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Aim. To evaluate the effect of low-intensity broadband ultrasound (UMUS) and low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on B16 melanoma cells in vitro. Methods. The research was conducted on B16 melanoma cells under two modes of low-intensity ultrasonic sounding of cells, for which an SDG 2082 X Siglent generator (USA) with an ultrasonic emitter diameter of 20 mm was used; with a frequency for UMUS of 1-7 MHz, intensity of 30 mW/cm, pulse duration of 50 μs, and for LIPUS with a frequency of 1.5 MHz, intensity of 30 mW/cm, pulse duration of 200 μs. Both modes of cell sounding were carried out with threefold irradiation, once a day after which the distribution of cells by cycle phases, the level of apoptosis and proliferative activity was determined by the method of ductal cytofluorimetry. Results. Under the influence of UMUS ultrasonic sounding, the inhibition of the proliferation of melanoma cells by 1.6 times (P

Solid-state lithium-ion batteries (SSLIBs) are poised to revolutionize energy storage, offering substantial improvements in energy density, safety, and environmental sustainability. This review provides an in-depth examination of solid-state electrolytes (SSEs), a critical component enabling SSLIBs to surpass the limitations of traditional lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with liquid electrolytes. Conventional LIBs face significant challenges such as thermal instability, flammability, leakage, limited electrochemical windows, and environmental concerns. SSLIBs, however, eliminate these risks by utilizing solid electrolytes, which exhibit higher ionic conductivities, increased electrochemical stability, and reduced safety hazards. This review explores a variety of solid electrolytes, including oxide, sulfide, perovskite, anti-perovskite, NASICON, and LISICON-based materials, each with unique structural and electrochemical properties that enhance lithium-ion mobility and battery performance. Additionally, advancements in interfacial engineering, cathode and anode material optimization, and manufacturing techniques are discussed. The potential of SSLIBs in transforming applications across industries—from electric vehicles to large-scale energy storage systems—is underscored, highlighting the path toward more efficient, safer, and sustainable battery technologies.

Background. In patients with advanced stages of liver fibrosis, progression of liver fibrosis and obesity may be observed after complete elimination of hepatitis C virus. The aim of the research was to study the impact of antiviral therapy on lipid metabolism indicators in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) combined with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Materials and methods. Eighty-two patients were under observation, 56 with CHC combined with NAFLD and 26 with CHC. They were divided into three groups: first one (n = 23) — patients with CHC with NAFLD and obesity, second (n = 33) — participants with CHC, NAFLD and overweight, third group (n = 26) — CHC patients with normal body weight. All patients underwent determination of blood lipid spectrum and cytokines Ang-2, TGF-β1, TNF-α and neopterin, IL-6. The degree of liver fibrosis and steatosis was determined using FibroMax. Patients received sofosbuvir 400 mg, daclatasvir 60 mg once a day for 12 weeks. Results. The study found that 8 patients had liver fibrosis F3–4, 11 people — F2–3, 23 — F1–2, and 37 people — F0–1. Sustained virological response was achieved in 95.1 % of patients with CHC. No response was received in 4.9 % of patients who had advanced stages of liver fibrosis and obesity or increased body weight. After the treatment, a slight increase in the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was registered in 61.1 % of patients in group 3, 50 % in group 2, and only in 31.2 % of patients in group 1. Content of total cholesterol tended to increase in patients of groups 1 and 2 and remained unchanged in group 3. Although the changes in the levels of low- and very low-density lipoprotein were statistically significant, they were not large in terms of absolute values. In 62.5 % of CHC patients with concomitant NAFLD who had obesity or increased body weight and F3–4 fibrosis, even after complete elimination of the virus, the levels of Ang-2 and TGF-β1 remain high and positively correlate with the degree of steatosis and the stage of liver fibrosis. Conclusions. After the successful elimination of the hepatitis C virus, lipid metabolism disorders are registered in patients with concomitant non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, F3–4 fibrosis and increased body weight

Abstarct: Background: People living with HIV have disproportionately high levels of mental distress. Physical activity promotes physical well-being and mental health in diverse populations. Our study assessed the association between mental distress and the intensity, domains, and environment of physical activity in Nigeria. Methods: Data was obtained, cross-sectionally, from 412 HIV-positive adults on mental health status, intensity, domain and environment for physical activity through structured interviews using closed-ended questionnaires. Data was summarized with counts and proportions and derived 95 % confidence intervals. Appropriate bivariate analyses (Chi-square and t-tests) were conducted, and clinically and statistically (p

Objectives: Distal radius malunion can result in pain and functional complaints. One of the functional problems that can affect daily life is impaired forearm rotation. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effect of corrective osteotomy for distal radius malunion on forearm rotation at 12 months after surgery. We secondarily studied the effect on grip strength, radiological measurements, and patient-reported outcome measurements (PROMs). Patients and methods: This cohort study analysed prospectively collected data of adult patients with symptomatic distal radius malunion. All patients underwent corrective osteotomy for malunion and were followed for 1 year. We measured forearm rotation (pronation and supination) and grip strength and analysed radiographs. PROMs consisted of the Patient-Rated Hand/Wrist Evaluation (PRWHE) questionnaire, Visual Analogue Scale for pain, and satisfaction with hand function. Results: Preoperative total forearm rotation was 112° (SD: 34°), of which supination of 49° (SD: 25°) was more impaired than pronation of 63° (SD: 17°). Twelve months after surgery, an unpaired Student's t-test showed a significant improvement of total forearm rotation to 142° (SD: 17°) (p

Extreme weather events are being experienced all over the world because of climate change, posing challenges for individuals and households who rely on agricultural operations as their major source of livelihood. Household-level adaptation is an efficient way of dealing with global climate change. As such, this study aims to examine the perception of informal settlers to flood risk and their adoption of adaptation strategies to flood. This study applied the seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) to identify factors influencing the perception of flooding on community members and probit regression to identify the factors influencing the adoption of adaptation strategies to floods and examined the impact of the adoption of adaptation strategies on income in Eerste Fabriek informal settlement in Mamelodi using two-step quasi-maximum likelihood estimates of fractional response model. Our results show that community members are perceptive of floods and their impact on the environment and their livelihoods, and on average, they believe flood impact is significant. Age, marital status, education, employment status, income, and household size are demographic factors that tend to influence their perception of the impact of flood events. Access to institutional facilities such as health and recreational facilities was also a significant factor in how community members adapt to the impact of floods. Timely healthcare access services are a significant precursor for people to form their perception, which is intended to help them adapt appropriately to situations as health is wealth. Community members' perceptions and adaptive capacity can be improved through policies that foster the adoption of effective adaptation strategies. Community-based adaptation strategies are necessary for involving all stakeholders and necessary for mitigating the effects of flooding.

Abstracts: The ceaseless exploration for the improvement of ceramic materials has created a lot of techniques, all aimed at producing ceramic materials that can withstand environmental conditions and other factors. Most of thecommon techniques have their advantages and drawbacks. Some of the techniques involve the addition of a reinforcing phase to monolithic ceramic, the application of diverse sintering routes for the fabrication of ceramic products, and the preparatory methods for producing powder materials which cannot be jettisoned. These processes have been evaluated to influence the final ceramic products. Undoped/monolithic/single-phase ceramic has had some limitations in its processing, densification, and mechanical properties limiting its wide application in all circumstances. Hence, the incorporation of reinforcing phase, which can sometimes be called the secondary phase in the ceramic matrix, has significantly evolved into one of the possible means to nullify these challenges posed by undoped ceramics. This review consciously highlights and pinpoints all routes that have been taken to improve the properties of undoped SiC via the introduction of reinforcing phase, processing techniques, sintering techniques, etc. Finally, the possible prospects for future directions, advancement, and opportunities in the production of ceramic materials are concluded.

Актуальність теми дослідження супроводжується важливістю узагальнення та наукового обґрунтування певних аспектів функціонування боргових фінансових інструментів в Україні та у сучасних загальносвітових процесах з метою винесення уроків і окреслення подальших завдань діяльності фондового ринку. Метою дослідження є визначення сутності та особливостей розвитку ринку державних боргових цінних паперів, аналіз тенденцій його розвитку, проблем функціонування та визначення можливих перспектив його розвитку. Державні боргові цінні папери є провідним інструментом, який використовує держава для залучення коштів на розвиток інфраструктури, соціальні програми, інші бюджетні витрати. Крім того, державні боргові інструменти є важливим елементом для розвитку ринку цінних паперів в Україні, який сприяє створенню нових можливостей для інвесторів та забезпечує збільшення ліквідності фінансового ринку в цілому. Український ринок державних боргових зобов’язань з часів незалежності проходив шість етапів свого розвитку. Перший етап характеризується початком зародження ринку у 1994-1995 роках, другий етап характеризує стрімкий рпозвиток протягом 1996-1997 рр. Третій етап пов'язаний з погіршенням стану ринку через світову кризу 1998 року. Четвертий етап характеризується процесами трансформації та реструктуризації 1999-2000 рр. Для п’ятого етапу характерним є формування нової моделі ринку державних боргових зобов’язань протягом 2001 - 2007 рр. На шостому етапі, що розпочався з 2008 року, спостерігалося значне зростання ринку ОВДП. Розглянуто проблеми, які виниками в період становлення, формування та розвитку ринку державних боргових зобов’язань в Україні. Проаналізована динаміка розміщення ОВДП на первинному ринку в 2011-2022 рр , зокрема розміщення військових ОВДП в Україні. Розглянуто види ОЗДП України, що знаходяться в обігу. Розглянуто практику випуску державних боргових цінних паперів країнами світу на даний час, зокрема урядом Польщі, США, Німеччини, Японії, Європейською комісією. На основі поведеного дослідження визначено напрями вдосконалення функціонування ринку державних боргових цінних паперів. Серед них: запровадження інноваційних продуктів, розвиток міжнародної кооперації, інструментів державно-приватного партнерства для фінансування державних проектів та програм.

Необхідною умовою сталого розвитку сільськогосподарських підприємств є накопичення ресурсного потенціалу, а рівень його формування та використання є одним з найважливіших показників розвитку економіки країни в цілому. Сільськогосподарські підприємства є економічно та соціально важливим сегментом аграрного виробництва, проте в період воєнної агресії росії проти України залишаються малопривабливими для більшості інвесторів. Формування ресурсного потенціалу сільського господарства і зростання його інвестиційної привабливості стримуються гострим дефіцитом фінансових ресурсів, слаборозвиненою матеріально-технічною базою, низьким платоспроможним попитом населення. Фінансові ресурси є одними з основних факторів забезпечення економічного розвитку сільськогосподарських підприємств, підвищення якості технічної та технологічної бази. Визначено, що вирішальна роль в формуванні ресурсного потенціалу сільськогосподарських підприємств повинна належати структурним перетворенням і удосконаленням економічних відносин. Доведено, що реалізація ефективної стратегії формування ресурсного потенціалу сільськогосподарських підприємств є системною проблемою і вимагає комплексного вирішення наступних проблем: підвищення рівня державного та регіонального фінансування програм підтримки сільськогосподарських підприємств; підвищення результативності регіонально-галузевої аграрної науки і створення потужного пакета конкурентоспроможних інновацій (нових агро- і біотехнологій); розвитку селекції у рослинництві і тваринництві, сучасних технічних комплексів, адаптованих до умов конкретної ґрунтово-кліматичної зони); формування економічних механізмів стимулювання попиту сільськогосподарських підприємств на інноваційну продукцію в сфері матеріально-технічного забезпечення; створення гнучкої сучасної регіональної агросервісної інфраструктури, здатної разом з відповідною загальнодержавною інфраструктурою забезпечувати впровадження у виробничий процес нових елементів матеріально-технічного забезпечення аграрного виробництва.

ABSTRACT: The current study aimed to quantify the digestible calcium (Ca) equivalency of a new phytase (HiPhorius) in broiler chickens. A total of 1,152 male Cobb 500 broiler chickens were used in an experiment in which 8 diets consisting of graded levels of Ca supplied with limestone or graded levels of the phytase were fed. The 8 dietary treatments were based on a corn-soybean meal diet containing 5.1 g/kg of Ca and 5.1 g/kg of phosphorus (P) as negative control (NC); the NC + 1.3, 2.6, or 3.9 g/kg of Ca from limestone; and the NC + 500, 1,000, 2,000, or 4,000 FYT/kg of phytase. Birds were fed the experimental diets for 3 d (from d 7 to 10) or 14 d (from d 7 to 21) to determine apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and apparent total tract retention (ATTR) of dry matter (DM), CP, Ca, and P. In the 10-day-old birds, increasing the levels of Ca decreased the AID of P and Ca (linear, P < 0.05). Increasing the levels of phytase quadratically improved (P < 0.05) the AID of Ca and P. The AID of DM and CP in the younger birds quadratically increased (P < 0.05) as the levels of Ca increased. There were linear and quadratic effects (P < 0.05) of increasing phytase level for the AID of DM and a linear effect (P < 0.05) for the AID of CP. In the 21-day-old birds, increasing Ca levels resulted in a linear decrease (P < 0.05) in the AID of CP and P, and a quadratic decrease (P < 0.05) in the ATTR of CP. Increasing phytase levels linearly and quadratically (P < 0.05) improved the AID and ATTR of CP, P, and the ATTR of Ca. The analyzed phytase activity in the diets supplemented with phytase ranged from 1,520 to 7,661 FYT/kg. The digestible Ca equivalence for dietary phytase at 1,520 to 7,661 FYT/kg ranged from 1.55 to 2.02 g/kg in the 10-day-old birds fed for 3 d and from 0.52 to 0.64 g/kg in 21-day-old birds fed for 14 d. The results showed the reduction in Ca level that could be accommodated by phytase supplementation, which is markedly different between the younger and older birds. Feeding duration influenced the impact of phytase supplementation on Ca and P digestibility, with better efficacy of phytase observed in the 10-day-old birds fed for 3 d. Also, the results showed the extra-phosphoric effects of phytase on the utilization of other essential nutrients such as protein and Ca.

The region of exponential absorption of the spectra of amorphous semiconductors is theoretically investigated using the Davis-Mott approximation method from the Kubo-Greenwood formula. Analytical expressions for the partial absorption spectra for the exponential region are derived from two different types of the KuboGreenwood formula. A new method is presented for calculating the distribution density of electronic states in the tails of the conduction band of amorphous semiconductors based on the analytical expression for experimental exponential absorption spectra. The density of electronic states in the tail of the conduction band of an amorphous solid selenium-sulfur alloy is determined from the experimental exponential absorption spectrum of this material.

This article represents the difficulties in diagnosing and treating the patients with gallstone disease complicated by Mirizzi syndrome and obstructive jaundice. The manifestation of the disease is charac-terized by many clinical, laboratory and instrumental symptoms found in acute and chronic cholecystitis. Among them, it is worth noting pain in the right subcostal region, the jaundice, increased body tempera-ture and symptoms revealed during ultrasound. However, in some patients, the disease is asymptomatic and its first manifestation may be obstructive jaundice. Because of the presence of gallstones and jaundice, they are often confused with other obstructive conditions. Preoperative diagnosis is complex and often overlooked. The difficulties in diagnosing Mirizzi syndrome, the high risk of damage to the biliary tract, as well as the wide spectrum of surgical treatment determine the relevance of this study.A literature review has been made on the topic with the clinical situation analyzed. A 62-year-old patient was admitted with a diagnosis of biliary tract obstruction. The patient was diagnosed with gallstone disease. As a result, gallstone disease complicated by Mirizzi syndrome was diagnosed and surgical treatment was performed

The article analyzed the lifestyle and physical development of Ukrainian adolescents and their parents and estimated the familial aggregation and heritability of body mass index and physical activity. 408 nuclear families were examined (1216 people with complete information). Anthropometric measures such as weight, height were measured following standardized procedures of WHO. Questionnaires were used to estimate the levels of physical activity. The method of genetic epidemiology research was used to explore heritability (h2) and family aggregation (ρ). Analysis was performed using the software product S.A.G.E. The study showed that 12.0±1.6% of children were overweight or obese, 6.4±1.2% were underweight and 81.6±1.9% with normal weight. It was found that among adolescents aged 12-15 years, 17.5±3.1% of boys and 32.7±2.9% of girls were physically inactive. Body mass index values higher than 25.0 kg/m2 were found in 34.3±2.4 mothers and in 70.6±2.3% of fathers. The proportion of physically inactive persons was 45.7±2.5% among mothers and 51.1±2.7% among fathers. Heritability values were significant for both body mass index (h2 =0.41±0.09; p

Relevance. It is widely recognized that COVID-19 disease is significant problem for public health. The COVID-19 pandemic evolves, the long-term health impacts are continually increasing and children health is particular concern. The duration of exposure, heterogeneity and plurality of biopsychosocial factors have to unpredictable consequences on the mental health of vulnerable populations such as children and adolescents. Objective. Determination the significant factors affecting the mental health of schoolchildren during the pandemic in order to further develop the health-saving measures. Methods. During implementation of quarantine measures due to COVID-19 pandemic, we studied the peculiarities of schoolchildren’s life and mental health in 2020-2021 (n=1393) from all regions of Ukraine. Q-RAPH, GPAQ, RCADS-P-25 questionnaires were used. Prior to the pandemic, MH survey of 500 schoolchildren was conducted using “Children’s Neuroses Questionnaire” method. Descriptive statistics, Student's coefficients, univariate and multivariate analysis of variance, followed by a posteriori estimation of mean differences according to the Bonferroni test, conjugation tables, logistic and linear regression models were used. Results. Сonstant stay in an apartment during quarantine leads to an increase in the chances of anxiety-depressive disorders on average by 2.5 times. During the pandemic for the observation period, both duration and frequency of walks were significantly lower for the children with mental disorders. The likelihood of pathological increases in anxiety and depression in school age children without interactive learning is 1.8 times greater. Pairwise comparisons of adjusted means using the Bonferroni test demonstrated that the higher is the BMI - the shorter is the sleep (β=-1.9; p=0.004), the longer is the sedentary behavior duration (β=3.4; p=0.001) - the shorter is MVPA (β =-1,4; p=0,005). It was established that depressive disorders are 2.4 times more common among the children with chronic diseases than among the healthy children (χ2 =51.1; p

The importance of bacterial isolates from hospital wastewater as a reservoir of antibiotic resistance and a potential source of resistance genes to clinical pathogens is underestimated. This study is aimed to isolate and molecularly characterize bacteria from healthcare wastewater in addition to evaluating the distribution of multiple drug-resistant bacteria in the study area. A study was conducted in a Healthcare Centre, in Iwo, Osun State Nigeria. The wastewater was taken from four sections of the wastewater discharge point. Collection of samples was aseptically carried out, transported, and, analyzed immediately following standard procedures. Identification was carried out using biochemical tests and 16S rRNA sequencing. Antibiotic susceptibility was carried out on Mueller Hinton agar following the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Detection of resistant genes was done using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). A total of 86 bacterial isolates were obtained from wastewater discharge locations. Twenty-five isolates were picked for molecular identification and six different bacterial genera belonging to Bacillus (68%) the most occurring, followed by Cronobacter, Acinetobacter, Enterobacter, with 8%, Klebsiella, and Enterococcus (4%) were identified. Out of 30 randomly picked PCR amplicons, the result revealed 19 isolates (63%) and 10 isolates (33%) were positive for blaTEM and blaSHV respectively, while 9 isolates (30%) harbored both the two genes concurrently. The contamination of wastewater by antibiotics may lead to the rise of antibiotic resistance in the environment, so there is a need to monitor and treat the hospital wastewater that is discharged into the environment.

Інфекція SARS-CoV-2 під час вагітності може потенційно вплинути на здоров’я плода та новонародженого через різні механізми: підвищення рівня передчасних пологів, плацентарну інфекцію, яка може порушити плацентарно-плодовий обмін, а також через передачу вірусу внутрішньоутробно, під час пологів або після народження. Мета - визначити особливості стану новонароджених та неонатального періоду залежно від тяжкості захворювання матері на COVID-19. Матеріали та методи. Під спостереженням перебувало 14 новонароджених (група 1), матері були хворі на COVID-19 із тяжким перебігом і потребували інтенсивного догляду у відділенні анестезіології та інтенсивної терапії, а також 46 дітей від матерів із середньою тяжкістю COVID-19, що лікувались в інфекційно-акушерському відділенні (група 2). Результати. У матерів із COVID-19, особливо при тяжкому перебігу захворювання, плід піддається прямому і непрямому негативному впливу вірусної інфекції, що підтверджено ознаками плацентарної недостатності в переважної більшості (71,4%) вагітних та її клінічними проявами у вигляді дистресу та затримки росту плода (50,0% і 35,7% відповідно), плацентарну дисфункцію підтверджено патогістологічно. Небезпечними для плода є маловоддя у 50,0% жінок аж до агідрамніону (14,3%), прееклампсія (14,3%), кесарів розтин (57,1%), передчасний розрив плодових оболонок (14,3%) та передчасні пологи (28,0%). 42,9% дітей народжуються в стані асфіксії, причому у 14,3% - це тяжка асфіксія, 35,7% дітей народжені з масою тіла менше 2500 г. Позитивний тест на COVID-19 підтверджено у 7,1% новонароджених. У 21,4% діагностовано пневмонію, у 35,7% - респіраторний дистрес-синдром. У дітей від матерів із COVID-19 виявлено високу частоту синдромів дезадаптації (64,3%). Окрім респіраторного дистрес-синдрому, відмічено високу частоту неврологічних розладів (57,1%) у вигляді синдрому пригнічення, гастроінтестинальний синдром (50,0%), порушення терморегуляції (42,9%), у 35,7% - гіпоглікемічний і геморагічний синдроми. На 5-7-му добу життя в дітей з пневмоніями діагностовано некротичний ентероколіт. Висновки. Порушення в дітей від матерів із COVID-19 стану при народженні та висока частота синдромів дезадаптації, ризик порушень здоров’я та когнітивних функцій у майбутньому обумовлюють необхідність подальших наукових досліджень, активного катамнестичного спостереження цієї нової когорти дітей та розроблення заходів профілактики і реабілітації. Дослідження виконано відповідно до принципів Гельсінської декларації. Протокол дослідження ухвалено Локальним етичним комітетом зазначеної в роботі установи. На проведення досліджень отримано інформовану згоду батьків дітей. Автори заявляють про відсутність конфлікту інтересів.

This research is directed to examine the influence of silicon nitride additive (2.5–5%) Si3N4 on the microstructure, sinterability, densification, and mechanical features of (TiB2–10SiC) and (TiB2–20%SiC) and, more uniquely, the impact of the aforementioned properties on the wear behaviour of the resulting composites. Higher densification with optimal hardness and fracture toughness of 99.4%, 24.9 GPa and 4.63 MPa·m1/2 was achieved respectively when 2.5% Si3N4 was introduced into TiB2–20SiC composite. Microstructural observation depicts that in-situ phases such as TiC contributed to the enhancement of the relative as well as the mechanical properties. However, increasing the sintering additive of Si3N4 to 5% in the composite lowers the relative density, consequently lowering the hardness of the composites. More also, the wear behaviour of the fabricated composites revealed that the composite having enhanced densification and hardness contributed to its improved wear resistance of the resulting composites.

У статті розглянуто бюджетування, як систему контролю діяльності фінансово-кредитних установ. Акцентовано увагу на необхідності впровадження бюджетування у діяльності фінансово-кредитних установ. Розглядаються й аналізуються методичні підходи у бюджетуванні фінансово-кредитних установ. Відображено роль бюджетування в діяльності фінансово-кредитних установ на основі функції бюджетного планування, організації, мотивування, контролю та регулювання. Проведено аналіз чинників що впливають на низьку ефективність бюджетування у діяльності фінансово-кредитних установ. Досліджено основні види оцінки бюджетування залежно від мети та методів його проведення. Наголошується на доцільності аналізу бюджету фінансово-кредитної установи як плану майбутніх операцій, інтегрованих у технології, що формуються на бухгалтерському обліку та фінансовому плануванні. З’ясовано, що основою будь-якого бюджетування фінансово-кредитних установ є фінансові потоки, фінансові ризики, основні показники фінансового ринку, прибутки та структурні складові, обсяг необхідних коштів і резервів, валютна позиція тощо. В основі системи бюджетування виокремлено науково-обґрунтовані принципи, що чітко визначають характер та зміст бюджетування, створюючи умови для ефективної роботи і зменшуючи можливість впливу негативних факторів, а саме: принцип єдності; принцип повноти; принцип точності; принцип участі, координації та відповідальності. Визначено переваги і недоліки основних варіантів формування бюджетів у фінансово-кредитних установах. Конкретизовано етапи та сучасні методи проведення бюджетування. Звернута увага на взаємовідносини структурних підрозділів фінансово-кредитної установи щодо проведення бюджетування. Доведено, що бюджетування є одним із найефективніших інструментів пошуку внутрішніх резервів у діяльності фінансово-кредитної установи. Дозволяє спланувати доходи та витрати і в результаті втілити концепцію «управління винятками». Дана концепція є таким способом організації управління, при якому на основі реалізації функції планування за допомогою системи бюджетів подальший управлінський вплив, мотивація і контроль проводиться за допомогою реалізації аналітичної функції у сфері оцінки відхилень від запланованих у бюджетах варіантів.

У статті розглянуто сучасний стан ринку цінних паперів в межах фінансового забезпечення грошово-кредитних відносин. Визначено основні важелі підтримки вітчизняного ринку цінних паперів. Акцентовано увагу на подальший розвиток грошово-кредитних відносин шляхом використання цінних паперів як інструментів для залучення інвестицій щодо відновлення зруйнованої інфраструктури країни. Наголошується, що подальший розвиток ринку цінних паперів залежить від розвитку економічного потенціалу країни. Проаналізовано нормативно-правові акти. Розглянуто підходи щодо обігу цінних паперів. Розкрито вплив диджиталізації на появу інноваційних фінансових інструментів. Наголошується, що обіг банківських депозитних сертифікатів сприятиме розвитку ринку цінних паперів та грошово-кредитних відносин. Випуск інфраструктурних облігацій та емісія зелених облігацій сприятимуть підтримці екологізації країни. Проведено огляд інноваційних фінансових інструментів окремих країн. Розглянуто особливості функціонування ринку цінних паперів за межами країни, показано використання альтернативних фінансових інструментів провідних країн світу. Окреслено механізм проектного фінансування з огляду на появу альтернативних фінансових інструментів. Обґрунтовано напрями застосування механізму проектного фінансування в національній економіці. На основі досвіду провідних країн світу визначено пріоритети розвитку ринку цінних паперів з урахуванням специфіки функціонування грошово-кредитної системи та економіки України в цілому. Акцентується увага на ліквідності сучасних фінансових інструментів. Пропонується запровадити низку податкових пільг, що пов’язані з обігом окремих фінансових інструментів. Наголошується на необхідності створення інструментарію гарантії захисту іноземних інвестицій. З огляду на досвід держав світу з організації та використання альтернативних фінансових інструментів залучення коштів в різні сектори економіки свідчить, що їх ефективне застосування можливе у разі вироблення і впровадження єдиної цілісної державної політики, гармонізованої з міжнародним законодавством, яка враховуватиме кращі практики провідних країн світу та особливості національних умов.

Low ejection fraction is often a concomitant pathology in obliterating atherosclerosis of the lower extremities in the elderly seeking anesthetic care and a difficult task for the anaesthetist due to the increased risk of perioperative complications. The combined risk of low ejection fraction and poor cardiac reserve may lead to increased perioperative mortality during reconstructive surgery for obliterating atherosclerosis of the lower extremities. This article analyzes such a clinical case with a comparison of the tactics of anaesthetic management with world practice. Analysis of the clinical case shows that neuraxial methods and nerve block anesthesia provide better results in patients with cardiovascular diseases who have undergone non-cardiological surgery compared to general anesthesia.

Intro: Patients who are at risk of carriage of carbapenem-producing Gram negative bacteria(CPGNB) are screened upon hospitalization as part of infection control and prevention (IPC) strategy. However, non-fermenters such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa harboring carbapenemases may be missed if they are not systematically evaluated. Non-fermenters may serve as a potential reservoir of carbapenemase genes circulating in the hospital environment. As part of an on-going CPGNB surveillance programme, we evaluated Pseudomonas isolates suspected of being CPGNB (positive surveillance sample PCR) with the modified CIM, and the CARBA-5 test . Methods: 270 Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 1 Pseudomonas putida were isolated from rectal swab/stool samples from April 2019 – May 2022 that were positive by Carba-R Xpert for carbapenemase gene(s) (IMP1(n=47), VIM(n=38), NDM(n=149), KPC(n=2), OXA-48(n=20), IMP1&NDM(n=2), IMP1&OXA-48(n=2), NDM&OXA-48(n=10), VIM&NDM(n=1)). These isolates were subjected to the mCIM and CARBA-5 assays. Findings: 234 isolates were positive for IMP, NDM and VIM on CARBA-5, and 36 isolates were CARBA-5 negative. Notably, the agreement between Carba-R Xpert surveillance specimen result and a positive CARBA-5 was 87.2%, 95.9%, 97.3% for IMP, NDM and VIM is found. For the mCIM test this was 82.9%, 93.2%, 23.6%, respectively. Of the 12 samples positive for CARBA-5 that had a companion OXA- 48 genotype as detected in Xpert Carba-R, 11 samples yield >=1 OXA-48 positive Enterobacterales that is co-detected during the screening, and 2 samples with KPC had these detected in other Enterobacterales from the surveillance specimen. The sensitivity of the mCIM to detect CARBA-5 positive IMP and NDM isolates was 95.1% and 93.2% respectively. The mCIM only had a sensitivity of 24.3% for CARBA-5 VIM positive Pseudomonas. Conclusion: Presence of CP genes in P. aeruginosa is unsurprising however maybe missed if laboratories do not systematically evaluate for this. CP genes that are not detected by CARBA-5 could possibly reside on other companion species from the same sample.

Groundwater quality assessments were carried out around a cassava processing mill within the Ilaro metropolis, South-western Nigeria using a hydro-chemical approach. Nineteen samples were obtained from proximate water wells which serve as sources of water for drinking, domestic, and irrigation activities. Twenty physicochemical parameters were analyzed, and the results were compared with the permissible limits of the world health organization (WHO) for drinking water. The pH values of the groundwater samples range between 4.60 and 7.65 which were not within the permissible limit and suggest the presence of contaminants in the water samples. The concentrations of electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), and total hardness (TH) in the groundwater samples were 100% compliance, while Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) concentrations in the groundwater samples were 0% compliance with standard permissible limit by WHO. All the Anions (Cl−, HCO3−, NO3−, SO42−) in the groundwater samples were 100% compliance except CO32-which is 79% compliance, and cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+ and K+) concentrations were 100% compliance with the standard permissible limits. The concentrations of Fe, Cd, Mn, Pb, Zn, Cu in the samples were 0%, 0%, 31%, 36%, 100%, 100% in compliance respectively with standard permissible limits. The groundwater quality index (GWQI) and contamination index (CI) of the groundwater samples ranges from 527.24 to 699.16 and 24.03 to 38.80 respectively. The values of GWQI and CI of the groundwater samples were 0% compliance with recommended standard permissible limit for drinking and domestic purposes. The samples also showed moderate to high tendencies of aggressively corroding metals. The samples were unsuitable for irrigation and the concentrations of HCO3− and CO32− influenced the suitability of the samples. Strong direct relations exist between carbonate and electrical conductivity indicating freshwater status.

We present results of a computational study of the influence of nonlinear diffusion on propagation of electrical excitation generated in normal and injured peripheral nerves (PN) using a one-dimensional Fitzhugh-Nagumo (FN) model. Changes in action potential duration (APD) and repolarization intervals (RI) were observed based upon modification of the FN model. Namely, the model has been altered by adding an additional power function type nonlinear diffusion term which accounted for substantial intra-extracellular charge balance changes developing during action potential formation in small peripheral nerves. It was found that changes in magnitude of nonlinear diffusion coefficient result in oscillations of APD and RI in both normal and injured PNs with partially reduced conductivity. It was also found that these oscillations in injured PNs had markedly higher amplitudes dependent on the PN's length as well as on the width of its injured part. Results of our study may be useful in improving of monitoring of peripheral nerve growth and adjusting propagation of excitation to enhance impaired connectivity in injured peripheral nerves.

У статті проведено аналіз сучасного стану, тенденцій розвитку та особливості фінансового забезпечення сільськогосподарських товаровиробників. Доведено, що для аграрного сектора України характерна постійна динаміка, що призводить до зміни трендів фінансового забезпечення сільськогосподарської діяльності. Розглянуто фінансове забезпечення сільськогосподарських підприємств через програми банківського кредитування. Виявлено основні проблеми, з якими стикаються учасники ринку фінансового забезпечення сільськогосподарських товаровиробників. Досліджено проблеми кредитування та ризики у фінансовому та аграрному секторах економіки. Використано статистичні дані 2014 – 2020 років. При аналізі динаміки обсягів кредитування сільськогосподарських товаровиробників встановлено, що частка довготермінових кредитів становить лише 5%. На основі аналізу відсоткової ставки за кредитними ресурсами і рентабельності сільськогосподарських підприємств встановлено, що коли рівень рентабельності вищий, ніж середньорічні відсоткові ставки за кредитами, то є доцільним реінвестувати прибуток сільськогосподарським товаровиробникам у власну діяльність, що позитивно вплине на подальший розвиток їх діяльності. Досліджено, що не зважаючи на державну підтримку сільськогосподарських товаровиробників, їх рівень залишається низьким порівняно з іншими країнами світу. Встановлено взаємодію фінансових інституцій та аграрного сектора через механізм державної підтримки. Сформульована методика взаємовідносин дає можливість розробити комплекс заходів активної співпраці фінансового та аграрного секторів економіки. До таких заходів можна віднести діагностику фінансового стану сільськогосподарських підприємств, що зменшить ризиковість неповернення коштів. Також розширення фінансового забезпечення сільськогосподарських товаровиробників з залученням програм їх державної підтримки може проводитись за рахунок: зниження відсоткових ставок за кредитами; збільшення державних асигнувань на здешевлення кредитів; збільшення обсягів кредитування для малих та середніх сільськогосподарських підприємств тощо. Всі ці дії дадуть можливість стимулювати розвиток сільськогосподарських товаровиробників та створить сприятливий клімат для інвестування коштів у аграрний сектор економіки.

У статті розглянуто фінансовий механізм капіталізації земельних ресурсів сільськогосподарських підприємств у взаємовідносинах з територіальними громадами, етапи його формування. Акцентовано увагу на необхідності ринкової капіталізації земель сільськогосподарського призначення у взаємовідносинах з територіальними громадами. Розглядається й аналізуються методичні підходи у грошовій оцінці земельних ресурсів. Відображено нормативну грошову оцінку земель сільськогосподарського призначення в Україні за сільськогосподарськими угіддями. Проведено аналіз орендної плати щодо використання земель сільськогосподарського призначення за регіонами. Досліджено основні види оцінки земельних ресурсів залежно від мети та методів її проведення. Здійснено аналіз нормативно-правових актів, які регламентують порядок проведення оцінки земельних ресурсів. З’ясовано, що вартість, за якою земельні ресурси відображаються в обліку залежить від способу набуття їх у власність та/або користування, а також від мети їх використання. Встановлено, що в бухгалтерському обліку для оцінки земельних ресурсів використовуються такі види вартостей, як: первісна (історична (фактична) собівартість або справедлива вартість) та переоцінена. У процесі дослідження використано такі основні методи: системно-структурний та абстрактнологічний (для теоретичних узагальнень результатів аналітичних розрахунків і формулювання висновків); аналізу і синтезу (для деталізації об’єкта дослідження через його поділ на окремі складові та зведення результатів їх вивчення в одне ціле); метод порівняльного аналізу (для обґрунтування застосування окремих інструментів регулювання виробничих і управлінських відносин); економіко-статистичний – групування, кореляційно-регресійний аналіз (для виявлення впливу чинників на окремі його критерії); розрахунковоконструктивний (в опрацюванні стратегії розвитку). Доведено, що з формуванням ринку земель питання з нормативної грошової оцінки земель сільськогосподарського призначення набувають нового змісту та потребують подальшого дослідження. Звернута увага на взаємовідносини територіальних громад і сільськогосподарських підприємств щодо наповнення місцевого бюджету платою за використання земельних ресурсів. Визначено капіталізацію земельних ресурсів з поступовою трансформацією їх у капітал задля підвищення ринкової ціни. Виявлено значну диференціацію вартості сільськогосподарських земель у регіонах України за нормативно грошовою оцінкою. Зосереджено увагу на значній недооцінці земельних ресурсів та довгому терміні їх капіталізації. Із метою трансформації земельних ресурсів у фінансові активи обґрунтовано пропозиції щодо удосконалення фінансового механізму капіталізації земельних ресурсів в аграрному секторі. Зокрема, наголошується на системі експертної та нормативно грошової оцінки земель, формування та розвитку інфраструктури ринку сільськогосподарських земель.

This work focuses on the analysis of the deleterious effects in case of spills in aqueous and soil environments of palm kernel oil methyl esters (PKOME) and castor oil methyl esters (COME) prototyped to substitute mineral oils in power transformers. Two main properties were investigated according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) standards. Biodegradability based on the OECD-301B guideline for CO2 release in biological media; and acute toxicity, analysed according to the OECD-203 guidelines for fish and OECD-207 guidelines on earthworms. At the end of 28 days of incubation, the PKOME samples showed a biodegradation rate of 92.6% in Wouri water and 74.93% in Douala soil. COME samples showed a biodegradation rate of 67.4% in aqueous medium and 57.64% in soil medium. Whatever the biological medium, the degradation rates of the PKOME prototypes were better than that of COME, and both were higher than those of mineral oils. The acute toxicity test was carried out on Arius africanus fish in an aqueous medium and earthworms type Eisenia foetida in soil medium at different doses of the substances. In both bioindicators, spills from the COME prototypes showed a moderate toxic effect. In aqueous medium, they caused 50% mortality at an LC50 concentration of 1.35 gl−1 and LC100 of 2.66 gl−1. In soil, the LC50 obtained were 1958.4 ppm (PKOME) and 541.73 ppm (COME).

Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) regulates various physiological pathways and has a pivotal role in glucose homeostasis. The objective of this study was to verify the association of a haplotype constituted by two single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs2268894 and rs6741949) in the DPP4 gene with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and fasting glycemia-related variables in a sample of Brazilian older adults, taking serum levels and enzymatic activity of DPP4 into account. Clinical, biochemical, and anthropometric characteristics as well as DPP4 serum levels and enzymatic activity were determined in 800 elderly (≥60 years old) individuals. Assessment of polymorphic sites was performed by real-time PCR whereas haplotypes were inferred from genotypic frequencies. Statistical analyses compared measures and proportions according to T2DM diagnosis and DPP4 haplotypic groups. The most common haplotype consisted of the T-rs2268894/G-rs6741949 string, which was 20% more frequent among non-diabetics. Considering non-diabetic patients alone, carriers of the T/G haplotype had significantly lower levels of blood glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR index, and DPP4 activity. Among diabetic patients, the T/G haplotype was associated with lower DPP4 levels whereas glycemic scores were not affected by allelic variants. Our results suggested that the genetic architecture of DPP4 affects the glycemic profile and DPP4 serum levels and activity among elderly individuals according to the presence or absence of T2DM, with a possible implication of the T/G haplotype to the risk of T2DM onset.

This study introduces the gradient boosted decision tree (GBDT) as a machine learning approach to circumvent the need for a direct integration of the typically stiff system of ordinary differential equations that govern the temporal evolution of chemically reacting species. Stiffness primarily relates to the chemistry integration and here, hydrogen/air systems are taken to train and test the ensemble learning approach. We use the LightGBM (Light Gradient Boosting Machine) algorithm to train GBDTs on the time series of various self-igniting mixtures from the time of ignition to equilibrium composition. The GBDT model provides reasonable predictions of the species compositions and thermodynamic states at the next time step in an a priori study. A much more challenging a posteriori study shows that the model can reproduce a full time–history profile of the igniting H2/air mixtures, as the results agree very well with those obtained from a direct integration of the ODEs. The GBDT model can be deployed as standalone C++ codes and a speed-up by one order of magnitude has been demonstrated. The GBDT approach can thus be considered as an efficient method to represent the chemical kinetics in the simulation of reactive flows. It provides an alternative to deep artificial neural networks (ANNs) that is comparable in accuracy but easier to couple with existing CFD codes.

Relevance. The introduction of the quarantine measures in Ukraine during the COVID-19 pandemic radically changed all aspects of children's lifestyles. Restricting of social contacts and traveling, the introduction of distance education are typical manifestations of quarantine measures’ application to schoolchildren. However, social distancing, the effects of the negative factors of distance education, and prolonged stress can threaten the health of school-age children both at the moment and have delayed consequences. The assistance of the optimal adaptation process to new conditions decreases risks to children’s health at various levels: physical, physical, social. Objective. Development of hygienic recommendations for saving the health of schoolchildren during the quarantine. Methods. Structural-logical and analytical methods were used, based on our own 20-year research and research by other authors, WHO, and CDC recommendations. The results of our research before and during the quarantine have been presented. Results. During the introduction of quarantine measures, the health of a schoolchild is formed under the influence of a complex of factors, among which a significant place is occupied by controlled ones: properly organized learning process, daily routine, including diet and drinking regime, ensuring sufficient physical activity and night rest. To ensure the optimal course of adaptation of children in conditions of social isolation, it is also necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of children, the peculiarities of the circadian rhythm of schoolchildren of different age groups, their physical and mental development. Conclusions. Maintaining and strengthening the health of children in quarantine depends on the individual characteristics of development and health of the child, the optimal organization of distance learning, ensuring sufficient duration of physical activity, sleep, screen time, optimization of nutrition, and water consumption schedule. The promotion of health maintenance and specific recommendations would help reduce the negative influence of the quarantine measures on the formation of children's health.

Set domination in fuzzy graphs is very useful for solving traffic problems during communication in computer networks and travelling networks. In this article, the concept of set domination in fuzzy graphs using strong arcs is introduced. The strong set domination number of complete fuzzy graph and complete bipartite fuzzy graph is determined. It is obtained the properties of the new parameter and related it to some other known domination parameters of fuzzy graphs. An upper bound for the strong set domination number of fuzzy graphs is also obtained.

Introduction Endorsing conspiracy theories seems to constitute a major feature of contemporary collective anti-vaccine movements (Vignaud & Salvadori, 2019). As revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic, this contributes to increased worldwide vaccine hesitancy (de Figueiredo et al., 2020). Objectives The present work aims at providing novel insight into the collective psychological underpinnings of conspiracy-based vaccine discourses. Methods Our approach is inspired by Jung’s view that human groups produce narratives to project their collective conflicts (e.g., social, religious, political) onto reality. We analyze these projections in relation to the “halo effect” phenomenon, namely taking metaphorical extensions of (scientific) concepts at face value (e.g. Keller, 1995). Accordingly, we discuss one version of “the Great Reset” theory, claiming that COVID-19 vaccines are used by “the elite” to control behavior and abolish fundamental freedoms. Results Our analysis suggests that Western societies are manifesting some of their existential concerns through anti-vaccine discourse. In “the Great Reset” narrative, characters (people, vaccines, elites, immune systems, etc.) and plot can be read as symbols of, respectively, structural elements of the collective psyche (socio-cultural values, aggressive drives, death anxiety, psychic defenses, etc.), and dynamic interrelations among these elements. Conclusions Conspiracy theories can be understood as shared narratives serving the purpose of giving shape to collective fears. Within such a framework, references to “vaccines” and “immunity” are the manifestations of a state of crisis of collective psychic defenses. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Maternal treatment with dexamethasone induces oxidative stress in the reproductive structures of offspring. Consumption of Allium cepa Linn improves antioxidant status. This study was designed to evaluate the protective role of Allium cepa Linn juice on maternal dexamethasone induced alterations in reproductive functions of the female offspring of Wistar rats.Twenty lactating dams (180–200 ​g) were randomly assigned into four groups (n ​= ​5) on the day of parturition and treated as follows during lactation for 21 days: Control (5 ​ml/kg BW distilled water); Dexamethasone (60 ​μg/kg BW); Allium cepa (5 ​ml/kg BW); Dexamethasone ​+ ​Allium cepa (60 ​μg/kg BW ​+ ​5 ​ml/kg BW). The female offspring were separated at birth. Days of vaginal opening and first oestrus cycle, length and frequency of estrous cycle as well as serum hormonal profiles were assessed as measure of reproductive functions. Ovarian superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, catalase activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) level were measured as indices of oxidative stress.Oestrous cycle length, frequencies of diestrus as well as the Ovarian MDA were significantly increased (p ​

We investigate weak solutions of the Cauchy problem for the third order hyperbolic equations with variable exponent of the nonlinearity. The problem is considered in some classes of functions namely in Lebesgue spaces with variable exponents. The sufficient conditions of the existence and uniqueness of the weak solutions to given problem are found.

У представленій статті уточнено сутність і зміст інвестиційної привабливості сільськогосподарських підприємств регіону. З точки зору теорії позикових коштів, при аналізі ринку капіталу застосовується неокласична методологія, яка досліджує фактори, що визначають попит, пропозицію і рівновагу на ринку. Відзначено, що інвестиційна привабливість ‒ найважливіший фактор активізації інвестиційної діяльності в сільському господарстві регіону. Інвестиційна привабливість розглядається як комплексна соціально-економічна характеристика об'єкта з об'єктивних і суб'єктивних факторів, що дозволяє інвесторові прийняти рішення про доцільність інвестування. Виявлено, що оцінку інвестиційної привабливості сільськогосподарських підприємств регіону слід проводити з урахуванням особливостей виробництва, економічного становища, в якому перебуває сільське господарство в даний момент, а також рівня та ефективності державної підтримки. Інвестиційна привабливість містить в собі дві складові: інвестиційний потенціал і інвестиційний ризик, які втілюють в собі цілу низку приватних показників. Неодмінна умова оптимізації розмірів інвестицій і програмування інвестиційного ефекту відноситься до вдосконалення форм і змісту інвестицій в їх тісному взаємозв'язку. На основі проведеного дослідження робиться висновок про те, що під дією одних і тих же умов регіону може змінюватися як інвестиційний потенціал, так і інвестиційний ризик. Такий висновок робить поняття «інвестиційна привабливість» основним і представляється нам більш обґрунтованим. Райони, у яких низький потенціал і високий ризик в інвестиційному плані, непривабливі. Але навіть до таких регіонів можуть проявити інтерес інвестори, орієнтовані на інвестиції в вузьку сферу або прийшли на високо ризиковану територію заради того, щоб отримати надприбутки. Так, регіони, у яких найменший ризик, мають найбільший потенціал і навпаки.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of functional oils containing cashew nutshell and castor oil on turkey performance and intestinal morphology. In experiment 1, 585 hatchlings were randomly placed in 15 replicate floor pens, (13 poults/pen) with recycled litter and provided feed and water ad libitum. Birds were randomly assigned to 3 dietary treatments from 1 to 12 wk: nonmedicated control, 0.15% functional oils, and 66-ppm monensin. From wk 13 to 20, each initial treatment group was further divided into 3 treatments—control (no additive), 0.15% of functional oils, or 20 ppm of virginiamycin to produce 9 different treatments, 5 replicate pens per treatment. Data on feed weights were collected weekly, and body weight bi-weekly. At termination (20 wk), birds were euthanized, and their meat was processed to determine mass of carcass sections and meat quality, while intestinal samples were collected for histology. In experiment 1, toms fed monensin or functional oils were 10.5 and 4.5% heavier (P

Background. At present, data regarding the role of va­rious risk factors for the development of joint damage in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are extremely controversial. Particularly many questions remain regarding the clinical manifestations of this complication, since the development of diabetic arthropathies is a complex and multifaceted process that depends on the type of DM. The purpose of our study was to investigate the clinical features of diabetic arthropathy and to identify plausible risk factors for joint damage in patients with type 1 and 2 DM. Mate­rials and methods. Five hundred and fifty-six patients were divided into groups according to the type of DM, the presence and severity of diabetic arthropathy. Diagnosis of arthropathies was performed ­using the radiographic method and ultrasound of the joints. Results. In the group of patients with type 1 DM, arthropathy was diagnosed in 185 (74.5 %) cases, and in type 2 DM, joint lesions were detected in 241 (78.2 %) individuals. It was found that in the vast majority of patients with DM of both types, arthropathy was localized in the joints of the upper extremities. Most often, small distal or proximal joints of the hand and one of the large joints were involved in the pathological process. Oligoarthritis is characteristic of patients with type 1 DM, whereas polyarthritis is more common in patients with type 2 DM (t = 4.88, p ≤ 0.001). It was found that the risk of developing arthropathy in patients with type 1 DM increases significantly after 35 years, with body mass index (BMI) greater than 25.0 kg/m2, HbA1c levels higher than 8.0 %, and DM duration over 28 years. In patients with type 2 DM, the likelihood of developing arthropathy is increased in patients aged 61 years and older, with HbA1c levels greater than 8.2 %, BMI of 27.9 kg/m2 and above and the duration of diabetes more than 14 years. Conclusions. Preventive measures for diabetic arthropathy should be based on the maintenance of target HbA1c levels of less than 8 % for patients with type 1 DM and 8.2 % for people with type 2 DM, and BMI not higher than 25.0 kg/m2 for individuals with type 1 DM and 27.8 kg/m2 for those with type 2 DM.

Environmental surfaces and objects associated with dermal contact by multiple users are suspects of being reservoirs of microorganisms; the ATM is likely to be one of such surfaces. Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic organism and causes infection. S. aureus is a major public health interest because of its antibiotic resistance attributes. Considering this fact, a study on the occurrence, susceptibility pattern, and resistant genes among S. aureus isolates from ATM keypads of three different banks located in a private university in Nigeria, was carried out. A total of 56 swabbed samples were collected from seven ATM keypads belonging to the three different banks, and cultured on Mannitol Salt Agar for the isolation of Staphylococcus aureus. Using disk diffusion technique, 0.5 McFarland of each isolate was screened for antibiotic susceptibility, on Mueller-Hinton agar. Also, six of the isolates were screened for genotypic characterization and the detection of β-lactam (blaZ) and macrolide (ermB) resistance genes. Out of 56 isolates obtained, 30 (54%) were phenotypically identified as Staphylococcus aureus using the standard biochemical test. The isolates were 100% resistant to augmentin, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, cloxacillin and cefuroxime but were susceptible to gentamycin and ofloxacin. On the molecular level, four out of the six randomly selected isolates showed amplified base pair product for S. aureus, blaZ gene as well as the absence of the gene encoding ermB. The present result has shown the potential contamination of ATM keyboards with Staphylococcus aureus and the ATM keypads can also serve as prospective platforms for cross-contamination with antibiotic-resistant strains especially when frequently used by clients of affiliated financial institutions. Therefore, this implies that the hygiene practice of handwashing with soap and water after ATM usage should be further reinforced to reduce the level of contamination and spread of this pathogen.

Eucalyptus is one of the exotic tree species used for fuel wood and utility pole purposes in Northern Nigeria. The early stages of its plantation establishment face the challenges of insect attack, especially the subterranean termites. The pest status of termites on Eucalyptus tree species is a prerequisite for effective management strategies. This study assessed the pest status of termites on four Eucalyptus tree species: Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Eucalyptus citriodora, Eucalyptus cloeziana and Eucalyptus tereticornis in Afaka, Kaduna State, Nigeria. The four Eucalyptus species were planted in the field in a Randomized Complete Block Design and replicated three times. Seedling mortality counts were taken at 1, 2, 3, 6 and 12 months after transplanting. Mortality data were subjected ANOVA and significant means were separated using Tukey’s HSD (p = 0.05). The results showed that lower significant seedling mortality (9.66 ± 5.3%) was observed in E. camaldulensis at 1 month after transplanting. Seedling mortalities within a period of 1 – 12 months after transplanting ranged from 9.66±5.43 – 74.65±8.97%, 34.29±4.80 - 66.87±1.72%, 27.32±2.08 - 61.24±5.85% and 18.01±3.05 - 63.61±2.49% in E. camaldulensis, E. citriodora, E. cloeziana and E. tereticornis, respectively. It is therefore concluded from this study that the first year of Eucalyptus plantation establishment is critical for termite infestation and requires a prompt decision to embark on termite management strategies.

The spatial and temporal variability of soil properties (fluid composition, structure, and water content) and hydrogeological properties employed for sustainable precision agriculture can be obtained from geoelectrical resistivity methods. For sustainable precision agricultural practices, site-specific information is paramount, especially during the planting season. An integrated one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) electrical resistivity survey have been adopted to characterize the subsoil parameters and delineate the aquifer unit of large farm areas, especially in precision agricultural practices. Also, contamination assessment reveals the soil quality status of farmlands. This study aims to determine the site-specific soil parameters of a commercial farm in Omu-Aran, Northcentral, Nigeria. The subsoil features from the geoelectrical resistivity surveys indicate 3 to 4 distinctive lithology to a depth of 43.4 m into the subsurface of the farm. The ID (Vertical Electrical Sounding) and 2D resistivity inversion models results have revealed the heterogeneity nature of the topsoil, also known as the stone zone comprising of reworked clayey soil and sandy gravelly soil, the weathered/saprolite zone (gravelly sandy/sandy soil), the fractured basement and the fresh basement rock. Contamination factor (Cf), pollution load index (PLI) and Nemerow integrated pollution index (NIPI) were used to assess the contamination index on the farmland. Toxic elements such as arsenic, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lead, manganese, nickel, and zinc have low to moderate contamination in the farm. The depth of investigation (≤3m) covers the upper root zone of significant crops grown in the area. The findings can assess soil contamination, delineate basement features, subsoil variability, soil profiling, and determine the subsoil hydrological properties.

The demand for High-Performance Concrete (HPC) is on the increase for its good workability, high strength, and better durability. HPC are obtained by incorporating supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCM) into concrete to attain a long-term strength and durability performance. Though, several SCM have been investigated in HPC, the use of Bamboo Leave Ash (BLA) in HPC as an SCM has not been considered. Thus, this research investigated the use of BLA as SCM in HPC. The bamboo leaves were calcined in an electric furnace at a temperature of 700 °C. The ash was characterized using Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) and were found to possess pozzolanic properties with silica content above 70%. Cement was replaced by BLA at 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% by weight of cement. Concrete made from these combinations were tested for compressive and splitting tensile strengths at 7, 28 and 56 days of curing. It was observed that optimum strength was attained at 5% replacement at 56 days of curing. The microstructures of the concrete revealed that at 5% incorporation of BLA in concrete, there was a better interlocking of concrete grain. It was concluded that cement can be replaced with 5% BLA in High Performance Concrete.

Diseases and infections which are naturally transmitted between animals and humans are of major concern worldwide. Geckos (Hemidactylus frenatus) are known to be potential reservoirs of many zoonotic enteropathogens. This study was designed to isolate, identify, and evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Enterobacteriaceae from Geckos. Using standard microbiological procedures, bacteria were isolated from 138 intestinal samples of Hemidactylus frenatus collected from different sampling sites. A total of 20 bacterial species of 9 different genera were identified using automated Colorimetry VITEK 2 system. The percentage occurrences were Enterobacter aerogenes (35%), Proteus mirabilis (15%), Salmonella ser paratyphi B (10%), Serratia fonticola (10%), Enterobacter kobei (10%), Raoultella ornithinolytica (5%), Sphingomonas paucimobilis (5%), Acinetobacter baumannii, (5%) and Burkholderia cepacia (5%). Results obtained from the antibiotic susceptibility pattern according to CLSI guidelines revealed that all the 20 bacterial species have varying rate of resistance with 20 (100%) showing resistance to Ciprofloxacin (CPX), 20 (100%) Pefloxacin (PEF), 19 (95%), Augmentin (AU), 11 (55%) Cotrimoxazole (CXT), 10 (50%) Streptomycin (S), 9 (45%) Chloramphenicol (CH), 6 (30%) Gentamycin (CN), 3 (15%) Ofloxacin (OFX). This study revealed that Enterobacteriaceae in the intestine of Geckos are multidrug resistant and are potentially harmful when in contact directly or indirectly with humans. It becomes important to educate people on the importance of personal hygiene in order to eradicate Geckos from our environment.

Chlorophytum sabiense Omok. (a newly identified species in the family Asparagaceae) is unique, having multiple styles emerging from fused ovaries. This specialized character may be overlooked in conjuring up archetype for the genus Chlorophytum, since the genus is characterized by single and simple style. Comparative morphology and taxonomic study of Chlorophytum sabiense and two other species in the genus (Chlorophytum macrophyllum and C. stenopetalum) was carried out to appraise level of relatedness of Chlorophytum. sabiense and these existing members. Distribution of the three species is sympatric in the North Central part of Nigeria. Chlorophytum sabiense may be confused with either of the two species because of the attributes they have in common. Samples collected were raised in a garden and closely observed for duration of three years. Data collected from morphological studies were analyzed statistically. The three species show similarity in most of the vegetative characters studied, however Chlorophytum sabiense is distinguished from the two others having; multiple styles, smaller fruit size and shorter length of pistil relative to the stamen. Exceptional characteristics exhibited by Chlorophytum sabiense makes it stand out among species in the genus, while its close resemblance with its allies accounts for reason why it had escaped recognition for a long time.

Effects of forest fire on the regeneration potential of trees at Olokemeji Forest Reserve was established in this study. The Olokemeji fire experimental plot was selected at the reserve. The site was divided into three plots; late fire treatment was applied to Plot A, Early fire treatment was also applied to Plot B and no fire treatment at plot C (Control plot). The diameter at breast height (dbh) and tree height (m) of the tree species in the plots were assessed prior and post fire treatment. The regeneration potential of the selected plots after burning were assessed through the occurrence of saplings and seedlings obtained. The highest basal area (m2) were found in plot C followed by plot B and Plot C with mean value of 0.64, 0.55 and 0.30 m2 respectively. The number of stems per plot ranged from 25 to 67. The regeneration potentials of the three plots were found to be noteworthy. Early and late year fire regime adopted had both positive and negative effect on the regeneration potentials of tree species. This study has established the effect and relevance of fire on forest and wildlife management. It’s therefore recommended in this study that Prescribed or controlled burning should be encouraged as appropriate sivilcultural management tool for stimulating basal area growth, natural regeneration, production of tree species seedlings and saplings.

The study was carried out to find out the determinants of profitability in bushmeat marketing in Oluyole Government, Oyo state, Nigeria. Primary data were obtained through the use of thirty structured questionnaire administered to bushmeat marketers using a random sampling technique. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, market efficiency and regression analysis. The results showed that all the respondents were female (100%) and married (84%). The mean age of the respondents was 48.0±7.0 years, 83.3% had formal education with average year of experience of 24.0 ±8.0 years in bushmeat marketing. Profitability analysis revealed that bushmeat marketing is profitable venture with an average market margins of N25,309.00 and N6,433.33 per week for fresh and smoked bushmeat respectively. The marketing efficiency was greater than unity (ME>1). Regression analysis result indicated a significant relationship between year of education, marital status, membership of association and the marketing margin (p

The study was carried out to compare the performance of wood hive types and plywood hive types in three different vegetation types between June 2018 and May 2020 in Akure South local Government of Ondo State, Nigeria. A total of eighteen (18) Kenyan Top Bar hives made from Danta, Gmelina and plywood were constructed at six (6) each per wood types. Two (2) each of Danta, Gmelina and Plywood hives were installed in three locations: Natural Forest, Plantation forest and cocoa farmland. The rate of colonization of each hive was evaluated at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after installation in the field. The results revealed that plywood hive type was not colonized in the natural forest throughout the period of study while Danta and Gmelina each recorded 50% colonization at the end of the experiment. In plantation forest, each of the Plywood and Gmelina hives recorded 50% colonization at 24 months after installation while bees in Danta hives absconded before 24th months after installation. In cocoa farmland, Gmelina recorded 100% colonization at 24 months, Danta recorded 50% colonization at 24 months and plywood accounted for 100% colonization at 24 months after installation. An improvement was recorded in the colonization performance at 12,18, 24 month after installation of hives. Plywood hives installed in the cocoa farmland and plantation accounted for higher colonization percentage than natural forest.

Objectives: Integration of HIV and non-communicable disease services improves the quality and efficiency of care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We aimed to describe current practices for the screening and management of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) among adult HIV clinics in Asia. Methods: Sixteen LMIC sites included in the International Epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS – Asia-Pacific network were surveyed. Results: Sites were mostly (81%) based in urban public referral hospitals. Half had protocols to assess tobacco and alcohol use. Protocols for assessing physical inactivity and obesity were in place at 31% and 38% of sites, respectively. Most sites provided educational material on ASCVD risk factors (between 56% and 75% depending on risk factors). A total of 94% reported performing routine screening for hypertension, 100% for hyperlipidaemia and 88% for diabetes. Routine ASCVD risk assessment was reported by 94% of sites. Protocols for the management of hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes, high ASCVD risk and chronic ischaemic stroke were in place at 50%, 69%, 56%, 19% and 38% of sites, respectively. Blood pressure monitoring was free for patients at 69% of sites; however, most required patients to pay some or all the costs for other ASCVD-related procedures. Medications available in the clinic or within the same facility included angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (81%), statins (94%) and sulphonylureas (94%). Conclusion: The consistent availability of clinical screening, diagnostic testing and procedures and the availability of ASCVD medications in the Asian LMIC clinics surveyed are strengths that should be leveraged to improve the implementation of cardiovascular care protocols.

A combined 1D and 2D electrical resistivity surveys as well as laboratory determination of soil moisture contents of topsoil in a University cultivated farmland is presented. Apparent resistivity data were measured along six traverses using Schlumberger and Wenner arrays while soil samples were collected from all traverses at depths of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 m respectively. The ranges of resistivity and thickness of the topsoil, clayey sand and weathered layers are 78.0–1094.0 Ωm, 0.5–1.9 m; 110.0–275.0 Ωm, 1.1–11.9 m; and 19.0–274.0 Ωm, 1.1–14.0 m respectively. 2D resistivity inverted sections revealed three zones of resistivity anomalies: topsoil with resistivity 78.0–600.0 Ωm for traverses within the farmland and that of two traverses along the entrances to the farm. The second resistivity zone represents a clay region of high moisture content with resistivity values less than 25.0 Ωm. The third layer represents weathered/fractured layer with relatively high resistivity values ranging from 116 to 600 Ωm. The 1D resistivity models showed effective depths of more than 30.0 cm while the 2D image lines revealed that active water uptake zone extends to about 3.0 m depth. All the collected soil samples belong to sandy loam while the soil moisture content values ranged from 45 to 74% at different soil depths of 0.5–2.0 m. The study has shown that the integrated methods provide important methods for better management of soil water reserves for improved agricultural production. Keywords: 2D resistivity imaging, Vertical electrical sounding, Farmland, Soil moisture content, Topsoil

Objective: Assessing the dynamics of the long-term trend of prevalence and primary incidence of cerebrovascular diseases (CVD) among different populations of the Kyrgyz Republic (KR). Methods: The main source of information for assessing the incidence of the population of CVD was data from the National Medical Information Center (NMIC) of the Ministry of Healthcare. Retrospective epidemiological study of the prevalence and primary incidence of CVD in the long-term dynamics of 2002-2017 was conducted. Calculated the growth rate (reduction) using the method of the smallest squares to align the dynamic series; a comparative analysis of morbidity rates in groups of age groups and in the context of nine administrative and territorial units of the KR with the calculation of the average multi-year incidence levels (AMIL). Results: In the long-term dynamics (from 2002 to 2017) there is a moderate trend towards an increase in prevalence rates (the rate of growth compared to 2002 was 1.3%) and AMIL 843.9. Among strokes that determine the incidence of CVD, ischemic stroke (60.8%) has the highest proportion. In the long-term dynamics, there is a pronounced tendency to increase unspecified strokes (the growth rate was 10.3%), AMIL incidence – 23.0±2,80/0000. There is a marked upward trend in the incidence of the disease of the studied pathology among children (the rate of increase was 47%). In the 9 administrative territories of the KR there is a fairly strong difference between the AMIL and the CVD among the child population, ranging from 1.00/0000 to 20.90/0000 cases, i.e. territorial differences reach up to 20.9 times; adults and adolescents – from 211.10/0000 to 3127.80/0000 (differences up to 14.8 times). Of the nine administrative territories of the KR, the largest proportion of AMIL morbidity among adults and adolescents is observed in Bishkek, and among children – in the Osh region. AMIL prevalence and primary incidence of strokes in men are statistically, significantly higher than in women. In the long-term dynamics, there is an increase in mortality rates from ischemic strokes with a rate of increase compared to 2002 year – 37.5%, along with a decrease in mortality from hemorrhagic and unspecified strokes. The largest proportion of CVD cases over the past year (2017) is over the age of 70 (32%). Conclusion: The actuality of the problem of CVD in the KR is due to a moderate trend of growth rates of prevalence with the highest proportion of ischemic stroke. The expressed growth trend is caused by unspecified strokes. The largest proportion of AMIL morbidity of adult and adolescent CVD is observed in Bishkek, and among children – in the Osh region. Strokes are more common in males.

Background. Joint damage in patients with diabetes mellitus is a common complication and is associated with degenerative dystrophic changes in the periarticular structures. The purpose of our work was to study insulin and leptin hormone levels in patients with diabetic osteoarthritis and to investigate their possible influence on the development of this complication. Materials and methods. Seventy­seven patients were examined, they were divided into groups by the type of diabetes mellitus, the presence and severity of diabetic arthropathy. The content of insulin and leptin in the blood serum was determined by enzyme­linked immunosorbent assay. Results. Diabetic arthropathy was diagnosed in more than 70 % of patients. In persons with diabetic arthropathy, insulin levels were significantly elevated (for type 1 diabetes mellitus — by 38.5 %, for type 2 diabetes mellitus — by 55.6 %), as well as leptin content (for type 1 diabetes mellitus — by 43.8 %, for type 2 diabetes mellitus — by 53.7 %). There is a direct correlation between the severity of joint damage and the levels of insulin and leptin. The severity of arthropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus directly correlates with insulin resistance. Conclusions. Risk of developing arthropathy in type 1 diabetes mellitus with elevated insulin levels is increased by 3.8 times, with elevated leptin content — by 1.3 times, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus — by 2.6 and 1.2 times, respectively. For this sample, it was found that the development of arthropathy does not depend on the type of diabetes mellitus. In women with type 2 diabetes, the risk of developing arthropathy is 6.4­time higher than in men. Thus, an increased insulin and leptin levels can be markers of the presence and progression of arthropathy in patients with diabetes mellitus.

This study evaluates the quality of blends of fermented cassava flour (lafun) and pigeon pea flour and stiff Amala-lafun produced from the blends. The blends were produced using five different proportions of fermented cassava flour and pigeon pea flour in ratio 90:10 (CPF), 80:20 (CPP), 70:30 (PCF), 60:40 (FCP), 50:50 (PCA), with cassava flour (CFM) and pigeon pea flour (PFD) as the control samples. Their proximate, functional, pasting and sensory parameters were determined. The results obtained showed that significant differences (p