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The concept of sustainable agriculture is widely used to develop international and national policies for the sector. The European Green Deal, which promotes stable food supply, guarantees revenues for farmers and green living environment. Overcoming rural deprivation is usually the central topic of its implementation. The path to sustainable agriculture requires a holistic approach, considering the complexity of social, economic, cultural, technical, and environmental aspects. In this paper we explore the main preconditions to sustainable development of the agricultural sector in Bulgaria based on select indicators, structured in three main groups: economic, social and environmental. We prioritize certain critical challenges, matching them with appropriate interventions with a great potential for impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural and climatic conditions in Bulgaria are a prerequisite for the cultivation of quality fruits with unique taste characteristics, but after the country's accession to the EU, there is a permanent tendency to decrease the areas on which fruit crops are grown. The consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables in developed and developing countries is far below the recommended norms, and yet production in the country cannot satisfy the needs of the population with fresh fruits and the canning industry with raw materials. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the characteristics of the fruit market in Bulgaria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the sources for the formation of Bulgaria's food resources is the production of food products from agriculture and the food industry. It provides raw materials for the processing industry, for export and for meeting the food needs of society. The extent to which national production can meet these needs in terms of quantity, quality and range largely determines national food security. The level and structure of food consumption is in turn important for the health status of both the individual and the nation as a whole. In recent years, the production and consumption of food products in the country have been evolving in a complex and dynamically changing environment, linked to challenges posed by overlapping crises (pandemic, economic). The aim of this paper is to examine the production and consumption of staple food products in the context of national food security and in the context of crises. For its realization, changes in the parameters of their production and consumption are consistently assessed, problems are highlighted on this basis and recommendations for their future development are substantiated. Special attention is paid to the competitiveness and sustainable development of Bulgarian agriculture as an important prerequisite for the country's food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of decentralization is currently of great importance in Bulgaria. It is related to a number of reforms in local self-government, which require broad public consent. This consent should be derived or obtained after conducting a large-scale information campaign to acquaint the Bulgarian public with the administrative, political and financial framework of the local government. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the awareness of the local community on some key topics in the area of municipal revenue. The main method used is the survey method. The obtained results show that the local community has not reached this level of awareness, which would provide a solid basis for civil participation in the local self-government reform process. The conclusion to be drawn is that the state authority must conduct large-scale information campaigns and organize discussions on the issues of decentralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents an overview on the electrochemical research implemented with the active participation of Bulgarian scientists in the field of electrochemistry in the decades that mark the transition from the twentieth to the twenty-first century. The developments in traditional fields of electrochemical research in Bulgaria such as electrochemical phase formation and growth, galvanic coatings and corrosion studies, and electrochemical power sources are addressed. New areas that emerged in the last 20 years, e.g., redox-based resistive memories and microbial fuel cells, are also mentioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper discusses the concept of lifelong career guidance as a modern trend brought about by technological advancements and changes in the world of professions. The realization of this concept is linked to the role of career counselors in assisting modern people in making choices and being aware of their ability to cope with economic, social, and other challenges. The findings of two studies on the training needs of career counselors in Bulgaria and other EU countries are briefly described. Based on the research findings, conclusions are drawn about the need for counselors to obtain ongoing training aimed at improving social-emotional competence, working with digital resources, and networking skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bulgaria has the lowest COVID-19 vaccination rate in the European Union and the second-highest COVID-19 mortality rate in the world. That is why we think it is important better to understand the reason for this situation and to analyse the development of the disease over time. In this paper, an extended time-dependent SEIRS model SEIRS-VB is used to investigate the long-term behaviour of the COVID-19 epidemic. This model includes vaccination and vital dynamics. To apply the SEIRS-VB model some numerical simulation tools have been developed and for this reason a family of time-discrete variants are introduced. Suitable inverse problems for the identification of parameters in discrete models are solved. A methodology is proposed for selecting a discrete model from the constructed family, which has the closest parameter values to these in the differential SEIRS-VB model. To validate the studied models, Bulgarian COVID-19 data are used. To obtain all these results for the discrete models a mathematical analysis is carried out to illustrate some biological properties of the differential model SEIRS-VB, such as the non-negativity, boundedness, existence, and uniqueness. Using the next-generation method, the basic reproduction number associated with the model in the autonomous case is defined. The local stability of the disease-free equilibrium point is studied. Finally, a sensitivity analysis of the basic reproduction number is performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper focuses on inequalities in access to digital technologies and their influence on education (electronic diaries in particular) across secondary schools in Bulgaria. It tries to answer the following research question: does the impact of digital technologies on access to the educational process depend on the existence of social inequalities and horizontal differences between and within schools? The theoretical framework is based on Bruno Latour's Actor-network theory, Bourdieu's capital theory, as well the concept of technical capital. The research methodology includes case studies of three different types of schools with qualitative methods of data collection: interviews and focus groups with key stakeholders such as principals, students, teachers, and parents. According to the different social actors in the educational process, the usage of electronic diaries makes it significantly easier to access, store and distribute information, but not for all groups of children and their parents. The analysis of three different types of schools reveals the presence of significant differentiation and inequalities in the Bulgarian education system. The results show that the theories of Bourdieu and Latour are suitable for analysis of the Bulgarian education system. Based on the obtained results it is concluded that a comprehensive reform in the education system requires not only educational innovations but also adequate and long-term changes in all fields of society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High concentration levels of air pollutants may cause damage to plants, animals, and the health of some groups of human beings. Therefore, it is important to investigate different topics related to the high air pollution levels and to find reliable answers to the questions about the possible damages, which might take place when these levels exceed some limits. A few of the numerous questions, the answers of which are highly desirable, are listed below: (a) When are the air pollution levels dangerous? (b) What is the reason for the increased air pollution levels? (c) How can the air pollution levels be decreased? (d) Will the future climate changes result in higher and more dangerous air pollution levels? It is necessary to study carefully many issues connected with the distribution of air pollutants in a given region and with the reasons for the increases of the concentrations to high levels, which might be damaging. In order to do this, it is necessary to develop a Digital Twin of all relevant physical processes in the atmosphere and to use after that this tool in different applications. Such a tool, its name is DIGITAL AIR, has been created. Digital Twins are becoming more and more popular). Many complex problems, arising taking place in very complicated surroundings, can be handled and resolved successfully by applying Digital Twins. The preparation of such a digital tool as well as its practical implementation in the treatment of a special problem, the increase of some potentially dangerous ozone levels, will be discussed and tested in this paper. The Unified Danish Eulerian Model (UNI-DEM) is a very important part of DIGITAL AIR. This mathematical model, UNI-DEM, can be applied in many different studies related to damaging effects caused by high air pollution levels. We shall use it in this paper to get a reliable answer to a very special but extremely important question: will the future climatic changes lead to an increase in the ozone pollution levels in Bulgaria and Europe, which can potentially become dangerous for human health? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a series of papers, the initiation and development of forest fires are described in terms of the cellular automata-based Game Method for Modelling (GMM), modelling a particular area as an orthogonal grid of square cells whose values are changing with respect to predefined rules. In the present leg of this research, the simulation of the wildfire that occurred in the Kresna Gorge in Bulgaria in August 2017 is presented, rendering an account of the wind, characterized by its direction and intensity, and evaluating the impact of the fire iteratively in terms of temporal intuitionistic fuzzy sets that maintain the information about the degrees of burnt and unaffected areas. The results from the software product FireGrid, implementing the GMM-model developed by the authors, are also compared to the results from the software application FlamMap. Additionally, the paper presents for the first time the basic properties of the defined operations and operators over temporal intuitionistic fuzzy pairs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to present some aspects of the evolution the development of spatial model of the national concept. Bulgaria has a convincing historical experience in centralized creation and management of spatial models for development at three levels - municipal, regional and national. With the abolition of centralism, Bulgaria moved to the other pole - complete deregulation of spatial development. Urban and rural areas are two main concepts affecting the balanced spatial development of the country. The choice of a model for spatial development is influenced by a number of factors - social, geopolitical, economic, climatic and others. As a conclusion, the National Concept Programme of Development (NCPD) adopts the approach to rural and cross-border areas of the Territorial Program of the European Union (TA 2020), which to the polycentric spatial and integrated urban development adds concern for the preservation of the vitality of small settlements. The comparative method with its concepts and categories is the main research method in the present work. The spatial model for the development of the national territory is multi-layered and synthesizes different layers with information, functions, processes and priority elements of different hierarchical ranks. In Bulgaria there are visible/intensive processes of spatial polarization and movement towards monocentric models of development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examines the new European growth strategy – the Green Deal in the aspect of its design for a fair, healthy and environmentally-friendly food system. The Green Deal’s targets set through the Farm to Fork and the Biodiversity strategies are considered in connection with the arable crops sector. The paper also outlines the link between the post-2020 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform and the implementation of the Green Deal objectives. This article summarizes the analyses and studies conducted thus far in regard to the Green Deal impacts on the European cereal and oilseed sectors. The European Commission still neglects the need for a thorough and cumulative impact assessment of the Green Deal’s Farm to Fork and Biodiversity strategies. Nevertheless, several recently published studies on these strategies indicate that the current targets, if implemented as proposed, will come at a significant cost for the EU farmers and the viability of the entire European agribusiness sector. Furthermore, the paper reviews the current situation of the “green architecture” in the National Strategic Plan of Bulgaria for the new Common Agricultural Policy. The Bulgarian agricultural society also needs certain data and projections about the future agri-food systems development, because the unknown is frightening. The idea behind this research is to open the curtain of possible effects and impacts of the Green Deal through the CAP “green architecture” on the Bulgarian grain production sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Lidcombe Program is a stuttering treatment approach for children between the ages of 3 and 6 years. Most papers about the Lidcombe Program, however, are based on studies conducted in native English-speaking countries. The aim of this paper is to systematically review the delivery and implementation of the Lidcombe Program in non-native English-speaking countries. Summary: A resource search was conducted between October and November 2019. Scopus, PubMed, ASHA, Cochrane Library, ERIC, Google Scholar, and SpeechBITE databases and reference lists of relevant papers were searched for the identification process. Joanna Briggs Institute tools were used for the appraisal of the studies. The search yielded 8 studies conducted in non-native English-speaking countries. The Lidcombe Program is efficacious in non-native English-speaking countries when delivered to both preschool and young school age children who stutter. It is reported to be delivered with minor changes and challenges. The number of weekly clinic visits and the total time needed to reach zero or near-zero stuttering levels with the Lidcombe Program can be up to 3 times greater in non-native English-speaking countries than in native English-speaking countries, mostly due to the increased time needed to introduce the parental verbal contingencies. Key Messages: Speech and language therapists practicing in non-native English-speaking countries are encouraged to use the Lidcombe Program for both preschool and young school age children who stutter, although this can take more time than that reported in native English-speaking countries. Further investigation to explore the therapy process with children and parents in non-native English-speaking countries is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over time, nursing practice has emerged as an independent profession based on theoretical knowledge, practical experience, and scientific justification. The professional duty of medical specialists corresponds to the rights of the patient. To be professionally responsible means to make decisions about what is good or bad, right or wrong, taking into account the final result of the actions - the greatest benefit to the patient. PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to examine the ethical aspects of professional duty in the nursing profession by analyzing international and national codes of ethics. METHODS: In order to achieve this goal, we have used general and private science methods and approaches, including documentary method, analysis and synthesis, comparative method. RESULTS: Various nursing codes of ethics were reviewed. The Nightingale Pledge, The ICN Code of Ethics for Nurses, The ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements, The Code of Professional ethics for Nurses, Midwives and Associated Medical Specialists in the Republic of Bulgaria, Guidance for good medical practice. The codes were analyzed in a comparative aspect in terms of volume, content, and practical orientation. CONCLUSION: Codes of ethics are meaningless without professionals who are motivated to act morally in every situation containing ethical issue. Nursing students must understand their role as responsible future professionals and be familiar with the content of the Ethical code and the Guidance of good medical practice. The implementation of the ethical norms is controlled by specially formed bodies of the professional organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The industrial revolution and economic activity have led humanity to unprecedented success in the production and development of technology, but also to a super-consumer society that has managed to consume more of the earth's resources than it is possible to reproduce on its own. We, humans, have changed the earth, the climate, and destroyed species faster than any other species. Bioeconomy is perceived as the innovative answer to the needed fundamental transformation of the production systems to overcome the present lock-in situation. In the recent years the European Union has given unappealable support to greening the economy across the Community. Policies, strategies, financial mechanisms are introducing the green practices and business models in key sectors and economies. A new era of economic revolution follows, in which Bulgaria also needs to take its role. The present paper tackles the emerging challenges and progress in moving towards the sustainability, which requires a fundamental shift in industry, education and science, institutions, and community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, companies are facing more and more types of risks with different levels of complexity. Inevitably this reflects also on the way how the risk is identified, evaluated and managed. One of the innovative risk management solutions is the use of artificial intelligence (AI). Artificial intelligence will create a foundation for more resilient, sustainable, adaptive, and well-prepared companies which could face environmental changes without being impacted so heavily. The purpose of the study described in this paper is to conduct empirical research to examine the progress of intelligent risk management implementation and the attitude towards it in companies from two sectors of the Bulgarian economy - services and gas. The two sectors will be compared and it will be statistically validated if there is a difference in how the companies from the gas and services sectors see the artificial intelligence and its benefits. Based on the results, at the end, a proposal for improved and innovative risk management will be made. The results of the survey and the empirical study will show what will be the future direction of the research in the field of artificial intelligence and its implementation in risk management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main task of the National Research Program "Smart crop production", supported by the Ministry of Education and Science of Bulgaria and approved by the Council of Ministers, is the development of a regional data center to facilitate the work of farmers. The regional data center is part of the implementation of a smart crop production environment called ZEMEL which provides personal assistants supporting the work of farmers. The environment provides intelligent services for crop analysis and prevention and assists farmers in performing basic tasks related to crop production. The objective of the proposed article is to present the implementation of the architecture, infrastructure, and data architecture of a regional data center in the Plovdiv region. In order to clearly present the results of this work, which are the architectural and physical implementations of a regional data center and the storage of dynamic data and background knowledge, a methodology consisting of several steps is followed: the system infrastructure of the data center and the data architecture are discussed; one of the local pieces of infrastructure, implemented in the Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (IPGR) in the town of Sadovo in the Plovdiv region, is presented in detail, including the different types of sensors and their connection to the data center in wheat cultivation; the data repositories are discussed where dynamic data and background knowledge are stored. The paper pays special attention to background knowledge developed as ontologies for winter wheat cultivation. The results are summarized by drawing some conclusions and recommendations for the design of the local infrastructure of the center and the stored data to improve its performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The general awareness of the threats on biodiversity and water quality raised the number of studies that use phytoplankton in assessment procedures. Since most metrics require obtaining mean values, this paper presents data that may help speed up field work and find indicators for a rapid water quality assessment based on single samplings, allowing simultaneous work on many sites. The phytoplankton from 43 Bulgarian waterbodies collected during three summer campaigns (2018, 2019, 2021) at sites selected after drone observations was studied by conventional light microscopy (LM) and an HPLC analysis of marker pigments. Our results allowed us to recommend drones and the HPLC application as reliable methods in rapid water quality assessments. In total, 787 algae from seven phyla (53 alien, new for Bulgaria) were identified. Chlorophyta was the taxonomically richest group, but Cyanoprokaryota dominated the biomass in most sites. New PCR data obtained on anatoxin and microcystin producers confirmed the genetic diversity of Cuspidothrix and Microcystis and provided three new species for the country's toxic species, first identified by LM. A statistical analysis revealed significant correlations of certain algal phyla and classes with different environmental variables, and their species are considered promising for future search of bioindicators. This is especially valid for the class Eustigmatophyceae, which, as of yet, has been almost neglected in water assessment procedures and indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of the first phytocoenological analysis of psammophytic semi-ruderal vegetation on the alluvial terraces of River Maritsa in the Thracian Lowland, Bulgaria. During the field study, new syntaxa for Bulgaria have been found. The new alliance for Bulgaria, Salsolion ruthenicae (class Digitario sanguinalis-Eragrostietea minoris), is represented by the association Erysimo diffusi-Cynodontetum dactylontis, which is widespread on the sand deposits in the river's floodplain. A comparatively high level of ruderalisation influences the communities on the alluvial sands. The species composition of the communities reveals a mixture of perennial species (Cynodon dactylon, Bothriochloa ischaemum, Eryngium campestre), annual psammophytes (Plantago arenaria, Silene conica, Lomelosia argentea) and nitrophilous species, including neophytes (Portulaca oleracea, Tragus racemosus, Erigeron canadensis). The communities in this association differ from those in Central Europe and this has prompted the description of a new subassociation (Poaetosum bulbosae). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite numerous scientific advances and dozens of alternative vaccine strategies, BCG vaccine remains the only vaccine for tuberculosis prevention, and in 2021 we have honored 100 years since its first and successful implementation. Until 2021 it is the most used vaccine in the world, with almost 4 billion doses administered. Bulgaria is one of the pioneers in the manufacture and introduction of BCG vaccine in the world, and this production has been maintained for more than 70 years. Thanks to the dedicated work of generations of specialists, the BCG vaccine gained international recognition, and in 1991, the Bulgarian BCG manufacturer was requalified by WHO as a main supplier for United Nations. The vaccine is exported and used in more than 100 countries around the world. In 2010 it was approved by WHO as an International Reference Standard. In addition to its well-established immunobiological properties, the Bulgarian BCG has also been characterized as genetically stable. Phylogenetically, the Bulgarian vaccine strain belongs to the group of early BCG strains and possesses the genetic features inherent only to the strains closest to Calmette and Guérin‘s original. In this paper we report the assembled circular genome sequence of Mycobacterium bovis BCG-Sofia SL222 and phylogeny analysis with the most closely related BCG substrains. The full circular genome of BCG-Sofia SL222 had a length of 4,370,706 bp with an average GC content of 65.60%. After 50 years of in-vitro evolution in a freeze-dried condition, we identified only four SNP mutations compared to its progenitor BCG-Russia. The availability of the complete reference genome sequence for M. bovis BCG-Sofia SL222 proves the identity of the substrain and its genetic stability, contributes to the manufacturing consistency, and has an important value in standardization and differentiation of sub-strains used in vaccine production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than three decades after the democratic changes in Bulgaria, the reforms in land use and land ownership continue. In these transitional stages of the development and reform of the institutional environment, globalization, and destructive competition, land ownership continues to provoke debate among politicians, practitioners, analysts, researchers, and society. The purpose of this paper is to underline on the Bulgarian model of land use and land ownership, the phenomenon of „white plot" in Bulgaria. The phenomenon of „white plot" has no formal definition. This concept has become necessary over the years in practice and the possibility of turning agricultural land into a „white plot" is regulated in the Law on the ownership and use of agricultural land. The price of a white plot is not determined on the basis of a market price but is normatively determined by the municipal administration. Based on a regression analysis, the relationship between the change in the average prices of „white plot" and the average land rental prices have been checked. The conclusion is that the average price of „white plot" follows the change in the average rent, but with a delay that harms the owners. The phenomenon of „white plot", a consequence of the „formal rules" is a government policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To find out if non-invasive ventilation (NIV) as a ventilation modality increases the burden on nursing personnel and give suggestions how the presence of non-medical caregivers in an ICU with an extreme staff shortage can reduce nursing workload during mechanical ventilation. Background: Although the European Union offers good quality healthcare, there are middle-income countries in the alliance that suffer from nursing staff shortage. For example, Bulgaria needs two times more nurses than it has now to meet the needs of its healthcare system. This calls for strategies that reduce nursing workload as much as possible. There is a common perception that NIV is more time-consuming for nurses compared to invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) but only a few studies discuss the matter and none of them are settled in the unique environment where medical and non-medical caregivers provide direct patient care as a team. Study design and methods: This is an observational study conducted in a specialised respiratory ICU with trained nurses, physiotherapists, and non-medical caregivers in a university hospital in Bulgaria. Ninety adult patients (43 on NIV and 47 on IMV) with acute respiratory failure that were on mechanical ventilation for at least five days were included. Nursing workload was measured via the Nursing Activities Score (NAS). Average and daily NAS were compared between groups. Then individual components of the score were analysed to determine which activities have the greatest impact on nursing workload. Results: Average (39.72 ± 6.35 vs 46.08 ± 5,66, p< 0.001) and daily NAS for the first five days of mechanical ventilation and was significantly higher in the IMV group. There was a substantial drop of nurse workload with time in both groups, more significant for the patients who ventilated invasively. It occurred on the second day in both groups (NIV: p=0.005, 95%CI: 0.88-4.52; IMV: (p<0,001, 95%CI: 2.72-7.03). NIV patients required more time for monitoring but less for hygiene, fluid administration and nutrition. IMV patients also required specific care for their artificial airway and took more time for lung function improvement procedures. Conclusion: In a setting where direct patient care is provided by both formally trained nurses and nonmedical caregivers IMV was associated with a higher nursing workload than NIV. Implications for research, policy, and practice: In a situation with an extreme staff shortage some of the non-medical nursing activities involving patients on NIV can be potentially transferred to trained nonmedical caregivers. What is already known about the topic? * According to the World Health Organization in 2018 there was a nurse shortage of around six million and by 2030 it will increase to 36 million. This negative trend is most prominent in low- and middle-income countries. * There is a common perception that NIV is more time-consuming for nurses compared to IMV but only a few research groups address this matter. * NIV may require additional time from nursing personnel mainly because of problems with mask fit, skin breakdown and maintenance of an optimal position in bed. NIV is more time-consuming in the first 48 h but then becomes much less demanding. What this paper adds * This is the first study where the ICU nursing workload during NIV and IMV is compared in a setting where non-medical caregivers have a substantial role in direct patient care. * In a setting where direct patient care is provided by both formally trained nurses and non-medical caregivers IMV was associated with a higher nursing workload than NIV. * In a situation with an extreme staff shortage some of the non-medical nursing activities involving patients on NIV (like help with self-hygiene, food, and water intake) can be potentially transferred to trained non-medical caregivers under supervision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries of the new millennium. Bulgaria is a destination with an extremely large variety of natural and anthropogenic tourism resources and a relatively well-developed tourism sector of the economy, which brings significant income to the country's economy. Varna tourist region is one of the leaders in the development of tourism, both for sea vacations and specialized types of tourism. Despite the great potential of the country and the researched tourist areas in particular, there are a number of problems related to uneven tourist development, seasonality, deteriorated tourist infrastructure and the quality of the services offered. The purpose of this paper is to study the current state of tourism and the opportunities for its development in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the growing needs of society for food safety and quality, as well as habitat protection, soil and water quality improvement, the role of eco-innovations in agriculture can be considered to provide ecosystem services and environmental protection. The attention paid by institutions to food safety and quality encourages innovative solutions. The aim of this paper is to present the attitudes of farmers to implement eco-innovative solutions such as organic farming and agri-environmental practices. A survey was conducted among 64 organic farmers dealing with perennial crops, pastures, and beekeeping in Bulgaria. The data from the survey was used to build logistic regression to analyze the factors affecting the decisions to implement eco-innovative solutions. The results reveal that three most important factors affect willingness to adopt eco-innovations are: positive perception of the impact of eco-innovation on environment quality, positive change in income as a result of organic farming, and adequate state policy and regulation of the agricultural sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early STEM education has a great potential to support children’s development in constructing their own knowledge, in designing, discussing and testing ideas and finding solutions to different problems. Significant role in achieving the goals of STEM education is played by the teacher, who scaffolds the learning process, builds a creative learning environment, provokes children with open questions and guides them to test their hypothesis as young scientists, mathematicians, engineers and technology users. Preschool teachers’ knowledge and perspectives could seriously influence their practices in STEM education and respectively, the fulfilment of STEM learning outcomes. It is very important to explore in depth teachers’ views and experiences thus to plan and provide appropriate courses for their academic preparation or continuous professional development. While reviewing some popular misconceptions for STEM education amongst teachers, this paper presents the results of pre- and post-interviews conducted with teachers from Bulgaria in the framework of the European multilateral Erasmus+ project №2018-1-TR01-KA203-059568 “STEM for Pre-schoolers and Their Families” (PARENTSTEM) (2018–2021). The overall goal of this project was to increase family involvement in the STEM education process of early childhood children specifically coming from low socio-economic status. As a part of this goal implementation, the project aimed to extend conceptual and pedagogical knowledge of early childhood teachers on STEM. In the frame of the project the preschool teachers-participants in the study were provided with three teacher trainings (two international and one national) and were additionally supported with the intellectual outputs of the project. This paper attempted to identify teachers’ preliminary knowledge, awareness and attitudes towards STEM conceptualization and pedagogy and to describe the relative influence of the project teacher trainings and activities on them. The results of the research unambiguously demonstrated the need for training of preschool teachers in terms of STEM education, outlining the main focuses to be considered when constructing STEM courses intended for preschool teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digitalization is essential for companies looking to stay afloat in a changing business environment. However, lots of enterprises still do not take advantage of this opportunity, which may be due to several factors, such as lack of knowledge, leadership style, high costs or sustainability. Focusing on the controversial link between digitalization and sustainability, this paper seeks to explore the potential of digitalization for enterprises and to propose new development strategies. The primary research was based on a quantitative questionnaire survey conducted among business managers and entrepreneurs in the V4 countries, in Bulgaria and Serbia, focusing on the impact of digitalization on sustainability. Based on the results, the businesses surveyed were divided into two groups: Concerned Committed and Indifferent Conservatives, whom with different preferences, have the potential to achieve a balanced state of ‘digital sustainability—sustainable digitalization’ (digitainability), enabling enterprises to deliver outstanding digitalization performance with a sustainable strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused the global healthcare to face one of the most significant challenges since the World Health Organization was founded over 70 years ago. The development and approval of marketing authorization for vaccines with the COVID-19 indication represents an opportunity to address this public health threat. The aim of this study is to analyze the awareness of healthcare professionals (HCPs) on the benefit-risk balance, safety, and risk minimization measures associated with vaccine administration. This is an open-label, prospective, 1-year cross-sectional study (2021–2022). It was conducted using the indirect anonymous survey method by completing an online and paper questionnaire containing open and close-ended questions. The results obtained locally and internationally were validated, systematized, compared, and analyzed. The study included 344 HCPs from 40 countries on six continents. The data show that among HCPs, the highest proportion are pharmacists and doctors in the age group of 21–30 years. А 20% difference in results was observed regarding the statement that vaccines approved for use are of high quality, efficacious, and safe, 68% (on local level) and 88% (on global level) of the respondents agreeing. On the other hand, ∼80% of HCPs both in Bulgaria and abroad felt that they need additional professional data for the vaccines authorized for use. Surveys assessing the awareness and attitudes of HCPs regarding risk management and adverse reactions are key to increasing the level of informed decision-making and can help fighting the world infodemic with data from trusted sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The entomological collection of the National Museum of Natural History at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences in Sofia (NMNHS) preserves a total of 89 specimens representing 25 species of jumping plant lice (Hemiptera: Psylloidea). These were recorded and digitised in the Specify platform as part of the Distributed System of Scientific Collections project (DissCo- BG). This paper summarises all available data on these specimens. Twenty-four species were collected in Bulgaria, one species in Greece. Voucher specimens for Psylloidea published in a historical treatise on the Bulgarian fauna of Hemiptera by Dimitar Joakimov were not found in the NMNHS and are most likely lost. However, Joakimov's collection, later acquired and supplemented by the museum, contains unpublished material, including three species reported here for the first time from Bulgaria: Aphalara maculipennis Löw, 1886, Cacopsylla ulmi (Foerster, 1848) and Dyspersa abdominalis (Flor, 1861). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper gives information about 21 dolichopodid species distributed in the Balkan Mountains, Bulgaria. Four of them are newly recorded for the studied region, as for Chrysotus hubenovi described soon, it is the second locality for Bulgaria and for the Palaearctic realm in general. For Dolichopus linearis known also with one locality from Bulgaria this research provides two new ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passive radars and multistatic passive radars in particular are gaining increasing attention. It is due to their effectiveness in detecting, tracking and identifying targets. Multistatic passive radars are used in remote sensing observations of the Earth's ionosphere, meteors, space junk, etc. Another application is the detection and tracking of manmade objects and vehicles in the atmosphere or on the surface of the Earth. The current paper discusses a hardware design approach applicable to the front-end of a multistatic passive radar receiver, namely a compound preselector. The preselector is a very important part of the radio receiver in cases where there are strong neighbouring signals in the radio band of operation. Such strong signals may overload the receiver or the low noise preamplifier and render the whole system dysfunctional. This article elaborates on a two-component preselector having very high rejection ratio to nearby emitters, still keeping the receiver simple and reliable. The authors have registered several utility models on innovations in multistatic passive radars at Patent Office of Republic of Bulgaria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents an assessment of the change in carbon dioxide and methane concentrations in the atmosphere over Bulgaria over the last 13 years. GOSAT data for the period April 2009 to the end of 2021 are used for this purpose. The data are presented as monthly averages with a spatial resolution of 2.5×2.5 degrees. The seasonal and spatial behaviour of carbon dioxide and methane emissions in the respective regions of interest has also been investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with the application of the remote sensing for drought monitoring. A way of their application in practice are shown through example for monitoring of drought that is done for three different area in Bulgaria with different pattern, for the same time (July) and for eleven randomly selected years from 1994 to 2009. For the purpose, NDVI, LAI and FPAR vegetation indexes are used. According to Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) drought and floods are the most severity events threatening the country, so attention is paid on drought monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper I offer a concise analysis of contemporary scholarship on esotericism in the countries of former Yugoslavia and Bulgaria. After a brief historical contextualization, I examine the development and principal features of this scholarship over the last three decades. My main argument is that, due to various historical reasons, there is a stark discrepancy between the abundant presence of esoteric ideas and practices in these countries and the extent of specialized scholarship dealing with them. I also suggest that there is an uneven development of esotericism studies across the region, but that these studies are gradually finding their place in South Slavic academia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current paper presents briefly and in general terms the horizontal geodesic survey done by angle measurement, as well as the engineering documentation of the results of the stage from the archaeological excavations of the site "Early (wooden) fortification" in the Inner city of Pliska in 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the paper is to outline the state of market concentration of the two most widespread insurance policies in Bulgaria - Casco Insurance and Motor Third Party Liability Insurance for the period 2012-2021. The expected results in the study are related to determining the form and strength of competition in both types of insurance and for the non-life insurance market as a whole. The importance of the research is related to the fact that these two insurance policies are extremely important for the development of the Non-Life Insurance Market in Bulgaria, as they cover 70% of it. The calculations are based on the official statistical information on the Bulgarian insurance market for the period 2012-2021, published on the official website of the Financial Supervision Commission in Bulgaria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents new data on the composition of bryophyte species in the Bulgarka Nature Park. A total of 103 bryophyte species have been identified (17 liverworts and 86 mosses). Comments are offered on the distribution of Dicranum viride, Leucobryum glaucum and on the debatable report of Dichelyma falcatum and Trichocolea tomentella, two species rare for Bulgaria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are no large glaciers in the territory of Bulgaria, but small patches of snow and firn have been observed in the high mountains at the end of summer. Perennial snow patches and microglaciers are considered indicators of permafrost occurrence. The results from the first detailed geophysical investigations of the Snezhnika glacieret, considered to be the southernmost microglacier in Europe, situated in the Golyam Kazan cirque, Pirin Mountains, Bulgaria, are presented in the paper. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and 2D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) were used to estimate the thickness of the microglacier as well as its subsurface structure. Measurements started in 2018 and continued over the next 2 years in order to assess changes in its size and thickness. The mean thickness of Snezhnika is about 4–6 m, reaching 8 m or probably more in some areas. ERT measurements of the deeper parts of the microglacier beds show high electrical resistivities reaching over 60000 Ω m at a depth of 4–10 m. An anomaly at this depth is likewise distinguishable on the GPR profiles. These anomalies are interpreted as permafrost areas and were consistently observed on the ERT and GPR profiles in the 2 years of the study. These results imply for the first time the existence of permafrost in the Pirin Mountains and in Bulgaria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examines physical and chemical properties in reclaimed soils result of restoration practices took place in the surface mining industry in the region of the "Mini Maritsa Iztok", Stara Zagora district in Southern Bulgaria. In brown-coal surface mining, the overburden (the earth and rock sediments lying above the coal seam) is first removed, and the exposed brown-coal (lignite) is then extracted. Priority task for post mining operations is the environmental protection aiming at the sustainable development, restoration and improvement of the environmental conditions. To fulfill this aim, a systematic survey as well sampling was done of overburden terrains including two soil profiles and three additional surface sites in a stand of Robinia pseudoacacia. Samples were analyzed for particle size distribution, content and composition of organic substances, cation excange capacity, soil bulk density, soil moisture content at field sampling, soil particle density, porosity and soil moisture content at different matric potentials. In reclaimed soils the different sized mineral mechanical elements are inherited during the technical activities of excavated materials. The organic matter in the investigated reclaimed soils was not directly dependent on the local environmental conditions but was result of technology of reclamation of landscape. The studied reclaimed soils under Robinia pseudoacacia contain an amount of ancient organic substances that cannot be decomposed, due to the nature of stable carbon. Despite the high content of organic substances, soil particle density was identified also as high particularly in the profile 1 at the depth 68-97 cm. This specific feature related to the physical properties of reclaimed soils is probably due to the presence of brown-coal particles involved in the mixed mineral materials have deposited in the East Dump Site. The manifold relationship of bulk density and organic matter, total porosity, gravimetric water content and hygroscopic water content was faint and irregular. The intrinsic peculiarity of high mobility of organic substances was identified and the specific relationship within different fractions of extractable organic carbon. Probably the relationship with bulk density is not clearly expressed in case of labile organic matter not bound to the soil mineral part where content of extractable carbon was extremely very high. Humic acids by their molecular weight and structure are very similar to those of fulvic acids being low molecular and with predominance of aliphatic over aromatic moieties in their molecules. Soil pH (H2O) was diverse from acidic to neutral. Soil adsorbent was affected by acidification so there was evidence of initial destructive processes of the soil adsorption complex. Reclaimed soils were characterized by relatively high degree of saturation with bases (67-82%) in profile 1 and very high saturation (81-95%) in profile 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advanced (modern) health systems are based on the principles of solidarity, the right to choose and efficiency in spending the resources of the system. They have both social and economic characteristics. The role of public health resources in all developed countries is leading. The present paper examines the status and problems of public finance management. It is based on research realized in 2020. The research was conducted among health managers, university professors of health care management, health experts of Ministry of Health, National Health Insurance Fund, executive directors and managers of hospitals and laboratories, and other experts in the healthcare system. The authors investigate theirs positions about the changes in healthcare financing in Bulgaria. The aim of the study is to identify the main problems in public finance management in healthcare. The study shows that the Ministry of Health have to manage and finance some priority health activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, the inventory lists of the Myriapoda of many geographical areas in Bulgaria and the comparative analyzes of the similarity between such local faunas are scarce or completely missing. The present paper presents the results of the comparative analysis of α- and β-diversity of the myriapoda communities in natural habitats in two regions in Northeastern Bulgaria – the Shumen Plateau and the Madara Plateau. The compared habitats in these plateaus have similar geographical, soil and climatic conditions, and similar species composition of plant formations. The analysis of the structure of the myriapoda communities included estimation of species diversity by determining the Shannon-Wiever index (H') and the Berger-Parker index (d). The degree of similarity between the species composition of the communities was analyzed by the Czekanowski-Dice-Sörensen, Jaccard, Bray-Curtis, Horn, Morisita-Horn indices and the corrected Chao-Sörensen and Chao-Jaccard indices. The species diversity of the millipede community in the Shumen Plateau is much greater than that of the Madara Plateau, while the diversity of the centipede communities in the two plateaus does not differ significantly. In both classes the greatest species diversity is registered in deciduous and mixed deciduous-coniferous forests. Chao-Sörensen and Chao-Jaccard indices of similarity for the myriapod communities in these habitats are the highest, approaching 1, in contrast to the other sites where the registered species composition of the centipedes is smaller and the degree of similarity is about 0.6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional knowledge is of real danger to be lost in modern society. This research is a part of an ethnobotanical survey aimed on documentation of current status of folk medicine in Central and Northeastern Bulgaria. Semi-structured interviews with local knowledgeable persons were provided. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices consisting of Fidelity level (FL) and Informant consensus factor (ICF) were calculated as indicatives of local importance of species and prevalent uses of species. The respondents reported 15 category uses: to treat 12 health disorders, for prophylaxis/immune stimulation, other health connected conditions and plants included in the diet as food/spices. The highest number of plants was used for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases (65.9%), cardiovascular problems (53.4%) and urinary system problems (46.6%). It should be noted that many herbal medicines are related to disease prevention (52.3%). Maximum FL value (100%) of Hypericum perforatum for digestive and nervous system disorders and Thymus sp. for respiratory system diseases was calculated. Numerous species and specific applications were listed in the paper, contributing to the base ethnobotanical data. Specific use categories indicate most spread health disorders and proved treatments in the studied regions. Results also reflect the growing interest in disease prevention (immune stimulation) and a healthy diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scope of state activities, particularly of the public administration is increasing and becoming more demanding. State administration has always served to some higher interest, which slightly changed during the history, but regardless, their activities covers numerous areas of everyday life and often complex and formalized procedures that require specific knowledge and skills. Contemporary approach of state administration needs to be rationalized and inclusive, due to global context, availability of information, higher level of citizen rights and increased needs and other factors. State is adopting new patterns, and one of them that enables the state to follow the social dynamic and rationalize its activities and resources is Public Private Partnership. In this paper the concept of Public Private Partnership has been presented with fundamental motives for its implementation, as well as the benefits and negative aspects, throughout the prism of three countries from Central and Eastern Europe, but practically the same geographical region and with similar political, economic and legal background: Bulgaria, Hungary and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The paper presents the legislative, political and administrative perspective of Public Private Partnership, having in mind that first two countries recently became European Union members, and are just completing the transition that the third country, Bosnia and Herzegovina is starting at the moment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper provides new empirical evidence on entrepreneurship in agriculture, its early performance (in the second year of establishment), labor productivity, operating revenues, and assets on firm-level data of all companies in the sector. The firm level economic performance is analyzed against a more general background of the sector (production, exports and subsidies) in a longer time frame. Gini coefficients are calculated on various indicators (operating revenues and assets in 2010 to 2018, agricultural subsidies for 2017/2018 and 2018/2019) and units of analysis and they all suggest extremely high inequality in the sector, which is in contrast with previous studies suggesting improving of the situation. The new agricultural entrepreneurs are more effective (relative to the years after the start) as they have prior relevant management experience, easier access to finance and enter the market as value chain entrepreneurs. The paper has important policy implications that the government should redesign its policies, which facilitate the inequality in the sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of Industry 4.0 revolution is a highly discussed topic in response the industrial production is one of the most important economic sectors in the European Union. Industrial transformation and digitalization seem to be necessary evolution steps due to the lack of skilled laborers in the EU. Current demographic trends and projections of the future workforce composition are projecting warning signals. Aims: This paper reviews documented efficiency of the Industry 4.0 and adds empirical evidence on the Industry 4.0 readiness from Hungary. The main goal of this article is to calculate the innovative I4.0 Readiness Index in Hungary by using industry level indicators, and to compare results within EU-27 countries. Outcomes will be used to identify clusters of macroeconomic similarity. Data and methods: Literature review was conducted. I4.0 Readiness Index was enumerated based on data from Eurostat. Cluster analysis was used to determine the different country classes (groups) in transition towards Industry 4.0. Results: Denmark has the highest score value of I4.0 Readiness Index among the EU-27 member states, Bulgaria has the lowest performance. Hungary is on the 23rd place in the ranking. Conclusion: EU-27 region may be divided into five clusters. This paper confirmed macroeconomic disparities among countries. Cluster analysis is in accordance with results of the I4.0 Readiness Index. Findings in this paper may be considered in a future research by analysing further I4.0 indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy after 2007 has brought new dynamic changes to the business environment where this primary Bulgarian industry functions. Getting financial incentives to support income as well as incentives to comply with other European policies distorts the business environment in Bulgaria. The land reform has been a key element of the agricultural transformation during the long-term transition in Bulgaria, which aims to create favourable conditions for the establishment of market economy by decentralizing the process and restoring the right of ownership to all owners and their heirs. The problems related to the study of land relations are of eternal relevance and significance. The importance of land relations is much more essential for the sustainable development of the viable rural regions in Bulgaria, having in mind the favourable natural conditions and the traditions inextricably interwoven with the agricultural sector in the country. The comprehensive research of land relations is a key condition for studying their impact on the socio-economic processes and relations, thus focusing on certain synergistic opportunities for the agricultural sector in Bulgaria. The purpose of this article is to describe, present and analyze the role and challenges of land relations, as well as the related issues that are fundamental for the state of agriculture and the place of the sector in Bulgarian economy as a whole. The study also has a narrow focus on achieving the key goal of intensifying the links between education, business and public authorities in general. For the research analysis we will apply the scientific approach as well as the following methodological framework such as complex and structural analysis. The study focuses on the challenges and problems in the development of land relations in Bulgaria, as well as the range of land relations related to the social, economic, management and legal environment in Bulgaria. The institutional environment in Bulgarian agriculture is a complex system of symbiotic relationships, dynamically changing under the influence of national and sectoral legislation. The challenges and issues of land relations are an extremely complex social phenomenon. The economic, social and environmental influences involved in it has a two-way impact on the agricultural sector. The harmonization and improvement of institutional framework in compliance with the requirements of the EU - development of sectoral legislation, re-structuring of agricultural farms, as well as various aspects of the implementation of the CAP, competitiveness and development of rural regions, are part of the issues and challenges related to the sustainable development of land relations and the agricultural sector in Bulgaria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the impact of subsidies on agricultural holdings of different economic sizes in Bulgaria for the period 2014-2020. The objective is to dissect the dispersion and repercussions of these subsidies on the gross and net earnings of these enterprises. The research is rooted in a thorough exploration of existing literature and utilizes a spectrum of analytical techniques, including comparative analysis, regression analysis, and fixed effects models. The findings underscore the substantial role of subsidies in shaping the revenue of Bulgarian agricultural producers. This validates the primary hypothesis that subsidies bolster the financial health of enterprises and foster the resilience of the agricultural sector overall. Nonetheless, it's crucial to note that the magnitude and efficacy of the subsidies' impact fluctuate based on the economic scale of the enterprises. This underscores the need for a differentiated approach in determining subsidy policies, taking into account the specific needs of different groups of agricultural producers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aims to generate and establish an understanding of effective closing techniques for selling innovative products. Closing a sale is important because this is the stage of the sales process where companies convince their customers to commit to their offer. Using the right closing technique has a huge impact on the outcome of the deal. The paper outlines the importance of the sales closing techniques for the accomplishment of the innovation commercialization process. The literature review and the conducted research study emphasized the sales process as a key factor for the successful commercialization of innovations in the software industry. Software companies feel confident in their ability to develop innovations but not in their ability to sell them. The research employed a descriptive research design. It used a quantitative method for data collection, which was the survey method. The research object is product managers and owners of software companies in Bulgaria. The conduction of the survey used the probability sampling design. Apart from the primary research, secondary data was also examined. The literature review was another research method for data collection used in the research study. The paper presents the results of a literature review and an empirical analysis, which confirm the importance of the sales process in the software industry when innovative products are concerned. Using the right selling techniques, companies develop a successful sales process for the innovative products they create. These findings resulted in searching and presenting effective selling techniques that salespeople in the software industry can use when selling innovations. Software companies recognize that the sales process requires certain knowledge of sales and the last stage of the sale process (the close stage). The research paper provides deeper meaning and understanding of the concept of selling and establishes the importance of using different closing techniques to persuade the customer to buy innovative products. Key salesperson's abilities and skills were also discussed in the paper. Based on the literature analysis and the conducted research study, the author summarized main and supporting closing techniques that could be useful for sales representatives in the software industry to sell more innovative products, build long-term relationships, and win trusted customers. The author outlined some main knowledge and abilities required for selling innovative products in the software industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Natural enemies of cheatgrass, an invasive plant in the western USA that is associated with recent increases in destructive wildfires, were sought as part of a classical biological control program targeting that plant. A population of mites was discovered infesting cheatgrass plants in central Bulgaria and determined to be a new species using morphological, morphometric analysis (i.e., measurement of specific body parts) and DNA barcoding (i.e., comparison of DNA sequences in genes shared by all mite species). Without these modern analytical tools, this mite would probably have been considered as the same species as another mite that infests other plants. This new mite species will now be tested to determine if it is suitable for importation and release in the USA as a biological control agent of cheatgrass. A new species of eriophyoid mite, Aculodes marcellisp. nov., was discovered on cheatgrass, Anisantha tectorum (L.) Nevski (syn. Bromus tectorum L.), an annual grass that is native to Eurasia and Northern Africa. This grass was introduced to North America near the end of the 19th century and now is widespread and associated with the observed increases in the size, frequency, and intensity of wildfires in western N. America. In this paper, A. marcellisp. nov., is morphologically described and illustrated. Compared with other Aculodes spp., it differs based on morphology and the sequence of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase gene, subunit I (MT-CO1). Results of morphometric analysis showed clear differentiation between A. marcellisp. nov., and the most similar congener, A. altamurgiensis from Taeniatherum caput-medusae. Analysis of MT-CO1 sequence divergence revealed significant levels of genetic variation (17.7%) and supported the results from the morphometric analysis; therefore, it is determined that they are two different species. Aculodes marcellisp. nov., is a new candidate agent for classical biological control of A. tectorum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reflects on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on religious life in Bulgaria, especially in the Orthodox Church, and on the sphere of academic teaching. The picture that emerges against the background of the moderate COVID-19 measures and the non-closure of churches is rather disturbing, given the aggressive attacks by non-believers against ecclesial practice. It testifies to widespread superstition and deep theological ignorance even among those who designate themselves as ‘Orthodox Christians’. The compromise of university education during the COVID-19 panic and the radical changes to the social way of thinking go—as a basis of the perplexity of the social mind—hand in hand with the destruction of the democratic world order by Russia’s war against Ukraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a long-standing issue relating environmental to economic goals of agricultural production systems. An attempt to examine all possible aspects of this relationship is highly challenging and beyond the scope of the study. To gain insights into simultaneously improving the economic and ecological performance of the field crop farms, the research is focused on measuring the efficiency of using production inputs that have a large environmental impact. The paper investigates different field crop production regions in Bulgaria from 2014 to 2020 in an attempt to identify regional disparities. Such an investigation could help in consolidating policy measures addressing agro-environmental issues. By employing a mathematical programming approach (DEA method) on public data from the Farm Accounting Data Network and applying a non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis test over the obtained scores, no significant difference in the efficiency of using environmentally harmful inputs between six field crop production regions in Bulgaria is found. Regarding this finding and the Common Agricultural Policy strategies, recommendations for further research are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]