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In 2022, a study was conducted to evaluate the digital competence of fourth year students pursuing degrees in "Social Activities" at the Universit y “Neofit Rilski” of Blagoevgrad, both in full time and part time study modes. The research encompassed a cohort of 30 students and aimed to gauge their digital proficiency based on self assessment. This assessment relied on the Digital Competence Self Ass essment Matrix, aligned with the European Digital Competence Framework for Citizens ( which encompasses five core domains: Information and Data literacy, Communication and Collaboration, Digital content creation, Safety/security, and Problem solvi ng. Results from the self assessment revealed that 55% of the students consider ed themselves proficient at a core level in the first area of competence (Information and Data literacy), while 30% rated themselves at a cross functional level, and 15% assessed themselves as functional. Notably, 90% of the students could store and retrie ve digital files, use search engines, and apply filters when searching for information. However, only 25% used cloud services to store data. In the second area of competence (Digital content creation), a mere 15% of respondents rated themselves as professionally competent, underscoring its significance in their future professional pr actice. The study indicated the necessity for students to acquire skills in content creation, programming, and multimedia element integration, especially in the context of social media. In the third area (Communication and Collaboration), all students exhibited proficiency in basic digital communication tools like mobile phones and e mail. However, only 25% considered themselves functionally adept in online communication, highlighting the importance of digital communication skills in social work. Concerning the fourth area (Problem solving), 55% of students assessed their proficiency as core, while 35% rated themselves as cross functional, and only 10% as functio nal. This underlines the need for further development of problem solving skills related to digital technologies. The fifth and final area (Safety/ revealed that most students understood the importance of online privacy but had limited skills in shaping their digital identity and monitoring their online footprint. Enhancing d igital competence emerged as a crucial need for future social workers to navigate online risks and protect clients from abuse. The study underscores the necessity of integrating digital competence into social work curricula. It advocates for additional lectures, seminars, workshops, and internships to expand students' digital skillse t. In the digital age, social workers must improve their digital competencies to effectively communicate, advocate for marginalized groups, and provide efficient social services. Developing these competencies within the educational framework is essential f or the application of information and communication technologies in addressing the challenges of digital social work, ultimately promoting social equality and safeguarding clients in an increasingly digital world.
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This paper delves into the multifaceted implications of artificial intelligence (AI) and ChatGPT within the context of transhumanism. The juxtaposition of utopian and dystopian perspectives is employed to illuminate both the remarkable potential and the looming threats associated with these technologies. From a utopian viewpoint, AI and ChatGPT hold promise in augmenting human capabilities. These systems have demonstrated the capacity to streamline various facets of our daily lives, from information retrieval to creative content generation. Their potential to catalyze scientific research and enhance decision-making processes is indeed impressive. However, a shift to the dystopian perspective reveals a starkly contrasting reality. The rapid proliferation of AI and ChatGPT raises significant concerns related to privacy, ethics, and control. Research indicates that biased algorithms can exacerbate societal inequalities, while the misuse of these technologies may pose threats to democracy and personal autonomy. The risks of AI superintelligence, pose existential risks to humanity. Drawing from the body of current research, we observe that overreliance on AI and ChatGPT for social interactions may undermine genuine human connections, fostering a fragmented society. Additionally, the phenomenon of algorithmic determinism, raises questions about the potential loss of individual agency and the emergence of surveillance capitalism as AI systems accumulate vast amounts of personal data. In a transhumanistic context, we confront the profound implications of AI and ChatGPT for the very essence of human existence. As we inch closer to a world where machines and humans merge, we do recognize a threat of the possibility of losing our essence as Homo sapiens. The quest for enhancement through AI implants and neural interfaces might lead to unforeseen consequences, challenging the very fabric of human identity. This paper underscores the urgency of adopting a balanced approach to the integration of AI and ChatGPT into our lives. The duality of utopian and dystopian perspectives reminds us of the ethical, social, and philosophical dilemmas posed by these technologies. The future of transhumanism depends on our ability to harness the potential of AI while safeguarding against its inherent threats. This necessitates a holistic and multidisciplinary approach, combining technological innovation with rigorous ethical scrutiny and robust regulatory frameworks. Only by navigating this complex terrain with prudence can we hope to shape a future where AI and ChatGPT contribute to the betterment of humanity rather than its detriment.
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Western Balkan states, among them Kosovo and North Macedonia, joined others from around the world in offering aid to Turkey, which, along with Syria, was hit by two deadly earthquakes on February 6, 2023. The epicenter of the 7.8-magnitude earthquake was in Kahramanmaras province near the border with Syria. As a result of the earthquakes, there were 50,783 deaths, 297 missing and 107,204 injured across 11 of the 17 affected provinces of Turkey. At least 15.73 million people and 4 million buildings were affected. About 345,000 apartments were destroyed. Over 1.5 million people were left homeless. Over 100 nations and 16 international organizations offered aid to the earthquake victims in Turkey. In addition, 11 countries contributed search and rescue teams accompanied by specially trained dogs to locate survivors trapped in the rubble. In contrast, aid to Syria was comparatively less, primarily due to Western sanctions on the nation and government-imposed restrictions on humanitarian organizations operating beyond their controlled regions. The paper conducts an analysis of ten existing international response organizations, examining their agreements and procedures in disaster response efforts. It investigates the history and effectiveness of these organizations in managing disaster situations, with a specific focus on their roles in addressing the Turkey and Syria disasters. The paper assesses their effectiveness in the context of the February 2023 earthquake. Furthermore, the paper explores the concept of mutual aid mechanisms, which are commonly utilized by countries worldwide for disaster response. These agreements, whether bilateral or multilateral, are typically established at different levels of government, ranging from local to national and even international. While the specifics of these agreements may vary among nations, the overarching goal is to create a framework for sharing resources, personnel, and expertise during times of emergency. Additionally, the paper discusses the response efforts of two Balkan countries, Kosovo and North Macedonia, which provided assistance such as search and rescue teams, handlers with dogs, and material aid like blankets and stretchers. Notably, these nations offered their support independently, without being part of any international organization. Their response was established through direct communication with Turkey. It was characterized by its immediacy and sincerity, Finally, the paper draws conclusions based on an evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of existing response systems, offering recommendations to policymakers to enhance overall disaster response procedures.
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This report aims to present the research objectives and results of the implemented research project, CP 06 H70/2, on the topic:"Bulgarians in the Balkans abroad after 1878. The code of survival", implemented under the "Research Fund" of the Ministry of education and science (MES) of Bulgaria. The efforts of the scientific team are dictated by the need to carry out an up-to-date analysis of the history and present of the Bulgarian communities in the Balkans, which will reveal new directions of scientific knowledge about the existence of the diaspora in the modern environment. Characteristic of the official management elites of the Balkan countries, in which there is a Bulgarian diaspora, are the political and cultural nuances regarding the individual diasporas, including the Bulgarian one. the nuances. At the same time – and this is indicative, despite the presence of a number of negative approaches over the decades related to assimilation processes-the diaspora is distinguished by a "living" memory, and its bearers preserve their national identity. The study is also aimed at identifying contemporary threats of denationalization and ethnic melting. In this regard, the emphasis is also placed on the cultural heritage, the result of the centuries-old development of the communities, but also of the modern adhesions and original achievements, emblematic of Bulgarian roots and traditions, but also of the essential features of the modern Balkan cultural space of dialog and synthetic factors. The study is also aimed at identifying contemporary threats of denationalization and ethnic melting. In this regard, the emphasis is also placed on the cultural heritage, the result of the centuries-old development of the communities, but also of the modern adhesions and original achievements, emblematic of Bulgarian roots and traditions, but also of the essential features of the modern Balkan cultural space of dialog and synthetic factors. . For a more comprehensive treatment of the questions raised, it is necessary to use interdisciplinary scientific and research methods and approaches. This means to study both facts resulting from diachronic development-historical, political, literary, folkloric-everyday – but also to study and summarize those phenomena – demographic, economic-political, educational, etc.N. which today intensively form the profile of the diaspora. In this connection and the importance of dialogue and cooperation between all government institutions and agencies, as well as between non-governmental organizations, companies and companies engaged with the Bulgarian communities and their preservation in the Balkans.
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The big topic for Bulgarian communities abroad is not new and various aspects of it have been the subject of research over the years. The research focuses mainly on the Bulgarian communities in Moldova, Ukraine, North America and part of the European territories. However, the Bulgarian diaspora in the Balkans has not been studied so carefully, especially in the Western Balkans. It should be pointed out that the Bulgarian communities in the Balkans, regardless of their common ethnogenesis, differ among themselves in a number of factors: ethnocultural, ethnographic, confessional and/or linguistic. For this reason, their consideration is subject to the chronological principle of classification, involving the unification of communities according to the historical period of their settlement – "old" (historical) and "new"(modern). In turn, in the historical emigration can also be distinguished several stages: until 1878. (the restoration of the Bulgarian state); between 1878 and 1944. period of development of Bulgaria as a monarchy); between 1944 and 1989. (period of the Socialist Republic). It is indicative that in the second half of the twentieth century Bulgaria developed specific policies towards the Bulgarian communities - mainly along the lines of culture. State institutions such as the committee for Bulgarians abroad were established and operated with the task of maintaining Bulgarian self-awareness. Magazines are published ( patriotism, Fatherland, etc.). The Bulgarian communities also formed the donation fund "13 centuries Bulgaria", which continues its activity today under the name "1300 years Bulgaria". After the changes of 1989. (the period of democratic changes) begins a new stage in the policy towards the Bulgarian communities. Policies in the field of Education have been introduced through special decrees: decree 103 (for the implementation of educational activity among Bulgarians abroad) and decree 228 (for the admission of citizens from the Republic of North Macedonia to the state universities of the Republic Of Bulgaria). It should be noted that this issue is the center of a project on which, at the moment, a scientific team from Unibit is working. One of the goals of this project is to study the cultural and historical heritage of the Bulgarian communities in the Balkans and to develop a digital map. This will contribute to the identification of the modern Topos inhabited by ethnic Bulgarians and through them to conceptualize on another level the question of the Balkans as synthetic zones of cultural contacts. Also, the results of the study will crystallize into the development of a cultural route that will show the dynamics of cultural processes between Southeast and Central and Western Europe, in which all Balkan communities are included.
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The purpose of the article is to highlight the specifics of local festivals in different types of communities, distinguished by the indicator of “place of residence” capital, regional city, town and village, pointing out the common features and differences between them. For the realization of this goal, it is necessary to study such important features as: frequency of conduct, thematic focus, activities carried out during the festivals, the subjects that organize and conduct them, the participation of local authorities, institutions, NGOs, media and local people. The leading method in the study of festivals in the text is sociological and its choice is a consequence of the set goal. Object of study are local communities as a specific social construct and social group entity with characteristic social relations, functions, interactions, resources, values and identity. Local festivals are an important element of the lifestyle of local communities; depending on whether the latter are located and developed in an urban or rural environment, the peculiarities, similarities and differences between their festivals are determined. The article analyzes the results of a nationally representative empirical sociological survey conducted on the field in February March 2023 with 800 respondents throughout the country. It was realized within the project “Local Festivals: A Resource of Local Communities to Deal with Crises”. According to the empirical information received, festivals are more often organized and held in regional centers and cities than in Sofia and the villages. The analysis of the results shows that festivals in regional cities, towns and villages have a more diverse thematic focus and more varied activities are carried out during their conduct than in Sofia. The festivals in the regional centers in their thematic focus are closer to those organized in the towns and villages than to those in Sofia. Their main organizer in all types of local communities is the local government in the face of the municipality or the mayoralty. The chitalishte (literally “reading centers” are important cultural institutions in Bulgarian tradition and contemporary society) has a leading role in the organization of the festivals in the towns and villages, unlike the regional centers and Sofia, where their participation is unremarkable. A kind of “profiling” of the festivalization of contemporary lifestyle is formed according to the type of local communities whether they are in the capital, in the regional centers, in the towns or in the villages. Residents of smaller settlements, such as towns and villages, are more actively involved in the organization and holding of festivals than those from regional centers, and in Sofia their participation is the weakest. In these local communities, local institutions and residents manifest themselves as enterprising social actors, their festivals are really local in nature, organization and holding, they carry the spirit, values, traditions, energy, atmosphere and identity of local people.
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Food is a very important source of food for the entire population. In order for people to be healthy, and therefore for the country to be stable, a lot of attention should be paid to food, the way it is produced, prepared, packaged and stored. Food safety should be a priority for today's man. Only safe and correct food is quality and good food. In order to produce such food, a lot of attention should be paid to how the food is produced. We should start from the concept of "from the field to the table", which means that we should have healthy fields, proper water that we will use for irrigation, and clean air. The soil must not be treated too much with different chemical preparations, because it becomes polluted, and therefore the food is unsafe and unhealthy. The presence of chemicals in the soil, water and air can only have negative consequences for food. If a person eats food that has been treated with chemicals, he will get sick very quickly and may even die. That's why we should take care of what we eat and how safe, checked and controlled it is. In this paper, some indicators are listed, the presence of which can be the main cause of poisoning. Indicators of chemical origin that can be found in food affect the poor quality of food, as well as the length of storage and duration of food and all food products
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Thyroid dysfunction is common among women between the ages of 20 and 45, and thus a more common etiology for spontaneous abortion in the first trimester of pregnancy. The prevalence of thyroid disorders in this group of patients is between 5 and 7% for subclinical hypothyroidism, 2 4.5% for hypothyroidism, 0.5 1% for hyperthyroidism and 5 10% for autoimmune thyroiditis/thyroid autoimmunity. Every normal pregnancy is followed by changes in the physiology of the thyroid gland, which are also reflected by changes in the thyroid function tests. Physiological adaptation is necessary so that the pregnant woman's body can respond to the increased metabolic needs during pregnancy. Diseases of the thyroid gland reduce its ability to adapt and respond to the new needs of pregnancy and this can result in a poor pregnancy outcome and, in most cases, spontaneous abortion. Objective: The objective of this paper is to determine the relationship between the level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in the first trimester of pregnancy and the occurrence of spontaneous abortion. Methods: Serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free and total thyroxine (fT4 and tT4) and antithyroid peroxidase antibodies (antiTPO Ab) were determined in 52 pregnant women in the first trimester of pregnancy. Women were divided into groups according to the level of TSH and the presence of antiTPO Ab, according to the latest recommendations of the American Thyroid Association (ATA) and according to the local reference values for TSH. The risk of spontaneous abortion in the first trimester was calculated for each group as well as the correlation with other parameters: age of the patients, week of occurrence of spontaneous abortion, history of previous spontaneous abortions and number of pregnancies. Results: Spontaneous abortion in the first trimester of pregnancy was detected in 38.5% (n=20) of the examined cases. Using the Chi Square test, a cut off value of 2.00 mIU/L for TSH levels was found to be a significant value in relation to the number of spontaneous abortions (p=0.005). Patients with spontaneous abortion in the first trimester with TSH value > 2.0 mIU/L were 65% of all. Patients with positive antiTPO Ab were 22%, and in 16% of the patients with spontaneous abortion antiTPO Ab were with a value above the upper reference value. Conclusion: In our study, results suggest a redefinition of the upper limit of reference values of TSH in the first trimester of pregnancy in addition to its reduction. History of previous abortion and age over 30 years were found to be significant predictive factors.
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Cesarean section is a surgical procedure that is most often performed in gynecology and obstetrics In the world, including in our country, there is a trend of increasing the number and liberalization of cesarean sections. It is hard to believe that the very high frequency of cesarean sections has a medical justification. In current obstetric practice, the relative safety of cesarean delivery, focuses on short-term rather than long-term outcomes for the mother. However, after a cesarean section, women are at increased risk for a number of chronic gynecological conditions. The aim of the research is to determine the complications and risks of cesarean delivery in different parts of the world. Materials and methods: The article is the result of a review of scientific literature published in English and Bosnian. Using the search engine scholar.google.com and the Pubmed database, and using the keywords "cesarean section", "complications", "mortality" and "morbidity", 11 scientific papers were selected, which were published in the period 2013-2022. years. Results: By reviewing the scientific literature, we selected 11 scientific papers, from different parts of the world, which talk about the risks and complications of cesarean delivery. Complications that occur after cesarean delivery are shown in separate studies. The trend of increasing cesarean deliveries in twin pregnancies has led to increased morbidity and mortality of mothers and fetuses, as well as severe maternal morbidity in patients who were in trial delivery after a previous cesarean delivery, and an increased risk of deaths after cesarean delivery compared to to vaginal delivery. Conclusions: Cesarean section is the cause of up to three times higher maternal mortality rate compared to vaginal birth, either directly or by contributing to the existing risks. Common early maternal complications are postpartum hemorrhage, wound infection, and prolonged hospital stay. After a previous cesarean birth, a trial birth should be performed in institutions with 24-hour surgical services and under the constant supervision of qualified experts. Cesarean delivery in twin pregnancies is associated with increased maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.
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Abdominoperineal resections are the most common method for the treatment of rectal cancers localized in the distal parts of the rectum, but also for the treatment of other pelvic malignancies. A significant challenge for performing an adequate abdominoperineal resection is the treatment of patients with preoperative involvement of neoadjuvant radiotherapy. Damage to local vascularization can be a determining factor for postoperative local complications and the possibility of not achieving the planned functional and aesthetic effects planned by the surgeon. The width of the excision and the creation of complicated defects make an additional contribution to the provision of tension free closure of the operative wound. The closure of such perineal defects has led to the development of numerous techniques for perineal reconstruction including transposition of adjacent tissue, pedicled, perofator and free flaps all with the aim of bringing vascularized tissue to the site of the defect. The choice of an appropriate flap depends on the shape and size of the defect, the skill of the surgeon in performing different flaps, the availability of adequate vascularized tissue in patients after radiotherapy, previous operative treatments in that region and general comorbidities of the patient. In this case report, we describe the treatment of a patient with rectal squamous cell carcinoma who received neoadjuvant radiation therapy. An abdominoperineal resection (amputation) of the rectum was performed on the patient. The defect after the cylindrical excision of the rectum and anus is repaired by placing a resorptive vicryl mesh and by transposition of two sliding incisions. Knowledge of important principles of plastic and reconstructive surgery allows the use of various reconstructive options during perineal resection. According to the experience so far, the conclusion is that there is no ideal approach to reconstructing the perineum, nor an approach that will suit all cases equally. In some patients, it is possible to use several types of incisions simultaneously, depending on the need to close the defect. Therefore, careful post operative follow up of patients is necessary and, based on the accumulated experience, better choices can be made for each patient. Morbidity associated with the primary suture is mostly due to tension retention of the composed tissues, especially at the localization where the radiation therapy was applied.
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Nurses have a fundamental role in control and prevention of neonatal sepsis by following protocols, ethical norms and standards of good nursing practice. The lack of human resources has significant impact on intensive nursing care and to the quality of care. According to the WHO and according to scientific publications, in 2017 there were 48.8 million cases of sepsis and 11 million deaths related to sepsis, which represents almost 20% of all deaths worldwide. In 2017, almost half of the cases of sepsis were in children. The aim of the article is to focus on the main points of intensive care based on guidelines for neonatal and pediatric intensive care. As specialists who are close to the patient, nurses must have the necessary knowledge about the mechanisms of transmission of infections, know the main sources of contamination, follow the principles of asepsis when performing invasive procedures, observe the working concentration of antiseptic solutions for treatment. on surfaces, equipment and tools, to prepare medicines in strict compliance with the dose prescribed by a doctor, to use personal protective equipment and to perform proper hygienic treatment and disinfection of their hands. Materials amd methods: This article provides an overview of the main points of pediatric intensive care and prevention of sepsis. Results: Healthcare professionals are responsible not only for caring for patients, but also for taking a responsible approach for preventing the spread of infection by following guidelines. Neonatal sepsis is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in newborns. This is one of the most common reasons for hospitalization of newborns in developed countries. Reducing neonatal mortality due to sepsis requires in-depth analysis of the problem, knowledge of epidemiology and risk factors, and early diagnosis and treatment are essential.
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In their professional activity medical laboratory assistants conduct a full array of lab tests by following established protocols for preparing the patient for tests and phlebotomy which do not account for the patient’s age. However children are not just small adults. They have their specific characteristics which require special attention by the medical care professional. And if for those working in primary and hospital pediatric care, this specificity is well known and practiced, for specialists outside this practice, it still remains a real challenge. This current study is trying to establish: to what extent is the medical laboratory professional knows the specifics of working with child patients; are there difficulties and what is their essence; are new competencies necessary or is it sufficient to expand those laid down in the training program? For this purpose a cross-sectional research amongst 67 subjects was carried out, out of which 27 were students training to be medical laboratory assistants and 40 were qualified medical laboratory assistants currently employed in the healthcare system. Data was gathered using sociologic methods (interview, survey) and statistic analysis (corelational and graphic analysis) for processing and presenting the results of this study. The following variables were monitored – years of professional experience in working with paediatric patients and types of difficulties encountered – work specifics (phlebotomy, acquiring informed consent), working with special needs children (hyperactive, aggressive, children with mental or general health problems, disabled children), absence of awareness and participation by the parent/legal guardian. The data showed weak corelation between the years of experience in working with children and the difficulties encountered by the medical lab professional when working with paediatric patients. Statistically significant factors that influence this relation are: working with special needs children (46.3%) and phlebotomy (38.8%) as a part of the specifics of work. The absence of awareness and participation by the parent/guardian to provide supporting environment in the work with paediatric patients does not have a significant effect on the difficulties experienced by the medical laboratory assistants regardless of their professional experience. This study is most relevant to the medical laboratory assistants directly engaged in work with children and also to the Medical colleges as the educating party. The professional experience is important but not sufficient. The correct approach to minimize the challenges is to expand the competencies for working with child patients through training in an academic environment, which (competencies) through future professional practice will be refined and reinforced.
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The climate is an extremely complex system including not only the atmosphere but also the oceans, the Earth's ice cover, land and biomass, the atmosphere being the most dynamic part of the climate system. Based on the accumulated data from measurements of climatic elements, a significant change in the mean temperature on the surface of the Earth is recorded since the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. Climate change on a global scale is the cause of the occurrence of various meteorological events with unusual intensity and power. The scale of these events often takes on catastrophic proportions with a pronounced disparity between the available and necessary means and capabilities to deal with the consequences. A key factor in addressing these challenges is good preparedness and high resilience of the civil protection system. The aim of this study is to assess the role and significance of climate change for disaster resilience of medical support. Materials and methods: Documentary, descriptive and comparative methods are used to analyze various meteorological processes, phenomena and changes in recent years and their impact on disaster resilience. Results and discussion: The formation of climatic conditions strongly depends on various external (cosmogenic) and internal (terrestrial, geophysical, geological, geographical, anthropogenic) factors. The changes they cause lead to instability in climate elements, manifesting as extreme events. Fluctuations in the flow of streams and rivers and snowmelt, an increase in the frequency and duration of heavy rainfall or prolonged periods of drought follow. Heavy and intense rainfall causes floods and landslides, while little or no rainfall leads to drought and wild fires. Achievement of resilience to meteorological disasters requires an increase in material, financial and human resources, which are used for prevention and recovery. This represents a serious challenge, considering the significant increase in their frequency. Nowadays it is necessary to anticipate and prepare disaster response means and capabilities that could be utilized in the context of recovery from a previous overwhelming event. Maintaining disaster resilience is possible if the risk of unusual and uncharacteristic events that are made possible due to climate change is analyzed and predicted. Conclusion: The increase in the frequency and intensity of the disasters related to climate change requires an acceleration of recovery and a rapid return to normal functioning, both of the affected and the responsible structures. Proper risk assessment and prevention that take into account the changing factors of the climate and environment will reduce the negative impact on the society and the economy.
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Health care is the subject of attention from various spheres of public life. This fact is mainly determined by the pace of rapid development of diagnostic, therapeutic and pharmaceutical medical technologies. The problem of health care quality is becoming more and more topical. Although the term "quality of health care" is quite comprehensive and broad, it is definitely accepted by the community, and discussions related to it are increasing in the public domain. Continuous quality improvement is an unavoidable goal for any modern organisation that seeks to progress, to expand its activities, to increase its competitiveness and to meet the needs and expectations of its users. Since the launch of the health care reform in Bulgaria, the quality of health care has been increasingly discussed. The provision of quality health care to the population is a major objective in the process of shaping the professional competences of health care professionals. In order to ensure the quality of health care for patients, it is necessary to first ensure the quality of training. This can be achieved on the basis of good collaboration between the 'producers' and the 'consumers' of health care professionals.
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RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: The scientific objective of this article is to analyse strategies for urban decision-makers to address the dilemmas of depopulation. The theoretical framework for the article is the typology of long-term policy problem-solving dilemmas by Pot et al. (2022).THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHODS: The authors answer the question of how public administration officials are responding to the challenge of regional depopulation, what dilemmas they face in the process, and whether patterns can be detected in their preferred solutions. To answer these questions, the authors rely on qualitative research findings ‒ in-depth interviews (IDI) performed with mayors of Polish cities liable to depopulation and their direct subordinates.THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: How policymakers navigate specific long-term challenges is contingent upon, inter alia, their resolution of the ensuing pivotal dilemmas.RESEARCH RESULTS: The strategies followed by municipalities are strongly affected by contextual factors inclusive of the monetary scenario, the character of the metropolis and its hyperlinks with other city centres, the connection with the government, or even the management style represented by means of the mayor. An aggregate of 3 styles seems to predominate, i.e. making an investment in targets, the responsive, and the reactive ones.CONCLUSIONS, INNOVATIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Two challenges, which we call meta-dilemmas, are particularly relevant for local government in Poland: the meta-dilemma of defining the functions of local government and the dilemma of agency. Resolving them determines the decision of policy when dealing with strategic dilemmas.
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