Every year, the event brings together young people from different countries to present academic research projects. FISSION is organized by a select group of ACS students under the guidance of the school administration and Dr. Krasimira Chakurova, ACS physics teacher.

Participants are students from 5th to 12th grade, from different parts of Bulgaria and the world.

During the science fair, all students have the opportunity to submit projects in categories ranging from biomedical, biological and chemical sciences to ecology and environmental sciences, computer science, mathematics, physics and engineering.

Hotel accommodation is provided for all teams coming from outside of Sofia on the evening of April 12, and food and beverages are available for all participants and their supervisors during the event.

Each project is assessed by a panel of established scientists and experts. After the projects are carefully reviewed and evaluated, the jury awards students with “Best Project” Award or “Honorable Mention”Award in each category.

The event schedule includes campus tours, workshops and lectures for participants and their supervisors by guest speakers and scholars, and various networking opportunities.

The event is also open to visitors and guests on April 13, 2024.

Last year’s edition of FISSION was a huge success and was the first in-person edition since 2019. 104 students, together with their supervisors, presented a total of 55 projects, and many visitors had the opportunity to take a look at the projects and enjoy the event schedule.

This year, FISSION International Science Fair will once again welcome participants from all over the world and encourage them to inquire and inspire. The registration for the event continues to be open in February.

More information can be found on the FISSION website, as well as on Facebook and Instagram.

Read more:
1. Amazon Announces New Updates to Amazon Bedrock
2. GitHub Opens New Group for AI-Focused Open Source Projects
3. The CodeIT 2024 Team for the Competition and the Journey into the World of Programming

Shocking revelations from a few minutes ago rocked the media space. Online commerce company eBay will pay a $3 million fine over a Massachusetts couple’s 2019 corporate cyberstalking campaign, TechCrunch reports. The cyber operation was conducted by several company employees including executives.

The reason for the persecution of the couple was a published newsletter containing criticism of the e-commerce giant – eBay.

As part of the cyberstalking campaign, eBay employees sent the couple a mask depicting a bloody pig, a funeral wreath, live insects and a book of advice on how to survive the death of a spouse.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts revealed that the company committed six crimes. eBay has been charged with two counts of interstate stalking, two counts of stalking by electronic communication services, one count of witness tampering and one count of obstruction of justice.

“The company’s employees and contractors involved in this campaign put the victims through pure hell, in a petrifying campaign aimed at silencing their reporting and protecting the eBay brand. We left no stone unturned in our mission to hold accountable every individual who turned the victims’ world upside-down through a never-ending nightmare of menacing and criminal acts”, said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy in a press release.

eBay acknowledged that Jim Baugh, the former Senior Director of Safety and Security, along with six other members of the company’s security team, targeted a couple who had published a newsletter addressing eBay seller-related issues. Subsequently, Baugh and his colleagues initiated a harassment campaign with the aim of coercing the victims into altering the newsletter’s content.

This campaign included the employees visiting the couple’s residence and surreptitiously placing a GPS tracking device on their vehicle. Additionally, they created advertisements on Craigslist, inviting the public to engage in sexual encounters at the victims’ home. Furthermore, the employees utilized private Twitter messages and public tweets to criticize the content of the newsletter.

In September 2022, Baugh was sentenced to 57 months in prison, while the other six employees received varying punishments, ranging from two years in prison to home confinement.

“The company’s conduct in 2019 was wrong and reprehensible. From the moment eBay first learned of the 2019 events, eBay cooperated fully and extensively with law enforcement authorities. We continue to extend our deepest apologies to the Steiners for what they endured. Since these events occurred, new leaders have joined the company and eBay has strengthened its policies, procedures, controls and training”, said eBay CEO Jamie Iannone in the press release.

eBay said it accepts responsibility for the misconduct of the former employees.

As per the White House’s official statement, this EO sets forth groundbreaking measures to enhance the safety and security of AI technology, safeguard the privacy of American citizens, foster fairness and civil rights, advocate for the interests of consumers and workers, encourage innovation and healthy competition, and bolster the United States’ global leadership in this pivotal field.

The Executive Order details a comprehensive framework that outlines the establishment of new standards and best practices intended to guarantee the safety and security of AI, which includes:

• Requiring developers of AI systems to share safety test results with the government
• Establishing standards, tools, and tests to ensure safety, security, and trustworthiness of AI systems
• Making new standards for biological synthesis screening to prevent AI from being used to create dangerous biological materials
• Creating guidance and best practices for detecting AI-generated content
• Setting up a security program to develop tools that find and fix vulnerabilities using AI
• Developing a National Security Memorandum to guide the direction of further actions on AI and security

Within the EO, President Biden has taken a proactive stance in safeguarding the privacy of American citizens, recognizing the heightened vulnerability of personal data extraction and exploitation in the age of AI. To address these concerns, he is urging Congress to enact data privacy legislation that addresses these pressing issues. Furthermore, he underscores the need for intensified research into privacy-preserving technologies.

To facilitate this research endeavor, President Biden has not only established but also allocated funding for a Research Coordination Network.

In alignment with this comprehensive approach, the EO outlines an intent to evaluate the data collection and utilization practices within government agencies. The goal is to strengthen privacy guidelines for these agencies, further enhancing data protection for citizens.

Moreover, the initiative places a strong emphasis on promoting equity and civil rights in the context of AI. The EO underscores the potential for irresponsible AI usage to exacerbate discrimination, bias, and other injustices within sectors such as justice, healthcare, and housing.

“America already leads in AI innovation—more AI startups raised first-time capital in the United States last year than in the next seven countries combined. The Executive Order ensures that we continue to lead the way in innovation and competition,” the Biden/Harris administration wrote in the EO.

This initiative will establish a multifaceted approach, including the development of a resource tool to grant AI researchers access to essential AI resources and data. This include technical support to small startups and entrepreneurs seeking to bring AI innovations to the commercial market. In addition, the initiative aims to streamline and modernize visa criteria, interviews, and reviews, with a specific focus on broadening opportunities for skilled immigrants engaged in the field of AI technology.

Several AI experts have weighed in on the new executive order.

“We firmly believe in the need to protect AI equivalent to the immense value it can deliver. In order to build and ship AI that is secure and trusted, organizations must rigorously test (“red team”) their AI and understand the total composition of elements used to create that AI, said Ian Swanson, CEO of Protect AI and former head of AI at Amazon.

Nadia Gonzalez, chief marketing officer at Scibids, a company that combines AI and advertising campaigns, believes that the Executive Order is encouraging. It signals that the White House is taking AI seriously and is “moving us away from the patchwork approach that has so far occurred at a state-by-state level,” she said. “AI has the potential to drastically improve how governments operate, protect privacy at large, and promote innovation, but care must be taken to ensure that the regulations go far enough.”

“This executive order from the Biden administration – while directed at federal organizations – follows similar plans by other countries and the EU and is an important step towards ensuring responsible AI use. It will force many organizations to reevaluate their own processes and how they ethically leverage the technology”, added Michael Berthold, CEO of data analysis company KNIME.

In a significant development, the administration is set to provide comprehensive guidance to government agencies on effectively collaborating with Artificial Intelligence (AI). This guidance will encompass facilitating the procurement of AI products and services, as well as expediting the recruitment of AI professionals within the government ranks.

The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the priorities of many in the field. Now, developers are increasingly seeking workplaces that offer flexible hours, remote work opportunities, and more accommodating environments. They are no longer hesitant to explore new horizons in pursuit of work arrangements that align with their preferences.

At some of the world’s most prominent tech companies, the average tenure of developers is less than two years. When they depart, they often carry with them valuable code, customer contact lists, patent applications, and a host of other assets. This trend carries a hefty price, especially for senior developers and team leaders, as they must contend with the constant allure of alternative opportunities in the field.

In today’s fiercely competitive business landscape, one of the most effective ways to create a workplace where developers thrive and, in turn, to keep them content is straightforward: Trust them to excel in their roles.

This trust forms the cornerstone of a supportive environment where developers not only feel empowered to voice their ideas but also comfortable doing so, even if those ideas run against the grain. Leaders bear the responsibility of cultivating an atmosphere that upholds these values, alongside the task of recruiting individuals who can thrive within this framework. Sometimes, this means selecting candidates who may not be the obvious choice but who can contribute to a culture of trust and innovation.

Even dumb ideas can be valuable
The encouragement of idea-sharing among individuals can cultivate a atmosphere of trust and innovation, ultimately leading to an explosion in creativity. This collaborative spirit doesn’t just supercharge innovation but also strengthens organizations by reduced employee stress—a critical factor in combating burnout and reducing turnover rates.

Employees have long felt like replaceable components in the company and on the work market rather than as unique individuals with valuable expertise and their own set of limitations. Consequently, nurturing a culture that embraces human authenticity demands deliberate and intentional efforts.

Finding the right tools for success
One of the essential strategies for fostering a positive corporate culture lies in attraction employees with the right tools. This is particularly crucial when considering the extensive responsibilities managed by today’s developers, especially those in teams that have adopted DevOps best practices. It comes as no surprise that many developers are actively seeking tools that can streamline time-consuming tasks such as project onboarding, feature planning, and code review, allowing them to redirect their efforts toward actual development.

As it stands, developers currently allocate more than half of their working hours to reading code. But what if we could trim that time investment by 20 percent or even 40 percent? The potential impact on businesses would be nothing short of transformative. If software developers could devote 40 percent of their time to other critical tasks, it could bring about a substantial boost in productivity and innovation.

However, it’s important to note that productivity tools are not without their caveats. In some cases, organizations employ technology to extract maximum productivity from their developers, which, instead of empowering them, can send a different message. And developers feel they are not productive and good enough at what they do.

The need for developers is everywhere, and their pay will continue to rise. So while some turnover is inevitable, much of it can be avoided if you purposefully create and maintain a supportive work environment. And the creative energy you foster will help bring product innovation to fruition.

Books about topics spanning the tech world are more than exciting. And especially suitable for people who are just entering the tech field – from programmers to managers and leaders.

To get a closer look at the essence of a programming language and get more familiar with it, there’s hardly a better way to do it than by reading books written by professionals in the field. And today we have chosen to present to you the Top 8 Best C++ Books for Beginners

The C++ Programming Language (4th Edition) By Bjarne Stroustrup
The interesting thing about this book is that it is written by the well-known Bjarne Stroustrup, the creator of C++. Its content is so impressive that it can be of use to programmers of any level. This is the fourth edition of the book. It contains extensive details about C++ and exercises to practice. This book helps programmers to learn many things about C++ such as basic concepts of C++, containers, libraries, OOPS and many more. The author has also contributed to the world of programming with some other books written on C++.

C++ Primer (5th Edition)
This book is the 5th edition of C++ Primer, written by Stanley B. Lipman, a computer scientist and author and also known as a professional who worked with Bjarne Stroustrup at Bell Laboratories during the early stages of C++ development.

The book begins with an introduction to the C++ standard library. It enables the programmer to write useful programs without mastering every aspect of the C++ language. The book consists of many examples with demonstrations.

It is ideal for beginners who have a marked interest in learning the basic concepts and techniques of C++. With the help of the examples provided in this book, one can learn the best programming styles and program design techniques.

C++ Pocket Reference 1st Edition Accelerated C++
This is an introductory book that contains a practical approach to problem solving using C++, was written by Andrew Koenig. This book covers a broader scope of C++ programming than is usually found in introductory books.

In addition to the features of the language, throughout its pages you will find real-world problems and solutions explained. The language and standard library are covered, and learning the standard libraries helps from the start.

C++ All-in-One For Dummies 3rd Edition
This handbook ranks among the favorites of professionals who claim it contains the best C++ guide for C++ programmers. John Paul Mueller, a well-known authority in the software industry, wrote this book. What do you learn in this book?
To learn working with objects and classes.
To learn advanced coding skills using various C++ concepts.
To discover how lambda expressions are useful to make code more concise and readable.
To produce code faster and better than ever.

C++ Pocket Reference
Written by Kyle Loudon, the book serves as a supplemental reference for C++ programmers. It helps programmers quickly reference the usage and syntax of unfamiliar and rarely used aspects of the language.

This book contains a variety of important information about C++, such as information about C++ types and type conversions, C++ command syntax and preprocessor directives, pointers, arrays, expressions, strings, and more. Also explained in this book are C++ concepts such as namespaces and scopes.

A Tour of C++ (C++ In-Depth Series) 1st Edition
Another brilliant masterpiece by Bjarne Stroustrup. In this book, programmers will find a complete reference to the basic concepts of C++ and practical coding. This enables programmers to better understand what modern C++ is all about. This short book can be called a self-contained guide.

The book covers many features of the C++ language, basic components of the standard library, key examples, and coding examples. This book provides a high level of guidance for programmers to understand a meaningful overview of the language.

A Complete Guide to Programming in C++
Ula Kirch-Prinz and her book became a bestseller among beginners. In the contents of the book, the components of the C++ language are developed in a better way. It gives guidelines on how to document functions and also shows the difference between pointers and arrays. It teaches about the basics, basic types, variables and constants.

Programmers also learn how to use functions and classes and input and output with streams. It provides knowledge about operators for basic types, control flow, character constants and macros, arithmetic type conversion, and functions of the standard String class.

Beginning C++ Through Game Programming
The 3rd Edition of this book, written by Michael Dawson, takes the programmers on a journey of game programming. An amateur programmer having no previous experience in game development can also learn new skills and concepts with the help of simple language and step-by-step instructions provided in this book.

The programmers can learn the following things with the help of this book:

• The Standard Template Library (Hangman)
• Types, Variables, and Standard I/O: Lost Fortune For Loops, Strings, and Arrays: Word Jumble
• Functions (Mad Lib)
• References (Tic-Tac-Toe)
• Classes: Critter Caretaker Advanced Classes and Dynamic Memory Game Lobby
• Pointers (Tic-Tac-Toe 2.0)
• Inheritance and Polymorphism (Blackjack)

Stay curious, because tomorrow we will present you a list of C++ books for advanced professionals.

In the meantime, feel free to share your opinions on the programming books you’ve read so far. Write to us at e[email protected].

The summit will culminate in a conference featuring panel discussions and a gala dinner, during which the winners of the 2023 International Innovation, Technology and Sourcing Awards will be recognized.

The conference will delve into topics such as the transition from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0, responsible practices in business transformations, and the applications of AI, with a particular focus on talent and regional growth through investment. Discussions will be facilitated by local authorities, government representatives, business leaders, and other specialists.

The awards will be presented across 10 categories, including “Employer of the Year”, “Technology Startup”, “Innovation of the Year”, “IT Product of the Year,” “CSR Initiative” and “ESG Leader”. The application deadline is September 15th.

For more information, please visit the event website here.

Fun Fact: Did you know that 3 out of 4 companies with women in leadership positions see a 5 to 20% increase in profits?

This is stated in the report from the International Labor Organization (ILO) titled: “Women in Business and Management: The business case for change.” The survey involved 13,000 companies in 70 countries around the world.

However, there is still the question “Are women neglected in leadership positions in most industries, including technology? And today we will introduce you to Top Reasons We Need More Women in Tech according to ReadWrite.

High level of commitment in leadership roles
Women have strong communication skills and are genuinely concerned about the people they work with. They are empathetic, have emotional intelligence and create motivated work groups. The tech industry needs leaders who can connect with their teams through multiple channels and foster strong relationships.

Studies show that employees prefer women as directors because of their high level of empathy.

The Power of Women as Tech Consumers
According to a report from the HBR, women now control an astounding $20 trillion in annual consumer spending. Additionally, women outnumber men on major social networking sites. That indicates their strong presence and influence in the digital realm.

However, it is noteworthy that men predominantly dominate the development and design of these products, according to Brave Achievers.

Closing the Wage Gap
Although there has been some progress in closing the gender pay gap globally, this remains a sensitive issue as women are paid less.

According to the World Economic Forum, it will take 118 years to close this gap. One of the factors contributing to this gap is the under-representation of women in the technology industry.

Increasing women’s representation in the tech industry not only promotes gender equality, but also catalyzes economic growth and prosperity.

Women Excel as Leaders More Than Men
According to a research report published by the Harvard Business Review, women have been proven to outshine men in inspiring and motivating others.

But why do women have this advantage to motivate and inspire others better than men? Women are able to connect with their team members on a deeper level, understand their aspirations and provide the support and guidance they need to thrive.

Women insist on building rapport with team members. This sense of belonging that they foster is very important in motivating people to reach their full potential.

Overcoming challenges and promoting women’s participation
One of the biggest challenges relates to the gender biases and stereotypes that persist in the industry. The truth is that women often face unconscious biases during hiring processes, career advancement opportunities and in the workplace.

Few women in technology feel like they are the only ones; therefore, in some cases, prejudice may happen due to the lack of more women around. This bias can limit their access to leadership positions and hinder their professional advancement.

All this, combined with being in charge of everything and being the leader of a team of colourful people with different personalities becomes an extremely difficult task.

The stress of it all can lead to many negative consequences, such as reduced productivity, poor decision-making, poor work-life balance and even health problems. But there is always a solution. And today, we’ve chosen to introduce you to different ways tech leaders like to relax, according to Insight Global.

Top Ways Tech Leaders Take a Break

Prepare the day before
Before you leave the office for the day, take a few minutes to assess the day ahead. What are your top priorities? When are your meetings? Create a to-do list based on your schedule and projects. This will help release work stress from your brain because you know everything is written down and planned.

Morning routine
When you wake up, don’t immediately check your phone for anything. Social media can be a distraction, and then you end up rushing so you’re not late. Office emails can immediately raise your stress levels when you’ve barely woken up. None of this will help you start your morning off right. Your morning routine can include a short meditation, a quick workout, a healthy breakfast, or anything else that helps you start the day.

Don’t forget the short breaks during the day
It’s important to take breaks during the day, even if you only have a few minutes. This will help you refresh and recharge so you can keep working efficiently. Don’t underestimate the importance of taking a break. If you love your job, remember that to be productive you need to give yourself a minute to breathe every now and then.

Don’t forget to get moving
Don’t be stuck in one place for a long time. If you work from an office, short walks are a must. This will get your blood flowing and improve your mood.

Nature – how important it is
Try to take your breaks outside, whether it’s a quick walk or a casual lunch. The fresh air and sunshine can wake you up and get you unfocused, so you return to work more focused and relaxed. And on weekends, don’t miss out on recharging nature walks. Believe me, it’s the best anti-stress medicine.

More healthy food
A balanced lunch and small healthy snacks during the day can help you maintain your energy and mental focus. Keep snacks like nuts and fruit on your desk so it’s easy to choose healthy foods.

Water, Water, Water
Dehydration can lead to too much fatigue and irritability, so be sure to drink enough water throughout the day. Do you find it difficult to drink plain water? Try flavoring your water with fruit or herbs or drink seltzer water.

Java2Days 2023 will be held from 27 to 29 June in the beautiful resort of Albena, located on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast.

Java2Days 2023 is a premier Java conference that brings together industry leaders, developers and enthusiasts for three productive and exciting days of learning, networking and a big dose of inspiration. The collaboration between DevStyleR and Java2Days promises you won’t miss a moment, whether you attend in person or follow the event from afar.

As media partner, DevStyleR will provide exclusive coverage of Java2Days 2023, including:

🔸 Interviews with keynote speakers and Java experts

🔸 In-depth articles exploring the latest Java trends and innovations

🔸 Live updates and highlights from the conference

🔸 Post-event analyses and key takeaways

By joining forces, we will bring you the best of Java2Days 2023 and create an unforgettable experience for the global Java community. Keep an eye on the platform and our social media channels for the latest updates, insights and announcements leading up to and during the event.

Don’t miss out on attending Java2Days 2023 – secure your place today here.

We at DevStyleR will provide you with the most comprehensive coverage of the event along with the latest news surrounding it.

Java2Days 2023 promises to give you a unique and unforgettable experience, bringing together the brightest minds in the Java community for three action-packed days of innovative lectures, hands-on workshops and unparalleled networking opportunities.

By attending Java2Days 2023, you will have the opportunity to:

🔸 Learn from world-class speakers, including Java Champions and industry leaders, as they share their insights, experiences, and techniques to help you level up your Java game.

🔸 Dive into practical, skill-building workshops designed to sharpen your expertise and expand your knowledge of the Java ecosystem.

🔸 Participate in thought-provoking conversations exploring the future of Java and its impact on the ever-evolving world of technology.

🔸 Connect with fellow Java enthusiasts, developers, and professionals from around the globe to share ideas and forge lasting relationships.

🔸 Grab your limited-edition Java2Days 2023 swag and merchandise to show off your Java pride!

Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to dive into the world of Java. The event will contribute significantly to your professional development. Secure your place at Java2Days 2023 today by selecting your ticket type here.

Register now and join to Java2Days for an extraordinary experience, where sun, sea, and code come together!