BULGARIA\u27S AGRIBUSINESS SYSTEM IN TURBULENT TIMES

The approach implemented with the different EIP-AGRI instruments, including Horizon 2020 (at the transnational level) and CAP (at the national and regional level), gradually builds a comprehensive knowledge base capable of responding to the practical challenges faced by agriculture and food/nonfood sectors. Therefore, the focus is now on improving information and innovation flows within AKIS. Innovation is essential to building and sharing knowledge and creating a space for participants to meet and develop ideas. The development and spread of innovative practices in agricultural holdings in Bulgaria depend to a considerable extent on the development of agricultural science and the potential impact of scientific results. In this regard, the state-of-the-art and recent trends for developing the agribusiness system in Bulgaria will be analysed from the perspective of global and regional challenges

THE ETHICAL DIMENSIONS OF ICT IN THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF CITIES

This paper examines the ethical dimensions of integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT), specifically digital twin technology, in the digital transformation of cities. As digital twins— enhanced by artificial intelligence for data analysis and decision-making—become increasingly prevalent in urban planning, it is crucial to address the ethical challenges they pose to ensure sustainable and inclusive urban development. Using the UP2030 Project in Istanbul as a case study, the paper explores key ethical issues such as data privacy, security, and biases in AI models. A comprehensive ethical analysis is conducted alongside a multi-faceted methodology that includes a literature review, legal framework analysis, and an in-depth examination of project-specific documentation. The findings underscore the need for stringent data protection measures, equitable representation across demographic groups, and careful management of AI-driven decision-making systems to prevent the erosion of human oversight. The paper argues that integrating AI-enhanced digital twin technology ethically into urban planning is essential for addressing energy consumption, climate resilience, and mobility challenges. Istanbul’s case demonstrates how technology, when governed fairly, can drive positive change, achieving goals like carbon neutrality by 2050 while setting a global example. This approach not only ensures responsible urban development but also serves as a model for the sustainable and ethical evolution of smart cities worldwide

DIFFERENTIATION IN THE PRODUCTION AND ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF FARMS IN THE EU

In EU countries, the main producers of agricultural products are farms. In 2020, there were around 9.1 million farms in the EU-28, two thirds of which were less than 5 hectares in size. Farms in the EU used 157 million hectares of land for agricultural production in 2020, 38% of the total land area. In European countries, the number of farms tends to decrease, with the number of farms declining by 3-6% each year. In general, there are three distinct groups of farms in the EU: (1) subsistence farms, where the focus is on growing a high proportion of food to feed farmers and their families; (2) small and mediumsized farms, which are generally family-run businesses; and (3) large farms, which are more likely to be legal or cooperative. According to the European Parliament policy the aim of the paper will be to analyze EU farms according to their size, production and economic differences. An important outcome indicator of farm activity is income. Supporting farm incomes is one of the key objectives of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which is defined in the Treaty of Rome as "ensuring an adequate standard of living for farmers"

DIGITAL PLATFORM ECONOMY: INSIGHTS INTO THE POSITION OF WORKERS

Information technologies have introduced essential changes in individuals\u27 daily lives. Due to digitization, new forms of employment are emerging, and work on digital platforms stands out. There has been a vigorous discussion surrounding digital platforms in recent years, primarily because of their growing importance within the digital ecosystem. However, despite numerous researchers\u27 shared interests in the work of digital platforms, existing sources and metrics to measure digital platform employment are still limited. Hence, this research aims to contribute to this gap and address the state-of-the-art research on reviewing what measurement initiatives on digital platform employment have been undertaken. Additionally, this research sheds light on digital platform workers according to age, gender, level of education, and type of service category offered in the new digital economy, indicating existing differences. Valuable insights from this research will contribute to policymakers, businesses, and researchers to create a sustainable future for workers in the digital platform economy

CIRCULAR MIGRATION OF HIGHLY SKILLED LABOR IN EU COUNTRIES AND ITS IMPACT ON MIGRATION POLICIES

Migration policies have become more complex and diversified in recent decades, using different programs and instruments in most EU countries. This innovation process aims to adaptation of responding to new challenges. These challenges also involve a sharp increase in the share of highly skilled migrants in migration flows. In addition to various non-economic factors stimulating the emigration intentions of qualified workers or university students, current research on the migration of highly qualified labor forces focuses on questioning the validity of the brain drain theory in the current stage of globalization and ICT development. A significant part of migration flows is only temporary in nature, which can be perceived as brain circulation, not as brain drain. Migration policies in EU countries should respond to this fact. The paper outlines the genesis of the circular migration concept. It also pays attention it is not necessary only to introduce mechanisms that ensure the circulating nature of the migration stay, but also to constantly innovate them. It also outlines strategies for modern migration policies that will enable the full usage of the potential of highly skilled migrants

THE NEED TO DEVELOP A RELATIONSHIP-BASED HUMAN RIGHTS APPROACH TO TEACHING SOCIAL WORK IN ENGLAND

For decades there has been a recognition of the need for social workers in England to practice from a Relationship-based approach. This need has changed in response to socio-economic and political shifts over time. The concept of a social work Relationship-based pedagogy was introduced to be congruent with practice. Lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic restricted face-to-face contact, resulting in new challenges to Relationship-based Practice. Simultaneously, critical inequalities experienced by people in poverty and from ethnic minority backgrounds were highlighted. There was also widespread misuse of do-not-resuscitate forms placed on vulnerable older people and those with disabilities. These communities of people often require social work intervention; the systemic injustice they face could be better understood and advocated for from a Human Rights perspective. This paper presents evidence of these issues with the recommendation of a Relationship-based Human Rights Approach in social work education. Proposals are provided for specific elements that should be included in this relational teaching of social work in England

IS CIRCULAR ECONOMY, CIRCULAR?

This paper is an attempt to explain the geometric metaphor, circular economy, and of its range of application. For that, reuse and recycle loops are analyzed in two situations: discrete and continuous systems, both looking for material decay along cycles or time (due to purge) and for the time evolution of its unit price (time value of money and inflation). The case of existing a make-up that compensates the purge is also analyzed. The conclusion is that the geometric metaphor in use, circular economy, corresponds to particular situations. In general, the evolution is spiral rather than circular

REFUGEE EMPLOYMENT IN BULGARIA: WHY NATIONAL INTEGRATION POLICY MATTERS

This paper highlights the importance of the state’s role in refugee employment in Bulgaria. In this line of thinking, it analyses the current labour market’s needs in Bulgaria and the opportunity for more beneficiaries of international protection to compensate, at least to some extent, the manpower shortage in the country. The present study shows that in the current political and security context political actors and widespread local perceptions towards refugees negatively affect the integration of the latter, hindering the adoption of a national integration policy in Bulgaria. Concerning this, the paper argues that such a policy will improve refugees’ employability in a long-term perspective as well as the relationship between them and the local population. Thus, it will benefit the national economy and act as a preventive tool in terms of threats to national security that may arise from the potential marginalization of beneficiaries of international protection

THE IMPACT OF NOISE IN THE CABIN OF AN AGRICULTURAL TRACTOR ON THE OPERATOR\u27S HEALTH DURING WORK WITH A FRUIT TREE SHAKER

The paper explores the influence of noise within the cabin of an agricultural tractor on the health of the operator during the operation of a semi-trailed fruit tree shaker. The research aims to determine the noise levels at various rotations of the power take-off shaft during the mentioned agro-technical operation and assess the potential negative impact on the operator\u27s health. Noise measurements were conducted on agricultural fields at the Barica Sabo Family Farm using two tractor models (John Deere 6110 MC and Hurlimann XT-910.4) in accordance with the prescribed standards HRN ISO 6394 and HRN ISO 5131. Measurements were taken on both the left and right sides of the operator in both tractor cabins under operational conditions, using equipment provided by Metrel, specifically the Multinorm MI 6201 EU device with the corresponding sound probe (Class B microphone). The highest equivalent continuous A-weighted sound level (LAeq) was measured during the operation of the power take-off shaft at 500 rpm for both tractors on the right side (John Deere, 76.7 dB) and the left side (Hurlimann, 77.2 dB). Furthermore, the highest time-averaged maximum sound level (LAFmax) was measured on the left side of the Hurlimann tractor at 79.7 dB at 500 rpm. It was determined that the measured noise levels did not exceed the permissible exposure limit values: L(EX,8h) = 87 dB(A), upper cautionary exposure limits: L(EX,8h) = 85 dB(A) and lower cautionary exposure limits: L(EX,8h) = 80 dB(A). Although the highest measured value (79.7 dB) is close to the lower cautionary limit (80 dB), it is assumed that the operator of the investigated tractors is not exposed to negative noise-related health effects

YOUNG SCIENTISTS ALTERNATIVE CAREER PATHS - THEORETICAL CONSIDERATIONS

A career at a university is a special and unique kind of professional activity, and it also involves adopting a specific lifestyle. It is a profession that offers great freedom and is commonly driven by passion. The literature indicates that a doctoral degree builds prestige and recognition according to society, but from the labour market perspective (employers), an employee holding one can expect a high salary. Unlike other employees in the incentive system, he may be perceived as a threat because of his qualifications and career aspirations, but he may also lack practice. They may also be outstanding specialists in a specific field, advisors, and entrepreneurs. The research competencies acquired and shaped in the course of study at doctoral school are not equivalent to the competencies expected by the labour market and, thus, by employers. A break in work experience due to training at doctoral school and dedicating oneself exclusively to research may generate difficulties in finding employment. Young researchers may not find employment at university due to a lack of posts, but they may also not want to continue their careers in science. In both cases, it is very intriguing to see what paths they can choose with a doctoral degree, whether they know about them, and which they prefer