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The aim of this work is to draw attention to the peculiarities of long-lived patient functioning and to assess the state of health in a 100-year-old patient, her cognitive functions and life factors contributing to active longevity. Materials and methods. We have described and analyzed a case of the 100-year-old female patient’s health, the influence of factors for active aging prolongation (nutrition, physical activity, labor, psychological state, hobbies) on a specific example, conducted a review of the scientific literature regarding the reasons for longevity and people’s lifestyles. Results. According to projections for demographic prospects, by 2050, the number of elderly people in the world will increase to 16 %, and every sixth person will be older than 65 years. Thus, in the EU countries, the expected life expectancy for men is 74–77 years, women ‒ 80–82 years. Based on forecasts, the number of people aged 80 and over will triple: from 143 million in 2019 to 426 million in 2050. Therefore, the relevance of maintaining active longevity is beyond doubt. Examples of long-lived people on the planet have been analyzed and given. The presented clinical case is the 100-year-old woman who underwent a full clinical examination. Her physical and mental state as well as cognitive functions have been evaluated. The life and occupational trajectories, her hobby (singing), social activity, eating habits have been analyzed. Biological age has also been assessed. The biological age of our patient has been determined by metabolic laboratory parameters: complete blood count, creatinine, bilirubin, lipid levels, blood glucose, urea, AST, ALT, albumin, electrolytes. Conclusions. According to the conducted study, the biological age of the patient is 93 years, that is 7 years younger than the chronologic age. Our patient is not overweight, has daily walks lasting up to 1-2 hours, lives alone, but enjoys communicating with friendly people, has been adhering to a balanced diet over the past 40 years. The following are of great importance to the patient: a normal mental state, work after retirement, especially creative work, a positive attitude to life, communication with positive people, music and singing. Thus, a person can live up to 100 years without significant health problems.

Introduction/purpose: This paper presents the results of the research on visually lossless image compression which is of particular interest because it achieves a high degree of compression, while the visual quality of the image is not impaired, i.e., end users are very satisfied with the image quality. The analysis was carried out using the publicly available large-scale picture-wise KonJND-1k database which contains the results of subjective tests on JPEG and BPG compressed images. Methods: Thanks to the availability of images from the KonJND-1k database, the dependence of objective assessments of image quality on parameters that control the degree of compression of source signals (quality factor for JPEG and quantization parameter for BPG) is analyzed. The results of the visually lossless subjective tests are used for a deep analysis of the boundary and typical values of the parameters that control these two types of compression, as well as for the analysis of the corresponding values of the objective quality scores. Furthermore, reliable features for predicting the boundary between visually lossless and visually lossy compression have been identified. For that purpose, the degree of agreement between the predictions and the ground truth values of the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and image representation in bits per pixel (bpp) is used. The visually lossless compression ratio is used to compare JPEG and BPG techniques. Results: It is shown that the boundary between visually lossless and visually lossy image compression is found in a wide range of PSNR values (about 20 dB for JPEG and 15 dB for BPG). The corresponding JPEG image compression quality factor values at this threshold also range widely from 31 to 79, with concentration between 40 and 45. For the BPG encoder, the values of the quantization parameter are grouped around 30, and the boundary values are 25 and 34. Furthermore, it is shown that this boundary can be reliably determined based on simple features derived from the original uncompressed image. Gradient-based features known as spatial frequency and spatial information proved to be the best predictors. The degree of agreement between the predictions obtained from these features with the ground truth values of PSNR and bpp in both types of compression is greater than 85%. A comparative analysis has showed that, using BPG compression, it is possible, on the average, to achieve a twice larger compression ratio of visually lossless compression than for JPEG (80 versus 40). Conclusion: Although a high degree of agreement is achieved between the predictions and the ground truth values of PSNR and bpp of the boundary between visually lossless and visually lossy compression, there is a need for the development of new prediction approaches, especially with the BPG technique, which through the compression ratio proved to be superior to the JPEG technique. The existing databases used for the analysis of visually lossless compression contain color images from the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Considering the increasing use of images from the infrared part of the spectrum, there is a need to conduct similar tests in this spectral range.

The issue of adapting to climate change through the expansion of crop types has sparked interest in winter peas, which can be introduced into crop rotations to stabilise the yield of legumes, positively affect soil fertility, and increase arable land productivity, but the nutrition system of winter peas needs to be investigated and optimised, especially considering the rising cost of mineral fertilisers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of liquid organic-mineral fertilisers on the yield and quality of pea grain of winter sowing. To complete the objectives of the study, a field trial was conducted in the Odesa Oblast of Ukraine in 2021-2023. The replication of the experiment was fourfold, and the arrangement of variants was systematic. Liquid organo-mineral fertilisers were used in the experiment, which were applied once during the restoration of spring vegetation, in the budding phase and twice (restoration of spring vegetation+budding); the control variant did not involve the application of preparations. It was found that the use of liquid organo-mineral fertilisers on winter pea crops helps to increase its yield, but the growth rate is unstable, depends on weather conditions, and ranged within 0-30.4% over the years of research. The studied fertilisers had a substantial effect on the protein concentration in pea grain, the yield of which per unit area increased by an average of 22.4%, the thousand-kernel weight increased, but within the limits of statistical significance. The obtained findings suggested the possibility of using liquid organic-mineral fertilisers for growing winter peas using resource-saving or organic technology in the zone of high meteorological risks, but it should be considered that their effectiveness is determined by the composition and frequency of application. The practical value of the study lies in the development of elements of the nutrition system, which provides an increase in the yield of peas of winter sowing by 0.24-0.41 t/ha, high protein content and the level of profitability of its production – 117-152%, while the use of liquid organic-mineral fertilisers contributes to the biologisation of pea growing technology, reduces the cost of mineral fertilisers, and mitigates the chemical load on soils

Purpose: The aim of this study is to develop a framework for quantitative analysis of longitudinal T2-weighted MRIs (T2w) following radiotherapy (RT) for prostate cancer. Materials and methods: The developed methodology includes: (i) deformable image registration of longitudinal series to pre-RT T2w for automated detection of prostate, peripheral zone (PZ), and gross tumor volume (GTV); and (ii) T2w signal-intensity harmonization based on three reference tissues. The REgistration and HARMonization (REHARM) framework was applied on T2w acquired in a clinical trial consisting of two pre-RT and three post-RT MRI exams. Image registration was assessed by the DICE coefficient between automatic and manual contours, and intensity normalization via inter-patient histogram intersection. Longitudinal consistency was evaluated by the repeatability coefficient and Pearson correlation (r) between the two T2w exams before RT. Results: T2w from 107 MRI exams (23 patients) were utilized. Following REHARM, the histogram intersections for prostate, PZ and GTV increased from median = 0.43/0.16/0.13 to 0.66/0.44/0.46. The repeatability in T2w intensity estimation was better for the automatic than the manual contours for all three regions of interest (r = 0.9, p

The significance of vegetable production is driven by the need of the population for vitamin products, processing enterprises for raw materials, especially in wartime, in the face of food and environmental hazards, and the need to increase export opportunities, considering international integration processes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of war on the economic availability and environmental safety of food, to identify and assess the components and vectors of food and environmental safety management, and to evaluate and promote exports in the context of international economic integration. The study employed the methods of analysis and synthesis, generalisation and specification, mathematical and graphical methods. Sources of information: data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Trade Centre (ITC), and the State Statistics Service of Ukraine. The study analysed the current state of vegetable production, identified the key problems under the influence of food hazards, environmental factors, and integration processes. The study examined the impact of the war on the economic availability and environmental safety of food, estimated the volume of deficit in vegetable production, identified the principal economic and environmental problems and areas for improving the efficiency of the industry in the future. The volume of the deficit in vegetable production was found and the size of the lost sowing areas was determined; the reasons for the unsatisfactory state of vegetable production were identified. It was established that in recent years the country has experienced a temporary famine, which is unacceptable in the European space. It was found that, to minimise the agri-food crisis and environmental threats, it is necessary to focus on the implementation of the proposed measures to support production efficiency, the implementation of which will allow solving the issues of independence and food security of territorial communities, especially in times of war, and improve the functionality of governing bodies, economic entities, investors, scientists, and producers based on sustainable development. The practicality of the study findings is confirmed by the effectiveness of the developed proposals that can be used in the implementation of measures to increase vegetable production and exports

У цій статті ми виявимо і проаналізуємо банковські послуги які надаються під час використання сучасних інформаційних технологій у дистанційному обслуговуванні клієнтів банку. Авторкою виділено особливості, проблеми та перспективи розвитку процесу цифровізації в Україні На сьогоднішній день десятки банків пропонують своїм клієнтам як юридичним, так і фізичним особам, а також фізичним особам підприємцям системи дистанційного обслуговування та Інтернет-банкінгу, що забезпечують повноцінний банківський сервіс через мережу Інтернет із будь-якої точки земної кулі. Інтернет-банкінг це сервіс, що дозволяє керувати своїм банківським рахунком через Інтернет, користуючись великим комфортом та швидкістю, це можливість здійснювати операції зі своїм рахунком, відкритим у своєму банку, не відвідуючи офісу банку та забути про черги до кас та розрахункових відділів інших організацій. З іншого боку, Інтернет-банкінг – це загальна назва технологій дистанційного обслуговування, а також доступ до рахунків та операцій (за ними), що надається у будь-який час та з будь-якого комп’ютера, що має доступ до Інтернету. У статті визначено, що відсутній єдиний підхід до визначення роздрібних банківських послуг, а також загальноприйняте трактування поняття «банківська послуга». Запропоновано визначення банківської послуги, а саме банківська послуга – це результат комплексу банківських операцій, спрямованих на задоволення потреб клієнта, що несуть певну вигоду для споживача, пов’язаних із переміщенням фінансових активів або надання фінансової інформації. Відповідно, надання банківських послуг – це основна діяльність будь-якого банку. Для отримання прибутку банківська установа повинна створити свою послугу, необхідну клієнту, визначити її ціну, вийти з нею на ринок і реалізувати її, а крім цього забезпечити належне правове регулювання. В результаті дослідження було зроблено висновки про те, що спектр банківських послуг, що надаються фізичним особам, постійно розширюється це дозволить банкам у перспективі створити різні види пакетів послуг.

У статті проведено теоретичний аналіз сутності та змісту комунікації, яка будучи елементом соціальної взаємодії забезпечує передачу та обмін інформацією в різних сферах людської діяльності. Здійснений у статті аналіз лінгвістичного, соціально-психологічного, діяльнісного, культурологічного, інформаційного та семіотичного підходів дозволило зрозуміти різноманітність уявлень про комунікацію, сформулювати більш повне уявлення про її сутність та зміст. Також дозволив виявити неточності та розбіжності в розумінні поняття комунікації, що важливо для подальшого розвитку та уточнення теоретичного та прикладного аспектів даної проблеми, а також сприятиме розробці рекомендацій щодо формування ефективної взаємодії та діалогу, зменшенню непорозумінь, уникненню конфліктів та підвищенню якості відносин, в тому числі і правових. У статті аналізуються ключові компоненти комунікації. Особлива увага приділяється її сутності, яка полягає у створенні та підтримці соціальних взаємовідносин. Вона відіграє важливу роль у формуванні суспільної свідомості, культурної ідентичності та соціальної інтеграції. Комунікація забезпечує координацію дій та прийняття рішень, сприяє обміну знаннями та досвідом, а також формуванню громадської думки. Акцентується увага на тому, що за своєю природою багатогранним і динамічним процесом, що охоплює різні аспекти взаємодії між людьми. Така взаємодія включає вербальні та невербальні засоби передачі інформації, емоційні та раціональні компоненти, а також соціальні та культурні контексти. Вона сприяє збереженню культурної спадщини та адаптації до змін у суспільстві. Обґрунтовано, що основною метою комунікації є передача та обмін інформацією, знаннями, емоціями та ідеями для досягнення взаєморозуміння. З’ясовано, що зміст комунікації включає в себе інформаційні, емоційні, мотиваційні та оцінювальні аспекти. Інформаційний зміст стосується фактів, даних та знань, які передаються під час комунікації. Емоційний аспект відображає емоційний стан суб’єктів та впливає на сприйняття ними інформації. Мотиваційний аспект пов’язаний з намірами та цілями, що спонукають до комунікації. Оцінювальний аспект включає оцінку інформації та реакцію на неї, що визначає хід комунікації, подальшу поведінку суб’єктів.

The benefits of international economic integration have led to an increase in the number of integration groups. The sensitivity of the agri-food sector to liberalisation and its importance have led to the allocation of a separate chapter in regional trade agreements. The importance of foreign trade and food security, as well as their special significance for Ukraine, which has signed dozens of regional trade agreements and is one of the largest exporters of certain types of agri-food products, confirm the relevance of the study. The aim of the article is to analyse the theoretical foundations of international economic integration with a focus on the agricultural sector, identify its specific features and develop relevant proposals. To achieve this goal, the author used the methods of theoretical generalisation, abstract and logical, specification, analysis, and synthesis, which allowed to study the features of international economic integration in the agricultural sector, to formulate conclusions and proposals. The information base was based on scientific research, regional trade agreements, etc. As a result of the work carried out, the development of international economic integration was analysed with due regard to the agricultural sector. The article suggests allocation of the main goals of integration, their classification, definition and substantiation of risks. Among the main objectives of integration in the agricultural sector, it is proposed to allocate the following: ensuring the domestic demand for food of the required quality at an affordable price, taking into account the comparative advantages of the member states, increasing exports to third countries, based on the potential of the member states, and solving social problems. Taking into account the goals of sustainable development and global problems of mankind, it is proposed that the main goals should also include environmental issues and rational use of resources. The goals of integration are defined as one of the main prerequisites for its successful development, which is confirmed by the content of the relevant treaties and agreements. In practice, international economic integration can contribute to solving the problem of food security and development of the agricultural sector, production, in particular through the inflow of new technologies, foreign investment, etc. The development of intra- and extra-regional trade is envisaged as a result of harmonisation of product quality standards, increase of its competitiveness, etc. This should be facilitated, first of all, by a clear definition of goals, their implementation through an appropriate set of measures defined by country, and monitoring of implementation

This paper presents an investigation on the effect of JPEG compression on the similarity between the target image and the background, where the similarity is further used to determine the degree of clutter in the image. Four new clutter metrics based on image quality assessment are introduced, among which the Haar wavelet-based perceptual similarity index, known as HaarPSI, provides the best target acquisition prediction results. It is shown that the similarity between the target and the background at the boundary between visually lossless and visually lossy compression does not change significantly compared to the case when an uncompressed image is used. In future work, through subjective tests, it is necessary to check whether this presence of compression at the threshold of just noticeable differences will affect the human target acquisition performance. Similarity values are compared with the results of subjective tests of the well-known target Search_2 database, where the degree of agreement between objective and subjective scores, measured through linear correlation, reached a value of 90%.

Beef production is driven by the need to ensure the country’s food security, meet the processing industry’s demand for raw materials, and increase state budget revenues from exports. The purpose of this study was to highlight the status and trends of production in the world and Ukraine, to identify issues and find areas of development considering international economic integration. The methods employed were analysis, synthesis, generalisation, specification, mathematical, and graphical. The study identified the upward trend in global beef and veal production, the main producing countries and the predominant stability of their share in global volumes over the decades. It was found that higher beef production does not always allow for higher per capita volumes (e.g., in China and India). Ukraine’s production and its share in global volumes are declining, although production exceeds consumption. It was found that the share of agricultural enterprises in the structure of economic entities is decreasing, and there is a direct dependence between their number and production volumes, which prevails in the Forest-Steppe zone. The largest producing regions (Kyiv, Vinnytsia, Kharkiv, Lviv) were highlighted, where priority development in the post-war period is expected. The study found the principal reasons for the decline in production, including a decrease in livestock numbers, negative profitability, and rising average consumer prices. Based on the SWOT analysis results, development prospects were identified and relevant proposals were developed. The reasons for the decrease in the number of cattle and beef were proposed to be distinguished as general, and those related to enterprises and household farms; their interdependence was emphasised. The study stressed the need for state support for producers by providing food aid to the population free of charge and by purchasing products at lower prices depending on their financial level. International economic integration was singled out as one of the key factors of increasing beef production. The study emphasised the need to consider the consumer preferences of the population of countries with which regional trade agreements have been concluded, specifically regarding the production of kosher and halal products. The findings of this study and the proposals provided can be used to develop government measures to increase beef production and increase its share in world exports

Winter wheat is one of the most important crops in Ukraine, and modern varieties have the potential to produce high yields under favourable conditions. The realisation of the genetic yield potential of a variety is the result of a complex interaction of genotype and environmental variables. In order to find effective sources of resistance, a collection of winter wheat accessions of different ecological and geographical origin was studied. The research was conducted in 2017-2019 in the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe, and the analysis of plant resistance of the winter wheat collection of the National Centre of Plant Genetic Resources of Ukraine was tested against a synthetic infectious background of septoria, brown rust and smut as opposed to the natural background of powdery mildew, leaf yellowing (pyrenophorosis) and other root rot. The collection of 32 varieties was represented by 9 countries, most of them of Ukrainian origin. In the field, on artificial and natural infectious backgrounds, we identified varieties characterised by group resistance to pathogens of major diseases. The studies of adult plant resistance under conditions of infectious natural background and the use of the method of artificial complex infectious background have established that it is possible to investigate and identify sources of resistance to both individual pathogens and a complex of pathogens. As a result, no accessions were found to possess group resistance against the six pathogens presented. The selected varieties, Zdoba Kyivska, Vykhovanka Odeska and Feonia, can be used as sources of group resistance, which allows for excellent breeding efforts leading to the development of resistant wheat varieties. The selected sources are suitable for inclusion in breeding programmes as starting material for the development of modern high-yielding winter durum wheat varieties resistant to diseases and other environmental factors

Over the past decades, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of integration groupings in the world, and regional trade agreements are concluded by countries of different levels of economic development on all continents. The benefits of integration contribute to this process, but it should be taken into account that realities do not always correspond to expectations, in addition, countries face a number of risks. Such associations as the European Union, the North American Free Trade Agreement, and in Latin America - MERCOSUR have reached the highest level of development. Ukraine has also concluded regional trade agreements with dozens of countries and individual integration groups, in particular the EU and EFTA. Based on the above, the desire to benefit from international economic integration, the need to identify prospects, the feasibility of analysis, appropriate methods have been developed and applied. The aim of the study is to analyze methods for assessing international economic integration, taking into account the sectoral level, in particular the integration of agri-food markets. The article analyzes methodological approaches to determining the level of integration, integration criteria, outlines the consequences of integration from the standpoint of statistical effects, etc. The importance of using partial and general equilibrium models, gravitational models is emphasized. The possible consequences of international economic integration depending on the economic development of the member countries of the integration association are noted. It is proposed to calculate the indicator of integration assessment, which allows assessing trade in products within the grouping, and an algorithm has been developed to determine the impact of integration on foreign trade, taking into account the commodity and geographical structure of exports. The features of the analysis of the integration of agricultural markets are noted, the importance of using the index method for measuring the regional concentration of world trade is highlighted. The application of the above methods, conclusions and recommendations can help improve the assessment of integration processes and make decisions that will have a positive impact on the further development of integration.

Ukraine’s trade in agricultural products plays the key role in determining the well-being of its citizens. The objective of the paper is to reveal the structural transformations in Ukraine’s agricultural production, to analyze the geographical and commodity structure of exports with the focus on agro-food products, to identify the top world importers/exporters of the selected agro-food products, as well as to examine Ukraine’s merchandise trade in 2022 and compare it with that of 2021. The data, taken from the State Statistics Service of Ukraine; the Trade Map, developed by the UNCTAD/WTO International Trade Center; the State Customs Service of Ukraine, as well as agricultural policies of the developed countries served as the information source for research, in which various methods have been used, e.g.: economic-mathematical, statistical, comparison, graphical, tabular, method of expert assessments, etc. The results demonstrate the empirical experience of the importance of agricultural exports for the country’s ability to remain in international trade flows in the conditions of military operations in this country. An empirical example of the impact of the withdrawal of one of the leading suppliers of certain types of agricultural products from world trade is also considered, and the impact of some steps on the return of this country to world trade in the context of ongoing geopolitical shifts is determined.

The competitiveness of fresh fruit in the modern market substantially depends on sensory quality indicators. Sweet cherries are a top fruit that is highly valued by consumers due to their taste and visual attractiveness. For the growing demand for fruits on the European market, it is important to examine the sensory properties of cherry fruits in combination with their weight and diameter. The purpose of the study was to substantiate sensory indicators for examining the quality of cherry fruits of different maturation periods and selecting the most competitive varieties for the sustainable provision of fresh fruit in accordance with the requirements of the modern market. In the course of the study, the following methods were used: field, laboratory, and comparative. Determination of the mass, diameter, and sensory assessment of fruits was conducted on 33 varieties of sweet cherries. Experts conducted rating tests on a 9-point scale on ten fruit samples of the examined varieties. Fruits were evaluated by their appearance, aroma, taste, and texture. At the final stage of the assessment, experts calculated the average value of sensory indicators. A sensory profile was set for the fruits of each cherry variety and assigned a score based on the following descriptors: colour intensity, taste, pulp hardness and juiciness, and skin density. The standard methodology for evaluating the sensory properties of fresh fruits has been improved. The average weight (8.41 g) and diameter (22.63 mm) of sweet cherry fruits for three ripening groups were determined. Varieties (Kazka, Dilema, and Udivitiel’na) with the largest mass and diameter of fruits are identified. According to the complex of sensory indicators, the varieties Kazka, Vynka, and Krupnoplidna were distinguished. According to the external attractiveness, consistency, and taste qualities of fruits, a sensory profile has been formed for varieties of different maturation periods. Sensory evaluation of sweet cherry fruits will allow distributing fruit products and selecting raw materials for further use in fresh form, long-term storage, freezing and production of processed products by thermal sterilisation

Aim. To identify challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of a patient with intestinal damage due to long-term use of antibiotics. Material and methods. The case of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in a 65-year-old patient is described and analyzed. Results. The patient with a combined pathology of the gastrointestinal tract and cancer of the sigmoid colon developed a complication after a splenectomy – antibiotic-associated diarrhea. The clinical picture of diarrhea was complicated by the development of pseudomembranous colitis, which was masked by a leukemoid reaction and a septic process. The patient with the relapsing disease course developed multiple organ failure that resulted in a lethal outcome. Conclusions. Diarrhea associated with Clostridia difficile caused the development of pseudomembranous colitis. At the same time, the clinical picture of the disease had a mask of a leukemoid reaction and a septic process.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with high morbidity and mortality but lacks specific therapeutic options. Diverse endocytic processes play a key role in all phases of acute lung injury (ALI), including the initial insult, development of respiratory failure due to alveolar flooding, as a consequence of altered alveolar-capillary barrier function, as well as in the resolution or deleterious remodeling after injury. In particular, clathrin-, caveolae-, endophilin- and glycosylphosphatidyl inositol-anchored protein-mediated endocytosis, as well as, macropinocytosis and phagocytosis have been implicated in the setting of acute lung damage. This manuscript reviews our current understanding of these endocytic pathways and subsequent intracellular trafficking in various phases of ALI, and also aims to identify potential therapeutic targets for patients with ARDS.

We described two patients diagnosed with rare bladder metastasis (BM) from pancreatic adenocarcinoma, a prevalent neoplastic disease primarily associated with ductal adenocarcinoma. The overall prognosis for those patients with metastasis is very poor, with a 5-year survival rate of

Chondroma, commonly observed in the bones, has limited documentation when found in soft tissues. To date, only 8 chondromas in the urinary bladder have been reported, all in females. Here, we describe a 54-year-old female who presented with a chondroma located at the anterior wall of the urinary bladder. An incidental 5 mm enhanced focus was identified on the right bladder wall during a contrast-enhanced computerized tomography (CT). Subsequent cystoscopy did not reveal any abnormalities, and both urinalysis and urine cytology were unremarkable. However, a CT urogram reconfirmed suspicions of malignancy, which a cystoscopy validated. The patient underwent a transurethral resection of the bladder tumor, which was identified as a bladder chondroma. During the surgical incision, a submucosal lesion was found, which was further confirmed with histopathological evaluation. Over a year-long follow-up using imaging and urine cytology, no recurrence was observed. This case reinforces earlier findings and underscores the predilection for females between their 5th and 7th decades with a positive prognosis.

Lossy compression of remote-sensing images is a typical stage in their processing chain. In design or selection of methods for lossy compression, it is commonly assumed that images are noise-free. Meanwhile, there are many practical situations where an image or a set of its components are noisy. This fact needs to be taken into account since noise presence leads to specific effects in lossy compressed data. The main effect is the possible existence of the optimal operation point (OOP) shown for JPEG, JPEG2000, some coders based on the discrete cosine transform (DCT), and the better portable graphics (BPG) encoder. However, the performance of such modern coders as AVIF and HEIF with application to noisy images has not been studied yet. In this paper, analysis is carried out for the case of additive white Gaussian noise. We demonstrate that OOP can exist for AVIF and HEIF and the performance characteristics in it are quite similar to those for the BPG encoder. OOP exists with a higher probability for images of simpler structure and/or high-intensity noise, and this takes place according to different metrics including visual quality ones. The problems of providing lossy compression by AVIF or HEIF are shown and an initial solution is proposed. Examples for test and real-life remote-sensing images are presented.

This paper examines world trade in agri-food products in the context of international economic integration. This is due to the importance of foreign trade for the economic development of countries, especially in the context of globalisation, the increase in the number of integration groups whose participation affects the terms of trade of their member and non-member countries, and the aggravation of the food crisis. The purpose of this article is to identify the state and trends of world trade in agri-food products, taking into account regional characteristics and the participation of countries in integration groupings, and to determine their role in the future. Methodology. The research is based on a comparison of parts of individual regions and integration groups in world trade, identifying trends and features. The publication uses the methods of analysis, synthesis, generalisation, comparative assessment, and graphical methods, in particular, to identify the main trends, draw conclusions, etc. Results. The study shows that world trade in agri-food products is growing significantly, both globally and by region. The countries of Europe and the Americas are the main exporters, but the countries of Asia, South and Central America and Africa are the fastest growing exporters. However, the main suppliers remain the member countries of the most advanced integration groupings - the European Union, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR). It is proposed to divide the main exporters into regions, integration groups and countries. The issue of food security is one of the most important in modern conditions and within the integration groups. It is advisable that they contribute to some extent to solving this problem at the regional level and in relation to third countries. To this end, it is advisable to develop measures to provide food aid to countries affected by natural disasters, climate change or other adverse circumstances on several fronts: within integration groups, in the region and at the global level. These groups are expected to remain among the largest suppliers of agri-food products in the future, and one of the main reasons for this is their participation in integration groups, which facilitates the liberalisation of the movement of new technologies, in particular to the agricultural sector.

Remote sensing data are widely used in numerous applications. A conventional task solved using remote sensing images is their classification. The classification maps are commonly produced by some pre-trained classifiers applied either to uncompressed or compressed images where lossy compression is often needed and employed in practice due to the necessity to reduce data volume at stages of image transfer and storage. Then, the classification accuracy depends on the characteristics of an image, a classifier, and a coder used. The main subject of this paper is the factors that determine classification accuracy. One of them is compressed image quality. We fix the quality of compressed image quality characterized by the peak signal-to-noise ratio for several coders and rely on the same training approach. Our goal is twofold. First, we would like to consider classification accuracy for two approaches to classifier training: based on undistorted data and images with simulated distortions. Second, our desire is to compare the performance of different techniques of image compression. The task of this paper is to obtain an idea is it worth training the neural network classifier for uncompressed images or images of similar quality to the quality of compressed data to be classified. The coder’s influence on classification results is of special interest as well. The main results are the following. First, the classification accuracy is almost the same for classifiers trained for uncompressed and simulated compressed data for the general distortion model. Second, there is a certain difference in the classification results for different compression techniques studied. Lightly better classification results are observed for data produced by more sophisticated (modern) coders. Experiments have been carried out for two real-life three-channel Sentinel-2 images of Kharkiv and the Kharkiv region having different complexity. Four typical classes have been considered. As a conclusion, it is possible to state that either the general model of distortions must be modified or the classifier training should be performed for data produced by the corresponding compression technique.

Introduction: The concept of ''adaptive learning systems'' assumes development and implementation of personalized learning platforms that adapt to students’ learning strategies, the sequence and difficulty of the task abilities, the time of feedback and students’ preferences. Metaverse technologies can implement adaptive personalized learning to a greater extent due to the possibilities of wider application of student-oriented technologies and provision of rational support for personal educational progress, taking into account individual characteristics. Material and methods: The article describes the phenomenological toolkit of the metaverse based on the Microsoft solution to ensure adaptive learning of medical informatics, taking into account modern technologies. Results: Two components of the implementation of adaptive learning with Medical Informatics are suggested: (1) creating responsive, professionally relevant learning content that spans simulated accurate digital models of the real world and augmented reality, (2) creation of a metaverse virtual environment for the organization of immersive adaptive learning based on a combination of personally oriented design and productive interaction.Our choice of the Microsoft solution assumes the possibility of implementing in the educational environment of the metaverse such educational tools as voice virtual assistants with artificial intelligence support (Microsoft Bot solution), Internet of things for education and generating educational data (Azure IoT, Power Platform), mirror worlds of educational destination (Microsoft Twins), augmented, virtual, and mixed reality (Microsoft Mesh, Microsoft HoloLens, Dynamics 365 Guides). Conclusion: The proposed solutions of Microsoft make it possible to ensure high functionality in a number of issues when building a student-oriented virtual environment of the metaverse for adaptive and authentic learning. Resumen: Introducción: El concepto de ''sistemas de aprendizaje adaptativo'' supone el desarrollo y la implementación de plataformas de aprendizaje personalizadas que se adapten a las estrategias de aprendizaje de los estudiantes, la secuencia y dificultad de las habilidades de las tareas, el tiempo de retroalimentación y las preferencias de los estudiantes. Las tecnologías de metaverso pueden implementar un aprendizaje personalizado adaptativo en mayor medida debido a las posibilidades de una aplicación más amplia de tecnologías orientadas al estudiante y la provisión de apoyo racional para el progreso educativo personal, teniendo en cuenta las características individuales. Material y métodos: El artículo describe el toolkit fenomenológico del metaverso basado en la solución de Microsoft para garantizar el aprendizaje adaptativo de la informática médica, teniendo en cuenta las tecnologías modernas. Resultados: Se sugieren dos componentes de la implementación del aprendizaje adaptativo con Informática Médica: (1) crear contenido de aprendizaje receptivo y profesionalmente relevante que abarque modelos digitales precisos simulados del mundo real y la realidad aumentada, (2) creación de un entorno virtual de metaverso para la organización de aprendizaje adaptativo inmersivo basado en una combinación de diseño orientado personalmente e interacción productiva.Nuestra elección de la solución de Microsoft supone la posibilidad de implementar en el entorno educativo del metaverso herramientas educativas tales como asistentes virtuales de voz con soporte de inteligencia artificial (solución Microsoft Bot), Internet de las cosas para la educación y generación de datos educativos (Azure IoT, Power Platform), mundos espejo de destino educativo (Microsoft Twins), realidad aumentada, virtual y mixta (Microsoft Mesh, Microsoft HoloLens, Dynamics 365 Guides). Conclusión: Las soluciones propuestas por Microsoft permiten garantizar una alta funcionalidad en una serie de problemas al construir un entorno virtual del metaverso orientado al estudiante para un aprendizaje adaptativo y auténtico.

IntroductionAcute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a common complication of influenza virus (IV) infection. During ARDS, alveolar protein concentrations often reach 40-90% of plasma levels, causing severe impairment of gas exchange and promoting deleterious alveolar remodeling. Protein clearance from the alveolar space is at least in part facilitated by the multi-ligand receptor megalin through clathrin-mediated endocytosis.MethodsTo investigate whether IV infection impairs alveolar protein clearance, we examined albumin uptake and megalin expression in MLE-12 cells and alveolar epithelial cells (AEC) from murine precision-cut lung slices (PCLS) and in vivo, under IV infection conditions by flow cytometry and western blot. Transcriptional levels from AEC and broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) cells were analyzed in an in-vivo mouse model by RNAseq.ResultsIV significantly downregulated albumin uptake, independently of activation of the TGF-β1/GSK3β axis that has been previously implicated in the regulation of megalin function. Decreased plasma membrane abundance, total protein levels, and mRNA expression of megalin were associated with this phenotype. In IV-infected mice, we identified a significant upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-14 in BAL fluid cells. Furthermore, the inhibition of this protease partially recovered total megalin levels and albumin uptake.DiscussionOur results suggest that the previously described MMP-driven shedding mechanisms are potentially involved in downregulation of megalin cell surface abundance and clearance of excess alveolar protein. As lower alveolar edema protein concentrations are associated with better outcomes in respiratory failure, our findings highlight the therapeutic potential of a timely MMP inhibition in the treatment of IV-induced ARDS.

Subject of research is foreign investments. The purpose of this article is a study of the nature and peculiarities of attracting foreign investments into the Ukrainian economy through the stock market. Methods which were used in course of research: method of system-structural analysis and synthesis, method of comparative analysis, generalization, general scientific, special methods of scientific knowledge and other methods of research. Study results. The role of attracting investments into the country's economy is characterized. The essence, importance and necessity of intensifying the investment function and the participation of households in economic relations with regard to the purchase of various financial assets in the stock market are investigated. Negative phenomena in investment activity are identified and the main ways of improving the investment climate of Ukraine are identified. Application of results. The results of the study can be used in the activities of the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the National Securities and Stock Market Commission, as well as in higher education institutions in teaching economic disciplines. Conclusions. Reinvigorating economic, including investment and innovation, and improving social conditions on this basis is only possible through decisive, comprehensive and consistent market reforms that will free up entrepreneurial initiative, create a competitive environment and provide the economy with incentives for effective development.

The issue of protecting the rights of minors is undoubtedly relevant. There is a tendency in society when the employment of minors in the labor market is growing. The purpose of the article is to analyze the theory and practice of legal regulation of labor of minors under Ukrainian and international law and to find the optimal solution to the problematic issues that exist in this area. The article deals with the legal features of the work of minors at the national and international levels. Universal international legal acts enshrine the fundamentals of protection of the rights of minors from forced labor and oblige states to set a minimum age for employment and prohibit minors from holding certain positions. National legislation extends the norms on the work of minors in accordance with their labor market, clarifies and expands the rights of minors and the employment procedure. Despite the fact that the rights of child workers are clearly regulated, the state should eliminate certain shortcomings to ensure the rights and freedoms of this group of workers. The authors conclude that the term "light work" needs to be clarified, and a detailed classification of child workers depending on their age and state benefits is necessary. It is necessary to take educational measures to inform minors about their rights in the field of employment, and to develop a simplified mechanism for the protection of their rights. Scientific work can contribute to consolidate Ukraine's international relations with that of other countries in terms of developing bilateral relations to protect the rights of underage workers.

Tocopherol is one of the known beneficial natural antioxidants ensuring the optimal level of functioning of mammalian organisms. Numerous in vitro and in vivo experiments have shown that the biological role of vitamin E is to prevent the development of pathologies caused by oxidative stress. In particular, the role of enzymatic factors of lipid peroxidation and related inflammation as a result of eicosanoid synthesis was clearly shown. We studied changes in the structural and functional state of hepatocyte membranes in the classical model of E-hypovitaminosis caused by long-term (70 days) insufficient intake of vitamin E in the diet of rats. The test components were determined spectrophotometrically after appropriate chromatographic procedures. The amount of total and individual leukotrienes was determined by ELISA. Prolonged tocopherol deficiency in rats caused a 49.4% decrease in tocopherol, more than 27.0% – in cholesterol. Of the 8 individual phospholipids studied, 6 showed significant changes: a decrease in cardiolipin and phosphatidylserine, and an increase in phosphatidylethanolamine by 3.24 times, an increse in lysophosphatidylcholine by 86.9%, in phospha­tidylcholine by 52.8%, and in sphingomyelin by 30.6%, relative to control. There were changes in the levels of unsaturated fatty acids playing a significant role in the development of functional disorders in cells and affecting the metabolism of ecosanoids derived from arachidonic acid by the 5-lipoxygenase oxidation pathway. Changes in the levels of total and individual cysteinyl leukotrienes in the state of E-hypovitaminosis were revealed. Restoration of vitamin E intake returns most of the studied indicators such as tocopherol, cholesterol, polyunsaturated fatty acids to the control levels and activates the processes of sequential conversion of leukotrienes in the body of rats. The obtained results indicate the potentiating effect of vitamin E on metabolic processes in the body as a whole and in hepatocytes and eicosanoid metabolism. The degree of tocopherol intake allows one to influence the course of inflammatory processes associated with eicosanoids, not only through the impact on precursors, but also on the utilization of metabolites, including leukotrienes.

The importance of international economic integration is underlined by the simultaneous conclusion by countries of regional trade agreements with various integration groups and individual countries, which is typical for Ukraine, which signed the Association Agreement with the EU, a number of free trade agreements and is part of the BSEC, which is especially important given the development of trade in Asia. The purpose of the study is to analyse the foreign trade relations of the BSEC countries and substantiate proposals for their deepening. The method of analysis was used in the work, including historical, abstract-logical, economic-mathematical, etc. The main perspective directions of BSEC cooperation are substantiated as a result of the analysis of scientific works on international economic integration on separation of the Asian region, economic indicators of countries and basic documents of the organization, separate normative-legal acts of Ukraine. The main exporters and importers were identified, the specific features of the BSEC commodity structure were clarified, the main exporting goods were identified, with the separation of agri-food products, foreign trade trends were analysed and some indicators of international trade were identified. The products that occupy the largest share in the country’s exports to the group have been identified, which is a prerequisite for the establishment of joint ventures and can help increase their competitiveness. It was found that the group’s exports increased more than the world, and the main exporters continue to remain so. The growth of intra-regional and total imports of the group was revealed, its structure was analysed. It is determined that the trade balance of most countries was mostly negative. The practical value is to identify the most promising areas of cooperation of the BSEC countries, which should promote their economic development, including – product positions for the development of domestic and extraregional trade, to increase demand inside and outside the region, producers’ incomes and partially solve problems and food security in the world

Persistent symptoms and radiographic abnormalities suggestive of failed lung repair are among the most common symptoms in patients with COVID-19 after hospital discharge. In mechanically ventilated patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) secondary to SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, low tidal volumes to reduce ventilator-induced lung injury necessarily elevate blood CO2 levels, often leading to hypercapnia. The role of hypercapnia on lung repair after injury is not completely understood. Here — using a mouse model of hypercapnia exposure, cell lineage tracing, spatial transcriptomics, and 3D cultures — we show that hypercapnia limits β-catenin signaling in alveolar type II (AT2) cells, leading to their reduced proliferative capacity. Hypercapnia alters expression of major Wnts in PDGFRα+ fibroblasts from those maintaining AT2 progenitor activity toward those that antagonize β-catenin signaling, thereby limiting progenitor function. Constitutive activation of β-catenin signaling in AT2 cells or treatment of organoid cultures with recombinant WNT3A protein bypasses the inhibitory effects of hypercapnia. Inhibition of AT2 proliferation in patients with hypercapnia may contribute to impaired lung repair after injury, preventing sealing of the epithelial barrier and increasing lung flooding, ventilator dependency, and mortality.

Background: Urolithiasis is a growing issue globally, but it is heterogeneous, with a different epidemiology and pathophysiology for each different stone composition. Objective: The purpose of this study is to describe the incidence of urinary stones in the USA from 2016 to 2019 by chemical composition and to investigate the influence of age and geography on these stone types. Design, setting, and participants: We obtained compositional analyses for all urinary stones submitted to a national laboratory over an approximately 3-yr period. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: Data collected included the chemical constituents of a stone, patient age, and geographical origin. We describe the incidence of each stone type by frequency. Statistical testing was performed to determine the influence of age and geographical region on overall incidence of each stone composition. Results and limitations: In total, 99 908 specimens were analyzed. When pure stones were ordered by frequency, we found that the most common stone type was calcium oxalate (CaOx) (79.2%), followed by uric acid (UA; 14.3%), calcium phosphate (CaPO4; 3.7%), cystine (0.51%), drug induced (0.12%), and magnesium ammonium phosphate (0.04%). CaOx, UA, and CaPO4 were often mixed with one another. Among CaOx stones, the plurality (28.0%) was made of pure calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM), and only 0.002% was pure calcium oxalate dihydrate. There was an overall association between stone composition and both geographical distribution and age (p < 0.001). Conclusions: CaOx stones comprise the majority of urinary stones in the USA, of which almost 28% were pure COM. Additionally, age and geographical region are significantly associated with variations in stone composition. Patient summary: We evaluated the incidence of urinary stones in the USA based on their chemical composition. The most common stone type was calcium oxalate, the majority of which was pure calcium oxalate monohydrate. We also found age and geographical region to be significantly associated with variations in stone composition.

This article develops the understanding of symbols as a certain type of signs, the meaning of which is established by agreement or habit. There is an opinion that symbols in public discourse are a reflection of values and anti-values of the society, which are formed in the process of mass communication. This article identifies the main features of the characters, including emotional engagement, attachment to a particular act of communication, as well informativeness. The types of meaning are determined, and the mechanism of nomination is explained. The article reveals the concept of semantic competition. M. Edelman’s opinion that value structures can be divided into mono-, bi- and multimodal — depending on the number of values assigned to key symbols. The presidential speeches delivered before the Ukrainian Constitution Day in 2017–2020 were analyzed in this article. Thanks to the content analysis of emotionally colored words, the symbols, which are characteristic for the speeches of P. Poroshenko and V. Zelensky, were identified focusing both on similarities and differences of Ukrainian values and anti-values. This article analyzes the nominations used by speakers to give meaning to key symbols. Aspects of semantic competition of the key symbols are defined here as well. It was revealed that during the tenure of President Poroshenko, other symbols circulated mostly in the Ukrainian public discourse than those during the presidency of V. Zelensky. Among the common key values for both presidents, we can find “Constitution,” “Constitution Day” and “freedom”. There is a semantic competition in their use. Both presidents underline the negative meaning of the term “parliamentary immunity.” Poroshenko expresses the threat using symbols such as “Russian aggressor”, “fifth column,” “corruption,” “Russian Empire” and “war.” On the other hand, V. Zelensky does not use symbols of external threat. It was found that the value structure formed by Poroshenko’s speeches showed signs of bimodality, and the one created by V. Zelensky’s speeches — multimodality.

У статті на основі чинного законодавства та існуючих у юридичній літературі точок зору зроблена спроба визначення місця банківських договорів в системі цивільно-правових договорів. Зазначено, що показником актуальності та невисокої розробленості даної теми дослідження є те, що, незважаючи на наявність досить широкого кола досліджень з окремих видів зобов'язань та договорів, питання визначення місця банківських договорів в системі цивільно-правових договорів залишаються недостатньо розробленими. Аргументовано , що система цивільних договорів містить особливу групу договорів, вчинення яких становить безпосередньо предмет діяльності банків (кредитування, залучення вкладів, розрахункові операції і т. п.). Особливість цих договорів полягає в тому, що завжди одним з учасників правочину виступає банк, а предметом правових дій, як правило, є грошові кошти . що банківські договори мають цивільно-правову природу, оскільки внаслідок застосування адміністративно-правових норм хоч і виникають публічно-правові відносини, такі правовідносини існують паралельно із приватноправовими та не перетинаються з ними.. Наголошено на тому, що банківські договори мають цивільно-правову природу, оскільки внаслідок застосування адміністративно-правових норм хоч і виникають публічно-правові відносини, такі правовідносини існують паралельно із приватноправовими та не перетинаються з ними.. Визначені ознаки які ознаки характеризують банківські договори як приватно-правову категорію, що займає досить важливе місце в системі цивільно-правових договорів. Розглянуто питання, яке впродовж тривалого часу є предметом дискусій та пов'язане з класифікацією банківських договорів, як зобов'язань з надання послуг. Проаналізована правова природа банківських договорів, на основі чого зроблено висновок про те, що незалежно від ступеня та характеру державного втручання у діяльність банків, банківські договори були і залишаються інститутом цивільного права, оскільки завжди призводять до виникнення майнових правовідносин, заснованих на засадах юридичної рівності його учасників.

Purpose: A pilot study to describe histopathological features of penile tissue of patients who recovered from symptomatic COVID-19 infection and subsequently developed severe erectile dysfunction (ED). Materials and Methods:Materials and Methods: Penile tissue was collected from patients undergoing surgery for penile prosthesis for severe ED. Specimens were obtained from two men with a history of COVID-19 infection and two men with no history of infec-tion. Specimens were imaged with TEM and H&E staining. RT-PCR was performed from corpus cavernosum biopsies. The tissues collected were analyzed for endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS, a marker of endothelial function) and CO-VID-19 spike-protein expression. Endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) function was assessed from blood samples collected from COVID-19 (+) and COVID-19 (-) men. Results:Results: TEM showed extracellular viral particles ~100 nm in diameter with peplomers (spikes) near penile vascular endo-thelial cells of the COVID-19 (+) patients and absence of viral particles in controls. PCR showed presence of viral RNA in COVID-19 (+) specimens. eNOS expression in the corpus cavernosum of COVID-19 (+) men was decreased compared to COVID-19 (-) men. Mean EPC levels from the COVID-19 (+) patients were substantially lower compared to mean EPCs from men with severe ED and no history of COVID-19. Conclusions:Conclusions: Our study is the first to demonstrate the presence of the COVID-19 virus in the penis long after the initial infec-tion in humans. Our results also suggest that widespread endothelial cell dysfunction from COVID-19 infection can contrib-ute to ED. Future studies will evaluate novel molecular mechanisms of how COVID-19 infection leads to ED.

According to the author, this book aims to explore the accessibility and use of social capital within and outside the migrant community from the former Soviet Union (FSU) for migrant enterprises that operate in various markets over time. Elena Sommer’s book aims to shed light on a phenomenon that has spawned an international lexicon of words and phrases that include “ethnic entrepreneurship,” “ethnic business,” or “ethnic economy,” “middleman minority,” “sojourners,” “transculturality,” “orthodox ethnicity,” and “reactive ethnicity.” In her exploratory research, based on evidence from 62 qualitative interviews, Sommer examines the usage of social capital for entrepreneurial practices of self-employed migrants from the former Soviet Union in Germany. The study resulted from the author’s doctoral research at Bremen International Graduate School of Social Sciences (BIGSSS). It was designed to show how business-related social relationships are influenced by a company’s marketing policy and access to specific entrepreneurial social networks. The author investigates the types of relationship networks migrants use as a platform for creating and growing small enterprises and how migrants’ entrepreneurial social networks evolve.

The conclusion of regional trade agreements has increased to hundreds. The benefits of integration, fears of protectionism on the part of uniting countries, and other factors contribute to this process. Ukraine has signed agreements with more than 40 countries, including integration groups. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify the specific features of its agreements, prospects for their development and signing new ones. It is worth analysing the conclusion of agreements in the historical aspect, based on the level of their economic development, foreign trade, the trade complementarity level, and identifying development opportunities. Therefore, general scientific and special methods were used in this study, in particular historical, analysis and synthesis, economic analysis, tabular, etc. The study examined research performed by other scientists; statistical data from the Centre for international trade, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO); international treaties and regulatory documents. According to the analysis of concluding agreements, it is proposed to divide them into two periods: before and after 2000. In the first case, they were concluded mainly with developing and neighbouring countries, and in the second – with developed countries outside the former Soviet Union. At first, the partners were mainly the CIS countries, then Europe, and later other regions, but there were also disintegration processes with the Baltic states. It is established that transactions have their specific features regarding the provision of a favourable regime, e-commerce, etc. It is proposed to divide integration risks into predictable and unpredictable ones. The main importers of all and agri-food products were identified among the countries with which agreements have been concluded. Exports to such countries are mainly growing, as well as the share of agri-food products. The trade balance and low share in Ukraine's exports indicate the feasibility of developing trade. The calculation of the complementarity index allows predicting the prospects for the development of relations with countries with which agreements are planned and already concluded, as well as with the main importers of the world market. The results of the study indicate prospects for the development of trade, but this will depend on the content of transactions, product competitiveness, etc.

The aim of this work is to evaluate the complex therapeutic effect of Thiotriazolin (anticoagulant, antiplatelet, metabolitotropic, endothelioprotective activity) in patients with post-COVID syndrome in comparison with basic therapy. Materials and methods. The studies involved 30 patients aged between 30 to 60 years with post-COVID syndrome. Of these, 15 persons received basic therapy (antibiotics, anticoagulants, acetylsalicylic acid), and other 15 patients received Thiotriazolin in the form of 200 mg tablets twice a day for 30 days against the background of basic therapy. Inclusion criteria were a positive PCR test for COVID-19; if the PCR test was negative, then the patients were enrolled based on the presence of IgM COVID-19 or IgG COVID-19 (with X-ray confirmed pneumonia). The rate of lung damage is up to 45 %. The patients had the following comorbidities: diabetes mellitus in the stage of compensation, arterial hypertension, ischemic heart disease without heart failure. The results of the study were calculated using the standard statistical package Statistica for Windows 13 (StatSoft Inc., № JPZ804I382130ARCN10-J), аs well as SPSS 16.0, Microsoft Office Excel 2003. Results. The inclusion of Thiotriazolin in the complex basic therapy of post-COVID syndrome led to a significant increase in the effectiveness of basic endothelioprotective, anticoagulant and antiaggregatory therapy and contributed to the prevention of thrombus formation. The administration of Thiotriazolin led to a significant improvement in general clinical parameters in patients with post-COVID syndrome – complaints of tachycardia disappeared, blood pressure was stabilized (without additional correction with antihypertensive drugs), weakness and increased fatigue disappeared. Saturation in 14 (93.4 %) patients increased to 97–98 %. In the control group only 7 (46.7 %) of 15 patients had oxygen saturation at 97–98 % level. Conclusions. The introduction of the drug Thiotriazolin in the form of 200 mg tablets twice a day for 30 days into the complex basic therapy of post-COVID syndrome leads to a significant increase in the basic endothelioprotective, antiaggregatory and anticoagulant therapy and contributes to the prevention of thrombus formation against the background of improving the state of the myocardium and vascular endothelium.

Purpose: To evaluate the presence and analyze the pathological changes within the testes of patients who died or recovered from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (COVID-19) complications. Materials and Methods: Testis tissue was collected from autopsies of COVID-19 positive (n=6) and negative men (n=3). Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and subjected to immunofluorescence for angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) expression. Fluorescent-labeled tissue slides were imaged on a quantitative pathology scope with various zoom levels allowing for qualitative and quantitative interpretation. Tissue from four COVID- 19 positive autopsy cases and a live seroconverted patient was imaged with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results: H&E histomorphology showed three of the six COVID-19 biopsies had normal spermatogenesis while the remaining three had impaired spermatogenesis. TEM showed the COVID-19 virus in testis tissue of one COVID-19 positive autopsy case and the live biopsy, H&E stain on the same autopsy case demonstrated interstitial macrophage and leukocyte infiltration. Immunofluorescent stained slides from six COVID-19 positive men demonstrated a direct association between increased quantitative ACE-2 levels and impairment of spermatogenesis. Conclusions: The novel COVID-19 has an affinity for ACE-2 receptors. Since ACE-2 receptor expression is high in the testes, we hypothesized that COVID-19 is prevalent in testes tissue of infected patients. This study suggests the male reproductive tract, specifically the testes, may be targets of COVID-19 infection. We found an inverse association between ACE-2 receptor levels and spermatogenesis, suggesting a possible mechanism of how COVID-19 can cause infertility.

The cultural adaptation of the psychodiagnostic questionnaire involves the implementation of a “double-blind” translation with subsequent linguistic validation considering both linguistic differences and the symbolism of the authors’ statements. Then, based on the survey data of respondents, various psychometric indicators of the questionnaire are checked. The development of Ukrainian-language questionnaires in the psychodynamic paradigm is crucial for creating an appropriate scientific evidence base of therapeutic methods and for psychotherapeutic practice to equip specialists with reliable diagnostic tools. The research objective is to carry out a professional translation of The Inventory of Personality Organization-Revised (IPO-R) into Ukrainian, followed by checking for linguistic validity and psychometric properties. The questionnaire showed high psychometric performance in the long (IPO; Lenzenweger et al., 2001) and short (IPO-R; Smits et al., 2009) versions and foreign language adaptations. It is widely used in psychological research, the theoretical and methodological basis of which is the psychoanalytic concept, in particular, the theory of Kernberg (1986) on different levels of structural organization of personality, which underlies the psychoanalyst's choice of a strategy for working with a client. The created test version of the IPO-R-UKR questionnaire passed the stages of two-sided "double-blind" translation and was agreed upon by a team of philologists and psychologists. Based on the results of 1152 people participating in the empirical research, we have proven IPO-R-UKR to have a similar to the original two-factor structure, good internal consistency of the scales, construct convergent, and criterion validity. Thus, IPO-R-UKR can be used in practical psychological activities and scientific research to identify criteria for the structural organization of personality, such as reality testing, identity diffusion, and mechanisms of psychological defenses, as well as for screening diagnostics of the structural level of personality organization by Kernberg (1986).

The importance and number of integration blocs continue to grow, with agreements being concluded by countries on all continents. This affects not only the development of their member countries but also third countries, in particular trade with them. A considerable number of trade and economic associations are established by Latin American countries, and although researchers study mainly Mercosur, it is advisable to consider other blocs, wherein the integration of developing countries originates in Latin America. The purpose of the study was to examine the development of integration in Latin America and external trade peculiarities of individual trade and economic associations. To achieve this purpose, the authors used foreign and Ukrainian studies, statistical data of international organisations, as well as analysis and synthesis, comparative, historical, graphic, and other methods. The study considered the integration in Latin America, caused by internal issues of countries, its individual stages. In particular, the researchers outlined the features of each stage and identified the advantages of integration, which has become a driving force for trade development. It is advisable to consider the factors that contributed to integration when concluding future regional trade agreements, as well as the level of development of individual integrating countries, their participation in other trade and economic associations, international organisations, and other factors. Calculations for trade areas demonstrated that in 2018, compared with 1995, the total and intraregional exports of the studied integration blocs grew, and the share of the latter did not fall below 10.5%, with the exception of the Andean Community, some blocs reached 20%, although during the specified period for most trade and economic associations it decreased. Considering the results obtained, there are reasons to predict the development of integration in Latin America, yet it is worth considering the influence of internal and external economic factors, as well as methods of regulation and adaptation

Oil and gas companies account for a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions. The main task of the environmental policy of oil and gas companies is to ensure efficient operation, which includes reducing environmental risks in the production process. Solving the problems related to environmental protection and improving the quality of its social component is always relevant. The urgency is to reduce the man-made load on the environment by oil and gas companies. The aim of the work was to analyze greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere by the oil and gas complex objects. In the course of the research, the following tasks were solved: the process of greenhouse gas dispersion in the atmospheric air during emission from a stationary source was modelled; changes in the concentration of greenhouse gas in the air and the possibility of impact on the health of service personnel were analyzed. The research object was the oil and gas company, the research subject – the assessment of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere by stationary sources. The choice of carbon dioxide for research was substantiated. The concentrations of carbon dioxide emissions from stationary sources were calculated using the empirical-statistical Gaussian model. The dependence for determining the virtual height of stationary sources was improved. The process of carbon dioxide dispersion during emission from stationary sources was simulated, which would help to determine the change of gas concentration in the atmospheric air on the site and the possibility of impact on the personnel. It was proved that the change in the concentration of carbon dioxide emissions depended on the source height. As the height of the stationary source decreases, the concentration of gas in the air increases; at a distance of 500 m from the sources, the concentration of gas in the air corresponds to the normal background value. Under normal background values ​​of carbon dioxide, the company’s emissions do not pose a threat to personnel health

Objective – To investigate the ST2 marker dynamics in the serum in patients with combined obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and analyze its relationship with myocardial dysfunction. Materials and methods. 135 patients were examined at the Educational and Scientific Medical Center of ZSMU “University Clinic”: group I – 31 patients with GERD, group II – 32 patients with OSA, group III – 72 patients with OSA and GERD. The control group consisted of 30 healthy individuals. The patients’ average age was 48 (36; 58) years. The groups were comparable by age, gender composition. The myocardial stress marker ST2 serum level was examined in all patients. The results of dispersive ECG mapping, daily monitoring of ECG and blood pressure, and echocardioscopy were evaluated. Results. In patients with OSA and GERD combined course, 2-fold increase in the ST2 marker was detected compared with patients in the control group, with patients in group I – by 1.66 times, with patients in group II – by 1.36 times (P < 0.05). Significant correlation between ST2 level and the apnea-hypopnea index (ANI), heart rate variability parameters, the “Myocardium” index according to the dispersive ECG mapping and the left ventricular diastolic function parameters according to echocardioscopy was revealed. Conclusions. Patients with a comorbid course of obstructive sleep apnea and gastroesophageal reflux disease have higher level of the ST2 marker. Serum ST2 concentration correlates with cardiovascular disorders in patients with combined OAS and GERD.

Purpose. To study the obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) combined course characteristics based on clinical studies and cardio-respiratory monitoring. Materials and methods. 125 patients were examined: group I – 31 patients with GERD, group II – 32 patients with OSA, group III – 62 patients with combined OSA and GERD. A cardio-respiratory study, esophagogastroduodenoscopy were performed. The severity of complaints was assessed on the Likert scale, GERD symptoms evaluation – on the F.S.S.G. Patients were questioned on a scale of reactive (RA) and personal (PA) anxiety by Spielberger–Khanin scale. Patients were tested for H. pylori infection by the stool-test. Results. Patients of group III, compared with patients of group I, showed a significant increase in complaints of reflux feeling (+64.4 %), cough (+41.3 %), heartbeat and feeling of interruptions in the heart (+71.6 %), dysphagia (+16.3 %) (P < 0.05). In group III, the magnitude of the component “reflux symptoms” according to F.S.S.G. was byn 1.5 times, and the component “symptoms of dysphagia” was by 1.7 times more than in group I (P < 0.05). In group III, moderate and severe degree of apnea was observed in patients (71 %), while in group II there were 17 patients (53 %). In patients of group ІІІ, the value of the PA indicator exceeded the analogous parameter in patients of group І by +35.7 % (P < 0.05), Group II – by +80.9 % (P < 0.05). Patients of group III had more severe course of GERD (according to endoscopic signs) (χ2 = 5.125, df = 2, P < 0.05). A significant interaction was determined between the degree of esophagus damage and H. pylori infection, the severity of OSA (respectively, γ = +0.46 and γ = +0.30, P < 0.05). Significant relationships were found between the severity of OSA and the severity of GERD symptoms, the duration of GERD, and H. pylori infection. Conclusions. Patients with a combined course of OSA and GERD have a mutual burdening syndrome, which worsens the course of two diseases.

Introduction: This is a case of a 55 year old female with an incidentally discovered right renal mass. CT scan showed a 4 cm low density lesion extending from the renal cortex into the renal vein and inferior vena cava (IVC) (level 1 thrombus) with fat content, suggestive of possible angiomyolipoma. Objective: To demonstrate the surgical steps of robotic partial nephrectomy with IVC thrombectomy. Methods: After trocar placement, the da Vinci Xi system is docked in the standard manner for right robotic partial nephrectomy. The procedure is initiated with mobilization of the colon followed by identification of the right ureter and gonadal vein. The gonadal vein is followed proximally to its insertion into the IVC. The renal vein and artery are subsequently identified and dissected. A vessel loop is passed around the renal vein to ensure proximal control of the tumor thrombus during excision of the mass. Intraoperative ultrasound is used to identify the location and depth of the mass prior to excision. Bulldog clamps are placed sequentially over the renal artery and renal vein. Traction is applied with a vessel loop and suction irrigator to ensure proximal control of the tumor thrombus. Excision of the mass is accomplished utilizing a combination of sharp and blunt dissection. An incision is made into the branch of the renal vein containing the tumor thrombus. The incision is extended circumferentially to facilitate mobilization and complete en bloc removal of the renal mass and thrombus. The renal vein defect is then closed in 2 layers with 4–0 Prolene suture. The tumor bed defect is closed in 2 layers in a continuous manner with 3–0 barbed suture. A sliding clip technique is then performed with 3–0 barbed suture in an interrupted manner to re-approximate the edges of the kidney and complete the reconstruction. Results: Estimated blood loss was 70 cc with a warm ischemia time of 45 min. The patient was discharged from the hospital on postoperative day number 1 without complications. Final pathology demonstrated a 2.1 cm angiomyolipoma with negative margins. Conclusion: Robotic partial nephrectomy with IVC thrombectomy is a feasible and safe surgical option for patients with suspected benign renal masses with extension of tumor thrombus into the IVC.