UBT Researchers Present Studies on Food Safety, Public Health, and Sustainable Development

27/10/2026

As part of UBT’s International Scientific Conference, researchers and experts presented scientific papers in the fields of food safety, nutrition, public health, agriculture, environmental protection, and sustainable development. Across two scientific sessions, participants addressed issues of importance to public health and well-being, food product quality, natural resource management, and the advancement of production processes in Kosovo.

The research covered topics including the detection of undeclared gluten-containing materials in meat products, the assessment of wheat flour enriched with folic acid and iron, and farmers’ and consumers’ willingness to pay for traditional food products. Further discussions focused on the effects of nutrition, dietary supplements, and physical activity on human health; the physicochemical and microbiological quality of water; and the prevalence and management of allergic diseases among adults in Kosovo.

First Session

Chair: Violeta Lajqi Makolli

Co-Chair: Ismet Babaj

• Xhavit Bytyçi, Dafina Mehmetukaj, Armend Cana – Occurrence of Undeclared Gluten-Containing Cereal Material in Industrial and Traditional Sausages Marketed in Kosovo: A RealTime PCR Study
• Era Gavazi, Violeta Lajqi, Sami Makolli, Blend Broqi, Flutura C. Ajazi, Cengiz Cesko – Assessment of Physicochemical Properties of Wheat Flour Supplemented with Folic Acid and Iron
• Njazi Bytyqi, Mentor Thaqi – Willingness to Pay for Traditional Food Products: Evidence from Farmers and Consumers in Kosovo
• Eglantina Kraja Bardhi, Jeton Gutaj, Elsa Ibrahimi – The Effects of Diet, Dietary Supplements, and Physical Fitness on Body Composition and Biochemical Parameters
• Arianeta Nura, Luljeta Ajdini, Flutura C. Ajazi, Fidan Feka, Violeta Lajqi Makolli, Pajtim Bytyqi, Merisa Hoti, Veton Haziri – Assessment of Physicochemical and Microbiological Water Quality in an Artificial Lake Used for Drinking Water Supply: A Comparative Analysis of Two Sampling Levels in June 2024 and August 2026
• Laura Binxhija Qeska, Arbnora Batalli, Greta Qeska – Prevalence, Associated Factors, Impact on Quality of Life, and Management of Allergic Diseases among Adults in Kosovo

Second Session

Chair: Xhavit Bytyçi

Co-Chair: Flutura Ajazi

• Albina Emini, Albena Kadiri, Majlinda Berisha – Effects of Methylene Blue on Physiological, Biochemical, and Behavioral Responses in Helix pomatia
• Argzon Kamberaj, Emine Daci-Zejnullahi – The Role of the WTO in Harmonizing International Food Safety Standards: Challenges and Prospects of the Meat Sector in Kosovo
• Blerona Stublla, Egzona Behrami, Alketa Nuha, Fitore Rukovci, Ilir Mazreku – Influence of Caffeine, Taurine, Vitamin C, and Environmental Factors on Social Behaviour in Adult Zebrafish (Danio rerio)
• Dion Bardhi, Fat Taraku, Arta Demaj – Contribution of Nutrition Therapy and Physical Activity to the Improvement of Clinical Outcomes in Patients Diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus
• Lumta Dida, Mohamed Mannaa, Bekri Xhemaili, Agon Bunjaku, Gazmend Gjinovci – Grapevine Viruses in Kosovo: Published Evidence, Diagnostic Gaps, and Sanitary Management Priorities
• Violeta Lajqi, Sami Makolli, Ardea Nikqi, Veton Haziri, Arianeta Nura, Diellza Elshani – Consumer Perceptions of Bottled Water Quality and Safety in Kosovo: Factors Influencing Purchasing Decisions
• Shpresa Canolli-Mekolli, Arnesa Hoti, Ilir Mazreku – Protective Effects of Curcumin against Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Stress in Earthworms (Lumbricus spp.)
• Aulona Sfishta, Nora Rrahimi Hasani – Food Adulteration and Food Fortification: An Analysis of Consumer Awareness and Marketing Influence
• Fahrije Fejzullahu – Traditional Knowledge on the Treatment of Livestock Diseases in Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Serbia
• Fisnik Shaqiri, Violeta Jetullahu – Development of an Integrated Quality Control Framework for Food Production Processes
• Nexhat Balaj, Hyzer Rizani, Vezir Januzi – Linden (Tilia spp.) as an Urban Tree: Ecological and Environmental Benefits
• Sami Gashi, Besa Veseli, Vehebi Sofiu – Digitalization of Urban Waste Management for Enhancing Service Performance
• Shkëlzim Ukaj, Edona Krasniqi, Smajl Rizani, Hyzer Rizani – The Importance of B Vitamins for Human Health and Ways of Obtaining Them
• Vezir Januzi, Fidan Feka, Nexhat Balaj, Hana Ramadani – Comparison of Strawberry Cultivars Based on the Quality of Processed Juice
• Fjolla Ejupi, Erika Bujna, Jaser Veseli, Quang D. Nguyen – Assessment of Fruit Waste and By-Product Management in Kosovo’s Fruit-Processing Industries
• Medin Zeqiri, Valon Derguti, Fidan Feka, Xhavit Bytyçi, Mergim Mestani, Violeta Lajqi, Ylli Bicoku – Access to and Utilization of Electronic Services in the Dairy Industry: A Case Study of KABI Dairy in Gjilan, Kosovo
• Lorike Salihu Berisha, Luljeta Pinguli, Leonita Salihu, Pajtim Bytyqi – Valorization of Agri-Food Waste in the Food Industry: Opportunities for Sustainable Resource Recovery

Through these sessions, UBT’s International Scientific Conference provided a platform for researchers and experts to exchange knowledge and present findings addressing key challenges in food safety, nutrition, public health, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. The studies highlighted the importance of scientific research and innovation in improving food quality, protecting public health, promoting responsible resource management, and supporting sustainable development in Kosovo.