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The article discusses the fundamental aspects of the water deficit problem in rural areas of the South Prydniprovska Upland, which is prevalent in the Mykolaiv, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, and Dnipro regions. The study focuses on the rapid hydrochemical instability observed in locally accumulated runoff reservoirs, significantly deteriorating their water quality for consumer use. The inherently high salinity, exacerbated during peak water shortage periods, diminishes the significance of local hydrosystems as viable water sources. The swift advancement of autonomous filtration water treatment systems and artificial filtration in drinking water production necessitates a reevaluation of traditional principles in rural water supply. Concurrently, this development brings to light several critical technical issues with economic implications. Cost-effective decentralized water treatment for drinking purposes mandates the use of natural water with a salinity of up to 1.5-1.8 thousand mg/dm3. Treating water with a salinity of 3-4 thousand mg/dm3 would be economically unfeasible due to the need for accelerated replacement of filter elements, excessive electricity consumption, and extended working hours. Therefore, the challenge of accessing water reserves with minimal deviation in hydrochemical composition from drinking standards persists, as current reservoirs and water storage facilities do not meet this requirement. To rationally exploit available water reserves, the proposed principle of cascade-separate water use for small reservoirs is introduced. This approach is based on creating a tandem of existing channel ponds and small water storage reservoirs linked by regulated water flow. The satellite water storage ponds, filled from the surface with relatively clean, flotation-deposited water from the main pond, will contain a 3-4 month supply of conditionally high-quality water, ensuring efficient operation of drinking water treatment plants at a volume of up to 20 m3/day. These relatively small (up to 0.5 million m3) reservoirs are easy to maintain, clean, and periodically disinfect, meeting the minimum water quality requirements for preparation for drinking and the domestic needs of the population.

Tetragonal crystal structure (space group P42/mnm (No 136)) of the isovalently substituted BaGd2Sc2-xInxO7 phase with x = 0.5 was determined by X-ray powder diffraction methods. The crystal structure of BaGd2Sc1.5In0.5O7 consists of two-dimensional perovskite-like blocks with a thickness of two slabs of (Sc,In)O6 octahedra connected by vertices. A slab of GdO9 polyhedra is located between the blocks. There are no direct (Sc,In) – O – (Sc,In) connections between the octahedra of adjacent blocks. They are "stitched" to each other with the help of – O – Gd – O – bonds. Ba atoms are arranged only in the cubooctahedral voids of the perovskite-like block and their coordination number is 12. Analysis of the crystal chemical characteristics of BaGd2Sc2O7 and BaGd2Sc1.5In0.5O7 showed that upon the isovalent substitution of Sc atoms by large In atoms in slab perovskite-like structure leads to increase of the deformation degree of (Sc,In)O6 octahedra, GdO9 interblock polyhedra, increase in average (Sc,In) – O bond length and a decrease the degree deformation of BaO12 cuboctahedrons. Such changes lead to the destabilization of the slab perovskite-like structure and determine the limitation of the area of BaGd2Sc2-xInxO7 solid solutions and the absence of BaGd2In2O7 compound.

Introduction. The article examines changes in the content of prostaglandins and cyclooxygenases (COX) in colon tissue in ulcerative colitis induced by 2,4-dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS) in a 50% ethanol solution. Based on the obtained results, the authors conclude that changes in the content of the studied parameters, except PGI2, are due to ethanol effect, not DNBS. Both COX isozymes are expressed in normal colon and reduced in ulcerative colitis. The aim. To study the prostanoids (PGE2, PGI2, PGF2α, TBX2 and 8-iso-PGF2α) and COX-1 and -2 contents in colon tissue in experimental ulcerative colitis. Materials and methods. The determination of prostanoids and cyclooxygenases contents in colon tissue by enzyme immunosorbent assay was carried out on three groups of sexually mature laboratory rats of both sexes of the WAG population (1st control group – intrarectal injection of saline; 2nd control group – injection of 50% ethanol; experimental group – injection of DNBS in 50% ethanol). Results. PGE2 and PGI2 contents in colon tissue of experimental group rats were statistically significantly higher compared 1st and 2nd control groups. The content of PGE2 was also increased in 2nd control group versus 1st control one. The increasing PGI2 in 2nd control group versus 1st control was not significant. TBX2 and PGF2α contents in experimental and 2nd control groups were significantly lower compared 1st control. 8-iso-PGF2α (non-enzymatically derived prostanoid) level in experimental group rats was significantly higher compared both controls. 8-iso-PGF2α content in 2nd control group was significantly higher compared 1st one. The content of both COX isoforms in colon tissue in experimental group and 2nd control group rats was significantly lower compared to 1st control group. Conclusions. Both isoforms of COX are expressed in control group colon indicating COX-2 involvement in supporting physiological functions of normal colon tissue. All studied indicators changes, except PGI2, are due to ethanol, not DNBS. Both 50% ethanol and DNBS in 50% ethanol stimulate lipid peroxidation, confirmed by significant increase in 8-iso-PGF2α content. PGE2 and PGF2α contents changes against the background of reduced levels of COX-1 and COX-2 in experimental ulcerative colitis are most likely an adaptive response aimed at maintaining colon homeostasis. PGI2 content changes are due to DNBS, and not to ethanol.

Aim.The aim of the study is to determine the level of readiness of future science teachers to use the STEM approach in the educational process and to develop recommendations for the integration of relevant STEM tools into the educational process of Ukraine. Methods. The study involved the following methods: the focus group method, the two-phase survey, the accompanying survey, the variable impact method, and the statistical analysis. Results. Students majoring in natural sciences are poorly prepared for the integration of STEM tools. Students of the experimental subgroup became more ready to use STEM tools and developed a more structured vision of systemic issues. Comprehensive educational courses are an effective means of preparing future teachers for the integration of STEM tools in their future activities. Conclusions. STEM approach can be effectively integrated into teaching natural sciences through comprehensive educational courses and practical activities that develop the future teachers’ skills. Virtual laboratory technologies demonstrated the greatest effectiveness. Prospects. Prospects for further research focus on the need to verify the obtained results for a wider sample of future teachers of natural sciences and other majors of higher education institutions (HEIs).

The Lower Bug region is the habitat of the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra¬), which, relying on channel reservoirs as reserves, also exploits the seasonal and permanent resources of small steppe rivers. With the climate-driven decrease in surface runoff, small rivers have become subject to complete or partial drying up, making it difficult for semi-aquatic mammals to live. The survival of the otter in the Southern Steppe is ensured by its use of the static and foraging potential of channel reservoirs and ponds. The latter are the key sites that serve as permanent and off-season reserves for the species, ensuring the survival and sustainable existence of otters in the small river network. The habitat specificity of the otter's sustainable habitats covers areas with different spatial and landscape characteristics, and hydrological, and foraging features, which allows us to distinguish three ecologically and ethologically distinct forms of the species. The first is the primary riverine form, represented by animals inhabiting the Southern Bug, Syniukha, and Ingul rivers, the second is the lyman-estuarine form, and the third is the river-pond form associated with small rivers. The current number of otters in the Lower Pobuzhzhia is estimated at 86–108 individuals, which is 38.5% more than in 2000–2005 and 58.1% more than in 1992–1995. The average breeding density is 0.489 individuals/10 ha of water area (excluding the coastal and marine zone). In some habitats, the local density of otters ranges from 0.181 (Berezansky estuary) to 1.14 individuals/10 ha (lower reaches of the Syniukha River, Kovalivsky plains). At the same time, the main reserves of the species generally remain unchanged—the channel-floodplain habitats of the Southern Bug, Ingul, and Ingulets, from which the animals disperse to the tributaries of these rivers and adult males migrate through local watersheds. Some small otter habitats are associated with the peaks and banks of the Tiligul and Berezan estuaries. The least studied was and remains the Ingulets centre of existence of the species, which was significantly affected by the consequences of hostilities.

In the quality monitoring of 18 sunflower oil samples from the EU market, 14 were refined and 4 were cold-pressed. They demonstrated high quality of technological processing with low values of trans-unsaturated fatty acids, acid value, and peroxide value and also met the limits set by legislation in the content of process contaminants 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) esters and glycidyl esters. Measurements of oxidative stability showed a difference in utility value. The average induction period of the oils from the traditional varieties was 2.6 h, predisposing them to cold cooking or short-term frying, while the 11.8 h of the four high oleic sunflower oils (HOSO) indicates the possibility of long-term heat stress. The nutritional benefit is the average vitamin E content of 663 mg/kg oil. The overall sensory quality of the samples was evaluated by a 12-member panel of trained assessors. On the seven-point category scale, the oils were of good to exceptional quality. The cold-pressed oils (CPOs) differed in having, on average, lower trans-unsaturated fatty acid content, process contaminants at unmeasurable levels, and, on average, higher vitamin E concentrations. The specific organoleptic properties of the CPOs were characterized by a pleasant nutty and sunflower seed flavor.

Дана стаття присвячена контролю (нагляду та регулюванню) у сфері банківської діяльності та його стану в Україні в період розгортання та поширення воєнної агресії Російської Федерації по відношенню до України та в період сьогодення (широкомасштабної російсько-української війни, яка розпочалася двадцять четвертого лютого дві тисячі двадцять другого року та триває й досі). На державу взагалі, а особливо в період воєнного стану, покладено додержання суворого контролю (нагляду та регулюванню) в сфері банківської діяльності, оскільки саме цей сектор має досить важливе значення через те, що є основою стабільного розвитку економіки будь-якої держави. Однак, відомі кризи, які виникали раніше та виникають досить часто в наші дні свідчать про недосконалість регулювання та нагляду в сфері банківської діяльності. Так, наприклад, одна з останніх найболючіших криз, яка й досі, на жаль, триває, почалася ще в дві тисячі чотирнадцятому році в період розгортання “гібридної війни” Російської Федерації проти цілісності України на Сході України та анексія Автономної республіки Крим. Вказана криза є яскравим прикладом недосконалості нагляду та регулювання за економічним сектором та особливо за регулюванням діяльності банківської системи, в тому числі й адміністративного регулювання банківської діяльності. У світлі вище викладеного постає гостра необхідність реформування даного інституту враховуючи досвід зарубіжних країн, які успішно здійснюють в період воєнного стану в державі контроль у сфері банківської діяльності. В статті висвітлено питання дослідження основних причин занепаду економіки, які є результатом воєнних конфліктів та шляхи подолання криз в післявоєнний період. Особливу увагу приділено стабільності роботи банківського сектору економіки, який має вагомий вплив на всю економіку країни, під час затяжних воєнних конфліктів. Досліджено підстави виникнення, розвиток та можливі шляхи уникнення краху економіки. Значна частина статті займає дослідження можливих шляхів подолання економічних криз в країні та подолання занепаду банківського сектору в воєнний період.

Arrhythmia is the main cause of pregnancy-related hospitalizations. Potential risk of arrhythmias during pregnancy is associated with hypercoagulation and increased risk of thromboembolism. The aim. To increase patients’ safety and to improve maternal and perinatal outcomes by choosing the optimal medical strategy. Methods. We present the experience of multidisciplinary care for 54 pregnant and parturient women (32 with tachy-, 20 with bradyarrhythmia and 2 with ventricular asynchrony) who were admitted to the cardiac surgery facility from December 2013 to February 2022. Pacemakers were implanted in 15 cases of complete atrioventricular block radiofrequency ablation was performed in 12 cases. Results. There were no near misses and maternal losses in our group of patients. Two programmed perinatal losses were provided in patients with rhythm disorders and complex congenital heart defects. Type and place of delivery were chosen by the multidisciplinary team. There were nine childbirths at a specialized cardiac surgery clinic. There were no perinatal losses among patients who underwent rhythm interventions. In our group of patients, electrical cardioversion was performed in three cases, the pregnancies ended successfully with the birth of healthy newborns. Conclusions. Arrhythmias in all trimesters of pregnancy and the postpartum period are a common reason for seeking medical attention and hospitalization during pregnancy.Most of the arrhythmias are hemodynamically insignificant and don’t require hospitalization. Maternal risk stratification of major cardiac events during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period is the cornerstone for choosing a strategy of medical care for pregnant women with arrhythmias. Patients with hemodynamic manifestations of tachy- and bradyarrhythmias, as well as patients with life-threatening types of rhythm disturbances are in the focus of attention of pregnancy heart team. Preconceptional management of patients with life threating arrhythmias is the best type of care in these patients. Pregnancy and delivery in high-risk class patients should be managed in an experienced center with on-site interventional electrophysiology techniques. Rhythm interventions have extremely limited indications and can be conducted when less invasive treatment strategy is unsuccessful.

Aim: To evaluate expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein in the nasal tissue and its levels in blood serum of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with (CRSwNP) and without nasal polyps (CRSsNP). Material and methods: Expression of Bcl-2 in the sinonasal tissue and its levels in blood serum of patients with CRSsNP and CRSwNP were evaluated immunohistochemically and using ELISA, respectively. Results: In patients with CRSsNP, Bcl-2 was overexpressed in nasal epithelial cells mainly in the atrophic regions. However, its upregulation was also observed in regions with epithelial cell proliferation. Immunostaining for Bcl-2 was stronger both in the stroma and epithelial lining compared with control subjects. The level of Bcl-2 in blood serum was elevated in both forms of chronic rhinosinusitis with a more pronounced increase in CRSwNP. Conclusion: CRSsNP and especially CRSwNP are associated with overexpression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 in nasal epithelial cells and in the lamina propria against the background of elevated circulating concentrations of Bcl-2.

The conditions of isovalent substitution of Nd atoms for Sm atoms in A-positions of the BaNd2In2O7 two-slab perovskite-like structure of the BaNd2-xSmxIn2O7 type (0 £ x £ 1.8) have determined by X-ray powder diffraction methods. Tetragonal crystal structure (space group P42/mnm) of the BaNd2-xSmxIn2O7 phases with substitution degree of Nd atoms equal to 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 1.8 was determined by the Rietveld method. Crystal structure of BaNd2-xSmxIn2O7 is based on the two-dimensional (infinite in the XY plane) perovskite-like blocks, consisting of two slabs of the deformed InO6 octahedra connected by vertices. Ba atoms are localized only at 4f position inside the perovskite block, while REE atoms are placed only at 8j position at the boundary of the perovskite block. The adjacent perovskite-like blocks are separated by a slab of LnO9 polyhedra and held together by - O - Ln - O - interblock bonds. It is established that the isovalent substitution of Nd atoms by smaller Sm atoms leads to a decrease in the length of the Ln - O2 distance (from 0.230(2) nm to 0.206(2) nm) and to an increase in the degree of deformation of the interblocks of LnO9 polyhedra, the inner block polyhedra BaO12, and the InO6 octahedra as well. Such structural changes destabilize the interblock "stitching" and are one of the main destruction factors of the slab perovskite-like structure of the BaNd2-xSmxIn2O7 phases at x > 1.8. Data obtained could be used for directed regulation of structure-sensitive properties of materials based on the BaNd2In2O7 indate.