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Initial objectives and design of the Benchmark campaign organized within the European COST Action ES1206 (2013–2017) are described in the paper. This campaign has aimed to support the development and validation of advanced Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) tropospheric products, in particular high-resolution and ultra-fast zenith total delays (ZTDs) and tropospheric gradients derived from a dense permanent network. A complex data set was collected for the 8-week period when several extreme heavy precipitation episodes occurred in central Europe which caused severe river floods in this area. An initial processing of data sets from GNSS products and numerical weather models (NWMs) provided independently estimated reference parameters – zenith tropospheric delays and tropospheric horizontal gradients. Their provision gave an overview about the product similarities and complementarities, and thus a potential for improvements of a synergy in their optimal exploitations in future. Reference GNSS and NWM results were intercompared and visually analysed using animated maps. ZTDs from two reference GNSS solutions compared to global ERA-Interim reanalysis resulted in accuracy at the 10 mm level in terms of the root mean square (rms) with a negligible overall bias, comparisons to Global Forecast System (GFS) forecasts showed accuracy at the 12 mm level with the overall bias of −5 mm and, finally, comparisons to mesoscale ALADIN-CZ forecast resulted in accuracy at the 8 mm level with a negligible total bias. The comparison of horizontal tropospheric gradients from GNSS and NWM data demonstrated a very good agreement among independent solutions with negligible biases and an accuracy of about 0.5 mm. Visual comparisons of maps of zenith wet delays and tropospheric horizontal gradients showed very promising results for future exploitations of advanced GNSS tropospheric products in meteorological applications, such as severe weather event monitoring and weather nowcasting. The GNSS products revealed a capability of providing more detailed structures in atmosphere than the state-of-the-art numerical weather models are able to capture. In an initial study on the contribution of hydrometeors (e.g. cloud water, ice or snow) to GNSS signal delays during severe weather, the effect reached up to 17 mm, and it was suggested that hydrometeors should be carefully accounted for within the functional model. The reference products will be further exploited in various specific studies using the Benchmark data set. It is thus going to play a key role in these highly interdisciplinary developments towards better mutual benefits from advanced GNSS and meteorological products.

Increasing climate change has led to an increase in urban flood events. Events with a return period of twenty years become events with a period of two to three years. The primary objectives of this study are to evaluate the performance of flood regulation models using different input data and compare their performance for flood regulation supply (FRS) assessment. The assessment of the ecosystem services of urban FRS was performed using two models: Urban Flood Risk Mitigation (UFRM) by Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) and IMECOGIP Waterflow Regulation (Retention Model) (WRRM). They rely on relatively accessible open-source data, require a short time to model each scenario and provide opportunities to interpret results in different spatial and measurement units. We performed several improvements to the input data, including updating the national ecosystem-type assessment for the case study area by connecting it with the Urban Atlas typology and proposing an approach for soil data refinement. The outputs of the two models show significant differences in FRS values for each land-use/land-cover (LULC) class. The UFRM assesses different impervious urban classes with different values, varying from very low to medium. In contrast, the WRRM assesses the FRS in densely sealed areas with one fixed value for low supply (where nearly all rainfall is transformed into runoff).

COVID-19 presents with respiratory symptoms and signs in the majority of cases. The central nervous system can be affected directly or indirectly, which is demonstrated by a number of neurological abnormalities and complications. The aim of this study is to present a clinical case of SARS-CoV-2-associated encephalitis and highlight the severity of this neurological illness over the course of COVID-19. Etiological diagnosis methods include examination of the nasopharyngeal swab and cerebrospinal fluid by PCR. A 45-year-old man with fever, altered consciousness, and tonic-clonic seizures was admitted to the Clinic of Infectious Diseases, St George University Hospital, Plovdiv. The diagnosis of COVID-19 encephalitis is based on typical clinical and laboratory data, positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR, and exclusion of other likely causative agents into the cerebrospinal fluid. The patient was discharged two weeks after admission without neurological sequelae. The case confirms the clinical variety of COVID-19 and the possibility of severe neurological manifestations. Encephalitis is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition. Physicians should be aware of encephalitis in SARS-CoV-2 patients with neurological symptoms.

Animal welfare is a daily concern for livestock farmers. It is known that the activity of cows characterizes their general physiological state and deviations from the normal parameters could be an indicator of different kinds of diseases and conditions. This pilot study investigated the application of machine learning for identifying the behavioral activity of cows using a collar-mounted gyroscope sensor and compared the results with the classical accelerometer approach. The sensor data were classified into three categories, describing the behavior of the animals: “standing and eating”, “standing and ruminating”, and “laying and ruminating”. Four classification algorithms were considered—random forest ensemble (RFE), decision trees (DT), support vector machines (SVM), and naïve Bayes (NB). The training relied on manually classified data with a total duration of 6 h, which were grouped into 1s, 3s, and 5s piles. The obtained results showed that the RFE and DT algorithms performed the best. When using the accelerometer data, the obtained overall accuracy reached 88%; and when using the gyroscope data, the obtained overall accuracy reached 99%. To the best of our knowledge, no other authors have previously reported such results with a gyroscope sensor, which is the main novelty of this study.

West Nile virus (WNV) is transmitted via mosquito bites and causes ubiquitous zoonosis. Most infections in humans are asymptomatic, approximately 20% present as fever, and less than 1% as neuroinvasive disease. Central nervous system involvement is presented as meningitis, encephalitis, acute flaccid paralysis, or a combination of them. West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND) has a severe clinical course, potentially fatal outcome and frequent neurological sequelae in survivors. Risk factors for neurological impairment are advanced age and immunosuppression. Here we present a clinical case of meningoencephalitis caused by WNV and a brief literature review. Clinical and epidemiological data, laboratory, microbiological, molecular methods and imaging techniques were used. The cytokine levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12(p40) and TNF-α in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum were also measured. We present a 55-year-old man with a sudden onset of headache, vomiting and fever. The symptoms appeared after a recent trip to Türkiye and involved multiple mosquito bites. Neck stiffness, disturbances in consciousness, signs of cerebral edema and subsequently focal neurological deficits were observed. The etiological diagnosis was verified by positive polymerase chain reaction for WNV and the presence of specific IgM antibodies in the CSF. After a 28-day hospital stay, the patient was discharged and referred to a Physiotherapy Unit due to residual motor deficits. WNV etiology should be suspected in patients with clinical and laboratory signs of viral neuroinfection, mosquito bites, and/or travel to endemic regions.

Lavender essential oil is an economically important ingredient in perfumery, the food industry, and pharmacy. There is notable diversity in the composition of lavender essential oils. The reasons are the high genetic diversity of lavender cultivars and the variety of ecological specifics in the regions of cultivation. The aim of this research is to check which lavender essential oil variety is best regarding the content of the most important components through comparative statistical tests. We created a data set of 88 lavender essential oil samples from 16 countries. The multivariate statistics (hierarchical and non-hierarchical clustering) and factor analysis reveal hidden relationships between the objects of the study (samples) or between the variables characterizing the objects (chemical descriptors–16 components). The results are discussed in detail. All samples from Bulgaria, together with a few of the Italian, French, Greek, Indian, and Chinese samples, fall into one cluster with the standard maximums. Graphical abstract:

The present study aimed to determine the influence of rearing method on behaviour and welfare in Assaf lambs during the first two weeks of the neonatal period, in an intensive rearing system. The experiment was conducted with 24 Assaf lambs, in which two methods of management were applied – natural rearing (NR) and artificial rearing (AR). Forced separation of lambs from their mothers caused 74% fewer suckling attempts during the first three days of the neonatal period, which reduced suckling time by 57%. The lambs reared under NR, spent more time moving and less time standing and lying. Overall, it was found that the type of rearing affects the suckling time. Artificial rearing decreased lying and playing time, which is indicative of the improved welfare of NR lambs. The two rearing methods (NR and AR) did not affect blood total protein or albumin, indicating no significant effect of different rearing methods on these haematological variables. Artificial rearing does not disturb the welfare and behaviour of the animals when it is done correctly and stress appears transient and animals quickly adapt with similar growth rates.

The purpose of this study is to outline some numbers and facts about the level of sustainability of the consumption of Varna households. The results of two surveys conducted on the implementation of a project funded by the Bulgarian National Science Fund "Sustainable Consumption in the Urban Environment: Regional Differences" are used. The collection of primary data is realized through the method of personal interview. The surveys were conducted in two waves – the first wave in the period February – April 2021, and the second – in the period October – December 2022. In total, representatives of 729 Varna households were interviewed – 344 in the first wave of surveys and 385 – in the second. The results of the survey are useful for checking the sustainability of the consumption of other households (other cities) and other periods.

Ecosystems provide various goods and services to society and their valuation is among the main objectives of the concept of ecosystem services (ES). The mapping of ecosystems is the main building block of the whole process of the Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services (MAES). The analyses of the ecosystem data produced during the implementation of the national methodology for mapping ecosystems in Bulgaria (MAES BG) reveal some problems that may cause confusion in cases of integrated assessment of all ecosystem types. In this paper, we present an approach that enables formulation of a uniform spatial dataset based on the mapping of the main ecosystem types, that can be used for mapping of ES at a river basin scale. It has been applied to the upper part of the Ogosta River basin and the result is a topologically correct uniform spatial data layer. The approach gives one possible solution to problems related to the different sources of information and the discrepancies between ecosystem types in the national mapping of ecosystems in Bulgaria. It is based on the use of a uniform spatial framework that outlines the ecosystem types and sets the initial database for further mapping. This ensures a topologically correct spatial dataset for the ecosystems and a background for further updates for each ecosystem at the different levels of MAES typology. The most appropriate spatial basis for the territory of Bulgaria is the database for the physical blocks of the Ministry of Interior. Its application to the studied river basin gives encouraging results and can be used as an example for similar areas. Further development of the approach will ensure the mapping of the forest ecosystems at level 3 of the MAES BG typology and more precise delineation of the grassland, heathland, freshwater, and sparsely vegetated ecosystems.

Habitat maintenance as an ecosystem service (ES) is essential for the protection of natural capital, however, it is among the most challenging services for definition and evaluation. The present study is focused on assessing and mapping habitat maintenance ecosystem service in Rila and Pirin Mountains in Bulgaria for strategic planning purposes by better understanding the link between the potential of providing this ecosystem service and biodiversity in five protected areas (PAs). An integrated approach for the assessment of the condition of ecosystems in PAs and their potential to provide ecosystem services was applied and further developed in the present study. The results showed that the conservation regime allowed the territories to preserve a high degree of naturalness in a very good ecological condition – 96477 ha (73%) of the total case-study area, and 33078 ha (77%) of the target PAs, respectively. The potential of ecosystems to provide habitat maintenance ES is high to very high for 84% of the total studied area (81258.9 ha) and for 96.4% (31906 ha) of the area of the target PAs. A current assessment and mapping show the role of protected areas as spatial natural capital assets that purposefully and actively support their prioritized habitat maintenance functions as spatial guarantors for the sustenance of rich packages of material, regulating, and cultural functions in significant geographic areas. The results demonstrate the importance of protected site management in mountain areas in ensuring sustainable cooperation and consumption of ecosystem services in peripheral mountain communities of the European Union highly dependent on available natural capital.

During recent four decades, the world has faced two horrific, deadly pandemics. In the background of the ongoing pandemic HIV/AIDS, the people were affected with the newly emerging Corona virus SARS-CoV-2, that rapidly turned into pandemic dimensions. There are data that, in various aspects, HIV infection was similar to SARS-CoV-2. The purpose of this review was to search for similarities and differences between both pandemics in view to use the experience of the past and knowledge we have acquired in order to better overcome current and future pandemics. Material/Methods: The iterature used is based on databases PubMed, Embase and random search on the Internet with the keywords COVID-19 and HIV, as well the Boolean operator "AND" to achieve a search of "COVID-19 and HIV". Review Results: In the present review summary, we provide data for similarities and differences regarding virological, immunologic, clinical and pharmacological aspects of HIV and SARS-CoV-2 infections and associated with them pandemics. Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 was here and will remain here. COVID-19 is not the last pandemic, and people should be prepared for new encounters with agents of high virulence and pandemic potential.

Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus is a rare etiologic agent of bacterial meningitis in humans. The disease is a zoonotic infection and is transmitted through close contact with domestic animals, mainly horses. Only 37 cases of Streptococcus zooepidemicus meningitis have been reported in the literature until July 2023. The aim of this study is to present a rare clinical case of S. zooepidemicus-related meningitis in a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patient and analyze the literature. We present a 23-year-old horse breeder patient with advanced immunosuppression due to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and S. zooepidemicus meningitis, admitted at the Clinic of Infectious Diseases, St. George University Hospital, Plovdiv. The course of meningitis was severe since the beginning, with significant cerebral edema, disturbances in consciousness, persistent fever, and the development of complications against the background of AIDS-related conditions. S. zooepidemicus was microbiologically detected from cerebrospinal fluid culture. After prolonged treatment and a long hospital stay, the patient’s condition improved, and eventually he was discharged and recovered from the acute neuroinfection. Although extremely rare, S. zooepidemicus should be considered in patients with clinical and laboratory evidence of bacterial meningitis who have contact with animals, especially horses, other domestic animals, and their dairy products, as well as in immunocompromised patients. To the best of our knowledge, the current clinical case is the first report of S. zooepidemicus-related meningitis in a patient with HIV/AIDS.

Mediterranean countries are a cauldron of cultural exchange, with a strong emphasis on wild plants in cuisine traditions. Many of these plants belong to the family Apiaceae. The common climate determines the common range of distribution. While many plants have wide distribution, the range of distribution of others is restricted to Western Mediterranean or North Africa. This review investigates wild plants from the family Apiaceae traditionally used as food in 13 study sites—11 countries in the Mediterranean and adjacent territories—the mainland and 3 islands. The aim is to trace patterns of native distribution versus consumption. As a result, 81 wild umbellifers are listed, traditionally used as food. Their consumption and distribution patterns are described and discussed. Interestingly in 8 of the 13 study sites (61.5%) are recorded 50 plant taxa (66.7% of all wild umbellifers, traditionally used as food) which are consumed in only one particular country. These are as follows: 8 taxa in Morocco, 9 taxa in Spain, 2 taxa in Sicily, 3 taxa in Bulgaria 3 taxa in Crete, 8 taxa in Armenia, 14 taxa in Turkey, and 3 taxa in Jordan. However, these 50 restrictedly consumed plants are distributed in more than one country (except 15 taxa, which are endemics). Many of the plants that are used in certain countries are not consumed by the neighboring people. The results of the two statistical tests, namely Jaccard index and heatmap clustering (double dendrogram), are discussed. The presence of an outlier, such as Bulgaria, which shares borders, history, and culture with Greece and Turkey, emphasizes the importance of local climate for plant distribution and consumption over cultural interactions. The same was observed for some pairs of countries, such as Spain and Morrocco and Turkey and Armenia, although they had the highest number of common plants that are both distributed and consumed as food.

IntroductionEssential tremor (ET) is characterised by postural and intentional tremor typically affecting the upper limbs, which can negatively impact functionality and quality of life. Magnetic Resonance-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) is a novel and promising non-invasive treatment for ET which offers instantaneous results.MethodsUsing interpretative phenomenological analysis we explored the experience of undergoing MRgFUS in six ET patients as well as their experiences pre- and post-procedure.ResultsOne-time, retrospective semi-structured interviews were conducted and six themes emerged: Life pre-treatment: “It’s everyday tasks that get you down” and “Most people who understand, they are okay. Some people aren’t”; MRgFUS: Treatment day: “Going into the unknown” and “There’s no way I was going to press that button”; and Life post-treatment: “One is good. Two is better” and “Am I fixed, am I better now?.”DiscussionThe findings point to a significant period of adjustment associated with living with ET and the effects of undergoing ET MRgFUS treatment. As ET progressed, participants struggled to cope with increasing symptoms and had to develop coping strategies to manage life with ET. The procedure itself was perceived as strange and extraordinary and despite some immediate adverse effects participants were determined to go through with it. Post procedure, all participants reported tremor suppression which was life changing. While some participants still felt burdened by ET, others expressed it took them a while to psychologically adjust to what essentially was their new body. This study has highlighted the need for patients to be supported at all stages of their ET journey.

Background. The world continues to struggle with the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The pandemic is under control, but the disease exists and it is extremely important to have algorithms for early diagnostic and prognostic guidance. The aim of the study is to find correlations between the spectrum of clinical symptoms with the disease severity and the outcome of COVID-19, aiming to maximally early diagnosis and establishing early predictors for severity and fatal outcome. Materials and methods. The study included 169 adults hospitalized at the University Hospital St. George, Plovdiv, between September 2021 and December 2022 with a PCR verified diagnosis of COVID-19. The methods of clinical analysis (history and clinical examination) and assessment of oxygen saturation were used. For the purposes of the study, patients were distributed into groups according to age (below and over 60 years); disease severity (moderate or severe/critical clinical course), and outcome (survived or died). Results. According to analysed data, 92 patients (54.43%) were men, and 69 (40.82%) were under 60 years; 126 patients (74.5%) had a moderate and 43 (25.4%)- severe clinical course. The disease has a gradual onset in 149 (88.1 %). The most frequent initial symptoms were fever and fatigue (60.4 %), followed by fatigue with arthro-myalgias (26.2%). Co-morbidities were documented for 140 patients (82.8%). COVID-19 was severe/critical in 14.3% of patients under 60 years and 34.1% of patients ≥ 60 years (p < 0.01), with case fatality rate 7.4% vs. 25% respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusion. Our data highlight the importance of advanced age (over 60 years) and comorbidities ( arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cirrhosis hepatis) as high-risk factors for severe course and fatal outcome of COVID-19

Lavender essential oil is economically important and widely used in aromatherapy perfumery, food industry and pharmacy. Bulgaria is a global leader in lavender cultivation overtaking countries such as France, UK, China, India, and Spain during the last few years. The aim of this research is: 1) to characterize a lavender essential oil sample obtained from agricultural plantation near Pomorie, Bulgaria; 2) to perform descriptive statistical test based on a data set of 13 samples available in 4 publications, 3) to compare the varieties regarding the quantity of the most important components such as linalool and linalyl acetate 4) to summarize the pharmacological effects of the main components. As a result of GS/MS analysis of the essential oil sample obtained from agricultural plantation near Pomorie, we identified 44 compounds. The major constituents were linalyl acetate (27.5%) linalool (24.1%), E-β-ocimene (7.0%), terpinen-4-ol (5.1%) caryophyllene (4.5%), carvacrol (4.4%), lavandulyl acetate (3.5%), Z-β-farnesene (3.3%), and -Z-β-ocimene (3.2%). Linalool and linalyl acetate are the main ingredients based on which the quality of the essential oil is evaluated. In the studied samples they fluctuated between varieties depending on the year of extraction and the locations of origin in Bulgaria. Some varieties were characterized by a more stable ratio of linalool – linalyl acetate, compared to others. The main other components of our sample as well as the other examined Bulgarian samples fit the standards according to the requirements of ISO (2002) and the of European Pharmacopoeia (10th edn., Council of Europe 2020) with few exceptions. Lavender oil has numerous pharmacological applications based on its anxiolytic, sedative, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor and antimicrobial activities. Although linalool and linalyl acetate largely contribute to these effects, the overall efficacy of lavender oil is proven to be due synergistic relationships between the components.

Introduction. Bacterial meningitis is a severe disease with high mortality and frequent residual neurological sequelae. It is associated with multiple risk factors. The aim of the study was to establish the main risk factors associated with bacterial meningitis and to outline the incidence of chronic diseases in patients with bacterial meningitis and their relationship to the patients’ age and etiology of meningitis, if any.

Introduction: The internal thoracic artery (ITA) has proven to be the best graft for surgical myocardial revascularization, especially in the configuration left ITA (LITA) to the anterior descending branch of left coronary artery (LAD). Its harvesting is usually accompanied by pleurotomy, followed by drainage tube placement into the pleural cavity, using the so called intrapleural method. Extrapleural technique for LITA harvesting is also practiced in many cardiac surgery centers and with this technique the pleura is left intact. Aim: The aim of our study was to investigate the impact of both techniques of LITA harvesting on lung function and incidence of postoperative complications early after operation. Materials and methods: We analyzed retrospectively data of 82 operated patients scheduled for surgical myocardial revascularization and meeting certain inclusion and exclusion criteria. The patients were divided into two groups depending on the way LITA was prepared. Lung parameters and incidence of surgical complications were registered in the early postoperative period until day 30. Results: The patients from both groups had similar preoperative characteristics and risk factors. Those with preserved pleura showed significantly better results of the studied pulmonary parameters and lower complications event rate during early postoperative follow-up. Conclusions: Maintaining the pleura integrity during LITA harvesting is beneficial for lung function and reduces the rate of complications in the early postoperative period.

The purpose of this article is to present the process for developing individual indexes of sustainable household actions in several thematic areas of sustainable consumption. These areas are energy efficiency, electricity and water consumption, food consumption, transport use and product disposal. Based on these individual indexes, a proposal for the creation of an aggregated individual household index for sustainable consumption is discussed. Based on the developed indexes, a segmentation of households into three basic segments is proposed. The proposed indexes are designed based on the results of a survey conducted among 342 households from the city of Varna, Bulgaria in the months of January - April 2022. The proposed indexes, after adaptation, can be used as a tool for self-assessment of sustainable household consumption in different cities and countries. In this sense, as a result of their implementation, it is expected that the motivation of households towards inclusion in sustainable consumption will be increased.

The aim of the present study was to identify the adaptability of Normandy cows raised in a loose system to the climatic and technological conditions and to compare their adaptability with already acclimatized Simmental cows in one farm in Southwestern Bulgaria. Total of 20 cows at same age (II – IV lactation) and same body weight (630-660 kg) from both breeds were classified into 2 groups (each having 10 cows) and subjected to skin thickness measurement, fibers total weight determination and fiber categorization during the winter and summer season. The results have shown that during the winter season, the Normandy breed had significantly higher skin thickness at the elbow compared to the Simmental breed, whereas no differences were observed in the skin thickness between both breeds either at the neck or at the middle of the last rib. During the summer season, the differences on the skin thickness compared to the Simmental breed were observed at the neck (p0.05). During the winter seasons, the coat of Normandy cows contained more soft fibers in comparison to the Simmentals cows. Furthermore, the changes in the observed parameters, influenced by climatic conditions showed similar pattern in both breeds. It can be concluded that the two breeds have emphasized their genetic potential and have a good adaptability to the temperate continental climate of the region.

There is a high growing demand for regulating ecosystem services such as air quality regulation, regulation of air temperature and humidity, and flood regulation, in urban ecosystems which is important for urban planning. A comprehensive review of the current studies of the urban ecosystem, regulating ecosystem services, and their connection with urban planning actions is needed. The current paper presents such a review conducted in six stages to evaluate the state-of-the-art of regulating ecosystem services and their relationship with urban planning. It includes 58 papers selected after a precise keywords search and developed by publication screening, defining indicators, developing an assessment template, and meta-analysis of the results. The analyses are focused on spatial data used in the studies, the methods applied for ecosystem services assessment, and the relationships between regulating ecosystem services, urban planning, and green infrastructure. The most studied regulating ecosystem services within reviewed publications are regulation of chemical composition of atmosphere and oceans, regulation of temperature and humidity, including ventilation and transpiration, and hydrological cycle and water flow regulation (including flood control, and coastal protection). Although urban planning-related papers are only 1/3 of the pool of papers, appropriate results have been obtained for assessing the urban planning-regulating ecosystem services relation. The review also identified some significant knowledge gaps that can be used as a starting point for future studies.

Karst is a widely spread natural phenomenon which provides essential benefits to human society, such as drinking water. The water cycle in the karst geosystems is the main factor for their formation and at the same time one of the main drivers for ecosystem services (ES) provision. The monitoring of the water cycle can provide valuable information regarding its functioning and ensure data for ES assessment. This paper aims to present an overview of the monitoring of the water cycle in the karst geosystems and the opportunities to integrate the monitoring data into the water regulation ES assessment. The monitoring of the water cycle is based on the methodological framework ProKARSTerra. It is applied in model karst geosystems, which are representative of the main karst types in Bulgaria. One of them is the Brestnitsa karst geosystem, which is the case study of this work. The monitoring ensures data for analyses of the water cycle which can be used in the assessment of water-related ecosystem services. The results from the analyses of the data requirements and availability show that some services such as water flow regulation and regulation of chemical condition of freshwaters can be easily provided through data for quantification, while for others further studies are needed. The results of the long-term integrated monitoring in Brestnitsa karst geosystem provide the foundation for important conclusions and models for the karst genesis and function under global changes and active anthropogenic pressure. Their integration into the assessment framework and mapping of ecosystem services is an essential step towards the development of models for sustainable use of natural resources in the karst areas.

Several biologically active compounds involved in the green synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles have been isolated from snail mucus and characterized. This paper presents a successful method for the application of snail mucus from Cornu aspersum as a bioreducing agent of copper sulfate and as a biostabilizer of the copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs-Muc) obtained. The synthesis at room temperature and neutral pH yielded nanoparticles with a spherical shape and an average diameter of 150 nm. The structure and properties of CuONPs-Muc were characterized using various methods and techniques, such as ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), one-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (1D-PAGE), up-conversion infrared spectroscopy Fourier transform (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), Raman spectroscopy and imaging, thermogravimetric analysis (TG-DSC), etc. Mucus proteins with molecular weights of 30.691 kDa and 26.549 kDa were identified, which are involved in the biogenic production of CuONPs-Muc. The macromolecular shell of proteins formed around the copper ions contributes to a higher efficiency of the synthesized CuONPs-Muc in inhibiting the bacterial growth of several Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis NBIMCC2353, Bacillus spizizenii ATCC 6633, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Listeria innocua NBIMCC8755) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli ATCC8739, Salmonella enteitidis NBIMCC8691, Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia ATCC 17666) bacteria compared to baseline mucus. The bioorganic synthesis of snail mucus presented here provides CuONPs-Muc with a highly pronounced antimicrobial effect. These results will expand knowledge in the field of natural nanomaterials and their role in emerging dosage forms.

The mapping of ecosystems is a significant element in the European Biodiversity Strategy and the results of its implementation should support the maintenance and restoration of ecosystems and their services. The quality of the spatial data is of crucial importance for the achievement of these goals. A methodological framework for Bulgaria in the form of nine separate methodologies has been developed in recent years. In this paper, we analyze the ecosystem typology for Bulgaria and the GIS database to assess the possibilities to develop a common database for the needs of integrated water management. The data analyses were carried out in two dimensions: 1) the typology and attributive data were analyzed by cross-tabular approach; and 2) the spatial data were analyzed by topology rules. The results of the study reveal three main problems of the typology: 1) for some types it is developed to the fourth level while for others it is to the third level; 2) in some of the ecosystem types, especially in the freshwater ecosystems, different categories are mixed within a single hierarchical level; 3: there are duplicated numerical designations between grassland and forest ecosystems. This necessitates a revision of the typology and the development of a correct uniform classification to be used for the needs of integrated assessment. The topology analyses of the merged data from the eight ecosystem GIS layers show extremely large numbers of gaps and overlaps. The main reason is the use of different sources for the mapping of different ecosystem types. The main conclusion is that it is practically impossible to generate topologically correct integrated GIS layers from the eight ecosystem type layers. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a new approach for mapping all ecosystem types into a uniform database.

Natural heritage (NH) possesses an outstanding universal value that can be described as “natural significance” at a national level. The ecosystems can be considered as the spatial units which represent the NH of the particular area in terms of their value to people. Recreation and tourism are amongst the important values which are strongly dependent on the NH and they have a certain impact on the ecosystems' condition and the quality of the services they provide. The efforts through the Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystems and thier Services (MAES) process led to the development of a multi-tiered approach that considers different methods at different levels of detail and complexity and can be applied according to specific needs, data and resource availability. In this paper, we propose the development of this methodology for the specific need for mapping and assessment of the NH as a source of ecosystem services (ES) for recreation and tourism. The conceptual scheme of the study demonstrates how the MAES framework can be adapted to the specific needs of the work and arrange the methods into three tiers according to the data availability and resources. The mapping and assessment procedure is based on an algorithm for spatial data analyses which enables the evaluation of the NH potential to provide 15 ecosystem services. The results show that the NH of Bulgaria is a valuable source of ES which are well presented in most parts of the country. The areas with very high potential form several clusters that correspond to the country's tourist regions. The proposed approach is applicable on the national scale and solves the problem of data availability limitations for various ES. The algorithm ensures the optimal quality of the results using the available data and resources. Instead of an expert-based assessment for all services which is easier, but less accurate, the proposed approach provides the means how to define more precise indicators, based on statistical data or models where possible. The study provides appropriate data for analyses of the methods’ performance at different tiers.

Abstract Background Ralstonia solanacearum species complex (RSSC) strains are destructive plant pathogenic bacteria and the causative agents of bacterial wilt disease, infecting over 200 plant species worldwide. In addition to chromosomal genes, their virulence is mediated by mobile genetic elements including integrated DNA of bacteriophages, i.e., prophages, which may carry fitness-associated auxiliary genes or modulate host gene expression. Although experimental studies have characterised several prophages that shape RSSC virulence, the global diversity, distribution, and wider functional gene content of RSSC prophages are unknown. In this study, prophages were identified in a diverse collection of 192 RSSC draft genome assemblies originating from six continents. Results Prophages were identified bioinformatically and their diversity investigated using genetic distance measures, gene content, GC, and total length. Prophage distributions were characterised using metadata on RSSC strain geographic origin and lineage classification (phylotypes), and their functional gene content was assessed by identifying putative prophage-encoded auxiliary genes. In total, 313 intact prophages were identified, forming ten genetically distinct clusters. These included six prophage clusters with similarity to the Inoviridae, Myoviridae, and Siphoviridae phage families, and four uncharacterised clusters, possibly representing novel, previously undescribed phages. The prophages had broad geographical distributions, being present across multiple continents. However, they were generally host phylogenetic lineage-specific, and overall, prophage diversity was proportional to the genetic diversity of their hosts. The prophages contained many auxiliary genes involved in metabolism and virulence of both phage and bacteria. Conclusions Our results show that while RSSC prophages are highly diverse globally, they make lineage-specific contributions to the RSSC accessory genome, which could have resulted from shared coevolutionary history.

The article evaluates the development of the Internet of Things (I₀T), digital technologies, various types of biological and biometric sensors and blockchain technologies in dairy and beef cattle breeding. The peculiarities, tendencies and perspectives for digital transformation and digitalization of the cattle farms and complexes have been studied. Precise technologies (PFL) make it possible to collect a sufficient cloud of data in accordance with the physiological and technological requirements of the various categories of animals of the species Bos taurus and the welfare of cattle. Biological and biometric sensors help farmers to increase the quantity and improve the quality of their products. Blockchain technologies present cattle breeding in detail, as transparent, stable and predictable in the eyes of the consumer. Cattle breeding is a sub-sector of animal husbandry in which there is no integration, but flexible digital management is applied.

The study was conducted to determine the effect of the administration of different doses of PMSG (Pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin) on reproductive performance in ewes of the Staroplaninski Tsigai breed. The experiment was conducted at the beginning of the estrous season (July-August) on 30 Staroplaninski Tsigai ewes. 3 groups of 10 animals were formed (1 control and 2 experimental groups). Induction of synchronous estrus was performed with vaginal tampons containing 60 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP). In both experimental groups, the vaginal tampons remained in the ewes vagina for 12 days, and on the day of removal of the tampons, the ewes of the 1st experimental group were injected with 400IU PMSG and those of the 2nd experimental group 500IU group. Animals in the control group were not treated according to the above scheme. The insemination was natural with siring rams, by the hand release method. In the ewes of the 1st experimental group (400IU), estrus was synchronized in 100% of the animals at the 56th hour. While in the 2nd experimental group (500IU), the estrous synchronization was recorded in 90% of the animals, with one ewe did not show any estrous traits and was not inseminated. In the control group, which included non-treated animals according to the adopted estrous synchronization scheme, no ewes were recorded in estrus and were not inseminated. The results show that the two doses of gonadotropin (400UI and 500UI) increased the studied reproductive indicators in Staroplaninski Tsigai ewes, at the beginning of the estrous season. The following values of the reproductive indicators were reported in the two experimental groups: 1st experimental group - fertility - 90.0%, 155.5% biological fecundity and 44.4% twinning; 2nd experimental group - 70.7% fertility, 150.0% biological fecundity and 33.2% twinning. The gestation length of ewes in the present study averaged 146 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity affects 33.2% of the adult population in Bulgaria, and there is a scarcity of information about affected individuals' attitudes toward their weight situation. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of obesity in affected adults. Methods: The present study involved a questionnaire-based survey that utilized home-based and tablet-assisted face-to-face interviews. Interviewees comprised individuals aged 25–64 y/o with a BMI > 25.0 kg/m2. Results: Overall, 704 respondents participated (344 overweight; 360 obese). Over 50% of participants reported attempts to reduce their weight, with only 6% of participants in the overweight group and 16% in the obese group perceiving their condition as worrisome. One-third of the obese participants considered their state temporary. The main cause for alarm in overweight/obese participants was a worsening overall physical condition in males and an increase in clothes size in females. The need for an urgent reduction in body weight was noted by 12% of the overweight respondents and 40% of the obese respondents. The reasons for being overweight were collated as a lack of physical activity (noted by 52% of participants), sedentary lifestyle (51%), stress/depression (41%), excessive consumption of carbohydrates (34%), general overconsumption of food (33%), and poor quality of food products (28%). Of note, 56% of the respondents had first consulted a medical professional about being overweight. Most respondents selected dieting without physical activity for weight reduction, with 48% stating that they would try drugs approved for weight reduction. Conclusions: Many overweight/obese individuals have an unrealistic self-perception and very low motivation to take active measures. These discrepancies offer great opportunities for better public education and structured, active strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many biologically active compounds have been identified in the mucus of the garden snail Cornu aspersum, which are effective in the treatment of several diseases such as cancer, ulcers, wounds, etc. The incorporation of these compounds into the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles (CuONPs-Muc) was demonstrated in our previous study. Based on the synergistic effect of two reducing agents—C. aspersum snail mucus and ascorbic acid (AsA)—on CuSO4.5H2O, which also act as stabilizers of the resulting compound, a new method for the "green" synthesis of CuONPs-Muc is presented. Using two reducing agents has several advantages, such as forming spherical nanoparticles with a diameter of about 150 nm and reducing the formation time of CuONPs-Muc to 3 h. Analyses by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) show the formation of CuONPs-Muc, composed of a mixture of copper and copper oxide. This was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Another important advantage of CuONPs obtained by the new method with two reducing agents is the stronger inhibitory effect on the bacterial growth of some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, compared to CuONPs-Muc prepared with only one reducing agent, i.e., a fraction of mucus with an MW > 20 kDa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, the distribution and consumption of canned products have become widespread due to the convenience of using processed fish products. This study aims to evaluate elements of toxicological concern and essential elements (Cd, Al, Cu, Cr, Mn, Fe, Pb, Ni, and Zn), the fatty acid composition, and the fat-soluble vitamin and antioxidant pigment contents of various canned fish products purchased on the Bulgarian market. The estimated weekly intake and human health benefit–risk ratio based on metal elements and n-3 LC-PUFA contents in canned fish products were assessed. The contents of the analyzed elements in the canned samples were found to be below the limits set by various health organizations. Al was detected in only one sample. The profile of fatty acids showed that the canned fish had high PUFA/SFA ratios, EPA + DHA contents and low SFA, AI and TI values. The analyzed canned fish contained significant contents of fat-soluble vitamins. The Atlantic bonito in a jar sample was characterized by a high percentage of vitamin A (26.7% RDI) and vitamin D3 (142% RDI) per 100 g portion. The calculated EWI value shows that the consumption of canned fish products did not present any risk. The benefit–risk ratio indicates that the canned fish species are safe for human consumption, except for one sample regarding Cr.

In some cases of resources extraction, as well as in construction at industrial and urbanized territories, commercial explosives are not safe enough for the surroundings with regard to the generated fly-rocks, air-blast, toxic fumes, seismic waves and vibrations. The main reasons for these harmful impacts of explosion are the velocity and the mechanism of the chemical reaction of explosive decomposition. The authors shifted the focus of their researches from detonating explosives to high-speed combusting energetic materials. The production of low explosive non-detonating mixtures from long-term stored smokeless gunpowders and ammonium nitrate prills in different configurations, and popular pyrolant compositions were studied. The samples of different cartridge casings, filled with non-detonating propellant mixtures or pyrotechnic compositions were examined by two methods - for velocity of propagation and by field tests. It was made investigations for application of waste single-base-powders and double-base-powders for obtaining non-detonating explosive cartridges, suitable in dimension stone mining, as well as in blasting activities at tender and complicated conditions.

This paper presents a detailed comparative analysis of the projected growth in wind power capacities in Bulgaria and Kazakhstan from 2023 to 2030. It explores the development strategies, anticipated capacities, and the economic and environmental implications associated with these strategies in both nations. Bulgaria, with its strategic advancement under the European Union’s regulatory and financial framework, is set to expand its wind power capacity to 3.9 GW by 2030, including notable developments in both onshore and offshore wind energy sectors. The country's efforts are bolstered by governmental initiatives aimed at streamlining grid connections and facilitating faster project approvals, indicative of a mature market moving towards an integrated renewable energy system. Conversely, Kazakhstan, while starting from a lower baseline, displays significant potential for rapid expansion in its wind energy sector, aiming for a total capacity of approximately 4 GW by 2030. The focus primarily remains on harnessing its extensive onshore resources, with plans for offshore development still in the conceptual phase. This growth trajectory is driven by Kazakhstan's national priorities to enhance energy security and economic sustainability through renewable energy investments. This analysis underscores the varied approaches taken by Bulgaria and Kazakhstan in capitalizing on their geographic and political contexts to expand wind power, reflecting broader trends in global renewable energy development. The study provides valuable insights into the dynamics of renewable energy strategies in transitioning economies and their implications for regional energy markets.