Abstract – In the current 21st century, in the age of digital technologies and in the last years of artificial intelligence, the question is being discussed more and more often of the benefit of this immense pace of information provision, its nature (trustworthy or not), its influence, as well as the technologies through which this information reaches every single individual, the physical and mental health, especially on children and adolescents. Opinions are sometimes diametrically opposed. The discussion focuses on the benefits and harms, the points of view are different, the age of the person defending one or the other thesis has an influence. Various aspects are touched upon, the impact of technology on children is discussed, as well as the development of various phobias and other mental disorders associated with the excessive use of digital devices.

Abstract  The report examines the essence and characteristics of the concept of "green logistics" and the possibilities for its application. As a result, a conceptual model for the application of green logistics in the logistics system of the supply chain is proposed. Goals, directions and key performance indicators (KPIs) are proposed, with which business organizations can report the application of the principles of "green logistics" in Bulgaria. Examples of logistics operators applying the principles of "green logistics" are presented. Problems regarding the application of "green logistics" in Bulgaria are identified.

Abstract — This study analyzes the non-cognitive factors of human capital development and their impact on innovation as an organizational created value. The presented hypotheses are for a direct and positive influence of six behavioral and psychological factors – satisfaction, empowerment, commitment, trust, communication and adaptation to change on innovation. A comparative analysis represents the results of total 321 respondents working in and outside the IT sector. A quantitative method was used to analyze the data collected through a survey. The results of the proposed regression model show a statistically significant relationship between 4 of the non-cognitive influence factors and innovation in the IT field, and 2 influence factors for the pilot data outside the IT sector. The study reveals the importance and need to consider these elements when measuring, analyzing and investing in human capital. The comparative analysis clearly outlines the differences in the influence of non-cognitive factors depending on a business activity and suggests a conditionality of the influence on different created values. This research provides a clear direction for further analysis of the importance of non-cognitive factors for value creation from human capital and can be of practical use to organizations in their human capital development strategies and planning.

Abstract — This paper discusses the interrelation between the external environment and the internal processes in shaping personal development. It analyzes the influence of physical, social, and cultural surroundings, as well as psychological mechanisms such as cognitive reflection and emotional resilience. The study underlines the importance of a conscious approach to self-development and the balance between internal motivations and external expectations. The concept of ecological personality development is emphasized as a dynamic and adaptive process vital for achieving personal realization.

Abstract — The report is dedicated to the prospects for the artificial intelligence (AI) to enter people's lives on a mass scale and its potential to solve their major problems. An attempt is made through it to include the widely discussed recently and undeniably significant topic in the debates from a different perspective: the comparison of the AI potential with that of the human spirit. The change in the angle of deliberation has been provoked by the frequent comparison between the capabilities of man and the technology created by him, usually giving preference to the latter. A concern has been voiced about the possibility of a decline of the people’s spirit both in its integrity and in relation to a number of its essential manifestations. That is also due to the excessive hopes placed on the development of one of its manifestations – the intellect, in its artificial variant at that.

Abstract — We collect observations on how power constitutes itself in decentralized digital platform constellations that position themselves as alternatives to platforms operated by big tech (which we coin “hyperledgers”). We then compare these forms of power to the incumbent structures, the so called “hyperscalers”. Such a comparison yields new insights into the way power “works” in surveillance-based platform capitalism. The crucial insight of our analysis is that it is highly unlikely that platform alternatives can be scaled up decisively within the current capitalist accumulation regime. Instead of focusing on finding business models within this regime, platform alternatives should therefore strive for regime change. This, however, would require new alliances, in particular between the victims of surveillance (workers and consumers) and the platform alternatives. The latter, in turn, would not only require massive public funding, but also support from civil society actors representing workers (i.e. unions) to be able to compete with incumbent hyperscalers.

Abstract — Stress has become an increasingly prominent issue in adolescents’ lives over the past decades. According to Lazarus, stress arises as a relational phenomenon during interactions between individuals and environmental demands. This study aims to assess the perceived stress levels of high school students in Bulgaria, utilizing the Bulgarian adaptation of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). A total of 244 students participated, aged between 14 and 17 (M = 15.56, SD = 0.66). The results indicate slightly higher-than-average stress levels compared to the Bulgarian normative sample. A significant gender disparity was observed in stress levels between female (M = 29.864, SD = 7.168) and male students (M = 25.109, SD = 8.714) (t = -4.59, p < 0.001). Participation in sports activities was associated with significantly lower levels of perceived stress (sports active - M = 26.991, SD = 8.503; non-active - M = 31.385, SD = 4.605), t = -2.587, p = 0.01), highlighting the importance of physical activity for students. Results are discussed in terms of possible practical applications and future research.

Abstract — At the end of the 1940s, Bulgaria entered the so-called period of socialism, which has left its mark until today in the management of cultural processes in the country. During this relatively long period of time of nearly 45 years, these processes and cultural policy in general were almost entirely centralized. With the establishment of the so-called socialist model of governance in the country, cultural life was understandably managed by the state, through the nationalization of cultural institutions and private initiatives in the field of the distribution of valuable cultural products were terminated. In recent decades, it has been commonly accepted that the state manages the cultural policy in Bulgaria. Its key role in the sphere of culture has been significant after the Liberation. One of the reasons is that Bulgaria strives to reach the level of the developed European countries in cultural terms, where the state is a major factor in the formation of a nationwide educational system and the main cultural institutions.

Abstract — The report examines the power of habits and emotions in people's behavior, focusing on their influence on consumer decisions and marketing. Habits are formed through repeated actions and influence our daily choices by providing automated behaviors that require no conscious effort. The habit model, consisting of cue, routine, and reward, is key to understanding how marketers manipulate our preferences and choices. Furthermore, emotions play an important role in the decision-making process, often overriding rational thinking. The report shows how successful marketing strategies use these mechanisms to create brand loyalty and attachment.

Abstract: There are still serious ambiguities and controversial moments surrounding the biography of one of our national heroes - Hristo Botev. They concern not only biographical data, but also part of his activity. The article reflects the influence of the family environment and especially of the teacher Botyo Petkov, for whom the education of his firstborn son was of paramount importance. The main factors for the formation of Hristo Botev's worldview are indicated. Authentic documents are also described, which helps the question of the poet's date of birth to be resolved.

Abstract: Botev is one of the most important national heroes in the history of Bulgaria. Not everything about his life has been clarified yet, as the biographical data has certain inconsistencies. That is why it is important to look carefully not only at his personal life and the conditions in which he grew up. It is also important to analyze all his spiritual and socio-political interests. These interests are the basis of his political worldview, his brilliant creativity and critical journalism. In order to understand Botev and to follow all aspects of his activity and worldview, we must step by step explore this entire process of creation, maturation and crystallization of his personality in an extremely complex and turbulent era, which is our pre-liberation reality.

Abstract: The world is increasingly feeling the negative consequences of global warming both on society and the environment. The need for more and more energy is at the heart of the greenhouse effect. In general, this increases greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and the impact of carbon dioxide is especially felt. The report aims to indicate whether the EU's green deal will have the effect of mitigating temperatures to acceptable limits and whether the reduction of carbon intensity will affect these processes.

Abstract: At the end of October 2022, the Bulgarian Parliament received the draft version of a Bulgarian National Bank report concerning the expected economic effects from Bulgaria’s eventual membership in the eurozone. The report’s main conclusions were published by Bulgarian media, however in my opinion the report did not receive the necessary attention, as was due to in-depth analyses that concern an economic event of such magnitude. Therefore, the goal of this paper is to present the National Bank’s report in a broader context that includes additional comparative analyses of eurozone members’ key economic indicators: GDP per capita, government debt, and unemployment.

Abstract: The high credit indebtedness of the manufacturing enterprises in Bulgaria, the multitude of economic entities in bankruptcy proceedings, the bad management and the sale of a piece by the banks in execution under the Law on special pledges, the extremely busy district courts with warrant proceedings are a complex and important public problem that requires a set of measures. Measures requiring legislative changes, prevention, as well as opportunities to resolve disputes outside of court. In this regard, I consider the use of mediation only to relieve the judicial system very wrong. The advantages of mediation as a fast, cheap, expert and confidential procedure with full and personal participation of the disputants, giving the opportunity to reorient the attitudes and understandings of the disputing parties towards each other, minimize the risk of abuse of rights, mistakes by judges due to the short term for consideration of warrant proceedings, the ability of banks to impose their own receivers, serving their interests in liquidation of production enterprises, protects social justice on a micro and macro scale. The mediation procedure should be introduced in the injunction proceedings, the bankruptcy proceedings, as well as when proceeding with enforcement under the Special Liens Act in order to restore the trust between the commercial banks and the borrowers - economic entities, which shakes the economic and financial foundations, and the statehood.

Abstract: Inequality is in inevitable consequence of different representation of different people. However, significant inequality reduces social cohesion and plays an important role in the emergence of global financial crises. The incomes of the rich have increased manifold while the real wages of the majority of the population have remained unchanged. Stagnant wages are forcing people into massive debt to meet the ever-increasing standard of consumption dictated by the rich. Lending by banks to households is growing, now equaling the loans granted to non-financial enterprises. Increasing household debt makes the economy vulnerable, and greater inequality reduces economic growth, creating barriers to social mobility leading to cultural and intellectual encapsulation of the elite. Such an elite is the creator of oligarchic structures and corruption, and therefore inequalities cannot be perceived as fair. They are also the basis of the delayed process of social development in Bulgaria.

Abstract: The challenges related to environmental protection are an increasingly topical and pressing topic. They determine the health and quality of life of humanity and every living organism on this planet. Overproduction, which satisfies the imposed materialism, threatens the biological diversity of the planet and our health and future. Production is one of the main pollutants. In order for there to be a positive change, it must be changed as an approach and corresponding consequences giving better results, not only for a sustainable future, but also for the way we treat every item, its need and use. This report examines the different stages and criteria in the production of products. Which unit should control production and for a product to have a longer life cycle. Which products are among the main pollutants from mass human activity in everyday life. What is the place of design and its components in building a successful product and what determines its life cycle.