bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethnomathematics of Bedouin Culture (Geometry in Bedouin Embroidery)
Authors: Abu Qouder Fouze , Amit Miriam
Published: June 2023

In this essay we will present the ethnomathematics of the Bedouin society inthe south of Israel, and in particular the ethnomathematics manifested in thefolkloric embroidery of Bedouin women. The purpose of this essay is to showhow Bedouin women knew mathematics intuitively and used unique culturalvalues and elements, which contain and reflect a variety of didacticalmathematical aspects, concepts, and attributes. Also, we will show howBedouin women knew mathematics through their embroidery work. The datapresented based on research we conducted among the Bedouin population,with the aim of searching for collecting ethnomathematics knowledge inBedouin society. This goal was derived from our need to make the subject easier and more accessible to our students, and to increase their desire to study it. Keywords: Bedouin embroidery, Geometry, Ethnomathematics.
Mathematics Education for the Future: Evidence from Mathematics Education and Research Centre in a Rural University
Authors: Alex Jogymol Kalariparampil
Published: June 2023

South African rural mathematics education is confronted by poor learner performance in all phases of schooling. To address this, a Mathematics Education and Research Centre was established in a rural university. Numerous innovative and developmental activities designed for the advancement of teaching and learning of mathematics are conducted through the centre for pre-service and in-service teachers. Research was conducted on the effectiveness of these programs in the centre. The qualitative data from all the stakeholders indicated that the innovative activities created a positive impact and made mathematics more accessible. The successes of the different programs suggest that such innovative and developmental activities are needed to make mathematics more accessible, which in turn can address the poor learner performance.
Online Teacher Training for K-12 Schools on Conceptual Change in Symmetry and Invariance in the Classroom during Pandemic Covid 19
Authors: Brasili Simone
Published: June 2023

A paradigm shift in symmetry in K12 schooling requires a significant change inthe teaching and learning process. Teachers play a critical role in enforcing this innovation based on the link between symmetry and invariance. Providing them with scientific and interdisciplinary knowledge about symmetry and invariance can help them develop effective teaching practices. The last three year cycle of the educational research project was adapted to online instruction for teacher training because of Covid-19. The design of the teacher training program and the steps taken to implement the instruction are described, using mixed methods and various instruments to collect, analyze, and evaluate data. The study highlights the potential of online instruction to promote a paradigm shift in symmetry education.
The Numbers Count Intervention: Do the Benefits Persist through Key Stage 2?
Authors: Dowker Ann
Published: June 2023

Starting in 2008, Edge Hill University developed a new intensive mathematics Intervention, termed Numbers Count, for Year 2 pupils considered to be in the lowest 5% for mathematics attainment. Children receive half an hour of individualised, or very small-group intervention per day. Children, who received this intervention, performed much better than controls on Key Stage 1assessments and on standardized tests (Torgerson et al., 2011). 6359 children who underwent Numbers Count intervention in 2010-2011 or in 2011-2012were followed up at the end of Key Stage 2, using information from the National Pupil Database. The children were compared with a group, whose Key Stage 1 results had placed them in the bottom 5% in mathematics. Their performance on Key Stage 2 tests was significantly better than that of the other initially low attainers. This suggests persistent effects of the programme.
Foundational Pillars of Mathematics: Implications for aHolistic Philosophy of Mathematics Education
Authors: Goldin Gerald
Published: June 2023

Drawing on some well-studied ideas, I characterize three sources of human mathematical knowledge as foundational pillars: empirical observation, rational thought, and value. Together, these support the essential concept of truth in mathematics. All three are necessary to a sound, holistic philosophy of mathematics education. Empirical observation underlies learners’ sensory, exploratory processes of discovery, verification, and understanding, prerequisite to mathematical abstraction. Rational thought, informal and formal, underlies definition, axiomatization, and deduction enabled by conventional symbol systems. Value underlies more than learning about applications and practical uses. It is fundamental to experiences of beauty, social purpose, and meaning in mathematics – satisfying fundamental needs of the human psyche. Such a holistic perspective envisions a universally accessible world of mathematics.
Active Learning Activities: Finding and Developing
Authors: Kozak Kathryn
Published: June 2023

Active learning is a teaching method that engages students in the learning process. Research shows that this teaching method increases student success. One of the challenges with this instructional approach is to find teaching material to use in the classroom. The Internet is one location; however, finding specific learning activities may be daunting and difficult. Thus, this paper presents a scholarship that advocates for active learning. The paper then outlines where to find some related activities for instruction, as well as explore how to develop such activities.
Scutoids
Authors: Ladia Ishikka , Mehra Mrigshira
Published: June 2023

Recent studies in the field of medical science revealed a new type of cell which has more or less a geometric shape. Biologists discovered these cells in the epithelial tissues. This new shape closely resembles Prismatoids with some differences and is called Scutoid. In this paper, we will be looking at various properties of a Scutoid, benefits offered by its unique shape, and the gateways it may open to for further research.
Global Learning and Climate Change: Undergraduate Research Reflections from Student Scholars and Faculty Advisors at a Two-Year College
Authors: Leitherer Barbara H. , Dwarka Pankaj R. , Xhane Entela K. , Rami Jignasa R.
Published: June 2023

Undergraduate research is considered a high-impact learning practice by the American Association of Colleges and Universities (Bowen, 2023). When the opportunity arose, a group of faculty advisors accompanied students in a two year college in the US through an independent study analyzing real-world global climate change data supplied by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). In this collaborative work students and faculty reflect on undergraduate research as an innovative venue to develop students’ global mindsets in the 21st century. The proposal findings share candid insights about the development of student research skills, scholarly engagement, student testimonials, and future life impact. Furthermore, findings emphasize faculty experiences observing the challenging aspects of undergraduate research, analyzing student exit surveys, and recognizing the need for continuous professional development.
The Teacher’s Job after the Pandemic
Authors: Morska Janina
Published: June 2023

In this paper I would like to share my experience of how to use the modern computer and information technologies during the lessons with students after the pandemic. I will present tools such as applications, websites and computer programs used to explain new material, conduct exercises with students and test their knowledge and skills. I will discuss how to prepare notes for children, useful in the event of absence or problems in class. I will also present my mathematical blog called “mathematical impressions” where I post links and materials. Keywords: mathematics, teaching, applications, computer programs, didactic materials, didactic games, angles, fractions, integers.
The Impact of a Long-Term In-service Program for Early Years Teachers on Students’ Achievements in Early Mathematics
Authors: Peter-Koop Andrea
Published: June 2023

This paper reports the findings of an evaluation study in the context of a longterm professional development program aiming at kindergarten and Grade 1 teachers, enabling them to assist children with the transition to school in terms of their mathematics learning. The program especially focused on children potentially at risk with respect to their school mathematics learning. Pre- and post-test data indicate considerable improvement in early number understanding for most of the children.
Geometric Constructions: Understanding Constructing Irrational Numbers on the Number Line with Compass and Ruler in the Middle School.
Authors: Singer Clifford
Published: June 2023

The technology is a compass and ruler with pencil and paper. The scope of this mathematics section is to develop step by step construction with visual hands-on skills which I have been teaching since 1992. Drawing accurate diagrams as demonstrations of geometry instruction is an essential goal. Starting the lesson, students practice the use of the compass and ruler to build geometric figures. The lesson is designed to represent the square root of a number on a number line and locate precisely. We are going to learn the steps for representation of irrational numbers on a number line and solve a few examples to understand the concept better. In terms of a visual representation we are going to use a horizontal number line. One must understand the definition of irrational numbers a history of irrational numbers. Irrational numbers have decimals that neither terminate nor become periodic.
Shapes and Geometric Aptitude
Authors: Tsami Eleni , Kouloumpou Dimitra , Rokopanos Andreas , Anastasopoulos Dimitrios
Published: June 2023

The PISA results with regards to Mathematics and Science for the Greek students have been alarming in multiple consecutive reports. Drawing from this experience, we focus on cultivating the basic geometric understanding of the individual and create a series of constructive and discovery-learning exercises, in order to facilitate the learning process. In this context, we develop an exercise intended for students between ten and twelve years of age. The exercise guides the students to identify geometrical shapes in a background and subsequently to observe and conceptualize basic properties of the triangle (e.g., the sum of the angles of a triangle). The exercise is in digital format and is implemented through educational platforms, thus allowing students to practice in an engaging environment.
Cyclical Tree-Based Hot Deck Imputation
Authors: Sukasih Amang S. , Scott Victoria
Published: June 2023

Hot deck imputation is a method for filling in a missing value in a survey item (item nonrespondent) with a valid reported value from a donor (item respondent) within the survey. Our paper presents a multivariate hot deck imputation method called Cyclical Tree-Based Hot Deck (CTBHD). This method was developed to handle missing values in complex survey data with many different types of variables and allows the user to customize imputation classes, use sorting variables, impute vectors and compositional variables, and even edit or recode data “on-the-fly.” Additionally, CTBHD employs a cycling approach to get more stable imputed values with less bias and variance. Our paper evaluates the performance of CTBHD imputation through a simulation study using publicly available survey data from the 2020 Residential Energy Consumption Survey. Developed as a system for imputation, the CTBHD system is proprietary to RTI International.
Perceptions of Female Superintendents within a Rural County in a Midwestern State
Authors: Dimmitt Travis , Gray Smith Linda
Published: June 2023

This paper discusses the perceptions of seven of the eight women to serve as school superintendents within a rural county in a Midwestern state from 1986 to 2021. From interviews with the women, we identified themes and compared and connected the thematic perceptions of the rural female superintendents to the overall framework of extant literature on the female superintendent experience across the United States. Throughout this process, we found that much of what the rural female superintendents we interviewed experienced in their jobs matched the experiences of other women superintendents across the country. There were, however, some divergent experiences from established literature in key areas. This paper highlights many of those similarities and differences.
Effects of Distance Learning on Teachers in a Rural Title 1 Elementary Education Setting
Authors: Walters Chelsey , Baker Alesha , Shell Michele
Published: June 2023

Following the sudden switch from in-person to distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, much research has been conducted about student learning. However, little information is available about the perception of rural teachers during this time. In this qualitative study, researchers interviewed three rural Title I elementary school teachers. Through thematic qualitative analysis, researchers found that there is an intimate link between the rural community’s beliefs about education and the way the teachers perceive their roles in distance learning. The teachers in rural communities view learning and teaching as a social activity that was inhibited by the challenges faced during distance learning despite the support of the community and administration. Teachers overwhelmingly felt that the distance in distance learning inhibited the ability for them to teach and concluded that true learning happens best in an in-person setting.
MEDICINES PLANNING AND PROCUREMENT MANAGEMENT AN ACADEMIC HOSPITAL IN YOGYAKARTA, INDONESIA: A QUALITATIVE STUDY
Authors: Elmiawati Latifah  , Elfride Irawati Sianturi  , Prasojo Pribadi  , Indriyati Hadi Sulistyaningrum  , Rakhmundia Aryo
Published: June 2023

Inventory management remains a critical issue for hospital pharmacies. Thus, there is a need for pharmaceuticals to meet economic resources. Moreover, the decision to make drug requests available should be considered, and the complexity of the problem lies in the random nature of and the various constraints that must be considered in any decision. This study aimed to analyze drug management during the planning and procurement stages of medicine in a teaching hospital in Yogyakarta. The qualitative method was used to his type of research is descriptive-analytical with a case study design of one of the public, academic hospitals in the Yogyakarta area. Data collection was conducted through interviews using a content analysis approach. The analysis technique was carried out by reducing data, analyzing data, identifying themes, and extracting data interpretation with the help of NVIVO 12 software. Overall, interviews were conducted with six participants to obtain information on drug management during the planning and procurement stages in the hospital, following the standards of home pharmacy services. The stages also included budget allocation by volume of services, increasing the competence of human resources, which supports the improvement of drug management performance, implementation of e-prescribing to facilitate monitoring evaluation, and availability of complete standard operating procedures. However, the accuracy of drug planning still needs to be improved so that an integrated management information system can support optimal drug management in a teaching hospital pharmacy installation.
Keywords: Drug management, drug planning, drug procurement, public academic hospital
Beckoning a new post- Covid higher education engagement agenda: Lessons from Nelson Mandela University Covid-19 responses
Authors: Bazirake Joseph Besigye , Hamukuaya Hashali , Chauke Tinyiko , Mngadi Anele , De Raedt Amy
Published: June 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic set higher education institutions on an unprecedented path requiring of them to identify alternative strategies and implement various initiatives to sustain their academic projects. With the widespread devastation of the pandemic, the purpose of universities within their communities were again in the spotlight. A sensibility of the intertwinement between the local university and the community was also re-emphasised in the pandemic’s wake, with the recognition of COVID-19 as a crosscutting problem. This paper examines Nelson Mandela University’s engagement initiatives during the pandemic to underline its fundamental strategic undertakings within its positioning as a “transformative, responsive university in service of society”. Through an interpretive paradigm, the paper presents lessons from a qualitative, explorative case study inquiry of Nelson Mandela University reports during the pandemic. The findings indicate that the initiatives deployed by the university during the pandemic strengthened its overall community engagement strategy.
The ALMA Survey of 70 μm Dark High-mass Clumps in Early Stages (ASHES). IX. Physical Properties and Spatial Distribution of Cores in IRDCs
Authors: Morii Kaho , Sanhueza Patricio , Nakamura Fumitaka , Zhang Qizhou , Sabatini Giovanni , Beuther Henrik , Lu Xing , Li Shanghuo , Garay Guido , Jackson James M. , Olguin Fernando A. , Tafoya Daniel , Tatematsu Ken’ichi , Izumi Natsuko , Sakai Takeshi , Silva Andrea
Published: June 2023

The initial conditions found in infrared dark clouds (IRDCs) provide insights on how high-mass stars and stellar clusters form. We have conducted high-angular resolution and high-sensitivity observations toward thirty-nine massive IRDC clumps, which have been mosaicked using the 12 and 7 m arrays from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array. The targets are 70 μm dark massive (220–4900 M
⊙), dense (>104 cm−3), and cold (∼10–20 K) clumps located at distances between 2 and 6 kpc. We identify an unprecedented number of 839 cores, with masses between 0.05 and 81 M
⊙ using 1.3 mm dust continuum emission. About 55% of the cores are low-mass (<1 M
⊙), whereas ≲1% (7/839) are high-mass (≳27 M
⊙). We detect no high-mass prestellar cores. The most massive cores (MMC) identified within individual clumps lack sufficient mass to form high-mass stars without additional mass feeding. We find that the mass of the MMCs is correlated with the clump surface density, implying denser clumps produce more massive cores. There is no significant mass segregation except for a few tentative detections. In contrast, most clumps show segregation once the clump density is considered instead of mass. Although the dust continuum emission resolves clumps in a network of filaments, some of which consist of hub-filament systems, the majority of the MMCs are not found in the hubs. Our analysis shows that high-mass cores and MMCs have no preferred location with respect to low-mass cores at the earliest stages of high-mass star formation.
Fading AGNs in Poststarburst Galaxies
Authors: French K. Decker , Earl Nicholas , Novack Annemarie B. , Pardasani Bhavya , Pillai Vismaya R. , Tripathi Akshat , Verrico Margaret E.
Published: June 2023

The role of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) in quenching galaxies and driving the evolution from star forming to quiescence remains a key question in galaxy evolution. We present evidence from the Mapping Nearby Galaxies at APO survey for fading AGN activity in 6/93 poststarburst galaxies. These six galaxies show extended emission line regions (EELRs) consistent with ionization from past AGN activity, analogous to “Hanny’s Voorwerp” and other systems where the [O iii] λ5007 emission is bright enough to be visible in broadband imaging. Using the infrared luminosities from IRAS to estimate the current AGN luminosities, we find that 5/6 of the poststarburst galaxies have current AGNs which have faded from the peak luminosity required to have ionized the EELRs. Given the rate at which we observe EELRs, the typical EELR visibility timescale, and an estimate of how often EELRs would be visible, we estimate the duty cycle of AGN activity during the poststarburst phase. The timescale for the galaxy to cycle between peaks in AGN luminosity is t
EELR ∼ 1.1–2.3 × 105 yr. Given the rate at which we observe current AGN activity during this phase, we estimate that the AGN spends only 5.3% of this time (or t
ON = 0.6–1.3 × 104 yr) in its luminous phase, with the rest of the time spent “off” or in a low-luminosity phase. The length of this duty cycle may explain why so few luminous AGNs have been observed during the poststarburst phase, despite evidence for AGN feedback at work.
Situation Analysis of the Security Education and Training System in the Republic of Bulgaria
Authors: Stoykov Stoyko , Petrova Elitsa
Published: June 2023

The purpose of the article is to present a situational analysis of the education and training system in the field of security in the Republic of Bulgaria in 2021, in which internal and external threats, strengths and weaknesses, problem areas and possible solutions will be highlighted. The subject of the article is the education and training system, as the specific subject is the education and training system in the field of security in the Republic of Bulgaria.
The C5ISR System Integrated with Unmanned Aircraft in the Large-Scale Combat Operations
Authors: Radovanović Marko , Petrovski Aleksandar , Žnidaršič Vinko
Published: June 2023

The manner of conducting modern large-scale combat operations (LSCOs) is characterized by the increasingly frequent and diverse use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) integrated into the Command, Control, Computers, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4IRS) system. These aircraft are one of the most important types of weapons in modern LSCOs. Anyone that has the technology can process the latest information from the field and safely passes that information to the command center has a great advantage and a chance to cause great damage to units whose goal is to prevent further operational work. What is important is that UAVs must have some degree of self-protection through site selection action to reconnaissance and retreat routes. The paper presents the possibility of using UAVs for various missions in LSCOs, as well as a case study of their use in previous modern armed conflicts.
Endogenous and exogenous koala retrovirus patterns in wild koalas across Australia. In Proceedings of the Second Koala Retrovirus Workshop, ed. D. E. Alquezar-Planas, D. P. Higgins, C. L. Singleton, and A. D. Greenwood
Authors: Quigley Bonnie L. , Timms Peter
Published: June 2023

Our understanding of koala retrovirus (KoRV) has advanced dramatically in recent years. Cross-sectional studies examining hundreds of wild koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) from populations across their natural Australian range (Queensland–New South Wales–Victoria) have shed new light on KoRV abundance and diversity in the wild. A single strain of KoRV (the originally characterized Hanger strain from 2000) appears to be the dominant KoRV strain within koalas, endogenous in northern populations and the predominant exogenous strain in southern populations. Alongside this strain are potentially exogenous variants representing both intact and defective versions of some of the many recognized KoRV subtypes (KoRV-A to KoRV-M). The patterns of these may suggest a transition from endogenous KoRV in the north to exogenous KoRV in the south, occurring in southern New South Wales. They also highlight how actively the hypervariable region of the envelope gene of KoRV is diversifying, with fragmented koala populations across the country containing unique and distinctive KoRV proviral profiles. As more koala populations are examined with increasingly sensitive and specific genetic tools, our understanding of KoRV is poised to continue to evolve as quickly as the virus itself.
Defining putative koala retrovirus-associated disease in koalas. In Proceedings of the Second Koala Retrovirus Workshop, ed. D. E. Alquezar-Planas, D. P. Higgins, C. L. Singleton, and A. D. Greenwood
Authors: Gillett Amber K.
Published: June 2023

Koalas suffer from a wide range of diseases and illness, some of which are well understood, and others that are observed but have unclear aetiologies. A largely undescribed and poorly defined area in koala health is diseases presumed to be associated with koala retrovirus (KoRV) infection. Disease conditions putatively linked to KoRV infection are defined here as “putative KoRV-associated diseases” (PKAD). These include neoplasia, severe dermatological and oral conditions, life-threatening fungal and opportunistic infections, haematological disorders, chronic ill-thrift or poor body condition of undefined cause and other conditions suggestive of immune dysfunction. Multiple conditions are usually present at once and koalas invariably die despite treatment. The multifactorial nature of PKAD and the lack of clarity around KoRV’s role in many conditions means that developing a standard case definition encompassing all presentations is difficult. As such, presenting conditions have been defined as dysplastic/neoplastic versus those associated with immune dysfunction (putative immune dysfunction disorders—PIDDS).
Incidence, trends, and significance of putative koala retrovirus-associated diseases in monitored wild koala populations in southeast Queensland. In Proceedings of the Second Koala Retrovirus Workshop, ed. D. E. Alquezar-Planas, D. P. Higgins, C. L. Singleton, and A. D. Greenwood
Authors: McKay Philippa A. , Jones Brent D.
Published: June 2023

Research indicates that northern koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) are ubiquitously infected with koala retrovirus (KoRV). There is increasing evidence linking KoRV with neoplasia and a range of disorders associated with immunodeficiency, conditions observed at high rates in captive colonies, and sick koalas presenting to wildlife hospitals. However, less is known about the occurrence of these putative KoRV-associated diseases in wild populations. We analysed health data collected at the veterinary examinations of 691 koalas inhabiting three monitored wild koala populations in southeast Queensland between 2013 and 2020. At initial presentation, neoplasia and AIDS-like syndrome were detected at a prevalence of 1.16% (8/691; 95% CI 0.5–2.19%). Longitudinal data from koalas recruited into the monitoring programmes and receiving one or more subsequent examination revealed an incidence rate of 3.5 cases/100 koalas/year (95% CI 2.35–4.9). These findings indicate that a relatively small proportion of the populations studied were affected by these putative KoRV-associated diseases. However, the impact on individuals was severe, with high associated mortality in the diseased cohort. Furthermore, northern koala populations endure multiple threats, suffering severe declines in recent decades. We propose that the significance of putative KoRV-associated diseases on these populations should be considered within this context and that further research into the interactions between KoRV and other drivers of decline is warranted.
Koala retrovirus status and putative koala retrovirus-associated diseases in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) in North American zoos. In Proceedings of the Second Koala Retrovirus Workshop, ed. D. E. Alquezar-Planas, D. P. Higgins, C. L. Singleton, and A. D. Greenwood
Authors: Singleton Cora L. , Hamlin-Andrus Chris
Published: June 2023

The living koala population in North America is predominantly descended from koalas imported from a single Australian facility in 1976 and 1981, with several smaller imports from other facilities between 1985 and 2013. Koala retrovirus subtype B (KoRV-B) entered the North American population via imports in 2005, 2008, and 2013. The 2005 and 2008 KoRV-B positive lineages are deceased, but the 2013 KoRV-B positive lineage has seven surviving koalas, including one female of breeding age. Three koalas born to KoRV-B negative dams were documented as being KoRV-B positive at 15 months of age after nursing from a KoRV-B positive female. The prevalence of koala retrovirus subtype A (KoRV-A) detection in North America is 100% but the prevalence of KoRV-B detection is 17%. Lymphoid neoplasia is a common cause of mortality, dating back to founder koalas. Most cases of lymphoid neoplasia have occurred in presumptive KoRV-B negative koalas, and many cases have occurred between the ages of four and nine years. Familial clusters of lymphoid neoplasia are apparent. Additionally, myelodysplasia and fatal peripheral cytopenias are important putative KoRV-associated diseases that cause mortality in koalas in North America, with higher prevalence in koalas younger than two years of age. Since 2013, breeding of known KoRV-B positive koalas has been managed, to maintain separation from the remainder of the KoRV-B negative population.
Innovative web-based sources of data for geographical analyses. Advantages and disadvantages
Authors: Kotsev Alexander
Published: June 2023

The manuscript provides an overview of several prominent web-based sources of geospatial information that can be used to complement, and under certain conditions substitute traditional sources of data. Each potential data source is critically reviewed. The advantages and disadvantages outlined in the article would allow informed decisions concerning the use of those sources.
Spatial Modeling of the Ecotourism Potential of Kyustendil Municipality through Analytic Hierarchy Process and Remote Sensing Data in GIS
Authors: Sarafova Eugenia
Published: June 2023

The paper will examine the methodology for spatial modeling and ecotourism potential analysis through the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) in GIS, integrating data from satellite imagery. The AHP, combined with data from satellite images and GIS analysis, is an appropriate way of analyzing the ecotourism potential of a territory as it is possible to make a comprehensive overview of all aspects of the researched topic. The proposed methodology for assessing ecotourism potential could be used in different administrative territories both in Bulgaria and in other countries.
Ecosystem services and their valuation – brief review
Authors: Nikolov Svetoslav
Published: June 2023

There is a growing public interest in the role and value of natural ecosystems and how they contribute to our quality of life and to human wellbeing. Ecosystem services and their continued provision underpin human existence, health and prosperity. They are the direct source of provisioning services, such as food and fibre, and sets up regulating and supporting services, such as clean water and air, through the role of organisms in energy and material cycles. This paper provides an overview of key concepts about ecosystem services and approaches of their valuation.
„The House of Geography Education“ – an Example Model
Authors: Vasileva Maya
Published: June 2023

All processes and phenomena have geographical dimensions which justify the presence of geography science as the main subject of study in Bulgarian school system. As such the role of geography in development of specific competences and patterns of behavior is with undeniable value for students. Against the background of growing public demands for education (and geographic one in particular), it is necessary to develop a new educational paradigm, respectively new educational models that set the student's personality and their needs, interests and responsibilities in the center of geography training process. In this regard, we are taking a step forward by presenting an exemplary educational model of geography education. We construct it on the basis of current interpretations from contemporary geography didactics in Bulgaria and in countries with developed educational systems. We present it through a metaphor having in mind that "severe" theoretical issues may be broken and examined from a different perspective and give us the possibility for further researches of the issue.
On the necessity of studying the mono-functional urban settlements in Bulgaria
Authors: Penerliev Milen
Published: June 2023

The paper deals with the functional and spatial structure of the mono-functional urban settlements in Bulgaria. Some examples have been given, using parameters such as population number, depopulation rate, unemployment rate, etc. Special attention has been paid to urban settlements without any leading function. An attempt has been made to clarify the situation that has led to that negative fact. Through analysis of literary sources, a universally valid definition of monofunctional urban settlements has been proposed and applied. The elaboration of that definition was based mainly on the experience of Russian researchers, considering the fact that such type of urban settlements prevail in that country, and as such, are subjected to systematic analysis and research. As a result of the analyses, the introduction of a separate group of mono-functional urban settlements without any leading function is proposed, which would enhance the identification of problems, as well as the elaboration of more accurate projections. Some basic guidelines for future studying of mono-functional urban settlements have been given, considering that so far the issue has been somewhat disregarded.
Zhecho Chankov’s contribution to the Bulgarian Geographical Society and Bulgarian geography
Authors: Levkov Krasimir
Published: June 2023

Zhecho Chankov is an example of a person who has dedicated his life to geography and who has contributed a lot to its consolidation and popularization in Bulgaria. He has also contributed greatly to the foundation and organizational consolidation of the Bulgarian geographical society. He is the author of the first monograph on the population of Bulgaria and the author of geography dictionaries and textbooks. Chankov is one of the greatest donators of Dobri Voynikov chitalishte in his hometown Shoumen. Because of his professional, academic and social work he should be considered one of the most prominent Bulgarian geographers from the first half of the 20th century.
Contributions of Professor Ivan Vaptsarov for the Bulgarian Geography
Authors: Kroumova Yulia , Vlaskov Vladimir , Nikolov Valentin
Published: June 2023

The article is dedicated to the creative path and the scientific heritage of Prof. Ivan Vaptsarov – one of the remarkable scientists for the Bulgarian geography of the last century. The experience during the professional development from technician-geologist to professor and director of the Institute of Geography is accompanied by a research precision and focused interest in geomorphology, geology and physical geography. In this respect, original are the researches on the contemporary relief genesis and evolution, on the ore-controlling morphostructures of Southern Bulgaria, on the denudation surfaces number and age, as well as on the genesis of the piedmonts surfaces of the "glasis" type. As a leader of many large scientific teams and an initiator of large-scale projects, Prof. Ivan Vaptsarov successfully unites the highly professional knowledge on structural geomorphology and on geomorphological mapping with the qualities of a skilful administrator and a prominent and valorous geographer.
130 Years from the birth of Krum Dronchilov
Authors: Varadzhakova Desislava
Published: June 2023

The present paper is dedicated to the life and scientific work of assoc. prof. PhD Krum Dronchilov because of the 130th anniversary of his birth in 2019. The article focuses on his background and family, his education and professional career. An overview of his renowned and significant scientific publications is made. Descriptive and analytical methods have been used. Materials of the Faculty of Geology and Geography of the Sofia University, conserved at the State Archives, scientific publications of famous Bulgarian geographers of the last century and of contemporary authors are used as sources of information. As a result, a new, more thorough and comprehensive look at the importance of the research and the contribution of assoc. prof. PhD Krum Dronchilov to the development of geography in the early twentieth century in Bulgaria was made.
Academician Аnastas Ishirkov – A Life Dedicated to the Geographic Science and to Bulgaria
Authors: Zhelezov Georgi , Nikolova Mariyana
Published: June 2023

This article aims to fill the honorary place, which is laid on the founder of the Bulgarian Geographic Science, Acad. Anastas Ishirkov, in this collection of papers, but also to highlight some lesser known details of his research, socio-political and charitable activities. At the same time, the authors removed some inaccuracies in his biography accumulated over time and added new information about his life and activity. This was made possible by our research in the Archive of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, and from the materials for him in the Gipson Archive, as well as by the careful reading of the handwritten autobiography of Acad. Ishirkov.
Acad. Anastas Beshkov – Founder of the Regional Geographical Researches in Bulgaria
Authors: Zhelezov Georgi
Published: June 2023

Acad. Anastas Beshkov (1896-1964) is one of the leading Bulgarian geographic researchers of the 20th century. His fundamental work is connected with development of regional geographical researches in Bulgaria and the first economic geographic regionalization of Bulgaria (1934). The scientific work and expertises of acad. Beshkov are related to important economic national projects as the importance of transport for development of the economy and settlements, decision of the transport problems in Dobrudzha, position of the factory for fertilizers near Stara Zagora town, an idea for the channel Varna- Devnya, developed in a project in 1965 and realized in 1975.
Prof. PhD Lyubomir Antonov Dinev-Kartografov (1911-1986) – The Creator of Specialty “Geography of Tourism” in Bulgaria
Authors: Grozeva Mariya
Published: June 2023

Prof. PhD Lyubomir Antonov Dinev is among the distinguished Bulgarian geographers. He is interested in this science since from his early childhood. This is due to his father Anton Dinev - Kartografov, a teacher of geography, who created the first study maps in geography, as well as the first methodological foundations of teaching in this subject. Lyubomir Dinev graduated with a degree in geography from Sofia University in 1935. After he completed a specialization in Prague. After his return to Bulgaria he entered Sofia University as an assistant in geography. Later, he reoriented himself to socio-economic geography, and in particular to the area of geography of population and settlements. Gradually he is habilitated for associate professor and professor. In addition to what he has achieved in his research work, Prof. L. Dinev stays in science by expanding the research field of geography in Bulgaria through the specialty “geography of tourism”, created by him, and the Department of the same name in the “Kl. Ohridski ”Sofia University.
Territorial development of urban networks from global cities – trends and models
Authors: Petrov Kamen
Published: June 2023

The article is devoted to the problems accompanying the development of world cities and the trends in the formation and functioning of global urban networks. A review and analysis of the basic concepts for the development and formation of world cities and their functional characteristics is made. Thus, the formation and development of global cities has several dimensions: geographical, economic, demographic and others. The ongoing processes of urbanization and globalization of socio-economic relations lead to the formation of transnational networks of cities through spatial interaction between global urban centers. The intensification of these processes is also dictated by the dynamic development of new technologies, which puts global cities as centers of development and growth. Thus, global cities appear as a center of attraction and form the new geoeconomic system of the new century.
Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society: past, present and future
Authors: Nedkov Stoyan , Prodanova Hristina , Naydenov Kliment
Published: June 2023

The article presents a comprehensive historical review of the development of “Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society” since its establishment, and points out the perspectives that lie ahead. We highlighted three periods of development of the journal: First (1933–1943), Second (1953–1993), and Third (2018–2020) based on key moments within the life-cycle of the Society caused by various socio-political situations in Bulgaria across time. We conducted the review following several key points: (1) periodization; (2) analysis of the publications based on the publishing language, types of the articles, and the major research topics; (3) expansion of the editorial board; and (4) design of the journal including its format, cover and paper layout. We pointed out a few challenges in the present state of the publication process in Bulgaria within the geographic community in particular, and gave valuable recommendations on how to deal with them in the light of the global tendencies in the academic publishing process. For the future development of the journal, we have marked major goals and changes that will lead to improving the quality of the geographic publications in the country. They are as follows: building a journal management concept, determination of the focus and scope, types and characteristics of the publications, and improvement of the graphic design. In conclusion, we highlighted the strengths and the weaknesses of the past development of the journal, and underlined the new changes, which will give the journal an international recognition.
Territorial features and dynamics in the water quality change in the Topolnitsa and Luda Yana rivers
Authors: Gartsiyanova Kristina , Varbanov Marian , Kitev Atanas , Genchev Stefan , Georgieva Stela
Published: June 2023

In this article the current changes in the water quality of rivers Topolnitsa and Luda Yana have been analyzed and evaluated. The river basins are under the significant anthropogenic impact of various origins and nature. The main sources of pollution, the emitted substances and the spatiotemporal features of the change of the water quality are determined. Several indices for complex assessment of river waters have been used to assess the status of water - (Water Quality Index - Canada; Water Pollution Index - Russia; Chemical Index for River Water Quality (CJ) - Germany).
Application of Satellite Remote Sensing for Detection of Abiotic Stress in Coniferous Landscapes
Authors: Filchev Lachezar
Published: June 2023

In the article is made an overview of the application of different satellite remote sensing methods and technologies in detection of the abiotic stress in coniferous landscapes. The review paper is discussing in short the application of different remote sensing technologies such as: satellite multispectral and infrared (thermal), imaging spectrometry and fluorescence imaging. The studied period spans from the onset of the satellite remote sensing in the 1960s until present day. In conclusion, are drawn requirements for the perspective technologies in satellite remote sensing which should address the fast and reliable detection of the manifestation of abiotic stress in coniferous landscapes.
Influence of the spatial grid type on the result of calculating the neutron fields in the nuclear power plant shielding
Authors: Nikolaeva Olga V. , Gaifulin Sergey A. , Bass Leonid P. , Dmitriev Denis V. , Nikolaev Alexandr A.
Published: June 2023

The paper considers the influence of the spatial grid type on the result of solving the equation of neutron transport in the nuclear power plant (NPP) shielding.

Neutron fields were calculated in a realistic model of a liquid metal cooled fast neutron tank reactor with an integral equipment layout. Structured cubic and unstructured hexahedral grids (pmsnsys and FRIGATE codes) and unstructured tetrahedral and prismatic grids (RADUGA T code) are used. Limiting values of the group fluxes averaged over the material zones for refined grids have been obtained.

It has been shown that the calculation results depend on the type of approximation for the curvilinear inner boundaries between the material zones rather than on the grid cell type (cube, hexahedron, tetrahedron, prism). Using “toothed” approximations for curvilinear boundaries leads to an increase in the area of the boundaries, as well as to the neutron flux refraction condition arising on them. These effects lead to an upward bias in the transport equation solution, and for all energy groups.

Conclusion. When solving an equation of neutron transport in the NPP shielding by a grid technique, it is necessary to use grids other than leading to “toothed” approximations of the inner boundaries. Tetrahedral or prismatic grids, or grids of arbitrary hexahedrons can be recommended, as well as composite grids in which cubic cells are located inside the material zone, and hexahedron cells are located near the zone boundary.
La France, les Français, le français dans la tête des jeunes Allemands – on s’en f… ou on s’engoue ?
Authors: Mieth Maria
Published: June 2023

L’étude « La France, les Français, le français dans la tête des jeunes Allemands – on s’en f… ou on s’engoue ? » a comme objectif de donner un aperçu de la situation actuelle de l’apprentissage des langues étrangères dans les différents länder avant d’examiner à la loupe les choix linguistiques des jeunes Bavarois et Saxons au niveau des établissements d’enseignement secondaire ainsi que des lycées. Afin de permettre une mise en perspective des données, l’auteure a recours à des statistiques remontant aux années scolaires 2013/2014 et 2021/2022. La comparaison des chiffres bavarois et saxons et l’analyse détaillée d’une enquête menée dans quatre établissements scolaires en Saxe ont pour but de sensibiliser le lecteur, d’une part aux raisons des différences entre les länder, et de l’autre, aux réalités qui se cachent derrière les chiffres. Le ressenti des élèves aux moments différents de leur scolarité est particulièrement mis en évidence. Le rôle des parents et des professeurs est déterminant, mais la marge de manœuvre des écoles qui découle de la politique d’enseignement des länder n’en est pas moins décisive. Le bilan de l’enquête invite le lecteur à s’interroger sur les conséquences de la Oberstufenreform en Allemagne, c.-à-d. de la possibilité qu’ont dorénavant les jeunes Allemands de passer le baccalauréat en apprenant une seule langue étrangère durant le cycle lycée. Est alors posée la question de l´impact des accords franco-allemands et de nos valeurs, avant de finir par une réflexion sur les transferts linguistiques lors de l’acquisition des différentes langues étrangères, et une remise en question de la place secondaire attribuée au français.
La différence des cultures économiques – une tension productive ?
Authors: Uterwedde Henrik
Published: June 2023

La coopération franco-allemande en matière de politique économique a toujours constitué un élément crucial mais aussi difficile des relations bilatérales. Cette contribution se penche sur la dialectique entre les divergences, ancrées dans deux cultures économiques bien distinctes et parfois contradictoires, et les rapprochements néanmoins dégagés par une pratique inlassable de recherche de compromis. La première partie s’efforce de dégager les cultures économiques en France et en Allemagne, de les placer dans leur contexte historique et d’analyser leur impact sur la coopération gouvernementale franco-allemande en Europe : politique commerciale et industrielle, politique macroéconomique et gestion de l’Union économique et monétaire. La deuxième partie se penche sur le cas précis du pacte de stabilité et de croissance, pomme de discorde franco-allemande depuis sa naissance en 1997 et dont la réforme actuellement en discussion suscite des controverses. Les analyses démontrent que, si des différences notables persistent, elles ont perdu leur caractère fondamental. L’histoire de la construction européenne nous montre que des compromis sont possibles, mais qu’il faut toujours une vraie volonté politique commune et un effort franco-allemand pour dégager des solutions communes.