The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of dietary Saponaria officinalis inclusion in the diet of dairy cows during the dry period on colostrum and milk quality, focusing specifically on the somatic cell count (SCC), the physicochemical composition and fatty acid (FA) profile. The effect of the addition on various biochemical parameters was evaluated in the serum of cows and their calves. This study was conducted on Ukrainian Black and White cattle. Twenty-four cows were selected from the herd twenty-one days prior to their expected calving date. They were allocated into three groups of eight cows each (n = 8) and began to be fed soapwort, as outlined below. Group C was fed a conventional TMR diet (0 g/cow per day); Group E1—TMR and 20 g of dry soapwort root powder per cow per day; and Group E2—50 g of dry soapwort root powder per cow per day. Blood samples were collected from the cows 21 d before labour and on the day of calving, and from calves on day 3, in week 2, and in week 6. Biochemical profiles of the liver, lipids, and kidneys were evaluated in the collected samples. Colostrum was collected from the cows two hours after calving during the initial complete milking, and milk was collected in the eighth week of lactation. The fundamental composition, SCC, and FA profiles were assessed in colostrum and milk. Higher protein levels were found in the serum of calves in the second week of life in groups E1 (p < 0.01) and E2 (p < 0.05) compared to group C. In calves, serum ALT levels were higher in group C than in groups E1 and E2 at 2 and 6 weeks of age (p < 0.05). The addition did not affect the biochemical profiles of lipids, liver, or kidneys in cows. The SCC in the colostrum was higher in group E2 than in group C (p < 0.05). A decrease (p < 0.01) in SCC was noted in the milk of groups E2 and E3 compared to the control group. In the colostrum of cows in group E2, an increase in UFA levels was observed, including beneficial acids, such as C18:2n6c, C22:6n3, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), while trans isomers decreased. The results suggest that Saponaria officinalis can be used as a supplement in the feeding of cows during the dry period to improve colostrum quality and also support the physiological development of calves and the health of the cows’ mammary glands.

The use of molybdenum-based alloys as materials for components operating under high temperatures and significant mechanical loads is widely recognized due to their excellent mechanical properties. However, their low high-temperature resistance remains a critical limitation, which can be effectively mitigated by applying protective coatings. In this study, we investigate the influence of a two-step coating process on the properties and performance of the TZM molybdenum alloy. In the first step, pack cementation was performed. Simultaneous surface saturation with aluminum and silicon, a process known as aluminosiliconizing, was conducted at 1000 °C for 6 h. The saturating mixture comprised powders of aluminum, silicon, aluminum oxide, and ammonium chloride. The second step involved the application of a pre-ceramic coating based on polyhydrosiloxane modified with silicon and boron. This treatment effectively eliminated pores and cracks within the coating. Thermodynamic calculations were carried out to evaluate the likelihood of aluminizing and siliconizing reactions under the applied conditions. Aluminosiliconizing of the TZM alloy resulted in the formation of a protective layer 20–30 µm thick. The multiphase structure of this layer included intermetallics (Al63Mo37, MoAl3), nitrides (Mo2N, AlN, Si3N4), oxide (Al2O3), and a solid solution α-Mo(Al). Subsequent treatment with silicon- and boron-modified polyhydrosiloxane led to the development of a thicker surface layer, 130–160 µm in thickness, composed of crystalline Si, amorphous SiO2, and likely amorphous boron. A transitional oxide layer ((Al,Si)2O3) 5–7 µm thick was also observed. The resulting coating demonstrated excellent structural integrity and chemical inertness in an argon atmosphere at temperatures up to 1100 °C. High-temperature stability at 800 °C was observed for both coating types: aluminosiliconizing, and aluminosiliconizing followed by the pre-ceramic coating. Moreover, additional oxide layers of SiO2 and B2O3 formed on the two-step coated TZM alloy during heating at 800 °C for 24 h. These layers acted as an effective barrier, preventing the evaporation of the substrate material.

This study aims toprovide new insights into the developmentofan electrochemical salicylic acid (SA) sensor based on a molecularlyimprinted polymer (MIP). Polypyrrole (Ppy) based MIP and nonimprintedpolymer (NIP) layers were deposited on the platinum electrode andevaluated in a three-electrode electrochemical cell. The study usedamperometry for monomer polymerization, cyclic voltammetry (CV) forthe overoxidation of the polymer layer, and differential pulse voltammetry(DPV) for analyte detection. Selectivity was evaluated by comparingthe electrochemical signals of SA with those of 3-hydroxybenzoic acidand melamine. Results confirm the selectivity of the electrochemicalsensor. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performedto analyze the rebinding and recognition mechanism. The results ofDFT calculations support the experimental findings. In conclusion,the polypyrrole-based MIP sensor exhibits higher selectivity and sensitivitytoward salicylic acid detection compared to melamine and even to itsisomer, 3-hydroxybenzoic acid (3-HBA).

The main characteristics and advantages of using the digital environment of higher education for the high-quality training of future specialists are presented. The main official documents necessary for using the digital environment of higher education for the high-quality training of future specialists are described. The primary educational technologies for the professional training of future specialists in the digital educational environment of higher education are identified. The effectiveness of the developed author's system for designing the digital environment of higher education for the high-quality training of future specialists, as well as the author's pedagogical conditions, was experimentally tested. The final results of the implementation of the author's system determined that in the experimental group, where training was carried out according to the author's system for designing the digital environment of higher education for the high-quality training of future specialists and the author's pedagogical conditions developed and implemented, there was a more pronounced increase in the number of respondents who were prepared to work in a digital environment at high and medium levels compared to the achievements of respondents in the control group, where training was carried out according to the traditional scheme.

Background. The impact of martial law in Ukraine on the neuroendocrine system and mental health in women of reproductive age, especially displaced ones, is currently a relevant problem due to the presence of chronic stress, which necessitates conducting research in this direction to determine further management of this cohort. The purpose: to study changes in hormonal homeostasis, mental health and quality of life in women of reproductive age under martial law. Materials and methods. In peacetime, 45 healthy women were examined, during martial law, 32 healthy women who did not change their place of residence and live in the territory controlled by Ukraine, and 31 women internally displaced as a result of hostilities. Serum levels of cortisol, serotonin, prolactin, follicle-stimulating, luteinizing, thyroid-stimulating hormones, estradiol, progesterone, hormone were determined by immunochemiluminescence in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle; dopamine, adrenaline, noradrenaline in daily urine — by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; HOMA was also calculated. The level of anxiety and depression was determined by the HADS, asthenia — by the MFI-20, quality of life was assessed by the standard CQLS. Results. The presence of serious diverse changes in the hormonal profile was detected in women during the war, especially in displaced ones, when compared to data in peacetime. The results showed that during the war, there was an increase in HOMA and its significant rise in displaced women compared to the pre-war period, changes in the microbiocenosis and deterioration of local vaginal immunity. Conclusions. Violations of the neuroendocrine system, microbiocenosis, mental health and quality of life in wo­men during the war compared to peacetime were identified, as well as tension of adaptive mechanisms. The mutual influence of mental factors on the hormonal profile has been revealed that confirms mental disorders.

Type of the article: Research Article AbstractThe interconnection between renewable energy development and the shadow economy has become increasingly important as governments pursue sustainability objectives alongside fiscal transparency and the fight against tax evasion. This study aims to analyze how informal economic activity shapes the deployment of renewable energy and how renewable initiatives may support economic formalization and social responsibility. A bibliometric study of 161 documents retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science was conducted using Biblioshiny, assessing metadata completeness, thematic structures, author productivity, and collaboration networks. The results show excellent metadata coverage (abstracts, titles, and document types at 100%), though cited references were completely missing (100%), with keywords absent in 18% of records. Research output accelerated after 2015, with 2020 being the year with the highest citation velocity (7.81 citations/year), driven by two publications with over 100 citations each. Thematic mapping identified “renewable energy,” “shadow economy,” and “sustainable development goals” as motor themes, while “circular economy” and “policy uncertainty” emerged as basic but growing clusters. International collaboration accounted for 38% of documents, though single-country studies remain dominant, and citation analysis revealed a steady rise in impact, with top sources surpassing 120 citations. The analysis confirms a growing yet fragmented field, highlights the dual role of informality, from undermining fiscal revenues to supporting decentralized energy, and points to governance, circular economy, and policy risk as critical areas for future research. AcknowledgmentThis study was prepared as part of the project IZURZ1_224119/1 (Swiss National Science Foundation) and the National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic. This article funded by Daugavpils University (Latvia), EKA University of Applied Sciences (Latvia).

This article explores the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity auditing and risk management within the context of ongoing digital transformation. Traditional approaches to information security auditing—based on manual data collection and periodic assessments—are increasingly insufficient for dynamic and large-scale digital ecosystems. They are limited in scalability, prone to human error, and lack the capacity for continuous monitoring. The integration of AI technologies allows for automated anomaly detection, proactive risk assessment, real-time decision support, and analysis of vast volumes of both structured and unstructured data, including event logs, network traffic, and audit reports. The study examines the application of machine learning and deep learning models in audit practices, including recurrent and convolutional neural networks, clustering algorithms, and natural language processing (NLP) techniques for detecting security policy violations. Particular attention is given to the concept of Network Situation Awareness, which enables the prediction of system behavior and potential threats based on historical and real-time behavioral data. In addition to technical achievements, the research addresses the ethical challenges associated with AI deployment in audits: algorithmic opacity, bias risks, privacy concerns, and difficulties in delegating decision-making to automated systems. The need for explainable AI (XAI) and the development of ethical guidelines for responsible AI use in cybersecurity audits is emphasized. AI is highlighted as a dual-use technology—capable of both defending against and facilitating cyberattacks. The article refers to real-world incidents, such as the use of generative models in social engineering and voice-based fraud. The aim of the study is to identify both the benefits and limitations of AI-powered cybersecurity auditing and to provide recommendations for the ethical and effective implementation of intelligent systems. The paper concludes that a hybrid model—combining AI automation with human expertise—is the most promising strategy for enhancing the accuracy, efficiency, and adaptability of cybersecurity risk assessment. This integrated approach is essential to improving cyber resilience in today’s volatile digital environment.

This paper examines the dual role of artificial intelligence (AI) in today’s cybersecurity landscape, highlighting its capacity to both enhance cyberattacks and support the development of effective defense mechanisms for information systems. The study analyzes the increasing complexity of threats driven by advancements in machine learning, natural language processing, and generative AI (GenAI), which enable attackers to automate, improve the accuracy of, and disguise attacks, including phishing, malware creation, and the use of deepfakes. This research explores how AI-based solutions can strengthen cybersecurity by detecting potential threats in real time through machine learning, NLP, and image recognition techniques. Special attention is given to the necessity of integrating AI with human oversight, emphasizing the importance of combining automated responses with expert analysis to effectively mitigate risks and adapt to emerging challenges. The paper reviews a range of modern tools and techniques used to execute AI-assisted cyberattacks, such as ChatGPT, WormGPT, FraudGPT, and Morris 2.0, demonstrating their capabilities in crafting convincing fraudulent scenarios and adaptive malicious software. In parallel, it examines AI-powered technological solutions designed to detect and counter cyber threats in real time. It describes the functionality of systems like Darktrace Antigena, Cylance Endpoint Security, Splunk, Exabeam, IBM QRadar, and Microsoft Sentinel, which leverage behavioral analysis, machine learning, and image recognition for proactive anomaly detection, automated incident response, and overall security enhancement. This study illustrates how AI is transforming cybersecurity by providing adaptive and proactive strategies to combat emerging cyber threats. By exploring contemporary AI applications, it demonstrates how AI can reshape cybersecurity by offering proactive and adaptive approaches to counter cyberattacks and protect sensitive data.

Type of the article: Research Article Amid growing global challenges such as technological change and socio-economic uncertainty, fostering youth creativity has become vital for sustainable development. In Ukraine, open science provides a promising pathway to develop key competences like creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, essential for navigating ongoing social and educational transformation. This study aims to investigate the relationship between Ukrainian young people's engagement with open science practices and their creative development across academic disciplines and educational levels. Drawing on data from a nationwide survey of 2,250 Ukrainian university students (Bachelor, Master, and Ph.D.), this study applies non-parametric methods to analyze how young people engage with open science. The results show that engagement with open science practices among Ukrainian students varies significantly by both level of education and field of study. Ph.D. students report the highest frequency of participation (median = 4.0 on a 5-point scale), significantly more than Bachelor's and Master's students (Kruskal-Wallis χ² = 44.92, p < 0.001). They also rate mentorship and collaborative research as more effective for creativity (e.g., mentorship: p = 0.00008 between Bachelor and Master levels). Disciplinary differences are most evident in the perceived effectiveness of webinars (χ² = 31.69, p = 0.0002) and collaborative research (χ² = 23.34, p = 0.0055), with students from engineering and life sciences showing the highest appreciation. These differentiated patterns confirm that the creative development potential of open science is powerfully shaped by students’ academic stage and disciplinary background. Acknowledgment This research was funded by the grant VEGA 1/0271/23 “Sustainable renewal of spa tourism in the Slovak Republic in the context of the impacts of civilisation crises”. This research was also prepared as part of projects 0124U000545 and ERASMUS-JMO-2022-HEI-TCH-RSCH-101085198.

BackgroundInfections and antimicrobial resistance are among the main public health issues in the countries affected by war. This study evaluates war’s impact on wound microbiome and antimicrobial resistance distribution among patients treated in Ukrainian civilian hospitals.MethodsThe patients with combat wounds were treated in the civilian hospitals located in the Northeast of Ukraine from January to April 2024. The wound samples were examined. The isolated microorganisms were identified with further investigation of antimicrobial resistance profiles.ResultsHere we show the data obtained from the examination of seventy-three wounded soldiers. Wound infections are associated with severe trauma and the middle age of patients. Bacteria were isolated in 56.16% samples with a predominance of gram-negative bacilli. The most frequent isolates are A. baumannii (36%), E. faecalis (12%), and B. cereus (12%). The frequency of multidrug resistance is 84.6%. Each isolated species has a certain sensitivity profile to antibiotics. The number of multidrug-resistant strains among gram-negative bacteria is higher than among gram-positive ones.ConclusionsThis study shows the dominance of gram-negative bacilli in military personnel with a higher frequency of multidrug-resistant isolates. These complicate the healing process and promote the spread of multidrug-resistant strains within healthcare settings.