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Abstract Two-dimensional materials with flat electronic bands are promising for realising exotic quantum phenomena such as unconventional superconductivity and nontrivial topology. However, exploring their vast chemical space is a significant challenge. Here we introduce elf, an unsupervised convolutional autoencoder that encodes electronic band structure images into fingerprint vectors, enabling the autonomous clustering of materials by electronic properties beyond traditional chemical paradigms. Unsupervised visualisation of the fingerprint space then uncovers hidden chemical trends and identifies promising candidates based on similarities to well-studied exemplars. This approach complements high-throughput ab initio methods by rapidly screening candidates and guiding further investigations into the mechanisms underlying flat-band physics. The elf autoencoder is a powerful tool for autonomous discovery of unexplored flat-band materials, enabling unbiased identification of compounds with desirable electronic properties across the 2D chemical space.

The study shows that traditional methods for synthesizing ortho-carboranes from nido-B10H14 and its complexes (B10H12L2) using donor- and acceptor-disubstituted acetylenes yielding low efficiencies (yields 0 - 12%). Attempts to improve yields with ionic liquids and silver salts as catalysts were unsuccessful with disubstituted acetylenes. However, it has been found that the use of mono-substituted acetylenes (phenylacetylene, ethyl propiolate) in the presence of silver salts in the reaction with B10H12L2 substrates produces ortho-carboranes in high yields (~90%). This suggests that the key step is the formation and subsequent addition of silver acetylenides, and not the donor-acceptor π-complexes previously assumed. This finding allows us to better understand the mechanisms of the ortho-carboranes formation and offers an efficient pathway for their synthesis.

Providing people with access to sustainable energy and overcoming energy poverty are essential tasks of the energy transition to a climate-neutral economy. The paper aims to examine the financial measures to alleviate energy poverty in Ukraine, such as the provision of energy subsidies and the financing of local programs to improve the energy efficiency of buildings through the Energy Efficiency Fund. Using statistical data of the International Energy Agency, Eurostat, the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine, and the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, the paper analyzes the state of energy poverty in Ukraine compared to EU countries. In the context of Ukraine’s intensifying energy and economic crises, the assessment of the fiscal cost of energy subsidies reflects a significant increase in an additional burden on the state budget. The fiscal cost of subsidies was assessed using the price-gap approach. The paper presents the results of energy modernization of buildings in Ukraine through the Energy Efficiency Fund. Implementation of energy modernization projects for buildings reduces energy costs and СО2 emissions, increases housing energy efficiency, and expands the possibilities of overcoming energy poverty. The application of the cost-benefit analysis method to sustainable housing renovation projects is demonstrated to more accurately assess energy and carbon impacts and to obtain financial support. The formulated proposals aim to raise awareness of power structures and support informed decision-making to overcome energy poverty and build a sustainable energy future for Ukraine. AcknowledgmentThis article presents the results of a study conducted as part of the scientific project “Formation of the foundations of nationally rooted stability and security of the economic development of Ukraine in the conditions of the hybrid “peace-war” system” (state registration number 0123U100965).

This study is devoted to the study of the implementation features of derivational mechanisms for modeling occasional vocabulary in the Russian-language media space. On the example of language units, which include the prepositive component de-, the semantic and grammatical features of occasional units implemented in the current media space are established. The material for the study was the texts of electronic newspapers, magazines, news agencies for the period from 2020 to the present, as well as forums, chats, blogs, political illustrations related to research topics. As a result of the study, a wide range of language units with a prepositive component de- was established, expanding their meaning in the texts of modern media. Thematic groups are identified and described, thematic groups organized by language units with the prepositive component de- are established, their contextual meaning and semantic-pragmatic features of implementation in the current media space are determined.

Echinochrome A (EchA), a marine-derived natural product, has shown promise in treating cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its cardiac safety remains underexplored. In this study, we utilized human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiac organoids (hCOs) to validate their ability to model the cardiac safety profile of EchA in a human-relevant system. While EchA’s therapeutic effects have been reported, prior studies have not evaluated its cardiotoxicity or arrhythmogenic potential in a high-fidelity 3D human cardiac model. The hCOs, characterized by expression of key cardiac markers (cTnT) and functional ion channels (Cav1.2, Nav1.5, hERG), exhibited structural and electrophysiological properties reflective of human cardiac physiology. Using multi-electrode array (MEA) analysis, we assessed the effects of EchA at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 30 µM on electrophysiological parameters, including beat period, field potential amplitude, field potential duration, and spike slope. EchA treatment induced no significant changes in these parameters, confirming its non-toxic electrophysiological profile. Cellular viability and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays revealed no cytotoxic effects of EchA across tested concentrations. Contractility assays further demonstrated that EchA did not affect contraction velocity, relaxation velocity, or time to 50 % maximal contraction and relaxation. This study fills a critical gap and highlights the translational relevance of hCOs for cardiotoxicity assessment, demonstrating EchA's cardiac safety and supporting its potential therapeutic and environmental applications.

Summary: 5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is an essential compound in the biosynthesis of heme, playing a critical role in various physiological processes within the human body. This review provides the thorough analysis of the latest research on the molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic benefits of 5-ALA in managing metabolic disorders.The ability of 5-ALA to influence immune response and inflammation, oxidative/nitrosative stress, antioxidant system, mitochondrial functions, as well as carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, is mediated by molecular mechanisms associated with the suppression of the transcription factor NF-κB signaling pathway, activation of the transcription factor Nrf2/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) system leading to the formation of heme-derived reaction products (carbon monoxide, ferrous iron, biliverdin, and bilirubin), which may contribute to HO-1-dependent cytoprotection through antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects. Additionally, it regulates the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha, cytochrome c oxidase subunit IV, uncoupling proteins UCP1 and UCP2, glucose transporters GLUT1 and GLUT2, and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c in relevant tissues. Randomized controlled trials have confirmed the effects of 5-ALA on glucose control in both prediabetic and diabetic patients, noting its safety and tolerability, as well as the safety of its combined use with oral hypoglycemic agents. Only minor side effects have been reported. However, the impact of 5-ALA on markers of systemic inflammation, oxidative and nitrosative stress, and dyslipidemia was not evaluated in these studies. At the same time, preparations of 5-ALA may potentially be effective not only in the treatment of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but also in other conditions associated with systemic inflammation, oxidative or nitrosative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, as well as disorders of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.It has been concluded that the promising advancement of formulations containing 5-ALA may pave the way for new strategies in preventing and treating these diseases, with subsequent preclinical and clinical trials likely to follow.

This article deals with the problem of preschool education. The research aims to theoretically substantiate, develop and test the author's Concept and the corresponding educational and methodological support for the technological development of the pedagogical process, as a means of increasing the effectiveness of preschool children in the context of solving the state's strategic tasks in the field of pre-school education. The study collected data through an experiment and a survey. At the various stages of the study, about 700 preschool teachers, 450 students and undergraduates, and 1500 preschool children took part in the experimental and pedagogical work. The scientific novelty consists of theoretical substantiation, development, and testing by the experimental and experimental way of the author's Concept and appropriate educational and methodological support of the technological process of the pedagogical process. The obtained results of the research will improve the pedagogical process in the pre-school educational institution.

The problem of improving the professionalism of teaching staff for higher education is certainly important in the Kazakhstan education system. In modern conditions of constant changes in the content of education, the graduate model, the teacher must be ready for constant professional growth, freely orient in his profession and related fields of activity. The article is devoted to an important problem, the study of personal and professional self-development of a future teacher. The purpose of the study is to theoretically study aspects of self-development in the context of the professional growth of future teachers. The sample of respondents was 104 people. Data was collected using a questionnaire adapted from renowned researchers. The article considers the factors of professional and personal self-development of teachers and reveals the possibilities of psychological support for the formation of a pedagogical position. Support is interpreted as assistance and support of a future teacher in the process of his professional and personal development.

Introduction. Teaching the skill of renal cavity puncture remains a pressing issue for both resident trainees and practicing physicians. Because patient-based training is ethically questionable and can be unsafe in terms of complications, training models have been created to practice skills.Objective. To compare two non-biological simulators for renal cavity puncture under ultrasound guidance: “UROSON”, GEOTAR, Russia and the kidney phantom “SafeToAct”, Estonia.Materials & methods. The study involved 40 young doctors with no experience in kidney puncture. Group 1 (20 people) practised on the UROSON simulator (GEOTAR, Russia). Group 2 (20 people) trained on a kidney phantom (SafeToAct, Estonia). Both simulators were evaluated by doctors before and after practice, as well as in the long-term period for 3 and 6 months. The assessment was carried out using a Likert scale.Results. The UROSON was rated higher (p < 0.05) according to the results of the comparison of the parameters (colour and consistency, visualisation of the cavity and calyx on ultrasound). Renal cavity visualisation of the UROSON simulator was rated as "good" throughout the study. Visualisation deteriorated by 6.9% after six months of use. Meanwhile, the SafeToAct kidney phantom showed a 64% deterioration in visualisation after one month of use. The SafeToAct kidney phantom was not evaluated later point because it became unusable. Both simulators had "tracks" after punctures. The UROSON had 30% and the SafeToAct kidney phantom 100% (p < 0.0001).Conclusion. The UROSON simulator can be used for training, master classes and accreditation of specialists. This simulator can be used for a long time.

Background: The accumulation and storage of large-scale radioactive waste (RAW) in Ukraine poses a serious threat to the environment. Approximately 2500 tons of nuclear fuel waste was generated during the operation of the RVPK-1000 reactors. About 2800 tons of RW are materials containing nuclear fuel, including reactor graphite, fuel dust, etc. Objectives: The study is aimed at finding the most rational processes for managing accumulated and newly generated radioactive waste. Methods: To resolve complex, poorly formalized problems, system analysis provides the best efficiency. In the current study, an attempt was made to apply exactly this method to the management of radioactive waste. Results: The problem of RW management is complex and requires consideration of numerous factors. The initial basis, should be a functional approach. That is, the representation of the entire system through functional subsystems – groups of objects on which they behave with RW, and the subsequent division of each of the functional subsystems into further subsystems according to the types of accumulated and generated RW (aggregate state, activity level, radionuclide composition, etc.), which in turn is divided into elements. Conclusions: Proposed conceptual model structures the RW management system with all the variety of objects - sources of RW generation, types of RW and types of activities with them in separate subsystems – stages of RW management from their generation to disposal, and thus allows to significantly reduce the number of directions necessary for safety regulations in adoption of solutions.

In recent years, the use of probiotics in dermatology and cosmetology has been demonstrating a notable rise, offering both preventive and therapeutic benefits for the skin. The intestinal microbiota plays crucial roles, including enzymatic degradation of dietary fiber, starch, proteins, and fats, as well as the synthesis of vitamins B, K, nicotinic acid, amino acids, and various metabolites. The use of multicomponent probiotics composed of strains of the genus Bacillus is a promising way to optimize the positive effects of these microorganisms in dermatological and cosmetic practice and avoid their undesirable effects.

Targeted drug delivery for primary brain tumors, particularly gliomas, is currently a promising approach to reduce patient relapse rates. The use of substitutable scaffolds, which enable the sustained release of clinically relevant doses of anticancer medications, offers the potential to decrease the toxic burden on the patient’s organism while also enhancing their quality of life and overall survival. Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) are being actively explored as promising agents for detection and monitoring of tumor growth, and as therapeutic agents that can provide isolated therapeutic effects and enhance standard chemotherapy. Our study is focused on the feasibility of constructing scaffolds using methacrylated hyaluronic acid with additional impregnation of UCNPs and the chemotherapeutic drug temozolomide (TMZ) for glioma treatment. The designed scaffolds have been demonstrated their efficacy as a drug and UCNPs delivery system for gliomas. Using the aggressive orthotopic glioma model in vivo, it was found that the scaffolds possess the capacity to ameliorate neurological disorders in mice. Moreover, upon intracranial co-implantation of the scaffolds and glioma cells, the constructs disintegrate into distinct segments, augmenting the release of UCNPs into the surrounding tissue and concurrently reducing postoperative damage to brain tissue. The use of TMZ in the scaffold composition contributed to restraining glioma development and the reduction of tumor invasiveness. Our findings unveil promising prospects for the application of photopolymerizable biocompatible scaffolds in the realm of neuro-oncology.

The article deals with the problem of rational design of a nonlinearly deformable heterogeneous composite Timoshenko rod under force impact. The rod has a structure that is symmetrical relative to the force plane, formed by the connection of quasi-homogeneous parts (phases, layers) with different physical properties, taking any geometric shape in space. The structural materials that form the rod have nonlinear elastic properties. To describe the main component of the stress tensor – the normal stress in the longitudinal direction – in each phase, the same type of approximation by entire rational polynomials is taken depending on the deformation. On their basis, compact nonlinear equations were obtained that connect integral forces with generalized deformations of the axial line of the rod. In this system, the rigidity characteristics of higher exponent are figured as coefficients. Nonlinear equilibrium conditions written for the case of large displacements and rotation angles in combination with linear kinematic relations are resolved in the form of the initial parameter method. Based on the strength condition written in the form of a quasi-uniaxial criterion, the designing criterion is formulated for the heterogeneous rod. This criterion is continuous along the longitudinal coordinates and it is discrete along the transverse coordinates. A two-stage algorithm is developed to solve the design problem of the rational design of a nonlinearly deformable layered rod. It makes it possible to identify the geometric functions of the longitudinal profiling of the rod layers presented in a discrete form. Resolution relations were obtained to find the functions of the width and height of the profiled layers. Numerical results are presented to solve the design problem of calculating a compressed-bent I-section rod, in which the flanges and I-beam webs were made of various materials. The presence of geometric restrictions on variable values from below ensured non-degeneracy of the flanges at the pre-support areas. The three characteristic areas were detected in the rod with the implementation of the calculated continuous criterion in the form of two-, one- and zero-point conditions along the transverse coordinate. It is shown that the consideration of the shear stresses in the rod of this flexibility is not relevant.

The review provides an analysis of literature data on the persistent form of Bovine Viral diarrhea/Mucosal disease (BVD) and is focused on virus and host factors, including those related to immune response, that contribute the persistence of the virus. BVD is a cattle disease widespread throughout the world that causes significant economic damage to dairy and beef cattle. The disease is characterized by a variety of clinical signs, including damage to the digestive and respiratory organs, abortions, stillbirths and other failures of reproductive functions.

Підготовка в інтернатурі з хірургії проводиться за індивідуальними навчальними планами, розробленими на підставі програми підготовки в інтернатурі. Комплексний підхід до вирішення актуальних питань навчання в інтернатурі дасть змогу підвищити професійний рівень майбутніх лікарів-хірургів. Мета - показати специфіку підготовки інтернів 1-го року навчання відповідно до індивідуальних навчальних планів та програми підготовки в інтернатурі з хірургії. Перший рік навчання в освітній частині інтернатури з хірургії на кафедрі хірургії Одеського національного медичного університету проходять 11 інтернів. На 1-му курсі інтернатури з хірургії інтерни проходять навчання в освітній частині інтернатури протягом трьох місяців (15,6 кредиту/468 год) з таких курсів: Курс 1. Організація хірургічної служби населенню. Курс 3. Абдомінальна хірургія. Курс 7. Гнійні хірургічні захворювання. Курс 8. Амбулаторна хірургія. Курс 9. Торакальна хірургія. Симуляційне навчання хірургічних навичок є невід’ємною складовою навчальної програми з хірургії для набуття необхідних навичок. Тривалість практичної частини інтернатури становить 8 місяців (1248 год). Набуті компетентності / практичні навички знаходять відображення у «Щоденнику практики». Структура практичної частини інтернатури визначає рівень оволодіння для кожної компетенції, практичної навички, який визначається в діапазоні від «A» до «С»: A: Має знання, описує. B: Асистує. C: Виконує під наглядом. Висновки. У перший рік навчання в інтернатурі з хірургії діяльність інтерна слід ретельно контролювати. Рівень самостійної практики інтерна-хірурга 1-го року навчання базується на активному залученні до надання допомоги, забезпеченні формуючого зворотного зв’язку між клінічними керівниками, кураторами. Інтерн-хірург 1-го року навчання вважається компетентним у всіх аспектах професійної діяльності в тому разі, коли він може виконувати цю діяльність самостійно. Автори заявляють про відсутність конфлікту інтересів.

On September 27, 2023, a seminar “Japan’s Economic Strategy in the Asia-Pacific Region” was held at MGIMO University. During the discussion, various issues related to the problems of Japan’s participation in the processes of international economic integration in the Asia-Pacific region, infrastructure development projects, as well as the relationship between economic and political aspects of Japan’s regional strategy were analyzed. Special attention was paid to the Japanese concept of the Indo-Pacific region, the Japanese initiative “Partnership for Quality Infrastructure,” as well as the economic measures of the Japanese government aimed at containing China in the Asia-Pacific region. The publication offers a transcript of this seminar.

On November 23, 2023, the V International Forum of Experts on Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) was held. The Expert Council’s working group included leading experts in the field of endocrine gynaecology and related areas from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Uzbekistan, and Ukraine. The Forum experts noted the importance of dialogue and understanding between doctor and patient, the need for interdisciplinary integration between doctors of those specialties that deal with women’s health issues. Close cooperation with related specialists who provide care to women is necessary, as they are often the ones who encounter the first manifestations of menopause in patients and can therefore refer them to an obstetrician-gynaecologist in a timely manner. The experts reviewed the issue of cardiovascular risk and MHT and determined the following benefit/risk ratio for the cardiovascular effects of MHT: • MHT is not recommended for women at high cardiovascular risk or with previous cardiovascular disease; • MHT may reduce the risk of CVD-related all-cause death in women < 60 years of age and with menopause of up to 10 years; • timely initiation of MHT (in women under 60 years of age or within 10 years of menopause) has the greatest cardiovascular health benefits. The forum updated the Algorithm for prescribing MHT in premature and early menopause and addressed the management of women with polycystic ovary syndrome in menopause. Since the majority of women with this syndrome are overweight and obese, they should use the most metabolically neutral drugs, i.e. those containing didrogesterone or progesterone, for MHT. MHT with didrogesterone has a favourable safety profile in relation to the most common risks of MHT: does not increase the risk of breast cancer and venous thromboembolism, has a favourable safety profile with respect to the endometrium, and does not affect metabolism.

The prosperity of corruption, especially during the war, is one of the threats to Ukraine's national security, political stability and economy. International audit practice shows that anti-corruption audit is an effective tool for combating corruption and financial fraud. The article aims to distinguish the concepts of anti-corruption audit and anti-corruption compliance, to disclose the types of anti-corruption audit and its elements, and to determine the place and role of anti-corruption compliance in detecting and preventing manifestations of illegal corruption actions. Based on the analysis of the essence, two types of anti-corruption audit are distinguished: internal and external, which makes it possible to determine their differences and areas of application. In scientific literature, anti-corruption audit is often equated with anti-corruption compliance, which, in our opinion, is a component of internal anti-corruption audit. This conclusion follows from the general interpretation provided by the International Compliance Association and from the ideology of compliance, which involves compliance with the internal policies and procedures of the business entity. The elements of an anti-corruption audit are defined based on the provisions of international normative acts, the specifics and requirements of the activities of international organizations; however, for Ukrainian practice, it is appropriate to distinguish its main and additional elements based on the specifics of the activities of business entities and public sector entities. The main elements are mandatory for private and public sector entities, and additional ones depend on the field of activity and the level of corruption risks in the surrounding environment. The interpretation of the term anti-corruption audit proposed in the article, the definition of its differences from anti-corruption compliance and the identification of its structural components will contribute to constructing an effective system of combating fraudulent and corruption schemes in the private and public sectors of the Ukrainian economy.

A concept of a high throughput, user-friendly, versatile bending magnet beamline at the fourth-generation synchrotron radiation facility SKIF, currently being constructed in Koltsovo (a science town near Novosibirsk, Russia), is proposed. The beamline is designed to implement the conventional and most demanded synchrotron techniques: XAS (X-ray absorption spectroscopy); XRD (X-ray diffraction), both powder and single-crystal, including the in situ mode; and XRF (X-ray fluorescence analysis). The beamline is conceived to be as simple as possible, but it is multifunctional, being a base beamline for the education and training of students, future synchrotron users, and beamline scientists. A number of potential beamline optical layouts are modeled in the XRT (XRayTracer) program package. The resulting beam characteristics at the sample position are discussed. A monochromator model is proposed. Surface distortions and their influence on the rocking curve of the Si111 crystal due to incoming heat loads are realistically modeled. The optimum design of the station is defined. The range of crystalline objects that are possible to be studied at the proposed station is emphasized, and future perspectives are outlined.

Since its discovery more than 100 years ago, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has become a potent strategy for the treatment of many types of cancer [...]