Regions Of Ukraine Research Articles

Analysing traffic safety on the roads of the Kharkiv region during the period of martial law

Problem. The functioning of road transport in regions of long-term armed conflicts is associated with additional risks for road traffic safety. The degree of influence of additional risk factors can be investigated by analyzing traffic accident statistics in such a region. Goal. The purpose of the work is to study the impact of martial law conditions on road safety indicators in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine by comparing statistical data on accidents and road deaths due to road accidents. Methodology. To achieve the goal, the work uses methods of statistical analysis of data and construction of trends, methods of determining relative indicators of the severity of road accidents. Results. As a result of the analysis of statistical data on road accidents in the Kharkiv region, the distribution of accident rates for the period from 2019 to 2023 was obtained, which made it possible to reveal their significant differences during the period of martial law compared to previous periods. In particular, it was established that with a decrease in the total number of road accidents, there was an increase in the severity of the consequences of road accidents. This regularity was confirmed by analyzing the relative indicators of road accident severity. The identified differences in accident and death rates on the roads of the Kharkiv region in 2023 compared to the periods before the start of hostilities indicate a change in road traffic conditions. Originality. The paper investigated the impact of martial law conditions on road safety on the example of the Kharkiv region of Ukraine. As a result, the degree of influence of the risk factors that arose as a result of the deployment of the armed conflict on the increase in the level of danger for road users was established. Practical value. The obtained results can be used for planning and implementation of measures to ensure traffic safety on highways in regions that are the zone of long-term armed conflicts.

Vernacular Landscapes in the Carpathians: Materialized Imaginaries in Post-Soviet Ukraine

Diverse landscapes and eclectic architecture emerged in the Carpathians after the collapse of the Soviet Union. This paper examines what imaginaries materialized about urbanity/urbanness, modernity, and people’s relationships to place and authenticity in vernacular landscapes and architecture in the Boikivshchyna region in Ukraine. Landscape visual/textual analysis shows from the perspective of semiotics that local residents now relate more closely to modernity and progress, but have cut their rustic roots by disregarding both place identity and building traditions. Conspicuous consumption with urban and social status symbols is evident in affluent residents’ houses and utilitarianism in the homes of the less wealthy.

Analyzing Regulatory Impacts on Household Natural Gas Consumption: The Case of the Western Region of Ukraine

Analyzing Regulatory Impacts on Household Natural Gas Consumption: The Case of the Western Region of Ukraine

Countrywide screening supports model-based predictions of the distribution of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Ukraine.

The chytrid Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is a widespread fungus causing amphibian declines across the globe. Although data on Bd occurrence in Eastern Europe are scarce, a recent species distribution model (SDM) for Bd reported that western and north-western parts of Ukraine are highly suitable to the pathogen. We verified the SDM-predicted range of Bd in Ukraine by sampling amphibians across the country and screening for Bd using qPCR. A total of 446 amphibian samples (tissue and skin swabs) from 11 species were collected from 36 localities. We obtained qPCR-positive results for 33 samples including waterfrogs (Pelophylax esculentus complex) and fire- and yellow-bellied toads (Bombina spp.) from 8 localities. We found that Bd-positive localities had significantly higher predicted Bd habitat suitability than sites that were pathogen-free. Amplification and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of samples with the highest Bd load revealed matches with ITS haplotypes of the globally distributed BdGPL strain, and a single case of the BdASIA-2/BdBRAZIL haplotype. We found that Bd was non-randomly distributed across Ukraine, with infections present in the western and north-central forested peripheries of the country with a relatively cool, moist climate. On the other hand, our results suggest that Bd is absent or present in low abundance in the more continental central, southern and eastern regions of Ukraine, corroborating the model-predicted distribution of chytrid fungus. These areas could potentially serve as climatic refugia for Bd-susceptible amphibian hosts.

Modern approach to the treatment of urinary tract infections during pregnancy

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are an extremely common pathology among pregnant women and women in labor, the manifestation of which occurs during pregnancy. Physiological changes in a woman’s organism form an optimal background for infection or activation of the aggression of one’s own microbial environments – the microflora that colonizes the periurethral area and mostly belongs to the family of enterobacteria and staphylococci.Clinical manifestations of UTIs during pregnancy are extremely variable and do not always correspond to the usual course of the disease, which necessitates the search for modern approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Also, UTI is one of the leading factors that provoke severe pregnancy complications and can lead to adverse obstetric outcomes.The objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of the modern etiopathogenetic approach to the treatment of UTIs during pregnancy.Materials and methods. In the study, which began in 2022 and is ongoing, 1615 pregnant women at gestational ages 6-37 weeks with clinical manifestations of urinary tract infections (UTIs). This work presents the survey results of 615 pregnant women with UTIs at gestational ages from 20 to 28 weeks, both before and one month after treatment initiation. These women were monitored during their pregnancies in prenatal care clinics of municipal non-commercial enterprises across all regions of Ukraine. At the stage of prescribing treatment the examined women are divided into two groups. The main group included 374 pregnant women with established diagnoses of acute urethritis, acute cystitis, gestational pyelonephritis (GP) and asymptomatic bacteriuria (ABU), who have received antibacterial and uroseptic agents for treatment in accordance with current clinical guidelines in combination with a herbal uroantiseptic containing 120 mg of cranberry berry extract and 36 mg each of extracts of goldenseal, lovage root, rosemary, as well as auxiliary substances. The comparison group included 241 pregnant women with established diagnoses of acute urethritis, acute cystitis, GP and ABU, who were treated exclusively with antibacterial and uroseptic agents for UTIs manifestations.The effectiveness of treatment methods was evaluated on the basis of a developed questionnaire with information on the main symptoms characteristic of diseases of the urinary system, before and one month after the prescribed treatment.Results. On the background of addition to the main antibacterial and uroseptic therapy the herbal uroantiseptic, containing 120 mg of cranberry berry extract and 36 mg each of extracts of yarrow, lovage root, rosemary, as well as auxiliary substances already a month after the start of treatment, the absence of complaints was found in the majority of pregnant women in the main group, related:with frequent urination – 354 (94.6%) (comparison group – 208 (86.3%); p<0.05), the need for urgent urination – 374 (99.1%) (comparison group – 232 (96.3%); p<0.05), the feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder – 348 (93.3%) (comparison group – 202 (83.9%); p<0.05),with pain: during urination – 369 (98.7%) (comparison group – 231 (95.9%); p<0.05), in the lower abdomen, not associated with urination – 366 (97.9%) (comparison group – 230 (95.9%); p<0.05), in the lower back – 369 (98.7%) (comparison group – 229 (95.1%); p<0.05),with discharge from the urethra not related to urination – 374 (100.0%) (comparison group – 233 (96.7%); p<0.05).Conclusions. On the background of the prescribing of a herbal uroantiseptic containing 120 mg of cranberry extract and 36 mg of extracts of yarrow, lovage root, and rosemary, as well as auxiliary substances, additionally to the main antibacterial and uroseptic therapy in pregnant women of the main group, in a significantly greater number of cases the absence of complaints, which are associated with manifestations of urinary tract infections, was determined.The use of the herbal uroantiseptic, containing 120 mg of cranberry berry extract and 36 mg of extracts of yarrow, lovage root, and rosemary, is safe and creates favorable conditions for the course of pregnancy and further childbirth due to the potentiation of the effects of antibacterial and uroseptic therapy and the effective prevention of recurrences of urinary tract infections.

Impact of Antibiotic and Steroid Therapy on Leptospirosis Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Transcarpathia, Ukraine.

Leptospirosis presents a significant health challenge in the Transcarpathian region of Ukraine, with higher incidence rates and mortality compared to national averages. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to investigate the effects of antibiotic and steroid treatments on outcomes in leptospirosis patients. Our analysis of clinical and laboratory data from a single center revealed that dexamethasone showed significant effects on various clinical variables, as did investigated antibiotics. Notable differences in clinical and laboratory outcomes were observed, particularly in direct bilirubin levels, which were significantly higher in non-survivors. ROC analysis demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity of direct bilirubin as a predictor of mortality. These findings highlight the importance of targeted treatment strategies and the potential of specific laboratory markers in improving leptospirosis management.

Prevention of vision disorders at school age: view of secondary school teachers on the problem

Background. The relevance of the study is due to the importance of maintaining full vision functions from childhood, which allows for having healthy visual perception for a quality life, learning and work capacity in adolescence and adulthood. The problem is gaining global importance, because according to the forecasts of international experts, the spread of ophthalmic pathology in 2050 will reach such a scale that almost a third of the planet’s population will have impaired vision, with most of cases diagnosed already in childhood. Scientific studies reveal an increase in the frequency of visual impairment among school-aged children. Thus, 8–10 % of the first-graders are diagnosed with ophthalmic pathology, and upon completion of schooling, this indicator can increase to 30–50 %. The purpose was to study the awareness of teachers and lecturers of secondary educational institutions (schools, lyceums) regarding the problems of visual impairment among schoolchildren, their attitude to the problem and willingness to participate in preventive measures. Materials and methods. The materials for the research were the results of a sociological survey of educators of secondary educational institutions from all regions of Ukraine (lecturers, teachers at schools and lyceums), a total of 6,215 questionnaires were subject to analy­sis. The tool for conducting sociological research was the deve­loped Questionnaire of secondary school educators regarding their awareness and willingness to participate in preventive programs to preserve eyesight from childhood. The procedure for filling out the questionnaire included an interview with an interviewer, who verbally informed about the purpose, tasks of sociological research, and its anonymity. Only after obtaining preliminary voluntary verbal consent to participate in the study, respondents were offered to proceed to filling out the questionnaire, which took an average of 15–20 minutes. The research methods were sociological survey, analytical-synthetic, medical-statistical methods, in particular the latter was used to calculate the representativeness and reliability of the survey results. Results. The results of the study prove the importance of the participation of secondary school educators in measures to prevent impairment of visual functions in school-aged children. Despite the high readiness of lecturers and secondary school teachers to engage in preventive activities, their awareness of preventing visual impairment among schoolchildren was found to be insufficient, as was the level of preventive work of medical personnel in schools. It was found that most educators are convinced that a school education worker should be aware of the signs of visual impairment in children (90.46 ± 0.37 %), participate in preventive measures and be familiar with the hygienic norms of visual stress in children (86.39 ± 0.43 %). Most respondents expressed the feasibility of introducing regular systematic supervision of vision functions in school-aged children (99.40 ± 0.10 %) and supporting the implementation of state preventive programs to preserve vision from childhood in Ukraine (97.38 ± 0.20 %), self-critically recognizing the need for informational support regarding the detection of signs and symptoms of these diseases in children (71.70 ± 0.57 %). Conclusions. Visual impairments in children of different ages are of great medical and social importance, as they affect the formation of disorders of socialization and human performance. The results of the study open the prospect of involving secondary school educators in the activities of interdisciplinary comprehensive programs to prevent the development of ophthalmic pathology among school-aged children. The search for effective ways of informational support for educators on the issues of modern preventive technologies, risk factors for the formation of visual impairments in schoolchildren in order to prevent the formation of stigma about children with disabilities and visual impairments in their environment requires scientific justification.

Prerequisites for cultivating frost-resistant peach varieties in the Right-Bank part of the Western Forest-Steppe of Ukraine

The necessity of cultivating frost-resistant peach varieties in the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine arises due to frequent sharp fluctuations in air temperature during the winter-spring period. Their cultivation can mitigate the impact of weather conditions, ensuring stable fruit production of this crop. The study aimed to analyse the prospects for growing peaches (Prunus persica Mill.) using intensive technologies under changing climate conditions. An analysis of the peach-growing situation revealed that it is a widely cultivated drupe in Ukraine and globally. The main countries leading in peach fruit production were identified: China, Italy, Turkey, Greece, and Spain. Despite a 24% increase in global peach production between 2013 and 2023, the demand for this crop has also risen, leading to a deficit and increased imports to Ukraine. Calculations of the scientifically justified annual consumption norms for peaches showed a shortfall of 187 thousand tonnes in production, with current production standing at 11.2 thousand tonnes. Several factors hindering the expansion of peach orchards were identified. The development of frost-resistant varieties by breeders, suitable for cultivation in the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine, alongside changing weather conditions, offers opportunities for the safe cultivation of peaches in the region. An analysis of the weather conditions in the Right-Bank part of the Western Forest-Steppe of Ukraine was conducted. It was found that between 2013 and 2023, there was a significant increase in the total active temperatures, with 2023 recording a maximum of 3,777°C. At the same time, precipitation decreased by 58%, amounting to only 325 mm. Considering the changing weather conditions and the development of new frost-resistant varieties, which have expanded the peach cultivation zone to northern regions of Ukraine, it is essential to prepare and implement specific measures to adapt the horticultural industry to peach cultivation in these new regions to meet domestic market demands. It is recommended to initiate trials in irrigated horticulture and develop new methodological guidelines to provide scientific support for establishing perennial peach orchards in the Right-Bank part of the Western Forest-Steppe of Ukraine

До питання про мовно-культурну асиміляцію переселенців з бойківщини на донеччину в україні

The article is devoted to a study of the dynamics of linguistic and cultural assimilation of migrants from the Boyko region to the Donetsk region in Ukraine and the establishment of relevant factors that contributed to this process or delayed it. The research was carried out on the material of two centres of compact resettlement of the Boykos, who found themselves in different linguistic, cultural and social conditions. The author focuses on the role of the presence/absence of the dominant dialect of the recipient microsociety, the degree of linguistic and cultural affinity between the migrants and the host microsociety, the conflictogenicity of the situation, the language of education and the language of the city in the process of the assimilation of the migrants and their descendants.

"BATTLE OF NARRATIVES" AS A MARKER OF HYBRID WARFARE (CONTENT ANALYSIS OF THE INFORMATION SPACE OF THE KHARKIV REGION)

Since the Russian Federation’s full-scale incursion into our country, there has been a notable shift in the narrative landscape at the systemic, national and local levels. By analyzing the content of narratives, it may be possible to make predictions about what will happen in the real world. These could include things like the military situation, the possibility of shelling, and the topics and directions of communication at the international level. The aim of this article is to study the Ukrainian and pro-Russian narratives that have emerged in response to certain events of the hybrid war, with a view to gaining insights into how these narratives are shaping the information space of the Kharkiv region. The object of this study is to examine the battle of narratives as a potential marker of hybrid warfare. The subject is the cognitive confrontation between pro-Russian and Ukrainian narratives in the information space of the Kharkiv region. The study is based on the findings of a content analysis of the information space of the Kharkiv region carried out between January and March 2024, which involved the analysis of over 500,000 items. It is a significant contribution to the field of study that this is the first time the battle of narratives in a specific region of Ukraine has been analyzed in order to predict events (military and socio-political) in the real world. The study offers a theoretical contribution to the field by demonstrating the practical significance of scientific linguistic research in the context of Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine. The practical significance of scientific research may be seen in the development of an algorithm for analyzing the battle of narratives" in order to predict events in reality. The research methodology involved a content analysis conducted on the basis of Big Data technology and a set of analytical algorithms from the Attack Index information and analytical service. This approach allowed us to determine the degree of information resonance or danger of information flows on selected topics/personalities. It has been proven that Russian propaganda tries to transport a number of destructive narratives from the Russian media space into the Ukrainian one: "The Russian Federation is occupying Kharkiv, repeated attacks on Kharkiv and Kyiv are possible"; "A large-scale mobilization will take place in Ukraine to replenish the “catastrophic” gates"; "Russia seized the initiative on all fronts" and others. Kharkiv media during the mentioned period won the battle of narratives, using the following strategies: ignoring Russian narratives aimed at causing citizens a sense of hopelessness and a desire to surrender the city to the enemy; promotion of positive regional therapeutic narratives "Kharkiv is my city", "Kharkiv will stand, it is necessary to unite to oppose the enemy" and national — "Shocking of Kharkiv and other cities of Ukraine is a war crime". It seems that further study of the systemic organization and use of narrative discourse in hybrid confrontation could prove beneficial.

Environmental policy in rural development management involving territorial partnerships

Motives: Local authorities are seeking new approaches to development, with a strong emphasis on multifunctional development. Taking into account the state of the natural environment, they need to implement various activities that effectively reduce anthropogenic pressure. Poland’s membership in the EU requires the implementation of the European Green Deal. The neighbouring Polish and Ukrainian regions of Lublin and Lviv, which share similar environmental conditions and a common cultural heritage, were chosen for this study. The Polish border regions have the potential to serve as an important model for Ukrainian border regions as they strive to integrate into the European Union. This paper provides an overview of development and environmental support policies, as well as in-depth case studies, to establish a basis for assessing the sustainable functioning of rural municipalities and territorial partnerships. Aim: This study examined supra-local strategic documents concerning environmental protection and rural development in Polish and Ukrainian municipalities. Their socio-economic situation was characterised, and the goals and activities proposed under their environmental protection programmes and local development strategies were identified. Results: Based on the research findings, a proposal was formulated for implementing systemic solutions in the development of strategic plans to ensure that local strategies become fundamental tools for implementing measures that support environmental protection and sustainable development.

BIOTECHNOLOGICAL PRACTICES FOR GROWING CORN FOR GRAIN UNDER DIFFERENT PREDECESSORS IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE UKRAINIAN STEPPE

An important factor that determines the grain yield and productivity of corn is the previous crop. In the conditions of insufficient moisture in the Steppe region of Ukraine, the significance of the predecessor is determined by the accumulated moisture reserves. It is believed that the best predecessors for corn in the Steppe conditions are winter wheat and leguminous crops, while satisfactory ones are corn and barley, with sunflower considered a poorer predecessor. Corn can be grown in both repeated plantings and monoculture, but the agronomic practices affecting crop productivity in such crop rotations have not been studied sufficiently. A stationary study was established in 2005 at the Institute of Agriculture of the Steppe NAAS, with soil and climatic conditions corresponding to the Northern Steppe zone of Ukraine. A simple modified mid-ripening hybrid DK Veles was sown in the study. Seed inoculation was carried out with the biopreparation Mycofriend. The research results indicate that the predecessor was a significant factor influencing the formation of grain yield and productivity indicators of corn. When growing corn after soybeans, the average grain yield was 5.31 t/ha, after sunflower and corn predecessors it was 3.03 t/ha and 3.25 t/ha respectively, with no significant difference in yield between sunflower and corn predecessors. There was no significant increase in corn grain yield due to the action of the biopreparation factor, with a yield increase ranging from 0.01–0.06 t/ha, but a more active effect of the biopreparation was noted with the sunflower predecessor. Higher productivity indicators for grain units yield, feed units yield, and digestible protein units were achieved when growing corn after soybeans – 6.43 t/ha, 9.65 t/ha, and 0.573 t/ha respectively. There was no significant difference in productivity indicators between the sunflower predecessor and repeated corn cultivation. The highest indicators for grain units yield, feed units yield, and digestible protein units were obtained under the condition of seed inoculation with the biopreparation after the soybean predecessor – 6.44 t/ha, 9.68 t/ha, and 0.575 t/ha respectively.

FEATURES OF FORMING WATER AVAILABILITY FOR WINTER WHEAT IN THE SOUTH OF UKRAINE

The article examines the importance of considering several factors affecting the soil water regime in the context of developing models for forecasting productive soil moisture reserves. It was established that the main factors, such as the type of soil, its density, and mechanical composition, remain constant in different soil and climatic regions of Ukraine. The second group of factors, such as air temperature, precipitation, and soil moisture, are subject to changes throughout the growing season and even over short periods. Therefore, the dynamics of soil moisture as a function of the main variables, such as average air temperature and precipitation, was considered using calculations. Initial moisture reserves are used in the calculations for more accurate forecasting of moisture reserves at the end of a specified period. Hydrothermal conditions considered as predictors in the regression equation are also used. The reliability of the conducted research is confirmed by the analysis of independent input and output information from the Kherson weather station in the period from 2018 to 2021 regarding the actual reserves of productive moisture in the soil at a depth of 0 - 20,0 - 50 and 0 - 100 cm. The average error between actual and calculated data did not exceed +13,5%. It confirms the reliability and precision of the conducted research making it the basis for further analyses and conclusions. The conclusions noted the need for accurately determining soil moisture to effectively manage agrometeorological conditions and optimize crop yield. The authors believe that the research work presented in this article can significantly contribute to developing modern approaches to water availability in agriculture and agrometeorology. That will contribute to the gradual and improved development of soil moisture forecasting methodology, which is key to ensuring sustainable and productive development in agriculture.

Adherence to the treatment in patients with hypertension during the war in Ukraine

Background. The aim of the study: to investigate additional factors that affect the adherence to antihypertensive therapy in patients with hypertension in conditions of war in Ukraine. Materials and methods. The study included 1,299 hypertensive patients with an average age of 65.4 ± 14.8 years, who are residents of different regions of Ukraine. The observation period lasted 3 months, from October 1 to December 12, 2023. All patients were divided into four groups: I — a fixed three-component combination of olmesartan medoxomil/amlodipine/hydrochlorothiazide, II — a fixed two-component combination of olmesartan/hydrochlorothiazide, III — a fixed two-component therapy with olmesartan/amlodipine, IV — any other non-fixed two- or three-component antihypertensive therapy. Adherence to therapy was assessed after 1, 2, and 3 months and statistical analysis of the obtained data was performed. Results. During the first month of observation, 50 (3.8 %) patients stopped or did not even start taking antihypertensive therapy, during the second — 71 (5.5 %), during the third — 127 (9.8 %). Adherence to antihypertensive therapy is higher in younger people (up to 55 years) compared to patients aged over 65, in people with higher education, in patients taking fixed combinations, especially olmesartan/amlodipine, or olmesartan/amlodi-pine/hydrochlorothiazide, while gender had no effect on adherence. Additional factors related to adherence to antihypertensive therapy during the war were as follows: the level of danger in the region of residence, the internally displaced status of the patient or doctor. The lowest adherence to antihypertensive therapy after 3 months was registered in the internally displaced persons who suffered morally or physically and is only 34.5 % compared to patients who stayed in the place of permanent residence — 82.6 % (р = 0.0001), or to those who moved preventively — 74.3 % (р = 0.0001). Adherence to therapy also depends on the status of the doctor. Among doctors with the status of an internally displaced person, patients’ adherence to therapy is lower: 68.3 against 82 % (р = 0.0008). Conclusions. Adherence to antihypertensive therapy in Ukraine during the war depends on known factors influencing the completeness of the doctor’s recommendations, including age, educational level, concomitant diseases, the number of tablets, and specific factors caused by the war, such as activity of hostilities in the region, as well as the status of an internally displaced person, both in patients and doctors.

Personal Names of 14-16th Century Armenian Lapidary Inscriptions (Region of Present-Day Ukraine)

The personal names in the lithographic inscriptions of the 14th-16th centuries there are some personal names, which in some cases are a novelty in our Armenian personal nomenclature system. Studing those, Acharyan's dictionary of personal names can be supplemented with not only numerical personal names (Khachum, Khatrshay, Malkhas, Nor Paron, Satat, Sarupeh, Aziz Khatun, Chihan, Pey Meliq, Sirakhatun, Tilshat), but also new phonetic versions of personal names (Raqel, Ulpek, Tagorshah), and new personal names (Ataka, Armushqah, Badiar, Yeaulik, Tulayd, Khachkarapet, Hundish, Merhider, Mikhno, Mutakh). The existence of new personal names also testifies to the literary Armenian that in the middle period of the development of the Armenian, the process of personal identification continued in the life of the Armenians of the colony, which is mentioned by the lithographic inscriptions. Referring only to the records of the region of present-day Ukraine, it’s noticeable that the local Armenians migrated mainly from Ani in the order of inheritance preserving their personal nomenclature system. Some of them (Sargis, Meliq, Petros, Ghazar, Grigor) were handed down from the ancient period of development of literary Armenian and are stil used nowdays, others (Asli, Babah, Badiar), present a new layer in the middle literary Armenian due to the influence of the foreign environment.

Multidisciplinary Cancer Treatment Capacity in Ukraine During the War

PURPOSE Assessment of cancer diagnostic and treatment capacity is crucial to optimizing cancer care, especially in the setting of limited resources, including as a result of war. We assessed personnel, equipment, and treatment availability during Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine to define gaps that could then be addressed with tailored strategies. METHODS An online survey designed in collaboration with oncology specialists from the National Cancer Institute in Ukraine was distributed to oncologists in Ukraine through oncology-related social media. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS 192 physicians from all regions of Ukraine, including 53 (23.6%) medical oncologists, 89 (46.4%) surgical oncologists, and 32 (16.7%) radiation oncologists completed the survey. The average number of medical oncologists per regional cancer centre was 4.7 compared to 2.5 seen as the optimal number. The average number of nurses trained in chemotherapy administration was 6.4 compared to the desired number of 8.6. The average number of chemotherapy infusion machines was 8.2 compared to 17.7 desired. On average, 5.7 ports were put in per month compared to 22.1 desired. Average number of infusion chairs was 6.4 compared to 16.3 desired, while the number of inpatient chemotherapy beds was 26.8 compared to 34.0 perceived as the optimal number. The reported average number of surgical oncologists was 12.1 with an optimal average of 6.0. The average number of surgical beds was 52.8 v 60.7 desired. The average and optimal numbers of the following were fairly close: surgical oncology trainees (2.1 v 2.6), operating room nurses (4.1 v 4.3), anesthesiologists (4.4 v 4.2), operating rooms (3.6 v 3.4), anaesthesia machines (4.4 v 4.0), average surgeries per week (21.5 v 21.8). The average number of radiation oncologists was 7.9 compared to 8.5 optimal numbers. For other metrics, average and optimal numbers were somewhat close: number of radiation therapy laboratory technicians (7.9 v 8.5), medical physicists (3.8 v 4.8), dosimetrists (1.5 v 2.1), Cobalt 60 machines (0.9 v 1.1), brachytherapy machines (1.1 v 1.7). CONCLUSION We identified important equipment and personnel gaps in oncology care in Ukraine. Results are limited by the decreased number of respondents from areas directly affected by active hostilities.

"Will you need this health at all? Will you be alive?": using the bioecological model of mass trauma to understand HIV care experiences during the war in Ukraine.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has severely impacted the healthcare system, including the provision of HIV care. The ongoing war is a human-caused mass trauma, a severe ecological and psychosocial disruption that greatly exceeds the coping capacity of the community. The bioecological model of mass trauma builds on Bronfenbrenner's concept of interaction between nested systems to argue that social context determines the impact of life events on the individual and how an individual responds. This paper uses the bioecological model of mass trauma to explore the impact of Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the ongoing war on HIV-positive people who use drugs in Ukraine, a particularly vulnerable population that may be negatively affected by disruptions to social networks, healthcare infrastructure and economic conditions caused by mass trauma. Data were collected between September and November 2022. A convenience sample of 18 HIV-positive people who use drugs were recruited from community organizations that work with people living with HIV, drug treatment programmes, and HIV clinics through direct recruitment and participant referral. A total of nine men and nine women were recruited; the age ranged from 33 to 62 years old (mean = 46.44). Participants completed a single interview that explored how the war had affected their daily lives and access to HIV care and other medical services; their relationships with healthcare providers and social workers; and medication access, supply and adherence. Data were analysed using the Framework Method for thematic analysis. The war had a profound impact on the social, emotional and financial support networks of participants. Changes in social networks, coupled with limited job opportunities and rising prices, intensified financial difficulties for participants. Relocating to different regions of Ukraine, staying at somebody else's home, and losing connections with social workers impacted medication adherence and created lengthy treatment gaps. Participants also experienced a decreased supply of antiretroviral therapy, concerns about accessing medication for opioid use disorder, and overwhelming fears associated with the war, which overshadowed their HIV-related health concerns and negatively impacted medication adherence. Our analysis reveals the complex impact of war on social networks and healthcare access. Maintaining support networks and competent healthcare providers will be essential amid the ongoing war.

СТРАТЕГІЧНІ НАПРЯМКИ ПІДТРИМКИ БРЕНДУ АГРАРНИХ РЕГІОНІВ НІМЕЧЧИНИ ІНСТРУМЕНТАМИ ПАРТНЕРСЬКОЇ КОНЦЕПЦІЇ ТЕРИТОРІАЛЬНОГО МАРКЕТИНГУ

In the modern conditions of transformation and European integration of the domestic agricultural sphere, the marketing mechanism occupies an important place, which actualizes further research into the branding of agricultural regions and the study of the experience of European countries. Germany, as the most stable European economy, demonstrates the successful practices of its regions in territorial and agrarian marketing, in the creation and promotion of regional brands, local trademarks for agricultural, processing and tourist products and services, therefore its experience is undoubtedly useful for Ukrainian agrarian regions. The purpose of the article is to determine the strategic directions of supporting the brand of agricultural regions of Germany with the tools of the partnership concept of territorial marketing and the possibility of their use in Ukraine. The object of the research is marketing tools to support the brand of agrarian regions. The methods used in the research are the case study method, the method of comparison and grouping, the methods of analysis and synthesis, detailing and generalization, etc. The hypothesis of the study was the assumption that the agricultural regions of Germany have sufficiently successful cases of application of tools of the partnership concept of territorial marketing, which can be adapted to domestic practice. Presenting main material. The article presents the author's understanding of territorial marketing, focusing on the problems of agricultural regions, which can be solved with the help of marketing tools of the partnership concept of marketing. The experience of using territorial marketing tools is considered on the example of Germany, whose agrarian regions successfully develop and implement marketing programs, create, promote and systematically support regional brands, local trademarks. Special attention is paid to the regional marketing programs and marketing initiatives of the state of Bavaria, which guarantee consumers compliance with the declared properties of the product, its level of quality and origin. Generalized marketing tools that contain data programs and initiatives to support the brands of agricultural regions. A separate case presents the umbrella agrobrand Spreewald, which was created to identify products from the Spreewald region based on the criteria of origin, place of production and quality. The originality and practical significance of the research lies in the application of the case study method, which involves the study of the European practice of supporting the brand of an agricultural region with marketing tools of the partnership concept of territorial marketing. Conclusions. Marketing programs and marketing initiatives of agricultural regions of Germany are based on the use of modern tools and technologies aimed at establishing a long-term mutually beneficial partnership between the participants of the interaction process, at defining and creating new values that ensure the sustainable development of the territory. The development, introduction and use of a regional trademark on the market requires competent marketing support for the practical interaction of regional actors. An important area of regional marketing is establishing cooperation between local producers of organic products and large retailers. The study and generalization of the experience of Germany and other EU countries allows us to identify a number of strategic directions of marketing support for brands in agrarian regions and adapt them to the needs of domestic practice. Further research involves the development of a marketing program of the selected agricultural region, which will be based on the tools of strategic (social-ethical and partnership) concepts of territorial marketing.

Factors Affecting Breast Cancer Screening in Ukraine

PURPOSE Breast cancer early detection in Ukraine and other low and middle-income countries (LMICs) often includes opportunistic screening. Evaluation of factors that affect screening is key to improving early detection. METHODS An online survey for primary care physicians (PCPs) was distributed through PCP-focused social media in Ukraine. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS 435 PCPs from all regions of Ukraine completed the survey, including 389 (89.4%) women, 375 (86.2%) family medicine, 60 (13.8%) internal medicine physicians. 349 (80.2%) referred women for screening mammography. 252 (57.9%) conducted screening clinical breast exams (CBE), while 135 (31.0%) referred patients to mammalogists or 133 (30.6%) to gynecologists for CBE. Within one's practice, mammography was available for 81 (18.6%), mammalogists for 39 (9.0%), and gynecologists for 133 (30.3%). Breast cancer screening was prompted by MOH Order 504 for 281 (64%), family history 266 (61%), patient pathway guidelines 94 (21.6%), availability of subspecialists 78 (17.9%), and patient request 132 (30%). Reasons for not conducting CBE screening included insufficient experience 88 (20.2%), patients declining CBE 63 (14.5%), lack of time 59 (13.6%). Reasons for not conducting mammography screening included patients declining (11.7%) and absence of mammography (6.4%).). 350 (80.5%) were familiar with the Ministry of Health (MOH) Order 504, which describes eligibility criteria for breast cancer screening, and 291 (66.9%) used it to guide their screening practice. Others used US or European recommendations (62 (14.3%) and 115 (26.4%), respectively), and institution-specific patient pathways 117 (26.9%). Barriers to breast cancer screening included insufficient PCP training (53%) and experience (40%) and insufficient mammography availability (33%). Strategies for increasing breast cancer screening included improving collaboration between PCPs and oncologists 175 (40.2%), educational materials for patients 169 (38.9%), PCP education/training 168 (38.6%), automatic electronic health record reminders 150 (34.5%). CONCLUSION We identified important barriers and facilitators of breast cancer screening from the point of view of PCPs in Ukraine. Our results were limited by online convenience sampling.

STATISTICAL EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE INDICATORS OF PHOTOVOLTAIC PLANTS AS A SOURCE OF ENERGY FOR WATER DESALINATION IN THE AZOV-BLACK SEA REGION OF UKRAINE

The application of statistical methods for the analysis of random processes to obtain quantitative estimates for the performance indicators of photovoltaic plants as a stochastic energy source is considered. The power generation process is represented by a set of daily random functions with their respective trends and stochastic components. One hour was taken as the minimum stationari-ty interval of trend’s statistical characteristics. A time period of 16 years was studied to obtain statistically stable estimates. The meteorological database SARAH2 was used as a source of hourly data on the density of solar irradiance, ambient temperature and wind speed in the middle part of the Azov-Black Sea region of Ukraine. For mathematical modelling of power generation and electricity production processes, specialized software PVGIS version 5.2 of the European Commission was used. Hourly quantitative estimates of expected daily power generation trends for each month of the year, as well as their correlation functions, were computed. Algorithms were developed and levels of probabilistic assurance for hourly generated power were evaluated. Statistical estimates of the expected daily, monthly, and annual volumes of electricity production by photovoltaic power plants were studied, taking into account the meteorological conditions in the said region.