Abstract The present survey was designed to find out the attitudes of selected informants from Northeastern Bulgaria – persons who confirmed that use medicinal plants, towards phytotherapy in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the first part of our survey was focused on the source of information of herbal utilization, the way of obtaining of medicinal plants, safety concerns and influence of demographic features of the participants. The survey revealed that people who used herbal remedies rely on new informative sources as internet and mass media. As can be expected, the sex and the level of education influenced the respondents‘ statement about herbal safety. Amongst the demographic features, the place of residence exerted impact on answers to several questions – the way of obtaining of herbs, their possible side effects and the possibility to replace synthetic drugs. An alarm are the hesitant answers to the questions about the herbal side effects and the control of production of herbal preparations. Moreover, the present survey revealed new focus groups for providing of information about the safe production of herbal medicines – students and single living persons.

Abstract It is hypothesised that wild plants have the potential to be used as ornamentals. The term ‘wild’ as applied to plant species refers to those that grow spontaneously in self-sustaining populations. The ornamentals encompass a diverse array of herbaceous seasonal flowers, shrubs, semi-shrubs, and woody species. A significant attribute of ornamentals is their aesthetic appeal. The cultivation of plants is driven by a variety of factors, including the presence of specific characteristics such as: flowers, leaves, fragrance, fruit, stem, bark, or due to the presence of particular physiological and morphological characteristics. There is an emerging trend of incorporating novel wild native plants that possess ornamental value with the objective of reducing the financial burden associated with garden maintenance, enhancing the survival rates of plants in unfavourable conditions, and curtailing the propagation of alien floral species to regulate their dispersal. The present study constitutes an inventory of the floristic diversity of native wild ornamental plants of the priority 62CO* Ponto-Sarmatic steppes natural habitat, that have decorative qualities. In the course of the field surveys conducted as part of the 62C0* habitat restoration project, 60 species from 22 families were identified as having the potential to be used as ornamental plants. The majority of these species are classified as perennial herbaceous.

Abstract In today’s globalizing world, building “networks” in various directions is a modern and adequate way to collaborate and achieve noticeable results. “Community” is the space (geographical, virtual, thematic, hierarchical) that unites interests and problems, brings people together, and consolidates solutions. The main relationships in such networks involve communication, sharing experiences, problem identification, problem-solving, and implementation. In this sense, the current material explores the essence of “networks,” their positive and current opportunities for problem-solving and unifying thoughts. It examines some exemplary geographical communities, as well as those with an interdisciplinary character. It provides examples in solving specific problems, as well as alternatives for similar associations. It considers them on different levels - physical, social, virtual, and with the establishment of networks and connections with social, scientific, and educational functions. The most popular networks based on social platforms are considered, as well as those built by corporate associations and based on specific goals and tasks (e.g., promoting a particular product or quality) - such as the ArcGIS Society and others. Corporate training academies serve as winning examples of specific knowledge and goal scopes aimed at product realization or solving practical-applied problems. The consistency in conducting seminars and scientific events also builds a stable community over time (including in geographic science). The author proposes an alternative for a new, contemporary interdisciplinary network, uniting members and achievements in innovations, artificial intelligence, and education: The IDEA Community. To achieve a visible end result, expressed in: Connecting Minds, Creating Community .

Abstract This study presents the first detailed in situ assessment of natural background radiation in the tourist-accessible portion of Biserna Cave, Bulgaria. Using portable gamma-ray dosimeter and radon detectors, we measured ambient gamma-ray dose rates and radon concentrations along the cave route. Radon was measured at eleven depth-profile points, and a time-weighted average inhalation dose was calculated using a 40% – 20% – 40% time-distribution model (entry – final – travel). The resulting 1-hour inhalation dose (radon) is ~ (3.81 – 10.695) µSv, including a mean gamma-ray component (0.177 µSv/h), the max total is ≈ 10.872 µSv. For a seasonal visitor population of 2,000 – 2,500, the max collective dose is 21.7 – 27.2 mSv. Tour guides, with ~ 115 h exposure annually, receive ~ (0.42 – 1.22 mSv) ± (0.126 – 0.450) mSv. These values lie well below regulatory limits for public exposure, but the elevated radon concentration levels in deeper zones merit attentive occupational monitoring. The study underscores the importance of depth-resolved profiling and site-specific dose modelling in cave ecotourism settings.

Abstract As a tool for processing and analyzing multiple types of data in various fields, GIS is of significant importance and contributes greatly to the digitization, automation, and management of diverse processes. The functionalities of these systems can be enhanced with the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) for improving analysis algorithms. Their combined use, based on machine learning aimed at discovering features and generating solutions unnoticed by human factors, can significantly improve the quality of research and the results obtained. This is especially true in cases where large volumes of data in the form of time series need to be handled. This article analyzes the potential for the productive use of GIS and AI in the field of air pollution research and forecasting, based on available data on the distribution of different types of pollutants and climatic data for urbanized areas. The generated digital models through the functionalities of GIS are supplemented by using AI for time series analysis. The results of the study will be used in future developments aimed at using AI and GIS to study pollen pollution in urban conditions and reduce health risks.

Abstract This seemingly ordinary, transparent liquid turns out to be extremely vital and far more mysterious than we imagined. Is it a coincidence that about 70% of our planet is covered with water and that almost as much of the human body consists of water? According to the creator of scientific physical dowsing, engineer Louis Turenne, in addition to ordinary water with the chemical formula H 2 O, there are 6 more types of heavy water with chemical formulas H 4 O, H 4 O 2 , H 4 O 4 , H 4 O 8 , H 4 O 16 , H 4 O 32 and the so-called Turenne Green Water, consisting of ordinary water + the 6 heavy waters together. Japanese researcher Dr. Masaru Emoto conducted a series of experiments observing the physical impact of words, prayers, music and environment on the crystalline structure of water. Emoto reported that words expressing emotions are transmitted to the water: positive emotions tend to generate beautiful crystal structures, and negative ones - ugly, disharmonious ones. Experiments conducted in a laboratory at the University of Washington have discovered a fourth phase. This phase is found near water-loving (hydrophilic) surfaces. It exists almost everywhere in nature, including the human body. The formation of EZ water creates an electrical potential that can be used to perform mechanical or chemical work.

Abstract The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys (Stål, 1855) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is one of the most dangerous, invasive agricultural pests globally, causing significant economic losses. This review synthesizes current scientific research on its taxonomy, morphology, biology, ecology, and management, with a focus on the invasion in Europe and the status in Bulgaria. The analysis confirms that H. halis, an invasive pest native to East Asia and established in our country since 2016, is already causing damage to agricultural crops. Key factors for its spread are extreme polyphagy (over 300 host species), its overwintering behavior (entering buildings and vehicles, facilitating anthropochory), and high reproductive potential. Temperature requirements (lower developmental threshold ≈14.2°C and ≈538 DD for a full cycle) and data from the region strongly indicate that species is univoltine or has one and a partial second generation in the main agricultural regions of Bulgaria. Climate change is expected to expand the areas supporting bivoltinism and increase population pressure. Effective management is impossible without implementing an integrated approach (IPM), focusing on behavioral tactics (monitoring at crop borders with pheromone attractants) and urgently researching the potential for biological control with the egg parasitoid Trissolcus japonicus, which is already established adventively in other parts of Europe.

Abstract For the last thirty years, Bulgaria has been gripped by a demographic crisis, which has led to a rapid decrease in the number of the population. This is due to the demographic transformation and the country entering the fourth stage of the demographic transition. To it we can add the large migration flows, characteristic of the economic crisis during the transition. The aim is to analyze the deteriorating demographic indicators, which are closely related to the socio-economic problems in Bulgaria. The methods used allow population projections to be made, which are also unfavourable. The deepening of the negative demographic processes, which leads to an acute labour shortage, difficult functioning of the social systems, ethnic change of the population and depopulation of significant territories of the country, has been traced. The need for a more effective demographic policy and adequate intervention by the state is shown.

Abstract Bulgaria is one of the European countries with the greatest biodiversity, including biodiversity of medicinal plants. The object of this study is the Zemenska Mt, located in the Western Bulgaria. As a result of our investigation, 423 medicinal plants belonging to 273 genera and 78 families, were found. The predominate life forms are hemicryptophytes (61.10%). Biological types are presented mainly by perennial herbaceous plants (61.00%). The most numerous are Euro-Asiatic floristic elements (18.67%). There are 27 protected species and 26 tertiary relicts. Anthropophytes among the medicinal plants are 34.52%.

Abstract The Bulgarian part of the western shelf of the Black Sea corresponds to a part of the passive margin of the Bulgarian continental microplate towards the transition ú with the Black Sea oceanic microplate. It is probably the only preserved fragment of the passive margin of the Black Sea Gulf of the Tethys Paleocean. The inner (coastal) and outer (seaside) shelf sections are distinctly beached, separated by a shelf slope. A significant difference in the regional morpho-structural situation was found for the two parts of the shelf. On the inner (coastal) shelf, antiforms and synforms are few in number and of impressive size. In contrast, small, short, numerous antiforms and synforms are observed in the outer part of the shelf. The orientation of all morphostructures corresponds to the general direction of the shelf, which in the northern part of the studied area is south-southwest - north-northeast. At the parallel of Burgas Bay, the direction of the shelf changes from north-northeast to south-southeast. The location of the alteration is associated with a bundle of transverse faults. The influence in these two parts of the shelf, respectively the Bulgarian continental microplate from the north and the Strange continental microfragment from the south, is obvious.