Open-access scientific articles in the following fields: Administration and Management Economics Informatics and Information Technologies Legal Sciences Psychology Social Activities Political Science and Public Communications Architecture and Construction Arts and Design Foreign Language Teaching Students’ Research Activities Archive - articles before 2024
RELATIONSHIP DISSATISFACTION AS A FACTOR FOR INFIDELITY
Satisfying marital and romantic relationships are highly valued by people all over the world. Relationship satisfaction is a well-researched predictor of subjective well-being, mental and physical health, and longevity, while relationship dissatisfaction is considered by many researchers to be a major cause of separation and divorce. Among the most dramatic consequences of low relationship satisfaction is the increased vulnerability to infidelity. This article examines relationship dissatisfaction as one of the main predictors of infidelity, from the perspective of three important aspects – lack of love, incompatibility between partners, and an unfavorable ratio between the benefits of the relationship and the costs it requires. A better understanding of the problems in couples that lead to relationship dissatisfaction may help to build on and enrich existing therapeutic approaches aimed at preventing infidelity or managing its consequences.
Copyright (c) 2026 E-Journal VFU https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE DEATH AVOIDANCE PARADOX IN PSYCHIATRIC END-OF-LIFE CARE: A MULTIDIMENSIONAL CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK OF CLINICIAN AVOIDANCE
Background Patients with severe mental illness (SMI) experience high physical morbidity and reduced life expectancy yet remain underrepresented in palliative and end-of-life care. Clinicians working in psychiatric settings face complex clinical, ethical, and organizational challenges, contributing to disparities in care. Aim This paper develops a conceptual framework to explain how avoidance behaviors emerge and persist among healthcare professionals in psychiatric end-of-life care. Conceptual approach The framework is based on a conceptual synthesis of literature from palliative care, psychiatry, Terror Management Theory, experiential avoidance research, and organizational behavior. It integrates psychological and systemic perspectives to develop a multidimensional explanatory model. Proposed framework The Death Avoidance Paradox is introduced as a five-dimensional model comprising existential, emotional, cognitive, organizational, and cultural avoidance. These interrelated domains interact recursively, transforming mortality-related anxiety and clinical uncertainty into sustained patterns of professional and institutional avoidance, ultimately shaping communication and care delivery. Conclusions The framework provides a comprehensive explanation for persistent disparities in psychiatric palliative care by conceptualizing avoidance as a multilevel and dynamic process. It offers a theoretical foundation for future empirical research, clinical training, and organizational interventions aimed at improving end-of-life care for patients with SMI.
RETIREMENT TRAINING AS A POSITIVE EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTION: MITIGATING AGEISM AND ENHANCING EUDAIMONIC WELL-BEING THROUGH MULTIDIMENSIONAL LEARNING
The transition into retirement represents a profound developmental and psychosocial status passage that alters an individual’s identity, daily structure, and social matrix. Within contemporary longevity societies, this transition is increasingly complicated by structural ageism and stereotype threat, which can significantly undermine older adults' psychological resilience. Moving beyond traditional financial and administrative pre-retirement planning, this conceptual paper presents an integrated pedagogical and psychological framework that repositions retirement preparation as a structured "Positive Educational Intervention." Drawing upon Social Cognitive Theory, Role Theory, and Ryff’s Eudaimonic Positive Psychology matrix, we propose a mediation model wherein systematic pre-retirement training serves as a catalytic generator of cognitive, social, and health resources. This paper analyzes how specialized learning and developmental guidance drive multidimensional adjustment across physical, familial, social, and professional anchors, subsequently predicting high levels of eudaimonic psychological well-being among Israeli retirees aged 60–70. By framing retirement preparation as a transformative learning environment, the proposed model addresses a critical gap in Scopus-indexed educational gerontology literature, providing solid theoretical pathways for policymakers, human resource directors, and adult education practitioners seeking to promote successful retirement adaptation and psychological well-being.
INTEGRATED MODEL FOR INTERACTION BETWEEN LOGISTICS ANDMARKETING ACTIVITIES IN SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES
In the conditions of a dynamic economic environment, increasing competition and accelerated digital transformation, the integration between logistics and marketing activities is gaining key importance for increasing the efficiency and competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Existing models are not sufficiently adapted to the specifics of SMEs and do not provide a comprehensive approach to coordination and assessment of the interaction between the two functional areas. This article presents a developed integrated model of interaction between logistics and marketing activities, based on a systematic approach and tailored to the specific characteristics of small and medium-sized enterprises. Its conceptual structure, operating logic and possibilities for practical application are analyzed. It is argued that the application of the model creates prerequisites for improving interfunctional coordination, optimizing business processes and increasing the organizational efficiency and competitiveness of enterprises.
КОМУНИКАЦИЯ, ОБРАТНА ВРЪЗКА И ПРАВО НА ВЪЗРАЖЕНИЕ:ПРОЦЕСУАЛНА СПРАВЕДЛИВОСТ В ОНЛАЙН ОБРАЗОВАТЕЛНАТАПЛАТФОРМА
Настоящата студия разглежда комуникацията, обратната връзка и правото на възражение не като вторични комуникационни удобства в онлайн образователната платформа, а като взаимосвързани механизми на процесуална справедливост и управленска легитимност. Изследването изхожда от разбирането, че платформата не може да бъде възприемана като справедлива само защото функционира технологично ефективно или предоставя съдържателно богата среда. Тя е приемлива тогава, когато допуска участниците да бъдат чути, да получават реакция и да разполагат с реална възможност за сигнал, възражение и корекция в рамките на ясна и проследима процедура. В този смисъл централният проблем на студията не е комуникацията в общ смисъл, а управленската способност на системата да осигурява процедурна чуваемост. Студията има тематичен, междуролев и процедурно-аналитичен характер и стъпва върху вторичен сравнителен прочит на вече събран емпиричен материал от четири ролеви корпуса: ученици и обикновени потребители, учители и създатели на съдържание, родители, както и заявчици и външни заинтересовани страни. За целите на анализа данните са организирани около пет тематични ядра: достъп до комуникация и обратна връзка; право на сигнал и възможност за намеса; проследимост на реакцията; право на възражение и оспорване; и условията, при които процедурата се възприема като справедлива. Резултатите показват, че различните роли влагат различно съдържание в комуникацията, обратната връзка и правото на глас, но всички са чувствителни към едно и също условие: дали платформата допуска реален път за участие в собствените си процедури. При ученика това се проявява като нужда да бъде чут и ориентиран, при учителя — като право на професионално валидна реакция и възможност за оспорване, при родителя — като сигнал, защита и проследимост, а при външния участник — като реакция спрямо отчетността и процедурната прозрачност. На тази основа студията защитава извода, че онлайн образователната платформа е процесуално справедлива не когато изключва възражението, а когато го допуска в ясна, проследима и коригируема процедура. В този смисъл текстът има принос в полето на администрацията и управлението, като концептуализира процедурната чуваемост като вътрешен механизъм на легитимното платформено управление.
Administration, Management and Economics
ИНТЕГРАЛЕН ДИАГНОСТИЧНО-ПРОЕКТИРАЩ МОДЕЛ ЗА УСТОЙЧИВОУПРАВЛЕНИЕ НА ОНЛАЙН ОБРАЗОВАТЕЛНА ПЛАТФОРМА
Настоящата студия предлага интегрален диагностичнопроектиращ модел за устойчиво управление на онлайн образователна платформа. Тя изхожда от разбирането, че устойчивостта на платформата не може да бъде обяснена чрез единичен управленски фактор - нито чрез мотивацията, нито чрез контрола, нито чрез прозрачността, нито чрез технологичната ефективност или ресурсната обезпеченост сами по себе си. Устойчивостта се разглежда като координационна способност на системата да поддържа съвместимост между роли, правила, процедури, алгоритми, признание, контрол и образователна мисия. Студията има синтетичен и моделно-извеждащ характер, но не се ограничава до обобщение на предходни резултати. Нейната основна задача е да преобразува вече установени ролеви и тематични зависимости в управленска архитектура, приложима за диагностика, проектиране и усъвършенстване на реални платформени среди. Изследването използва агрегирана емпирична опора от четири ролеви анкетни корпуса с общо 494 респонденти, като данните се третират не като ново първично изследване, а като основа за калибриране на принципите на модела. Предложеният модел показва, че устойчивата онлайн образователна платформа не е тази, която максимизира един отделен елемент - участие, контрол, автоматизация, ресурс или прозрачност - а тази, която координира вътрешните си напрежения чрез легитимна управленска архитектура. В този смисъл студията има принос към полето на администрацията и управлението, като предлага не само концептуална рамка, но и основа за практически управленски анализ, организационна диагностика и проектно усъвършенстване на платформени образователни системи.
ESTIMATING AGRICULTURAL DAMAGE IN POLAND AMID GROWINGCLIMATE RISKS: TRADITIONAL, INSURANCE-BASED, AND TECHNOLOGICALMETHODS
Agriculture is one of those sectors of the economy where the risk of conducting business is particularly strongly linked to the impact of natural, climatic, and biological factors. Unlike many other sectors, where the entrepreneur can largely control the production process, agricultural production remains dependent on weather conditions, soil quality, water availability, the course of the growing season, the occurrence of plant and animal diseases, and pressure from game animals. For this reason, damage in agriculture should not be equated solely with the physical destruction of a specific asset, but also with the loss of expected production output, a decline in crop quality, a reduction in farm income, or the necessity of incurring additional expenses to restore production to a state that allows for its continuation (Lipińska, 2014). The problem of estimating agricultural damage takes on particular significance amid the increasing frequency and intensity of adverse weather events. Drought, hail, flooding, spring frosts, torrential rains, hurricanes, or the adverse effects of overwintering can lead to losses of a highly varied nature, ranging from local damage, limited to a single farm or plantation, to mass events affecting significant areas of agricultural production. The literature emphasises that climate risks are among the primary categories of threats on farms, and their 2 significance is growing as weather conditions change and crop production becomes more variable (Czekaj, 2016). A specific example of this type of risk is the adverse effects of overwintering, which may not become apparent until the start of the next growing season, making it difficult to unequivocally determine the moment the damage occurred and its actual extent (Gawrońska, 2014). Accurate determination of the extent of the damage is of fundamental importance for both the agricultural producer and the entities involved in the loss compensation process. For the farmer, the outcome of the assessment determines the amount of compensation due, the possibility of obtaining public aid, the ability to maintain financial liquidity, and the ability to continue production in the next season. For an insurance company, an accurate assessment of damage is a prerequisite for maintaining a balance between the protective function of insurance and the economic stability of its portfolio. For public administration and aid agencies, however, it serves as the basis for rationally directing funds to those farms that have actually suffered losses requiring support. In this sense, agricultural damage assessment is not only technical but also economic, legal, and social The traditional model of damage assessment is based primarily on reporting the damage, conducting an on-site inspection, determining the area affected by the loss, assessing the extent of crop damage, and preparing documentation that serves as the basis for payment of compensation or another form of compensation. This type of procedure remains particularly important in cases of individual and localized damage, especially wildlife damage, where it is necessary to establish a link between the animals’ actions and the specific damage to the crop (Flis, 2019). At the same time, the practice of assessing damage caused by animals to agricultural crops shows that this process can give rise to numerous disputes regarding the timing of the damage report, the extent of the damage, the amount of the potential harvest, and the liability of the entity obligated to pay compensation (Flis, 2019). A separate but closely related issue to damage assessment is the functioning of agricultural insurance. Crop and livestock insurance constitute one of the fundamental tools for mitigating the effects of production risks on farms; however, their effectiveness depends on the scope of coverage, the affordability of premiums, the level of public subsidies, the structure of the contract, and the method of claims settlement (Kozak & Weremczuk, 2019). In the Polish context, subsidized insurance plays a significant role, as it is intended to increase the prevalence of insurance coverage in agriculture; however, the literature indicates that this system continues to face barriers related, among other things, to limited coverage, the problem of drought risk, and insufficient interest among some agricultural producers (Janowicz-Lomott & 3 Łyskawa, 2016). This means that the mere existence of an insurance system does not eliminate the problem of damage assessment; on the contrary, it makes the quality of this process a condition for the effectiveness of the entire loss compensation mechanism. In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the potential to supplement traditional damage assessment methods with index-based and technological approaches. Index-based insurance, especially with regard to drought, is based on the assumption that the payment of benefits can be linked to a specific parameter, such as precipitation levels, temperature, soil moisture, or another indicator reflecting production conditions, rather than an individual assessment of damage on each farm (Kaczała & Łyskawa, 2012). This approach can reduce claims-settlement costs, accelerate benefit payments, and minimise disputes, though it also raises the issue of basis risk—that is, the discrepancy between the index value and the actual loss incurred by a specific farmer (Kaczała, 2017). At the same time, methods that utilize drones, satellite imagery, vegetation indices, and geographic information systems are being developed, enabling more objective and faster assessment of losses across large areas (Iwahashi et al., 2023). Equally important are solutions utilizing radar and optical data as well as spatial analysis tools in the assessment of flood damage in agriculture (Nazir et al., 2025). The aim of this article is to present and evaluate selected methods for estimating agricultural damage in Poland, with particular emphasis on crop damage, hunting damage, the crop insurance system, and the potential for using modern index-based and remote sensing tools. This objective stems from the need to view damage assessment not as a single technical activity, but as a complex decision-making process in which the interests of farmers, insurers, public administration, and institutions responsible for agricultural risk management intersect. The main research problem of the article can be formulated as a question: are traditional methods of agricultural damage assessment sufficient in the context of the growing scale of climate risks, or do they need to be supplemented with index-based, digital, and remote sensing methods? The thesis adopted is that reliable estimation of agricultural damage is a prerequisite for fair compensation for losses, the effective functioning of agricultural insurance, and the rational allocation of public aid; however, in the context of increasing climate risks, traditional visual inspection methods should be supplemented with index-based and technological solutions. The article employs a literature review, a regulatory-institutional analysis, and a comparative method. The literature review helps clarify the concept of agricultural damage, the types of risk, and the basic mechanisms for loss compensation. The regulatory and institutional analysis facilitates a discussion of the importance of agricultural insurance and 4 damage assessment procedures, while the comparative method contrasts the traditional visual inspection model with index-based and technological solutions. The structure of the article follows this framework: the first part discusses the concept, types, and causes of agricultural damage; the second presents traditional and insurance-based methods for estimating such damage; and the third identifies practical problems and modern trends in the development of the loss assessment system.
VALUE ADJUSTMENT OR RISK ADJUSTMENT? PREMIUMS ANDDISCOUNTS IN CORPORATE VALUATION: THE CASE OF BROKERAGERECOMMENDATIONS
Corporate valuation is one of those areas of finance where the precision of a quantitative model must be supplemented by the analyst’s professional judgment. The value of a company is not solely the result of the mechanical application of the income, comparable, or transaction-based methods. It is also the result of interpreting characteristics of the entity being valued, such as the liquidity of its shares, the size of the company, its ownership structure, The literature on the subject indicates that premiums and discounts are among the more complex, yet subjectively prone, elements of the valuation process. Prusak (2014) emphasises that their application depends on the level of value being estimated, particularly on whether a controlling, minority, freely tradable, or transfer-restricted stake is being valued. Similarly, Damodaran (2005) points out that illiquidity can affect a company’s value both through a direct discount and by increasing the required rate of return. This means that the mere identification of risk does not yet determine how it should be accounted for in the valuation. The distinction between a discount and a risk premium is particularly significant. In this article, a discount is understood as an adjustment that directly reduces the value of the company, equity, or a specific block of shares. This primarily applies to discounts arising from 29 illiquidity, lack of control, holding-company status, and legal or economic constraints. Risk premiums are of a different nature; they do not increase the company's value but raise the discount rate, thereby reducing the present value of future cash flows. This group includes, among others, the size premium, the specific risk premium, the country risk premium, and the regulatory risk premium. This approach is consistent with the practice of estimating the cost of capital, in which a company’s additional risks may be accounted for by adjusting the cost of equity or the weighted average cost of capital (Grabowski, 2018; Harrington et al., 2021). The research problem of this article thus boils down to how premiums and discounts are applied in brokerage recommendations and whether the manner of their recognition corresponds to the classifications presented in the literature on the subject. The aim of this article is to identify and organize the premiums and discounts used in corporate valuation, and subsequently to compare theoretical findings with the practice of analytical reports concerning Polish and foreign companies. The empirical basis of the study is an original compilation of brokerage recommendations and analytical reports prepared in an Excel spreadsheet. The compilation includes the company name, country, report date, author of the analysis, type of adjustment applied, mechanism of its impact on the valuation, location within the model, amount of the adjustment, the analyst’s justification, and a link to the source report. This allows an assessment of whether the adjustments applied by analysts constitute a direct discount to value, a premium that increases the discount rate, or a qualitative adjustment incorporated into scenarios, forecasts, or multiples. The article consists of three parts. The first part presents the theoretical foundations for the use of premiums and discounts in corporate valuation. The second part provides an empirical analysis of the reports included in the Excel spreadsheet. The third part assesses the alignment of market practice with the literature and identifies the main methodological issues, particularly the risk of double-counting the same risk factors.
LINE OF THRUST AND ELASTIC EQUILIBRIUM IN MASONRY ARCHES
This paper investigates the role of geometric configuration as the primary factor governing the stability of massive masonry arch structures. Based on a historical and theoretical review of the development of analytical methods, followed by a parametric analysis, the influence of the main geometric ratios—rise-to-span (f/L) and thickness-to-span (t/L)—on the position of the line of thrust is evaluated. The results demonstrate that the stability of the arch directly depends on the geometrically admissible position of the internal compressive force flow within the effective cross-section. The analysis confirms that geometry represents a key criterion for the load-bearing capacity and limit-state behavior of masonry arch systems.
ASSESSMENT OF FIRE HAZARD UNDER EXPLOSIVE SPALLING DEVELOPMENT IN REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURES
The present study examines the fire hazard associated with the development of explosive spalling in reinforced concrete structures under fire exposure. Special attention is given to the mechanisms of concrete layer separation caused by thermal stresses and internal vapor pressure. The influence of explosive spalling on the reduction of the effective cross-section, exposure of reinforcement, and decrease in load-bearing capacity is analyzed. It is shown that the asymmetric loss of concrete cover may lead to eccentricity of the applied load and the occurrence of additional bending moments, which accelerate structural failure. The study also discusses the impact of this phenomenon on the overall fire resistance and structural reliability of buildings. Particular emphasis is placed on preventive protection measures aimed at reducing the risk of explosive spalling and improving structural fire safety.
SAFETY ENGINEERING IN THE EXECUTION OF CONSTRUCTION EXCAVATIONS
The present study examines the main risks associated with the execution of construction excavations and the necessity of applying effective technical and organizational safety measures. The engineering and regulatory requirements related to slope stability, the influence of groundwater, and external loads acting on the soil mass are analyzed. The main factors leading to loss of stability and the occurrence of аварийни situations are identified. An engineering scheme of a supported excavation is presented, together with the analysis of a real accident caused by insufficient shoring and failure to comply with safety requirements. Based on the performed analysis, the main technical and organizational measures for risk reduction and improvement of safety during excavation works are formulated.
RETIREMENT PREPARATION AS A PREDICTOR OF PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL BEING AMONG ISRAELI RETIREES: A MULTIDIMENSIONAL EXAMINATION
Retirement represents one of the most significant developmental transitions in later adulthood. Beyond the cessation of employment, retirement involves substantial psychological, social, economic, familial, and health-related changes that may influence an individual's overall well-being and quality of life. In contemporary aging societies, successful adaptation to retirement has become an increasingly important concern for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. The purpose of this conceptual paper is to examine the role of retirement preparation as a predictor of psychological well-being among Israeli retirees aged 60–70 years. Drawing upon contemporary gerontological theories, including Resource Theory, Continuity Theory, and the Life Course Perspective, the paper proposes a multidimensional framework in which retirement preparation contributes to successful adaptation across six interrelated domains: psychological, familial, social, economic, professional, and health adaptation. The literature suggests that individuals who engage in comprehensive retirement preparation are more likely to experience smoother transitions, stronger coping resources, greater life satisfaction, and higher levels of psychological well-being. Furthermore, multidimensional adaptation is expected to play a central role in facilitating positive retirement outcomes and maintaining quality of life throughout later adulthood. Despite growing scholarly interest in retirement and successful aging, limited research has examined retirement preparation as a multidimensional construct, particularly within the Israeli context. Therefore, this paper addresses an important gap in the literature by presenting an integrated conceptual model linking retirement preparation, multidimensional adaptation, and psychological well-being. The proposed framework may provide a foundation for future empirical research and contribute to the development of comprehensive retirement preparation programs designed to enhance retirees’ psychological well-being, successful adaptation, and overall quality of life.
BANK LENDING AND HUMAN CAPITAL DYNAMICS IN BULGARIAN AGRICULTURE: THE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LEVEL AND STRUCTURE OF EMPLOYMENT (2009-2023)
This article examines the relationship between bank lending and human capital dynamics in Bulgarian agriculture over the period 2009-2023, focusing on the level and structure of employment. Drawing on annual data from the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) and the National Statistical Institute (NSI), it combines descriptive, correlation and regression analysis. The results reveal a moderate negative association between bank lending and total agricultural employment (Pearson's r = -0.554): a one-million-euro increase in lending corresponds, on average, to roughly thirty fewer employed persons. At the same time, the composition of employment shifts - the share of workers with higher education rises, while the workforce continues to age. These findings indicate that lending acts primarily as a driver of modernisation and labour-saving technological change rather than as a mechanism for expanding employment, and that its effect on human capital is mixed. On this basis, recommendations are formulated for improving access to credit and targeting financial instruments towards human capital development amid demographic pressures.
IMPRINTED BELIEFS AS NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL HABITS: FOUR LEVELS OF FORMATION, AUTOMATIZATION, AND TRANSFORMATION OF MALADAPTIVE MENTAL PATTERNS
The present article examines imprinted beliefs as stable mental patterns formed through repetition, emotional experience, social learning, and the personal interpretation of lived experience. The main thesis is that some maladaptive beliefs do not function merely as isolated thoughts or rational judgments, but gradually become automatized as habits of perception, emotional response, and behavior. In this context, the term “neuropsychological habit” is used not as a reduction of belief to a single isolated neural pathway, but as an analytical framework for understanding how repetitive mental reactions may acquire stability and automaticity. The article is theoretical and analytical in nature and integrates psychological, cognitive, and neuroscientific perspectives on the problem of maladaptive beliefs. Special attention is given to four levels of imprinting, which are considered not as a proven biological classification, but as a conceptual framework for analysis: the personal level, related to individual experience and core beliefs; the intergenerational level, related to family patterns and transmitted emotional scenarios; the cultural-historical level, related to social memory and collective meanings; and the existential level, related to meaning, identity, guilt, fear, and inner freedom. The scientific contribution of the article lies in its attempt to build a bridge between the popular idea of “imprinted beliefs” and the more rigorous psychological language of schemas, habits, automatized responses, and self-regulation. A conceptual model is proposed according to which the transformation of maladaptive beliefs requires not only cognitive awareness, but also the gradual weakening of the automatized mental habits through which individuals perceive themselves, others, and the world.
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF UNCERTAINTY: INTOLERANCE OF THE UNKNOWN AS A MECHANISM OF ANXIETY, OVERCONTROL, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS
The present article examines uncertainty as a significant psychological factor involved in the formation and maintenance of anxiety, overcontrol, and psychological distress. The main thesis is that the unknown does not give rise to anxiety merely because of a lack of information, but because, under certain personality and cognitive dispositions, it is experienced as a threat to inner stability, predictability, and the sense of control. In this context, intolerance of uncertainty is considered a central psychological mechanism through which ambiguity and unpredictability become sources of persistent tension, anxious anticipation, and behavioral attempts to reduce perceived risk. The article is theoretical and analytical in nature and integrates cognitive, metacognitive, and personality perspectives on the problem of uncertainty. It analyzes the relationship between the need for security, the tendency toward control, and chronic psychological tension. A conceptual framework is proposed in which overcontrol is not interpreted as an expression of genuine psychological stability, but rather as a compensatory response to the difficulty of tolerating uncertainty. The scientific contribution of the article lies in placing uncertainty at the center of the analysis of anxious vulnerability and in outlining its significance as a transdiagnostic mechanism in contemporary psychological functioning.
THE WAR IN UKRAINE AND THE TRANSFORMATIONOF EUROPEAN SECURITY THROUGH THE LENS OF NEOREALISMAND REGIONAL SECURITY COMPLEX THEORY
The Russia–Ukraine conflict has emerged as one of the most significant geopolitical developments of the twenty-first century. The escalation of hostilities in 2022 exerted a profound impact on the international system, the European security architecture, and the global balance of power. This article examines the principal geopolitical dimensions of the conflict through an analysis of relations between Russia and the West, the role of NATO and the European Union, the position of China and the countries of the Global South, as well as the conflict’s influence on the ongoing transformation of the international order. The study employs the methods of systems analysis, comparative analysis, and the examination of international policy documents. The findings suggest that the conflict functions as a catalyst for geopolitical restructuring and accelerates the emergence of a more complex and multipolar international system.
Political Science and Public Communications
INTERNATIONAL CRISES ARISING FROM THE RUSSIA–UKRAINE CONFLICT: IMPLICATIONS, CONSEQUENCES, AND CHALLENGESFOR INTERNATIONAL SECURITY
The Russia–Ukraine conflict has become a pivotal geopolitical event of the twenty-first century, with repercussions that transcend regional boundaries and significantly influence the global system. The military escalation in 2022 initiated a sequence of interrelated international crises impacting security, energy, agricultural systems, the global economy, and the humanitarian landscape worldwide. This article analyzes the significant international crises arising from the conflict, their scope, repercussions, and implications for global security. The research utilizes systems analysis, comparative analysis, and the review of international policy texts. Special emphasis is placed on the worldwide security crisis, the energy crisis, the food crisis, the humanitarian and migratory crises, together with geoeconomic and sanctions-based procedures as tools of international conflict. The findings indicate that the Russia–Ukraine war acts as a catalyst for a succession of interrelated international crises, expediting the restructuring of the international order and facilitating the establishment of a new global security framework.
SOME FEATURES OF THE CONTRACT FOR THE SALE OF AN INHERITANCE
The article analyzes some of the main characteristics of the contract for the sale of inheritance under Bulgarian law, focusing on its legal nature, subject matter, and the specific deviations from the general regime of the contract of sale. It examines issues related to the transfer of the hereditary estate as a whole, liability for inheritance-related debts, the admissibility of gratuitous disposition of inheritance, and the relationship between the sale of inheritance and other related legal institutions. Particular attention is given to the practical and theoretical problems concerning the registration of the contract, as well as to inconsistencies in case law. As a result of the study, gaps in the current legal framework are identified, and possible directions for its improvement are proposed with a view to enhancing legal certainty and predictability in civil transactions.
USING BIM AS A CATALYST FOR CHANGE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING EDUCATION IN BULGARIA: OPPORTUNITIES AND PERSPECTIVES
The article examines the role of Building Information Modeling (BIM) as a systemic catalyst for the transformation of higher civil engineering education in Bulgaria. Based on an analysis of national and international peer-reviewed research (systematic reviews, global assessments of BIM integration in education, empirical studies on project-based learning and virtual/augmented reality), the main challenges are identified – insufficient teacher qualifications, institutional resistance, outdated infrastructure, and weak industry connection. A comparative analysis of traditional and BIM-based pedagogical approaches is made. In conclusion, a framework for sustainable integration of BIM in Bulgarian universities is proposed, based on three interacting pillars: academic framework, industrial partnership, and state/European policy.
ANALYSIS OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTEGRATING BIM INTO CIVIL ENGINEERING CURRICULA IN BULGARIA
This article analyzes the state requirements for obtaining higher education in specialties of the regulated profession "Engineer in investment design". Based on a comparative review of compulsory discipline groups and their minimum hours, a model is proposed for integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM) into the existing regulatory framework without violating minimum requirements. Comparison with examples from leading European higher education institutions and global trends outlines a possible path for updating Bulgarian curricula.
COHABITATION IN THE 21ST CENTURY: PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF RELATIONSHIP SATISFACTION AND PARTNER WELL-BEING
The article provides an overview of contemporary research on non-marital cohabitation and its psychological and sociocultural dimensions in comparison with marriage. It examines the transformation of intimate relationship models since the mid-twentieth century and focuses on two central questions: whether levels of relationship satisfaction and perceived stability differ between married and cohabiting couples, and which personal and emotional factors most strongly influence relationship quality. The reviewed literature suggests that overall satisfaction is often comparable across relationship types; however, the absence of an explicitly stated long-term commitment may reduce the sense of security and stability. The findings emphasize that key predictors of well-being include attachment style, quality of communication, and emotional regulation, as well as the broader economic and cultural context. The article concludes that relationship well-being depends more on emotional reciprocity and commitment than on the formal legal status of the union.
CONTEMPORARY FORMS OF COHABITATION: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MARRIAGE, COHABITATION AND LAT/LTA MODELS
The present article examines the diversity of contemporary partnership arrangements through a comparative analysis of traditional marriage, non-marital cohabitation, and the alternative models of Living Apart Together (LAT) and Living Together Apart (LTA). The empirical and theoretical evidence presented outlines key differences in relationship quality, mental health, and partnership stability across these forms. The findings indicate that although all types of partnership are associated with better psychological well-being compared to singlehood, marriage remains the most stable and satisfying configuration—particularly for men. At the same time, LAT and LTA models reflect the growing need for more flexible and individualized approaches to intimate relationships. Economic factors, as well as social perceptions, emerge as decisive in the formation and maintenance of these alternative unions. The study emphasizes the importance of subjective definitions of partnership and calls for a reconsideration of normative conceptions of cohabitation in contemporary society.
ORGANIZATIONAL AND TRANSPORT ASPECTS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE MARKET
The article examines the current potential of the Mediterranean regional section of the world passenger transport market; the features of organizing sea cruises between ports of the Mediterranean Sea by means of liner and cruise fleets are traced. The main trends in the development of the Mediterranean as a regional cruise shipping market are analyzed, the levels of balance between its demand and supply are studied.
sphere of circulation of transport services
IMPLEMENTATION AND EXPERIMENTAL VALIDATION OF A REAL-TIME AUTOPILOT SOFTWARE SYSTEM FOR DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS ON A SCALE SHIP MODEL IN THE MANEUVERING AND SEAKEEPING BASIN OF THE BULGARIAN SHIP HYDRODYNAMICS CENTRE (BSHC) AT THE BULGARIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES (BAS)
The development of autonomous control systems for marine vessels is a key factor in increasing safety, efficiency, and autonomy in maritime transport. This paper presents the implementation and experimental validation of a real-time autopilot software system specifically designed for scale models of ships in the Maneuvering and Seakeeping Basin of the Bulgarian Ship Hydrodynamics Centre (BSHC) at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS). The system integrates the classical Line-of-Sight (LOS) guidance law with a fixed lookahead distance and a PID course controller with derivative feedback on yaw rate and anti-windup protection. The hardware platform includes a Qualisys optical motion tracking system (6 DOF), an onboard Innalab AHRS, and precise Faulhaber and Advanced Motion Controls servo actuators. The software architecture ensures a deterministic 100 Hz control loop, modularity, and comprehensive data logging. Experiments (course keeping, path following, zigzag maneuvers, and turning circles) demonstrate good agreement between simulation predictions (first-order Nomoto model) and real-world results – RMS cross-track error below 0.12 m and mean heading error below 3.5°. The results confirm the practical applicability of the proposed system for data collection and algorithm validation in a controlled basin environment. Directions for future improvements are proposed, including closed-loop speed control and integration with ROS 2.
Informatics and Information Technologies
ALGORITHMIC COMMON-GOOD OPTIMISATION FOR URBAN NEIGHBOURHOODS
This article develops a machine- and AI-readable Single Source of Truth (SSOT) as a reference model for algorithmic common-good optimisation in urban neighbourhoods. The point of departure is a persistent integration gap. Normative common-good and public-value approaches, appraisal frameworks, digital planning infrastructures, strategic steering logics, provenance standards, and design-science artefact concepts are all highly differen-tiated. They rarely converge, however, in one canonical decision source. Methodologically, the article combines a systematic literature review, PRISMA-based screening, evidence mapping, and artefact-oriented design synthesis. The original contribution of this article lies in the triangulation of normative, analytical, and digital requirements and in the distinction between a constitutive core and a profile-based public-planning connection zone. The pro-posed SSOT architecture binds goals, red lines, governance assignments, effect assumptions, appraisal modes, evidence, distributional effects, fiscal feedbacks, an audit trail, provenance, and interpretation limits within one common structure. In this way, the source supports monitoring, decision snapshots, and reviewable accountability without fragmenting the core into local special-purpose logics.
ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGES - PROPOSALS IN THE AREA OF THE DEPARTMENT FOR ISSUING BUILDING PERMITS
This article presents a strategic model for the digital and organizational transformation of the Urban Planning Directorate of the Chania Region, aimed at optimizing the process of issuing building permits at the regional level. The study analyzes the specific challenges facing the administrative structures in the prefecture and proposes the implementation of innovative tools such as the “Electronic Information Service” and the large-scale digitalization of the regional archive since 1923. The author’s solutions include the establishment of strict time standards for control (21-day period), the publicity of administrative schedules and enhanced cooperation between the Regional Directorate and the institution of the Prefect. The designed reform aims to transform the service into a modern e-structure that eliminates subjective factors and improves the investment climate throughout the region through professionalism, accountability and technological innovation.
POLYLACTIC ACID (PLA) AS A TOOL FOR SUSTAINABLE CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT: MANUFACTURING, USES, ECONOMIC VIABILITY, AND FINANCIAL MODELING
This article examines polylactic acid (PLA) – a biodegradable biopolymer produced from renewable raw materials such as corn and sugarcane – as a key instrument for the transition of industries toward sustainable production models. The study analyses the production process and feedstock base of PLA, its applications across multiple industries (packaging, medical devices, 3D printing, textiles, automotive), its environmental and social advantages over conventional plastics, the economic viability of PLA production, and the financial modelling of investment in PLA manufacturing capacity. Based on a comparative analysis of three scenarios (optimistic, base, and pessimistic) and key performance indicators (NPV, IRR, payback period), the article demonstrates that structured investment and technological innovation can achieve long-term economic viability, with the initial investment recoverable within five to seven years. The study also examines the integration of corn into sustainable business models in the context of the circular economy and provides a methodological framework incorporating a mixed-methods research design, econometric analysis, and life-cycle assessment (LCA).
SOCIAL INFLUENCE AS AN INTERPRETIVE PROCESS: AN EMPIRICALLY GROUNDED MODEL IN DIGITAL COMMUNITIES
This article conceptualizes social influence as an interpretative process occurring within digital unorganized communities. Based on a theoretical framework and an empirical study (N = 137), the relationships between personality traits, value orientations, and social desirability are examined as factors associated with susceptibility to social influence. The findings indicate that social influence does not operate as a direct effect of external stimuli, but rather as a process of interpreting social signals, mediated by cognitive and motivational mechanisms. Social desirability emerges as a key factor influencing the perception and acknowledgment of influence, while personality traits and value orientations function as selective filters. On this basis, an empirically grounded interpretative-motivational model of intentional social influence is proposed, revealing its multi-stage and context-dependent nature in digital environments.
COOPERATION BETWEEN THE INVESTMENT FUND COMPANY AND THE DEPOSITARY – DUTIES, LIABILITY, AND PRACTICAL PROBLEMS
The institution of the depositary constitutes one of the fundamental mechanisms for protecting participants in investment funds. Traditionally, its role was primarily associated with the safekeeping of fund assets and the maintenance of accurate records. However, the development of the financial market, the growing complexity of investment instruments, and regulatory changes at the European Union level have led to a significant expansion of this function. Today, the depositary performs not only a technical role, but also supervisory and protective functions. Of key importance for the transformation of the legal status of the depositary were Directive 2011/61/EU (AIFMD), Directive 2014/91/EU (UCITS V), and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 231/2013. These regulations extended the depositary’s duties to include monitoring cash flows, verifying the fund’s compliance with legal provisions and its statute, and determining the rules governing liability for breaches of duty and loss of assets. This shift was subsequently reflected in the Polish Act on Investment Funds and the Management of Alternative Investment Funds. The presentation serving as the starting point for these considerations indicates that the new approach to the depositary’s function includes both an extension of its duties and an increased significance of this institution within the system for protecting fund participants. The doctrine emphasizes that the depositary has ceased to be merely a passive participant in the valuation of assets and has become an entity co-responsible for the proper functioning of an investment fund. At the same time, the extension of its catalog of duties raises significant interpretative and practical doubts, particularly regarding the limits of liability, conflicts of interest, and the admissibility of entrusting certain activities to sub-custodians. This article aims to analyze the evolution of the investment fund depositary's function following the implementation of the AIFMD and UCITS V regulations into Polish law, with particular emphasis on new duties, liabilities, and the protection of fund participants’ interests. The study applies the dogmatic-legal method and functional analysis, thereby enabling assessment of both the scope of normative changes and their practical consequences for the investment fund market.
A MODEL FOR SUPERVISING INVESTMENT FIRM AGENTS: REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS, RISKS, AND BEST PRACTICES
This article addresses the issue of an investment firm’s supervision of its agents in light of the position of the Polish Financial Supervision Authority. The starting point is the assumption that the use of the agency model is a significant element in the organization of investment services distribution, yet it simultaneously generates numerous legal, organizational, and operational risks. Of particular importance here is the obligation arising from Article 79(6a) of the Act on Trading in Financial Instruments, pursuant to which an investment firm is required to supervise the activities performed by an agent to ensure their compliance with the law and to eliminate the negative impact of the agent’s other activities on agency activities. The study indicates that the investment firm’s liability for the agent’s acts and omissions is full and unconditional, which justifies the need for active, systematic, and multi-level supervision. The analysis concludes that the agent, despite its formal separateness, functionally constitutes part of the investment firm’s external organizational structure in the performance of agency activities. For this reason, supervision cannot be limited solely to the provisions of the agency agreement but should also cover internal procedures, the control system, reporting rules, the organization of activities, and the technical and organizational conditions of the agent’s operations. Particular attention was devoted to high-risk areas, such as the prohibition on sub-agency, the method of engaging persons to perform activities on behalf of the agent, the flow of information, the control of communication with clients, and the use of internal control instruments. The article emphasizes that the effectiveness of supervision depends on the implementation of actual verification and response tools, rather than merely the formal assignment of responsibility to the agent. The UKNF’s position was assessed as a significant reference point for building an effective compliance model to protect clients, mitigate regulatory risk, and ensure that agency activities comply with capital market law requirements.