DESIGN AND MANUFACTORING OF A LABORATORY STAND FOR TESTING ACCELERATED TENSILE CREEP OF PLASTICS ACCORDING TO ASTM D6992

The article discusses stages of design and manufacturing of a laboratory stand for accelerated tensile creep of plastics according to ASTM D6992. All components necessary for accurate operation of the laboratory stand will be examined: jaws, deadweight system,loading weights, linear strain measurement system and control, test temperature control and monitoring, test data storage and management. The aim of the article is to create flexible systems that allow the stand to be used for other similar test standards and materials. The main task in the design and manufacturing of the stand is to create reliable equipment with a high accuracy degree, automated loading of a control program, as well asability to store a large volume of data for the purpose of creating a database and comparing test results. The mathematical model for calculating equivalent years is directly integrated for easier processing of experimental results. The stand is designed and manufactured for testing 2 samples simultaneously , which facilitates  comparison of data from different polymer blends.The stand is calibrated according to its three main quantities - linear strain, temperature and deadweights.The calibration results are presented to assess accuracy of the laboratory stand systems. The stand fully meets the requirements defined according to ASTM D6992. The accuracy of the calibrated quantities allows precise calculations of accelerated creep data on a wide range of materials. Design and manufacturing steps may also be used with other standardized and non-standardized creep tensile testing methods of plastics, as well as other laboratory equipment needs with similar systems and goals.

THE ROLE OF THE LEADER IN THE PROCESS OF OVERCOMING COMMUNICATION BARRIERS IN THE NEW ERA OF INDUSTRY 4.0

Modern challenges in the new era of Industry 4.0 confront leaders with communication barriers. Barriers are factors that block or negatively change successful communication in teams. They cause stress, which is the result of dynamically developing technologies and advanced automation of processes. Depending on the leader, barriers can be temporary and surmountable, but they can be permanent and more difficult to overcome. The proposed key factors of a leader are closely related to leadership skills in the process of overcoming communication barriers. .Taking into account the specific characteristics of the industry and the growing role of the leader in the process of making management decisions, an algorithm is proposed for successfully overcoming communication barriers in the new era of Industry 4.0. The purpose of the report is to analyze the barriers and systematize the key factors for successful communication in the team and the role of the leader in developing Fig. 1. А  model of an algorithm for successfully overcoming communication barriers

USING DRONES TO CLEAN CONTINENTAL WATER BODIES

Pollution of continental water bodies has become increasingly widespread in recent decades. Plastic, construction, household and other waste is being dumped uncontrollably both near water bodies and directly into them. In addition to pollution, this often leads to more serious crisis and emergency situations such as floods, pollution of drinking and groundwater, landslides and others. This article proposes a new application of mid-range drones for monitoring pollution, the presence of unregulated landfills and transmitting information in real time. In this way, it will be possible to monitor large areas for the presence of illegally dumped waste with fewer resources. This will help to more effectively combat unregulated landfills and solve the problem in its infancy and save financial and human resources.

OPTIMIZATION OF PARAMETERS FOR WHITE AND DARK LASER MARKING OF COPPER AND BRASS PRODUCTS

This publication examines two principal techniques of fibre laser marking on copper and brass substrates, focusing on the achievement of both dark and white (light) markings. It investigates the effects of marking speed, power density, frequency, and raster pitch on marking contrast. The study identifies the power density threshold that distinguishes between light and dark markings, determining the experimental critical power density for melting at varying speeds for both materials. It also compares experimental values with theoretical predictions of critical melting power density. The findings offer practical recommendations for optimizing laser parameters to achieve high-contrast markings, thereby enhancing traceability and quality control in industrial applications involving copper and brass components.

INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT AND COMPETITIVENESS OF THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR INBULGARIA

This article presents methods for assessing the innovative development and compe-titiveness of the industrial sector in the Republic of Bulgaria. Guidelines and recommendations for their acceleration are indicated. A cross-section of the Bulga-rian industry is also made, assessing the innovative acceleration of the technologies used

INTEGRATING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INTO THE MANAGEMENT DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN THE NEW ERA OF INDUSTRY 4.0

The integration of AI into management decision-making is transforming businesses in the era of Industry 4.0, driven by technologies like IoT, big data, and cloud computing. This study aims to explore the role of AI in enhancing operational efficiency, reducing costs, and fostering innovation in management practices. The working method involves a review of current literature to assess AI\u27s capabilities, benefits, and associated challenges. AI supports faster, data-driven decisions, improving operational performance and allowing for more strategic, creative work. It aids in risk management, supply chain optimization, and identifying market opportunities. However, AI integration presents challenges, such as implementation complexity, expertise needs, data privacy concerns, and the potential impact on jobs. Ethical issues, including accountability and transparency, are crucial for maintaining trust. Despite these challenges, the study concludes that AI\u27s role in reshaping decision-making offers significant potential for businesses to gain a competitive edge and adapt to changing market dynamics.

THROUGH THE GREEN WORK COMMITMENT, A LITERATURE REVIEW EXAMINES THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GREEN HRM AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

This literature review explores Green Human Resource Management (Green HRM) initiatives aimed at nurturing employees\u27 commitment towards eco-friendly work output and environmental sustainability in organisations. Green HRM is a strategy that integrates an organisation\u27s environmental values into its human resource strategy and practices. This review reflects on the interplay between Green HRM practices and employees\u27 green commitment, that is, the degree to which they feel psychologically bonded to environmental goals and pursue them. Moreover, it focuses on how green commitment contributes to achieving specific organisational environmental sustainability outcomes, including waste reduction, energy saving, and improved corporate social responsibility. Drawing on empirical research, the review outlines specific mechanisms by which Green HRM practices (e.g., green training programs and green performance appraisal) influence employees\u27 sustainability-related attitudes and behaviours. It also addresses barriers to adopting Green HRM and developing green dedication, such as inadequate resources, a lack of management interest, and resistance within the company. The review findings are concluded with suggestions for future research direction, requesting the need for cross-sector studies and the examination of the long-term implications of Green HRM implementations on environmental sustainability. Through qualitative methodology, the study establishes a link between the main variables involving environmental sustainability, employees\u27 green behavior, and GHRM (Green HRM). Future research can examine more closely how industry-specific elements affect workers\u27 green commitment and how digital technologies like artificial intelligence and big data might assist businesses in meeting their sustainability goals. Further investigation into the cultural factors that can account for variations in green commitment among various geographic areas will also yield a more comprehensive comprehension of this idea. The impact of employee green commitment on organizational sustainability performance requires longitudinal studies to understand organizational practice better. Finally, future research topics must look into the barriers to Green HRM practices to promote their successful impact

THE SOCIAL DIMENSION OF SUSTAINABILITY FOR THE BUSINESS COMPETITIVENESS

Sustainability is a critical factor in business competitiveness, shaping corporate strategies and long-term market positioning. While the environmental dimension is well understood and widely adopted, the social dimension remains underexplored, leading to significant challenges. Issues such as employee well-being, diversity and inclusion, stakeholder engagement, fair labour practices, and ethical governance are often inadequately addressed, despite their substantial impact on business resilience and performance. The aim of this study is to examine the role of the social dimension of sustainability in enhancing competitiveness, emphasising its equal importance alongside environmental and economic considerations. Socially responsible practices strengthen brand reputation, foster customer loyalty, drive innovation, and improve employee productivity - factors essential for maintaining a competitive edge in modern markets. The study employs a methodological approach based on primary and secondary data analysis, drawing insights from academic literature, policy documents, corporate sustainability and Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) reports, and sustainability expert interviews to provide a practical perspective on emerging trends, challenges, and best practices in implementing social sustainability initiatives in a real business environment. This multi-source approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of the current state and future directions of social sustainability of businesses. This study contributes to the growing discourse on sustainable business practices by demonstrating that social sustainability is not merely an ethical consideration but a fundamental element of corporate success. Enterprises face challenges related to defining, quantifying, and operationalising social sustainability. At the same time the results of the study show that European Sustainability Reporting Standards provide a comprehensive framework for corporate social sustainability initiatives of enterprises. The study’s results highlight the need for a structured, data-driven approach to defining and measuring the social dimension of sustainability for small and medium enterprises and serve as evidence-based methodological framework for further exploration of social sustainability as a core driver of business competitiveness

LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF THINNING IN NATURAL PINE FORESTS UNDERGROWTH

Ground cover vegetation is crucial for biodiversity in northern conifer forests, providing habitat, food, and ecosystem functions like seedling regeneration and nutrient cycling. Their composition is shaped by tree species, canopy structure, and environmental factors like temperature, light, water, and soil nutrients. Forest management can modify these processes by increasing light availability, fostering conditions more typical of a natural pine forest biotope, and promoting plant growth. This study aimed to assess whether natural pine forest management influenced ground cover vegetation over 20 years. Six plots across three locations were analyzed. In the studied managed plots, first-story pine trees were thinned by removing second-story spruces between 2004 and 2005.  Some plots were thinned (managed), while others remained untouched (control). Initial vegetation assessments recorded species in 10×10m plots before thinning. In 2024, vegetation was reassessed using transects with three 1×1m plots placed along cardinal directions. Vegetation was categorized into trees and shrubs, herbs, mosses, and lichens. The 2024 assessment of managed plots revealed a decline in moss and lichen species, a slight increase in herbaceous species, and a more pronounced increase in tree and shrub species. The opposite trend was observed in control plots. Shannon index values showed significant differences between years (p=0.03) across all vegetation layers but not between management types or factor interactions. Similarly, the total species count varied significantly between years (p=0.02) but not between management types. However, within small 1×1m plots (2024), species count differed significantly between management types (p=0.004). These findings suggest that thinning influences ground cover vegetation composition over time, promoting tree and shrub growth while reducing moss and lichen cover. Species diversity shifts appear more pronounced at finer spatial scales, highlighting the importance of localized conditions in shaping ground cover vegetation dynamics.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL WORK IN ASSISTING INDIVIDUALS: PRACTICE, CHALLENGES, AND SOLUTIONS

Addiction to psychoactive substances or other harmful habits is often linked to social, psychological, and economic issues, making social work a complex field that provides emotional, informational, and practical support. This article examines social work practices in assisting individuals facing challenges, highlighting key professional difficulties such as stigma, lack of motivation, limited resources, and emotional burnout. The analysis of social workers\u27 experiences in working with individuals struggling with alcohol addiction highlights the key challenges they encounter. Many clients enter treatment not by personal choice but due to external pressures, frequently exhibit skepticism and defensiveness, refusing help or denying their problems. Possible solutions include interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative working methods, and improved accessibility of social services. Based on practical examples and scientific research, the article identifies the most effective strategies that help social workers address addiction-related issues more efficiently and promote sustainable rehabilitation and reintegration. Social workers play a crucial role in guiding clients toward self-awareness, recognizing the need for change, and preparing them for recovery. However, the clients\u27 motivation and willingness to cooperate remain essential factors for achieving lasting positive outcome