European Vector Research Articles

Аксіологічна детермінація конституційної ідентичності

The article determines the axiological features of constitutional identity in the legal context of Ukraine. It was found that the constitutional identity to a large extent forms the political and legal system of the state, as it contains general laws and defining features acquired by the state in the process of its historical, cultural and legal development. That is, constitutional identity is something that, on the one hand, unites society and the institutions of the state, and on the other hand, provides distinctive features from other states. Axiological determination of constitutional identity allows us to conclude about a harmonious combination of elements of statics, which are expressed in the historically formed conditions of the political and legal life of a certain state, and dynamism, which is determined by the further course of development of our state in accordance with modern challenges. It is noted that the source of constitutional identity is not only the constitutive provisions of the Basic Law, acts of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine, but also the historical, mental, value and political basis. Therefore, constitutional identity, which is a reflection of public demand in law, must guarantee and protect the rights of individuals at the highest level, and in accordance with the national constitutional and legal system. This justifies the statement about the need for a deeper study of this legal phenomenon in order to establish an authentic organic connection with the people. Such a trend of the relationship between society and the norms that regulate it will contribute to the growth of constitutional patriotism, the establishment of rights and freedoms based on legal certainty and in compliance with the criterion of legitimate expectations. It is concluded that achieving a balance between globalization and integration processes and the preservation of existing state and national values is extremely relevant for modern Ukraine, which during the full-scale armed aggression confirmed and steadfastly upholds the declared and constitutionally enshrined aspirations to adhere to the European and Euro-Atlantic vector.

PBLAM1-x: standardized transposon tools forhigh-throughput screening.

The engineering of pre-defined functions in living cells requires increasingly accurate tools as synthetic biology efforts become more ambitious. Moreover, the characterization of the phenotypic performance of genetic constructs demands meticulous measurements and extensive data acquisition for the sake of feeding mathematical models and matching predictions along the design-build-test lifecycle. Here, we developed a genetic tool that eases high-throughput transposon insertion sequencing (TnSeq): the pBLAM1-x plasmid vectors carrying the Himar1 Mariner transposase system. These plasmids were derived from the mini-Tn5 transposon vector pBAMD1-2 and built following modular criteria of the Standard European Vector Architecture (SEVA) format. To showcase their function, we analyzed sequencing results of 60 clones of the soil bacterium Pseudomonas putida KT2440. The new pBLAM1-x tool has already been included in the latest SEVA database release, and here we describe its performance using laboratory automation workflows. Graphical Abstract.

Institutional support of intercultural communication in Ukraine in the context of implementation of its european integration vector

Institutional support of intercultural communication in Ukraine in the context of implementation of its european integration vector

CONCEPTUAL FOUNDATIONS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF DIGITAL COMPETENCE OF THE WORKFORCE OF UKRAINE

Topicality. The key role of digital competence is related to meeting the needs of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the driver of which is digitalization, which has become the main imperative of modernity. The comprehensive and dynamic nature of digital transformation causes changes in most spheres of life in society, which force people to quickly adapt to them. In such conditions, increasing the competence potential of labor resources in terms of digital competence becomes a necessary condition for the successful functioning of not only individuals and society, but also the socio-economic system in general. Digital competence is becoming transversal, which is recorded in many international documents, in particular the Framework Program of the renewed Key competences for lifelong learning of the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union and the report "Towards a structured and agreed terminology of cross-cutting skills and competences" of the European Commission and the European Center for the development of vocational training. The European vector of development and the complexity of the socio-ecological and economic environment of Ukraine determine the need to build an individual trajectory of digital education of the population based on the study and implementation of the experience of the European Union in the specified field of activity.Aim and tasks. The purpose of the article is to develop the conceptual foundations of the development of the digital competence of the workforce of Ukraine.Materials and methods. The information sources of the research are fundamental and applied research by domestic and foreign scientists on issues of competence potential in terms of digital literacy, as well as leading international organizations, in particular, the European Center for the Development of Professional Education, the European Commission, UNESCO, data from open sources. To achieve the goal, the methods of system analysis, logical generalization and content analysis were used.Research results. The role and significance of digital competence in the context of modern socio-economic development is considered. The concept of "digital competence" was studied from the point of view of essential content and officially defined interpretations. It is proposed to determine the levels of digital competence in economic activity in terms of the structure of business processes and the level of knowledge-intensive production on the basis of the European approach to determining the level of qualifications presented in DigComp2.1, according to which it is proposed to use depending on the complexity and level of autonomy of task performance, as well as the type cognitive operations (memorizing, understanding, applying, evaluating, creating) 4 levels of qualification: foundation, intermediate, advanced and higly specialised. It is outlined that the prospects for further research are related to the study of the criteria for determining the levels of digital competence in terms of structure-forming business processes, which will contribute to the effective use of the labor potential of the population of Ukraine.Conclusion. In the conditions of the digital transformation of the economy, digital competence acquires a transversal character, since almost all professions will have a digital component in the future. In turn, the formation, application and development of digital competence of the population in terms of different categories is a complex and long-term process that requires coordination and synchronization in time of various interdependent components, in particular, regulatory and legal, institutional, material and technological and personnel, each of which needs to solve a complex of problems. It is important to understand that in order to effectively use the labor potential and increase labor productivity, it is necessary to maintain the correspondence of the qualification level of the digital competence of the workforce to the complexity of the tasks, depending on the scientific intensity of the production processes.

Preventive function of a notary in the legal system of society

As Ukraine has chosen the European vector of development, the legal status of the notary as the subject providing protection of the rights and lawful interests of citizens deserves special attention. Due to the insufficient level of legal literacy among the population, the legislator imposes on the notary the duty to implement a preventive function, namely to explain to persons their rights and responsibilities, warn of the consequences of notarial acts, and most importantly, assist individuals and legal entities in protection and the realization of their rights and interests. This function has recently become increasingly important, as the notary, certifying transactions with the participation of the parties, should help prevent offenses. In particular, its activities are aimed at preventing conflicts and disputes in civil law relations, both when concluding a transaction and those that will arise in the future. To achieve the objectives outlined in this study, methods of analysis, dialectical, anthropological, functional, documentary analysis and others were used. The aim of the work is a comprehensive general theoretical and applied study of the legal nature of the functions of the notary, including preventive function, as well as substantiation of the main directions of legal regulation of the notary in Ukraine in modern state transformations, development of relevant scientifically sound proposals and recommendations.

A DISCOURSE ON HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE IN RURAL AREAS IN THE CONTEXT OF EUROPEAN ECONOMIC STUDIES

The article examines the dynamics and structure of household expenditure in rural areas of Ukraine from 2014 to 2021, utilizing a research toolkit developed by the authors. The study identifies peculiarities in expenditure formation, both in total and by category, taking into consideration inflation response, and determines preconditions for expenditure growth. By estimating the impact of individual expenditures on total household expenditure, the authors conclude that food expenditure is the most important factor in the overall spending of the rural population. A comparative analysis was conducted to examine household expenditure in rural areas of Ukraine and selected EU countries, focusing on the expenditures on food and non-alcoholic beverages; housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels; healthcare; education; as well as purchasing power standards for different years between 2005 and 2020. The findings reveal noticeable disparities in expenditure levels between Ukraine and EU countries, with significantly lower levels observed in Ukraine. Given Ukraine’s orientation towards European vector of development and drawing from foreign experience and potential national capacities, the study proposes recommendations for a substantial increase in the level of household spending in Ukraine.

STRATEGIC GOALS OF THE STATE REGULATION OF FOREIGN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY OF INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES OF UKRAINE IN THE CONTEXT OF THE EUROPEAN VECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

The article is devoted to the study of strategic goals of state regulation of foreign economic activity of industrial enterprises in Ukraine in the conditions of European integration. In the future, Ukraine will be part of a single market with more than 450 million consumers, which will create opportunities for industrial enterprises to expand their foreign economic activity and increase their export potential. The purpose of the article is to formulate strategic objectives of state regulation of foreign economic activity of industrial enterprises in Ukraine in the context of the European development vector. This article examines the role of state regulation in ensuring effective foreign economic activity of Ukrainian industrial enterprises and identifies strategic goals to be achieved in this process. In addition, the article analyses the main challenges and obstacles hindering the achievement of these goals and suggests ways to overcome them. Methodology: scientific research uses general and specific scientific methods, including the method of analysis and synthesis, the descriptive-analytical method, the systems approach, the method of systematisation, the graphical method and the method of comparison. Results. Nowadays, effective regulation of foreign economic activity of industrial enterprises is one of the most important factors of economic growth of Ukraine. Many studies have been devoted to the development of mechanisms of state regulation of foreign economic activity, but some aspects are still overlooked by scientists. The practical implications of Ukraine's integration into the European Union are a crucial step for the development of the economy. The European Union is Ukraine's most important trading partner. Thanks to this integration, Ukrainian producers have gained easier access to one of the largest markets in the world – the European Union market. When Ukraine becomes a full member of the European Union and is fully integrated into the single market, it will create more jobs and increase salaries by exporting high-quality products to European Union countries. Ukraine is a reliable partner of the European Union and is working towards membership. This process is not fast, but Ukraine is fulfilling the Association Agreement with the European Union, adopting necessary laws and carrying out reforms for the development of Ukraine. This will help transform Ukraine into a developed country with a high standard of living. The search for new and effective mechanisms for organising foreign economic activity and preserving export potential is extremely important for Ukraine, taking into account the European vector of development in the conditions of a state of war. The article argues for a timely study of the problem of formation of a mechanism of modern regulation of foreign economic activity of industrial enterprises, taking into account the impact of the external environment. It presents a number of administrative, economic and legal methods, as well as a periodisation of the formation and development of legislation in Ukraine on foreign economic activity. It also examines the process of foreign economic activity regulation, which refers to a system of measures capable of combining direct legislative regulation of export and import activities of enterprises with economic levers aimed at protecting and improving the structure of the domestic market. The Association Agreement signed between Ukraine and the European Union shows that Ukraine has opted for the European model of socio-economic development.

EUROPEAN DIMENSION OF CROP PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT AT AGRICULTURAL ENTERPRISES

The purpose of the study is to develop methodological approaches to analytical support for the management of the production of plant products in the enterprises of the agro-industrial complex. Methodology. Research is based on scientific methods, among which it is advisable to highlight: analysis and synthesis, comparison, idealisation and abstraction, as well as systematisation and generalisation, economic and mathematical methods. Results. Directions for improving the management of crop production in terms of its analytical support are proposed, taking into account the realities of today: the choice of the European vector of development, the state of war, agribusiness in Ukraine is the driving force that ensures the efficiency of the domestic economy. Ukraine is called the breadbasket of Europe, with about 25% of the world's highly fertile chernozem soils concentrated here. Agriculture as an industry has a number of peculiarities that largely determine the results of enterprises, among them: the means of production here are living organisms – plants and animals that develop according to biological laws. Therefore, in agriculture, the operation of economic laws is closely intertwined with the operation of natural laws; the main means of production is land, which is directly related to the labour process and the production of products. Practical implications. The most optimal path for the development of agriculture in Ukraine is the European one, which will lead to the socio-economic success of the entire population and the economy as a whole. Having received the status of a candidate country for accession to the European Union, we are already taking the first steps in this direction. Military actions bring their own corrections, but clear actions of the government and effective management at the level of enterprises will help Ukraine to maintain its position in the world market of crop production. Value/originality. Directions for improving the management of the production of plant products in the part of its analytical support are proposed, taking into account the realities of today: the choice of the European vector of development, the state of war. The article substantiates the need to improve the management of the production of plant products of agricultural enterprises in terms of its analytical support, caused by the conditions of martial law, as well as the European vector of development.

A suite of modular, all-synthetic suicide vectors for allelic exchange mutagenesis in multidrug resistant Acinetobacter strains

BackgroundAcinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic human pathogen that causes a variety of infections in immunosuppressed individuals and patients in intensive care units. The success of this pathogen in nosocomial settings can be directly attributed to its persistent nature and its ability to rapidly acquire multidrug resistance. It is now considered to be one of the top priority pathogens for development of novel therapeutic approaches. Several high-throughput techniques have been utilised to identify the genetic determinants contributing to the success of A. baumannii as a global pathogen. However, targeted gene-function studies remain challenging due to the lack of appropriate genetic tools.ResultsHere, we have constructed a series of all-synthetic allelic exchange vectors – pALFI1, pALFI2 and pALFI3 – with suitable selection markers for targeted genetic studies in highly drug resistant A. baumannii isolates. The vectors follow the Standard European Vector Architecture (SEVA) framework for easy replacement of components. This method allows for rapid plasmid construction with the mutant allele, efficient conjugational transfer using a diaminopimelic acid-dependent Escherichia coli donor strain, efficient positive selection using the suitable selection markers and finally, sucrose-dependent counter-selection to obtain double-crossovers.ConclusionsWe have used this method to create scar-less deletion mutants in three different strains of A. baumannii, which resulted in up to 75% deletion frequency of the targeted gene. We believe this method can be effectively used to perform genetic manipulation studies in multidrug resistant Gram-negative bacterial strains.

Optimized De Novo Eriodictyol Biosynthesis in Streptomyces albidoflavus Using an Expansion of the Golden Standard Toolkit for Its Use in Actinomycetes.

Eriodictyol is a hydroxylated flavonoid displaying multiple pharmaceutical activities, such as antitumoral, antiviral or neuroprotective. However, its industrial production is limited to extraction from plants due to its inherent limitations. Here, we present the generation of a Streptomyces albidoflavus bacterial factory edited at the genome level for an optimized de novo heterologous production of eriodictyol. For this purpose, an expansion of the Golden Standard toolkit (a Type IIS assembly method based on the Standard European Vector Architecture (SEVA)) has been created, encompassing a collection of synthetic biology modular vectors (adapted for their use in actinomycetes). These vectors have been designed for the assembly of transcriptional units and gene circuits in a plug-and-play manner, as well as for genome editing using CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genetic engineering. These vectors have been used for the optimization of the eriodictyol heterologous production levels in S. albidoflavus by enhancing the flavonoid-3'-hydroxylase (F3'H) activity (by means of a chimera design) and by replacing three native biosynthetic gene clusters in the bacterial chromosome with the plant genes matBC (involved in extracellular malonate uptake and its intracellular activation into malonyl-CoA), therefore allowing more malonyl-CoA to be devoted to the heterologous production of plant flavonoids in this bacterial factory. These experiments have allowed an increase in production of 1.8 times in the edited strain (where the three native biosynthetic gene clusters have been deleted) in comparison with the wild-type strain and a 13 times increase in eriodictyol overproduction in comparison with the non-chimaera version of the F3'H enzyme.

ACADEMIC MOBILITY: EUROPEAN AND ORIENTAL VECTORS OF COOPERATION

The article deals with the issues related to the international academic mobility. Some key notions within the academic sphere have been specified (academic mobility, academic integration, academic normative documents). The author outlines the European and Oriental vectors of academic cooperation (involvement of the academic staff and students into the programmes of international advanced training and / or internship; joint participation in scientific grant programmes; international co-supervision of Bachelor, Master, PhD research).

Host-Dependent Improvement of GFP Expression in Pseudomonas putida KT2440 Using Terminators of Metagenomic Origin.

Transcriptional terminators are key players in the flow of genetic information, but are often overlooked in circuit design. In this work, we used the Standard European Vector Architecture (SEVA) as a scaffold to investigate the effects of different terminators in the output of a reporter construct expressed in two bacterial species, and found that replacing the conventional T1 and T0 transcriptional terminators of the SEVA vector format with a set of broad-host metagenomic terminators resulted in a significant improvement in the signal of a fluorescent device in Pseudomonas putida KT2440 but not in Escherichia coli DH10B. Our results suggest that replacing the default set of terminators present in the SEVA specification may be an useful strategy for fine-tuning circuit expression in P. putida, which can be leveraged for the development of new devices with improved performance in this microbial host.

Wing morphology variations in Culicoides circumscriptus from France.

The biting midge Culicoides circumscriptus Kieffer, 1918 is a European widespread vector of avian malaria throughout the continent and is a possible vector of Akabane virus and Bluetongue virus. This species populates a wide range of environments in contrasting ecological settings often exposed to strong seasonal fluctuations. The main goals of this study were to investigate C. circumscriptus phenotypic variation at three departments in France (Corsica Island, Moselle and Var) and to determine if its phenotypes vary with the environment. Culicoides circumscriptus wing phenotypes were analyzed using a geometric morphometric approach based on anatomical landmarks and outlines of the wing. Dendogram trees based on landmarks and the outlines-2 set (cell m4) showed similar topologies and separated populations of C. circumscriptus. In contrast, another set of outlines-1 (covering the r-m cross vein, M, radiale and arculus) presented a different hierarchical clustering tree. The phenotypic variation observed in C. circumscriptus indicated that these populations are exposed to environmental and ecological pressures. Our results suggest the presence of phenotypic plasticity in this species.

THE RIGHT TO PATERNITY AND MATERNITY AS PERSONAL NON-PROPERTY RIGHTS

The relevance of the topic is due to the novelty of the topic, its importance for the development of family law science and legislation in this area. The article provides a systematic analysis of the right to fatherhood and motherhood as a personal non-property right. The author conducts a systematic analysis of such categories as «motherhood» and «fatherhood» in the modern science of family law in Ukraine. The author substantiates the need to enshrine in the current legislation a single legal definition of «paternity» and «maternity» in accordance with European standards. The author proposes to consider the right to paternity and maternity as a personal non-property right of women and men, regardless of their marital status. The author also proposes to enshrine at the legislative level the right of men to participate in the decision on artificial termination of pregnancy. In a detailed analysis of a woman’s right to motherhood, the author identifies and analyzes the constituent elements of such a right, namely: the right to pregnancy and health care during pregnancy, provision of health care during childbirth; the right to terminate pregnancy and rights after the birth of a child, in particular, certain social guarantees for women who have given birth to a child. At the same time, given the European vector of development of our country, the author proposes to reform certain provisions of legislation and to equalize the rights of men and women in this area. The author analyzes the changes that have occurred in the legislation of our State in the field of social guarantees for men and women after the birth of a child. At the same time, the article highlights several issues that need to be detailed and clarified by the legislator in the area of realization by men and women of their right to paternity and maternity with the help of assisted reproductive technologies.

MODEL OF FORMATION OF ECONOMIC COMPETENCES OF SPECIALISTS IN TECHNICAL SPECIALTIES IN THE CONDITIONS OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION

The quality of education is an important condition for the competitiveness of the economy, it determines the political, scientific and socio-economic direction of the state's development. Global processes of integration significantly change the requirements for the training of educational specialists for professional development. The modern human resources system should be focused on the training of highly qualified specialists who are able to think strategically and are ready to work in complex modern conditions. It was established the internationalization of all spheres of social life requires the integration of educational process.An important prerequisite for the creation of a single European educational space is the provision of commonwealth and cooperation, as well as the preservation of one's own ethnic and cultural diversity. It was established that the rapid development of scientific and technical progress and new forms of organization of production put forward new requirements for the training of specialists in technical specialties. An innovative vector of development based on the integration of education and science at all levels has been determined. The importance of forming a basic level of economic competence among specialists in technical specialties is emphasized.The ability and skills to achieve an effective solution of professional tasks, taking into account economic factors, by a specialist in a technical specialty are highlighted. The educational space of a competitive specialist has been formed. An important point in the training of a technical specialist of the European model is the integration of his personal qualities with the assimilation of the disciplines of professional and practical training and relevant economic competenciesOn the basis of the conducted research, modeling of the process of formation of the system of economic competence of technical specialists was carried out, taking into account the requirements of the highly competitive labor market and in the context of the European vector of modernization of modern educational process. It was determined that the developed model covers all stages of professional training of specialists, ensuring the achievement of the set goal: the formation of a system of economic competence among specialists in technical specialties, which will be manifested in their readiness and ability to solve professional technical tasks with their qualified economic justification.

MODERN INNOVATIVE BUSINESS STRATEGIES IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY SYSTEM OF UKRAINE

The article analyzes the peculiarities of the development of innovative business in the system of the food industry of Ukraine, aimed at increasing the efficiency of production and ensuring the operation of enterprises. The author of the article examines modern innovative business strategies in Ukraine, attests to their multifunctionality and the importance of taking into account current aspects of the development of the modern economy. He also analyzes various options for innovative development of the food industry, models, technologies and scenarios aimed at successful innovative business and determines new approaches and influencing factors regarding the application of modern strategies of innovative business, a set of relevant measures capable of ensuring real changes in the food industry. The article emphasizes that against the background of the decline and significant lag behind the food industry of Ukraine from the progressive countries of the world, it has all the opportunities to quickly restore its capacities thanks to the consistent implementation of clearly planned measures aimed at realizing its internal and external potentials. In conclusion, the author emphasizes the importance of the European vector of food industry development, which will contribute to the development strategy of food industry entities in the context of the macroeconomic environment, the creation and implementation of innovations to strengthen the competitiveness of the food industry, structural transformation and the implementation of international quality standards.

European vector of Ukrainian Studies in the conditions of modern threats and challenges

European vector of Ukrainian Studies in the conditions of modern threats and challenges

The European Vector of Italy’s Foreign Policy

The foreign policy of the Italian Republic is implemented in three key areas: European, Atlantic and Mediterranean. This article examines the European vector of Italian politics, the characteristic features of this direction and its evolution in the XX–XXI centuries. The Italian Republic has played a significant role in the process of European integration, taking an active part in all key initiatives of this process since the 1960s. In the second half of the XX — early XXI centuries european policy has become a tool for Italy to strengthen its own status in the international arena, and an active position in the integration processes is a way to stand on a par with the leaders of the European space. It is Europeanism, along with Atlanticism, that became the basis of the foreign policy concept of Italy in the second half of the XX century and determines the political image of the country and its position in the international arena. In this context, it is especially important that the foreign policy dimension of Italian politics is closely linked to the domestic political situation in the country. At the beginning of the XXI century, there are outbursts of euroscepticism in the country associated with the problem of migration and dissatisfaction with supranational authorities in times of crisis, such as COVID-19. Europeanism, however, remains a key dimension of the country’s foreign policy.

Iripin-1, a new anti-inflammatory tick serpin, inhibits leukocyte recruitment in vivo while altering the levels of chemokines and adhesion molecules.

Serpins are widely distributed and functionally diverse inhibitors of serine proteases. Ticks secrete serpins with anti-coagulation, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities via their saliva into the feeding cavity to modulate host's hemostatic and immune reaction initiated by the insertion of tick's mouthparts into skin. The suppression of the host's immune response not only allows ticks to feed on a host for several days but also creates favorable conditions for the transmission of tick-borne pathogens. Herein we present the functional and structural characterization of Iripin-1 (Ixodes ricinus serpin-1), whose expression was detected in the salivary glands of the tick Ixodes ricinus, a European vector of tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease. Of 16 selected serine proteases, Iripin-1 inhibited primarily trypsin and further exhibited weaker inhibitory activity against kallikrein, matriptase, and plasmin. In the mouse model of acute peritonitis, Iripin-1 enhanced the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and chemokines involved in neutrophil and monocyte recruitment, including MCP-1/CCL2, a potent histamine-releasing factor. Despite increased chemokine levels, the migration of neutrophils and monocytes to inflamed peritoneal cavities was significantly attenuated following Iripin-1 administration. Based on the results of in vitro experiments, immune cell recruitment might be inhibited due to Iripin-1-mediated reduction of the expression of chemokine receptors in neutrophils and adhesion molecules in endothelial cells. Decreased activity of serine proteases in the presence of Iripin-1 could further impede cell migration to the site of inflammation. Finally, we determined the tertiary structure of native Iripin-1 at 2.10 Å resolution by employing the X-ray crystallography technique. In conclusion, our data indicate that Iripin-1 facilitates I. ricinus feeding by attenuating the host's inflammatory response at the tick attachment site.

FOREIGN POLICY VECTORS IN THE STRUCTURE OF MODERN SPANISH POLITICS

The article examines the multi-vector nature of modern Spanish foreign policy. The article considers the strategy of external actions in which the European vector is the key and is perceived by the Spanish government as a natural basis for its political and economic development. The North American and Latin American vector of foreign policy is presented. The change of power in the United States and Spain has demonstrated a steady progressive dynamics in Spanish-American relations. The designated vectors of foreign policy form a triad, but the influence of four more foreign policy choices is increasing: American, Mediterranean, Middle East, Asia-Pacific.