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Digitalization as a Tool for Risk Management in the Agricultural Sector

Author(s): Hristina Harizanova-Bartos / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Risk management is an integral part of the management process of any organization, including in the agricultural sector. The increasing adoption of digital technologies is becoming an essential part of the sector's activities. The aim of this publication is to analyze the opportunities for risk management in the agricultural sector through the introduction of digital activities at both macro and micro levels. Digitalization in agriculture is crucial for managing risks and reducing the negative impact of agricultural activities. It can improve primary production, supply chain, logistics performance, and reduce food losses and waste. However, digitalization may pose risks due to significant investment in digital solutions and lags behind other sectors. Traditional methods often fail to reduce risks, but digital technologies can transform communication channels, build infrastructure, and reduce errors in data entry. By implementing risk management strategies, farmers can obtain more benefits and free up resources for other sectors. At the micro level, new technologies, access to digital markets, and improved risk management are being implemented at the individual farm level, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of the agricultural sector. The publication includes the following main tasks: 1) a theoretical review of the key risks in the agricultural sector; 2) an analysis of micro and macro risks in the sector that can be managed through digital technologies; and 3) key findings and conclusions. The publication draws its information from both – theoretical sources and agricultural sector research.

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Ecological Risk Assessment in Bulgaria

Author(s): Zornitsa Stoyanova / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

The pollution of natural resources in Bulgaria and the pressure on ecosystems make environmental risk assessment a necessary tool to overcome or reduce the environmental challenges in the country. Many environmental challenges make the topic of ecological risk assessment in Bulgaria actual and of significant public importance. The causes of ecological risks are complex. With increasing environmental challenges, the assessment of these risks become more complicated and comprehensive and the assessment process in both global and regional contexts is dynamic, developing and changing. Risk assessment is a necessary tool for identifying environmental threats in order to be under-taken a response regarding them. The aim of the paper is to assess the ecological risk in Bulgaria, on this basis to identify the types of ecological risks and outline proposals for their prevention. The methodological framework of the article includes a theoretical review of ecological risk assessment, analysis of environmental indicators in Bulgaria for the period 2013 – 2022, assessment of environ-mental risks in Bulgaria based on a survey. The risk indicators that were assessed are contamination of land resources, contamination of water resources, air quality pollution, biodiversity damage, natural disaster, toxic waste contamination, radiation, pesticide contamination, extreme temperatures and climate change. On the basis of the analyses and assessments, generalized conclusions, proposals and recommendations for ecological risk reduction are prepared. Almost all environmental risks assessed are identified as critical, and the strategy that would be most appropriate to address critical risks is risk avoidance. The recommendations that are proposed are as follows: 1) at institutional level – implementation of systems for continuous monitoring of critical environmental indicators, developing early warning systems for natural disasters and climate change, supporting environmental projects and initiatives, and organizing educational campaigns to raise public awareness; 2)at business level – investment in fixed tangible assets with an environmental purpose, renewing facilities and equipment, investing in safe innovative green technologies, optimizing production processes and reducing production waste, building sustainable supply chains and incorporating sustain-ability into corporate social responsibility; 3) at community and the individual level – collective efforts involving education and awareness raising, sustainable urban planning, effective waste management, public participation and volunteering. These and other measures can help to promote environmental awareness among consumers, while at the same time to be supported policy decisions and initiatives that contribute to sustainable development. Implementing environmentally measures and activities at all levels – institutional, business and community in response to the threats would have asynergistic effect in terms of reducing ecological risk and overcoming environmental challenges.

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Agricultural Dynamics in The EU and the Raw Material Super Cycle

Author(s): George Guerov,Nadezhda Blagoeva,Vanya Georgieva / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

This study aims to explore the impact of the Raw Material Supercycle (RMSC) on agricultural dynamics in the European Union (EU), focusing on key commodity crops such as wheat, maize, barley, sunflower, and the unorthodox but strategic choice of potatoes. The inclusion of potatoes is particularly relevant due to their dietary significance, adaptability to diverse growing conditions, and their potential as a substitute crop during periods of raw material volatility. The research investigates how global raw material trends influence crop production, e port values, and market structures within the EU. Moreover, it seeks to identify key domestic and policy-driven factors that moderate the RMSC’s effects on the agricultural sector. Methodology: Utilizing a multi-method research approach, the study combines regression models with comparative analysis and trend analysis. Regression models are applied to assess the influence of the RMSC on production volumes and e port values of wheat, maize, barley, sunflower, and potatoes. The study contrasts the performance of these crops during different phases of the super cycle, identifying key dependencies and divergent trends across the EU. Furthermore, the study tracks changes in the areas under harvest, yields, and production levels for each crop, providing a nuanced understanding of agricultural dynamics in light of global raw material fluctuations. Key Findings: The study reveals significant correlation between the RMSC and the performance of EU commodity crops. or instance, while France and Italy continue to dominate the e port market for wheat, Bulgaria has emerged as a rising producer, with strong potential for future dominance in this sector. The choice of potatoes, often overlooked in traditional studies, proved insightful, as their unique growing flexibility and substitutive value contributes to mitigating the impact of raw material price volatility. Moreover, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) plays important, but limited in effects role in moderating the global super cycle’s effects by providing subsidies that buffer internal market dynamics. Originality/Scientific Novelty: This research provides an in-depth analysis of how global raw material cycles influence regional agricultural systems, specifically addressing the unorthodox yet strategic role of potatoes. By integrating crop-specific performance during different RMSC phases, it contributes a new understanding of localized agricultural vulnerabilities and resilience. Practical Value/Implications: The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, particularly in crafting agricultural strategies that can anticipate and mitigate the effects of future super cycle phases. Recommendations include targeted investments in crop diversity and substitutable crops, with implications for strengthening agricultural resilience across the EU.

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The Evolution of Associative Forms in Agriculture/Fruit Growing Culture in Romania

Author(s): Nicoleta Marin,Raluca Mitulescu,Iulia Alexandra OPREA,Eliza Gheorghe,Alexandra Rusu / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

In Romania, there is a significant diversity of forms of association that operate in various fields, both based on the activities carried out and on the specifics of the economic branches, at county, regional and national level. This diversity includes, but is not limited to, producer associations, producer groups, cooperatives, branch unions, etc. Over time, the activity of these associative entities has been subject to a legislative framework that has evolved to respond to the specific needs and challenges faced by these organizations. The present study aims to provide a detailed analysis of the evolution of the forms of association in Romania, focusing on identifying the essential similarities and differences between cooperatives and producer groups. This analysis will include an in-depth examination of the organizational structure of cooperatives and producer groups, based on the latest available data on this sector of the economy. In assessing the current state of fruit farms in Romania, a detailed analysis of data from 2005 – 2020 was carried out, considered the most recent source of information at farm level. This assessment was carried out using an approach that considered the legal form of the farms, their physical and economic size, and the development regions in which they are located. Thus, the study will not only bring to the fore relevant information about the fruit sector, but will also contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamics and diversity of the forms of association in Romania, providing a solid basis for future research and development in this field. In addition, the analysis will also include aspects related to the impact of climate change on production, as well as consumption trends influencing the fruit market. These elements are essential to outline an overview of the challenges faced by farmers and to identify opportunities for growth and adaptation in the face of global change. We will also examine the role of agricultural policies and subsidies in supporting the sector, highlighting how they can stimulate innovation and sustainability, but also the vocational training of farmers, which has contributed to increasing the number of plantations, the quality of products and their diversification. The importance of European grants thus becomes obvious, as they have not only stimulated the increase in the number of fruit farms, but have also contributed to the development of a more competitive and innovative agricultural economy in Romania.

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Sludge from Wastewater Treatment Plants in Bulgaria – Waste or Resource

Author(s): Liliya Ananieva / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Environmental pollution leads to significant economic losses, which arise from the costs of waste treatment and management. The need for sustainable management and effective prevention and control measures is essential to reduce these negative impacts and ensure long-term economic growth and social well-being. At the same time, waste represents an opportunity to generate economic value through recycling, composting and the use of waste as raw materials. The management of waste streams and the market for secondary raw materials presents both significant challenges and many opportunities for the modern world. Proper understanding, sustainable management and appropriate utilization of these resources can initiate a new model of interaction with the environment, which in turn can contribute to achieving significant economic and environmental benefits. The object of this study is the sludge from wastewater treatment plants as part of specific waste streams, as well as their management activities and reporting values presented for a 10-year period within Bulgaria. The aggregates related to the sludge generation and recovery activities of the Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) in Bulgaria have been subject to a dynamic development during the last decade. The focus is on their recovery as a resource and not only as a waste. The thesis that by proper treatment, sludge can be transformed into a resource that can in turn be used appropriately in various processes is discussed. This can reduce the need for primary resources and contribute to the sustainable development of particular economic sectors by, for example, favoring intensive farming/agriculture activities and the implications this brings. The main objective of this paper is to classify the main types of waste streams and to look at the current status of sewage sludge and the opportunities for its reuse in the economic cycle. The main challenges and opportunities in the sector will be identified, as well as current effective management strategies and policies. An overview is also given of the legislative framework for sludge management in Bulgaria and the European Union, which plays a key role in regulating sludge recovery. It is essential to note that, under European legislation, sludge is safe where proper management is in place. With that being said, and in the light of the ongoing trends towards sustainable development, there is an increasing need to focus attention on this direction by applying specific sustainable methods for their recovery. The report highlights the importance of sustainable sludge management, with a strong emphasis on the need to continue efforts for sustainable sludge management in Bulgaria and in general.

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Contribution of European Programs to Development – Competitiveness – Innovation and Generally to The Economy for The Region of Peloponnese Over the Last 20 Years in The Field of Manufacturing

Author(s): Georgius Kyriakopoulos,Dimitrios Petropoulos / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

This research analyzes the contribution of European programs regarding the enhancement of innovation and competitiveness for manufacturing in the Peloponnese Region for the last 20 years. It touches on the relationship between NSR programs and the funding provided to local manufacturing businesses, as well as the impact of changes on sustainability and development. Particular emphasis is placed on assessing how these programs contribute to improving production, promoting technological innovation and enhancing competitiveness at international level. The research focuses on strategies adopted by companies to utilize financial tools to modernize as well as the challenges they face in applying new technologies for sustainable development requirements. In this context, the role of the Structural funds in reforming industrial production and their contribution to the long-term development of the region is examined. The results of the survey aim to continue the economic development of the Peloponnese Region and emphasize the need to enhance sustainability, growth and innovation, with the main objective of consolidating competitive dynamics in manufacturing industry. The European Union plays a very important role in promoting regional development, competitive-ness in the Member States, innovation and a number of strategic financing initiatives. Over the last 20 years, the Peloponnese region in Greece has benefited significantly from these programs, particularly in the manufacturing sector. This paper aims to e amine the contribution of European pro-grams to the economic transformation and development of the Peloponnese, focusing on the manufacturing industry of the region.

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Black Sea – borderline or a launching hub for innovation and circularity

Author(s): Milen Baltov / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

2018 was a year when the Black Sea stood in the focus and was the favourite basin of the European Union policies towards the maritime issues and the emerging blue growth dimensions. 2019 turn to be the year of the so called “mission economy”, when the research and innovation policies of the EU took the track towards five mission areas – one of them on healthy oceans, seas, inland and coastal. Unfortunately at the end of 2021, when appeared the final version of this mission the Black Se was not namely written in its four limelight (pillars) – considering the majour basins around Europe. 2022 further escalated with the war that Russian Federation started against neighboring Ukraine. In this paper will be outlined both the logic of the mission “Restore our Oceans and Waters 2030”, and the business and innovation challenges when applying to the Black Sea basin and its coastal territories.

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Експериментални клаузи и регулаторни лаборатории – иновативни подходи за прототипиране на политики в областта на регулирането на високорискови системи с изкуствен интелект

Author(s): Irina Tsakova / Language(s): Bulgarian Publication Year: 0

The experimental regulatory environment, or regulatory sandbox, is part of the innovative regulatory tools already being implemented by EU member states. The main goal of the report is to present an analysis of the procedural legitimacy of regulatory laboratories as an innovative legal instrument for policy prototyping. The focus is placed on the specifics of the regime for establishing and operating regulatory laboratories and "testing in real conditions" in accordance with the provisions of the Artificial Intelligence Act (currently under consideration by the European Parliament). In the context of evidence-based policy, the report argues that experimental clauses and regulatory laboratories as opportunities, limitations, and risks for creating a secure and sustainable legal environment for the development of high technologies and artificial intelligence systems cannot be perceived as a standalone procedural meta-instrument in principle but should be integrated into existing traditional regulatory tools.

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Ethical regulations of AI in academic publishing – an overview

Author(s): Atanaska Cholakova / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

This article addresses key ethical questions surrounding AI in academic publishing and provides a short overview of existing policies and guidelines from major publishing organizations. Publishers today face the challenge to completely reshape their attitude towards new technologies and traditional methods of publishing and regulations shaping the publication process from start to finish. Comprehensive AI policies are required at every stage – from author’s guidelines to detailed instructions for editors and reviewers. The evolving publishing landscape raises important ethical considerations, extending beyond the publishing process itself to fundamental concepts such as authorship. A reevaluation of authorship as an institution is essential, along with a phenomenological approach to understanding the role of technology in generating meaning and mediating new ideas. While AI challenges traditional publishing, it also offers tools to combat unethical practices in publication process today.

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Използването на утайки от отпадъчни води в земеделието – законодателни изисквания в ЕС и България

Author(s): Liliya Ananieva-Zlateva / Language(s): Bulgarian Publication Year: 0

Sludge from wastewater disposal and treatment is an unavoidable by-product of economic activity. Its environmental management is a key factor for the protection of the environment and for the development of a circular economy. The rules and regulations established by the EU for the use of sewage sludge in agriculture promote this use while regulating it to prevent harmful effects on human health and the environment. The subject of this paper is the policy of sewage sludge management in the EU and Bulgaria. In this context, the development is outlined and presented the legislative and regulatory framework for the use of sewage sludge in agriculture at the European and national levels. The main strategic and normative documents defining the framework for policy implementation in this area are reviewed. As a result of the review, gaps have been identified and the need to revise and/or supplement some of the criteria applied in the legislation has been identified.

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Комуникационната политика в професионалното образование и обучение с помощта на дигитални технологии

Author(s): Rumyana Antova / Language(s): Bulgarian Publication Year: 0

In recent decades, the advancement of digital technologies has played a crucial role in scientific development, leading to their widespread integration into the education system. Nowadays, quality education relies heavily on the use of computers, multimedia, specialized software, and applications. This also applies to a large extent to vocational education, where a significant part of theoretical and practical training takes place in a digital environment. Various platforms and software for synchronous or asynchronous communication have been developed, new methods and approaches for pedagogical communication are used. These resources are available to students, teachers, guidance, and administration. The report will present the results of an empirical study conducted on the digitization of professional education and the new possibilities for implementing pedagogical communication in these conditions, including artificial intelligence.

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Challenges in Choosing the Type of Intrusion Detection and Prevention System to Increase the Level of Cybersecurity in the Organization

Author(s): Veselina Aleksandrova,Ivo Tasev,Violeta Vasileva / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS) are critical components of modern cybersecurity infrastructure. These systems help organizations protect their networks and data by detecting and preventing unauthorized access, misuse, and attacks. However, choosing the right type of IDPS can be a challenging task due to the complexity of modern cyber threats and the diversity of IDPS solutions available in the market. This paper discusses some of the challenges in choosing the type of IDPS to increase the level of cybersecurity in an organization. For this purpose, a comparative analysis of the correspondence between IDPS types and their ability to protect against ransomware has been developed, using the classification of tactics and techniques by the MITRE ATT&CK framework.

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Aspects of the Moldovan Investment Policy Transformation in the Pandemic Context

Author(s): Serghei PETIGHIN / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

In this article, based on an analysis of the content of the investment policy, changes in its environment caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, and the experience of a number of countries in overcoming it, some ways of transforming the state investment policy in the Republic of Moldova in the context of the coronavirus and in the post-pandemic period are considered. The complex nature and elements of investment policy are shown. The dual nature of the impact of the pandemic on investments is analyzed and, on this basis, some directions for reforming the investment policy of the Republic of Moldova are argued in order to support investors, increase the volume of attracted investments, reduce investment shocks and use new opportunities to attract investments.

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Assessment of the Influence of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Advancement of Digital Services in Bulgaria

Author(s): Plamen Milev / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

This paper examines the use of digital administrative services in Bulgaria during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, it investigates the benefits and challenges of using digital administrative services during the pandemic, the role of these services in ensuring the continuity of government services, and the level of user satisfaction with these services. The paper is organized as follows: first, we provide a brief overview of the literature on digital administrative services, highlighting the benefits and challenges of using these services. Next, we describe the methodology used in this study, including the data collection and analysis methods. Then, we present the findings of the study, including the level of usage, benefits, challenges, and user satisfaction with digital administrative services in Bulgaria during the pandemic. Finally, we discuss the implications of the study and provide suggestions for future research on this topic.

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About Some Approaches to Teaching Information Security in Higher Education

Author(s): Liubomir Chiriac,Violeta Bogdanova / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

In this paper modern approaches to teaching information security in higher education for future economists are described. The general concept of information security is an integral part of the concept of national security. A model of information security training, built from the standpoint of a systematic approach, is proposed. The pedagogical model takes into account the education standards, the requirements of the labor market and the needs of the individual in society. The structure of the course "Information security" for bachelors of economic sciences is presented: the theoretical and practical topics. To enhance the independent work of students, it is proposed to use modern pedagogical technology web quest. The teaching-learning-assessment process is considered from the perspective of interactive and Internet technologies. Attention is paid to aspects of student assessment.

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Contemporary Problems of School Education in Information Technology

Author(s): Katia Kirilova / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

The research focuses on some of the contemporary issues education in information technology. The specific objectives are related to the study of access to digital content in the secondary education system. It is quite essential because it provides young people with basic knowledge for the development of the social and economic life of the country.

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Post-Employment Defined Benefit Plans

Author(s): Rositsa Ivanova / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

The object of this publication refers to post-employment benefits payable to employee due to termination of the employment or official relationships. The subject matter of this publication refers to post-employment defined benefit plans. Under these plans, the enterprise’s liability is updated in a way that does not differ materially from the amounts that are subject to payment to the employees post their employment. Defined benefit plans comprise two items: assets under the plan and liabilities for payment of defined benefits. The author’s objective in this publication is to systemize some major issues relevant to the defined benefit plans the determine the relevance of the defined benefit plans for employees post their employment in the enterprise-employer.

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Accounting Policy of Pension Insurance Companies in the Context of Crisis

Author(s): Maia Natchkova / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

The accounting policy of pension insurance companies refers to the accounting principles, rules, concepts, conventions and specific practical procedures that they have adopted and that are applied to the organization of their accounting reports. Upon designing their accounting policy, pension insurance companies must consider the impact of the economic, political and social environment and the factors that affect their specific pension insurance business in order to be able to present truly and fairly, completely and accurately, authentically and comparatively the information for their financial position, financial performance, movement of their cash flows, changes in equity and in the specific (technical) provisions they have established. The accounting policy is a model of organising the accounting reports of the respective company and of subsequent disclosure of the outcomes of this activity in the company’s financial statements during different reporting periods, in accordance with the changes that have occurred in the external economic environment. In the course of designing and practical implementation of their accounting policy, pension insurance companies must observe specific accounting conceptual frameworks, statutory principles, common rules and approaches to organise their accounting reports. Any legally established accounting policy is always able to adequately respond to the changes in the society in the context of crisis – economic, political, social, or healthcare.

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Approaches for Parsing of Pages in Web Based Information Systems

Author(s): Yavor Tabov / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

The report examines possible solutions for data parsing from web-based information systems. The essence of the concepts data parsing, web data parsing and web scrapping is presented. Existing methods for web scrapping in the context of web-based information systems are indicated. The report also examines the Python programming language in the context of parsing of pages in web-based information systems and covers the different ways to implement a web scraper programmatically. Finally, conclusions summarized from the study are presented regarding the possibilities for parsing pages in web-based information systems.

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Insider Threats - Problems and Solutions

Author(s): Konstantin Poudin / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

People, intentionally or unintentionally, affect cybersecurity. They can contribute to its maintenance and development, but very often they compromise it. Without pretending to be comprehensive, the paper sheds light on the role of people and in particular the employees’ role in ensuring cybersecurity in the organizations and also as a source of threats. Some basic ideas about building and maintaining cybersecurity culture are presented.

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