This study examines current research on artificial intelligence (AI) in construction by combining key international studies with the available Bulgarian scholarly literature. The research shows that recent work has moved from general discussions of AI to integrated applications involving BIM, digital twins, computer vision, structural health monitoring (SHM), robotics, large language models (LLMs), and intelligent energy management. Although smaller in volume and only partly visible internationally, the Bulgarian literature indicates emerging directions related to AI in construction, BIM with AI elements, digital transformation, diagnostics of hydraulic structures, and energy-related applications. On this basis, the paper identifies the main contemporary trends, persistent research gaps, and priorities for future work.
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between anterior acromial extension beyond the clavicle and the presence of rotator cuff tears. Images of 1156 patients who underwent shoulder MRI examination due to shoulder pain were reviewed. Two groups were formed from 284 patients included in the study. Group 1 included 142 patients with anterior acromial extension beyond the clavicle, whereas Group 2 consisted of 142 patients without anterior acromial extension. The presence of a rotator cuff tear was recorded in all patients. The relationship between the size of the acromion's anterior extension and rotator cuff tear was statistically evaluated. In Group 1, the length of the anterior acromial extension was found to be an average of 7.7 mm (95% CI for median 6.8-8.5 mm). Anterior acromial extension was significantly associated with a higher incidence of rotator cuff tears compared with the control group (p < 0.001). Supraspinatus and subscapularis tears were more frequent in Group 1 (p = 0.020 and p = 0.011, respectively). During forward elevation, the contact between the acromion and the rotator cuff becomes more pronounced especially in cases with a prominent anterior acromial extension. This could potentially lead to inflammation in the rotator cuff, particularly in the supraspinatus and subscapularis muscles, and the method used in our study to measure anterior acromial coverage is relatively simple and reliable.
The influenza vaccine provides effective protection against seasonal flu, helping to reduce the risk of infection, severe illness, and complications. This study analysed attitudes, awareness, and practices related to the seasonal influenza vaccine among students at the Medical College "Yordanka Filaretova" in Sofia. A voluntary and anonymous survey was conducted with 97 students from the Medical Laboratory Technician programme and 54 from the Public Health Inspector programme, resulting in 84 completed responses. More than half of the respondents (62.0%) believe that young, healthy individuals do not need the vaccine, while 63.1% expressed concerns about potential side effects. A total of 11.9% respondents consider the vaccine ineffective, and 34.5% could not form an opinion on its effectiveness; 26.2% indicated they would get vaccinated if it were free, and 28.6% reported a lack of information about the vaccine. Increased awareness of the importance of the influenza vaccine and its benefits is crucial for benefit/risk assessment.
The rice water weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is one of the most destructive pests of rice worldwide. Native to North America, the species has progressively expanded its distribution to Asia and Europe, where it has established stable populations and caused significant economic losses. In June 2023, regular field inspections conducted in two commercial rice fields in the Kocani rice growing region of the Republic of North Macedonia revealed the presence of adult specimens and characteristic feeding damage on rice plants. A total of 27 adult individuals were collected using an entomological sweep net under permanent flooding conditions. Identification was based exclusively on morphological characteristics observed under stereomicroscopy and comparison with published taxonomic keys. This study represents the first confirmed record of L. oryzophilus in the Republic of North Macedonia and indicates a potential risk for rice production in the region.
For wells producing heavy oil, where thermal methods are applied, it is very important to know the frequency of their application. This is especially significant in the case of cyclic application of thermal methods to maintain the planned well production. Data on the previous production history provide an excellent basis for determining the optimal frequency. The Fourier transform enables the determination of the frequency of a particular phenomenon. By determining the absolute values of the elements of the Fourier series, the dominant frequency and lower-order harmonics that define the cyclic occurrence of a phenomenon can be identified. In practice, the procedure is reduced to calculating the amplitude of a specific phenomenon. This paper presents a practical application of the Fourier transform for determining the frequency of performed thermal methods at oil field T.
