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Recent Submissions
Parameters of protostrongylid infection of terrestrial snails on pastures used by chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra balcanicа Bolkay, 1925) in the Western Rhodopes and Pirin Mountains
(Plovdiv University "Paisii Hilendarski", 2026-06-20) Yankov, Yanko; Georgiev, Dian; Veleva, Petya; Kalcheva, Silviya; Arangelov, Simeon; Valchev, Kostadin
During the period 2018-2020, studies were conducted to determine the parameters of protostrongylid infectiоn in intermediate hosts in pastures in the Western Rhodopes and Pirin Mountains. Of the eleven snail species identified, four were registered as intermediate hosts of protostrongylids. On the studied pastures – Mugla, Zabardo and Vihren SE, protostrongylid larvae were detected in Xerolenta obvia at the first and second sites and in Xerolenta macedonica, Cattania polinscii and Cattania haberhaueri at the third site. The differences in the periods of maximum risk of infection observed in the present study and the data of other authors are due to the high altitudes at which the studied pastures are located. Тhe high values of certain infection parameters observed in summer are likely due to the significantly higher amount and frequency of precipitation in the mountainous areas, combined with favorable temperatures, which in a large part of the period are in the optimal range.
Batrachophagy of the Eastern Grass Snake, Natrix natrix (Linnaeus, 1758), in Bulgaria: published data and new records
(Plovdiv University "Paisii Hilendarski", 2026-05-12) Mitrevichin, Emanil; Sakelarieva, Lidia; Peshev, Hristo; Gorzdanov, Atanas; Pulev, Alexander
The food spectrum of Natrix natrix in Bulgaria remains understudied, despite the few works on this topic. We summarize all data reported in the literature on the batrachophagy of the species in the country and provide 17 new observations. The results indicated that N. natrix has a wide food spectrum and may feed on at least 11 amphibian species. Pelophylax ridibundus was the most preferred prey. Rana dalmatina and Bufo bufo were also important components of the diet. In some areas, Salamandra salamandra may be more frequent prey for N. natrix than previously thought. However, most of the amphibian species, including Triturus ivanbureschi, Bombina variegata, Pelobates balcanicus, and Rana temporaria, were consumed less frequently. These findings can have important implications for the conservation of the species. Yet, further research on the feeding ecology of N. natrix in Bulgaria is needed to better understand its ecological requirements and to support effective conservation planning.
Surprising finding of the species Dolocerus reichii Mulsant, 1862 (Cerambycidae: Cerambycinae) in urban parks in Sofia, Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University "Paisii Hilendarski", 2026-06-09) Gradinarov, Denis
Longhorn beetle species Dolocerus reichii Mulsant, 1862 is reported for the first time with exact localities from Bulgaria. Numerous adult beetles were collected and observed on flowers of Spiraea x vanhouttei (Briot) Zab. and Crataegus monogyna Jacq. in two of the parks of the city of Sofia – Zdrave Park and Borisova Gradina Park.
Abundance, biomass and seasonal dynamics of Cyclopoida (Crustacea, Copepoda) in Vaya Lake (Burgas Lake), Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University "Paisii Hilendarski", 2026-06-03) Nenova, Elena
A quantitative analysis of Copepoda abundance and biomass in Vaya Lake (Burgas Lake, Bulgaria) was conducted at 11 sampling stations during 2003–2007, with samples collected seasonally (autumn, winter, spring and summer). The cumulative abundance recorded during the study period was 26.48 × 106 ind./m3, corresponding to a mean abundance of 6.62 × 106 ind./m3. Copepodites dominated the community (14.89 × 106 ind./m3), followed by Nauplii (9.96 × 106 ind./m3). Among adult copepods, Cyclops vicinus Uljanin, 1875 ranked third in abundance (1.36 × 106 ind./m3), whereas Thermocyclops oithonoides (G.O. Sars, 1863) showed the lowest abundance (271,500 ind./m3). The cumulative biomass recorded during the study period was 258.97 g/m3, with the highest seasonal value observed in spring 2006. Biomass was dominated by Cyclops vicinus (175.05 g/m3), followed by Copepodites (74.32 g/m3), Nauplii (4.98 g/m3) and Thermocyclops oithonoides (4.62 g/m3). Cluster analysis based on the Bray–Curtis similarity index revealed more than 85% similarity among most sampling stations with respect to abundance. Station 12 was clearly separated from all other stations because of its exceptionally high biomass, dominated by C. vicinus and Copepodites, whereas stations 3, 4, 8, 1, 11, 2 and 6 showed approximately 87% similarity. Seasonal dynamics were characterized by contrasting patterns in juvenile and adult development: Nauplii and Copepodites reached maximum abundance during winter, whereas biomass peaked in spring due to the development of the dominant species C. vicinus.
Ecological and biochemical aspects of assessment of Cu and Ni pollution of freshwater bodies in the Region of Stara Zagora, Bulgaria – a review
(Plovdiv University "Paisii Hilendarski", 2026-04-08) Valkova, Elica; Atanasov, Vasil; Marinova, Margarita; Sirakov, Ivaylo; Velichkova, Katya; Raykov, Violin; Yakimov, Kristian; Kutsarov, Yordan; Kirilov, Kiril
The study aims to make an ecological assessment of Cu (copper) and Ni (nickel) pollution of freshwater bodies in the Stara Zagora industrial Region, Bulgaria. A literature reference has been prepared on the concentrations of Cu and Ni at all levels in the food chain: sediment, aquatic plants and fish in the studied region and worldwide. The results of our own research on the amounts of these metals in the sediment and organisms of aquatic biota from water bodies in the region have also been interpreted. When analyzing the obtained data, a negative correlation is established between the accumulation of Cu in the liver of carps inhabiting the Ovcharitsa and Topolnitsa Dams. A dependence of a similar nature is also observed for the element nickel. When comparing the amounts of copper and nickel within the framework of our study, as well as those from other research worldwide, a similar trend is observed regarding the levels of these metals in the liver and musculature of the tested fish. Studies conducted in the Region of Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, and other countries confirmed the ability of hydrobionts to accumulate heavy metals and to be excellent bioindicators for pollution with these toxicants. Global environmental pollution is a prerequisite for continuing research in this area, with other possible environmental markers.