Kherson Region Research Articles

Correlations between microsatellite DNA heterozygosity and reproductive traits in Large White sows

The main aim of this paper was to determine whether heterozygosity (assessed using microsatellite genotypes) was correlated with the reproductive traits in sows. The study was conducted on two herds of sows of the Large White sows breed at the Limited Liability Company “Tavriys’ki svyni” (Kherson region, Ukraine) and the Agricultural Private Enterprise “Techmet-Yug” (Mykolayiv region, Ukraine). During the study, we used eleven microsatellite loci recommended by International Society for Animal Genetics (ISAG) – S0101, S0155, S0228, S0355, S0386, Sw24, Sw72, Sw240, Sw857, Sw936 and Sw951. The litter records included information on the total number of piglets born (TNB), number of piglets born alive (NBA), number of stillborn piglets (NSB), frequency of stillborn piglets (FSB), litter size at weaning (NW) in the first five parities. Individual heterozygosity estimates (for each microsatellite loci separately) and microsatellite multilocus heterozygosity (for all used loci) estimates (MLH) were used in our analysis. ANOVA was used to determine the relationship of the dependent effects (reproductive traits) to single locus heterozygosity using two classes: 0 (for homozygous individuals) and 1 (for heterozygous individuals). In addition, the following indicators were calculated for each genotype: the squared distances (d2) between alleles within an individual for each microsatellite loci and mean squared distances (mean d2) between alleles within an individual for 11 microsatellite loci. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients were used to measure the association between d2 (for each microsatellite loci) and reproductive traits in sows. ANOVA on reproductive traits of sows belonging to different MLH and mean d2 classes was also undertaken. For sows from the Agricultural Private Enterprise “‘Techmet-Yug” were observed negative associations between heterozygosity and reproductive traits. We conclude that care should be taken when crossing between different breeders (English and Hungarian selection) to avoid outbreeding depression.

SPATIOTEMPORAL DISTRIBUTION OF TORNADOES AND SQUALLS IN THE NORTH-WESTERN BLACK SEA REGION IN 2006-2020

Tornadoes and strong squalls are dangerous for almost all spheres of human life and the economy of the region. The degree of negative impact depends on their type, quantity, intensity, area of formation and geographical features of the territory. The article defines the dynamics of the number of tornadoes and strong squalls in the North-Western Black Sea region (Odessa, Nikolayev and Kherson regions of Ukraine) from 2006 to 2020.Geographical position of the south-west of Ukraine, synoptic processes and a variety of climatic conditions contribute to the frequent occurrence of severe convective phenomena and creating the extraordinary complexity of their space-time distribution. The study revealed current trends in the formation of dangerous convective phenomena in the south-west of Ukraine. One of the most squall-prone regions of Ukraine is the territory of the North-Western Black Sea region. During 2006-2020 there was an increase in the number of squalls and tornadoes in the North-Western Black Sea region in comparison with previous years.

Оцінка точності розрахунків евапотранспірації в мобільному додатку EVAPO

Abstract The article presents the results of the study on the accuracy of evapotranspiration in the EVAPO mobile application. The aim of the work is to provide recommendations on the effective use of the mobile application for the prompt, low-cost and convenient determination of evapotranspiration and planning the irrigation regime. Materials and methods. The study was conducted in the autumn of 2020 and in the summer of 2021 using meteorological data from Kherson Regional Hydrometeorological Station, which were used for reference calculations of evapotranspiration according to the method recommended by FAO (Penman-Monteith equation) in the ETo Calculator software. The calculated values of the reference evapotranspiration and those obtained in the EVAPO mobile application were compared with each other through the computation of the correlation coefficients, determination coefficients and mean absolute percentage errors to assess the accuracy of the data on the studied agrometeorological index in the mobile application. Statistical calculations and graphical models were performed using Microsoft Excel 365 spreadsheet processor. Polynomial regression was applied to calibrate and enhance the performance of original EVAPO application. Results. It was found that the EVAPO mobile application without additional calibration cannot provide the proper accuracy of the evapotranspiration calculation. During the cold period of the year (October-November) the mean absolute percentage error was 137.02 %, and during the warm period (May-August) it was 41.43 %. The general error of the calculation in the mobile application compared to the ETo Calculator reference values was 88.75 %. At the same time, EVAPO makes it possible to accurately track the trend of evapotranspiration dynamics, the coefficient of determination of the model is 0.86. In the warm period of the year, there is a tendency to overestimate the value of evapotranspiration, and in the cold period of the year, no clear pattern was found. The evapotranspiration values adjusted by the polynomial regression model obtained in the EVAPO mobile application allow their use in operational irrigation planning. Conclusions. The EVAPO mobile application is a convenient, accessible tool for the rapid assessment of evapotranspiration. However, its implementation on the territory of Ukraine cannot be recommended without preliminary calibration for each specific agroclimatic zone due to enormous errors in the estimation of evapotranspiration value.

NEW RECORDS OF CERCERIS TUBERCULATA (VILLERS, 1787) (HYMENOPTERA: CRABRONIDAE) FROM UKRAINE, WITH NOTES ON ITS PARASITOIDS AND PREY

Present paper reports observations on the digger wasp Cerceris tuberculata (Villers, 1787) (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae), listed in Red Data Book of Ukraine, its parasitoids and prey. The observations revealed two parasitoids associated with this wasp: a cuckoo wasp Hedychrum virens Dahlbom, 1845 (Chrysididae) and velvet ant Nemka viduata viduata (Pallas, 1773) (Mutillidae). The host-parasitoid association of this velvet ant and C. tuberculata is provided for the first time. Four species of weevils were registered as a prey of C. tuberculata, three of them are given for the first time herein. New records of the species from Zaporizhzhya and Kherson Regions are provided; the species is reported from Zaporizhzhia Region for the first time.

DYNAMICS OF FREQUENCY AND PECULIARITIES OF THE STRUCTURE OF CONGENITAL MALFORMATIONS IN SOUTH UKRAINE (MONITORING STUDY)

Background. In Ukraine, the unfavorable demographic situation makes monitoring of the birth rate of children with congenital malformations urgent issue to identify regional features of epidemiology and develop methods for prenatal diagnosis and prognosis. 
 Objective. Objective of this study is to characterize the frequency dynamics, to identify structural features of congenital malformations of newborns in Kherson region over a 20-year period (2000-2019) and to compare the prevalence of various nosological forms of malformations in the region, in Ukraine and in European countries.
 Methods. Research methods: epidemiological, medical-statistical. 
 Results. In Kherson region, the average frequency of congenital malformations over the past 20 years is: for newborns – 31.57±1.25‰; for live births – 31.38±1.11‰; for stillborns – 197.7±0.65 per 10,000. In the structure of defects, cardiovascular malformations are leading (31.77%), musculoskeletal malformations (25.14%), genital malformations (17.5%). Increased prevalence of developmental anomalies in the region is mainly associated with an increase in the frequency of model malformations recorded by EUROCAT (r=0.69, p<0.05). The increase in the total frequency of congenital malformations is caused by increased number of births of children with cardiovascular defects (by 4.67‰), genital defects (by 1.21‰), other congenital malformations (by 1.55‰), multiple malformations (by 0.37‰).
 Conclusion. Monitoring results showed an increase in congenital malformations incidence in Kherson region over a 20-year period by 7.94‰ possibly caused by population decline due to negative natural and mechanical growth. The prevalence of hereditary defects is at the same level. The frequency of some nosological forms significantly exceeds in the region compare to that in Ukraine and Europe: cardiovascular defects – in 1.5 times, genital malformations – in nearly 3 times, musculoskeletal defects – almost twice.

Ураження нервової системи у передчасно народжених дітей з екстремально низькою масою тіла (клінічні і магнітно-резонансно-томографічні зіставлення)

Актуальність. На сьогодні проблема передчасних пологів залишається актуальною в усьому світі. Народження дітей з екстремально низькою масою тіла підвищує ризик летальних випадків і захворюваності на церебральний параліч, затримку психомовленнєвого розвитку, епілепсію. Мета дослідження. Оцінити клінічні та магнітно-резонансно-томографічні (МРТ) особливості ураження нервової системи у дітей, які народились з екстремально низькою масою тіла. Матеріали та методи. З 1 січня 2007 року до 31 грудня 2014 року у Херсонській області всього народилось 209 дітей з екстремально низькою масою тіла, 150 дітей померло, незважаючи на проведення сучасних своєчасних реанімаційних заходів. Усім дітям, які залишились живими (n = 59), проведено оцінку неврологічного статусу, скринінговий Денверський тест, МРТ головного мозку. Результати. Частота народження дітей з екстремально низькою масою тіла становить 0,21 % усіх новонароджених і 5,24 % — серед недоношених дітей. Частота летальних випадків серед дітей з екстремально низькою масою тіла залишається високою — 71,77 %. При неврологічному обстеженні церебральний параліч діагностовано у 30 (50,85 %) дітей, епілепсію — в 11 (18,64 %), затримку дрібної моторики, мовлення і самообслуговування виявлено у 59 (100 %) дітей. За даними МРТ головного мозку, у 13 (22,03 %) дітей були виявлені кістозні ураження білої речовини головного мозку, у 37 (62,71 %) — фокальні патологічні зміни, у 54 дітей (91,53 %) — вентрикулодилатація. Висновки. Показники об’єму головного мозку у дітей, які народились з екстремально низькою масою тіла, суттєво менші від показників здорових дітей відповідного віку. Своєчасне стандартизоване проведення МРТ головного мозку забезпечує ранню діагностику ураження нервової системи і прогнозування розвитку дитини в майбутньому.

ANCIENT ROADS NEAR DAVYDIV BRID AT INGULETS RIVER

In recent years, due to expansion of the capabilities of using high-resolution satellite images and their availability on many resources on the Internet, the possibility of identifying new sites is becoming especially relevant. In order to reveal the ability of land communications as well as for the study of close relationship of the barrows and steppe roads we made the attempt to map them as completely as possible using the remote sensing methods in the area between the Dnieper and the Lower Ingulets Rivers. 
 The coverage of large territory made it possible to identify the place of the highest concentration of road residues which was located near the modern village of Davydiv Brid (Beryslav district, Kherson region). There were three identified so-called «Stars» — Bajdak-Mohyla, Shurzhyna and Bilohirka. At the base of each of them was a large mound of the 6—8 m high. All of them were in the line of sight from one to another and marked the place of the traditional crossing of the Ingulets River.
 On the basis of the remnants of roads associated with them the main directions of movement were identified: 1) the largest to the southeast to the area of the modern city of Beryslav; 2) a less saturated but clearly traced eastern route to the area of the modern Dudchany village; 3) along the Ingulets valley on the top of the steppe plateau.
 The internal structure and arrangement of the mounds and remains of roads is very complicated and can only be partially reconstructed. For example, we consider the fact of the seasonal use of Shurzhin’s star to bypass two lowlands located near Bajdak-Mogyla as obvious. From the last point several direct routes of the southeastern direction can be traced which were convenient in the dry season.
 The attempt to compare the roads identified by us with the paths of the «three-verst Schubert map» of the 19th century had a few results. Only in some cases it is possible to trace the coincidence of the historical paths with those recorded by us in the southeastern direction and only on certain sections. In the eastern direction and the route along Ingulets there are no this kind of coincidences were actually revealed.
 As a result we consider it necessary to admit that the remains of the roads we have recorded should be considered a special type of archaeological monuments accompanying other objects, primarily mounds. The phenomenon of the remains of these roads and the «stars» described by us is the phenomenon which reflects the certain part of human activity in the past and should be studied with the involvement of the as largest as possible territories and conducting field research.

THE SHIP WRECK OF THE LATE 4th / EARLY 3rd CENTURY BC NEAR KINBURN SPIT

During the campaign of 2018 the international underwater archaeological expedition has explored the waters of Tendra Spit and Kinburn Spit on the shelf of the Black Sea, in Mykolaiv and Kherson regions of Ukraine. Underwater archaeological exploration focused on the waters near the northern tip of Tendra Spit, from both the Gulf of Tendra and the sea, and north-western tip of Kinburn Spit. In addition to the visual reconnaissance, divers were using sonar, profiler and side-scan sonar. As a result, the bathymetric map has been compiled. In the initial part of research the work was limited to mapping and taking photographs of the discoveries. During these works was discovered and cleansed the ancient Shipwreck of the late 4th — early 3rd century BC. It was possible to identify the well-preserved fragment of the hull of ancient Wreck of a length of 9.45 m in situ with ballast stones, ceramic material from the cargo, lead plating and him constructions elements. After clearing of the sand from the preserved part of the ship hull with the help of a hydro injector the video and photo documentation was carried out. As a result of these works, large-scale photo mosaic of the object and its 3D-model were made. The condition of the wooden hull is excellent, the technological holes, connections, bronze and iron nails are preserved.
 Outside of Ukraine several shipwrecks of the same period are attested. The best studied are the following: shipwreck of the 3rd century BC at Grand Congloue, France; the Mazotos shipwreck of the 4th century BC in Cyprus; the Porticello shipwreck of the end of the 5th or beginning of the 4th century BC in Italy; the Alonnisos shipwreck from the end of the 5th century BC, Greece; the Kyrenia shipwreck from the end of the 4th — beginning of the 3rd centuries BC in Cyprus. In the Black Sea, in 2011 a shipwreck from the end of the 4th — beginning of the 3rd centuries BC near Eregli, Turkey (ancient Herakleia Pontica) was discovered by a deep-sea expedition of the research vessel «Nautilus» under the direction of Michael Brennan at a depth of 101 m. Most of the known merchant ships of this period were small, ranging from 12 to 17 m (table). Boris Peters provides a reconstruction sketch of the Lake Donuzlav ship of the late 4th — early 3rd centuries BC. It is almost identical to the reconstruction of the Kyrenia merchant ship, based on its hull which was preserved by 75 %, The replica named «Kyrenia 2» was built and made several voyages. It can be assumed that the Kinburn Spit ship found in 2018 was of similar appearance but further research will provide more detailed information.

Закономірності прояву фізичної деградації в орних ґрунтах України та регіони підвищеного її ризику

Goal. To study the patterns of physical degradation in arable soils of Ukraine, and identify its features in different climatic zones, as well as to identify regions of increased risk of its manifestation and propose efficient anti-degradation measures. Methods. Information-analytical — to analyze the literature on physical degradation of arable soils; mathematical and statistical — to identify the reliability of the results and calculate the area of soils at risk of physical degradation; cartographic — to create cartographic materials to identify problem areas of physical degradation. Results. The main reasons for the spread of physical degradation of arable soils were identified: the increased tendency of humus to mineralization and mobility, over compaction and destructurization, increase in the number of large and small pores in macroaggregates. The peculiarities of the manifestation of physical degradation of soils depending on the natural and climatic zone of their location are characterized. Based on the creation and analysis of cartographic materials, problem areas with physical soil degradation were identified and their areas were calculated by administrative regions of Ukraine. It is established that the soils of the Kherson region are characterized by the greatest tendency to the manifestation of physical degradation. Also, regions with an increased risk of physical degradation in soils are Zaporizhzhia, Poltava and Kyiv. The principles of overcoming physical degradation are determined, effective anti-degradation measures are proposed, the main ones of which are minimization of mechanical impact on the soil, observance of the deficit-free balance of organic matter and preservation of the agronomically useful structure. Conclusions. The causes and consequences of the physical degradation of arable soils are outlined. The urgency of identifying areas of soil susceptibility to physical degradation is proved, the peculiarities of its manifestation in different climatic zones of the country are analyzed. The main means and principles for overcoming the physical degradation of soils are proposed.

Болезни органов пищеварения — актуальная проблема клинической медицины

Актуальность. Во всем мире ежегодно увеличивается количество людей, которые страдают заболеваниями желудочно-кишечного тракта и гепатобилиарной системы, а следовательно, нуждаются в специализированной гастроэнтерологической помощи. Цель: определение особенностей динамики и соотношения показателей распространенности и заболеваемости болезнями органов пищеварения (БОП) в Украине. Материалы и методы. В работе применялись структурно-логический анализ и клинико-статистический метод. Изучение показателей проводилось на основании анализа материалов официальной статистики Центра медицинской статистики МЗ Украины в течение 2014–2017 годов. Результаты. Доля БОП в общей структуре распространенности по классам болезней среди всего населения составляет 9,8 % и занимает 3 место (всего 43 нозологии), в структуре заболеваемости — 4,1 % и занимает 7 место. Индекс накопления болезней по классу БОТ среди взрослого населения Украины за 4 года вырос на 3,4 %. Гастроэнтерологическими заболеваниями болеют все возрастные группы населения: большинство пациентов находятся в работоспособной группе, вдвое меньше частота распространения БОП среди детей, распространенность среди городского населения в 2 раза выше, чем среди сельского. Наибольший показатель заболеваемости в 2017 г. (более 4 тыс. на 100 тыс. населения) отмечен в Закарпатской, Ивано-Франковской и Ровенской областях; наименьший (ниже 2 тыс. на 100 тыс. населения) наблюдается в Луганской, Запорожской и Херсонской областях. Самая высокая распространенность (более 22 тыс. на 100 тыс. населения) зарегистрирована в Днепропетровской, Киевской и Черниговской областях; самая низкая (менее 12 тыс. на 100 тыс. населения) — в Запорожской, Львовской и Волынской областях. Выводы. Представленные результаты подчеркивают медико-социальную актуальность болезней органов пищеварения, что обусловливает необходимость разработки и внедрения в практическое здравоохранение новых методов диагностики и лечения, а также проведения комплексной организационной стратегии здравоохранения в разделе гастроэнтерологии как на государственном, так и региональном уровнях.

Епідеміологічні особливості хвороб органів травлення в дітей та підлітків в Україні

Актуальність. Питання ранньої діагностики, лікування та профілактики хвороб органів травлення в дітей останніми роками вийшли за рамки власне педіатрії та становлять собою складну і велику медико-соціальну проблему. Тому метою дослідження було проведення аналізу поширеності та захворюваності на хвороби органів травлення серед дитячого населення України протягом 4 останніх років (2013–2016 рр.). Матеріали та методи. Аналіз проводили за офіційними звітними даними, що подаються до Центру медичної статистики МОЗ України в 25 регіонах. Результати. Незважаючи на те, що зміна динамічного ряду поширеності та захворюваності на хвороби органів травлення має тенденцію до зниження, гастроентерологічна патологія посідає 2-ге місце в структурі поширеності та 4-те місце в структурі захворюваності за класами хвороб серед дітей та підлітків. Статевий розподіл дозволив виявити переважання дівчат серед хворих на захворювання органів травлення. Висновки. Установлені регіональні аспекти поширеності та захворюваності на гастроентерологічні захворювання в дітей та підлітків: найвищий рівень поширеності зареєстрований у м. Києві, Полтавській, Чернігівській та Рівненській областях, а найнижчий — у Запорізькій, Луганській та Одеській областях; найвищі значення захворюваності спостерігали в Івано-Франківській, Рівненській та Чернівецькій, а найнижчі — в Одеській, Запорізькій, Луганській, Донецькій та Херсонській областях.

Modeling the parameters of the sustainable development policy of territorial natural and economic systems

Modeling the parameters of the sustainable development policy of territorial natural and economic systems

The first record of Elodea nuttallii (Hydrocharitaceae) in the Lower Dnipro River

Six localities of Elodea nuttallii were found in 2020 in the Lower Dnipro River (Kherson Region) within the territory of Nyzhniodniprovskyi National Nature Park. These are the first verified records of this alien aquatic plant (native to North America) in the Steppe Zone of Ukraine. Previously, it has been reported in Ukraine only from the Forest (Kyiv city) and Forest-Steppe (Kyiv, Poltava and Cherkasy administrative regions) zones. Geographic coordinates, depths and substrate are reported for all found localities. Geobotanical data about this species in Ukraine are summarized. It is assumed that Elodea nuttallii as a potentially invasive species in this region may occur not only in the Lower Dnipro River but also in all reservoirs on this river.

Агрогенні зміни властивостей темно-каштанового цілинного та орного ґрунту за різного використання і зрошення

In the article, it was provided a comparative analysis of the ecosystem significance of soil characteristics transformed as a result of changes in the use conditions. At the three monitoring stationary sites in the Chaplinka district of the Kherson region, we studied the properties of dark chestnut soil (Haplic Kastanozem) on virgin lands (a biosphere reserve "Askania-Nova") and with more than a hundred years of use in agricultural production without irrigation and with a 50-year irrigation with water from the Kakhovsky trunk canal. Changes in the salt regime of the soil and the composition of exchangeable cations were established. In irrigation the total content of water-soluble salts up to 0.14-0.21% (toxic salts ‒ up to 0.06-0.15 %) was increased. The composition of salts was changed, their migration and accumulation in the lower soil layers. Under the influence of fresh water irrigation the process of dealkalinization in the dark chestnut soil took place. The involvement of virgin soil in agricultural use led to a decrease in the total content of humus and the transformation of its group composition. The content of humic acids (HA) was decreased. The content of fulvic acids (FA) was increased. The HA/FA ratio in the 0-10 cm layer changed from 2.6 (in virgin soil) to 1.6 in irrigated soil. The plowing and agricultural use of the dark chestnut soil led to a change in the state of the microbial cenosis. The number of microorganisms assimilating mineral and organic nitrogen, actinomycetes, oligotrophs, and eutrophs were increased. With irrigation the degree of transformation of the microbial cenosis increases. The indicator of biological degradation of irrigated dark chestnut soil was 4 %. This corresponds to a low level of degradation. A set of 10 indicators of the quality of the studied soil was proposed for calculating the level of its provision of ecosystem services (supplying and supporting). The algorithm and calculation results are presented. The soil of all monitoring sites of Markeev station is characterized by a high level of provision of ecosystem services. In virgin soil it was 8.3 points; in arable soil without irrigation it was 7.2, and with irrigation it was 7.5 points.

Ice field on the territory of Ukraine during 2011-2018 in the months of the cold period of the year

As part of the research “Forecasting the variability of climate-vulnerable areas in Ukraine in the coming decades” (state registration number 0118U000554) the author studied ice deposits in Ukraine at the present stage of climate change. The purpose of this article is to study distribution of ice deposits in Ukraine during the cold period of the year at the present stage of climate change in Ukraine and, thus, identify most vulnerable areas to this adverse weather phenomenon. Main material. Materials of instrumental observations of ice deposits on standard ice machine at all meteorological stations in Ukraine in the cold months of the year for the last 9 years were used for processing and further mapping. This reflects the current state of the climate system, providing opportunities for further identification of trends in events that may occur in the country, including adverse weather events. The article presents the spatial distribution of ice deposits on the territory of Ukraine for each of the cold months and individual months of the transition seasons. The author has identified most affected by such deposits areas in each of the oblasts and created separate cells. The article describes the combination of separate foci of ice deposits, covering several areas. The centers of such deposits are also described separately for each of the oblasts. The author shows the current state of the ice field for each region of Ukraine. This will further help identify climate-vulnerable regions from such adverse weather events and will allow for a more rational location of production and management of production processes. Conclusions. Thus, during 2011-2018, in most months of the cold period in Ukraine, there were clear and stable foci of ice deposits in the territory of its general distribution. The largest of the foci of such deposits combined and distributed in several adjacent areas. The foci of ice deposits were mostly in the western parts and in the north of Zhytomyr region, in the center of Ternopil and Khmelnytsky regions, in the north-west of Lviv and in the north of Zakarpattia regions. In the north and northeast, the most noticeable foci of such sediments were in the south of Kyiv, Chernihiv, eastern Sumy, north and center of Kharkiv regions. In the east, the main foci of ice deposits were in Donetsk region. In the center, the foci of such sediments were in the western and central part of Vinnytsia, south-western and central parts of Kirovohrad region, northern Poltava region, south-western and south-eastern part of Dnipropetrovsk region. In the south, the main centers of such deposits were in the north of Odessa region, south of Kherson region, the center of Zaporizhzhia. In the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, mostly ice deposits were in the northern steppe part of the peninsula, as well as in the northern foothills.

COMPLEX SOLUTIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF DEGRADED LANDS OF THE KHERSON REGION

The sustainable development is the prevailing approach to the use of natural resource potential. The degraded agricultural areas loose their economic value and raise a wide range of environmental concerns. The Kherson region is one of the most overexploited territories in Ukraine, which is characterized by diverse soil-climatic conditions. It was offered to use these lands for cultivation of energy crops. The comparative analysis demonstrated that algae and rapeseed are the most efficient alternatives which are able to complement each other and form a perspective energy mix.

PROSPECTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TOURIST BUSINESS OF THE KHERSON REGION DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Identifies the strategic priorities for the development of tourism in the Kherson region and develops proposals for the realization of the tourist potential of the region during the pandemic in the article. It is established that the development of domestic tourism in the Kherson region during the pandemic requires a number of tasks: ensuring the accessibility of tourist facilities. The goal will be achieved with the introduction of a multilingual marking and navigation system in the Kherson region; organizing and creating route maps for landmarks of history and culture of the region; marking and marking the routes of the hospitality and tourism industry; improving conditions and providing tourist routes with infrastructure for tourists to visit. The advantages of Kherson region as a territory for active development of the hospitality and tourism industry in the era of the pandemic are highlighted. It is determined that for the active and successful development of the tourism business of the region during the pandemic COVID-19 it is necessary to coordinate and coordinate the implementation of measures by the authorities and economic agents: to improve the quality of tourism services; create conditions for the promotion of the tourist product; extend the tourist season; to promote the development of entrepreneurship, including in rural areas; create conditions for the development of domestic tourism; support for craft production.

Victimological aspects of the history and modern living conditions of meskhetian turks in the Kherson Region of Ukraine

One of the components of the currently forming common Ukrainian identity is presented by ethnonational victimization. Its discourses are changing depending on the features of historical development and the modern socio-economic living conditions of ethnic groups in the multi-ethnic Ukraine and are contingent on the characteristics of the interaction of these ethnoses with the contacting ethnic groups and state authorities. The study results reveal that victimizing content is found in the specific characteristics of Meskhetian Turks’ integration in the host community owing to the features of their identity and ethnocultural characteristics, as well as in the negative perception on the part of contacting ethnic groups and regional economic problems. Negative historic events and contemporary problems of the Ahiska Turks in the Kherson region are often presented through the prism of blaming the Russian Federation. Meanwhile, the representatives of said community show loyalty to the Soviet past and the Russian people.

Evaluation of sedimentation role of DREISSENA molluscs' population in the process of water quality control in Kakhovka Main Channel (Kherson Region)

Ukraine has a unique natural resources potential and is one of the world's richest agricultural countries in terms of soil composition and land bioproductivity. More than 2/5 of its agricultural land is located within the steppe zone – a zone of unstable and insufficient humidification. The production of agricultural products under arid conditions largely depends on solving the problem of agricultural land artificial irrigation. Due to this, since the 1960s large-scale construction of amelioration facilities took place in Southern Ukraine, including construction of the Kakhovka Reservoir and the Kakhovka Irrigation System, the largest one in Europe. The quality of water intended for irrigation depends on a water source and internal physicochemical/biological processes observed in the amelioration system. The attached bivalve molluscs present an important biotic component of hydrotechnical amelioration systems. They form dense settlements on solid artificial substrates and are usually considered as a source of biological barriers that should be constantly fought against. However, their filtration and sedimentation role can exert influence on the processes of water self-purification. The study aims at evaluating the role of filtering molluscs fouling process when it comes to treatment of irrigation water from suspensions and removal of some heavy metals from the water column. The research is based on the results of field analysis of deposits sedimentation processes in the water column with the help of sedimentation traps at 5 stations along Kakhovka Main Channel. It was found that the total biomass of settlements of attached bivalve molluscs Dreissena polymorpha and Dreissena bugensis that are present in the channel constitutes about 370 – 463 tons and they contribute to precipitation of 11.6 – 27.5 tons of suspended matter to the bottom sediments during summer months. This process is manifested in a decrease of suspended matter concentration in the water along the channel. Together with suspended matter 1.8 – 3.9 kg of Cr, 0.3 – 0.6 kg of Ni, 0.09 – 0.24 kg of Co, 0.08 – 0.18 kg of Pb, 0.088 – 0,144 kg of Cd also join the bottom sediments every month. Thus, the settlements of molluscs attached to the hydraulic structures can be considered as biological amelioration agents contributing to the improvement of irrigation water quality.

Epidemic situation of Avian influenza in Ukraine and in the world during 2019–2020

The aim of the work was to analyze current epidemic situation on highly pathogenic avian influenza worldwide and in Ukraine during 2019–2020. The research was conducted in the framework of state control of infectious animal diseases. The results of PCR tests obtained in the State Scientific and Research Institute of Laboratory Diagnostics and Veterinary and Sanitary Expertise and in regional state laboratories, data of OIE website (http://www.oie.int) in 2019 and 2020 were analyzed and summarized. During 2019–2020 outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza were detected in 53 countries of the World: in Europe — 22, in Asia — 21, in Africa — 7, in America — 2, and in Australia — 1. In 2019 there was not registered any case of the highly pathogenic avian influenza in Ukraine. In 2020 nine outbreaks of avian influenza were registered in commercial poultry farms (n = 2) and backyards (n = 7) of Vinnytsia, Mykolaiv, Kyiv, and Kherson regions of Ukraine. It was confirmed that all characterized viruses were closely related and belonged to the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4b identical to the avian influenza viruses currently circulating in Europe and Asia. Wild birds were identified as the main modes of HPAIV spread