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The Motykleisky, Chistoozerny, and Pavlovichsky new ore clusters promising for porphyry molybdenum-copper mineralization have been identified in the Magadan region due to results of creation of the State Geological Map 1000/3, sheets O-55, O-56. The porphyry-type mineralization is associated with the Priokhotsky plutonic belt of Albian-Cenomanian granitoids of the Magadan suite of the calcareous-alkaline series (K/Na

Recently, the relevance of risk management of IT projects has increased significantly, which is associated with their rapid development and a high level of uncertainty in the external environment. The purpose of the study is to determine the features of risk management of IT projects on the basis of modern theory and practice of project management. The paper analyzes the essence of the concept of «IT project», as well as identifies its features, including: non-standard life cycle; mobility and ambiguity of some areas in the IT field; high level of uniqueness of the project; dependence on other IT projects and technologies; low level of project expertise due to the uniqueness of the technologies on which the project is based; high level of project complexity and uncertainty. The essence of the concept of «IT project risk» is also defined, the main types of risks are characterized. The features of using the PMBoK (Project Management Body of Knowledge) methodology in project risk management are analyzed. A characterization of the stages of risk management in IT projects based on the PMBoK approach is provided, including: risk planning; risk identification; qualitative and quantitative risk assessment; planning a risk response strategy; monitoring and control of risks. It is determined that risk management of IT projects using the PMBoK approach has significant shortcomings if used in conditions of a high level of uncertainty and novelty of the project. The article also provides a characterization of flexible risk management of an IT project based on the Agile methodology, which in turn is based on an iterative approach, continuous risk assessment and the development of measures for their adaptation. A comparative characterization of the approaches of PMBoK and Agile to risk management of IT projects is provided: their strengths, weaknesses, and areas of application are identified. It is noted that the choice between PMBoK and Agile approaches should be based on the specific needs of the project and the organizational context. PMBoK will be appropriate for large, long-term projects, as well as in situations where predictability, adherence to the plan are crucial, while Agile is best suited for innovative projects that are implemented in an uncertain or dynamic environment and require flexibility, quick adaptation, and customer focus. A significant number of project managers in the IT field prefer a hybrid approach that combines the strengths of both methodologies.

The problems of promotion in international sales markets are especially acute for companies in high-tech industries, in particular for high-tech startups. The need for reasonable development and use of international marketing strategies by high-tech startups at the stage of growth and scaling of their activities is grounded upon: the difficulty of conveying the value of the offer to the end consumer; accelerated development of scientific and scientific-technological progress, which leads to the emergence of new technologies and innovative products; constant intensification of competition in world markets; gaps in the socioeconomic development of individual countries. The aim of the study is to determine the specific features of international marketing activities for the development of a high-tech startup. The article examines the theoretical aspects of international marketing; the article considers approaches to the definition of the essence of the concept of «international marketing», features of the modern market of high-tech products, the essence of a startup, in particular a high-tech one, the startup life cycle. It is substantiated that the directions of marketing activities vary depending on the stages of the startup life cycle. The main trends within which startup marketing will develop, and the approaches and models on which the marketing strategy of a startup can be based are determined.

In the wake of the war in Ukraine and the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses have either suspended or closed their operations. The introduction of martial law requires rapid adaptation of tax legislation to new realities. To do this, the State must, in particular, distribute its burden to promote the survival of businesses in the wartime conditions. One of such plans is to carry out the tax reform «10-10-10», which provides for amendments to tax legislation, revision of preferential taxation of certain business segments and reduction of basic tax rates. Making adjustments to these tax rates will lead to serious changes in the State budget itself. The main taxes that will be changed during the reform are VAT, personal income tax and business income tax. Analysts argue that reducing them to 10% and strengthening tax control over entrepreneurs and enterprises will lead to the withdrawal of a significant part of business from the «shadow». The important point is that, in contrast to reducing the rates on basic taxes, the authors of the reform propose to strengthen control over the activities of not only registered entrepreneurs, but also the population that receives income without registering as a business entity. This will entail an increase in fines for violating tax legislation. Among the important shortcomings of the reform are the potential increase in the budget deficit resulting from a significant reduction in taxes, as well as the conditions of the European Directive 112, which Ukraine has to adhere to within the framework of European integration and according to which the VAT rate cannot be less than 15%. In turn, the advantages are strengthening tax control, de-shadowing the economy and reducing the tax burden on the wage fund, improving the standard of living of the population, supporting business and attracting foreign investment. Thus, after a detailed consideration of the reform, familiarization with the opinions of leading experts and a brief analysis, it can be argued that in such a difficult situation in which Ukraine finds itself now, it is appropriate to make fundamental changes to the tax system in order to improve the financial condition of the population, enterprises and the economy in general.

A parametric optimization problem of cross-sectional sizes for cold-formed steel lipped channel structural members subjected to axial compression has been considered by the paper. An optimization problem is formulated to define optimum cross-sectional sizes of cold-formed structural member taking into account post-buckling behavior and structural requirements when stripe width, profile thickness and profile type are constant and specified in advance. Maximization of the load-carrying capacity of the cold-formed structural member has been assumed as purpose function. As optimization results cold-formed steel lipped channels with optimum dimensions have been obtained. Steel lipped channels structural members with the optimum cross-sectional dimensions have higher load-carrying capacities at the same material consumption (stripe width) comparing with the ones proposed by the manufacturer when the material consumption.

The necessity of increasing the technological and economic efficiency of viticulture is substantiated. The assessment of the influence of negative manifestations of chemical and technogenic intensification factors in viticulture on the stability of agrocenoses with the participation of grape plantations is given. The priority role of biotechnologies in ensuring the stability of grape agrocenoses to negative manifestations caused by an increase in chemical and man-made loads, which are a set of industrial methods that use living organisms and biological processes for the production of industrial products, is substantiated. The basic principles on which the biologization of protective measures of vineyards is based are considered. The effectiveness of the main methods of biological protection of industrial vineyards is assessed, the use of which will reduce the negative impact of xenobiotics on the environment, material costs for the purchase of insecticides in the cultivation of products and ensure the development of optimal agrotechnological solutions for the protection of perennial plantations, which will contribute to the growth of technological and economic efficiency of industrial production.

The CERN Tape Archive (CTA) is the successor to CASTOR and the tape backend to EOS. It was designed to meet the needs of archival storage of data from LHC Run–3 and other experimental programmes at CERN. In the wider Worldwide LHC Computing Grid (WLCG), the tape software landscape is quite heterogeneous, but we are entering a period of consolidation. A number of sites have reevaluated their options and are choosing CTA for their future tape archival storage needs. However, CTA’s original mandate imposed several design constraints which are not necessarily optimal for external sites. In this contribution, we show how CERN has engaged with the wider HEP community and collaborated on improvements which allow CTA to be adopted more widely. We detail community contributions to allow CTA to be used as the tape backend for dCache; to facilitate migrations from other tape systems such as OSM and Enstore; and improvements to CTA building and packaging to remove CERN-specific dependencies and to allow easy distribution to external sites. Finally, we present a roadmap for the community edition of CTA.

The EOS disk + CERN Tape Archive (EOSCTA) service is CERN’s primary physics data long-term storage and archival solution for LHC Run 3. It entered production at CERN during summer 2020 and has since been serving all the LHC and non-LHC workflows involving archival to-and retrieval from tape. The CTA system is a complete redesign of the previous tape software, tape cache and tape workflows, which will need to scale to the data rate requirements of the present LHC activity period, as well as the one after. At the time of writing it has already set new records for monthly tape archival volume at CERN and reached write efficiencies equalling those demonstrated during earlier data challenges.

The article defines as a scientific problem that requires research the development of a sufficiently simple (for use “in field conditions”) methodology for calculating the capabilities of forces and means of response to man-made, natural and military emergency situations. It is noted that many researchers used the mathematical apparatus of the queueing theory, as well as process modelling with the help of appropriate software, for the theoretical analysis of similar tasks. It is shown that to solve the problem, it is possible to use a mathematical model of the M/M/1 type queueing system (QS), which takes into account the probabilistic nature of the processes of occurrence of emergency situations and response to them, while it was supplemented with an analytical method of calculating the parameters of the QS, which ensure the necessary capability of the forces and means of emergency response. The results of the study are suitable for practical use by emergency services to quickly determine the required number of rescue or repair crews, sanitary teams, vehicles, etc., their equipment and capabilities in responding to emergency situations and overcoming their consequences.

The overview article delves into the critical area of emergency logistics and supply chain management. Analyzing research conducted by experts in the field, the authors explore the potential benefits and challenges associated with the use of multimodal and intermodal international transportation of dangerous and perishable goods, and assess the potential challenges as well as the importance of emergency logistics for disaster relief and recovery. It is noted that traditional unimodal transport systems may be insufficient for swift and efficient response to emergency situations, which makes the integration of multimodal and intermodal chains an increasingly attractive alternative. Emergency logistics play a key role in ensuring the uninterrupted flow of goods during crises and disasters, especially when it comes to dangerous and perishable goods. One of the purposes of this article is to highlight the importance of vehicle diversification during such disasters. Multimodal transport involves the use of several modes of transport, such as road, rail, sea and air, under the direction of one transport operator or several carriers that cooperate in a coordinated manner. On the other hand, such transportation involves the use of standardized containers that can be easily moved between different modes of transport, offering increased flexibility and cost-effectiveness. The article provides an overview of the challenges faced by emergency logistics and the potential problems when transporting dangerous and perishable goods. It emphasizes the importance of building robust supply chains that can withstand disruptions and provide rapid response to effectively mitigate risks. The need to increase the stability and efficiency of emergency logistics chains is emphasized. The study aims to shed light on which approach offers the best balance between timeliness, adaptability and overall efficiency in the international transport of hazardous materials and perishable goods. The article refers to case studies and real-world cases of emergency logistics operations where multimodal and intermodal transport systems have been successfully applied. These cases highlight their practicality and effectiveness in mitigating potential disasters and minimizing the negative impact of accidents such as spills, explosions or spoilage, and the consequences of war. The authors note the special relevance of multimodal container transportation of dangerous and perishable goods, especially during the war that Ukraine is waging against russian aggression, since in these conditions the principle of logistics “just in time” is most in demand, and modern containers allow to ensure complete safety, speed and accuracy, and in necessary cases, the secrecy of the delivery of goods in the conditions of hostilities and other emergency situations.

Startups have recently become an important component of the modern economy, leading to an increase in its innovativeness and providing opportunities for a country to reach the best possible position in the competitive world market. The article is aimed at examining the ecosystems of startups of the countries around the world, their grouping and defining the key driving forces for the development of startups. The methodological basis of the article includes: an overview of international indices and rankings of startup ecosystems; the correlation, cluster, graphic, and statistical analyses. The structure and composition of the main international indices and rankings that characterize the conditions for the development of startups are examined. A correlation analysis of the main indices characterizing the level of development of startup ecosystem and the socioeconomic development of the world countries was carried out. This allowed to determine a noticeable relationship between: indicators of the Index of the most startup-friendly countries around the world and the Global Innovation Index; the number of startups per 1 thousand residents and the Global Startup Ecosystem Index; GDP per capita and the Global Innovation Index. A grouping of countries of the world was carried out using the cluster analysis, which was carried out in accordance with two groups of indicators. The analysis of the first group of indicators (the Index of the most startup-friendly countries in the world, the Global Startup Ecosystem Index and the number of startups per 1 thousand residents) allowed to allocate three clusters according to the level of development of the startup ecosystem: leading countries, potential leaders, and catching up countries. A group of countries that, according to the classification, are leaders in terms of both the development of startup ecosystems and socioeconomic development is defined. The main directions of bridging the gap in the development of startups in both the catching up countries and the developed countries of the world are identified: ensuring the transparency of startup ecosystems and their mutual coordination with the country’s innovation policy; promoting entrepreneurial and startup-based thinking in science and research; promoting the formation of a more friendly attitude of society to startups; attracting more employees from the academic, scientific and entrepreneurial spheres, whose activities, in cooperation with the government, should be directed to the development of science-intensive and technological startups

The purpose of the article is to analyze the current state of activity of the shipbuilding industry in Ukraine and the world. In the carried out study, the authors considered the structure of shipbuilding enterprises and organizations in Ukraine. The shipbuilding industry of Ukraine was examined in terms of theoretical and practical aspects, which led to negative conclusions regarding the functional activity of shipyards and ship repair plants. It is determined that most of the plants experienced difficulties even before the onset of the COVID-2019 pandemic and martial law in the country. Analyzing the dynamics of financial results of only a few of the plants for 2019-2021, namely: PJSC «Plant «Kuznya na Rybalskomu», Kyiv Shipbuilding and Ship repair plant (KSSRP), Kherson State Plant «Pallada», Mykolaiv Shipyard «Ocean», it can be stated that over the years there is a tendency of reducing the net income from the sale of goods and services. This situation should encourage the search for new opportunities to maximize the final financial result and improve their own position in the competitive environment. Given that shipbuilding and ship repair is a strategic industry of Ukraine’s development, an integrated approach should take place in applying incentives and support measures on the part both the State and the private sector. The ability to continue with the activities of plants on a continuous basis was carried out only through signed contracts with foreign investors. It is noted that thanks to this in single shipyards there was a chance to survive in the market and compete for an attempt to meet the trends of the world and European markets. Of course, this does not apply to «NIBULON» Shipyard, which is a leader in the development of modern business and economy of Ukraine. It is identified that in 2021 a project of strategy for the development of shipbuilding and ship repair until 2030 was presented, which was developed taking into account the analysis of the activities of international maritime countries that have a comprehensive system of government support. The main goal of this project was to apply such incentives and measures for the shipbuilding industry of Ukraine.

The wide ecological range of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) demonstrates its ability to adapt to different environments. This study aimed to assess the dynamics of growth and productivity of Scots pine stands growing on soils with crystalline parent rock outcrops. The study area is located in the north of Ukraine in the Central Polissya within 50°15’ and 50°06’ north latitudes and 29°22’ and 29°86’ east longitudes. The base of the geological structure is granite. The depth of the parent rock bedding ranges from 15 to 86 cm. In total, 18 research plots were laid out on soils with crystalline rock outcrops and 18 research plots on sites with deep bedding of crystalline rocks (> 60 cm). To test the difference in stands growth within and outside sites with the crystalline outcrops, we used the Welch t-test. Pine forests on areas with deep bedding of parent rocks are systematically higher than those growing on sites with crystalline outcrops. With an increase of stand age, the difference between specified groups tends to be more significant. Stands growing on sites with and without crystalline rocks outcrops have similar dynamics, however, the latter ones accumulate more growing stock volume due to higher relative stocking, site index, mean diameter, and the number of trees. Our findings indicate the feasibility of establishing Scots pine stands in sites with different depths of the crystalline parent rocks bedding in Central Polissya, Ukraine.

Proper asset provision within local budgets during the implementation of social and economic regulation is the basis for creating and developing an effective national and regional economy, and is a good means of counteracting the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The article is aimed at analyzing the results of the decentralization policy in Ukraine on the example of the Lviv region and of the impact made by the COVID-19 pandemic on the Lviv region budget; determining the state, problems and development prospects of the budget. The article examines the organizational and economic aspects of local budgets; considers the nature and effectiveness of the decentralization reform; analyzes the state of local budgets in the Lviv region; identifies several problems and suggests some ways to overcome them; and provides recommendations to improve local budgets and local communities. The budget asset provision in the Lviv region amid financial decentralization is characterized by decrease in both revenues and expenditures of the regional consolidated budget in 2020 by 25% and 45.3% respectively; reduction of new businesses growth by 2.4%; increase in unemployment by 1.1% due to some problems of Lviv enterprises and the subsequent dismissal of their employees; Ukrainians’ outflow abroad in search of jobs. The study has identified such problems as: the COVID-19 pandemic, which was the main reason for the deterioration of the economic condition of the Lviv region budget and other local budgets in Ukraine, as well as for the reduction of revenues and expenditures within the consolidated budget of the Lviv region; deterioration of the population’s living standard; reduction of the new businesses growth rate; increase in unemployment due to the problems of Lviv enterprises and dismissal of their employees; Ukrainians’ outflow abroad in search of jobs; conflicts caused by community consolidations; inexpedient changes of statutory and regulatory character; low initiative of local self-government bodies in some communities; and others. The solution will be: cooperation of all the authorities and business to improve employment; introduction of new business assistance programs to improve the companies’ financial condition; development of programs to attract foreign investment to communities; legislation improvement; introduction of innovative activities in solving problems, etc.

The article aims at analyzing the Ukrainian market of domestic government bonds (IGLBs) in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic; determining its state, problems and development perspectives. The development of the domestic government bonds market during the coronavirus crisis is considered; the essence and purpose of IGLBs in Ukraine are revealed; IGLBs are classified by type of use. The differences between domestic and external government bonds are determined, and the advantages of the former are indicated; peculiarities of purchasing such securities by individuals and legal entities are revealed; requirements for issuing IGLBs by issuers are indicated, and the most reliable banks engaged in this activity are enumerated; the state of the government bond market during 2018–2020 is studied; the amount of ownership, the share of buyers of securities and the purpose of their purchase for each of the entities are given; the rate and yield of domestic government bonds in Ukraine are analyzed and compared with other countries, such as the United States, Germany, France and others. The study identifies the following problems: the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the inadequate legal framework on IGLBs, the low level of public awareness of these securities, and others. To overcome these problems, the following actions are suggested: counteracting the coronavirus crisis by combining the efforts of the state and local authorities, business, and the population; directing most of the financial resources in this direction; spreading economic education among the population; introducing a simplified procedure for purchasing IGLBs; and working with banks to increase the availability of bonds purchasing. Statistical data obtained from the official website of the National Bank of Ukraine make up the basis for the study.

The purpose of the paper is to develop a model for managing the motivation of managers and ensure its effectiveness. The principles of formation of management model of managers’ work motivation which correspond to the universal system approach to management model of managers’ work motivation and define its basic functions are outlined: a) goal setting, b) assessment and forecasting of the state and efficiency, c) development and decision making, d) planning, e) organizational, f) communication and subordination, g) regulation of the management model of motivation of managers, h) control. The management model of managers’ work motivation of (MMMWM) is formalized in the form of a structural-logical scheme based on a systematic approach and decomposition, which reflects the interaction of subject and object in the process of forming and implementing a system of motivation of managers at the enterprise. The factors for achieving the set goals have been formed, which are divided into internal and external motivators for managing managers’ work motivation. The management model of managers’ work motivation which is presented by the following subsystems is offered: “X” – target subsystem (the management process of managers’ work motivation), “Y” – providing subsystem (factors of rational achievement of the goals), “XY” – providing subsystem (regulatory legal acts, resources), “Z” – management subsystem (reflects the implementation of the general functions of management work motivation on the basis of experience), which are characterized by parameters, indicators, criteria for managing the motivation of managers. According to the method of linear multiple regression, a system of equations was constructed to describe the economic-mathematical model of management motivation at oil and gas enterprises, which after the repeated experiments provided diagnostics of indicators before, during and after the implementation of management motivation model.

The use of processing units for the production of mineral fertilizers in the industry in today’s market requires improved product quality and increased productivity. As a result, there is a need to change the design of existing units or some structural elements. Rotary vibroprillers, having a relatively simple design, can be of different designs that directly affect the productivity indicators mentioned above. The study considers the influence of the shape of the basket bottom on the quality of the rotational vibroprillers. After using the governing equation of prills motion in the airflow, a program was developed for automatic control of the rotational speed of the priller based on changes in melt loads. It is established that the size of the spray swath can be changed by varying the rotational speed of the priller. There is a tendency to affect the vibropriller performance by controlling the rotational speed and shape of the basket bottom without performance degradation.

The social and labor sphere in the conditions of digital transformation requires special care of the state and theoretical comprehension of the possibilities of the state employment regulation. The article aims at carrying out systemic analysis of opportunities, features and directions of the state influence on employment in the context of economy digitalization. Technological changes form new challenges in the field of social and labor relations, relations concerning the human resources formation and involvement, and the involvement of people in economic activities. These are changes that create uncertainty and risks both in the system of employment and self-realization of human labor potential, and in the system of income. Digital technologies have created a completely specific work process, bringing changes into all its elements, namely: the subject and means of labor, technology, organization and result of labor. The impact of digital technologies on labor market changes take place in several important directions, namely: the intensification of migration processes; interprofessional and intra-firm mobility; development of modern employees’ adaptive skills; ability to learn throughout life; growth of the competitive advantages of educated, professional, and creative staff; development of flexible forms of employment. Contradictory processes in the field of labor and socio-labor relations make special requirements to socio-economic policies in employment promote. Modern employment policy has close complementary links with human development policy. Its important direction is the one of creating an effective retraining system, helping to acquire new professional competencies, and it involves close cooperation with the educational sphere. Mechanisms for de-shadowing hidden unemployment and eradicating informal employment, especially its precarious forms, are of great relevance to the Ukrainian economy. An important aspect of expanding employment opportunities is promoting the development of remote employment together with its consistent institutionalism.

The article is aimed at studying the status and structure of the credit portfolio of JSC CB «PrivatBank», also evaluating the processes of management of the bank’s credit portfolio through the computation of the coefficient of credit portfolio management efficiency. While analyzing financial indicators, a consideration and a research of the status of bank lending in modern conditions of the national economy of Ukraine were carried out. The reasons for reducing the proportion of the credit portfolio in the GDP structure during the research period are summarized. The fundamental principles of the credit portfolio management of JSC CB «PrivatBank» were analyzed in accordance with the «Regulation on credit policy». As a result of the research, the analysis of the main analytical indicators of credit portfolio management was accomplished, the structure of the credit portfolio and the structure of the bank’s portfolio credit quality during 2016-2019 were determined. On the basis of analytical data, the coefficient of efficiency of management of the bank’s credit portfolio was computed. Actual problems affecting the process of management of the bank’s credit portfolio were considered. The indicators of the efficiency of credit portfolio management of JSC CB «PrivatBank» for 2016-2019 are computed. It is determined that the key challenges for both the researched bank in particular and the banking sector in general remain a high proportion of non-performing loans. Decisive actions on the part of the management of JSC CB «PrivatBank» will help to improve the structure of the credit portfolio and reduce the amount of troubled debts of the bank. Ways to solve problems of improvement and enhancing the quality of credit activity of the bank are prospects for further research.

Currently, the tourism industry continues to outpace the global economy despite deteriorating global economic prospects, tensions in international trade, social worries, geopolitical uncertainty, instability and the COVID-19 pandemic. The article is aimed at identifying modern trends of marketing research as part of the complex of marketing instruments in the tourism sphere. To achieve this aim, the article uses the following research methods: abstract-logical; situational analysis; mean, absolute and relative values; comparison, graphic, sociological; statistical analysis; economic-mathematical; expert surveys and estimations. Based on the data of the World Tourism Organization, the indicators of development of the world market of tourist services are analyzed. Performed were the following: analysis of the dynamics of the number of subjects of tourism activity (tour operators and travel agents) in Ukraine; total average number of full-time employees; income from the provision of tourist services; operating expenses for the provision of tourist services; number of tourists served by tour operators and travel agents in Ukraine. The content of marketing research is disclosed as a multi-stage process, which should include the collection, registration and analysis of data in the sphere of tourism business. Marketing researches should be conducted according to 8 stages: determining the problem; development of the concept of research; cabinet marketing research; field market research; analysis of market conditions (supply and demand); research of foreign markets; simulation modeling; formation of a marketing information system. In order to determine the rating of tour operators of the mass segment of the tourism market in 2020, a questionnaire containing 16 questions is specified. Its results can be used when evaluating tour operators in terms of customer comfort and cooperation with travel agents. It is proved that marketing research in the tourism industry is advisable to be carried out systematically. This will provide for substantiating and elaborating managerial solutions in order to maximize the satisfaction of the needs of consumers of tourist services and solve the problems of significant seasonal fluctuations in demand.

Our interest has focused on the investigation of the anti-obese potential of kidney beans (P. vulgaris) pods extract. In the course of the study, obesity development in rats was induced with high-calorie diet. Control and obese rats then have consumed with aqueous kidney beans (P. vulgaris) pods extract during 6 weeks (200 mg/kg). Results show that the long-term consumption of P. vulgaris pods extract can lead to the reduction of hyperglycemia and insulin resistance development. Furthermore, we saw a normalization of lipid peroxidation parameters and oxidative modification of protein due to the consumption of the kidney beans (P. vulgaris) pods extract. Our experimental data demonstrate the ability of the kidney beans (P. vulgaris) pod extracts to mitigate obesity development but the details of this mechanism remains to be not fully understood.

Rice seeds at each stage of ripening are characterized by a certain state, structure and moisture. Such properties of rice as germination, nature, quality and duration of storage depend on moisture content. Biochemical processes in the grain do not end at the filling stage, but continue for some post-harvest period. To safely preserve the rice gene pool, it is necessary to clarify the effect of seed maturity and storage time on seed quality. The varietal characteristics of rice seeds were studied using 8 Kuban varieties harvested on days 35 and 45 after flowering. The structural-phase state of freshly harvested grain and after 5, 10 days of ripening in natural conditions at room temperatures, and then the dynamics of sowing qualities after 1, 6 and 10 months of storage are discussed. The following parameters were studied: moisture, germination, length of the seedling and seed root, mass of 1000 grains. Differences in the moisture yield of grain of different degrees of maturity, varieties with different types of grain are shown. The results of the evaluation of rice physico-chemical indicators at the end of post-harvest ripening are presented. Varieties with slow moisture yield during ripening were distinguished by increased grain size: Yakhont, Rubin, Thaibonne and Zlata. The germination of seeds increased as they ripened, compared with freshly harvested ones, after a month it increased by almost 50%, and reached its maximum value by 6 months of storage, after 10 months, on average, germination for the group of varieties has already decreased by 6%. The stage of seed harvesting significantly influenced the germination rates.

The article provides the results of computational studies of the stress-strain state of reinforced concrete structures chambers of locks No. 15 and No. 16 of the Gorodetsky complex of hydraulic structures, performed on the basis of a finite element model taking into account the data of long-term monitoring and field surveys. Combinations of loads that are pleasant in computational studies correspond to the most unfavorable operating conditions. The applied finite element models take into account the structural features of the structure, including interlocking construction joints and the actual location of the reinforcement. In the computational studies, the load-bearing capacity of the actual anchoring of the new repair concrete and the concrete of the main array was checked; the distribution of vertical stresses in the chamber walls, in the reinforcement of the chamber wall, the values of the main stresses in the concrete block under the construction joint was obtained. Conclusions are drawn about the values of horizontal displacements of the upper parts of the chamber walls, cracking in the walls, and the need for reliable anchoring of new repair concrete to the concrete of the main array.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hypoglycemic activity of the aqueous extract from the fruit walls of Phaseolus vulgaris pods and to examine the potential mechanism underlying the improvement of the glycemic level. In the course of the study, diabetes mellitus was induced in rats with a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (45 mg·kg−1 b.w.). Diabetic and control rats were then orally administered with a single-dose or repeated-dose (28 day) of P. vulgaris extract (200 mg·kg−1). Results show that the extract was found to possess significant hypoglycemic activity, and the study of glucose utilization by isolated rat hemidiaphragm suggests that the aqueous extract may enhance the peripheral utilization of glucose. The subsequent experiments have revealed that the P. vulgaris extract could increase glucose transporter 4 (GLUT-4) content in skeletal muscle cells of control and diabetic rats. Our data also indicate that the P. vulgaris extract did not affect the content of the insulin receptor, but significantly reduced the total tyrosine kinase activity in skeletal muscle cells of both experimental groups of rats. The present results clearly indicated that P. vulgaris extract may be beneficial for reducing hyperglycemia through its potency in regulation of glucose utilization via GLUT-4, but the current mechanism remains to be unidentified.

The main research goal is the development of a numerical methodology for solving parametric optimization problems of steel structures with orientation to software implementation in a computer-aided design system. The paper introduces a new mathematical model for parametric optimization problems of steel structures. The design variable vector includes geometrical parameters of the structure (node coordinates), cross-sectional dimensions of the structural members, as well as initial pre-stressing forces introduced into the specified redundant members of the structure. The system of constraints covers load-carrying capacities constraints formulated for all design sections of structural members of the steel structure subjected to all ultimate load case combinations. The displacements constraints formulated for the specified nodes of the steel structure subjected to all serviceability load case combinations have been also included into the system of constraints. The method of the objective function gradient projection onto the active constraints surface with simultaneous correction of the constraints violations has been used for solving the parametric optimization problem. A numerical algorithm for solving the formulated parametric optimization problems of steel structures has been developed in the paper. The comparison of the optimization results of truss structures presented by the paper confirms the validity of the optimum solutions obtained using the proposed numerical methodology.

In the proposed article, an attempt is made to resolve one of the most pressing issues that arise when justifying the implementation of road construction projects on a concession basis. This is a question of state participation in co-financing the project. The task has a double limitation. On the one hand, the opportunities for state participation in such projects are limited by the financial resources of the State Road Fund. On the other hand, the state's participation is limited by the project's internal capacity to provide sufficient cash flow. The criteria for selection of projects implemented in the transport sector were studied. Additional requirements for the adequacy of expected cash flows have been formulated for projects that are expected to be implemented on a concession basis. The first step involves determining the creditworthiness of the project. The second is to ensure the required rate of return for private investors. The third step determines the need for state participation in co-financing the project and its respective share.

The aim of this paper was to define and analyze local consumers’ willingness to pay a price premium for ecological goods in the regions of Ukraine (on the example of the residents of Kharkiv and Kyiv). For this purpose, different methods were used in the research: surveys; abstract-logical; induction and deduction; monographic; comparative analysis; graphic. The scientific value was provided by the theoretical development and methodological principles of assessing the willingness of consumers to pay a price premium for ecological goods in the regions of Ukraine. These have become the scientific basis for assessing the future development of this segment of the market, since more than half of consumers are ready to buy ecological products, even more expensive than ordinary ones, but there is a certain limit for the price premium. It was revealed that the potential for market development is the greatest, provided that the price premium for the environmental properties of the goods is not more than 25%. Accordingly, the higher the price premium on ecological goods, the less consumers are willing to buy them. The comparison of consumers’ attitudes from different regions (examples from the residents of Kharkiv and Kyiv) on ecological goods and their willingness to pay a price premium for them showed that one of the key factors is the level of the purchasing power of the population. The obtained results of the research can be used to assess the prospects for the development of the market in ecological goods, to develop a set of measures to increase the level of readiness of domestic consumers to pay a price premium for ecological products and the adoption of managerial and marketing decisions in the relevant segment of the market.

Lack of clear guidelines for the state employment assistance policy in the Volgograd region; lack of coordination between the executive authorities of the region and other participants in the labor market; the activities of the state employment service, characterized by the absence of a goal to ensure the needs of employers in the necessary personnel; incompatibility of the vocational qualification structure of the unemployed with the needs of the regional economy; low attractiveness of the state employment service for job seekers due to the irrelevance and segmentation of the vacancy base - this is not a complete list of the shortcomings identified during the audit of the implementation of the state policy of the Volgograd region in the field of employment assistance for 2015-2016, conducted by the Audit Chamber in 2016. During the control event, the measures taken in the Volgograd region in the field of employment, as well as legislation and experience of other regions in this area were studied. For an objective assessment of the results obtained and the organization of an integrated approach to solving the established problems, the Expert Council was formed with the involvement of outside experts. The article provides an analysis of socio-economic indicators in the field of labor and employment of the population of the Volgograd region, reveals the main problems and shortcomings of the state personnel policy conducted in the region, outlines ways to solve them and the results achieved.

The paper presents a statistical assessment of the probabilistic nature of summer in males of Lobesia botrana Den. et Schiff. according to the data of pheromone monitoring in the vineyards of the North-Eastern Black Sea region. The observed and calculated basic statistical indicators of the frequency binomial distribution of summer (beginning, length of summer, the central trend of summer and the expected period of the central trend) of three economically significant generations are considered. With significant restrictions, the period of mass summer of the pest is indicated, calculated as the standard deviation of summer of all individuals in the period. Indicators such as kurtosis, asymmetry and others have been calculated and analyzed, which make it possible to understand better the nature of the summer of a harmful object. When analyzing the dynamics of the fly of the Lobesia botrana Den. et Schiff by various methods, it is concluded that the actually observed fly of the pest are more uniform in comparison with theoretical abstraction. Wherein, the first fly is more extended and unstable than the subsequent periods of mating — this character of fly is influenced by abiotic environmental conditions. Based on long-term monitoring data of seasonal cycles of development, which include four generations, the period of full development of one generation of the Lobesia botrana Den. et Schiff in field conditions was established. Its main probabilistic indicators and differences between generations are provided. These data can help in understanding the age dynamics of the grape leafroller population and its probabilistic nature in order to improve the prognosis of the pest development and the timing of protective measures.

The article proposes the methodology of practical use of game theory for analyzing of risks of subprocessions of operational processes of agricultural enterprises on the basis of models of components of effectiveness by Burennikova (Polishchuk) – Yarmolenko and relevant indicators. The methodology is considered on the example of processes of formation of gross incomes at five agricultural enterprises of grain products subcomplex as subprocesses of operational processes of these enterprises. A certain payment matrix for the case of non-strategic game (playing with nature) was built. A gains matrix would generate a risk matrix. Two risk matrices are obtained, depending on the two formulas according to which the elements of these matrices are calculated. According to the data of these two risk matrices, the maximum risk values are found in each row, and two corresponding column matrices are drawn from these values. On the basis of the mentioned column matrices, a ranking of risks of functioning of the considered enterprises is carried out. The article researches the risks of functioning of enterprises in terms of effectiveness. Similarly, one can research the mentioned risks from the standpoint of efficiency.

Methodical approaches to evaluation of strategic positions of the employer’s brand and its competitiveness are substantiated. Comparative analysis as an approach to the evaluation of the employer’s brand is considered. The advantages of having an employer’s brand in the organization are allocated and the most important elements in the process of forming the employer’s brand are defined. The research on instruments of formation of both internal and external brand of employer for the retail shops network «Prego» was carried out. The employer’s brand strength is evaluated according to the main points of a specialist contact with the employer’s company. An assessment of factors of external and internal brand of employer was carried out. A system of criteria for evaluating the competitiveness of the company’s employer brand has been formed. The strategic positions of the employer’s brand of the «Prego» store chain in the retail sector were evaluated.

The aim of the present study was to determine whether orally applied collagen fragments (CFs) could affect the development of obesity in obese rats. To this end, experimental rats that were exposed to a high-calorie diet (HCD) for four weeks were randomly divided into two groups: HCD and HCD+CFs, with both groups continuing to receive the HCD. However, rats from the HCD+CFs group were also provided with CFs in a 0.05-M citrate buffer (pH 5.0) (1 g·kg-1 of body weight) by intragastric administration, every other day for the next six weeks. Selected parameters associated with obesity development and insulin resistance, as well as serum markers of oxidative stress and the cytokine profile were assessed at the end of the 10th week. Supplementation with CFs resulted in a decrease in body weight and body mass index when compared to animals exposed to a HCD. The observed changes were assumed to be caused by a lower food intake and increased water intake by obese rats treated with CFs. Enhanced activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration were detected in the HCD+CF group of animals when compared to untreated HCD-fed rats. Administration of CFs also lowered the serum concentrations of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-12, whereas the concentration of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was significantly increased and the concentration of cytokine IL-4 was near the control value. Decreased concentrations of fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (GHbA1c) and serum insulin and increased tolerance to glucose in the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were observed in the HCD+CF group of animals when compared to rats in the HCD group. We concluded that CFs mediated a therapeutic effect on obesity development in rats exposed to a HCD by affecting pathways involved in obesity pathogenesis.