Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Networks and Communications, Information Systems
35
Scopus Publications
166
Scholar Citations
7
Scholar h-index
3
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
ChatGPT in Programming Education: An Empirical Study on Its Impact on Student Performance, Creativity, and Teamwork Diana Stoyanova, Silviya Stoyanova-Petrova, Snezha Shotarova, Slavi Lyubomirov, Nevena Mileva Education Sciences, 2026 This study employs a two-part research design to explore the impact of ChatGPT on programming education for engineering undergraduates. Study 1 involved 56 third-year students who completed a questionnaire examining the frequency and purposes of ChatGPT use in text-based programming. While no statistically significant association was found between ChatGPT usage frequency and final grades, high-achieving students tended to use the tool less frequently, whereas lower-performing students relied on it more for support. Study 2 employed a counterbalanced repeated-measures design with nine first-year students divided into two groups, who developed desktop applications with and without ChatGPT. Project assessments and focus-group interviews were used to examine the effects of ChatGPT on creativity, confidence, effectiveness, and teamwork in visual programming. The results indicate that ChatGPT use was associated with reduced task completion time and increased coding efficiency; however, it was also linked to decreased creativity, greater reliance on ready-made solutions, and diminished code readability and collaborative engagement. These results highlight the need for teaching strategies that balance AI integration in programming education. The study recommends incorporating tasks based on the Reverse Bloom’s Taxonomy and activities that allow students to work with and without ChatGPT to encourage critical reflection and responsible AI use.
Approaches and Issues Regarding Center of Mass Behavior in an Exoskeleton Design for a Child’s Body Cristian Copilusi, Sorin Dumitru, Ionut Geonea, Slavi Lyubomirov, Cristian Mic Machines, 2025 This research aims to identify a suitable design solution that models the behavior of a human’s center of mass. This solution can be implemented in an exoskeleton structure that is especially designed for children who require walking assistance and rehabilitation. The primary problem posed by exoskeleton designs is representing the effect of ground–foot contact on exoskeleton behavior under kinematic and dynamic conditions. To mitigate this, our main research objective was to develop a mechanical system that demonstrates the human center of mass (CoM) behavior on an exoskeleton designed for children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The research focuses on modeling human CoM behavior under kinematic circumstances and transferring this into a mechanical system conceptual design. The obtained results validate the proposed mechanical system through a comparative analysis between numerical processing, virtual prototyping, and experimental specific methods and procedures.
A secure end-to-end communication framework for cooperative IoT networks using hybrid blockchain system Suresh Babu Erukala, Dimitar Tokmakov, Anoosha Perumalla, Rajesh Kaluri, Anna Bekyarova-Tokmakova, Nevena Mileva, Slavi Lubomirov Scientific Reports, 2025 The Internet of Things (IoT) is a disruptive technology that underpins Industry 5.0 by integrating various service technologies to enable intelligent connectivity among smart objects. These technologies enhance the convergence of Information Technology (IT), Operational Technology (OT), Core Technology (CT), and Data Technology (DT) networks, improving automation and decision-making capabilities. While cloud computing has become a mainstream technology across multiple domains, it struggles to efficiently manage the massive volume of OT data generated by IoT devices due to high latency, data transfer costs, limited resilience, and insufficient context awareness. Fog computing has emerged as a viable solution, extending cloud capabilities to the edge through a distributed peer-to-peer (P2P) network, enabling decentralized data processing and management. However, IoT networks still face critical challenges, including connectivity, heterogeneity, scalability, interoperability, security, and real-time decision-making constraints. Security is a key challenge in IoT implementations, including secure data communication, IoT edge and fog device identity, end-to-end authentication, and secure storage. This paper presents an efficient blockchain-based framework that creates a secure end-to-end communication cooperative flow IoT network. The framework utilizes a hybrid blockchain network that collaborates to offer a collaborative flow of end-to-end secure communication from end devices to cloud storage. The fog servers will maintain a private blockchain as a next-generation public key infrastructure to identify and authenticate the IoT's edge devices. The consortium blockchain will be maintained in the cloud and integrated with the permission blockchain system. This system ensures secure cloud storage, authorization, efficient key exchange, and remote protection (encryption) of all sensitive information. To improve the synchronization and block generation, reduce overhead, and ensure scalable IoT network operation, we proposed the threshold signature-based Proof of Stake and Validation (PoSV) consensus. Additionally, lightweight authentication protects resource-constrained IoT nodes using an aggregate signature, ensuring security and performance in real-time scenarios. The proposed system is implemented, and its performance is evaluated using key metrics such as cryptographic processing overhead, consensus efficiency, block acceptance time, and transaction delay. The findings show that threshold signature-based Proof of Stake and Validation (PoSV) consensus, reduces the computational burden of individual signature verification, which results in an optimized transaction latency of 80-150 ms, compared to the previous 100-200 ms without Non-PoSV. Additionally, aggregating multiple signatures from different authentication events reduces signing time by 1.98 ms compared to the individual signature time of 2.72 ms and the overhead of verifying multiple individual transactions is 2.87 ms is significantly reduced to1.46 ms along with authentication delay ranges between 95-180 ms. Hence, the proposed framework improves over existing approaches regarding linear computing complexity, increased cryptographic methods, and a more efficient consensus process.
Integration of MXChip AZ3166 with Home Assistant – IoT real-time monitoring and management system Serghei Staicov, Snezha Shotarova, Slavi Lyubomirov National Conference with International Participation Telecom, 2025 This article presents the implementation of an intelligent IoT system for monitoring and managing environmental parameters based on the MXChip AZ3166 microcontroller board, the MQTT communication protocol and the Home Assistant platform. The developed system provides two-way communication between hardware sensors and software infrastructure, allowing the collection, processing and visualization of data on temperature, humidity, pressure, motion and other parameters. The system includes the possibility of remote control of the built-in RGB LED indicator and local output of information via an OLED display.Integration with Home Assistant enables real-time visualization, local automation and interactive control through add-ons such as ApexCharts and File Editor. The development demonstrates an accessible and reproducible architecture suitable both for educational purposes and training in IoT technologies, as well as for real applications in the field of microclimate monitoring and control
Educational IoT Platform for Automation and Energy Efficiency: Design, Implementation and Integration with ThingsBoard Serghei Staicov, Snezha Shotarova, Slavi Lyubomirov 2025 34th International Scientific Conference Electronics Et 2025 Proceedings, 2025 In the face of global warming, increasing demand for electricity, and the pursuit of sustainable development, energy efficiency is becoming a key priority for modern industry. To address these challenges, enterprises are increasingly using automated systems that enable smarter energy management. This article is aimed at students and aims to introduce the basic concepts, technologies, and steps in creating an automation project for energy conservation. The project is aimed at automation of industrial processes with a focus on energy saving and sustainable development, and its main goal is to support the training of engineering students by applying modern technologies such as PLC systems, frequency control and sensors. Particular emphasis is placed on the development and experimental testing of a prototype of an automated system based on the RobotDyn 2560+ESP8266 microcontroller with integration into the ThingsBoard cloud platform. The project demonstrates how affordable and modern technical solutions can increase the efficiency of equipment management, while at the same time creating a practical basis for training students on topics related to automation and digitalization of industry.
Development of an Educational Web-Based Platform for Photovoltaic Systems S. Shotarova, S. Stoyanova-Petrova, S. Asenov, S. Lyubomirov, S. Staicov 2025 34th International Scientific Conference Electronics Et 2025 Proceedings, 2025 In this paper, the authors present the development and architecture of a web-based laboratory focused on photovoltaic (PV) systems. The platform is designed to support students and teachers in the learning and research process through simulations, visualizations, analysis of real climate data, and graphical configuration of PV systems. By using modern web technologies and integrating with MATLAB and Python, the system offers an intuitive and extensible approach to teaching renewable energy sources.
AI Educational Video Creation Methodology for University Courses Dimitar Tokmakov, Anna Tokmakova, Snezha Shotarova, Slavi Lyubomirov, Nevena Mileva, Keti Tokmakova Tale 2025 2025 IEEE International Conference on Teaching Assessment and Learning for Engineering Proceedings, 2025
Applying Additive Manufacturing to Engineering Education Slavi Lyubomirov, Stanislav Asenov, Dimitar Tokmakov, Hristo Kanevski, Daniela Shehova, Slaveya Petrova 2023 31st National Conference with International Participation Telecom 2023, 2023
Dynamic Study and Structural Optimization of the Connecting Rod from a Thermal Combustion Engine Annals of the University of Craiova Physics, 2023
Study on Assisting People with Locomotor Disabilities to Climb Stairs with the Help of an Exoskeleton Annals of the University of Craiova Physics, 2023
ChatGPT in Programming Education: An Empirical Study on Its Impact on Student Performance, Creativity, and Teamwork D Stoyanova, S Stoyanova-Petrova, S Shotarova, S Lyubomirov, N Mileva Education Sciences 16 (1), 19 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Approaches and Issues Regarding Center of Mass Behavior in an Exoskeleton Design for a Child’s Body C Copilusi, S Dumitru, I Geonea, S Lyubomirov, C Mic Machines 13 (12), 1144 , 2025 2025
AI Educational Video Creation Methodology for University Courses D Tokmakov, A Tokmakova, S Shotarova, S Lyubomirov, N Mileva, ... 2025 IEEE International Conference on Teaching, Assessment, and Learning for … , 2025 2025
IoT sensor node for ammonia monitoring in livestock. S Assenov, D Tokmakov, A Bekyarova-Tokmakova, S Shotarova, ... Ecologia Balkanica 17 (2), 63 , 2025 2025
Integration of MXChip AZ3166 with Home Assistant–IoT real-time monitoring and management system S Staicov, S Shotarova, S Lyubomirov 2025 33rd National Conference with International Participation (TELECOM), 1-4 , 2025 2025
Approaches and Issues Regarding a Child Body Center of Mass Behavior in an Exoskeleton Design C Copilusi, S Dumitru, I Geonea, S Lyubomirov, C Mic Preprints , 2025 2025
Development of an Educational Web-Based Platform for Photovoltaic Systems S Shotarova, S Stoyanova-Petrova, S Asenov, S Lyubomirov, S Staicov 2025 XXXIV International Scientific Conference Electronics (ET), 1-4 , 2025 2025
Educational IoT Platform for Automation and Energy Efficiency: Design, Implementation and Integration with ThingsBoard S Staicov, S Shotarova, S Lyubomirov 2025 XXXIV International Scientific Conference Electronics (ET), 1-4 , 2025 2025
RESEARCH OF PROTOTYPES MADE THROUGH FDM TECHNOLOGY S LYUBOMIROV, E VELEV, S SHOTAROVA, I GEONEA, C COPILUSI, ... ACTA TECHNICA NAPOCENSIS-Series: APPLIED MATHEMATICS, MECHANICS, and … , 2025 2025
Some aspects of the impact of photovoltaic plants on the environment. S Petrova, B Nikolov, R Popov, S Lyubomirov, S Asenov, H Kanevski, ... Ecologia balkanica 17 (1) , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Ecological effects of changes in the ignition angle of a gasoline engine on exhaust harmful gases emissions. H Kanevski, S Lyubomirov, S Asenov, D Shehova Ecologia Balkanica 17 (1) , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Photovoltaic power plants on agricultural land–are they really green? Y Klimentova-Nikolova, S Petrova, B Nikolov, R Popov, S Lyubomirov, ... Ecologia balkanica 17 (1) , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
A secure end-to-end communication framework for cooperative IoT networks using hybrid blockchain system SB Erukala, D Tokmakov, A Perumalla, R Kaluri, A Bekyarova-Tokmakova, ... Scientific Reports 15 (1), 11077 , 2025 2025 Citations: 30
Laboratory Bench of a Driver’s Authorization System with Application in Engineering Education H Kanevski, S Asenov, D Shehova, S Lyubomirov, K Asparuhova, ... 2024 XXXIII International Scientific Conference Electronics (ET), 1-4 , 2024 2024
Sensor system for in-situ monitoring the surface waters quality of the Veleka River, Strandzha Nature Park (Bulgaria) DT Rumen Popov, Slavi Lyubomirov, Stela Stoyanova, Slaveya Petrova, Bogdan ... Ecologia Balkanica 16, pp. 199-206 , 2024 2024
Ecological effects of changes in Air-Fuel Ratio of a gasoline engine on exhaust harmful gases emissions Hristo Kanevski, Slavi Lyubomirov, Stanislav Asenov, Anatoliy Parushev ... Ecologia Balkanica 16, pp. 207–216 , 2024 2024 Citations: 2
МЕТОДИКА ЗА АВТОМАТИЗИРАНО ПРОЕКТИРАНЕ НА ПРИСПОСОБЛЕНИЯ В УСЛОВИЯТА НА CAD СРЕДИ ВР Слави Любомиров, Емил Велев Научни трудове на Съюза на учените в България–Пловдив 21, 32-37 , 2024 2024
СОФТУЕРНИ ПЛАТФОРМИ ЗА ТРИИЗМЕРНО АВТОМАТИЗИРАНО ПРОЕКТИРАНЕ СШ Слави Любомиров, Емил Велев, Станислав Асенов, Даниела Шехова, Христо ... Научни трудове на Съюза на учените в България–Пловдив 21, 38-45 , 2024 2024
Creating a Three-Dimensional Virtual Hall for Engineering Education DSEV Stanislav Asenov, Hristo Kanevski, Anatoliy Parushev, Slavi Lyubomirov 2024
Create a Virtual 3D Object of Hotel Building SLDS Hristo Kanevski, Stanislav Asenov, Anatoly Parushev 2024
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
A secure end-to-end communication framework for cooperative IoT networks using hybrid blockchain system SB Erukala, D Tokmakov, A Perumalla, R Kaluri, A Bekyarova-Tokmakova, ... Scientific Reports 15 (1), 11077 , 2025 2025 Citations: 30
Using Proteus to Support Engineering Student Learning: Microcontroller-Driven Sensors Case Study K Asparuhova, D Shehova, S Lyubomirov 2018 IEEE XXVII International Scientific Conference Electronics-ET, 1-4 , 2018 2018 Citations: 28
Engineering Education And Examination Of Electronic Circuits Using Multisim S Lyubomirov, D Shehova, S Asenov, V Raydovska ICERI2019 Proceedings, 7079-7086 , 2019 2019 Citations: 10
Study of electronic circuits with operational amplifiers using interactive environments for design and analysis D Shehova, K Asparuhova, S Lyubomirov 2021 12th National Conference with International Participation (ELECTRONICA … , 2021 2021 Citations: 9
Use of software environments and open source platforms for teaching mixed-signal circuits D Shehova, S Lyubomirov, K Asparuhova, A Chekichev EDULEARN20 Proceedings, 1637-1643 , 2020 2020 Citations: 8
Implementation of virtual statistical measuring instruments in engineering education during covid-19 DS N. Paunkov, S. Lyubomirov, R. Popov INTED 2021, 15th International Technology, Education and Development … , 2021 2021 Citations: 7
Hardware and Software for Learning Analog-toDigital Converters in Engineering Education D Shehova, S Lyubomirov, K Asparuhova 2019 X National Conference with International Participation (ELECTRONICA), 1-4 , 2019 2019 Citations: 7
Arduino-based Hardware Platform for the {Realization of an Intelligent Home Through the Focus of Engineering Education S Lyubomirov, D Shehova, K Asparuhova 2019 X National Conference with International Participation (ELECTRONICA), 1-4 , 2019 2019 Citations: 7
Sustainable development of rural areas in protected territory – a case study from Strandzha, Bulgaria Slaveya Petrova, Bogdan Nikolov, Dimitar Tokmakov, Slavi Lyubomirov, Rumen ... Ecologia Balkanica , 2024 2024 Citations: 6
Using of the nextcloud technology in the engineer education S Asenov, V Raydovska, S Lyubomirov, D Shehova ICERI2019 Proceedings, 7087-7095 , 2019 2019 Citations: 5
Case Study of 3D Scanning and Processing to Create Virtual 3D Plant Objects For Education S Lyubomirov, S Asenov, D Tokmakov, H Kanevski, D Shehova, ... 2023 31st National Conference with International Participation (TELECOM), 1-6 , 2023 2023 Citations: 4
Computer modeling and research of diode rectifiers and voltage regulators D Shehova, S Lyubomirov INTED2021 Proceedings, 8754-8759 , 2021 2021 Citations: 4
Remote laboratory for photovoltaic system research in engineering educational institutions S Shotarova, D Shehova, H Kanevski, S Lyubomirov, S Asenov EDULEARN23 Proceedings, 6584-6592 , 2023 2023 Citations: 3
Enhancing engineering learning through the use of an interactive laboratory S Shotarova, S Stoyanova-Petrova, S Lyubomirov EDULEARN23 Proceedings, 1716-1724 , 2023 2023 Citations: 3
Researching and modeling of discrete linear time-invariant systems with difference equations in matlab AH Chekichev, DA Shehova, SY Lyubomirov, SM Asenov, ... 2020 XXIX International Scientific Conference Electronics (ET), 1-4 , 2020 2020 Citations: 3
Development of a cost-effective high accuracy multichannel RTD signal conditioner, 2020 R Popov, I Bozhikov, S Lyubomirov, K Kehayov 21-st International Symposium on Electrical Apparatus and Technologies (SIELA) , 2020 2020 Citations: 3
ChatGPT in Programming Education: An Empirical Study on Its Impact on Student Performance, Creativity, and Teamwork D Stoyanova, S Stoyanova-Petrova, S Shotarova, S Lyubomirov, N Mileva Education Sciences 16 (1), 19 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Some aspects of the impact of photovoltaic plants on the environment. S Petrova, B Nikolov, R Popov, S Lyubomirov, S Asenov, H Kanevski, ... Ecologia balkanica 17 (1) , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Photovoltaic power plants on agricultural land–are they really green? Y Klimentova-Nikolova, S Petrova, B Nikolov, R Popov, S Lyubomirov, ... Ecologia balkanica 17 (1) , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Ecological effects of changes in Air-Fuel Ratio of a gasoline engine on exhaust harmful gases emissions Hristo Kanevski, Slavi Lyubomirov, Stanislav Asenov, Anatoliy Parushev ... Ecologia Balkanica 16, pp. 207–216 , 2024 2024 Citations: 2
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