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The present study is based on the analysis and conclusions in a preceding paper by the author. Major interpretations of epigenetics are considered - social-ecological, biomedical and bioethical, - as well as their impact on social sciences and humanities, policies and opportunities for human development. The following important conclusions are formulated: firstly, epigenetics can be a stimulus to reform social sciences, as well as for policies aiming at purer environment, less poverty and social inequality, more freedom and less violence; (2) one-sided and implicit biomedical interpretation of epigenetics not only does not solve but intensifies existing problems relating to health and wellbeing of people in contemporary societies; (3) this however does not mean rejecting the biomedical approach but finding it's appropriate and balanced place in the context of functioning ecological and social policies; (4) practices and behavioural models that epigenetics determines as sensitive presuppose respective responsibilities on the part of various subjects - organisations, institutions and pdrticular individuals. A critical evaluation is necessary of attempts to reject responsibilities as well as of their imballanced distribution among various subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aims of this paper are to explore health information channels across different segments of the population, in order to increase the effectiveness of communication interventions to promote health and prevent disease. Materials and Methods: Study of the preferred health information channels among different segments of the Bulgarian population over 20 years for the period 2016-2017. The study covered 804 persons from 28 district cities in Bulgaria, randomly selected by direct individual questionnaire. Data from the questionnaires were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), Software version 20.0. Results: Nowadays, medical doctors are the most commonly used source of health information (84.8%). Following doctors, close relatives (family and friends) are the most commonly preferred interpersonal health information channel (40.5%). Of the mass communication channels, Internet (48.4%) is the most commonly used source of health information, with a relative share of women (54.1%) higher than that of men (39.6%) (р<0,05). The highest is the use of the internet in the age of 20-29 yrs (80.6%), the students (84.0%), the non-state employees (58.9%), the graduates (58.5%) and these on maternity leave (58.3%) and lowest use is in people over 60 (14.8%) and in low-educated groups (2.4%) (p <0.001), where in these two groups the TV is the mainstream mass communication channel for health information (33%). Print materials are the most rarely preferred (24.0%) for health information. They are more commonly used by graduates (29.4%), students (29.2%), non-state employees (28.5%), women (27.57%) and women on maternity leave (25,0%), and low-educated groups do not use this health information channel. Conclusions: The individual socio-demographic segments have different preferences regarding the sources of health information, which requires audience segmentation in the selection of intervention channels aimed at promoting health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The purpose of the paper is to study and describe some characteristics of the balanced economic growth of entrepreneurial entities (small, medium and large enterprises), draw valid conclusions and reveal future perspectives, which will allow us to balance their sustainable dynamic development and be able to mobilize and effectively manage our own resources. Results. In both developed and developing countries, the role of small and medium enterprises is important. Small and medium-sized businesses are the main driving force in business development. In many countries of the world (including EU countries), small and medium entrepreneurship is considered as the main strategic direction of inclusive growth, employment, and economic development. The problem of economic growth of enterprises in the market economy is an urgent issue. Despite many innovative offers, the activities of the country’s enterprises, the growth of their scale requires more efforts. One of the main guidelines for ensuring the sustainable economic growth of enterprises is to ensure the economic efficiency of the leading sectors of the country’s economy, the enterprises included in them. In the conditions of modern globalization, as a result of the strengthening of competition, the issue of the development of the innovative economy came to the fore. The role of the leading directions of the country as a whole, as well as their individual enterprises, is essentially increasing. They determine the country’s specialization in the world economic system. Such enterprises determine the national competitive advantage. Scientific novelty. While working on the research issues of the paper, as a result of theoretical and empirical research, the following were improved and complexly investigated: modern approaches to the study of ensuring the balanced economy, components of the balanced indicator system, balanced economic growth models, as a result of which the modern features and challenges of the economic growth of Georgian enterprises were revealed. Besides, in this study, the theoretical foundations of the balanced economic growth research are analyzed; the peculiarities of the balanced growth of enterprises in the conditions of globalization are defined; the ways of balanced economic growth of enterprises, its financial and economic indicators, models and perspectives are determined; the mechanism of sustainable development of enterprises is identified; as a result of studying the functions of a small and medium-sized enterprise, its strengths and weaknesses have been identified; the factors hindering the development and internationalization of the country’s small and medium-sized enterprises have been identified; the main recommendations for the development and internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises of the country have been developed. Practical value. The conclusions and recommendations formed as a result of the conducted research can be used as a starting point for the balanced economic growth of the country’s business entities, small and medium enterprises.

Purpose. This paper assesses the effect of land title on agricultural investment and productivity in Togo. The purpose is to provide empirical evidence on the importance of land titles and so to encourage governments to promote land registration and facilitate small producers’ access to land titles. Results. The results show that land title positively affects investment decision of farmers and recursively the agricultural productivity. The possession of land title and customary rights increases the probability of investment respectively by 13 % and 21 % compared to farmers who do not have any rights on the land they exploit. The investment in turn, determines the level of productivity of the farmers. Scientific novelty. The scientific novelty of this paper is to show that the possession of the land title does not have a direct effect on productivity. This effect passes through the investment which itself depend on credit. The recursive model estimated by instrumental variable regression approach appeared as an appropriated model to understand the effect of land security on the agricultural productivity. Practical value. Since 2018, Togolese government has adopted a land code recognizing the land title as the main guarantee of land security likely to stimulate more agricultural investment and productivity. The results seem to indicate that legal land institutions do not protect the security of land tenure better than traditional institutions. Households, therefore, still essentially refer to local habits and customs that are accepted by their entire community. Public authorities must therefore recognize that local rights are as efficient as legal rights conferred by land title. However, to stimulate land titles demand, Government must remove constrainsts in land market. Specifically, he must struggle against corruption which plagues the country’s legal land institutions.

Purpose. The paper explores leadership in the face of cross-cultural differences in the management of agricultural projects in Africa. Cross-cultural differences are a result of the diversity of cultures. The differences are especially in behaviors, attitudes, functioning, and communication in the management of agricultural projects across Africa. Results. Cultural varieties are observed in the leadership of agricultural projects based on the leadership style of the manager or leader. The leadership styles range from servant leadership, and charismatic to transformational leadership, these differences sometimes cause conflicts. The culture of the community or society has an effect on the management of agricultural projects as well. This is witnessed in the case of individualistic versus collectivistic societies; these two cultures bring about cross-cultural leadership differences. Misunderstandings arise due to their different beliefs, backgrounds, or values. To address cross-cultural differences, both the leader and follower must do something, for a greater impact on agricultural projects in Africa. Scientific novelty. The paper highlights that cultural intelligence has a great deal of impact in management of agricultural projects in Africa. However, cross cultural leaders in this space need to demonstrate cultural intelligence beyond linguistic intelligence to have interpersonal, intrapersonal and spatial intelligence to effectively deliver in the cross-cultural agricultural world. Practical value. This paper entails ideas that will help leaders of agricultural projects in Africa overcome cross cultural difference for effective management of the projects. The followers also have a role to play in managing cross cultural difference so to achieve greater impact in agriculture projects in Africa. Flexible leadership and culturally sensitivity while promoting creativity and motivation there will be great achievement to project goals. To achieve great success in a cross-cultural environment, mutual respect, leadership and effective cross-cultural communication is required.

Purpose. By studying the relationship between vocational education and social and economic development, this paper further clarifies the internal relationship between them, and then puts forward the strategies for vocational education to adapt to social and economic development. Results. Through the investigation and analysis of the problems between vocational education and socio-economic development, we conclude that the strategies to enhance the ability of vocational education to adapt to socio-economic development are: firstly, we should strengthen the reform of vocational education serving socio-economic development, improve the vocational education and training system, pay attention to the cultivation of students’ key employability, and actively and deeply integrate the development of regional economy. Secondly, we should carefully analyze the uncoordinated and incompatible problems between vocational education and economic development, and solve them as soon as possible. Finally, the government should evaluate the ability of vocational education to promote social and economic development, strengthen the macro control of vocational education, give play to the important role of enterprises in the process of vocational education, introduce big data management, and set a good direction for vocational education, so as to support the sustained and rapid development and progress of the economy. Scientific novelty. This paper carefully analyzes the related problems between vocational education and social and economic development. In view of the combing and analysis of these problems, this paper obtains the relevant strategies to enhance the ability of vocational education to adapt to social and economic development, and points out the direction for the cultivation of technical and skilled talents that that will promote economic development. Practical value. Through the investigation and analysis of the relationship between vocational education and social and economic development, we find that there are some uncoordinated and incompatible problems between the current situation of vocational education and economic growth. By carefully combing and analyzing these problems, we can establish the direction of vocational education reform and development, and combined with the development trend of modern economic system, draw the strategy of how vocational education can adapt to social and economic development.

Purpose. The COVID-19 pandemic has had many adverse impacts socially, economically and physically on various sectors across the world. Agriculture is the backbone for many economies in Africa. Additionally, it contributes significantly to the gross domestic product and employment of many African citizens. In Africa, COVID-19 had an impact on agriculture and food security. This paper through a theoretical review of various articles and books, sought to highlight the positive and negative effects of COVID-19 on the food security situation in Africa. The key objective of the paper was to highlight the link between the global pandemic, agriculture and food systems in Africa and provide solutions towards addressing the effects of the pandemic. Results. The paper highlights the positive and negative effects of the pandemic in Africa. Through a theoritical review of journals reviews some pandemics including during biblical and recent times, their impacts on agriculture and how they were addressed. It presents solutions towards addressing the food security situation affected by COVID-19 in Africa. This paper highlights the role of various stakeholders in addressing the effects of COVID-19. Scientific novelty. The paper highlights the role of leaders, farmers and consumers in addressing the effects of COVID-19 in Africa. It provides innovative and sustainable ways of addressing the effects of COVID-19 in Africa. Practical value. This paper entails ideas that governments, farmers, development organizations and stakeholders in Africa agriculture will find useful in designing interventions that will address the effects of COVID-19 leading to a food secure and thriving Africa. A food secure Africa will boost employment in the agricultural sector and the sustainable development of other economic sectors and a thriving continent.

Purpose. The study aims to find sustainable solutions that support the performance of organizations, especially oil companies in Algeria, which have a significant impact on the country. In addition to identifying green behaviours that support a green culture within the organization, we also determined whether they have an impact on sustainable performance in the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) district in Djelfa (Algeria). Results. The results of the study showed that there is an impact of the green organizational culture in the LPG district in Djelfa on sustainable performance and this is at the level of significance (0.05≥α) the greener the organizational culture, the more sustainable the performance. In addition, the variable of green organizational culture accounts for 57.8 % of the variation in the sustainable performance variable. The predictive suitability (Q²) of the pathway model was 30.8 % for the sustainable performance variable in the structural model which is above zero. Scientific novelty. The novelty of our research lies in the combination of the green culture variable and the sustainable efficiency variable. The study relied on the best-known indicators that measure each variable under the study, and both the (SPSS) and (Smart PLS) program were used to obtain more reliable results. The study also focuses on stopping the marginalization of the sustainability in Algeria, especially in oil companies because they extract oil natural resources and improve them. These two processes have risks to the environment and society. We have recommended that company spread, educate and deepen its green culture and provide all necessary means to achieve sustainable performance. Practical value. It is necessary to work on creating a green culture related to preserving and respecting the environment inside and outside the organization by clarifying the customs, traditions, values and others that affect behaviour. It is necessary to develop the performance of organizations to include the aspect – economic, social and environmental. It is necessary to identify the company’s strengths and weaknesses, which it should take more into account and develop in order to be able to increase its sustainable performance. The results and recommendations presented in the paper can be published and disseminated for the benefit of companies operating in the sector and elsewhere.

Purpose. The study aims to (i) discover the various trees and shrubs appropriate for building agroforestry systems in Bulgaria’s temperate climate and their possible use in various economic activities, (ii) identify the contribution of Bulgarians’ agroforestry systems to the three dimensions of sustainable development. Results. The contributions of Bulgarians’ agroforestry systems to three pillars of sustainability were pointed out. Regarding the social dimension of sustainability, the respondents highlighted the social benefits of agroforestry (e.g., raising the standard of living and the social status of the population; providing jobs and access to renewable energy; overcoming social inequality in individual regions; providing recreation opportunities for the population; give social, educational, scientific, landscape and recreational benefits to society; generate firewood for society). The contribution of agroforestry in the environmental dimension is unquestionable. Moreover, 46 trees and 15 shrubs have been presented. The use of their products in various economic activities and industries has been discussed. These trees and shrubs are appropriate for the construction of various agroforestry systems such as forest-farming, alley-cropping, and forest-pasture agroforestry systems. Scientific novelty. A few scientific researches focus on tree species suitable for agroforestry systems in particular counties with different climates. However, there is limited research on various trees and shrubs suitable for constructing agroforestry systems in a temperate climate, especially in Bulgaria. Moreover, the use of the products of these trees and shrubs in various economic sectors and activities, which can bring additional economic value for agroforestry farmers in temperate climates, is not discussed in one paper. Practical value. The current findings will provide farmers with additional knowledge about trees and shrubs suitable for the construction of agroforestry systems in temperate climates and the possible implementation of their products in various economic activities and industries. This will encourage them to create ecoefficient agroforestry systems using some of the 46 trees and 15 shrubs, based on their regional location and local conditions, to support sustainable development and the environment. What is more, if these tree species are promoted by decision-makers and professional/farmer associations, and adopted by the farmers can support and reinforce agroforestry in Bulgaria and regions with temperate climates.

Purpose. The objective of the research is to evaluate the internal communications process within Ukrainian banks using a critical literature analysis methodology. This analysis aims to examine the structure and essential functions of internal communication, as well as strategies for enhancing communication while considering the nature of this process. Results. Communication is crucial for the survival of financial institutions, as it helps them gather, analyze, and organize information about the external environment and transfer processed messages to the external environment. By addressing the challenges faced by employees in the banking sector, banks can create a positive internal and external image, fostering employee motivation, engagement, and success. Communication is the process of signals interchanging between the sender and receiver through a coding-decoding system, aiming to influence the recipient’s knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. The SMCR model, which includes the components of Source (or Sender), Message, Channel, and Recipient, is fundamental in communication studies. Effective communication involves receiving information from the receiver and responding to the sender’s prognosis. To improve the overall efficacy of the communication system, it is necessary to eliminate obstacles such as individual-personal, social, and cultural filters. The SMCR model identifies critical conditions for effective communication, including communication objectives, application preparation, channel selection, and appeal effectiveness. In banks, communication is related to both interpersonal processes and the social-organizational framework, resulting in predictable and stable communication between subordinates and managers. The analysis of communication networks in banks allows for an examination of the system’s integrity, connection with the external environment, and susceptibility to innovation. Scientific novelty. The primary contribution of this work is its comprehensive elucidation of the concept and significance of external and internal communication within the context of financial institutions, along with the strategies employed to attain effective communication. The banking industry has a well-defined classification system for internal communication, which allows for the systematic analysis of the key advantages and disadvantages associated with such communication methods. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the strategies used to build efficient internal communications inside a banking institution. Practical value. The study provided has practical value, as it helps in evaluating internal communication inside Ukrainian banks, specifically in terms of communication quality and the efficacy of tools used for its implementation. The findings of this study have the potential to inform future advancements in the integration of internal communication practices inside banking institutions.

Purpose. This study aims to analyze the overlap of shareholding between banks and insurance companies in Algeria, whose commercial activities are not necessarily the same, but functional complementarities exist. The method used in this paper is an inventory of cases where a financial institution is a shareholder of another, following several reforms applied to this market since the 1990s. Results. Regarding the shareholding matrices between financial institutions in Algeria, it was found that the intervention of the public sector is the most dominant, unlike the private and foreign sector. The study also showed that the behavior of banks and insurance companies in terms of capital participation is mainly linked to the legal measures introduced in Algeria after the opening of the banking and insurance market to private and foreign operators, essentially aimed at the development of the country. As well as the economic interest of complementarity, since bank financing is usually provided by an insurance guarantee, in addition to the introduction of bancassurance, which allows marketing of insurance products through the cash desks of banks. Scientific novelty. The literature review has shown that the subject of shareholder relations between financial institutions refers to a new perspective of the market vision, the core of which is the bank. The analysis is carried out from the perspective of building an updated picture of the capital structure of these financial institutions in Algeria. Practical value. The development of shareholding matrices between banks and insurance companies in Algeria, helps to understand the nature of the functional complementarity between these financial institutions, and also explains their strategic behavior with respect to the market.

Purpose. The present paper aims to clarify the importance of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as one of the creative Islamic financial products that have attracted the attention of investors in recent years. Results. This research concluded that: (i) Islamic ETFs are a useful and convenient option for Sharia-compliant investors who prefer this type of Sharia-compliant investment, whether they are beginners or want to diversify their stock investments without the hassle of research, analysis, and selecting the right companies. The fund itself consists of several stocks selected based on the nature of the indicator that the box simulates. (ii) Islamic ETFs are distinguished by their transparency as they are affiliated with a specific market index and their investments match the components of this index, such as if the fund is linked and affected by the movement of the general index of the market or a sector index, and the fund manager may set an index for his fund in coordination with a specialized body in this field. For example, he places an index of legitimate shares, it makes it simpler for the fund's unit owners to understand how well the fund is performing by comparing it to the performance of the indicators they monitor or model. (iii) From the same perspective, the method of creating an Islamic ETF is not different from its traditional counterpart, and the main difference between them lies in the benchmark index that Islamic ETFs track. (iv) Islamic ETFs invest only in companies that comply with Sharia regulations, and in the event that any stock in the index portfolio is not compatible, it is disposed of even if the expectations of its returns are high, and thus the investment opportunities for the Islamic ETF are in a narrow space compared to the investment opportunities available for traditional ETFs, which may reduce the opportunities for the fund's investment and affect the potential return of the fund. (v) The Islamic ETF industry is weak compared to its traditional counterpart, it has been witnessing a remarkable and important growth in the recent period, especially in the Gulf region, specifically Saudi Arabia, which is one of the regions most qualified to achieve significant growth rates in the Islamic ETF sector. (vi) In general, exchange-traded funds have an important place in the financial markets, especially the Saudi stock market, as investing in these funds would expand the base of the financial markets and give investors greater flexibility in choosing how to allocate their investments across market channels and sectors. Scientific novelty. This study focuses on the general framework of ETFs, which aims to focus on Islamic ETFs by providing advantages and its most important dealers in addition to the mechanism of how Islamic ETFs work. Finally, the importance of Islamic ETFs in the financial markets was considered, specifically through a study of the case of the Saudi financial market, from which the study concluded that it is necessary to pay more attention to this important investment tool, although the industry of Islamic ETFs is weak compared to its counterpart; but, it has recently witnessed a remarkable and important growth, and it plays a major role in stimulating trading in the financial markets. Practical value. The results of this study can be used in several financial markets, taking into account everything related to compliance with Islamic law.

Purpose. The purpose of this paper is to substantiate the technological solution of equilibrium conditions in the system “methane – water phase – hydrate – R-2M”; to reveal existing ecological problems of methane gas hydrate extraction from the Black Sea bottom; to determine whether gas hydrate deposits of Black Sea methane are an ecological problem or should be considered as an energy source, to explain the necessity of introduction of the effect of forced self-preservation of methane gas hydrates into development of gas hydrates from the sea bottom. Results. This article analyses current research on gas hydrates specifically in the Black Sea. It shows that the necessary conditions exist for the accumulation of gas hydrates in certain areas of the deep Black Sea (one of the most favourable regions among modern sea basins). This article discusses some ideas for the development of experimental studies of the metastable state of methane gas hydrates at negative temperatures: stability and mechanisms of decomposition. Despite the great variety of technological solutions and schemes of gas hydrates application proposed by the leading researchers in the world, they have been tested practically on a small number of laboratory and model installations, mainly for water desalination and concentration of water solutions, separation of two-component gas mixtures. In fact, there is no data to calculate the processes of formation and melting of ice-gas hydrate methane. The effect of self-preservation of methane gas hydrates deserves special attention. Scientific novelty. An attempt was made to substantiate the issue of whether gas hydrate deposits of methane in the Black Sea are an environmental problem or should they be considered as an additional source of energy and even as a “fuel of the future”. The authors for the first time introduced the concept of “forced preservation (activation) effect of methane gas hydrates”, which makes it possible to stabilize methane hydrate decomposition when the system is transferred from the area of hydrate stability to the area of thermodynamic parameters, thus significantly reducing the environmental problems of the Black Sea. Practical value. This article offers a technological solution for stabilization of equilibrium conditions by hydrophobic material “Ramsinks-2M” in the system “methane-water phase-hydrate-R-2M” to regulate the self-preservation effect of methane gas hydrates

Purpose. This paper aims to analyze aspects related to the establishment of business incubators at Bengkulu University as well as what factors are most expected by students towards the establishment of technology business incubators at this university. Results. The results of data collection were processed using the partial least square method to analyze aspects related to the establishment of business incubators at Bengkulu University as well as factors are most expected by students towards the formation of technology business incubators at this university. This research show that support variables were found had a significant effect on the initiation of the Technology Business Incubator at Bengkulu University. Support is providing research and business development assistance and access to technology used for students in agripreneurship. Support is the latent variable requested by five manifest variables: (1) access partnership programs from the ministry, (2) professional network access, (3) technology access, (4) access international relations, and (5) job creation. Scientific novelty. Support variables were found had a significant effect on the initiation of the Technology Business Incubator at Bengkulu University. This research explains a lot about the novelty of the type of establishment of pilot incubators in universities in poor areas. Practical value. The results are useful in initiating the creation of a business incubator that meets the requirements. The results of this study can be used as a reference in establishing a business incubator at the university level. It is important to ensure access to funding, to professional services, to technology, to international relations, and an understanding of the importance of creating jobs.

Current paper presents a book review made by Prof. Dr. Margarita Bogdanova on the monograph “Policies and instruments for social development” – an edition of Innovations and Sustainability Academy – Bulgaria authored by Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Natural History Prof. Dr. Eng. Venelin Terziev.

E-governance (e-gov) might provide the missing tools in order to move closer to the good governance ideal, often depicted as a key element for a sustainable future. But how is sustainability considered in the scientific debate around e-gov? The main objective of this paper is to review the current research at the intersection of e-gov and sustainability in order to provide insights on the identified challenges and opportunities arising from e-gov as well as the preconditions for sustainable e-gov. A systematic review of the existing body of scientific literature published since 2012 has been performed, and after several screenings - from the 180 documents initially identified - 30 articles were selected and analysed in-depth. The results of the analysis are structured based on the sustainability perspective and governance perspective respectively, with authors from developing countries rather looking into development opportunities while authors from developed countries focus on efficiency gains.

Current paper presents a book review made by Colonel Assoc. Prof. Neno Hristov, D.Sc. on the monograph “Modern challenges and perspectives in development of academic staff in higher schools and peculiarities of military education system” – an edition of Innovations and Sustainability Academy – Bulgaria authored by Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Natural History Prof. Dr. Eng. Venelin Terziev and Colonel Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eng. Georgi Georgiev from Vasil Levski National Military University – Veliko Tarnovo.

Purpose. The purpose of the study, the results of which are presented in this paper, is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of resource savings of water use in the regions of Ukraine and analysis of its dynamics for 2016–2020 as a basis for sustainable water management. Results. In this study, the value of integrated indicators of the degree of savings in the use of water resources for each region of Ukraine for every year of the study period is calculated and assessed. According to the relevant results, the annual ratings of the regions were formed. The regions of Ukraine were grouped according to a comprehensive assessment of the level of resource efficiency of water use in the regions, based on the “psychophysical scale of desirability”, which is based on the generalized Harrington's desirability function. Thus, in 2020 all oblasts are grouped accordingly: (1) very high level of resource savings of water use: Poltava, Vinnytsia, Volyn, Ivano-Frankivsk, Khmelnytsky, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Ternopil, Zhytomyr regions; (2) sufficient level of resource savings of water use: Chernivtsi, Rivne, Kyiv, Odessa, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Mykolaiv, Zakarpattia, Luhansk regions; (3) average (satisfactory) level of resource savings of water use: Lviv, Zaporizhia, Kherson regions. Scientific novelty. The methodology for a comprehensive assessment of resource savings of water use in the regions was presented and tested, which made it possible to analyze the resource savings of water use in the regions of Ukraine. It was found that in general for the study period in almost half of the cases (48.3%) a sufficient level of resource efficiency of water use was recorded, in 40.8% of cases – a very high level of resource efficiency of water use, and in 10.9% of cases – average (satisfactory) level of resource savings of water use. Practical value. The results of the study can be used to identify reserves for improving resource savings of water use in the regions of Ukraine, as well as to assess and forecast the level of resource savings of water use.

During the last twenty years, Central and Eastern European Online Library (CEEOL) became a leading database and repository offering a highly specialized and comprehensive collection of full text indexed documents in the fields of Humanities and Social Science publications from and about Central and Eastern Europe. Journal articles, eBooks and Grey Literature items are included in 50+ languages, allowing access to the primary source in one repository and fostering the language diversity in academic research and publishing. The dissemination process of the content in CEEOL includes the following discovery systems: Google Scholar, ProQuest´s Serial Solutions, Summon, Primo Central, Alma, EBSCO´s EDS Discovery Service and Knowledge Base, TDNet and OCLC. The CEEOL´s partnership with Clarivate Analytics allows Web of Science editors having access to the CEEOL platform for easier analysis, selection and indexing of CEEOL journals that interest the Web of Science community. Institutional subscribers (states’, universities’, institutes’ libraries, etc.) worldwide appreciate CEEOL for providing researchers, scholars, students, librarians and library patrons the access to indexed and archived Journals, eBooks and Grey Literature documents from and about Central and Eastern Europe by leading academic and scholarly publishers. The Bulgarian collection of journals and books holds a special place in CEEOL due to the high quality of scientific content and the depth and the completeness of the digital archives of the Bulgarian periodicals. CEEOL is a unique source of information for the development of Bulgarian humanities and social sciences for the past over 30 years, and that source could be used more widely in Bulgaria for supporting this development in the future. The study uses a comparative approach and analyzes the results of some of the business analytics tools of the CEEOL system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current paper presents studies on the administrative structures in order to optimize the activities and the overall management through the example of the Bulgarian Commission for Protection against Discrimination. It aims at establishing duplicate functions in the organization under study. The main tasks in the analysis are related to the display of the basic findings and conclusions for the strongest sides and the fields for improvement regarding the relevance, the effectiveness and the efficiency of the administration of the Commission for Protection against Discrimination in Bulgaria. The following areas are thoroughly and critically analyzed: relevance of the functions and efficiency of the activity. As a result of the study a Strategy for Organizational Development and a Training Plan have been drafted.

Ensuring effective customer service requires targeted efforts in a number of areas, one of which is to develop service standards for each market segment. The development and implementation of standards requires the organization to accurately determine customer service types, the cost of providing alternative services, and measures for measuring and controlling the services provided. At the core of the developed and implemented standards is the development and establishment of the customer service policy, which should start with a consumer demand analysis. The definition of customer service level should allow for quantitative measurement because the vague and quantifiable policy does not provide opportunities for evaluation and control of the activities and expenses of customer service. When developing service standards, it is appropriate to apply an algorithm that focuses primarily on standards related to employee behavior towards customers. This paper explores the need and capability to develop customer service standards and provides an algorithm for developing standards for employee behavior toward customers.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is the core of sustainable development of companies. On one hand, the corporate social responsibility of companies is a prerequisite for sustainable business, on the other - sustainable development sets specific requirements for the development of businesses in the context of increasing requirements to the degree of quality and reliability of financial information. In recent years, sustainable development has become a strategic issue for companies and this trend applies to Bulgarian companies too. Development of non-financial reporting is a very dynamic process, whose peak is the establishment of an integrated system of accountability. Current paper makes analyses of advantages of CSR linking it to the implementation of sustainable development goals through the integrated reporting following the requirements of the standards of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).

The paper discusses the development of social policies in the Republic of Bulgaria. Employment policies and measures are examined in conection to the national governmental policies and in conditions of some major changes in economic and social life in the transition to a market economy and joining the EU. Active social policy is characterized in its different aspects, as well as different approaches on employment and unemployment regarding labor force and in comparison to the passive policies. The lessons learnt during preparation, organization and implementation of the programs and measures of labor market policy are a valuable experience on which basis conclusions are made about the functioning of labor market and the link to social and economic development, as well as priorities of future development are set.

In the 21st century humans face with the great risk how to protect themselves from disasters of different kinds. Emergencies happened in many countries and caused a great suffering of humans. The main question of stakeholders is: ‘’how to protect human health and environment in an adequate way’’. Emergency management is an issue which is included in numerous education institutions all over the globe and the action of various national and international organizations. Therefore it is interesting that in the process of fostering emergency management many countries neglect the need of creating more effective tools for response, preparedness and recovery in environmental emergencies. The paper is based on analyzes of Serbian approach in the governance of emergency situation followed by incommensurate environmental risks. Serbia had to accept International environmental emergency help after the floods in 2014. The Joint United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) / Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Environment Unit (JEU) helped Serbia to mitigate consequences of horrified environmental emergency in “Stolice” mine near city Krupanj. This assistance was needed because Serbia did not have enough capacity to struggle with the consequences of breaking the dam and contamination of soil and rivers. This study shows that a similar disaster in the future could be solved only by strengthening multilateral response of different actors at local and national level. After all, Serbia is at the beginning of the path, and need to highlight strategic challenges in the governance of emergency situation followed by environmental emergencies. Only with full implementation of positive practice of the international community Serbia could avoid long term impact on life support functions, nature and humans.

Global climate changes are undoubtedly course of the increasing frequency of extreme whether events all over the world. Rural communities belong to the “group of victims” which is greatly jeopardized by consequences of the extreme weather events. Having in mind limited capacities for the preparedness, response and recovery after any kind of emergency it is clear that the rural community mostly needs external help. That is the point of this paper: to make new insights about this important issue, and to discuss: “how to provide adequate help in the rural communities and build adequate adaptive and response capacities”. In many countries agriculture and rural tourism are main economic activities in the rural area and its interruption could be the obstacle for implementation of sustainable development. Various stakeholders omit to be aware of this issue. Emergency agencies and many others have to make the comprehensive plan for rural communities (having in mind all its limitations). In the Republic of Serbia rural communities do not have enough capacity for recovery and usually it takes many years after an event. A minimum of an economic recovery standard has to be created for the rural community. It also has to be a specific contingency plan in the future reorganizations of emergency services in Serbia and at the Western Balkan region. It should be one of the priority issues for stakeholders in the near future in disaster risk reduction. Providing equal access to resources to population in the rural community after the extreme weather event has to be the priority task for policy makers and all actors in emergency management.

The paper examines challenges to labor market in the Republic of Bulgaria. The analyses of its development from the beginning of the transition to the market economy, structural changes in employment and unemployment, individual labor supply and policy of building a functioning labor market reveal specific factors of the unemployment and the growth in the country. Current problems are dicussed and general conclusions about future development are drawn on the basis of the examined aspects of labor market development influenced by the periods of economic development and the place and the roles of labor market policies in the general economic policy.

The paper explores the integrative function of knowledge in the system of the competitive potential of the company. It argues that knowledge is the integrator of the different elements of the overall competitive potential of the company. The approach and the model of Michael Porter are analyzed in the study of knowledge as a key factor for success in the competitive struggle. The main objective is to explore approaches and models of knowledge management and best practices of their implementation in order to promote and adapt them to the conditions of Bulgarian business organizations in their striving after competitiveness increase.

The paper examines development of labor market in the Republic of Bulgaria during the transition to a market economy and afterward in conditions to joining the EU. The questions connected to the heritage at the beginning of the transition, structural changes in employment and unemployment, individual labor supply and policy of building a functioning labor market are discussed. Specific factors of the unemployment and the growth in the country are scrutinized, as well as the movement of the flows of the unemployed. Some general conclusions about future development are drawn on the basis of the examined aspects of labor market development influenced by the periods of economic development and the place and the roles of labor market policies in the general economic policy.

The paper presents the basis of the scientific research in assessing the efficiency of social programming, seeking its justification and control on national, regional and local level. Different theoretical and practical options are reviewed analyzing their characterization and opportunities of application.

The paper presents an active model of a social program and discusses its strategic advantage. The analyses made are based on a study of the experience of the Republic of Bulgaria in the transition period and afterward. Active social policies are considered and a methodology of development of an active social program is concerned examining characteristics of an active social program of human development and the components of the mechanism of social program activation.

The article considers the John Dewey's concept of democracy with regard to earlier (Marx) and to contemporary (Giddens, Beck) left-radical ideas. The article highlights similar epistemological, anthropological and political views in these theories. Very important is the rejection or the underestimation of the political democracy and the emphasis on the democratic life in order to build a new society, quite different from the existing societies. The article consists of three parts. The first one examines the understanding of democracy as a non political phenomenon and as a synonym for a new type of human existence by the early Marx and the later view of Marx and Lenin on the democracy as "hypocrisy". The second part analyzes the Dewey's concept of democracy as "mode of associated living" and draws attention to some significant resemblances and also some differences from the early conception of Marx. The third part considers the understanding of the democratic society as identical with the global society in which the communication of people is not restricted by political borders. In this question there are also identified significant similarities between the conception of Marx, Dewey and some contemporary thinkers (Giddens, Beck). The conclusion is that the political democracy and the democratic society are compatible, but the idea of some kind of new non-political democratic global society is deemed as unrealistic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]