Search

Leaf litter is an important structurally fucnctional element of forest ecosystem, dynamic processes in which create a connection between phytocenosis and edaphotope. Accumulation of litter material and its decomposition rate characterize intensity of substance circulation in forest ecosystem. The present article deals with the results researching of the peculiarities of the forming and decomposition of soil litter layer in the hornbeam oak in the conditions of Holosiivskyi National Nature Park (Kyiv) were examined. Its considerable sizes on the north slope of ravine coast system (16,4 t/ha in autumn, 4,3 t/ha in the summer) were determed. Analysis of litter supply at the end of abscission showed a lack of significant differences in different sections of the terrain (12,3–16,4 t/ha). During the winter period, litter volumes are significantly reduced due to intensive mineralization processes under the snow cover. Most intensively, these processes take place in areas of the slope. Fractional composition of the litter did not generally depend on the location of the experimental area by relief elements. A dominating faction in autumn and spring was fall (65– 69 % of the total mass). In the summer, a portion of dust (38-46 %) increased. The smallest number of branches was observed in autumn and winter, their scope was between 11-22 % in all research areas. The maximum amount of branches was observed at all areas in the summer. Their volume was 27-49 %. The scope of seeds and its residues was insignificant and amounted to 1-3 % during the year. The speed of mineralization of cellulose by an application method with the use of filter paper is determined. The rate of decomposition of cellulose in the conditions of the southern and northern ravine slope turned out to be similar to the maximum in March and July-August. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work the peculiarities of reading comprehension from electronic, audio devices and hard copies were studied through comparative analysis of the learning accuracy and electrical activity of the brain when reading or listening to the text. Eighty students took part in the research. They were offered 2 passages of text from fiction and popular-scientific literature for reading, presented in a form of an e-book, MP3-format and in a printed copy. The level of comprehension and assimilation of the read material was checked by testing based on the content of the text immediately after reading and in 2 weeks. The comparative EEG analysis did not reveal significant differences in the spectral power of the studied ranges when reading a paper book and e-book. Differences were found when listening to audiobooks comparatively to reading. In general, the effectiveness of text learning does not depend on the way of its presentation, however, sex and individual traits of a person, such as preferred learning style and extraversion level, are more important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The benefits that city residents receive from green spaces related to maintaining their health are a group of cultural ecosystem services (CES). To avoid subjectivity in the assessment of CES, there is a methodology based on determining the effectiveness of green spaces in providing them. Currently, there is no technological scheme for assessing the CES available to urban planners. Accordingly, the purpose of the paper is to highlight the technological features of the CES assessment. Methodologically, the work consists in creating a geodatabase (DB) on the state of green spaces and anthropogenic pressure on them. All the calculation indicators proposed in the methodology should be included in the database as attributes, and their calculation should be performed as working scenarios documented in the form of automated calculation models, etc. The technology is based on QGIS/SAGA spatial analysis tools (QGIS version 3.32.1- Lima), which contains the necessary basic geoprocessing algorithms and modules for calculating the CES. The technology for estimating CES is presented in the Model_CES. The functioning of the Model_CES depends on the amount and quality of input data. As input data, the database includes information on: urban green spaces; vegetation; landscapes; areas with multi-age urban development; local areas of urban population concentration; survey statistics, etc. Attribute information is the basis for the correct operation of the Model_CES algorithms, in particular, the calculation of parameters by which it is proposed to assess the volume of CES. Adequate to the parameters, a file database in the GeoPackage format was formed in accordance with the standards of the Open Geospatial Consortium - Model_CES, which contains the input data sets: tabular: "survey_all"; vector: "Vegetation", "BGI", "local_district", "hollow", "age_consruct". Technological procedures and algorithm for calculating CES volumes and risks of their loss in Model_CES form calculation blocks: 1. a block for determining the potential of green spaces in providing CES; 2. a block for determining the effectiveness of the green space in providing CES - the real supply of CES; 3. a block for calculating the volume of ecosystem services and the risks of their loss; 4. a block for calculating the score of alternative availability of the green space. As a result, the proposed algorithm produces the output geodataset "BGI_CES". After the implementation of the technology, this dataset contains attribute information about each green space, in particular, their ability to provide cultural ecosystem services, efficiency in providing CES, the volume of CES and the risks of their loss. Thus, the paper solves the scientific task of creating an assessment technology that meets the following requirements: it is suitable for processing information that is spatially distributed; it is focused on the availability of uncertain and often limited data; it is available for use by specialists of design and other institutions that may be limited in data. The presented technology can be used in urban planning practice as a tool for improving the quality of urban green spaces, their sustainable development and providing citizens with the maximum amount of CES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The paper is devoted to the study of the Cherkaska formation of the Jurassic system of the NorthWestern outskirts of the Donbas and is a continuation of a series of publications highlighting the stratigraphy of Jurassic in key areas near the town of Izyum and the village of Kamyanka. Material and methods. The scientific search was based on the analysis of literature, results of previous drilling and mapping works, as well as own field, laboratory and analytical studies. Chemical and X-ray structural analyzes of clays, mineralogical analysis of sands were carried out. Micropaleontological analysis and generalized data on the distribution of fossil remains were carried out. The palynological analysis of these deposits was also carried out, including, for the first time, according to the orthostratigraphic group – dinocysts. Results and discussion. The stratotype of the Cherkaska Formation was not specified. These were probably outcrops of ferruginous sandstones in the area of the village of Cherkaske, Slavic district, Donetsk region. Unfortunately, the deposits of this formation are exposed very fragmentarily, which makes it impossible to indicate a single typical section. As a number of such sections, it is possible to indicate Topalska balka - a clay stratum, and Pidluzhnyi farm - the upper stratum, stratigraphically important Vitcheliian layers were noted only in the village of Sukha Kamianka. Lithology. In this section of the paper, we present the detailed lithological composition of the deposits of the Cherkaska Formation from the three studied outcrops. Paleontological remains. Based on the findings of macrofauna in the sandstones, the dated levels of Witchellia rossica and Stephanoceras humphriesianum can be distinguished, which correspond to the two upper zones of the Lower Bajocian of the International Stratigraphic Scale. Upon the appearance of dinocysts of Pareodinia sp. and a small percentage of Clasopollis pollen (remains of gymnosperms) for the first time dated clays of the Cherkaska subformation. Stratigraphy. Within the studied territory, the Cherkaska formation is clearly divided into two parts: the lower one, composed of clays, and the upper one, composed of sandstones, which makes it possible to divide it into subformation. Witchellia limestone may be present if the upper sub-formation is eroded. Paleogeography. At the beginning of the Cherkaskyi period, the territory was a flat lowland covered by an extremely shallow sea basin. In the Late Cherkaskyi period, the supply of detrital material increases significantly, but the depth of the basin also increases, the salinity becomes normal, and a normal marine fauna appears. In some places, on the slopes of paleo-elevations, accumulation does not occur, which leads to the formation of deposits of a facies similar to Ammonitico rosso - limestones from Witchellia. Conclusions. The Cherkaska formation represents an important stage in the geological history of the development of northwestern Donbas. The formation marks the beginning of the Middle-Late Jurassic transgression, the beginning of the formation of normal marine sediments, and the activation of differentiated tectonic movements of local structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents theoretical investigations of the elastic and acoustic properties in crystals forming the solid solution system CuGa(S1 − xSex)2 . The structures with varying selenium content, x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1, were examined. Employing the supercell method, a series of solid solutions were modeled by replacing sulfur atoms with selenium atoms in the CuGaS2 crystal structure. The generated substitution structures underwent geometry optimization using density functional theory (DFT) in conjunction with the BFGS algorithm, describing the exchange-correlation interactions through generalized gradient approximation (GGA). The optimized structures of the solid solutions were found to be in good agreement with the available experimental data, with a slight overestimation of parameters, attributed to the known features of the GGA functional. The elastic constants matrix Cij for tetragonal symmetry was calculated, demonstrating compliance with Born's mechanical stability criterion for all compositions investigated. The evaluation of the material's elastic characteristics with changing composition revealed that the coefficients and C33 exhibited nearly twice as large values compared to the shear coefficients. Notably, the C11 coefficient reached 104.79 GPa, while the minimum value was obtained for C44 at 51.29 GPa. Isomorphic replacement of sulfur with selenium atoms resulted in a monotonic decrease in the elastic constants Cij. Employing the Green-Christoffel equation, the acoustic wave propagation velocities in a number of crystals were calculated using a home-made program written in Python. Acoustic wave velocities v were computed in (100) and (001) planes, with the highest observed velocity v max = 5586 m/s corresponding to the longitudinal acoustic wave (LA) in the (001) plane. The isomorphic replacement of S → Se resulted in a monotonic reduction in the propagation velocity v of acoustic waves within the investigated solid solution system. An analysis of anisotropy revealed that transverse TA2 waves exhibited the highest values for the A coefficient, accounting for 35-43% in the (100) plane and 28-40% in the (001) plane. In contrast, for LA waves, the propagation velocity was nearly isotropic (A parameter close to zero). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The upgraded LHCb detector allows the collection of data in the third physics run at instantaneous luminosity up to 2∙1033 cm−2 s−1 in proton-proton collisions at energy up to 14 TeV. A set of high-speed monitoring systems, including the RMS-R3 system, which monitors the nuclear interactions in the interaction region of the IP-8 (LHCb) experiment and the background, ensures the effective conduct of the experiment. An important functional characteristic of this system is the observation of luminosity stability over a wide dynamic range, which in its upper limit provides a linear response at ten times the nominal luminosity. This paper illustrates a new functionality feature of the RMS-R3, which is its ability to produce highly accurate data on the localization of the physical events of nuclear collisions in the interaction region of the experiment. The data measured in 2022 - 2023 allow us to observe the parameter variation impact of the nucleusnucleus average number interactions in a single bunch crossing of the beams, the change of the state of the VELO detector and the injection of gaseous target SMOG2 by different gases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Domestic waste management is an extremely important issue for all countries of the world, especially for the countries of the former Soviet Union, as the current state of solid waste disposal in Ukraine is extremely unsatisfactory. According to the European Commission, the amount of waste in the European Union has increased in recent years to more than 2.5 billion tons per year. The results of the Waste Atlas report on the world's 50 largest landfills show that 64 million people are affected by the 50 largest landfills every day. Ukraine has a total of 6045 landfills and dumpsites. The general trend in Ukraine, in contrast to European countries, is a low level of recycling and utilization of solid waste and a high rate of landfill disposal. The vast majority of landfills (80 to 90%) operate in overload mode. Landfills, in particular solid waste landfills, are the main pollutants of the atmosphere, hydrosphere and soil. Therefore, determining the level of environmental hazard of heavy metals in the soil as a result of the impact of landfills and solid waste dumps is very important. Objective. The purpose of the article is to determine the impact of solid waste landfills on public health due to soil contamination with heavy metals. Methodology. In order to determine the level of environmental hazard of household waste storage at landfills and dumps, the paper assesses the risk to public health from soil contamination in the area of the Hrybovychi landfill (Lviv oblast), Rohan landfill (Kharkiv oblast), and Novovodolazhske landfill (Kharkiv oblast). The risk to public health from soil contamination at solid waste landfills was assessed using the traditional US EPA method and a new method for determining the potential risk to public health from soil contamination with heavy metals. Results. The article compares two fundamentally different methodological approaches to determining the level of environmental hazard of soil contamination with heavy metals. The risk to public health from soil contamination on the territory of solid waste landfills according to the US EPA method corresponds to hazard class 5 (extremely high hazard level) according to all calculations. The results of the assessment of the potential risk to public health from soil contamination using the new method at solid waste landfills correspond to hazard classes 2-4. Comparison of methodological principles for assessing the risk to public health from soil pollution has shown the advantages of using the new method of potential risk assessment. The use of the new method of assessing the potential risk to public health from soil pollution will help improve science-based management of household waste and direct financial resources to reduce the environmental hazard of soil and land pollution in Ukraine. Scientific novelty. The article presents an improved method for assessing the risk to public health from soil pollution, which represents the scientific novelty of the work Practical significance. Determining the environmental hazard of soil pollution due to the impact of landfills and solid waste dumps makes it possible to prioritize the implementation of environmental protection measures and will contribute to the implementation of environmentally sound environmental management, so the research is of practical importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problems Statement and Purpose. The widespread use of pesticides in agriculture has led to significant environmental pollution and health risks, and it is important to consider the negative effects and explore potential solutions to reduce pesticide pollution and its impact on human health and ecosystems. The purpose of the research is to determine the technogenic and environmental hazards of the use of chemical plant protection products (on the example of copper-containing preparations). Materials and methods of research. To study the scale of use and storage of plant protection products in Ukraine and to identify their anthropogenic and environmental threat, the analysis of statistical data on the volume of purchases and use of pesticides, in particular in the Kharkiv region, was used, Experimental studies and chemical analysis of some types of agricultural products after pesticide treatment were carried out using atomic absorption. Results. The paper reveals the essence of the technogenic and environmental hazard of plant protection products for humans and the environment, analyses the scale of use and storage of plant protection products in Ukraine, in particular in the Kharkiv region; outlines ways to improve the technogenic and environmental safety of plant protection products; shows the hazard of using chemical plant protection products for vegetable products on the example of copper-containing preparations. The volume of accumulation and use of pesticides in Ukraine, including in warehouses in the Kharkiv region, is considered. The number of centralised warehouses has increased. There have been no banned or unusable plant protection chemicals since 2012. The research was conducted using vegetables, in particular green onions. In the green mass that came into direct contact with the preparation based on copper sulphate (CuSO4), the Cu content was found to exceed the MAC for vegetables. In the study of tomatoes and cucumbers, the content of copper in fruits was investigated. It was found that treatment with a preparation containing copper does not affect the Cu content in fruits throughout the experiment, including the day of treatment. The maximum Cu content in tomato fruits on the day of treatment does not exceed the MPC in the experimental and control samples. The increase in the concentration of Cu in the experimental samples compared to the control samples is not statistically significant, since all values were below the MAC for vegetables, which is 5.0 mg/kg. The study revealed a periodic increase in the content of this heavy metal in cucumber and tomato samples taken on the day of treatment compared to control samples. This may be due to the presence of the product on the surface of the treated crop that has not yet been washed off. Conclusions. 1) Vinnytsia, Ternopil, and Khmelnytskyi regions used the most pesticides, while Poltava, Cherkasy, and Sumy regions used less. Kharkiv region had 125 pesticide storage facilities, with 79 in good and 46 in satisfactory condition. 2) Copper-containing pesticides increase copper levels in greenhouse vegetables during growth, with significant peaks on the day of treatment. Green produce exceeded permissible copper levels by up to 6.9 times. 3) The results for early vegetable production in greenhouses can be applied to most agricultural practices in Ukraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) have exhibited remarkable eficacy in data analysis across various domains of physical research. Within the realm of particle and high-energy physics, an imperative challenge revolves around the scrutiny of particle tracks acquired through track detectors, exemplified by liquefied argon time projection chambers (LArTPCs). These cutting-edge neural networks have showcased unparalleled performance in tackling this intricate task, demonstrating their profound potential in enhancing particle track analysis. Since the scalability requirement is imposed on neutrino detectors, it is also imposed on CNN model implementations. The scalability for LArTPC data processing is achieved due to the sparsity of the data, which have the form of thin trajectories. To process sparse data, subspecies sparse convolutional networks (SSCNs) and sparse tensor networks (STNs) have been proposed. In this paper, we present the results of semantic segmentation of the LArTPC-simulated PILArNET data using STNs and test various modifications of the classical U-Net architecture: Attention U-ResNet, U-ResNet3+, U-ResNet with an additional deep supervision block, as well as loss functions: focal loss, balanced cross-entropy to improve the accuracy of Michel electron identification. The best results were obtained for balanced cross-entropy. Further improvement is possible by combining several methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyze the possibilities of detecting a signal in the hydrogen 21 cm line, which was formed in the early universe during the Dark Ages, using the Ukrainian radio telescopes UTR-2 and GURT of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. As a result of cosmological expansion, this line is shifted to the decameter range of wavelengths (λobs ≈ 18 m, νobs ≈ 16 MHz) and is in the band of operating frequencies of these telescopes. The brightness temperature of the predicted sky-averaged global signal ranges from ∼ −0.08 to ∼ 0.02 K, depending on the cosmological model. Such a weak signal is a big challenge even for the world's largest radio telescope in the decameter wavelength range UTR-2, since the signal level of the synchrotron radiation of the Galaxy at these frequencies is 20 000-40 000 K. The paper highlights the peculiarities of spectroscopy at decameter waves, interfering factors of natural and instrumental origin and ways to eliminate them in order to reliably detect the signal in the 21 cm line, which can become an important source of information both about the environment in which the first stars and galaxies were born, and about the nature of dark matter particles and the magnitude of primordial magnetic fields. It was concluded that the detection of such a signal using the most sensitive radio telescopes of the decameter wavelength range is quite possible (with a frequency accumulation of 25 MHz, the detection time will be ∼ 50 days) and can be implemented in the coming years of peace in Ukraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper considers the generalized temperature dependence of the stress intensity factor KJC in the WWER-1000 reactor pressure vessel metal, which was derived based on the surveillance test data for fracture toughness. The consistency of the shape of the Master curve and 95 % upper and lower confidence bounds with the experimental dependence of crack resistance parameters on temperature was studied. From the point of view of the level of conservatism and acceptability, a comparison of the normative curves of fracture toughness according to NPRR (Nuclear Power Rules and Regulations) G-7-002-86 and SOU NNEGC (Standard of organization of Ukraine, National Nuclear Energy Generating Company) 177:2019 with a 5 % confidence bound of the Master curve was carried out. The possibility of using RT0 temperature as a temperature index instead of TK for the normative fracture toughness curve of SOU NNEGC 177:2019 was considered [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes the processes of deep processing of grain and obtaining a wide range of products with high added value. It has been proven that Ukraine has significant potential and resources for the development of the field of deep processing of grain. Experts predict the active development of this area in the near future, which is due to the presence of a large raw material base. It has been established that the further increase in processing volumes towards the production of biotechnological products with high added value will solve the problem with sales markets: maltodextrins and modified starches are in demand on the Ukrainian market. They are needed in the food, pulp and paper, pharmaceutical, textile, and oil and gas industries. About 60 % is for non-food use, glucose-fructose syrups with different mass fractions of glucose, crystalline glucose for the food and pharmaceutical industry, glucose syrup for its further processing into fodder amino acids and vitamins or for “green” chemical products. One of the main competitive advantages in the development of deep processing of grain and, as a result, industrial biotechnologies is the availability of sufficient resources of renewable raw materials, for example, grain, the production of which is steadily increasing. Promising markets for products of deep processing of grain are the markets of amino acids, glucose and glucose-fructose syrups, starch and starch products, bioplastics, as well as, with the necessary legal and financial support from the state, the production of bioethanol from grain raw materials. In our opinion, at the initial stage of the development of foreign technologies of deep processing of grain, it is necessary to pay attention to distilleries, whose waste is a ready raw material for the production of gluten and other bioproducts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Samuil Kaplan (1921-1978) was a productive and famous astrophysicist. He was affiliated with a number of scientific centers in different cities of the former Soviet Union. During the earliest 13 years of his career, namely in 1948-1961, he worked at the Lviv University in Ukraine. In the present paper, the Lviv period of his life and scientific activity is described on the basis of archival materials and his published studies. Kaplan arrived in Lviv in June 1948, the same month when he obtained the degree of the Candidate of Science. He was a head of the astrophysics sector at the Astronomical Observatory of the University, a professor of the department for theoretical physics, as well as the founder and head of a station for optical observations of artificial satellites of the Earth. He was active in the organization of an astronomical observatory outside the city. During the years in Lviv, Kaplan wrote more than 80 articles and 3 monographs in 9 areas. At that time, his focus was on the stability of circular orbits in the Schwarzschild field, on the white dwarf theory, on space gas dynamics, on cosmic plasma physics and turbulence, on the acceleration of cosmic rays, on the physics of interstellar medium, on the physics and evolution of stars, on cosmology and gravitation, and on the optical observations of the Earth's artificial satellites. Some of his findings are fundamental to the development of theory in those fields as well as of observational techniques. The paper presents a complete bibliography of Kaplan's works published during the Lviv period and reviews his respective scientific achievements in the light of the current state of research in those areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The 3D modeling technology of the urban environment using LiDAR survey data expands the possibilities of urban research. With proper use of various methods, models and algorithms for processing and analyzing Li- DAR data, they can significantly facilitate and open up new opportunities for many applications discussed in this paper. The main research objective of the paper is to review methods for analyzing LiDAR survey data in urban studies and to present individual elements of the author’s optimization of these methods. Results. LiDAR data obtained as a result of laser scanning of the earth's surface from a certain vehicle form a threedimensional terrain model in the point cloud form of varying density degrees. The post-processing of such data can branch out into many applications, which are discussed in this paper. The building extraction from a cloud of LiDAR points is performed using complex computational operations, the essence of which is to calculate the points of separate planes of the buildings roofs and then extract these points for 3D building modeling. There are many approaches to building extraction that aim to either improve the quality and accuracy of the extracted models or to speed up the data processing. Finding the optimal solution for 3D modeling of the urban environment is an urgent task in this area of research. Tracking changes in urban buildings involves comparing digital models of urban areas for different time periods in order to obtain the changes volume for each building. In a similar fashion, LiDAR data is used to assess damage to buildings by creating random points on the buildings walls and comparing their displacements before and after the damage. The population estimate using LiDAR data is based on a comparison of population data for census tracts with data on the number, area and volume of buildings in the same tracts obtained from processed LiDAR data. As a result, the expected population in each individual building can be calculated. Roads extraction from LiDAR data is performed by creating an image of the LiDAR laser pulse intensity and then comparing this image with a digital surface model. The article provides an example of a scheme for such road extraction. In addition, methods for extracting and mapping power lines by filtering the corresponding points are also considered. The ability to determine the exact size, slope, and exposure of a building's roof plane also makes it possible to estimate the potential level of solar radiation received by the roof, which can contribute to the optimal placement of solar power plants. Such an assessment may cause some difficulties, which are discussed in the article. The article proposes various optimization solutions for the considered methods, which were partially implemented in the ELiT software. In addition to effective tools for automatic data processing, the ELiT Project also provides an environment for high-quality visualization of results in a standard web-GIS interface. Conclusions. LiDAR data, in combination with efficient algorithms for processing and filtering data, greatly facilitates the solution of a number of tasks related to area monitoring and urban planning. In the future, the high accuracy of LiDAR data and the possibility of their visualization in GIS will make it possible to analyze the urban development features in order to identify the urban geosystemic properties of the city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formulation of the problem. Knowledge about the formation, destruction and trends of the ice regime of rivers and reservoirs is very important for hydropower, shipping, fisheries, etc. There are almost no studies that evaluated the trends, homogeneity and stationarity of the ice regime of the Dnipro Cascade reservoirs. At the same time, such research is relevant especially in the conditions of a changing climate. The objective of this paper is evaluation of spatio-temporal trends of a observation series for the ice regime of the Dnipro Cascade reservoirs based on a complex approach using statistical and graphical methods. Methods. The research used statistical methods, namely the Pearson method for establishing of the trend equation in the time series and the correlation coefficient between variables, and the Mann-Kendell statistical non-parametric test for assessing the statistical significance of the trend. Among the graphic methods, the mass curve and residual mass curve were used to assess the homogeneity and stationarity of observation series, respectively, as well as combined chronological graphs for spatial analysis, determination of synchronous and in-phase (or on the contrary) long-term cyclic fluctuations of the ice regime characteristics at various water gauges. The research was carried out based on the observation data for dates of ice appearance, ice freeze-up, ice break-up (i.e., melt onset), ice disappearance for 35 water gauges. Results. According to the Mann-Kendall statistical test, contradictory results were obtained regarding the stationarity of the observation series of the ice regime of the Dnipro Cascade reservoirs. At the same time, according to graphic analysis, such series turned out to be quasi-homogeneous and quasi-stationary, since they have unfinished phases of increase and decrease of long-term cyclical fluctuations. In turn, the cyclic fluctuations are characterized by synchronous and in-phase, which indicates the same temporal and spatial tendencies of the ice regime of six reservoirs. The dates of the appearance of main phases of the ice regime of the Dnipro Cascade reservoirs are characterized by significant variability. Scientific novelty and practical significance. For the first time, modern knowledge about the ice regime characteristics of the Dnipro Cascade reservoirs were obtained based on the simultaneous application of statistical and graphical methods. In addition, the research results can be used for further research, namely any statistical processing (determination of probabilistic characteristics, search for prognostic dependencies, generalizations, etc.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition of the biota is dynamic and changes for many reasons, making biodiversity research relevant. Studies of rare species that are most vulnerable to anthropogenic pressures are of particular importance. Although the Mozh River flows through the central part of the Kharkiv Region, its valley remains understudied, especially the pine forests and their rare plants. The results of the current study include data from our field research, revision of the Herbarium of V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University (CWU), and literature sources from the second half of the 20th century to the present. This paper contains an annotated list of 35 species of vascular plants. Each species is provided with the data on its geographical range, distribution in Ukraine, population status and its study history in the Kharkiv Region, conservation status, and the state of its population in the studied forests. We found the localities of two species included in Appendix I of the Bern Convention (Salvinia natans (L.) All. and Jurinea cyanoides (L.) Rchb. and six species included in the Red Data Book of Ukraine (Botrychium lunaria (L.) Sw., Pulsatilla pratensis (L.) Mill., Iris pineticola Klok., Neottia nidus-avis (L.) Rich., Neottia ovata (L.) Hartm., Tulipa quercetorum Klok. & Zoz). We also found 19 species rare in the Kharkiv Region (Lycopodium clavatum L., Athyrium filix-femina (L.) Roth, Ophioglossum vulgatum L., Campanula persicifolia L., Chimaphila umbellata (L.) W.P.C. Barton, Comarum palustre L., Hottonia palustris L., Rubus saxatilis L., Carex pseudocyperus L., etc.). Nine regionally rare plant species have the boreal range type; they occur at the southern limit of their distribution range which indicates the specificity of ecological and climatic conditions formed in the pine forests in the Mozh River valley. In addition, we found five species without conservation status, but they are rare in the region (Caltha palustris L., Catolobus pendulus (L.) Al-Shehbaz, Gratiola officinalis L., Lythrum hyssopifolia L., Rubus polonicus Barr. ex Weston), and, therefore, they are recommended to be included in the next edition of the Official List of the Regionally Rare Plants of the Kharkiv Region. Three species (Buglossoides czernjajevii (Klokov & Des.-Shost.) Czerep., Jacobaea andrzejowskyi (Tzvelev) B.Nord. & Greuter, Sedum album L.) were identified as understudied in the Kharkiv region due to the lack of or insufficient information on their distribution in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The review presents the results of modeling of the solvation of nanoparticles with deep eutectic solvents that act as stabilizers of metal nanoparticles, which provide a new platform for nanoparticle technology. It is calculated that there is a slower dynamics of solvent molecules, i.e., a slowing down of water near solutes. Such water has limited movement and cannot be organized into tetrahedral forms, in contrast to water in volume. Also, the paper describes systematic studies of the adsorption configuration, distribution density and adsorption energy of molecules H$_{2}$O, CO$_{2}$, CH$_{4}$, N$_{2}$, C$_{8}$H$_{18}$ and fluorocarbons C$_{3}$F$_{8}$ and C$_{5}$F$_{12}$ on the surface of kaolinite (0 0 1). Water adsorption is initiated and occurs due to the growth of clusters around surface groups, which is mainly regulated by the interactions of hydrogen bonds. Further, the paper investigates theoretically physical and mechanical properties of nanoscale systems, in particular, nanotips, amorphous carbon monolayer and nanoparticles. It is shown that the single-layer amorphous carbon is surprisingly stable and is deformed with a high ultimate strength without the propagation of cracks from the point of failure. The sliding on amorphous polyethylene and silicon studied using the method of molecular dynamics is described. The paper also discusses the dependencies of the friction force, acting on nanoparticles, on their velocity and sizes, in particular, the contact area, the structure and the type of the material, as well as on the direction of their shear and temperature. At an angle of rotation $ 45^\circ $, the silicon friction forces reach a minimum value, which can be termed superlubricity. The molecular dynamics modeling of the surface of carbon nanotubes, chitosan, polyvinyl acetate, titanium dioxide, $α$-quartz and zeolite is described to solve application problems ranging from reaction control to targeted delivery and creation of new drugs. The general principles have been identified that artificial water channels made of carbon nanotubes porins must satisfy, which can serve as a basis for further experiments. The organic modification mainly forms a modifier layer by crosslinking the hydrogen bond with the substrate, the flatness of the modified layer is strongly influenced by the type and concentration of the modifier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formulation of the problem. Ecosystem services are resources and benefits that modern humanity can receive from the nature. It is the material benefit from abiogenic and biogenic components of various natural ecosystems. There were not large-scale studies according of evaluation ecosystem services in the Ukrainian water area of the Black Sea before, it is the actual environmental and socio-economic problem. Review of previous publications. The main approach to evaluating the state of ecosystems in the EU countries based on the choice of load indicators on the ecosystems and their mapping. Multi-level approach implies the next steps: detection and evaluation of services (indicators, borders, quantitative assessment); calculations and a demonstration of value (assessment in physical units and money equivalent); court fixation and solutions (tools - subsidies, taxes, payments for ecosystem services, etc.). Purpose. The man goal of the paper is analysis and estimation of modern state of ecosystem services, methods and perspectives of their using. Methods. The methodological basis of the study is the critical analysis of existing approaches to the assessment of ecosystem services of marine and coastal ecosystems. During the preparing of the paper published data had been used, as well as the materials of personal research on various aspects of the evaluation of ecosystem services of the Northwestern part of the Black Sea. Results. Marine and coastal ecosystems play a critical role in providing key services such as food supply, sequestration of anthropogenic carbon, waste management, biological regulation and the provision of habitat for hydrobionts. However, along with other ecosystems, today they are under serious anthropogenic pressure. Some types of anthropogenic activities have a very negative effect to the condition of natural ecosystems and to receive of their services. The ecosystems of the Northwestern part of the Black Sea are the living place of numerous organisms. These ecosystems consist on supporting services. Important regulatory services provide wetlands protected by the Ramsar Convention. The most intense cycle of nutrient substances occurs in the river’s mouth areas. The marine environment absorbs, disinfects and processes all sorts of waste production and consumption. Conclusions. Take into account of the limited information of the of ecosystem services under the Northwestern part of the Black Sea, the first task is to determine the needs of local populations for these services, collection and generalization of information about their condition, coordination of their assessment methods for the region and the evaluation itself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formulation of the problem. The paper is devoted to the study of the ecological state of the natural environment components in connection with the impact of technogenic facilities of the Lysychansk-Rubizhne industrial hub. The purpose of the paper is to analyze the technogenic impact of the Lysychansk-Rubizhne industrial hub on the natural environment components. Materials and methods. The natural environment components data including atmospheric air, soil, surface water, groundwater from the Regional Report on the natural environment state in Luhansk region were used and analyzed. The total pollution index was calculated to determine the level of soil contamination in the areas of biggest technogenic impact. The places furthest from the cities with powerful sources of the natural environment pollution are allocated. Mathematical processing of geochemical information was performed on separate samples. The containing of specific chemical elements in the soils of Lysychansk-Rubizhnе industrial hub is calculated. The obtained data were used to calculate the concentration coefficient. The level of chemical contamination of soils as an indicator of adverse effect on public health is determined by following indicators: 1) the chemical substance concentration coefficient (Kc), which is determined by the ratio of its actual containing in the soil (C) to the background containing (Cb); 2) the total pollution index (Zc), which is equal to the sum of the concentration coefficients of chemical elements. Results. As a result of the study, it was found that the territory of the Lysychansk-Rubizhne industrial hub is still under a huge technogenic impact, despite the closure of many enterprises. Abandoned settling tanks, sludge collectors, spoil tips, landfills of various industrial wastes and other are one of the main sources of the natural environment pollution today. The ecological state of the natural environment components (atmosphere, surface water, soil and groundwater) is described in the paper. Quite positive changes are observed only in the situation with atmospheric air. The tendency to reduce emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere is associated with the liquidation of industrial enterprises over the past 20 years. The state of other natural environment components remains unsatisfactory: surface water, soil and groundwater are contaminated with heavy metals, petroleum products, nitrates, nitrites, etc. (the nature of the pollutants depends on the nearby technogenic facilities). It is noted that these technogenic facilities lose their waterproofing over the years, so they are currently sources of pollutant migration to the natural environment. Scientific novelty and practical significance. An integral assessment of the Lysychansk-Rubizhne industrial hub impact on the natural environment components, which allowed us to talk about the different degree of technogenic impact and different influence factors, is the scientific novelty of the study. The different genesis of pollution in the given area is proved. It is established that there is an infiltration from the surface on the left bank and pollution of deep origin on the right bank. The long-term forecasts of changes in the ecological state of the Lysychansk-Rubizhne industrial hub territory are given as practical use of the obtained results. It is proposed to carry out continuous monitoring of the natural environment for a more detailed study of the environmental situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formulation of the problem. Ecosystem services are resources and benefits that modern humanity can receive from the nature. It is the material benefit from abiogenic and biogenic components of various natural ecosystems. There were not large-scale studies according of evaluation ecosystem services in the Ukrainian water area of the Black Sea before, it is the actual environmental and socio-economic problem. Review of previous publications. The main approach to evaluating the state of ecosystems in the EU countries based on the choice of load indicators on the ecosystems and their mapping. Multi-level approach implies the next steps: detection and evaluation of services (indicators, borders, quantitative assessment); calculations and a demonstration of value (assessment in physical units and money equivalent); court fixation and solutions (tools - subsidies, taxes, payments for ecosystem services, etc.). Purpose. The man goal of the paper is analysis and estimation of modern state of ecosystem services, methods and perspectives of their using. Methods. The methodological basis of the study is the critical analysis of existing approaches to the assessment of ecosystem services of marine and coastal ecosystems. During the preparing of the paper published data had been used, as well as the materials of personal research on various aspects of the evaluation of ecosystem services of the Northwestern part of the Black Sea. Results. Marine and coastal ecosystems play a critical role in providing key services such as food supply, sequestration of anthropogenic carbon, waste management, biological regulation and the provision of habitat for hydrobionts. However, along with other ecosystems, today they are under serious anthropogenic pressure. Some types of anthropogenic activities have a very negative effect to the condition of natural ecosystems and to receive of their services. The ecosystems of the Northwestern part of the Black Sea are the living place of numerous organisms. These ecosystems consist on supporting services. Important regulatory services provide wetlands protected by the Ramsar Convention. The most intense cycle of nutrient substances occurs in the river’s mouth areas. The marine environment absorbs, disinfects and processes all sorts of waste production and consumption. Conclusions. Take into account of the limited information of the of ecosystem services under the Northwestern part of the Black Sea, the first task is to determine the needs of local populations for these services, collection and generalization of information about their condition, coordination of their assessment methods for the region and the evaluation itself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precise analysis of complex gas mixtures is an urgent task today, since its accuracy and quality is important not only for human health, but also for the ecology of population centers or the planet as a whole. Traditional methods of gas environment analysis are imperfect, and those that have the necessary sensitivity and selectivity do not yield results in a particularly short time. Nowadays, the Fabry- Pérot interferometry is used for research in a significant number of industrial and scientific areas. The analysis of the works presented in this paper confirms the relevance of research in the field of multibeam interferometry and the prospects of developing modifications of the Fabry- Pérot interferometer. The article is devoted to classical optical correlation methods for the analysis of gas mixtures with a quasi-periodic structure of the spectrum. A modification of the analyzer was developed and it was shown that the use of the modified Fabry- Pérot interferometer as a correlation mask ensures the express realization of the selectivity of the measurement components. An experimental study was conducted to test the possibility of scanning the SO2 absorption spectrum in the 220 nm region. Laboratory tests of the described layout of the SO2 analyzer demonstrated its high metrological parameters. The main reported error was 1% on the 0 -10000 ppm scale and 10% on the 0 -1000 ppm scale. The length of the cuvette was 170 mm, the warm-up time of the model was 30 minutes, the minimum measured concentration was 25 ppm. We can state that the correlation masks based on the IFP can be widely used for the analysis of gas components with a quasi-periodic structure of the spectrum. Compared to other devices of a similar type, they have a much higher luminous intensity: U = ΩA, where Ω is the solid angle; A is the light diameter of the IFP with the same resolution. This is crucial for remote instruments [V. R. Kozubovskii, Yu. Yu. Bilak, Ukr. J. Phys. 66, 664 (2021)]. In addition, their small weight and dimensions allow one to create portable devices based on them. However, since the IFP is a multi-beam interferometer, the procedure for optimizing its parameters is rather complicated, although technical methods for solving this problem exist [V. R. Kozubovskii, V. L. Goldovskii, O. D. Kraysler, AS 1182345 USSR, MKI G01N 21/61]. The conducted analysis and research open up new opportunities for the optimization of interferometric devices and interferometric methods of gas analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper proposes a method of controlled heating of a cylindrical plasma using the features of the Exceptional point. It is shown that the coupled system of plasma and dielectric waveguides is capable of generating exceptional points where their dispersion curves cross. By controlling the connection (distance) between the waveguides, it is possible to control the distribution of the electromagnetic field, both in the plasma and in the dielectric waveguides around the exceptional point. It is also shown that in the presence of dissipative losses in the plasma, the degree of heating of the plasma waveguide can be controlled by tuning the distribution and intensity of the exciting electromagnetic field in the coupled waveguide system, which gives a potential advantage among other methods of plasma heating. The results obtained in the work can be considered as an example of a new method of controlled plasma heating, which can be used to overcome the existing problems of controlled thermonuclear fusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Modern cities are complex and rapidly expanding systems. For their more effective study, it is necessary to use methods of urban remote sensing, in particular, LiDAR survey. Processed LiDAR survey data, visualized in a 3D scene, model a certain urban configuration that represents a static picture of the relationships between objects, processes and phenomena in the urban environment. The representation of such configurations in the dynamic plane are urbanistic geosituations. The main research objective of the paper is to define the concept and present the essence of the urbanistic geosituation. Results. The urbanistic geosituation is a dynamic aspect of a certain state of the urban environment, in which there are objects, processes and phenomena that are in dialectical unity with this urban environment. The urbanistic geosituation can be represented as a separate area of the urban environment in a certain research context with a specific state that is currently not inherent in other areas. The article describes in detail the property of the structural heredity of geosituations, which can be traced during the growth of cities. New buildings and roads are laid out taking into account the existing layout, thus inheriting the structure of the original geosituations. On the example of the city of Washington using 2D and 3D maps, the article discusses the features of identifying inherited urbanistic geosituations using the general functionality of visual analysis. On the example of the city of Kharkiv are described urban problems that arise as a result of unplanned development and ignoring the structural heredity of urbanistic geosituations. Repeating geosituations with common properties and internal configurations are combined into different rank geosituational patterns, which are tracked on city maps with the naked eye. The higher the rank of the pattern, the more stable it is, and the larger territories it covers in terms of more generalized properties. The formation of geosituations patterns is successfully combined with the feature of collecting and storing LiDAR data, which are divided into many areas of the same size – tiles. An important property of urbanistic geosituations is their variability, which manifests itself in the city study in the context of the daily population concentration. Diverse internal urban processes and phenomena often lead to the emergence of urbanistic geosituations that characterize the temporary gravity centers of the population. To search, identify and analyze urbanistic geosituations, it is necessary to use two key components – global coverage maps and geographic information systems (GIS). The article describes a special web-GIS that combines these components and provides an environment for exploring urbanistic geosituations in a 3D scene. Three use-cases are also proposed for analyzing urban systems at the geosituational level: visibility analysis, buildings energy consumption estimation, and population estimation [11, 21]. Conclusions. The geosituational approach in urban research can significantly improve the urban environment study. The repeatability of urban geosituations and the small data sets that can be obtained using LiDAR surveys provide grounds for their effective analysis and visualization in GIS, as a result of which it is possible to extract urban geosystem properties that can be relevant for the entire city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The definition of criteria for separating closely related species of representatives of the genus Cythereis is currently incomplete. Ostracods of this genus have wide intraspecific variability and high adaptability to changing living conditions. These factors make it difficult to use these ostracod species for regional stratigraphic correlation. In addition to the selection of criteria for species separation, there is a problem of the imperfection of the terminological apparatus for describing ostracods, which complicates the description of species and omits potentially important information for the separation of related species. Analysis of previous publications. Numerous works are devoted to the issue of the development of the terminological apparatus for describing ostracods, however, qualitative methods of description are inherent only to certain large taxa, where a separate method of description has been developed for each taxon. Ostracods of the genus Cythereis are widespread in the Cretaceous Tethys. Their wide variability is considered by various authors often without taking into account intraspecific variability and adaptation, which leads to the selection of subspecies or ignoring variability. Materials and methods. Numerous ostracods of the species Cythereis hirsuta Damotte&Grosdidier from the Late Cenomanian and Cythereis ornatissima (Reuss) from the Turonian of Ukraine were used in the work. Ostracods were selected from different deposits according to the conditions of origin. Results and discussion. The paper describes in detail the morphology of ostracods of the genus Cythereis with qualitative characteristics of morphological elements. The ontogenetic changes of the two species and the change in morphology depending on the conditions of existence are also described. The change in the morphology of juvenile forms depending on the conditions of existence is described separately. Conclusions. Based on the study and description of numerous paleontological materials, a number of refinements were proposed to the descriptive characteristics of the morphological elements of ostracod valves of members of the family TRACHYLEBERIDINAE Sylvester-Bradley, 1948 and the genus Cythereis in particular. The proposed clarifications regarding the morphology of the mesosculpture made it possible to describe in detail the ontogenetic changes of the studied species and their differences in adult stages depending on the facial conditions of existence. It should be noted that a detailed scheme for describing the morphology of mesosculpture is proposed for the first time in the literature. The paleontological description of numerous materials from the Middle Cretaceous of Ukraine allowed to establish the morphological elements that are of primary importance for the separation of related species within the genus. The analysis of these elements suggests that some of the similar species from the outcrops of Europe and Asia are actually other species. The question of their phylogenetic ties can be solved under the condition of studying ontogenesis and expanding the geography of research. Based on this, the validity of the names of the studied species from the territory of Ukraine is also contradictory to the actual comparison with the holotype collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents results of the study of the phytohormonal balance in mature, formed leaves of the lines of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) of the winter variety Olvia during the transition from vegetative to generative development. Near isogenic for the VRN genes lines (NILs) created in the gene pool of the Olvia variety and plants of the vernalized and non-vernalized winter variety were used. The experiments were carried out under the conditions of a vegetation experiment in the factorial chamber of the Department of Physiology and Biochemistry of Plants and Microorganisms of the V.N. Karazin KhNU. During the experiment, we conducted physiological observations and analyzed the development rate of experimental plants. Phytohormone analysis was carried out in fixed plant material by a chromatographic distribution of phytohormone mixture with thin-layer chromatography. The phytohormones were identified by the reference standards irradiating the chromatograms with ultraviolet UV (254 nm), and the content was determined by biotesting methods. The level of main classes of classical growth-stimulating phytohormones (auxins (IAA), cytokinins (CK), and gibberellins (GA), and growth-inhibiting hormones (abscisins (ABA)) was analyzed. The indicators of phytohormonal balance were calculated as the ratio of growth-stimulating and growth-inhibiting hormones. The results of the experiments showed that phytohormones in mature, formed leaves of the experimental plants are represented by auxins - 64.9-70.7 µg/g, cytokinins - 26.6-30.5 µg/g, gibberellins - 179.47-228.68 µg/g, and abscisins - 54.06-89.76 µg/g of dry weight. Among the phytohormone classes studied, the minimal was the cytokinins' content, while the phytohormones of terpenoid nature (gibberellins and abscisins) were represented best. It has been established that the phytohormonal balance viz. the ratio of growth-stimulating and growth-inhibiting phytohormones reflects the development rate of experimental plants. Rapidly developing plants of isolines VRN 1 and VRN 3, and the plants of vernalized variety were characterized by the maximum phytohormone balance (especially GA/ABA), while the slowly developing plants of the isoline VRN 2 and the non-vernalized variety Olvia had the minimum balance. Since the plant organism is an integrated system of organs and functions, we assume that this indicator - phytohormonal balance in plant leaves, can be used as a marker of the ontogenetic state of the entire plant organism. The identified changes in the phytohormonal status of mature, formed leaves and the development rates of experimental plants have the same regularities in all the models used in our research: the model of isogenic lines and the model of vernalized and non-vernalized plants of the winter variety. This fact makes it possible to assume that changes in the phytohormone balance of mature leaves, which reflect the ontogenetic state of the entire plant organism, are determined by the genotypic and phenotypic (epigenetic) influence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The remnants of natural steppes in Northeastern Ukraine are represented in small areas, interconnected by riverbeds or large, extensive ravines and gullies. The presence of a large number of plant and animal species listed in the Red Book of Ukraine is the basis for granting of national protection status to these territories. The total territory of the prospective National Nature Park (NNP) "Skhidnyi Steppe" includes three clusters: Vovchanskyi, Burlutskyi and Kupyansko-Shevchenkivskyi, its total area is 22272.0 hectares. The future park covers the existing reserves "Vovchansky" and "Siverskodonetsky", the regional landscape park "Velykoburluk Steppe" (4 segments), and several reserves of a small area. In addition to the steppe areas, it is planned to include forests and meadow areas. The flora and fauna of the territory to be protected are of high conservation value: 25 species of vascular plants are listed in the Red Book of Ukraine; 63 species are listed in the Red List of Kharkiv region; 17 species of chalk outcrops and chalk steppes are relics; 49 animal species are listed in the Red Book of Ukraine; 100 animal species are listed in Annexes 2 and 3 of the Berne Convention, 27 bird species are included in the lists of Bonn Convention; 33 animal species are in the List of rare species and species requiring protection in the Kharkiv Region. In addition, the proposed park hosts groups of 11 formations included in the Green Book of Ukraine and 16 habitats in need of protection under the Berne Convention. The purpose of the establishment of the National Nature Park "Skhidnyi Steppe" is the protection of unique natural areas in Northeastern Ukraine, namely, the last remnants of steppe and meadow ecosystems and forests in steppe gullies, which are an integral part of the gully steppe macrocomplex. The primary task of the future national park is to protect the grasslands. The next step is the restoration of pasture ecosystems as habitats for rare and endangered steppe species. This paper describes the planned NNP as of early 2022; it does not reflect changes caused by the hostilities that began in February 2022 and continue in the northern part to date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper considers the application of the theoretical model of epidemiological development of COVID-19 disease among the regional population based on the statistical data in Chernivtsi region of Ukraine for the period from March 2020 to June 2021. Using these data, a mathematical assessment of the values of the main parameters of the compartmental model (SIR) β and γ was performed and the analysis of the relationship between the values of β and γ and antiepidemiological measures was carried out for the region. Determining the parameters β and γ based on available statistics allows us to predict the duration of precautionary measures such as quarantine, lockdown, border closure and predict the effectiveness of their implementation as well. The analysis of statistical data showed the moderate effectiveness of quarantine and lockdown in changing the daily rates of infected and recovered people, while the dynamics of the epidemic development during these periods changed from negative to positive. The introduction of vaccination has shown the significant reduction in the daily rate of infected people and the substantial increase in the daily rate of the recovered people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formulation of the problem. The paper is the beginning of scientific papers series of authors on an actual environmental topic – multidimensional system geomonitoring of groundwater in water intakes areas. The purpose of article is a substantiation of application possibility of the method of objects trajectory modeling in the normalized phase space, which has been developed at V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University for sociogeographical monitoring tasks, for hydrogeological objects geomonitoring. Materials and methods. The research is based on the method of objects trajectory modeling in the normalized phase space. To achieve the purpose of this study, geomonitoring data of five water intakes in Poltava city, which operate Cenomanian-Lower Cretaceous aquifer, has been used. Changes in the average chemical composition of groundwater for each water intake have been analyzed according to 12 indicators: pH, hardness, dry residue, ammonium, fluorine, chlorine, sulfates, bicarbonates, calcium, magnesium, sodium+potassium, ferrous iron. The initial data have been collected from 1981 to 2008 according to an irregular pattern in time (39 points in time). Research results. The following indicators of systemic development of hydrogeological system have been calculated for each water intake: a) for each period of time – the path length traveled by the water intake hydrogeological system, which characterizes the intensity of changes in the groundwater chemical composition; b) for each control time – the projection of current trajectory point on the optimal trajectory (main diagonal), the deviation of point from the optimal trajectory, the progress coefficient (the ratio of point projection to the length of main diagonal). The main trends in the systemic development of hydrogeological system for all studied water intakes have been identified: - the intensity of changes in the groundwater chemical composition at water intakes Nos. 1-5 decreases over time, which can be explained by the reduction of water withdrawal and hydrodynamic factors associated with the formation of depression funnel, in particular the spreading of quasi-stationary filtration regime; - according to the absolute values of changes intensity in the groundwater chemical composition, the water intake No. 3 is highlighted, the value of which is significantly less than the values of other water intakes; - groundwater at the water intake No. 1 has the greatest variability in the changes intensity of chemical composition over time both in amplitude and in absolute values; - there is a very noticeable synchronization of movement intensity graphs of water intakes hydrogeological systems in the normalized phase space and the average intensity of changes in the groundwater chemical composition, but a detailed analysis reveals some deviations from this pattern, which may be due to abrupt changes in operation mode of water intakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results of the studies into the photoluminescence of cytosine molecules in a neutral liquid medium induced by the radiation of a xenon lamp with a wavelength of 280 nm. It was found that the luminescence is represented by a wide band with a vague threshold at a wavelength of 340 nm and a blurred maximum in the spectral region of 365-380 nm. It is shown that the presented luminescence curve reflects fluorescence, while phosphorescence is absent entirely. The lack of phosphorescence can be explained by the effect of the solvent. The obtained results are compared with the data of known studies. The discrepancies found may be primarily due to the pH of the solvents used in the previous studies. It is the first time that experiments with the excitation of luminescence of a neutral liquid solution of cytosine molecules under the simultaneous action of xenon lamp radiation with a wavelength of 280 nm and a continuous laser beam with a wavelength of 530 nm and a power of 0.25 W have been performed. It has been established that under these experimental conditions the luminescence curve acquires a qualitatively new form - the luminescence threshold is shifted to the short-wavelength region, and the luminescence curve has an additional maximum at a wavelength of 410 nm. An explanation of the physical nature of this phenomenon is given, which is that the intense electromagnetic field generated by the laser promotes the efficient formation of singlet exciters of cytosine (photodimers). In the process of their decay, cytosine photodimers form excited monomers in singlet states which, by intercombinational conversion (intersystem crossing), intensively populate metastable triplet states. The radiation decay of the formed metastable triplet states causes phosphorescence, which is the reason for the appearance of the second maximum in the wavelength range of 410 nm. Attention is drawn to the fact that metastable triplet states play a key role in the photochemistry of nucleic acid bases and presumably will have a major impact on the development of new biotechnologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper reports the effect of low-temperature annealing (up to 150°C) and light irradiation from a quartz mercury lamp (up to 20 min) on the structural, optical, and electrical properties of Indium tin oxide (ITO) films. 0.8 μm thick ITO films were obtained by RF magnetron sputtering of a commercial target on the optically transparent glass substrates in an argon atmosphere without heating. Information about the morphology of the ITO films' surface was obtained and the surface parameters were calculated using the method of atomic force microscopy. It has been found that the low temperature annealing for one hour and short-term irradiation with a quartz mercury lamp lead to an increase in the average size of crystallites and root-mean-square (RMS) surface roughness, a decrease in the resistivity of ITO films as well as an increase in the optical transparency in the visible spectral range. After annealing the ITO film at 150°C, the average crystallite size and RMS roughness of the surface increased approximately three times, and after 20 min irradiation – approximately 1.6 times, respectively. The lowest optical transparency in the visible spectral range among the studied experimental samples was found to be for the non-annealed and non-irradiated ITO films, whereas the highest – for the samples annealed at the highest temperature (150°C) and irradiated for 5 min with the light from the DRT-125 lamp. On the basis of the analysis of optical absorption spectra of ITO films, we detected an increase in their optical band gap from 3.59 eV for the unannealed film up to 3.66 eV with an increase in the annealing temperature of the samples up to 150°C. The resistivity of ITO films decreases with an increase in the annealing temperature up to 150°C and with an increase in the irradiation time with a light of the quartz mercury lamp up to 20 minutes. These results may be useful in the engineering of electronic devices based on the materials of low thermal stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every year, human energy consumption is constantly growing, so the role of nuclear energy will only increase over time. However, the reserves of 235 which is the main fissile nuclide in nuclear energy, are limited and should be depleted in the coming decades. But this problem can be avoided if we use the huge reserves of 238 U. This article aims to investigate the feasibility of implementing one of the regimes of a fundamentally new and not yet practically implemented process in nuclear energy – the nuclear traveling wave in a uranium-plutonium medium, where plutonium-239 is formed from 238 U. A nuclear traveling wave may form in a uranium-plutonium medium as a moving wave of plutonium-239 fission. This paper considers the possibility of the formation of such a wave in a spherical uranium-plutonium medium, and the study is conducted in spherical geometry. A majority of works studying the traveling wave mode of nuclear fission consider 1D or cylindrical 3D geometry. There are only a few works devoted to the study of this problem in spherical geometry. It should also be noted that the nuclear reactions considered in the present paper involve the participation of epithermal neutrons, which also significantly distinguishes our work from previous works on this topic, because most of them consider thermal neutrons. Since this problem is spherically symmetric, it allowed us to replace 3D modeling of the whole sphere with 1D modeling along the radius of this sphere. We have developed kinetic equations describing a nuclear traveling wave and modeled it by numerically solving these kinetic equations. An improved explicit-implicit numerical calculation scheme was used, which allowed us to increase the temporal step of the simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the changes in the properties of a bulk amorphous metallic alloy based on the ferrum (Fe55Ni8Co6)69-(Mo4Cr2V1)7-Al2-(P9C6B5Si2)22 under the influence of an alternating magnetic field (AMF). The level of the structural ordering of the bulk samples is higher than that of their tape counterparts. A slower cooling rate causes a partial nanocrystallization. The surface of such bulk samples is covered by surface layers, which were formed during the synthesis. These layers determine the corrosion resistance of amorphous alloys in the investigated solutions. After holding the samples in the AMF, some alteration of their elemental composition can be observed. An analysis of the electrochemical characteristics of the alloy samples under the conditions of cyclic scanning of the electrode potential indicates a higher corrosion resistance of the tested samples in a solution of hydrochloric acid. The lowest corrosion resistance was in the aqueous NaOH solution. During multiple cyclic polarization of bulk samples in aggressive media, a passivation of the surface occurs, and the destruction of the surface protective layers. The samples of the alloy (Fe55Ni8Co6)69-(Mo4Cr2V1)7-Al2-(P9C6B5Si2)22 modified by an alternating magnetic field have increased corrosion resistance in a 0.5 M aqueous solution of NaCl and HCl. By choosing the duration of the modification in the alternating magnetic field, it is possible to change the electrochemical parameters of the alloy (Fe55Ni8Co6)69-(Mo4Cr2V1)7-Al2-(P9C6B5Si2)22. An alternating magnetic field contributes to the diffusion of atoms in the bulk, which will determine not only the electrochemical parameters of amorphous alloys, but also other physical and chemical properties of a multicomponent sample. Under the influence of AMF, the electrical resistance of the amorphous samples is significantly reduced with increasing exposure to the magnetic field [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper recognizes the conceptual approach to the visual analysis of an urbogeosystem (VA UGS), which is within the Urban Studies domain. This approach stays within Human Geography frameworks and based on visibility estimation in the urbanistic environment (UE). The definition of UE is represented as a 3D-formalized model of an actual city environment (CE). In general, our work is a further development of the methodological urbogeosystem concept once introduced by one of this paper's authors. This concept has been previously explained as a twofold functional entity, which is a base for delineation and analysis of the CE urbogeosystemic properties. The basic possibility of VA UGS has been explained as a possibility, that follows from the circumstance, according to which UE is a quasi-rasterized model of a continual nature of an actual city space and its key features. Then, this model of city continuality can be contrasted with the discrete nature of an urbogeosystem -- a hierarchical aggregate of urban features. Exactly this contraposition (continuality versus discrete content) provides the basics for the visual analysis. This research introduces the Visibility Hemisphere concept (VHC), what supposes those conditions of visibility, which do correspond to ambient optic array ones. The Line of Sight (LoS) has been represented as a significant VHC component. Transformation of 2D LoS into 3D-segment of Visibility Hemisphere has been briefly explained within the stereometric frameworks. A number of formalized parameters have been introduced on the base of VHC. Computation of these parameters is the first stage of VA UGS introduction. The introduced approach has been further implemented as the VA-functionality of a web-GIS-application and illustrated with a few interface samples. Visual analysis of Munster-city UGS (Germany) has been provided within this research as a use-case of three scenarios comparative estimation of urban environment developed changes. Possible negative visual impact has been evaluated for each of the scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formulation of the problem. The water flow of the Styr River is using for the needs of industry, agriculture and the population. Thus, forecasting the water flow of this river for the future is an important scientific and practical task. The hydrological forecasts that have a lead time of one year, two years, or a decade are not as reliable as they need to be. Now in the world this problem is not solved. Along with quantitative forecasting methods, the qualitative methods have also been developed. The method of commensurability refers to such methods. It was developed by Chinese geophysicist Weng Wen-Bo in 1984. The commensurability method supports prediction of various natural phenomena, including floods and other dangerous events. The objective of this paper is to use the Weng Wen-Bo method for long-term water flow forecasting of the Styr River at Lutsk city. Methods. The commensurability method uses the dates on which natural phenomena (earthquakes, floods, droughts, etc.) were observed. For this reason, it has been called the information method. It is characterized by simplicity of calculation, graphical visualization, the use of researcher intuition and minimum needs for input information. There are several ways of forecasting using the method of commensurability. This paper is used a method of forecasting by two-dimensional commensurability graphs. Such approach consists in the determining the commensurability values in the dates array of certain phenomena occurrence and creating a two-dimensional graph of commensurability, according to which forecasting occurs. The use of such a method allows determining the years that may be wet and dry in the near future. Results. The data of observations at the hydrological station of the Styr River - Lutsk city for the period 1923-2017 are used in the paper. The results of the study on the commensurability method show that the water flow of the river Styr in 2020-2021 should be more than the norm and in 2023-2024 - less than the norm. Scientific novelty and practical significance. In Ukraine the commensurability method was used for the first time for long-term forecasting of water flow for coming years. The estimating of the effectiveness of forecasting by the commensurability method requires an array of long-term forecasts. Therefore, the next step of the study should be to forecast of water flow on different rivers, but provided that they have the long series of observation. The results of the long-term forecasting will enable the relevant services the negative consequences of a hydrological phenomenon, such as low water flow or floods on rivers will prevent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper treats simile as a category related to metaphor and comparison, being a kind of connecting element between an association (metaphor) and analytics (comparison). The three of them are considered to be universal and connected with the process of thinking with simile and metaphor sharing figurativeness while comparison and simile -- an explicit statement of (dis)similarity. At the same time, a number of differences between these formations are stated, which proves the existence of only certain points of intersection between the considered categories with an emphasis on their differential features. In particular, it is noted that the difference between metaphor and simile, among other things, is the secondary origin of the latter, its ability to explicate comparative relations, to shift the cognitive burden on the producer, a wider potential of comparative possibilities, the ability to appeal to the imagination, using intellect, as well as its narrative nature. The differences between comparison and simile are the capability of the latter to create a special poetic effect by comparing conceptually distant concepts with the non-parity of the salient feature, the tendency to idiomatization and expression of prototypical, sometimes even symbolic meaning, the irreversibility and asymmetry of simile, the possibility of its convertibility into a metaphor, impossibility of its empirical verification because of the coding of the producer's subjective reality, the ability to hyperbolize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study is to substantiate the probabilistic-forecasting method for forecasting the low flow discharge and its implementation for the Pivdennyi Buh, Black Sea area and Lower Dnieper rivers, taking into account climatic patterns of precipitation distribution and establishing probabilistic characteristics of low flow discharge in multi-year period. The study area is in a zone of significant risk due to the shortage of water resources, the formation of extremely low runoff in the dry flow period, which requires its definition and forecasting. The methodological basis of forecasts is to solve the equation in determining the components of the low flow of rivers by constructing regional dependences for forecasting the average decade summer-autumn low flow from previous water discharge (in runoff modules), establishing their probabilities water discharge for a number of intakes. Results. The paper substantiates the probabilistic-forecasting method for forecasting low flow discharge (in summer, autumn and winter periods) based on the construction of regional dependences of average decadal runoff modules on previous water discharge for groups of basins of studied rivers taking into account climatic dependences of precipitation distribution in the territory and the establishment of probabilistic characteristics of the low flow water discharge in a multi-year period. The methodology of territorial short-term forecasts of average decade water discharge of low flow of summer, autumn and winter river runoff is assessed as satisfactory with a margin of error of 70 % to 97 %, with a number of members of more than 500 points. To determine the cumulative probability of the forecast values of the average decade water discharge of the summer, autumn and winter dry weather flow, the empirical distribution of the average monthly water discharge in the limited seasons, which are generalized in the basins of the studied rivers of Ukraine, is established. Scientific novelty. For the first time for the zone of insufficient natural water content of rivers the method of territorial forecasts of low flow discharge, determination of their probability of occurrence in a multi-year period and cartographic representation of prognostic values have been developed and practically implemented. The practical importance is the use of forecast modules maps of low flow for spatial monitoring and assessment of low water levels on rivers in the whole region, including ungauged rivers, and their probabilistic characteristics – to assess the possible occurrence of low runoff, even when it reaches values close to the environmental runoff, which are critical for the functioning of the river ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article considers two approaches to training in high medical school: 1) using English as a Medium of Instruction and 2) Content and Language Integrated Learning the emergence of which was related to a wide spread of bilingualism in society, importance of increase in competitiveness of graduates of domestic universities on international labor market. The authors present the models of teaching within the stated approaches which promote the efficiency of professional training of future doctors in solving professional problems on the basis of implementation of foreign language competence. The paper defines the conditions of content and language integrated models implementation into the learning process. In conclusion, it is noted that the integration of subject and language experience contributes to the optimization of foreign language training and significant improvement of the quality of the educational process. The most pressing issues requiring additional research are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes spatial features identification of the population trading service development in Kharkiv region with the use of the univariate statistical analysis. Kharkiv region as one of the most developed regions of Ukraine is characterized by a high degree of monocentric regional development. The univariate statistical analysis was chosen in order to assess this degree. Univariate statistical analysis is a type of statistical analysis used to characterize the distribution of a single variable. The following parameters of descriptive statistics were selected as characteristics of the values distribution: median, mode, mean, variance, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, coefficient of skewness, and coefficient of kurtosis. Such indicators are characterized in the paper: a number of population, a number of trade enterprises, a number of restaurant facilities in the settlements of the region. The normal distribution of a random variable was taken for the ideal distribution of the indicators values. The distribution is normal if the median, mode and mean are equal to each other, the coefficients of skewness and kurtosis should equal 0. According to the results of a univariate statistical analysis, it was determined that the distribution of the above mentioned indicators don't correspond to a normal distribution, it is extremely uneven, which confirms the monocentricity of regional development in Kharkiv region. Distribution of indicators of the number of population, trade enterprises, and restaurant facilities is similar to each other, which indicates conditionality of the existing network of trade enterprises, restaurant facilities to the population in settlements. The analysis of the descriptive statistics parameters in the context of the newly formed administrative districts of Kharkiv region was carried out and it was found that any district isn't characterized by the normal distribution of the above indicators, however, the most distant from the normal distribution is Kharkiv district, the most closed are Bogodukhivsky, Chuhuivsky, Krasnohradsky districts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem statement. Detail study of both vertical and spatial distribution of calcareous nannofossils from the Paleocene sediments of the Ukrainian Carpathians enabled to determine the evolutional development of Haptophyta algae during the Paleocene, and became the basis for correlation of boundary markers and correlative biohorizons. Here we summarize data obtained from previous research, and also our own, and propose an updad biozonation of Paleocene sediments of the Northern and Southern slopes of the Ukrainian Carpathians. Prerious work. Calcareous nannofossil research of the area goes back to the 1960’s. These studies had a fragmentary character with only few sections examined for their nannofossil content. Materials and research methods. The paper includes the results of nannofossil research from numerous sections of Paleocene Flysch developed in the Outer and Inner Carpathian nappes.Discussion of the research data. The paper discusses the biozonation and correlation of local lithostratigraphic units of the Ukrainian Carpathians based on the detail study of nannofossils. For the first time, the complete successions of nannozones of the latest Geological Time Scale have been identified in the Ukrainian Carpathians. In the Outer (Flysch) Carpathians several nannozones were determined within the Skyba and Boryslav-Pokuttya nappes. There include – Markalius inversus / Biantholithus sparsus (NP1), Cruciplacolithus tenuis (NP2), Chiasmolithus danicus (NP3) and Ellipsolithus macellus (lower NP4) in the Upper Striy subsuite; top Ellipsolithus macellus (NP4), Fasciculithus tympaniformis (NP5), Heliolithus kleinpelliі (NP6) in Yaremcha Formation, Discoaster mohleri (NP7) in Bytkiv layers, Heliolithus riedelii (NP8), Discoaster multiradiatus (bottom NP9) from the Yamna suite; Chiasmolithus danicus (NP3) from Upper Bereznyan subsuite of Dukla nappe; Fasciculithus tympaniformis (NP5) in Gnylets suite of Chornohora nappe and Markalius inversus (NP1) in Urdyn suite of Svydovets nappe. Within the Inner Carpathians nannozones were defined in the Lower Metova subsuite of the Vezhany nappe – Biantholithus sparsus (NP1), Fasciculithus tympaniformis (NP5), Heliolithus kleinpelliі (NP6), Heliolithus riedelii (NP8); Sushmanets suite of Monastyrets nappe contained Fasciculithus tympaniformis (NP5), Heliolithus kleinpelliі (NP6) and Tribrachiatus contortus (NP10) of the Early Ypresian. The stratigraphic positioning of nannofossil assemblages was rectified and their correlation with foraminifera and dinocyst zones was demonstrated. These nannozone assemblages from the Ukrainian Carpathians are correlated with the Danian, Selandian and Thanetian stages of the Geological Time Scale (GTS, 2012 and 2016). This integrated research enables to rectify and modify the stratigraphic scheme of the Paleogene from the Carpathian region. Conclusions. A modern calcareous nannofossil biozonation of the latest International schemes has been recognized from the studied Paleocene sections of the Ukrainian Carpathians. Nine (9) nannozones ranging from NP1 (Early Danian) to NP9 (Late Thanetian – Early Ypresian) and also the lowest NP10 nannozone of Early Ypresian have been identified in strata from different structural-tectonic units. The nannofossil biozonation is correlated with those foraminifera and dinocyst biochronology. The age and correlation for the Paleocene stratigraphic subdivisions has been justified based on the nannofossil biostratigraphy. This resulted in the upgrading of the existing stratigraphic scheme of the Paleogene of the Ukrainian Carpathians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzes the critical comments of domestic scientists about the current accounting theory. There is a comparative analysis of opinions of domestic and foreign authors and summary of the approaches to using term “traditional” in respect to accounting and its theory. Content of accounting and role of criticism in the direction of evolutionary development of accounting are described. Criticism of the current state of accounting and its theory has united the majority of domestic and foreign scientists. The analysis of foreign authors’ papers reveals the criticism of accounting in the line of nonconformances with real changes that occur at the certain stage of the economic system development within post-industrial society under the influence of cultural, political, social, historical and natural specifics of the civilizational development direction of a particular country and nation. At the same time, we determine a significant influence of Western trends on the development of domestic scientists’ opinions on accounting theory. Moreover, the time gap between the directions of scientific research of domestic and foreign scientists is shortening rapidly. Foreign authors presume the non-conformance between traditional (conventional) accounting system with the new operating conditions of enterprises and companies in the terms of the use of innovative methods and techniques of management accounting. Within accounting, there is a sceptical view of accounting theory changes. However, the possibility of adapting the accounting system to new realities within the framework of established theories is being considered. In a consistent accounting system, a clear line between two interconnected subsystems is coming up: standardized financial accounting to reflect the actual state of the company and management accounting as accounting and analytical support in a line with management theories and concepts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper considers the materials of the Pharmacists Summit and International Pharmaceutical Congresses, in particular, the issue of achieving quality pharmaceutical education. It shows cause of the proper training process of pharmacy sector specialists in accordance with current state and requirements of the society and suggests a model of professional pharmaceutical education. According to the authors of the paper, the implementation of education quality in Ukraine calls for, first, professionally educated personnel in the pharmacy sector of healthcare; second, proper academic and university infrastructure for training future specialists within the system of higher pharmaceutical education; third, ensuring the high quality of higher pharmaceutical education on the basis of implementing the competence approach and taking into account international experience on pharmacy development. Increasing significance of the pharmacy branch in Ukraine is directly linked to the quality of training of pharmacy specialists, continuous improvement of the content of their education, implementation of new educational technologies, adapting higher pharmaceutical education to European standards. According to the authors, an higher pharmaceutical education is the following: firstly, considering public demand to the level of healthcare services, disease prevention; secondly, implementing the productive global experience on introducing customer service standards. The established prospects of the development of national higher pharmaceutical education include: 1) the adoption of ethical principles of training Masters of Pharmacy within the system of higher pharmaceutical education; 2) focus on European pharmacy standards which are based on high customer service standards; 3) improvement of the content of pharmacy specialist education taking into account the development of national pharmaceutical production; 4) ensuring the development of the clinical direction within the system of general pharmacist training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Thiele‘s interpolation continued fraction with multiple knots is analogue to the Hermit interpolation polynomial in the theory of continued fractions. The problem of constructing an oscillatory (tangent) to the function f at the point z0 Thiele‘s interpolation continued fraction (OICFT) is investigated in the paper. Only the values of the function f and its derivatives at the point z0 are used to calculate coefficients of OICFT. The proposed method of finding coefficients is based on the calculated values of sums of m-multiplicity and does not involve calculating the values of Hankel determinants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes the accelerator Mikrotron M-30 (1-18 MeV) of the Institute of Electronic Physics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and its main characteristics. Also, it briefly reviews articles on the formation of radiation fields and discusses their characteristics for nuclear physics installations. It includes application of various methods of measuring the currents of charged particles, methods of detecting radiation Fields using various recording media and changing the spatial distribution using attening lters. Attention is also paid to an alternative low-cost registration method using commercial window glass. For the Mikrotron M-30 accelerator, parameters of the radiation fields were investigated on a metrological bench oriented along the electron beam at distances of 0-400 cm from the M-30 beam output node. Diametric characteristics were determined using ionization chambers of the ROBOTRON dosimeter and a Faraday cylinder designed for diagnostics of electron beams with energies up to 30 MeV. In this work, to control the spatial uniformity of the radiation field, we used a registration method based on glass plates; the degree of uniformity of the radiation field was determined by a change in their optical characteristics, namely, the degree of darkening. For correctness of the obtained distributions, the radiation dose was limited to the region of linearity of glass darkening from the absorbed dose. The use of a radiation shaper ensured irradiation of samples with radiation of a uniform Field in the irradiation plane of 30%, which satisfies the conditions of radiation tests for most objects. Analytical dependencies of the radiation dose on the distance to the output node M-30 were obtained using a Faraday cylinder. The combination of these dose dependencies of glass darkening, the spatial homogeneity of the fields, along with the dose dependence on the distance to the source node, made it possible to develop protocols for dosimetric tracking of the irradiation process for materials and devices for various purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, Ukraine has been Increasing the import of agri-food products at a rate that signfiicantly exceeds the rate of increase іп exports. As a result, the Import-export coverage ratio is decreasing, and for many commodity groups and commodity items, instead of a positive trade baiance, a negative one appears. This article is devoted to the study of the formation of volume, dynamics, structure and reasons for the increase in the cost of imports based on the use of inethods and techniques of economic and statistical analysis. The paper states that the main reason for the increase in the volume and value of imports is the disproportion between the Iow growth rates of domestic production of agricultural and food industry products and the high growth rates of household incomes. The Iatter circumstance contributes to the formation of a constantly growing demand and a shortage of goods for individual commodity items, which is covered by an increase іп imports. The analysis of the commodity and geographic structures of imports of goods of four product sections was carried out in accordance with UKTVED. It has been estaЫished that for a number of commodity groups and commodity items of the first, second and fourth sections, imports increase for such types of products for the production of which Ukraine has the necessary conditions (Iivestock products, vegetaЫes, fruits, berries, seeds of cereals and oilseeds, most of the commodity food groups). Increasing the production of these types of products can significantly reduce their imports. For products of other commodity groups and commodity items in Ukraine, there are no necessary conditions (tropical crops, fish and crustaceans, etc.) and the cost of imports is determined by the financial capabilities of importers. The study of the geographicaI structure shows that the main exporters of agri-food products to Ukraine are the countriea of the European Union, which fully use the conditions of the free trade zone with Ukraine and are the main suppliers of products of the first and fourth sections (products of animal origin, some prepared food ргоducts). It is for these types of goods that a significant negative ЬаІапсе is formed in trade with the EU соuntries. . It has аІао been estaЫished that imports from other regiona of the world take pIace mainly for thoae types of products that are not produced in Ukraine. The conclusions provide recommendations that relate to the possibilities of reducing imports, mainly Ьу increasing domestic production, without excluding the use of administrative regulation for certain types of goods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The gas saturation coefficient is one of the most important parameters for calculating gas reserves. The parameter can be determined by laboratory petrophysical methods applying the residual water saturation coefficient. The latter, in turn, is determined by direct or indirect methods. The direct method is used extremely rarely, while indirect methods are very common - primarily the methods of a semipermeable membrane and centrifugation. The first method is considered the most reliable. Formulation of the problem. When applying the semi-permeable membrane method, the issue of setting the maximum displacement pressure is the key factor that determines the result, as it determines the value of the residual water saturation, and, consequently, the value of the gas saturation coefficient of the reservoir. There are numerous cases when the results of laboratory studies of residual water, and hence the gas saturation coefficient, are clearly discordant with the whole set of geophysical and geological data. This problem is possibly caused by the wrong choice of the laboratory research modes, and specifically, the maximum pressure that is created in the course of the experiment. The research objective is to analyze the ways of setting the maximum water displacement pressures during the experiment in terms of the most reasonable, basic method of a semipermeable membrane; to evaluate their applicability taking into account the best practices and propose their optimal combination for practical work. Previous research. The paper considers various approaches to setting the maximum pressure, including an attempt to model the process of deposit formation, achieving irreducible water saturation, an express method using a centrifuge, determining water-holding capacity, limiting pressures by the size of filter pores, and calculating pressures on the basis of the deposit height. Main material. Two approaches have been distinguished from the considered ones: calculation of the maximum pressure on the basis of the deposit height and calculation on the basis of the maximum pore radius, at which a meniscus can be formed. It is shown that it is rational to combine these two approaches into one, which will allow obtaining more reliable values of the residual water saturation, and hence the gas saturation coefficient. The ultimate maximum displacement pressure for the semi-permeable membrane method, which should be created during the experiment, has been determined. The limiting height of the deposit has also been determined. Any calculation above this parameter does not make sense. The discrepancies between theoretical calculations and actually observed heights of capillary rise and the influence of the layered structure of the reservoir have also been considered. The area of possible practical application of the method has been determined. It is noted that extensive knowledge of the reservoir geometry is crucial for the practical application of the method. Besides, the data on the deposit height should be included in the research proposal. Practical value. The application of the method of calculating the maximum displacement pressure on the basis of the deposit height, taking into account the restrictions on the maximum pore diameters, at which a meniscus can be formed, will certainly increase the reliability of gas reserves calculations in the gas fields of Ukraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of ultrasonic measurements in trigonal LiTaO3 crystals. The samples of direct section with faces perpendicular to the main crystallographic axes and X/45 sections of LiTaO3 crystals were manufactured for experimental studies. The velocities of longitudinal and transverse acoustic waves along the three principal crystallographic axes and two additional axes in theYZ plane in trigonal crystals of point group 3m LiTaO3 crystals were measured using the pulse-echo overlap method. In the piezoelectric crystals, elastic and electrical properties are related and the propagation of an acoustic wave is accompanied by the appearance of electric fields, which must be taken into account in the calculations. The relations for the complete determination of all components of the matrices of elastic stiffness and piezoelectric coefficients based on all necessary acoustic wave velocities measured were derived from the Christoffel equation for the piezoelectric crystals. Using the obtained ratios, all components of the tensors of piezoelectric coefficients, elastic stiffness constants, as well as all elastic compliances of LiTaO3 crystals are calculated. The obtained results are consistent with the literature data and will be used in further measurements and calculation of the spatial anisotropy of induced (electro-, piezo- and acousto-optical) effects on the same crystal samples in order to select the most effective geometry of their possible practical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays in vitro methods, combined with ex situ and becoming an increasingly important means of preserving and maintaining the level of phytodiversity stability. Sorbus torminalis L. is a tree of the Rosaceae family, which grows on the territory of Ukraine, belongs to rare, valuable aboriginal species and is listed in the Red Book of Ukraine, with its protection status -- endangered. The peculiarities of introduction of in vitro culture of perennial representatives of S. torminalis with the use of different types of explants, sterilizing substances, cultivation conditions and nutrient medium composition are presented in the paper. For in vitro culture of S. torminalis, annual shoots with apical and lateral buds 15-25 cm long are optimal. The influence of different sterilization options on the development of primary microshoots has been studied. For sterilization of artificially awakened and young shoots it is most effective to use 0.1 % solution of AgNO3 (7 min) and 15 % solution of H2O2 (10 min). The developed method of sterilization of S. torminalis explants provided 80-90 % yield of aseptic plant material. It was found that the sterilization regime did not significantly affect the primary morphogenesis of explants and was uniform. The optimal components of nutrient media at the stage of introduction into vitro culture and primary morphogenesis of S. torminalis have been established. For the cultivation of different types of explants of S. torminalis, used WPM nutrient media with the addition of synthetic plant growth regulators 6-benzylaminopurine, thidiazuron, kinetin 0,5-1,5 mg mg⋅l-1 and α-naphthylacetic acid 0,01-0,05 mg⋅l-1 both alone and in combination with each other. In particular, for the regeneration of plants from the lateral and apical buds of explants is effective WPM medium with the addition of BAP 1,5 mg⋅l-1 + 0,5 mg⋅l-1 NAA and WPM + TDZ medium 0,5 mg⋅l-1 with adding PVP 200 mg⋅l-1. To induce the laying of additional buds and shoots on the explant from the apical meristems in the medium should be added 4,0 mg⋅l-1 BAP + 0,01 mg⋅l-1 NAA with the addition of PVP 200 mg⋅l-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geoplastics, as a method of vertical planning, is gaining more and more popularity among landscape architects, because this method gives the landscape an aesthetic unity, expressiveness, and a peculiar feature. The paper considers the influence of geo-plastic changes in the relief on a person, the viewer's perception of the environment. These factors are extremely important in the creation and design of the park, they allow the key elements to be presented, while creating harmonious combinations in the space, it is admirable and it is this that encourages you to visit the landscape object. Pechersk Landscape Park is located on the picturesque slopes of the Dnieper in Kiev, has a landscape type of planning, which is characterized by large areas of lawns with groups of shrubs and trees, the lack of symmetry in the placement of alleys and other elements of free planning. The park zone itself covers an area of 32,92 hectares. Location in difficult terrain contributes to the use of geo-plastic tools, which can be used to improve and develop park space. The illuminated research is based on the analogy method, by means of which the analog elements of geoplastics are transferred to the results obtained during the field survey of the park territory on difficult terrain. Graphic materials were developed using the ArchiCad 21 software package based on the original cartographic data. A detailed analysis of the problematic aspects of the Pechersky Landscape Park identified the main tasks: adaptability to the needs of society, increasing the comfort of stay, improving the natural landscape, arranging natural zones of park relief. Techniques and methods for improving the territory were applied, such as terracing slopes, creating eco-chairs, using artificial relief in playgrounds. The impact of these changes on the stay of visitors and on the environment as a whole is summarized and predicted. The use of geoplastics in the context of the perception of landscape compositions will contribute to solving problematic relief and exposition aspects of the Pechersk Landscape Park, which will increase its recreational potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In modern business conditions for the effective functioning of the enterprise, the process of managing not only the enterprise general financial condition, but also managing the condition, composition and dynamics of receivables is very important. The aim of the work is to justify the procedure for evaluating the effective management of receivables by phased, consistent management decisions. When conducting an analysis of the financial condition of the enterprise, it is advisable to study the structure, causes, period of occurrence and the statute of limitations for the existence of receivables. Monitoring the status of receivables characterizes the state of financial discipline in the enterprise. Accounts receivable occupy a significant proportion in the structure of current assets, which can lead to the diversion of own working capital for the development of the enterprise and increase the size of borrowed funds. The paper shows the relationship between accounts receivable, the amount of net income and the size of the profit of the enterprise. To reduce the negative impact on the financial condition of the enterprise, its solvency, financial stability and liquidity, it is important to develop a mechanism for managing receivables, which is a combination of forms, methods, ways and principles of its organization and management. The paper considers various approaches of both Ukrainian and foreign scientists to the characterization of the concept of "receivables" and its management. To assess the status of receivables, an analysis of its structure and dynamics has been carried out on the example of meat processing enterprises in Ukraine, the turnover ratios and the duration of one turnover of receivables by elements have been calculated. Evaluation of the effectiveness of the formation and use of receivables in the process of their activities has been given, the stages of its management have been determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a short review of the activities of physicists -- the full members of the Shevchenko Scientific Society in Lviv (abbreviated as NTSh -- from its name in Ukrainian: {\em Naukove tovarystvo imeni Shevchenka}). The society was founded in Lviv in 1873 and named after famous Ukrainian poet, writer, artist, public and political figure Taras Shevchenko. After reorganization in 1892, the society came to resemble a typical scientific association, and it was in fact the first Ukrainian Academy of Arts and Sciences. Structurally, in consisted of three sections, one of them was devoted to mathematics, natural sciences and medicine. NTSh was dissolved by the Soviet authorities in 1940; in 1947 it resumed its activities in Western Europe and in the USA; in 1989 it was reactivated in Ukraine. In this paper, we analyze the activities of the physicists that received the title of NTSh full members (academicians) by 1940. Different fields of physics were represented in the society during this period, and among the full members of the NTSh 21 scientists were engaged in physics. Publications in the field of physics appeared regularly in the {\em Collection of the mathematical-natural sciences-medical section of NTSh} -- a total of 74 articles were published on physical subjects, including 3 terminological and 10 bibliographic ones. The physicists took an active part in the organization and activities of the clandestine Ukrainian university in Lviv (1919-1925). Papers of NTSh full members appeared in leading European physical journals. Internships in leading European centres of physical thought were widely practiced. At the beginning of 1920s, physicists from other countries were elected as NTSh full members. Among them were Max Planck, Albert Einstein, Stepan Timoshenko, Mykola Krylov, Dmytro Rozhansky, Abram Ioffe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]