European identities responsibly. The research underscores the compatibility of national and pan-European identity, highlighting that individuals can simultaneously identify with their cultural heritage and shared European values such as democracy, pluralism, and human rights. This dual identification contributes to social cohesion and intercultural understanding across the EU. Citizenship education is positioned as a proactive tool in countering polarization, xenophobia, and authoritarian populism, helping learners develop critical thinking, civic responsibility, and respect for diversity. Referring to EU policy frameworks and educational practices, the paper demonstrates that effective citizenship education can mitigate societal fragmentation and foster a politically literate and engaged civil society. It provides insights into how national and European dimensions of identity can be harmonized through inclusive, values-based education. The findings aim to support educators and policymakers in enhancing citizenship education’s capacity to reinforce democratic culture and sustain identity in the European context. Keywords: identity, citizenship, nations and nationalism, education, EU, politics
Editorial
Welcome to the First Issue of the International Journal of Digital Research (IJDR).
Assessment of Physical Components in Young Boys’ Volleyball Players
Dr. Artan Pogoni1, Prof. Assoc. Enkeleida Lleshi2 1Department of Physical Education and Sports, 2Department of Sports Performance, 1Faculty of Social Sciences, Tourism and Sports, “Barleti” University, Albania 2Sports Research Institute, Sports University of Tirana, Albania Corresponding Author: Enkeleida Lleshi enlleshi@tahoo.com https://doi.org/10.63711/ijdr.net20250101 Download: Full Text PDF ABSTRACT In collective sports such as volleyball, football, basketball among other technical elements that these kinds of sports contain parameters of other physical abilities are also required. The aim of this study was to find out the trend of improvement and differences in the age of anthropometric and physical abilities of boys who practice the sport of volleyball in Albania. Methods: Participants in this study were (N=120) volleyball players from three age categories as follows; 12-14 yrs. N=40, 14-16 yrs. N= 40, and 16-18 yrs. N=40. Measurement for Body Weight (BW), Body Height (BH) and waist circumference. Physical abilities; push up test, curl-up test, standing long jump and vertical jump test. Results: Results from ANOVA analysis between three age categories show significant differences. Data of this study for jumping performance using vertical jump CMJ test between groups show (mean difference= 16.7 cm; Sig= 0.026). Data show (mean difference= 21.3 cm; Sig= 0.004) while for vertical jump Run up test between groups. Conclusion: Final results show a statistical increase between age categories for body weight, height and stranding long jump, vertical jump (CMJ and run-up) while for the other measurement of physical fitness components no significant improvement was to be found mostly in boys volleyball players with regard to age groups. Keywords: boys, physical abilities, volleyball, anthropometric.
