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This paper is based on the results of published authorial research on the relationship between the sound composition of language and emotion, leading to the conclusions and generalizations drawn here. In order to uncover deeper relationships between language and emotion, a methodology and corresponding automated system was developed that allowed the application of statistical methods over the phonemic composition of large volumes of textual data. So far, the English data and the results of the applied statistical methods confirm the existence of dependencies between phoneme composition expressed as vowel-consonant pairs and emotional valence (positive-negative emotion) for news texts from the Internet. The presented research necessitated the development of an automated system. The system was implemented with the participation of computer science students, within the framework of full-time courses. Our experience suggests that incorporating research topics into the undergraduate curriculum helps to understand both the role of information technology for research and the limitations of systems used as “artificial intelligence”. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzes the benefits and opportunities for the successful integration of Problem-Based Learning (PrBL) during the mathematics classes in the first secondary school stage in order to form and develop key competences as well as skills for life and work in the 21st century in the context of the Strategic Framework for the Development of Education, Training and Learning in the Republic of Bulgaria (2021 – 2030). PrBL is discussed in the context of the competency-based approach that stimulates learners’ interest, challenging them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during mathematics education in real-life scenarios. Based on an analysis of the widely used World Economic Forum competency framework, a competency framework for PrBL is developed as a tool for clearly defining learning objectives and applying effective assessment methods. An example of a successfully adopted practice of the project method at the American College of Sofia is also presented. The conclusions indicate that by embedding competency models, stimulating active learning and forming problem-solving skills in addition to conventional methods, PrBL could be used as an appropriate tool to achieve the goals defined in the Strategic Framework of the Ministry of Education; active actions have been taken by the Ministry of Education both to train specialists in the field of education and to adapt the mathematics curricula for the successful implementation of the competency approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to examine the existentialist elements in Carl Schmitt’s political philosophy. Such an analytical perspective is necessary so that we can fully understand the ideas of the German thinker. This article concentrates on three of Schmitt’s most serious areas of research: decisionism as a fundamental part of the political, constitutional theory and the concept of the political as a fundamental distinction between friends and enemies. Each of these three moments is deeply existential. Thus, it is that which enables Schmitt to develop an authentic counterargument to 20th century’s main political ideas. This existential perspective illuminates the essence of Carl Schmitt’s philosophy and provides it with intellectual clarity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of regional inequalities and disproportions in the development of the regions in the Republic of Bulgaria outlines the problems and identifies the potential for their improvement. This makes it possible to set strategic goals and implement measures to improve the well-being of the regions. The present paper is a theoretical and applied study. The aim is to provide an empirical study of the demographic state of the statistical regions in Bulgaria for the period 2001-2021 through discriminant analysis. It enables the prediction of the membership of units in one or more groups by constructing a discriminant function. The objects of observation are the events related to the natural movement of the population and the resource provision of the health system covering nine main indicators: birth rate (‰), death rate (‰), infant mortality rate (‰), natural population increase (‰), total fertility rate (average number of children), availability of hospital care (‰0), availability of physicians (‰0), dentists (‰0) and healthcare professionals (‰0). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]