bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GLOBAL SISTEMS AND SMALL STATES: GEOPOLITICAL ASPECT
Authors:   Abay Myrzakhmetov Kokshetau University, Slavetskiy V.Y. , Dairova М.К. ,   Abay Myrzakhmetov Kokshetau University, Kakonova M.M. ,   Abay Myrzakhmetov Kokshetau University
Published: June 2021

The ongoing processes in the world arena have largely destabilized the entire political situation. In such conditions, the expert and political community sees an urgent need to form a new system of world order that meets all modern requirements, taking into account world experience and the interests of all participants without exception. The very formation of a new world system is already in the near future, few doubts. The difficulty lies only in whether, in its formation, the interests of small states will be taken into account, and not just the alignment of forces.
PROSPECTS FOR A INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE BETWEEN CENTRAL ASIA AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA
Authors:   Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Men D.V. , Khamitova N.E. ,   Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
Published: June 2021

This article examines the intercultural experience of Central Asian countries and the Republic of Korea. Today, the study of such a cultural dialogue between countries both in terms of the development of cultural cooperation and in relation to the policy of multiculturalism is relevant. Proof of this is 28 years of experience in the successful development of cooperation between countries.
THE ESSENCE OF «SOCIAL ANXIETY» AND ITS PLACE IN THE SOCIAL SCIENCES
Authors:   Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan, Duisenova I.S.
Published: June 2021

The study of social anxieties requires careful research due to the development of modern society. Modern Kazakh society is unique in its own way,and besides, it is not without causes of social anxiety. Moreover, a comprehensive study of social anxieties provides a person with broad opportunities for knowledge and creativity. On the other hand, the coronavirus pandemic has made its own adjustments to the modern world, which is unstable in its development, it remains uncertain and unpredictable, which does not allow a person to feel completely protected, and this all creates anxiety.
COMMUNICATIVE CONTEXT AND ITS ROLE IN INTERPRETING FAMILY DISCOURSE
Authors:   Kazakh National Pedagogical University named after Abai, Koilybayeva R. , Zhunisova М. ,   Kazakh National Pedagogical University named after Abai, Suleyeva G. ,   Kurmangazy Kazakh National Conservatory
Published: June 2021

Article describes the theoretical model of the contexts. An important role in the interpretation of discourse plays the communicative context in its broad understanding, indicating the statuses and roles of communicants, the peculiarities of their relationships, place, time, and topic of dialogue. It is not possible to evaluate the purpose of communication, its functional feature without exploring the context of discourse. A context is a piece of text that includes a unit selected for analysis that is necessary and sufficient to determine this unit. The non-apellative part of the speech act and the communicative context (macro and micro contexts) are necessary to interpret the discourse and utterance as a whole. It was determined that the priority of the communicative function performed by the appeal depends on the belonging of the appeal to a particular type of appellants of family discourse.
ON COPYING THE KAZAKH ALPHABET IN LATIN GRAPHICS
Authors:   Aktobe Regional University named after K. Zhubanov, Saduakas N. , Mirov М. ,   S. Baisheva University
Published: June 2021

The article tells about the work that is being done to translate the Kazakh alphabet into Latin graphics. The research of the history of writing applied to the Turkic people and Modrn Kazakh writing in the stages. Using the latin graphics,the Kazakh language and its writing correspond to world standards, the status of the state language increases , the scope of its usage expanded, the orphanage of the Kazakh language is in line with the laws of synar monism, describing the Latin alphabet and the sounds in the Kazakh language. The transition to Latin alphabet, denotes a new vector of entry into the ranks of civilized countries, identification of sound systems in the Kazakh language and the reduction of unnecessary words from the spelling in Kazakh language. The article explains the history of the formation of Kazakh writing and analyzesthe linguistic situation of that period. The transition to Latin alphabet promotes the development of the spirit of Kazakh people, its prosperity and the comprehensive future development of our country.
FORMATION OF STUDENTS’ PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES IN TEACHING A FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Authors:   Kazakh National Women's Pedagogical University, Akan G. , Rakhimzhanova S. ,   Kazakh National Women's Pedagogical University
Published: June 2021

This article deals with the training of future specialists in higher education institutions in accordance with the development of society and the requirements for the individual, the student. As it is known, due to the increased requirements for the level of training of future specialists in higher education institutions, the social demand for future specialists is quite high, both for themselves and for the individual. In addition, the formation of motivation for professional training of students in higher educational institutions was considered from the point of view of a stable orientation and motivation system. In the process of professional training, personal development is carried out. The formation of a professional personality begins from the moment of choosing a profession and continues throughout life. Many competitions have shown that the formation of professional training of students in teaching English in higher education institutions is not profitable without motives, needs and interests. Therefore, motives, needs and interests are considered as structural components of motivation.
VIDEO LESSONS AS ONE OF AN EFFECTIVE METHODS IN TEACHING RCL TO CHINESE STUDENTS
Authors:   Abay Kazakh National Pedagogical University, Li Duo
Published: June 2021

The Russian language is one of the richest languages ​of our time. Currently, more than 200 million people speak Russian. It is also one of the ten working languages ​​of the United Nations. The Russian language is one of the most difficult for foreign students to learn, which necessitates a better approach to the educational process. The article examines the study of the problem of increasing the effectiveness of teaching Chinese students Russian as a foreign language. A solution to the problem in the auxiliary application of video tutorials is proposed. An analysis of several existing video tutorials available online is being carried out. The article deals with the comparative method of difficult moments that may arise for Chinese students studying Russian. It is confirmed that the creation of a new video lesson and the linguo-methodological foundations of its implementation in the educational process are new and relevant.
EXPLORING A FEW PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED BY KAZAKH STUDENTS IN LEARNING CHINESE SPECIAL QUESTIONS
Authors:   Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Matay S. , Alikhan G. ,   Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
Published: June 2021

In view of the unsolved problems arising in the process of learning the Chinese language in Kazakhstan, especially the most important part of studying the structure of sentences in the language, that is, the most difficult part for students who are familiar with Chinese grammar. After several years of teaching experience, students seem to have mastered the special interrogative sentences and written and oral use that often appear in life. To further increase the effectiveness of teaching in the future educational process and reduce the number of unnecessary mistakes in the sentence and the process of speech, students decided to conduct research and control their daily work. It was analyzed that the mistakes are often done by students when doing exercises and explain the reasons.
TRAINING OF MORPHOLOGICAL UNITS IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS THROUGH THE TECHNOLOGY "STAGE COMPLEX TRAINING"
Authors:   Kazakh National Pedagogical University named after Abai, Nuptekeyeva G.
Published: June 2021

The article shows the scientific-methodical system of teaching the field of morphology of linguistics in higher education, focused on the tenth level of technology "Technology of step-by-step complex training" with the purpose of preserving the continuity of educational systems. In order to maintain the continuity of the education system in schools and universities, the effectiveness of teaching the field of morphology of linguistics in higher education with the technology of "Step-by-step integrated learning" is discussed. Comprehensive step-by-step teaching of morphological units in higher education is analyzed in detail about the impact of students on the system of logical thinking, increasing cognitive activity. It is said that one of the main requirements today is the practical application of educational technologies in the work in the field of pedagogy, methodology, the development of a methodological system of teaching.
WAYS OF MASTERING GROUP WORK BY PLAYING METHOD
Authors:   Kazakh National Pedagogical University named after Abai, Nurgali S. , Belassarova Zh. ,   Kazakh National Pedagogical University named after Abai
Published: June 2021

This article discusses the use of gaming method in teaching students a Kazakh language. There are considered some strategies for successful involving students in team-bonding and studying games, including detailed examples with following comments and tips for teachers. The article is divided into several parts, each of which reveals advantages and disadvantages of the topic. Nevertheless, the article mostly shows the useful sides of the method and its’ positive impact on students. It describes that apart from the fact that games can engage students into language learning process and make it interesting to students, theyhaveapotential to teach students critical thinking.
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF DICTIONARY WORK
Authors:   Sarsen Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University, Saganaeva А. , Shakhanova R. ,   Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University
Published: June 2021

The work on enriching the vocabulary of students with vocabulary is of great importance for the formation of writing skills, for the prevention of spelling errors in the written speech of children, because it develops in schoolchildren a versatile attention to the word, a responsible attitude towards it. The solution of the main task of vocabulary work - the enrichment of the active vocabulary of students - is facilitated by the systematic consolidation of newly learned words. The main condition for the consolidation of new words is their repetition, systematic use in coherent speech. New words in each lesson of the Russian language should be given in a strictly limited number, which makes it possible to introduce a planned and systematic presentation of the material, to instill in the student a responsible attitude to vocabulary work. Rationing increases the responsibility of the teacher himself for the formulation of vocabulary work.
DEVELOPING CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS THROUGH PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Authors:   Abylai Khan Kazakh University of international relations and world languages, Tutbaeva Zh. , Tokshylykova G. ,   Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University
Published: June 2021

The paper is devoted to the role of critical thinking in teaching and focuses on asking the right questions to get the right answers. Critical thinking is being able to think logically and reasonably. It also provides novice teachers and students with practical example of a lesson plan for a reflective teacher. It helps to see the essential elements for a lesson plan, but most importantly it provides an example of a plan heading which is crucial before planning as it helps teachers think critically before they start the lesson. A critical thinker is analytical, reflective, fair-minded, positive, curious, perseverant and creative. The researchers suggest a lesson plan for PD workshop on the importance of critical thinking with detailed procedure.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF STUDENTS' SPEECH THROUGH VOCABULARY WORK IS ONE OF THE LEADING TASKS OF THE RUSSIAN LANGUAGE TEACHER
Authors:   Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, Shakhanova R. , Serikova S. ,   Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University
Published: June 2021

The question of enriching the vocabulary of a modern student is very relevant today. In the conditions of scientific progress, more and more new words come into use, many of which are difficult and incomprehensible. Therefore, the primary task of the Russian language teacher is to work on enriching and clarifying the vocabulary of schoolchildren: the more words a person owns, the more accurately communication between people is realized both in oral and written form. In order to improve speech culture, a prominent place should be occupied by exercises aimed at expanding the active vocabulary of children, as well as developing their ability to choose from their vocabulary to Express thoughts those words that most correspond to the content of the utterance and make it correct, accurate and expressive.
IDENTIFYING THE IMPACT OF NEWS INFORMATION ON SELECTED COMPONENTS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE INDIVIDUAL
Authors:   JSC ", Ospanova U. ,   Information and Analytical Center",   under the MES RK, Baimakhanbetov М. ,   JSC "Information and Analytical Center" under the MES RK, Shakenova М. ,   JSC "Information and Analytical Center" under the MES RK
Published: June 2021

The aim of the study was to identify socially significant topics that are of interest to various social categories of the population of Kazakhstan when choosing news, as well as in identificationof the news impactwith various thematic focus on stimulating sustainable development of the individual (physical, psychological/emotional, social and intellectual stability). The research was carried out in 2 stages: the first was to determine the thematic structure of the Kazakhstan media space; the second oneto study the impact of various topics identified during the first stage on various components of sustainable development of the individual. The work was carried out on the formed corpus of Kazakhstani news texts. Topic modeling made it possible to form key 200 topics in the form of 10 words that best characterize these topics. Results of the study identify subjects that show the greatest degree of influence on the sustainable development of the individual.
MUSTAFA SHOKAY IS THE FOUNDER OF KAZAKH EMIGRANT JORNALISM
Authors:   Kyzylorda State University named after Korkyt Ata, Karimova B. , Tuyakbayev G. ,   Kyzylorda State University named after Korkyt Ata
Published: June 2021

The article deals with the formation and history of Kazakh emigrant journalism. The author emphasizes the relevance of the study of the history of the formation and development of Kazakh emigrant journalism in the context of the concepts of diaspora, emigrants, irridents, based on the research in political sciences. It is recommended to consider publications in Kazakh language published in and abroad in terms of the status of emigrant publications and Kazakh language publications abroad, analysing the history and direction of their publication. Mustafa Shokay was public and political figure. He has special place in our national history. Analyzing his editorial and journalistic works he is portrayed as a founder of Kazakh emigrant journalism. According to sources, he used the media as the main political tool in the struggle for the unity and freedom of Turkic people, and himself initiated the emergence of several emigrant publications.
GUARANTOR OF NATIONAL VALUES
Authors:   Kazakh National Pedagogical University named after Abai, Smanov B. , Smanova А. ,   Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
Published: June 2021

This year marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the adoption of the Basic law. Since the adoption of this important document, many good deeds have been done in our country and many issues have been resolved. This is evidenced by the entire public of the Republic, the peoples of all countries of the world, supporting our achievements. The Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan is the Foundation and source of all legal documents and legislative acts of Kazakhstan. All legal principles and conclusions follow from the Basic law of our country, they are based on articles and paragraphs of the Constitution. In the proposed article, special importance is attached to changes in the twenty-five years since the introduction of the basic law of the country, the features of sectoral laws and their place in society. Here, special attention is paid to the spiritual values of our people, and the state of legal support for national goods is comprehensively analyzed.
THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL PECULIARITIES OF TRANSLATING CULTURE-SPECIFIC TERMS
Authors:   Kazakh Ablaikhan University of International Relations and World Languages, Mizamkhan B. , Kalibekuly T. ,   Kazakh Ablaikhan University of International Relations and World Languages
Published: June 2021

The term “culture-specific vocabulary” appeared in the 1980s. Problems of translating culture-specific terms from one language to another have always been a serious issue for translators. It causes even more problems if the languages being compared belong to different language groups and represent different cultures. Nevertheless, the study of culture-specific vocabulary helps to achieve the adequacy of translation, which in turn helps speakers of different languages ​​and cultures to achieve mutual understanding. The above emphasizes the relevance and timeliness of the study of translation from the point of view of cultural linguistics. This paper will examine the peculiarities of translating culture-specific terms from Kazakh into English. It provides different methods of translating cultural connotations, taking into account the ways of living and thinking, as well the historical and cultural backgrounds embedded in the source language (hereafter SL) and target language (hereafter TL). These methods will be analyzed using specific examples, originals and translations of such works as “The Path of Abai” by Mukhtar Auezov and “Nomads” by Ilyas Yessenberlin. Therefore, the main aim of the paper is to try to explain main approaches and theories needed for adequate understanding of different cultures through translation.
Features of the new concept of kazakhstan's foreign policy: theoretical analysis
Authors:   Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Kazakhstan, Nyshanbayev N.
Published: June 2021

Kazakhstan's foreign policy is determined by its multi-vector nature. This means that Kazakhstan is developing relations on an equal footing with global and regional powers. Such a foreign policy understanding ensures the independence of Kazakhstan and creates a basis for its equal interaction with other states. On March 19, 2019, the head of state, who has the official status of the “Elbasy” leader of the nation, N. Nazarbayev, resigned and handed over the post of president to the chairman of the upper house of Parliament, Kassym - Jomart Tokayev. In this regard, the state of the main directions of Kazakhstan's.
Professional aspirations of young specialists in the labor market of Kazakhstan
Authors:   Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Kazakhstan, Shnarbekova М.К. , Mamytkhanov D.K. ,   Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Kazakhstan
Published: June 2021

The article analyzes the professional attitudes and guidelines of modern Kazakhstani youth. A theoretical overview on the subject of the article is presented. The results of a comprehensive sociological study conducted in 2018 are also presented. The sample size of the study is 1000 respondents, including 600 young specialists. The obtained data were processed by the licensed program SPSS for Windows (version 21).
THE HUNGER STRIKE AND THE FATE OF ORPHANS IN EAST KAZAKHSTAN REGION (1930-1932)
Authors:   Shakarim State University of Semey, Baisarina K.K.
Published: June 2021

In this article, the author on the basis of archival materials covers the scale and consequences of the famine of the 1930s. The famine of 1930-1933 went down in history as the years of "great jute", the greatest tragedy of the Kazakh people. At the same time, it is obvious that the difficult situation developed in Kazakhstan in 1932-1933, rather than in other regions of the USSR. One of the main causes of the disaster in our country is: the consideration of the kulaks as a class, the hasty and exaggerated consequences, and, in fact, the confiscation of cattle. In this article on concrete examples the serious condition and difficult destiny of street children, orphans, as a consequence of hunger in a number of areas of East Kazakhstan are considered.
FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE DECREE OF JUNE 25, 1916
Authors:   Abay Kazakh National Pedagogical University,  Kazakhstan, Almaty, Ermukanov E.N.
Published: June 2021

The proclamation of the tsarist decree, which provoked the national liberation uprising in Kazakhstan in 1916, was discussed for many years among the highest authorities. It was first launched in 1910, before the First World War, and several times during the First World War., In the Council of Ministers, in the State Duma, in the State Councils. In the discussions, the military tax was finally introduced in 1915, saying, "In what form do we call the colonized peoples of the empire, who were exempted from military service, or replace them with a military tax?" The failures of the first two years of World War I, the high human cost, and the need for manpower to replace those on the front called for more manpower. The issue of conscription was once again on the agenda. forced. The Ministry of Defense had to revive the requisition. The issue has been repeatedly postponed by the authorities because of "political distrust" of the "whirlwind" peoples and the reluctance to hand over weapons. Even the November 1915 bill of the Ministry of Defense was rejected by the Council of Ministers in December this year. Finally, in the summer of 1916, when the situation on the front became more complicated, in May and June, the Prime Minister, the Minister of War and the Deputy Minister of the Interior had to make a joint decision. Records kept in a special journal of the Council of Ministers contain detailed information that the decision to hire was made by Prime Minister Sturmer, Minister of Defense Shuvaev, and Deputy Interior Minister Kukol-Yasnopolsky. This was not a new law, but a collection of military decrees on the former "requisition". The meetings also discussed the need to gather information from the regions on the views of local residents on this call. Representatives of the colonial authorities immediately began to implement the Decree.
NEW CONDITION STRUCTURE IN KAZAKH SOCIETY: MERCHANT AND THEIR SOCIAL AND LEGAL FEATURES
Authors:   candidate of history sciences, Aktobe, Kazskhstan, Yespenbetova A.M.
Published: June 2021

The article deals with changes in Kazakh society during the reign of the Russian Empire in the XIX century. Justifying the problem of forming a new class structure in Kazakh society, the author defines the socio-economic conditions of the formation of merchant guilds. The role of trade, entrepreneurship, and urban growth in the transformation of merchants into large entrepreneurs is revealed. Legal documents reflecting social and legal privileges of merchant guilds are analyzed. Attention is drawn to the role of Tatar merchants in the development of local trade and economic relations. Using statistical data, the quantitative growth of the merchant class in individual regions is analyzed.
Review of tetrahedrites from Bulgarian deposits in the light of changes in nomenclature and classification of these minerals taken in 2019
Authors: Kostov-Kytin Vladislav
Published: June 2021

The crystal-chemical peculiarities of the minerals in the tetrahedrite group are considered as a prerequisite for their role as indicators of the formation environment. Particular attention is paid to the silver-containing representatives because they comprise more than 60% of the Bulgarian tetrahedrites and because the recently adopted by the International Mineralogical Association changes in the nomenclature and classification within this group affect most sensitively them and their relation to a given series, mineral species or variety. The achievements of the Bulgarian mineralogical science in the study of tetrahedrites are briefly presented, and various aspects are considered, illustrating the efforts of the researchers to cover the diversity of these minerals as well as the opportunity to derive from this various crystal-chemical, geochemical and other mineralogical information. In the light of the adopted changes, already published data from 450 electron-probe microanalyses of samples from 45 localities distributed in three metallogenic zones in the country have been processed. The established crystal-chemical trends in the spatial distribution of tetrahedrites in Bulgaria generally confirm and extend the observations of previous researchers. It has been shown that, by their chemical composition, these minerals can be carriers of typomorphic characteristics, both for individual deposits and for metallogenic zones. The information and data provided may serve to: (i) correctly determine the mineral species of the newly investigated tetrahedrites and their affiliation to a given series; (ii) what compositions may be sought or expected according to the location of the investigated localities; (iii) comparing the new results to previous ones to confirm, correct or reject established models and trends.
Origin of the Bessarabian limestones with Nubecularia novorossica of Northeastern Bulgaria
Authors: Koleva-Rekalova Elena , Darakchieva Stefka
Published: June 2021

The Central and Eastern Paratethys Basins were connected and the joint Sarmatian Sea (Paratethys) appeared after the end of the Badenian. It was separated from the Mediterranean and Indopacific Ocean. As a result, the seawater salinity dropped and mass production of a few euryhaline groups (mainly benthic foraminifera, molluscs, and ostracods) with increasing endemisms developed at the beginning of the Sarmatian (s.l. and s.s.). The fauna and paleoenvironments (facies) were similar throughout the Paratethys. The Bessarabian limestones (referred to the Odartsi Formation) are composed almost entirely of the endemic foraminifera Nubecularia novorossica Karrer & Sinzow, 1877 and exposed on the territory of Northeastern Bulgaria are described in the present article. Six sections were examined, and it was found that the limestones were predominantly stratified and only in the upper parts of some sections were dome-shaped. Two varieties Nubecularia novorossica solitaria and Nubecularia novorossica nodula were defined and they are the predominant rock-forming constituent. The most appropriate environmental conditions for the occurrence, blooming and accumulation in the initial sediments of the Nubecularia novorossica tests were identified. Comparison with the findings of this nubeculariid from other Sarmatian sections reveals that the stratified limestones studied are rigid mainly due to the presence of cement, whereas abundant encrusting and microbial organisms in the dome-shaped bodies contributed to the formation of their rigid framework.
Structural geological methods in the geotechnical practice – rock mass rating. Advantages and problems of the rating methods
Authors: Dimitrov Ivan
Published: June 2021

This paper presents a review of the most common geotechnical rock rating methods. The directional properties of the rock’s anisotropies are exemplified, by a case of resolution of stresses in folded and foliated metamorphic rocks. In such rocks, depending on the geometry of the folds, the ambient stress field can generate varying shear potential along the foliation planes in different parts of the excavation. The commonly used rating schemes, with accent on the geological feasibility of the classifications, are discussed – Protodiakonov’s rock scale, Terzaghi’s grading for construction of tunnels, then the rock quality designation of Deere, the Bieniawski’s rock mass rating (RMR), the Hoek, and Brown’s GSI and the Barton’s Q-system. It is emphasized that in spite of its broad use, the RQD is distorting the statistical weight of the joint groups as some steeply dipping joints may be completely neglected. It is recognized that the RMR is the simplest to use but underestimates the directional properties of the rock anisotropies, which require better definition and has no provision for lithologically varying rock packages, although it has the advantage of using the uniaxial compressive strength, which other systems do not employ. The Hoek and Brown’s criterion went too far with complex empirical relationships, which rely on extensive laboratory testing, so it is no more field criterion. Besides, its geological descriptive powers are rather poor and now, new form of GSI classification is offered for nearly every lithological type. Barton’s Q-system, being best suited to case studies of actual underground constructions, suffers from the fact that is centered nearly exclusively on joints, which may be justified in Norway, where mainly magmatic and high grade metamorphic rocks are present but should be applied cautiously in areas, where sedimentary, volcanic and strongly foliated rocks are exposed. In general, for all the discussed geomechanical classification systems (RMR, GSI, Q) the rule is valid, that they work better in an isotropic, strong but jointed rock masses and do not work well in week layered and foliated rocks.
Evaluation of Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) and Metal Index (MI) of the groundwater in the Mesta River Basin, SW Bulgaria
Authors: Vasileva Tanya
Published: June 2021

Ground waters may undergo a process of contamination in various ways, but the presence and amount of heavy metals in them can be indicative of their purity and usage. Apart from that, the heavy metals are among the most widely spread pollutants in nature, and their presence in groundwater indicates the existence of natural or anthropogenic sources of contamination. Ground waters polluted with heavy metals can also be very toxic and harmful to human health, and very damaging to the environment as well. In this article, the concentrations of eight toxic heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, Al, Ni, Pb, Zn, Cr) were analyzed in the ground waters of the Mesta River Basin. A number of data for the concentrations of those heavy metals were used in order to calculate the following two indices describing groundwater purity: the Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI), and the Metal Index (MI). Both indices describe the overall quality of groundwater in direct relationship to the sum total of heavy metal concentrations. On one hand, minimal concentrations of heavy metals are necessary for the faultless functioning of organisms and indispensable to various biochemical processes, but on the other hand, in high concentrations, they might lead to dysfunctions in the cells of healthy organisms, and problems within their enzyme system. And these effects are entirely dependent upon the nature of the heavy metals involved. The research carried out so far shows that, according to HPI, about 65% of the shallow ground waters in the Mesta River Basin can be classified as being of excellent quality. The values obtained for the HPI are in the range of 3 to 64 (id est under the critical value of 100), or the groundwater is not contaminated with heavy metals. The MI varies within the range of 0.3 to 2.6, and therefore the groundwater from the zones with active water exchange can be characterized as being of slight to medium poor quality (41%), and the groundwater within Class II (or classified as pure with values of MI between 0.3 and 1.0) comprise approximately 59% of the overall catchment area.
Engineering geological characteristics of Danube right bank between Kozloduy and Gorni Tsibar
Authors: Angelova Roumyana
Published: June 2021

The geotechnical properties of soils (clays of the Brusarci Formation and loess complex) spread over the area of Danube right bank between the town of Kozloduy and the village of Gorni Tsibar have been determined. Complex landslides and river erosion are the most important geodynamic processes in the study area. Engineering geological zoning has been carried out, with two separated zones. The second zone is characterized with most complicated geotechnical conditions due to distribution of both old landslides and recently landslide activation in some sub-zones.
Factors controlling the occurrence and distribution of iron in Bulgarian coals
Authors: Kortenski Jordan , Zdravkov Alexander
Published: June 2021

Coal of varying age (Upper Carboniferous to Pliocene) and coalification rank (lignite to anthracite) from nineteen coal-bearing basins and deposits, belonging to 8 coal-bearing provinces from Bulgaria, were examined for the occurrence and distribution of Fe. For the majority of the coals, the average Fe concentrations vary from 1.1 to 10.2 wt% and are higher than the World’s average. An exception exists only for Karlovo and Dobrudzha Basins, where slight depletion of Fe (<1 wt%) was established. On contrary, carbonaceous shales from the majority of the basins show Fe depletion in comparison to the Clarke values for clays. Based on the negative correlations with the ash yields, organic affinity of the element can be suggested for most of the studied coals. An exception exists for the Burgas Basin, for which predominantly inorganic affinity of the element can be suggested, whereas for Stanyantsi, Samokov, Bobov Dol, Dobrudzha and Svoge Basins mixed organic/inorganic affinity of Fe can be presumed. The element most probably predominantly occurs in the form of organometallic compounds, especially in the coals that formed in preferentially acidic peat-forming environment. Nevertheless, small contribution from biogenic iron cannot be excluded. The mineral form of Fe is probably mainly associated with sulfides, carbonates, and sulfates, although the presence of Fe oxides, silicates and hydroxides is also established. The analysis of Fe occurrence and its organic/inorganic affinity in Bulgarian coals reveal the following controlling factors: i) Fe concentration within the basin’s provenance; ii) the type (i.e. terrigenous or groundwater) of element supply; and iii) environmental conditions during peat-formation.
Rila-West Rhodopes Batholith and petrographical diversity of Rila Geopark
Authors: Sinnyovsky Dimitar
Published: June 2021

The full retrospective of the petrographic study of the Rila granitoids, which are an essential part of the geodiversity of Rila Geopark, is crucial for the impartial assessment of its geoconservation value and for developing appropriate promotional materials in a language accessible to the general public. The Rila-West Rhodopes batholith, the largest batholith in the Balkans, contributes to the continental significance of Rila Geopark with its remarkable petrographic diversity of granitoid rocks and numerous pegmatite, aplite and quartz veins, vein-like granite and diorite bodies favorable for demonstrations of the principle of cross-cutting relationships in geology and illustrating the crystallization processes in igneous rocks as well as magmatic structures and textures. Due to their extremely wide distribution in Rila, the granitoids of the Rila-West Rhodopes batholith crop out along the routes of all previously described geotrails and are native rocks for most glacial forms that define the concept of Rila Geopark. From this point of view, a full review of the geological study of the batholith is a necessary condition for any subsequent step in the geopark development and its nomination for the UNESCO Geopark. This article offers a brief but comprehensive historical overview of the current petrographic studies, which will serve as a basis for the development of information panels located along the described geotrails. Particular emphasis should be placed on the connection between petrology and local crafts in the past, which is contained in the very slogan of Rila Geopark “Land of Iron and Water”. It includes the memory of the primitive crafts associated with the extraction and forging of iron in the Middle Ages, and water in its three states – ice (the glacial history of the mountain), steam (geysers and geothermal springs) and liquid phase – the source of the longest rivers in the Balkans.
Comment on “Holocene sedimentation in the southwestern Black Sea: Interplay between riverine supply, coastal eddies of the Rim Current, surface and internal waves, and saline underflow through the Strait of Bosphorus” by O. Ankindinova, A. E. Aksu, R. N. Hiscott [Marine Geology, 420 (2020) 106092]
Authors: Genov Ivan
Published: June 2021

Ankindinova et al. (2020) describe a series of hydrological events that have led to sedimentation and stratigraphic variations in the gradual sinking of the Black Sea shelf during the Holocene. A key aspect of the study is the attempt to provide a reliable stratigraphic basis for proving of a transgression in the basin throughout the Holocene. However, the conclusions of this approach run counter to the stratigraphic rules: redeposition and significant hiatus in the transgressive phase change of depth of sediment core location (M05-03P) – principle of superposition; merging of transgressive and regressive deposits into a common stratigraphic unit (contradicts the sequential stratigraphy). For this reason, the stability of the conclusion of Ankindinova et al. (2020) for the totally transgressive Holocene development of the Black Sea is doubtful. In addition, the study is based on the interpretation that the increase in the 87Sr /86Sr ratio is solely dependent on ocean water inflow, which is not always correct for enclosed and semi-enclosed basins.
LA-ICP-MS U-Pb geochronology on monazite: Geologic “date” and geologic event duration. Comment on the paper by H.-J. Massonne, European Journal of Mineralogy, DOI:10.1127/ejm/2016/0028-2575
Authors: Zagorchev Ivan
Published: June 2021

We comment here a paper that is entirely built on a single sample of metapelites belonging to the Lukovitsa Formation in the Pirin-Pangaion unit. Some discrepancies in the interpretations of the author in respect of the facts established by himself as well as to long-known geological information for the same rocks and locality are pointed at. We emphasize that the “monazite formation event” corresponds to the interval of ca. 62–24 Ma, i.e., to the whole time of Paleogene uplift of the unit and the intrusion and exhumation of the Spanchevo (ca. 57 Ma) and Teshovo (ca. 32 Ma) plutons. The pretended HP metamorphic event cannot be inscribed in this time span.
Some Bivalvia of the Topola Formation (middle Sarmatian), Northeastern Bulgaria
Authors: Nikolov Petar
Published: June 2021

The fossil bivalvian fauna established in the Topola Formation, the Zelenka section, Northeastern Bulgaria was studied. Six taxa from the species group are described: Obsoletiforma cf. pseudosemisulcata (Andrussov, 1902), Obsoletiforma cf. balcicense (Gillet, 1938), Obsoletiforma cf. centopleura (Andrussov, 1902), Obsoletiforma sp. (aff. obsoleta Eichwald, 1830), Obsoletiforma sp. (aff. lucinoidea Paramonova, 1977), and Inaequicostata sp. (aff. barboti R. Hoernes, 1874). Two of them – O. сentopleura, and O. lucinoidea are announced for the first time in Bulgaria. One taxon is determined at generic level – Obsoletiforma sp. The stratigraphic position of the section in the upper part of the middle (Bessarabian) substage of the Sarmatian (s.l.) stage was determined as the upper part of the interval zone Cryptomactra pseudotellina-Cryptomactra pesanseris and/or lowerest part of the local taxon-range zone Obsoletiforma balcicense. The factors of the abiotic environments and their influence on the presence of the bivalvian fauna in the section are clarified.
Link between digitalization and new product launch
Authors: Salmen Alexander , Ryglova Katerina
Published: June 2021

Digital transformation and new product success are critical factors for companies’ competitiveness. Does a link exist between digitalization measures within companies, and their new product success? A former study among trading companies has diagnosed a link already. However, as only limited to trading business and a small sample, results stay little robust. Further research is needed. Therefore, the question of this work is, if this link also exists within B2B industrial firms, hypnotising that the link should also be there. Therefore, empirical data among 1.000 production firms in Germany has been gathered with a huge panel survey. Current times are described by high competition and fast changing trends. Companies’ abilities to innovate is therefore a result and a necessary ability to encounter the threat of being outperformed by competitors. Research on this subject therefore closes a relevant scientific gap. This article enlarges the knowledge gathered from a first survey among traders, with a bigger survey among industrial firms. The method of this work is to collect data within German B2B industrial firms and to run a correlation and regression analysis to answer the question, if companies who took relevant digitalization measures, report also higher new product success and compare the results to the previous study among trading firms. The study confirms the previously found link as well for industrial firms. Companies who take digitalization measures, can take profit from them by a higher success of new products.
Solution of capacitated vehicle routing problem with invasive weed and hybrid algorithms
Authors: Yıldırım Ümit , Kuvvetli Yusuf
Published: June 2021

The vehicle routing problem is widespread in terms of optimization, which is known as being NP-Hard. In this study, the vehicle routing problem with capacity constraints is solved using cost- and time-efficient metaheuristic methods: an invasive weed optimization algorithm, genetic algorithm, savings algorithm, and hybridized variants. These algorithms are tested using known problem sets in the literature. Twenty-four instances evaluate the performance of algorithms from P and five instances from the CMT data set group. The invasive weed algorithm and its hybrid variant with savings and genetic algorithms are used to determine the best methodology regarding time and cost values. The proposed hybrid approach has found optimal P group problem instances with a 2% difference from the best-known solution on average. Similarly, the CMT group problem is solved with about a 10% difference from the best-known solution on average. That the proposed hybrid solutions have a standard deviation of less than 2% on average from BKS indicates that these approaches are consistent.
An explicit evolutionary approach for multiobjective energy consumption planning considering user preferences in smart homes
Authors: Nesmachnow Sergio , Rossit Diego Gabriel , Toutouh Jamal , Luna Francisco
Published: June 2021

Modern Smart Cities are highly dependent on an efficient energy service since electricity is used in an increasing number of urban activities. In this regard, Time-of-Use prices for electricity is a widely implemented policy that has been successful to balance electricity consumption along the day and, thus, diminish the stress and risk of shortcuts of electric grids in peak hours. Indeed, residential customers may now schedule the use of deferrable electrical appliances in their smart homes in off-peak hours to reduce the electricity bill. In this context, this work aims to develop an automatic planning tool that accounts for minimizing the electricity costs and enhancing user satisfaction, allowing them to make more efficient usage of the energy consumed. The household energy consumption planning problem is addressed with a multiobjective evolutionary algorithm, for which problem-specific operators are devised, and a set of state-of-the-art greedy algorithms aim to optimize different criteria. The proposed resolution algorithms are tested over a set of realistic instances built using real-world energy consumption data, Time-of-Use prices from an electricity company, and user preferences estimated from historical information and sensor data. The results show that the evolutionary algorithm is able to improve upon the greedy algorithms both in terms of the electricity costs and user satisfaction and largely outperforms to a large extent the current strategy without planning implemented by users.
Youth waves in transboundary water diplomacy
Authors:   Water Science Policy, Harrigan Eliana , McBurney Ellie
Published: June 2021

Young people, aged between 18 and 29, have an untapped potential to generate effective transboundary water diplomacy. Two thirds of the 263 transboundary water bodies around the world have no cooperative agreement, and climate change is expected to exacerbate pre-existing challenges. There are three key rationales for involving youth in transboundary governance: doing so is a form of climate justice; youth have a recognised ability to aid peacebuilding and conflict resolution; and there are a number of positive multiplier effects of youth empowerment as reflected by the Sustainable Development Goals. Case studies are presented to highlight these points. In the Nile Basin, youth have been involved in grass-roots initiatives, including a workshop on transboundary diplomacy by the Water Youth Network, and the Nile Project, where cultural connection across borders is achieved through music and a university scholars’ programme.
The Effect of Institutional Quality on the Balance of Payments in African Countries. A Comparative Study
Authors: Helmy Ashraf
Published: June 2021

This study tries to examine the effect of the quality of the institutional framework on the accounts of the balance of payments in a sample of African countries (28 countries) and a sample of countries occupying advanced positions in international economics (15 countries) to determine different indicators of the institutional framework that affect the balances of the current and financial accounts of the balance of payments in the two sample countries through the period 2002-2019. The study applied the panel autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model, Akaike info criterion (AIC), to determine the short- and long-run relationships.

The empirical findings illustrate that the institutional indicators that support the current accounts of the balance of payments, in the long run, are not the same that support the financial accounts of the balance of payments of African countries. In addition, the effect of institutional indicators on international transactions is related to the level of economic development, where the effect of institutional indicators on countries with relatively low levels of economic development is more powerful than their effects on countries with advanced levels of development. Thus, the low quality of the institutional framework is considered an important impediment to the development of international transactions in African countries.