European Union Standards Research Articles

Analysis of Ukrainian National Legislation and European Union Standards on Animal Use for Scientific Purposes: Directions and Prospects

The tasks of analyzing the processes underneath the integration of national legislation of Ukraine conforming with that of the European Union are critical for strengthening the State in quest of gaining membership in the European Union with the achievement of the strategic goals. This analytical article aims: 1) to unveil the genesis of the legal reform in the field of animal protection from ill-treatment and the use of animals for scientific purposes in Ukraine, 2) to analyze and summarize the features of regulations pertaining to the protection of animals from abuse within the EU, and 3) to outline further directions in reforming the domestic legislation of Ukraine concerning animal protection against ill-treatment and use of animals for scientific purposes in the context of European integration. Ukraine is gradually intensifying the process of reforming domestic legislation concerning cruelty to animals and use of animals for scientific purposes. The Verkhovna Rada (the Supreme Council) of Ukraine adopted Draft Law № 2351 of 30.10.2019, which still requires reformation to solve the highlighted problems. Some solutions are recommended for the Government of Ukraine.

Integrating PET/CT unit into the NHS of a small sized EU state: A financial cost efficiency study

Abstract Background According to the Ministry of Health in Cyprus, since 2009, every year more than 3.000 new incidents with neoplasm are diagnosed. The National Health System (NHS) of Cyprus aims to offer adequate health services, comparing them with European Union standards. However, it is lacking a Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography (PET/CT) unit. The present study aims to examine whether an investment by the Cyprus NHS of a PET/CT unit can be financially sustainable. Methods A financial analysis of the operating revenues and expenses of a departmental PET/CT with F18-FDG was performed taking into consideration all related parameters. A detailed estimation of the unit's operation expenses (PET/CT unit supply, overheads, salaries, etc.) and incomes was produced for a 15-year period. This initial scenario was not financially viable and therefore two alternatives are also examined. Results After performing a detailed analysis and projection for the evaluation of the feasibility study in the initial scenario, the overall outcome is estimated negative deriving to a €2,2 million losses in the cumulative results by 2035. The second scenario concluded that the required number of incidents to reach a neutral cash flow after a 15-year period should increase from 8.971 to 23.430. The third scenario reached the conclusion that a parallel investment to the purchase of the PET/CT unit by installing a cyclotron unit in the Cypriot NHS provides cumulative results positive of €1,7 million for the PET/CT, in the same period, that can finance the largest part of the €2,5 million required for the installation of the cyclotron unit. Conclusions Our findings show that an investment of a sole PET/CT unit is not a financially viable. Alternative possibilities such as usage of a PET/CT operated by the private sector or supporting patients to travel to another country are within the economic terms recommended. Key messages From a financial viewpoint, the scenario of investing in a PET/CT unit by the Cyprus NHS is not viable. Examining alternative options for patients in need of a PET/CT unit, where the initial investment cost for the state is not financially viable.

Phosphite Integrated in Late Blight Treatment Strategies in Starch Potato Does Not Cause Residues in the Starch Product.

Currently available fungicides against potato late blight are effective but there are concerns about the sustainability of frequent applications and the risks of fungicide resistance. Therefore, we investigated how potassium phosphite can be integrated into late blight control programs with reduced fungicides in field trials. Phosphite was somewhat less effective than the conventional fungicides at suppressing late blight in the foliage, and the tubers contained less starch. However, when we reduced the amount of phosphite and combined it with reduced amounts of conventional fungicides, we observed no differences in disease suppression, total yields, and tuber starch contents compared with the full treatments with conventional fungicides. The amount of phosphite detected in the harvested tubers was linearly associated with the amount of phosphite applied to the foliage. Our analyses indicate that phosphite could replace some fungicides without exceeding the current European Union standards for the maximum residue levels in potato tubers. No phosphite was detected in the starch from the tubers. In 1 of 2 years, early blight (caused by Alternaria solani) was less severe in the phosphite treatments than in the treatments without phosphite. The integration of phosphite into current treatment strategies would reduce the dependence on conventional fungicides.

Comparison Of Three Internationally Certified Firefighter Protective Clothing On Mobility, Comfort And Physiological Responses

Firefighting, being one of the most dangerous jobs, requires specialized equipment and strategies to safely and effectively respond to fire emergencies. It is essential for this profession to wear firefighter protective clothing (FPC) to provide barrier protection from the dermal contact of hazardous materials such as heat, flame, and combusted product (Kim et al. 2017). However, the mobility, comfort and physiological responses using FPC are affected by its mass and bulkiness. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare three internationally certified FPC from USA, European Union (EU) and South Korea (SK) on mobility, comfort and physiological responses. METHODS: 10 male professional firefighters performed a battery of exercises in the laboratory following the ASTM F3031 to evaluate range of motion (ROM) for shoulder and trunk, subjective fit comfort. After these exercises, participants walked on a treadmill for 20 min at 3.2 mi/h and 5% incline. Weight, heart rate (HR) and core temperature (Tco) measurements were taken prior and after walking. All participants carried out the evaluation wearing each of the FPC in a random order. RESULTS: There were no significant differences on any of the ROM evaluated for trunk and shoulder. Overall comfort shows no significant differences, however on a scale from 1 (worst) to 10 (best) the EU FPC was rated 7.2±1.0, SK 6.5±1.7, and USA was rated 6.0±1.1. There were no significant differences on weight, HR or Tco between the 3 FPC but there was a significant decrease in weight and increase in HR and Tco from the start to the end of the 20 min exercise. Participants showed an elevated Tco (38.2°C US vs 38°C SK/EU) and HR (142.7 US vs 136.9 SK/137.2 EU) at the end of exercise while wearing the USA FPC. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the EU FPC might be the most comfortable and that the USA FPC creates more physiological burden. Comparing the materials and burn prediction data (Kim et al, 2017) with our comfort and physiological data, we could observe the inverse relationship between total heat loss (THL) and thermal protective performance (TPP) suggesting that comfort increases as THL increases and TPP decreases. The EU FPC, clothing material that certified to the EU standards, is more comfortable but may not protect at the same level as the other two FPCs.

Ukrainian churches in defence of ‘traditional values’: two case studies and some methodological considerations

ABSTRACT Following the post-Maidan political urge to align Ukrainian legislation to European Union standards, churches and religious organisations strongly oppose the legal introduction of terminology relating to gender and sexual orientation. This contribution discusses two cases: the contested bill on the Labour Code and the difficult process of ratification of the Istanbul Convention. It presents an analysis of the position and strategy of the Ukrainian churches in view of their relation to the state leadership, wider society, Europe, and transnational alliances on ‘traditional values’. Using the concept of ‘multiple modernities’, the churches’ traditionalist stance is interpreted as deeply paradoxical: while their social (and political) capital draws on their support for the Euromaidan’s modernising thrust, they now try to reinforce it by a politics of traditional morality. Finally, by way of evaluation, methodological questions of normativity and the interdisciplinarity of theology, social science, and the humanities are addressed.

Biodiesel production from Ethiopian ‘Besana’- Croton macrostachyus seed: Characterization and optimization

The study explores the potential of the Croton macrostachyus seed, a non-edible feedstock found in abundance in the southeastern parts of Ethiopia, for the production of biodiesel. Soxhlet extractor was used to extract, 53.34% of the oil from the Croton macrostachyus seed. This oil was further purified and the resulting product was known as the purified Croton macrostachyus seed (P-CMS) oil. After obtaining the P-CMS oil, biodiesel was produced by the transesterification process. Focus was made on the optimization of biodiesel production by varying the identified process parameters, through the Box- Behnken Design using response surface methodology (RSM) (Design-Expert ® Version 11 software). The crude biodiesel was purified, characterized and complied with the ASTM D6751, United States and the EN 14214, European Union standards. The optimum conversion efficiency of the P-CMS oil to fatty acid methyl ether (FAME) was 96% at the optimal conditions (6:1, methanol to oil ratio; 1%, catalyst loading; 50 °C, reaction temperature). A plan for the environmental impact assessment and life cycle assessment were provided to evaluate the sustainability of this new feedstock and the biodiesel produced from it. Results of these studies indicated the prospective of Croton macrostachyus seed as a new biodiesel feedstock.

Comparison of alternative management methods for phosphogypsum waste using life cycle analysis

The objective of this paper was to compare the following four alternative management methods of phosphogypsum (PG) waste using Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and select the one with the lowest environmental footprint: (1) use of PG in brick production, (2) use of PG as soil amendment, (3) use of PG in road construction and (4) disposal of PG in a stack. The results showed that the use of PG waste as soil amendment has a lower environmental footprint than the respective use of conventional gypsum with commercial fertilizers. Similarly, PG waste has a lower environmental footprint when replacing conventional clay in road construction. In contrast, use of PG waste in brick production has a higher footprint than the respective use of clay and sand. Comparison of the four alternative management methods using LCA showed that the use of PG as a soil amendment had the lowest environmental footprint. Disposal of PG waste in stacks, which is currently the most common management method, was ranked as the least preferred one. As an example, using Ecoindicator 99 and the egalitarian perspective total scores were 12.807, −5.334, −0.064 and 15.484 Points (Pt) for brick production, soil amendment, road construction and stack disposal, respectively. Among indicative impact categories, carcinogen scores were 7.643, −0.228, 0.0001 and 0 Pt, respectively. Respiratory inorganics scores were −0.192, −4.540, −0.0383 and 0 Pt, respectively. The ranking based on cost is stack disposal<soil amendment≪road construction<brick production. For any alternative PG waste use, it is required that activity concentration of naturally occurring radionuclides is below the respective European Union standards. Using LCA is a useful approach for comparing PG waste valorization methods within the context of Circular Economy.

Acid Treated Attapulgite Functionalized with Sodium Compounds as Novel Bifunctional Heterogeneous Solid Catalysts for Biodiesel Production

In this study, catalytic transesterification of Parkia seed oil with methanol to biodiesel was studied. Attapulgite clay, treated with HCl and then functionalized with C4H6O4KNa and Na2C2O4 was used as a solid base catalyst. Having screened the catalytic action of attapulgite treated with HCl and functionalized with C4H6O4KNa at different concentrations, 4 M solution C4H6O4KNa was chosen for the functionalization and the results were compared with data obtained with 4 M Na2C2O4. Impregnation method was applied to prepare catalysts. Functionalized catalysts dried and calcined at 450°C for 4 h were characterized by Hammett indicators, nitrogen adsorption isotherms, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analyses. The performance of HCl treated attapulgite and functionalized with 4 M C4H6O4KNa (4NK/HCl-Atta-4) was superior both to HCl treated attapulgite functionalized with Na2C2O4 (4NC/HCl-Atta-4) and to HCl treated attapulgite (HCl-Atta-4, reference). Maximum yields of biodiesels of 94.7 and 92.2% were obtained by using 4NK/HCl-Atta-4 and 4NC/HCl-Atta-4, respectively. The optimum reaction conditions were: ratio methanol : oil = 9 : 1; catalyst amount, 6 wt %; and reaction temperature, 60°C; reaction time, 6 h. The catalysts preserved catalytic activity after 5 runs of reuse. The properties of the biodiesels were comparable with those required by American and European Union standards and they could be considered as a realistic alternative fuel to diesel.

Maintaining of qality management system in the stem cell collection facility as a prerequisite for jacie accreditation

Background & Aim Background The aim of JACIE accreditation is to improve the quality of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Europe by providing a means whereby transplant centers, stem cell collection facilities and processing facilities can demonstrate high-quality practice. Our aim is to show Macedonian experience in implementing the quality management system and our first steps in achieving the JACIE accreditation in order to provide our patients and donors the best possible care. Methods, Results & Conclusion Methods We are obtaining the maintenance of QMS through the establishing of the ISO standardization for the whole institution (ITM). The two of our colleagues became the JACIE Inspectors and the standard operating procedures (SOPs) were developed, followed by regular meetings, trainings and self-evaluation of the personnel. We had orientation visit from the independent JACIE inspector in order to come one step closer to the JACIE accreditation and to improve our overall QMS. Results There is a national regulatory framework in place and WHO and World Bank initiatives in Macedonia which support quality in health care and accreditation. The Institute for Transfusion Medicine of RM was a part of the IPA project “Strengthening the Blood Supply System”. This project aimed to ultimately bring the Blood Transfusion Service to European Union standards allowing the exchange of blood components and all other types of collaboration with other European Union countries in future. The project put the basis for unification of blood transfusion standards and operating procedures in the whole country as well as set up essential education of blood transfusion personnel. Document Management System was developed in order to improve our QMS. During the orientation visit from the JACIE inspectors were found a lot of strengths in our QMS, but there are still a lot of areas for improvement. Our strengths are motivated team and supportive institutional leadership including Macedonian Ministry of Health. Areas for improvement are: labeling of cellular therapy products and lack of laboratory for quality control. Conclusion We continue to work according to the quality management and improve our everyday service continuously. Working by standards, following the rules and regular self-evaluations will help us to maintain the strong quality management system.

Corporate law in Ukraine within the framework of approaching the European Union standards

The article is devoted to adaptation of the national corporate law to the law of European Union`s corporations.&#x0D; Special attention has been given to define the legal nature of the corporation.&#x0D; It is concluded that there is no established understanding of the above concepts in national legal science.&#x0D; The main approaches to the corporate legal nature in particular European systems of justice - in FRG, France, England - are considered in depth. Significant differences between the legislation of Ukraine and legislation of the European Union countries based on the history of their development and peculiarities of specific national systems of justice are detected.&#x0D; The regulation of corporate relations in the European Union at supranational level is considered. It is concluded that the European Union supranational law is its corporate law.&#x0D; The priority areas for unification of European corporate law at the supranational level are analyzed. The main instruments to adjust the activities of corporations in EU law are identified to be the Directives aimed at harmonizing and unifying national legislation of EU Member States.

DEVELOPMENT OF UKRAINIAN AIR TRAFFIC IN THE EUROPEAN INTEGRATION CONDITIONS

Purpose: to study the development of Ukraine’s air traffic in accordance with European Union standards. Methods: documentary analysis and synthesis, comparative analysis, objective truth, cognitive-analytical, etc. Results: generalized mechanisms for improving the development and coordination of air traffic in accordance with international standards. Discussion: clarification of the normative fixing of air traffic in domestic legislation, the role of Ukrainian aviation providers and airline operators in the «free sky» of Europe, the state of implementation of international standards and participation of Ukraine in international organizations. Transport, as an infrastructure industry, must be ahead of the pace in order to promote the country’s rapid economic and social development. The Ukrainian aviation transport system is on the path of integration with the European aviation transport system. The implementation of the task of gradual integration into European and world transport systems involves the implementation of European norms and standards in the air transport sphere, adherence to key international conventions and agreements, development of aviation infrastructure, international transport corridors and checkpoints, security and environmental friendliness. Ukraine’s intention to cooperate with the EU in order to improve the functioning of the trans-European transport networks is based on the relevant plan of the European Commission to extend the major trans-European transport axes to the territory of Ukraine. New agreements in this direction allow Ukraine to integrate into the Single European Aviation Market, but to achieve this goal it is necessary to harmonize the Ukrainian air transport network in accordance with European standards on the basis of not declarative but real implementation of state target programs in accordance with the system of international treaties. The aviation network to a single EU aviation network. Recommendations on the strategy and mechanisms of integration of Ukraine’s aviation network into a single EU transport system have been developed.

Impact of linolenic acid on oxidative stability of rapeseed oils.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of linolenic acid (LA) on oxidation stability of rapeseed oils. Four kinds of rapeseed were harvested by unified cultivation and management in the same geographical conditions, and then four rapeseed oils with different contents of LA were obtained. The effects of linolenic acid and antioxidants (tocopherols and phytosterols) on oxidation stability of rapeseed oils were evaluated. Results showed that rapeseed oil with 5.9% LA was the most stable among four rapeseed oils, followed by commercial rapeseed oil, rapeseed oil with 8.4% LA and rapeseed oil with 10.8% LA. The oxidation stability was negatively correlated with the contents of LA (r = - 0.931, p < 0.01), the polyunsaturated fatty acids (r = - 0.932, p < 0.01), and unsaturated fatty acids (r = - 0.766, p < 0.05). It had no correlation with tocopherols and phytosterols (p > 0.05). In addition, according to the European Union Standards, shelf-life of four rapeseed oils was longer than 30days in the shelf-life test. Therefore, increasing the LA content in rapeseed oils can be considered as an efficient approach to solve the problem of insufficient LA intake globally.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in dry tea leaves and tea infusions in Vietnam: contamination levels and dietary risk assessment.

The total mean ∑[Formula: see text] in samples were from 75.3 to 387.0ng/g dry weight (d.w) and showed high value in black dry tea, followed by herbal, oolong, and green tea. The mean ∑[Formula: see text] (a combination of benz[a]anthracene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, and benzo[a]pyrene) values were 54.3ng/g, 16.4ng/g, 14.2ng/g, and 6.6ng/g for black, herbal, green, and oolong teas, respectively. Concentration for benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) was from 0.4 to 35.8ng/g, and the BaP equivalent concentration values ranged from 0.3 to 48.1ng/g. There was only 1 black tea sample that BaP concentration exceeded the maximum level according to European Union (EU) standards. Tea samples marketed in Vietnam showed insignificant difference with the samples from other origins by same analytical method. Black teas showed high PAHs contents in dry tea samples but the released percentage of sum of PAHs from tea-to-tea infusion was lower than that in other tea type samples. The released percentages of PAH4 from tea-to-tea infusion were 40.7, 15.4, and 1.9 for green, herbal, and black tea. High temperature in black tea manufacturing processes might reduce essential oil content in tea that might effect on the PAHs partially release into the infusion. Indeed, based on EU regulations, we may conclude that tea consumers are safe in risk of exposure to PAHs obtained from teas.

Effect of microcapsules of chia oil on \u03a9-3 fatty acids, antioxidant characteristics and oxidative stability of butter

BackgroundΩ-3 fatty acids perform several therapeutic functions in the body, however, their applications are limited due to the inferior oxidative stability. To improve the oxidative stability and release properties of Ω-3 fatty acids, microencapsulation is performed. Butter is a good source of fat-soluble vitamins and antioxidant systems however, it is not a good source of Ω-3 fatty acids. Supplementation of butter with microcapsules of vegetable oils rich in Ω-3 fatty acids is not reported in literature.MethodsMicrocapsules of chia oil (MCO) were prepared using chitosan as encapsulating material by spray drying at lower temperature. Unsalted butter prepared from cultured cream using Lactococcus lactis ssp. Lactis at 21 °C for 16 Hrs. Cream was churned at 12 °C and microcapsules of chia oil were added to the butter during the working stage at four different concentrations i.e. 2, 4, 6 and 8% (T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively). Butter without supplementation of MCO were kept as control. Butter samples were stored for 90 days at -10 °C. Butter composition, antioxidant capacity, fatty acid profile, induction period, free fatty acids, peroxide value and sensory evaluation were performed at 0, 45 and 90 days of storage.ResultsAddition of MCO in butter did not have any effect on standards of identity of butter. Microencapsulation had no effect on fatty acid profile of microcapsules of chia oil. Concentration of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in control, T1, T2, T3 and T4 were 0.49, 4.29, 8.41, 13.21 and 17.44%, respectively. Concentration of ALA in fresh and 90 days stored butter samples were 17.44 and 17.11%, respectively. After 90 days of storage, loss of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were 0.07%, 0.05 and 0.03%, respectively. At 0, 45 and 90 days of storage, 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyle (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity of free chia oil was 39.81, 71.22 and 62.18%, respectively. However, microcapsules of chia oil had superior antioxidant activity. DPPH free radical scavenging activity of microcapsules at 0, 45 and 90 days of storage was 36.51, 36.43 and 35.96%, respectively (p > 0.05). Total antioxidant capacity of microcapsules at 0, 45 and 90 days of storage was 70.53, 69.88 and 68.52%, respectively (p > 0.05). It was recorded that induction period of free chia oil and microcapsules was only 2.86 h and 8.55 h. Among the butter samples, control revealed the lowest induction period. While, induction period of experimental samples was not different from each other. Peroxide value and free fatty acids of the butter samples at the end of storage period (90 days) was less than the European Union standards limit (10MeqO2/kg and 0.2%). Sensory characteristics of experimental samples were similar to the control. MCO can be added in butter to improve its functional value.ConclusionConcentration of Ω-3 fatty acids in butter up to 8% can be increased through microcapsules of chia oil with reasonable oxidative stability and no effect on sensory characteristics.

Emission Status and Standards of Volatile Organic Compounds from Chinese and Foreign Bulk Petroleum Terminals

Chinese emission standard of air pollutants for bulk gasoline terminals (GB 20950-2007) stipulate standards for vapor emissions during gasoline storage and receiving in bulk gasoline terminals. However, the standards are not applicable to crude oil, aviation kerosene, naphtha, and other kinds of oil. We assess emission standards or directives for vapor processing equipment in terminals in the United States (US) and European Union (EU), and analyze the emission status of vapor processing equipment in three typical cities in China. We further propose revisions to GB 20950-2007. We made the following observations. ① US and EU standards include scope not only for gasoline, but also crude oil and other organic liquids. ② The emission limits of non-methane hydrocarbons defined in GB 20950-2007 are i) 0.5, 1.8, and 8.9 times those defined in Subpart XX, Subpart R, and Subpart Y in the US federal regulations, ii) 1.8 and 3.1 times those defined in Rule 462 and Rule 1142 in southern California law, and iii) 0.7 and 500 times those defined in EU and German directives, respectively. The vapor leakage limit for general areas of China is 0.5 times that defined in Subpart XX of the US standards, whereas the limits for some other specific areas of China, are 0.7 and 2.0 times those defined by Rule 462 and Rule 1142 in southern California law. ③ The numerical range of P5th-P95th of NMHC emissions from the inlet and outlet of vapor processing equipment in three typical cities of China were 115-811 g·m-3 and 0.1-20.0 g·m-3, respectively. The proportion of NMHC emission concentrations less than or equal to 10 g·m-3 at the outlet of vapor processing equipment was>85%. We suggest that the scope of application of GB 20950-2007 should be extended to crude oil, gasoline (including ethanol gasoline), aviation kerosene, and naphtha. The emission concentration limit of NMHC from vapor processing equipment should be tighten from 25 g·m-3 to 20 g·m-3, with a emission limit of 10 g·m-3 added for particular cases.

Экологические аспекты применения смазочных масел и альтернативных источников энергии на пути совершенствования транспортного сектора мировой экономики

The article presents some features of new technologies in the field of improving transport and its inherent environmental aspects of the use of lubricating oils and alternative energy sources in modern conditions of development of the global economy. Transport enjoys a predominant share in the consumption of lubricants in the world market and in fact about 57 % of the world production volume is used in this sector of the economy. In accordance with global trends, the design development of traditional reciprocating internal combustion engines is carried out in conjunction with the development and implementation of environmental requirements for them in the largest economies in the world - European Union standards (Euro-7), India (Bharat Stage VI - the equivalent of Euro-6 standard) and China (China 6 is a more stringent version of the Euro-6 standard), aimed at reducing exhaust emissions. Actual additions to the SAE J300 classification include relatively low kinematic viscosity of oils, which allows engine manufacturers to meet the requirements of environmental standards that regulate emission of particles with exhaust gases and fuel economy - reducing fuel consumption. The advent of electric vehicles is having an increasing impact on transport and energy infrastructure. This long-term trend will also affect the manufacturing sector, where demand for traditional lubricants is expected to decline. The transport market today is making progress towards reducing carbon dioxide emissions and increasing fuel economy. Despite this, further investments by the automotive industry in improving the design of piston engines around the world are declining, and the supply of new engines for car manufacturers after 2021 is predictably reduced.

EVOLUTION OF THE USE OF ELECTRONIC PAYMENT INSTRUMENTS: FINANCIAL AND LEGAL ASPECT

The evolution of the use of electronic payment instruments from a finance law position is analyzed in the article. In the context of the latest technology dynamic introduction in the field of payments, the beginning of the history of modern electronic payment instruments can be conditionally linked to the creation of the London Clearing House in 1775 in the United Kingdom and the subsequent active use in the calculation of promissory notes and cheques, as well as other payment documents on the basis of the clearing. At the same time, we propose to periodize the evolution of the use of electronic payment instruments in the calculation of foreign and domestic experience, which includes three main stages: Stage I (end of the XVIII century – end of the XIX century) formation of legal preconditions for the birth of the first electronic payment instruments in the form of promissory notes and cheques, as well as payment documents on the basis of clearing; Stage II (XX century) electrification of payment transactions with the support of their electronic means of payment (bank cards, mobile payment instruments), electronic purses for initiating payments, as well as the use of the first electronic money in order to pay for goods and services. Stage III (XXI Century – nowadays) digitization of payments, characterized by the active use of contactless chipped cards, contactless mobile instruments, electronic money, electronic payment means based on widespread electronic payments in the world of electronic payment ecosystems, such as PayPal (1998), Payoneer (2005), Skrill (2001), Stripe (2009), TransferWise (2010), etc., virtual money in the form of virtual currencies, Quick Response codes, and the introduction of digital currencies of central banks. The suggested periodization of the evolution of electronic payment instruments is based on historical facts, economic conditions, the introduction of the latest financial technologies, national preferences, and the legislation development in the field of payments. At the same time, the genesis specificity of the use of electronic payment instruments in Ukraine is conditioned by the imperfect special law on payment systems and the transfer of funds, which, unfortunately, does not meet the current international and European Union standards. Therefore, there is an urgent need to reform outdated domestic legislation in the field of payments by adopting a new Law of Ukraine «On Payment Services». Keywords: electronic payment instrument, electronic means of payment, use of electronic payment instruments, electronic payment instruments evolution, financе law.

Evolution of the use of electronic payment instruments: financial and legal aspect

The evolution of the use of electronic payment instruments from a finance law position is analyzed in the article. In the context of the latest technology dynamic introduction in the field of payments, the beginning of the history of modern electronic payment instruments can be conditionally linked to the creation of the London Clearing House in 1775 in the United Kingdom and the subsequent active use in the calculation of promissory notes and cheques, as well as other payment documents on the basis of clearing. At the same time, we propose to periodize the evolution of the use of electronic payment instruments in the calculation of foreign and domestic experience, which includes three main stages: Stage I (end of the XVIII century – end of the XIX century) formation of legal preconditions for the birth of the first electronic payment instruments in the form of promissory notes and cheques, as well as payment documents on the basis of clearing; Stage II (XX century) electronization of payment transactions with the support of their electronic means of payment (bank cards, mobile payment instruments), electronic purses for initiating payments, as well as the use of the first electronic money in order to pay for goods and services. Stage III (XXI Century – nowadays) digitization of payments, characterized by the active use of contactless chipped cards, contactless mobile instruments, electronic money, electronic payment means based on widespread electronic payments in the world of electronic payment ecosystems, such as PayPal (1998), Payoneer (2005), Skrill (2001), Stripe (2009), TransferWise (2010), etc., virtual money in the form of virtual currencies, Quick Response codes, and the introduction of digital currencies of central banks. The suggested periodization of the evolution of electronic payment instruments is based on historical facts, economic conditions, the introduction of the latest financial technologies, national preferences and the legislation development in the field of payments. At the same time, the genesis specificity of the use of electronic payment instruments in Ukraine is conditioned by the imperfect special law on payment systems and the transfer of funds, which, unfortunately, does not meet the current international and European Union standards. Therefore, there is an urgent need to reform outdated domestic legislation in the field of payments by adopting a new Law of Ukraine «On Payment Services».

Geostatistical analysis and optimization of the state hydrogheological monitoring network within the Pripyat river basin (Ukraine)

Formulation of the problem. The State Hydrogeological Monitoring Network has to provide the necessary information to manage groundwater resources and prevent negative changes in the geological environment. Currently, there is a negative tendency to decrease the number of observation wells, loss of information about the space-time variability of the hydrogeological regime elements in Ukraine. In conditions of limited funding, an important task is to develop an effective strategy for reforming the hydrogeological monitoring system, taking into account international experience and based on modern geoinformation technologies. Particular attention has to be given to transboundary territories. One of them is the Pripyat River basin, which is characterized by the low level of the State Hydrogeological Monitoring Network representativeness, both in comparison with European Union standards and with the existing groundwater monitoring network of neighbouring Belarus. The purpose of the article is to evaluate the actual state of the hydrogeological observation wells network and optimize it within the territory of the Ukrainian part of the transboundary Pripyat watershed basin. Methodology and materials. The State Scientific and Production Enterprise "Geoinform of Ukraine" database of State Groundwater Monitoring System composition and functioning as well as zoning map under the conditions of water exchange formation in the upper water-bearing level were used for the study. For the studied territory of the water exchange basin of Pripyat, the analysis of density and uniformity of the observation points distribution as well as the variogram analysis of the spatial distribution of groundwater-level altitudes within the study area were carried. For the actual monitoring network, the expected error of the spatial modelling of the groundwater-surface was evaluated. Results. The obtained results of the geostatistical analysis made it possible to substantiate the project wells locations within the water exchange sub-basins to improve the quality of hydrogeological monitoring problem solutions. Scientific novelty. The method of the hydrogeological monitoring network optimization has been improved based on geoinformation and geostatistical approaches and implemented for the Ukrainian part of the Pripyat River basin, taking into account the hydrogeological conditions of the territory and the configuration of the existing network. Practical significance. Optimization and increment of the observation wells network, taking into account the obtained results, will provide the effective functioning of the hydrogeological monitoring system within the Ukrainian part of the Pripyat River basin and will have an economic effect, given that the cost of any measures to improve the groundwater quality and quantity is far more expensive than the monitoring system optimization.

Потенціал використання соломи зернових культур як біопалива

In the present of our country, its energy independence is a topical issue. Ukraine has a huge potential of biomass - straw, which today, as biofuel is extremely small, because of the lack of equipment and machinery for proper collection of fields and power plants, where it can be burned. This plant is the only niche in the production of solid biofuels, which, in fact, is underdeveloped today. Straw can be one of the most promising sources of alternative fuel for the country as a whole. The article presents the research results of potential use of straw for energy purposes. One of the problematic issues is the contents in the biomass of straw of some chemical elements, which reduce the efficiency of power plants. This problem can be solved by leaching the elements from the straw in the use of biomass for direct burning or when using straw for the manufacture of pellets. Pellet production of straw has both advantages and disadvantages. Cereal straw is one of the promising energy sources, efficient use of which is determined by several factors, including the need for an ecological justification. Determined the predictive potential of straw as an alternative fuel and assessed the energy costs of its collection, preparation for combustion in boilers. On the basis of estimates and predicts the possible volumes of consumption of a particular alternative fuel for the future. In this work, we discussed the balance sheet evaluation methods of the potential of straw as biofuel for a specific condition and results of researches of influence on the environment. It is shown that exposure of straw in the field can significantly reduce the content of corrosion-hazardous elements. There has been analyzed the composition of the ash waste, which are formed during combustion of straw. It is established that under the present agricultural practice the content of some heavy metals in the ash do not exceed the European Union standards, which allows its use as a fertilizer for crops.