bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Copper Complexes in Verdigris Painting Mixtures: An Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Characterization
Authors: Punis Riccardo , Zoleo Alfonso
Published: December 2023

Copper complexes, also called “copper soaps” when referred to carboxylate compounds, have become a concern in the conservation of historical artefacts. These complexes are suspected to play a significant role in degradation processes such as darkening and cracking of painting layers. Here we propose the Continuous Wave Electron Paramagnetic Resonance spectroscopy (CW-EPR) as a tool for the identification of these species. EPR spectroscopy is a micro-invasive and non-destructive technique that is highly sensitive to paramagnetic species, including radicals, crystal defects, and transition metal ions, e.g., Cu(II) and Fe(III). We have selected the verdigris (copper acetate) pigment combined with many organic binders, e.g., egg tempera and gum Arabic, as mock-up systems because of the known degradation tendency of the copper-based pigment. We would like to demonstrate that a precise analysis of the experimental spectra assisted with the calculus of the main magnetic quantities could lead to a good characterization of the copper complexes (or “soaps”).
Fracture research of adhesive-bonded joints for GFRP laminates under mixed-mode loading condition
Authors: Zhong Zhi-peng , Ju Wen-zheng
Published: December 2023

The mixed-mode fracture characterization of adhesively bonded glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) plate joints is studied based on theoretical and experimental techniques. An improved beam model is used to estimate the compliance and the mixed-mode energy release rate (ERR) for GFRP four-point mixed-mode bending specimens. In this model, the deformation of the upper and lower GFRP plates is mutually independent, and the deformable adhesive is considered to satisfy the displacement compatibility conditions on the bonding interface. The explicit theoretical solutions of the compliance and ERR using the compliance method are reduced. The present theoretical solutions fit well with the finite element solutions by comparison with the rigid joint model. From the critical loads in experiment, the variation in fracture toughness on mixed-mode I/II has been determined by modifying the stiffness of the composite GFRP/GFRP substrate.
Nanopharmacology as a new approach to treat neuroinflammatory disorders
Authors: Menéndez Sebastián García , Manucha Walter
Published: December 2023

Neuroinflammation, a complex process involving the activation of microglia, astrocytes, and other immune cells in the brain, plays a role in neurodegeneration and psychiatric disorders. Current therapeutic strategies for neuroinflammation are limited, necessitating the development of improved approaches. Nanopharmacology offers unprecedented opportunities to access and treat neuroinflammatory disorders at the brain level. Nanoscaffolds can target specific cells or tissues and protect drugs from degradation or elimination, making them ideal candidates for treating neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. Recent advancements in nanoparticle development have enabled the targeting of microglia, astrocytes, and other immune cells in the brain, reducing neuroinflammation and protecting neurons from injury. Nanoparticles targeting specific neurons have also been developed. Clinical trials are in progress to evaluate the safety and efficacy of nano drugs for treating neuroinflammatory, neurodegenerative, and psychiatric diseases. The successful development of these nanodrugs holds immense promise for treating these devastating and increasingly prevalent conditions. On the other hand, several limitations and unanswered questions remain. First, the long-term effects of nanoparticles on the brain need to be thoroughly investigated to ensure their safety. Second, optimizing the targeting and delivery of nanoparticles to specific brain regions remains a challenge. Understanding the complex interplay between nanoparticles and the brain’s immune system is crucial for developing effective nanotherapies. Despite these limitations, nanopharmacology presents a transformative approach to treating neuroinflammatory disorders. Future research should address the aforementioned limitations and further elucidate the mechanisms of nanoparticle-mediated therapy. The successful development of safe and effective nanodrugs can revolutionize the treatment of neuroinflammatory disorders, alleviating the suffering of millions.
Bi2O3/ZnO heterostructured semiconductor nanocomposites: synthesis, characterization and its visible light-induced degradation of methylene blue dye
Authors: Simeyon Velanganni , Dinesh Ayyar , Deivatamil Deivanayagam , Thiruneelakandan Raghavan , Meena Boominathan Catherin , Mathavi Manikandan , Padmapriya Govindaswamy , Durka Manikandan , Ayyar Manikandan , Ansarie AbuZar , Hashem Mohamed , Fouad Hassan
Published: December 2023

In this study, we describe the creation of linked semiconductor nanomaterials, which represents a significant development for photocatalytic applications. A Bi2O3–ZnO hetrostructured thin film was created using the SILAR-CBD deposition technique. In comparison to pure ZnO and Bi2O3, the produced heterostructured thin film showed greater photocatalytic (PCD) activity for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under UV light. The formation of Bi2O3 (monoclinic lattice phase) and ZnO (hexagonal wurtzite phase) are the heterostructured nanomaterials that were generated, according to a powder XRD inspection. An image taken with HR-TEM demonstrates the mixing of nanoparticles and nanorod formations in the Bi2O3/ZnO. The vectorial movement of electrons (e−) and holes (h+) between ZnO and Bi2O3 is responsible for the boosted photocatalytic efficiency, which is in turn, accountable for the enhanced photocatalytic activities.
Merger Policy for a Platform Economy
Authors: First Harry
Published: December 2023

This article provides an in-depth analysis of six recent merger enforcement actions involving platform industries in the U.S., EU, and UK. The paper argues that these cases reflect enforcers’ concerns about concentration, corporate size, and the power of digital platforms, but that the success of this enforcement effort is uncertain.
American Merger Enforcement: A Progress Report on The Biden’s Administration’s Agenda
Authors: Bruce Hoffman D. , Linton Caleb
Published: December 2023

This Article seeks to cast a critical but balanced eye on the record of the Biden administration’s antitrust agenda. Part II offers a brief history of United States antitrust policy to couch the administration’s philosophy in its appropriate historical context. Part III examines the economic evidence, both broadly and focusing on technology – an industry of intense focus for the current administration – as a case study to answer whether radical change is really necessary or whether the landscape is too complicated and the evidence too thin to insist on sweeping reform to competition law. Finally, Part IV surveys the actions taken thus far by the Biden administration. It details the administration’s current track record in court, looks to merger enforcement statistics for guidance, and canvasses the commentary around the FTC’s proposed HSR (Hart-Scott-Rodino) Rule change and the joint FTC and Department of Justice Draft Merger Guidelines.
Legal-dogmatic controversies between civil law and criminal law: the case of the exercise of the right of possession in Colombia
Authors: Cano Andrade Ricardo Andres
Published: December 2023

Women’s unmet need of modern contraceptive in Cameroon has many gender specific health risks and development implications. This paper sought to examine the perceptions variation among men and women towards contraceptive use by employing a mixed method design to collect both quantitative and qualitative data from 248 participants using questionnaires and interview guides. The results showed that 86% of the participants had heard of contraceptives and a lesser proportion (8%) did not know the importance of contraceptives; 67% of respondents indicated that women were in greater need of contraceptives as opposed to 33 % who opined that men needed contraceptives and the relationship between gender perception and contraception use was statistically significant (p-value=0.04). This study contributes to the body of knowledge on contraceptive use and the predictors which may account for its weak uptake and the wide unmet need of contraceptives in African countries like Cameroon.
Perception variation on contraceptive use in the Bamenda and Buea communities in Cameroon
Authors: Mbihbiih Niying Roger
Published: December 2023

Women’s unmet need of modern contraceptive in Cameroon has many gender specific health risks and development implications. This paper sought to examine the perceptions variation among men and women towards contraceptive use by employing a mixed method design to collect both quantitative and qualitative data from 248 participants using questionnaires and interview guides. The results showed that 86% of the participants had heard of contraceptives and a lesser proportion (8%) did not know the importance of contraceptives; 67% of respondents indicated that women were in greater need of contraceptives as opposed to 33 % who opined that men needed contraceptives and the relationship between gender perception and contraception use was statistically significant (p-value=0.04). This study contributes to the body of knowledge on contraceptive use and the predictors which may account for its weak uptake and the wide unmet need of contraceptives in African countries like Cameroon.
“SAFE HARBOUR” IN THE PROPOSAL FOR CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY DUE DILIGENCE DIRECTIVE
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Poiedynok V.V.
Published: December 2023

Over the last decade, the mandatory legislation that requires large companies to conduct due diligence for the social, environmental, and ethical risks within their economic activities and to manage those risks efficiently has been rapidly expanding across Europe. On 23 February 2022 the European Commission unveiled a proposal for a Directive on corporate sustainability due diligence. Following numerous amendments adopted by the European Parliament on 1 June 2023, the proposal now enters negotiations with the EU Council and member states for further refinement. The proposal introduces mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence (mHREDD) which establishes provisions for corporate liability when companies meeting the employee number and turnover criteria specified in the proposal fail to adhere to due diligence obligations, causing otherwise avoidable harm. The adoption of mHREDD transforms the prevention of harmful impacts on human rights and the environment from a voluntary practice of companies into a normative standard of their conduct. Therefore, compliance with the Directive's requirements will become part of a company's compliance as an internal process aimed at ensuring adherence to existing norms and rules. A large proportion of companies targeted by the proposal, while appearing cooperative, seek to weaken the future rules through the corporate lobbying. Among the tactics used to undermine the law is lobbying the so-called “safe harbour” exemption. With a “safe harbour” exemption, the legislature sets out criteria that, if met, could exclude liability and the corresponding ability of claimants to bring action. In the context of the proposal of the Directive “safe harbour” means that a company shall be released from all legal actions upon proof that it had carried out a legally valid due diligence assessment. Safe harbour exemption is contrasted with the use of due diligence as a procedural defence, which the defendant company can plead and seek to prove in court. The proposal’s implications are important for Ukraine considering its status as a candidate country for EU membership. Ukrainian companies, unlike those in the EU countries, lack experience of operating within the framework of corporate social responsibility and non-financial reporting to build upon, and the culture of corporate sustainability is in its nascence. A “safe harbour” approach, under which when the company has seemingly complied with the due diligence process (which might be a mere “tick-box exercise”), it will not be held liable for the harmful effects of its activities, will have devastating impact for the development of corporate sustainability tradition in Ukraine.
LEGAL BASIS OF DECARBONIZATION OF THE CITY TRANSPORT SYSTEM BASED ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ELECTRIC MOBILE INFRASTRUCTURE
Authors:   State Organization “V. Mamutov Institute of Economic and Legal Research of NAS of Ukraine”, Oliukha V.H. , Marasin O.V. ,   State Organization “V. Mamutov Institute of Economic and Legal Research of NAS of Ukraine”
Published: December 2023

The article is devoted to the analysis of the legal support for the transfer of urban passenger transport from automobile to electric vehicle transport, which is necessary for the decarbonization of transport and the sustainable development of the settlement. It is well-founded that road public transport is part of the transport system of Ukraine and the city infrastructure system, and therefore the legal provision of its environmental protection should be implemented on a comprehensive basis. Legal support for the decarbonization of the urban transport system of road transport by encouraging the use of electric vehicles is carried out by norms of different levels (laws and by-laws) and different sectoral orientations. Regulatory and legal acts, that ensure the use of electric vehicles for urban passenger transportation, can be divided into those that: 1) lay the general principles of greening of economic activity and the field of transport; 2) provide stimulation of the development of ecological motor vehicles and the development of electric mobility infrastructure. The Economic Code of Ukraine is a codified act that should lay the foundations for ecologization of economic activity, and therefore it is advisable to enshrine in it the principles of sustainable development and signs of ecological business activity. The business activity of transporting passengers by electric vehicle can be recognized as an ecological business activity, because it will ensure the environmental safety of human life; the use of such transport eliminates such a negative impact on the natural environment as CO2 emissions into the atmosphere; they will have a level of satisfaction of consumer needs no lower than other similar services provided by traditional modes of transport. The changes made to the current legislation in 2021-2023 regarding the stimulation of the use of electric vehicles, although they do not fully meet the requirements of the European Union in the matter of determining the terms of the complete decarbonization of urban transport, are such that will stimulate the development of the electric vehicle infrastructure of the city in the future. Such an economic and legal instrument as the state program on greening transport should become the basis for the systematic introduction of electric transport infrastructure not only within the city, but in Ukraine as a whole. This will correspond to the European development vector of our state. At the same time, approaches that will fully meet the standards of the European Union should be laid down in the regulatory and legal provision of greening of the city's transport infrastructure.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES OF THE ECONOMIC POLICY OF THE POST-WAR COUNTRIES OF THE BALKAN REGION
Authors:   State Institution “Dolishniy Institute of Regional Research of NAS of Ukraine”, Shults S.L. , Lutskiv O.M. ,   State Institution “Dolishniy Institute of Regional Research of NAS of Ukraine”, Shults Е.P. ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University
Published: December 2023

The article highlights the peculiarities of the post-war reconstruction of the countries of the Balkan region, on the territory of which military operations took place. The analysis of losses and destructive consequences for the economy of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia, as well as trends of structural transformations in terms of sectoral division, was carried out. Based on the assessment of the differences in the structure of the economy of the developed countries of the European Union (EU) and the countries of the Western Balkans, conclusions are made regarding the possibilities of bringing the structure of the economy closer to European standards in the post-war and modern periods. The system of measures implemented by post-war countries in the field of attracting financial resources of international aid is characterized, and the analysis of the features of the use of sources of international financial support, the distribution of donor funds and grant support funds in the reconstruction of the economy of the Balkan countries is carried out. Based on the analysis of the economic development trends of the Western Balkan countries in 2016-2021, the priority areas of reforms that the countries under study need are determined. Attention is focused on the need to solve the problem of reducing the differences in the rates of economic growth of the Balkan countries, expanding economic integration within the macro-region and ensuring convergence with the EU member states. After analyzing the experience of the post-war reconstruction of the countries of the Balkan region, a number of institutional changes should be noted, which were aimed at the implementation of measures to bring them closer to the EU and increase the possibilities of attracting financial resources of international aid through program and grant support tools. A detailed analysis of diversified sources of international financial support was carried out, both in terms of the countries that participated in military operations, and in the Balkan region in general. Summing up, the analysis of the experience of the post-war recovery of the economy of a number of Balkan countries shows that its success is the result of a purposeful policy of structural reforms and consistent regulatory measures of the state to achieve the defined goals and priorities of economic recovery. It is noted that in the conditions of the war and after its end, Ukraine should take into account the experience of restoring post-war economies in order to speed up this process and avoid mistakes.
РОЛЬ ЗЕЛЕНИХ ОБЛІГАЦІЙ У ФІНАНСУВАННІ СТАЛОГО РОЗВИТКУ
Authors: ЩЕРБАКОВА Олена
Published: December 2023

Активне формування ринків зелених облігацій пов’язано з виконанням завдань кліматичного переходу відповідно до Цілей сталого розвитку ООН у частині досягнення умов кліматичної нейтральності. Ринок зелених облігацій може надати Україні доступ до глобальних фінансових ресурсів для цілей післявоєнної відбудови і структурної перебудови національної економіки на якісно новому технологічному рівні на принципах сталого розвитку.Визначено, що проблематику наукових досліджень ринків зелених облігацій зосереджено навколо питань оцінювання їх впливу на сталий розвиток, стандартизації зелених облігацій, оцінювання премії за ризик таких облігацій, впливу емісії зелених облігацій на розвиток фондових ринків, обґрунтувань передумов ефективного розвитку ринків зелених облігацій.Систематизовано види зелених облігацій за типом забезпечення активами емітента. Узагальнено рекомендації міжнародних організацій щодо розвитку каналів залучення приватного капіталу у фінансування проєктів сталого розвитку. Акцентовано увагу на проблемі стандартизації зелених облігацій відповідно до міжнародних принципів, а саме: цільове призначення облігацій, прозорість звітності емітента, наявність механізмів управління залученими коштами, оцінювання результатів проєкту. Встановлено, що впровадження таких стандартів полегшує надходження коштів інвесторів у цільові проєкти сталого спрямування і дозволяє контролювати цей процес.Визначено, що найбільш проблемними питаннями розвитку ринку зелених облігацій в Україні є їх стандартизація, запровадження стандартів фінансової і нефінансової звітності щодо розкриття кліматичної інформації, запровадження державних стимулів для емітентів зелених облігацій та інвесторів, розвиток інфраструктури фондового ринку і диверсифікація фінансових інструментів, посилення прав інвесторів, популяризація ідей сталого відновлення в суспільстві.
КОМПЛЕКСНЕ ОЦІНЮВАННЯ СТРАТЕГІЇ ЗМІЦНЕННЯ ЕКОНОМІЧНОЇ БЕЗПЕКИ ПІДПРИЄМСТВ МЕРЕЖЕВИХ СТРУКТУР УКРАЇНИ В УМОВАХ ВОЄННОГО СТАНУ
Authors: ВІВЧАР Оксана
Published: December 2023

Дослідження функціонування мережевих структур в умовах воєнного стану в контексті реалізації стратегії їх економічної безпеки дозволяють виявити рівень безпекової компоненти в майбутньому розвитку підприємницьких структур у контексті кластеризації. З огляду на це, необхідним є системне обґрунтування стратегії зміцнення економічної безпеки підприємств мережевих структур у контексті організаційно-економічного оцінювання на основі кластеризації з виокремленням максимального і фактичного рівнів. У процесі даного наукового дослідження застосовано такі методи: дедуктивний; порівняльного аналізу емпіричних даних; абстрактно-логічного узагальнення; евристичний; наукової абстракції та економіко-математичного моделювання; графічний.Обґрунтовано понятійно-категоріальний апарат економічної безпеки і стратегії зміцнення економічної безпеки підприємства мережевих структур, виокремлено особливості функціонування підприємства мережевих структур у фокусі сучасних викликів і загроз. Деталізовано алгоритм реалізації стратегії економічної безпеки підприємства мережевих структур з визначенням відповідних етапів. Доведено пріоритетність функціональної стратегії, яка не повинна суперечити базовій стратегії, охарактеризовано її основні завдання. Надано рекомендації щодо покращення організаційно-економічних процедур оцінювання стратегії економічної безпеки мережевих структур на основі кластеризації з використанням методу Кохонена. Обґрунтовано практичний інструментарій комплексного дослідження підприємств мережевої системи (E1–Е10) із застосуванням структури набору даних на основі ідентифікації трьох кластерів у контексті рівневого розподілу безпеки. Основні положення дозволять вітчизняним підприємницьким структурам шляхом застосування даної методики кластеризації мережевого моделювання сформувати прогнозну оцінку стратегії зміцнення економічної безпеки в умовах воєнного стану і розробити відповідні вектори вдосконалення безпекової компоненти.
РИЗИКИ ТА ІНДИКАТОРИ СТІЙКОСТІ СІЛЬГОСПВИРОБНИЦТВА УКРАЇНИ В УМОВАХ ЗМІНИ КЛІМАТУ
Authors: ШУБРАВСЬКА Олена , ПРОКОПЕНКО Катерина
Published: December 2023

Зміну клімату визнано однією з найсерйозніших сучасних загроз довгостроковим цілям суспільного розвитку. В сільському господарстві такі зміни провокують недоотримання агровиробниками гарантованих доходів і ризики продовольчої безпеки й здатні в цілому негативно вплинути на стійкість агросистеми. Забезпечення стійкості сільськогосподарського виробництва пов’язане з його екологізацією, кліматичною нейтральністю й високою опірністю негативним наслідкам різких кліматичних змін. Дослідження ризиків стійкості сільськогосподарського виробництва повинно мати системний характер і прив’язку до конкретних умов певної території.Ризики стійкості вітчизняного агровиробництва пропонується групувати за економічною, кліматичною, екологічною, соціальною сферами їх прояву. Для ефективної протидії негативним наслідкам кліматичних змін у сільгоспвиробництві й зменшення впливу на клімат з боку аграрного сектору необхідними є своєчасне прогнозування й управління відповідними ризиками, для чого має бути сформована система індикаторів стійкості. Це дозволить визначати вразливості й прогалини в спроможності забезпечення стійкості, а також оцінювати ефективність заходів з нівелювання негативного впливу несприятливих чинників на стійкість агрогосподарювання.Для умов України запропоновано комплексну систему індикаторів стійкості сільського господарства, яка включає чотири блоки: економічну, екологічну і кліматичну, соціальну стійкість, а також кліматичну нейтральність. Ключовими орієнтирами досягнення стійкості визнано: забезпечення національної продовольчої безпеки і доходів аграріїв; зниження волатильності врожайності сільгоспкультур; зменшення викидів вуглецю в результаті агрогосподарювання; забезпечення кадрового потенціалу агровиробництва. Розрахунки відповідних показників засвідчили, що в довоєнний період (зокрема, у 2021 р. порівняно з 2015 р.) ситуація не була загрозливою лише в економічній сфері. Водночас мали місце суттєві загрози у сферах екологічної і кліматичної стійкості, а також кліматичної нейтральності.
ГЛОБАЛЬНА БАГАТОПОЛЯРНІСТЬ: НОВІ МОЖЛИВОСТІ Й ЗАГРОЗИ ДЛЯ РОЗВИТКУ УКРАЇНСЬКОГО ЕКСПОРТУ
Authors: ПУСТОВОЙТ Олег
Published: December 2023

Одним з актуальних напрямів сучасної економічної науки є передбачення наслідків глобальної багатополярності. Їх аналіз у сферах міжнародної політики і міжнародного торговельного права дав підстави для висунення припущення, що глобальна багатополярність створює як нові можливості, так і додаткові загрози для розвитку менших економік, що розвиваються (smaller developing economies). Для перевірки припущення на основі даних, зібраних у сфері економіки, запропоновано ці можливості й загрози проаналізувати як сильні й слабкі торговельні стимули, що формують країни – нові реальні й потенційні полюси глобального зростання при закупівлі в менших економіках, що розвиваються, сировини і продукції підвищеної технологічної складності. Для реалізації цього наукового методу розроблено набір методологічних і методичних підходів для уточнення переліку й рейтингування реальних і потенційних полюсів глобального зростання, оцінювання їх часток у закупівлі продукції підвищеної технологічної складності.Апробація запропонованих наукових підходів на прикладі України виявила, що на міжнародних ринках додатковий попит Китаю і потенційних полюсів глобального зростання з-поміж країн з ринками, що прискорено розвиваються, створює сильні торговельні стимули для пожвавлення економічної активності у вітчизняних експортних галузях з виробництва сировини і продукції її неглибокої переробки, а також слабкі – у галузях з виробництва продукції підвищеної технологічної складності. Тому подальше стрімке інерційне розширення торгівлі України з даними країнами неодмінно посилюватиме ризики уповільнення якісних (структурних) змін у вітчизняній зовнішній торгівлі на користь продукції підвищеної технологічної складності. Отримані емпіричні дані підтверджують припущення західних учених, що глобальна багатополярність створює додаткові загрози для розвитку менших економік, що розвиваються, оскільки стимулює збереження за ними ролі постачальника сировинних ресурсів на світові ринки в майбутньому.
НАУКОВА СПАДЩИНА ВАСИЛЯ КАРАЗІНА ДЛЯ ВІДНОВЛЕННЯ Й ЗМІЦНЕННЯ ЕКОНОМІКИ УКРАЇНИ (до 250-річчя від дня народження)
Authors: НЕБРАТ В.В.
Published: December 2023

Від народження Василя Каразіна (1773–1842) минуло 250 років, але його наукова спадщина зберігає цінність і актуальність для вирішення сучасних завдань. Так, у контексті завдань повоєнної відбудови економіки України є важливими, зокрема, його ідеї зміцнення національного господарства на основі розвитку і технологічної модернізації виробництва, захисту внутрішнього ринку і заохочення промислової переробки аграрної сировини, стимулювання інновацій і вдосконалення освіти для модернізації і підвищення конкурентоспроможності економіки, урахування екологічних параметрів і спрямування господарської діяльності на зменшення негативного впливу кліматичних змін.Розкрито такі основні напрями державної і громадської діяльності В. Каразіна: 1) розроблення реформ державного управління, земельної власності й землекористування, інституційного забезпечення свободи економічної діяльності й розвитку підприємництва, засобів зміцнення курсу національної грошової одиниці й стабілізації грошового обігу; 2) обґрунтування значення освіти, науки та інноваційної діяльності як рушіїв економічного розвитку і суспільного прогресу; розроблення законодавчо-нормативної бази для створення системи народної освіти і забезпечення доступу до знань усіх верств суспільства; ініціювання й організаційне забезпечення створення Харківського університету як осередку підготовки національної науково-технічної еліти; 3) організація і популяризація експериментально-дослідницької діяльності задля технологічної модернізації аграрного виробництва, розвитку місцевої промисловості, підвищення народного добробуту; заснування Філотехнічного товариства; упровадження принципів безвідхідного виробництва в сільському господарстві на основі авторських експериментальних розробок і використання новітніх технологій.Аргументовано, що, розробляючи заходи економічної політики, орієнтованої на збереження, ефективне використання і примноження природно-господарського потенціалу, передбачивши зростаючу роль знань у суспільному розвитку, Василь Каразін став провісником людиноцентричної економічної парадигми. Його новаторська господарська, науково-просвітницька і громадська діяльність мають слугувати орієнтиром для сучасної національної еліти України.
Technical and technological solutions regarding the development of pillars during final mining of deep open pits
Authors:   M.S. Poliakov Institute of Geotechnical Mechanics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Babii Kateryna , Chetveryk Mykhailo ,   M.S. Poliakov Institute of Geotechnical Mechanics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Ikol Oleksandr ,   M.S. Poliakov Institute of Geotechnical Mechanics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Malieiev Yevhen ,   M.S. Poliakov Institute of Geotechnical Mechanics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kuantay Aidana ,   Satbayev University
Published: December 2023

When mining operations achieve the total depth of open pits within their boundaries, a significant share of balance ore reserves remains in pillars under transport communications as well as under reloading points. Liquidation of the available transport communications should follow by the development of the new ones. Hence, mining stages of a steep-grade field and periodicity of a pillar initiation within both working open pit flank and temporarily nonworking one have been studied. Нannivskyi open pit has been taken as an example to substantiate the expediency to extract balance reserves occurring under crushing and reloading point within ±0 m level. The substantiation of technical and technological solutions concerning the development of a protective pillar involved cuts of geological ore formation which supported the idea of availability of the preserved reserves and topicality of the selected problem. Operation schedules to mine the pillars have been developed for general conditions; the required equipment set has been analyzed. New technological solutions have been obtained using current excavating and transportation machinery. Engineering solutions as for possibility to open the pillars and liquidate them in terms of the limited technical and technological potential have been substantiated. The technological schemes of pillar mining have been systematized depending upon the technological processes, taking place in the open pit, and the applied equipment set. Scientific significance of the paper is the developed systematization of facilities in terms of operation schedules of pillar mining. Practical significance is the developed operation schedules to mine and liquidate the pillars. Technical and technological expediency to use skip hoist while reactivating temporarily nonworking open-pit walls for rock mass transportation from the pillars up to the surface has been substantiated. It has been proved that during final mining operations in an open pit, complicated by difficulties in electricity delivering to the preservation pillar, it is expedient to apply loaders in one operation schedule. Use of loaders and skip hoist to mine the preservation pillar is the optimum strategy. It has been substantiated that the proposed procedure is more advantageous to compare with the conveyor transport.
“The Hills will Flow with Milk”
Authors: Onyumbe Wenyi Jacob
Published: December 2023

Concern for how scriptures can inform our understanding of issues of land tenure, care, and use and the related food, water, and shelter insecurity in African rural communities led me to read Joel’s poetry in Joel 4:9–21 against the background of the expanding phenomenon of land grabbing in postcolonial Africa. Despite their reliance on community-owned lands for survival, African rural communities are constantly being stripped of those lands by powerful governments, corporations, and individuals. Writing within a context similar to that of contemporary African communities, Joel, in vivid poetry, imagines the restoration of Judah by YHWH in the aftermath of its destruction by international imperial trading and land grabbing. This article thus hypothesizes that the poetry of Joel can evoke in contemporary African consciousness the current land crisis that destroys many rural communities and yet is often ignored because of numbness and denial nurtured by the powers that be.
The recovery of Selaginella flaccida based on morphological and molecular data, with the description of S. khokhrjakovii from Indo-China and Peninsular Malaysia
Authors:   South Siberian Botanical Garden, Altai State University, Shalimov Aleksandr P. , Zaikov Vladimir F. ,   South Siberian Botanical Garden, Altai State University, Kalyuzhny Sergey S. ,   Nikitsky Botanical Gardens – National Scientific Center RAS, Zhang Meng-Hua ,   Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Utilization, College of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Jishou University, Zhang Xian-Chun ,   State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany CAS
Published: December 2023

Selaginella delicatula is one of the most widespread and polymorphic species in Asia. Recent molecular-phylogenetic studies have been shown that this species is not monophyletic. Traditionally, two species described from India as Lycopodium flaccidum Bory and L. curvatum Dalz. have long been recognized as synonyms of S. delicatula (Desv. ex Poir.) Alston. However, results of this study based on morphological and micromorphological data, coupled with molecular-phylogenetic evidences is showed that both of these synonyms represent a distinct species and resurrected here under name S. flaccida (Bory) Spring and to be distinct from S. delicatula. Furthermore, examination of the morphology of specimens collected in Vietnam and Cambodia, combined with additional examination of digital images from various locations in Indo-China and Peninsular Malaysia, has led us to describe a new species (S. khokhrjakovii Shalimov sp. nov.), which is similar to S. flaccida (Bory) Spring from India in size, habitus, general morphology, and lax branch system, but differs in leaf morphology and micromorphological features of mega- and microspores, which is also confirmed by molecular evidences.
THE SECURITY POTENTIAL OF THE EUROPEAN REGION: THE FACTOR OF UKRAINE
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine, GURA Viktoriya , Yuriev Oleksandr ,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: December 2023

B a c k g r o u n d . In connection with the aggressive invasion of Russia on the territory of Ukraine, the issue of security has become acute in the European region. The article's purpose was to research and analyze the need to transform the security potential of the European region in the conditions of martial law in Ukraine. Among the essential tasks, the authors set the need to characterize the current state of scientific development of the problem of increasing the security potential of the region, analyze the European experience in forming and implementing the security potential of the region, and justify the peculiarities of the security potential of the European region due to the full-scale invasion of Russia into Ukraine. The research object was the security potential of the European region under the conditions of martial law in Ukraine. M e t h o d s . This publication is based on using reliable sources from world-renowned databases, relevant organizations, and web resources. The authors used qualitative research methods, in particular, the method of organic search. In addition, the theoretical-methodological analysis, comparative method, logical-epistemological analysis, and normative-value method made it possible to reveal the peculiarities of the security potential of the European region due to the full-scale invasion of Russia into Ukraine. R e s u l t s . Since regional security has a systemic nature, the state of scientific development of the problem of increasing the security potential of the region was considered through the prism of subsystems of regional security, namely legal, institutional, economic, informational, social, and others. The European experience of ensuring the security of the region is grounded on democratic values, certain norms of documents and organizations, and the participation of supranational structures. However, after the escalation of the war in February 2022, the European community overestimated the level of security in its region, which is currently protected by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. С o n c l u s i o n s . Ukraine's role was recognized as a candidate for membership in the European Union. The European region feels the consequences of the Russian invasion through cultural, economic, energy, and other threats. This feeling forces the EU leadership to review the elements of regional security and focus on transformations. The last authors of this article identified the refusal of excessive centralization, the implementation of systemic reforms, and the formation of a transnational defense institute.
Sorbents for the Removal of Organic Compounds that Interfere with the Determination of Bromide in Natural Waters
Authors:   Dumansky Institute of Colloid and Water Chemistry of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine, Mazna, Yu.I. , Zuy O.V. ,   Dumansky Institute of Colloid and Water Chemistry of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: December 2023

A number of porous polymeric solid phase extracting sorbents were tested for selective removal of organic compounds from aqueous solutions in which bromide ions are to be determined, and the best were recommended. A methodology was developed to achieve selectivity as to bromide ion, the concentration of which should not change in the sample during sample pretreatment. In order to selectively remove dissolved organic compounds from water matrix intended for analysis for bromide, sample acidification to pH 2.0 is recommended followed by sample filtration through the reverse-phase sorbent of LC-18 type. In these conditions, 20 mg/dm3 of fulvic acid characteristic of Dnipro River water are effectively separated from 0.1 mg/dm3 Br- with minimal losses of the latter. Sample acidification promotes the formation of molecular non-dissociated forms of organic compounds in solution, which are effectively separated from bromide ions on reverse-phase sorbents. Artesian water and sea water contaminated with oil spills were analyzed using passing through LC-18 sorbent. Results of natural water analysis by photometric and ICP-MS methods prove the applicability of the approach proposed.
Gel-Electrophoretic Separation of a Number of Synthetic Food Dyes with Following Determination by Spectrophotometric and Visual Method: Simply and Economically
Authors:   Kharkiv V.N. Karazin National University, Kharkiv, Ukraine, Konovalova Olga Yu. , Nikitina Nataliia O. ,   Kharkiv V.N. Karazin National University, Kharkiv, Ukraine, Nesterenko Valentyna Yu. ,   Kharkiv National Automobile and Highway University, Kharkiv, Ukraine, Savchenko Valeriia S. ,   Kharkiv V.N. Karazin National University, Kharkiv, Ukraine, Kobzar Yelyzaveta G. ,   Kharkiv V.N. Karazin National University, Kharkiv, Ukraine
Published: December 2023

An aim of investigation was separation of synthetic food dyes E 102, E 110, E 122, E 124, E 129, E 132 and E 133 by method of planar gel-electrophoresis with following detection and determination of analytes directly on gel plate. Agar-agar gel or polyacrylamide gel was used as carrier. The influence of electrophoretic buffer pH, amperage, voltage as well as time of electrophoresis on dyes separation in agar-agar gel was investigated. Changing of dyes mobility with pH changing was explained by analysis of their ionization constants. The results of dyes electrophoretic separation were evaluated directly on gel plate by spectrophotometric and visual methods. The metrological characteristics of dyes spectrophotometric quantification and visual semiquantification after analytes separation were evaluated. The metrological characteristics of visual detection and semi-quantification of dyes were evaluated on the basis of statistical approach and investigation of analyte detection probability distribution in the range of reaction unreliability. The suggested technique of electrophoretic separation and following spectrophotometric or visual determination of dyes was successfully checked in analysis of pharmaceuticals.
Analysis of Some Phenothiazine Drugs and Their S-Oxides using Enzymatic Method of Cholinesterase Inhibition
Authors:   Bayelsa Medical University, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, Alfred-Ugbenbo D. , Blazheyevskiy M.Ye. ,   National university of pharmacy, Kharkiv, Ukraine, Kovalenko V.S. ,   National university of pharmacy, Kharkiv, Ukraine, Merzlikin S.I. ,   National University of Pharmacy, Kharkiv, Ukraine
Published: December 2023

In this work, a highly sensitive spectrophotometric method was developed for the determination of cholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors - phenothiazine derivatives (PhTs). The assay involves spectrophotometric measurement of a mixture of buffer, solutions of acetylcholine (Ach), a sample containing AChE, H2O2, and PhTs. The rate of the enzymatic hydrolysis of Ach reaction was determined by the tangent method of the linear part of the kinetic curve in the A (358 nm) – t-coordinate. Results from the determination of PhTs and S-oxide PhTs with the AChE regulated spectrophotometric system showed the limit of quantitation of 5 ng/mL (IE20) and a linear dynamic range from 5 to 30 ng/mL for Chlorpromazine, Promethazine and from 0.5 to 10 ng/mL for Chlorpromazine S-oxide, from 1 to 10 ng/mL for Promethazine S-oxide, 12 to 40 ng/mL for Thioridazine 2,5-disulfoxide respectively. RSD for concentrations of PhTs as low as 1.5·10-8 mol/L did not exceed 6.7 %, while their corresponding sulfoxides at 1.50·10-9 didn’t exceed +6.5 %. δ < +3.8 %. Findings in this work demonstrate that this method may be used for the determination of phenothiazine based drugs, and sensitive tests for rapid PhT monitoring without the addition of other exogenous catalysts
Optimization and Improvement of Chromatographic Techniques for Bisphenol A Extraction and Characterization from Infant Bottles
Authors:   Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco, Echerfaoui Fouad , Benkayba Wafaa ,   Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco, el Orche Aimen ,   Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco, el Kacemi Mounir ,   Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco, el Bourakadi Khadija ,   Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco, Benomar Abdelhafid ,   Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tanger, Morocco, Adade Casimir ,   Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco, Laouni Amine ,   Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco, Bouatia Mustapha ,   Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco, el Karbane Miloud ,   Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
Published: December 2023

Chemicals with high manufacturing volumes, such as bisphenol A (BPA), find widespread use in thermal paper, epoxy resins, and polycarbonate plastics. However, due to its endocrine-disrupting properties, several consumer items have restricted or banned its use. As a result, BPA has been replaced by other chemical substances with similar structures in consumer goods. This study aims to enhance and validate a chromatographic method for detecting BPA in baby bottles using chemometrics tools. A Box-Behnken experimental design was employed to optimize the laboratory conditions for the maximum release of BPA through forced degradation. The study utilized three parameters as independent variables, including incubation temperature (35°C, 40°C, and 60°C), time (12 hours, 24 hours, and 36 hours), and solvent acetic acid concentration (2%, 3%, and 4%). A second-order polynomial model was proposed, and a total of 15 experiments with two replicates were conducted to determine the optimal extraction conditions. The high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) partitioning method was used to determine peak areas of the different extracts, serving as responses. By applying the individual desirability approach, the optimal extraction conditions were found to be a temperature of 35 °C, an extraction time of 36 hours, and an acetic acid concentration of 4% (pH = 2.72). The method was validated according to the conditions recommended by the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) and SFSTP (Société Française des Sciences et Techniques Pharmaceutiques), ensuring high linearity, accuracy, precision, sensitivity, and robustness compared to existing liquid chromatographic methods. The improved method was applied to assess BPA levels in commercially available baby bottles, with 3 out of 7 samples testing positive for BPA, ranging from 0.615 ppb to 3.802 ppb. Notably, the enhanced method demonstrated a 12% increase in yield compared to the ISO EN 14350-2:2004 method. This study provides a reliable and effective approach for detecting BPA in baby bottles, addressing critical concerns related to consumer safety and regulatory compliance.
Simultaneous Concurrent Assessment of Extra Virgin Olive Oil Adulteration via Fourier Transform Mid-Infrared and UV-Visible Spectroscopy Combined with Partial Least Squares Regression
Authors:   Mohammed V University, in Rabat, Morocco, Laouni Amine , el Orche Aimen ,   Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco, el Kacemi Mounir ,   Mohammed V University, in Rabat, Morocco, Echerfaoui Fouad ,   Mohammed V University, in Rabat, Morocco, Karrouchi Khalid ,   Mohammed V University, in Rabat, Morocco, Bouatia Mustapha ,   Mohammed V University, in Rabat, Morocco, el Karbane Miloud ,   Mohammed V University, in Rabat, Morocco
Published: December 2023

Adulteration of olive oil is a common practice in the industry, where old and commercial oils are mixed with fresh olive oils. Adulteration can negatively affect the quality and authenticity of olive oil, leading to economic fraud and health concerns. Therefore, identifying and quantifying adulteration in olive oil is crucial for ensuring product quality and consumer protection. The objective of this study was to identify and measure the adulteration of fresh olive oils with old oil and commercial oil from the previous harvest year. The study aimed to achieve this goal using spectroscopic techniques in combination with chemometrics. Different spectroscopic techniques, such as FT-MIR and UV-vis spectroscopy, were utilized in this study. Partial least squares (PLS) regression was applied to predict the levels of adulteration in the samples with varying concentrations (0.84 - 52.13 % w/w). Various pre-treatment methods were employed for both FTMIR and UV-Vis spectral data. All the PLS models generated for FT-MIR and UV-Vis spectral data were successful in predicting the levels of adulteration, with high coefficients of determination for both calibration (0.963 - 0.995) and cross validation (0.935 - 0.993) models. The error values for calibration (0.621 % - 2.728 %) and cross validation (0.730 % - 3.314 %) were also low. Based on the results, it was found that the use of second derivative preprocessing for FT-MIR data and SNV preprocessing for UV-Vis data led to the best performance results in quantifying the level of adulteration of olive oil. Spectroscopic techniques in combination with chemometrics can be used to identify and measure the adulteration of olive oil.