Standard Research Methods Research Articles

Assessment of novel biomarkers of renal dysfunction associated with lower urinary tract symptoms in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia

Introduction. The problem of diagnostics and treatment of patients with complex lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH) remains highly relevant. Clinical diagnostic methods do not always allow timely prediction of changes in renal, upper and lower urinary tract function with different types of treatment intervention. The search for potential biomarkers allowing minimally invasive assessment of the bladder and renal function condition seems to be a promising direction of scientific research.Objective. To identify potential urine and serum biomarkers allowing to assess renal function in patients with LUTS/BPH.Materials & methods. The study included 69 patients with LUTS/BPH and subsequently divided them into two groups. Group 1 included 48 patients with moderate LUTS who received combination therapy with alpha-1 adrenergic blockers (AABs) and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5ARIs). Group 2 included 21 patients with severe LUTS/BPH. Patients of group 2 underwent surgical treatment: transurethral resection of the prostate. In addition to standard research methods (IPSS, voiding diaries, laboratory, urodynamic and radiation techniques), to search for potential biomarkers in serum and urine, concentrations of: insulin-like growth factor binding protein-7 (IGFBP7), B-Cross Laps, Cystatin C, OPN, trefoil factor (TFF3), uromodulin, Clusterin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The follow-up period for patients was 12 months.Results. The study noted that IGFBP7, Cystatin C, TFF3 in the blood serum, as well as LDH, Clusterin in the urine are associated with the severity of LUTS/BPH. Serum biomarker levels were initially higher in patients with severe LUTS compared to patients with moderate LUTS (group 1). The levels of these substrates decreased in patients of all groups during treatment (conservative therapy, surgical interventions for BPH). When assessing urinary biomarkers, the greatest decrease in Clusterin level by the end of follow-up was registered in group 1 patients, the least pronounced in group 2 patients. The initial value of LDH was twice higher in group 2 vs group 1 and progressively decreased after surgical treatment of bladder outlet obstruction.Conclusion. Biomarkers used to assess renal dysfunction in the development of LUTS/BPH are a promising area of scientific research. Panels of new markers will enable to predict renal dysfunction in patients with moderate-to-severe LUTS, which will improve the quality of medical care for this category of patients.

PERSPECTIVES OF RESEARCHING MUSICAL PHENOMENA WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF QUALITATIVE METHODOLOGY

Qualitative methodology as a relatively new methodological paradigm seeks to skillfully construct some more complex methodological approaches, within which researchers from various scientific fields are prolific. These include ethnomusicologists, whose ethodological aspirations were often inspired by musical phenomena that have been most often explored within ethnographic fields. Already established and standardized research methods (of the qualitative type) are used, such as content analyzes, interviews, then eminent research strategies such as case studies, etc. On the example of a realized and published monographic study on Nikola Buble, a well-known Croatian ethnomusicologist, the authors present an authentic analytical model (within the cultural and anthropological authorial approach) constructed in the function of researching more complex musical phenomena, but mostly in the contexts of ethnomusicological or broader unique monographic material (which contains numerous heterogeneous data from a number of different types of archives, documentations, newspapers, personalized diaries written, audio, visual and similar specific types). It is the qualitative methodology that critically and pluralistically considers research phenomena, and enables ethnomusicologists to more successfully integrate those interdisciplinary moments that are affirmed in various biographical, historical and similar studies, as well as numerous other cultural dimensions by which musical phenomena can be more adequately understand and interpreted, and thanks to which scientific knowledge about musical phenomena can be enriched. Keywords: Ethnomethodological Researches; Musical Phenomena; Analytical Model; Qualitative Methodology.

Scoping review of anticancer drug utilization in lung cancer patients at the end of life.

This scoping review aims to deepen the understanding of end-of-life anticancer drug use in lung cancer patients, a disease marked by high mortality and symptom burden. Insight into unique end-of-life treatment patterns is crucial for improving the appropriateness of cancer care for these patients. Comprehensive searches were carried out in Medline and Embase to find articles on the utilization of anticancer drugs in the end of life of lung cancer patients. We identified 68 publications, highlighting the methodological characteristics of studies including the timing of the research, disease condition, treatment regimen, type of treatment, and features of the treatment. We outlined the frequency of anticancer drug use throughout different end-of-life periods. This review provides a comprehensive overview of primary studies exploring end-of-life treatments in lung cancer patients. Methodological inconsistencies pose many challenges, revealing a notable proportion of patients experiencing potential overtreatment, warranting more standardized research methods for robust evaluations.

Разработка технологии хлебобулочных изделий с использованием цельносмолотой полбяной муки

Spelt flour is rich in protein and adds nutritional value to bakery products, thus rendering them qualities of functional foods. The article introduces a new technology for preparing functional puff pastry with whole-grain spelt flour. The research featured yeast and yeast-free puff pastries made of whole-grain spelt flour. The samples obtained were analyzed with standard methods of sensory and physicochemical research and covered such variables as moisture content, acidity, quantity and quality of gluten, and falling number. The optimal share of whole-grain spelt flour amounted to 30% of total flour. The quality indicators met State Standard GOST 9511-80. The experiments made it possible to obtain the optimal formulations and technologies for yeast and yeastfree whole-grain spelt puff pastries with added nutritional value. The chemical composition and energy value per 100 g of finished product were determined by calculation. In the yeast puff pastry, adding 30% whole-grain spelt flour raised the protein content by 32.3%, carbohydrates by 31.7%, dietary fiber by 63.0%, and minerals by 43.2%. The fat increased only slightly, i.e., by 1.6%. In the yeast-free puff pastry, adding 30% whole-grain spelt flour raised the protein content by 13.5%, carbohydrates by 23.3%, dietary fiber by 3.6%, and minerals by 21.6%. The fat increase was also insignificant (2.5%). Whole-grain spelt flour proved able to expand the range of fortified puff pastries. The new yeast-free functional puff pastry demonstrated better consumer characteristics than the experimental sample with yeast.

Prospects for increasing the functionality of milk-containing products through the use of non-traditional plant raw materials

It is an undeniable fact that nutrition is an important and integral part of human life. Unfortunately, nutrition is not always complete and balanced. It has been established that only rational nutrition is the lever by which it is possible to ensure normal growth and development of the body. Food industry enterprises are trying to create exactly such conditions for adequate human adaptation to the regalia of the surrounding world, namely, they develop and produce specialized products that contribute not only to disease prevention, but also to a stable increase in mental and physical performance. Moreover, these activities do not contradict the state policy in terms of improving the health of the population, through the introduction of healthy nutrition products into the retail network, through various assistance to manufacturing enterprises (subsidies, grant support). Regarding manufacturers of milk-containing food products, the importance of which is undeniable, they quite actively promote product lines for certain segments of the population, for example, children, pregnant and lactating women and the elderly. The main objective of the research is to develop a technology for a milk-containing product (drinking yoghurt) that includes several functions important for humans, namely, functional, diabetic, probiotic ones. The product is given the specified functions by including scientifically substantiated components in the recipe, including those from non-traditional raw materials. Standard and individual research methods have been used to confirm the quality indicators of the finished product. The main results of the research include determining the type of plant material that meets the specified requirements and characteristics and contributes to giving the finished product additional properties (prebiotic, functional, diabetic). The final result of the research is obtaining a product that helps increase the body resistance to the negative environmental effects. The use of secondary plant materials for food purposes, which contributes to the design of a food product with a certain quality composition and specified consumer properties, in comparison with existing analogues, can be considered the novelty of the research.

Взаимное влияние условий и оплаты труда на потребность системы здравоохранения в медицинских работниках

Healthcare quality depends on medical personnel, i.e., motivation, professional burnout, work-life balance, etc. The authors used standard research methods to investigate the relationship between performance, staff turnover, salary, and motivation in healthcare in various federal districts. The hypothesis was that the high workload and a disproportionate payment system reduce the motivation, which increases staff turnover and leads to shortage of qualified personnel. In this research, stronger labor intensity indeed contributed to lower motivation of medical personnel and triggered staff turnover. The labor intensity correlated with the level of staff turnover, but no correlation was revealed between the labor intensity and the wages. The article explains the need for a more effective labor rationing system and a more rational workload distribution.

Исследование причин и факторов изменения потребительского поведения населения

Public needs and tastes change due to global trends and personal transformations. In time of change, producers look for new ways to attract consumers. The research featured global trends that affect the behavior of Russian consumers, as well as the factors that altered the change in the structure and patterns of Russian consumption market during the pandemic of COVID-19. The authors analyzed global trends in consumer behavior in the period preceding the pandemic and studied the factors that affected the behavior of Russian consumers during the pandemic. They traced the evolution of consumer behavior patterns to identify effective tools that could help the market to meet the needs of the population. The research is relied on information from open sources, processed with the help of standard research methods and economic analysis. Unstable economy, poor economic well- being, and general uncertainty push people to the model of crisis consumption, which happened during the pandemic. The overconsumption in the acute phase of COVID-19 gradually gave way to rational choice and responsible consumption. Digital technologies that thrived during the pandemic shaped a new vector and patterns of consumer behavior that developed as part of pre-COVID global trends and during the pandemic. The article also describes tools that are able to improve the quality of public consumption.

Accessibility and Utility of an Electronic Self-Guided Safety Plan for Adolescents

ABSTRACT Objective Suicidal thoughts and behaviors are a leading cause of death, injury, and hospitalization among adolescents. Few evidence-based interventions exist, and these tend to be inaccessible for most youth. Electronic safety plan interventions represent a new avenue to disseminate an evidence-based suicide prevention tool. However, it is not clear whether youth find electronic, self-guided safety plans helpful, nor whether they will use the resulting safety card when experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges. This study examines adolescents’ perceptions and use of an electronic, self-guided safety plan intervention. Method We recruited 322 adolescents with a past-year history of suicidal thoughts or behaviors, ages 13–17 (55.9% white and non-Hispanic; majority reporting diverse sexual orientations and genders) online via social media to participate in this two-part longitudinal study. At baseline, participants completed the electronic safety plan interventions and reported on key aspects of its usefulness and areas of improvement. Participants reported their use and perceptions of the plan one month later. Results Results suggested that adolescents understood, liked, and believed they would use a self-guided safety plan. One month later, about ⅓ of youth who experienced suicidal thoughts or urges used their safety card. Open-ended responses highlighted several features that adolescents enjoyed, including clarity, ease of use, and privacy. Participants also highlighted key areas for improvement, including formatting and language. Conclusion This study provides initial support for adolescent use of electronic self-guided safety plans. Next steps include updating this intervention based on youth feedback and testing the effectiveness of this tool using gold standard research methods.

Эффективность использования новой кормовой добавки на основе органических кислот при выращивании цыплят-бройлеров

Purpose. Studying the effectiveness of using feed additive "Aciform" when included in the diet of broiler chickens. Materials and Methods. The objects of research were broiler chickens of Cobb-500 cross and feed additive "Aciform". The experiment was carried out in the conditions of the farm of Krest'yanskiy Dvor LLC (Volgograd region). Three groups (two experimental and control) were formed, 140 animals each. The poultry in the control group received feed that did not contain the studied feed additive. Norm for adding additive was 1 kg per 1 ton of feed in the 1st experimental group and 2 kg per 1 ton of feed in the 2nd experimental group. The duration of feeding is from 14 days to 42 days of age. During the experiment, the safety of poultry, the percentage of mortality and pecking, as well as the dynamics of live weight gain and the occurrence of possible side effects when using the feed additive were monitored using standard scientific research methods (zootechnical, mathematical) and certified laboratory equipment. Results. The use of new feed additive "Aciform" in feeding broiler chickens from 14 to 42 days of age at an input rate of 1 and 2 kg per 1 ton of feed had a positive effect on the increase in live weight of chickens. The chickens of experimental groups (1 and 2) exceeded poultry of control group in terms of the average daily gain in live weight by 1.0 and 2.9% (P≤0.05) for the entire experimental period, in terms of absolute increase on the 42nd day of growing – by 1.0 and 2.1%. The incidence of pecking in poultry of experimental groups (1 and 2) was 2.9 and 1.8%, and in the control group – 2.1%. In the groups of broiler chickens that received the test additive as part of the diet (1st and 2nd experimental), there were fewer dead poultry by 2.9 and 3.4%, and the survival rate was higher by 2.9 and 3.8% than in control group. Conclusion. The inclusion of new feed additive "Aciform" in the diet of broiler chickens had a positive effect on the safety, growth rate and productive qualities of the poultry.

Биологически ценные компоненты в сухих винах, изготовленных из винограда, культивируемого в Дагестане

Abstract. To expand the production of high-quality wines in Russia, it is necessary to use the varietal composition of grape raw materials, focusing on the indicators of the biochemical composition of local and introduced varieties, well adapted to the environmental conditions of terroirs. Viticulture is the leading branch of the agro-industrial complex of the Republic of Dagestan, which is one of the main producers of grapes and their processed products in the Russian Federation. The production of natural wines from local grape raw materials contributes to the growth of the economy and the prestige of Dagestan viticulture and winemaking. Therefore, the study of chemical parameters, including the vitamin composition and aroma-forming substances of experimental samples of dry white wines from grapes of introduced varieties Pervenets Magaracha, Rkatsiteli and varieties of local breeding Narma grown in Dagestan, is relevant. Standard research methods applied in enochemistry were used. The mass concentrations of vitamins and vitamin-like substances, phenolic compounds were determined using the capillary electrophoresis system "Kapel 104T", RF, NPF LUMEX, aroma-forming compounds – gas chromatograph "Crystal 2000M" (RF). Organoleptic ratings of Dagestan wines made in laboratory conditions – 7,5-7,8 points. Wine from the Narma variety excelled in the content of ascorbic acid – 18,93, orotic acid – 2,29 and coffee acid – 7,61 mg/dm3 . The highest total concentration of aromatic substances was determined in wine from the Pervenets Magaracha variety – 2178,30 mg/dm3 , and in wines from the Narma and Rkatsiteli varieties it was 743,29 and 777,81 mg/dm3 , respectively. Wine from Narma grapes has advantages in terms of the content of biologically active substances, and from the Pervenets of Magaracha – in terms of the number of aromatic compounds. Keywords: grapes, dry wine, vitamins, aroma-forming substances

ANALYSIS OF THE DESTRUCTION OF UKRAINIAN NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE ENERGY FACILITIES AS A RESULT OF RUSSIAN MILITARY OPERATIONS

Problem statement. Due to Russia's ongoing terrorist attacks on Ukraine's energy facilities, the energy system was damaged, resulting in blackouts and rolling blackouts across the country. The destruction of power capacities resulted in the unstable operation of certain critical infrastructure units for electricity generation at thermal, nuclear and hydroelectric power plants and the introduction of forced hourly blackout schedules. Seizure of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, occupation and full control of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and the Zaporizhzhia Thermal Power Plant (TPP). Complete destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station (HPP), partial destruction of the Dnipro HPP, Dniester HPP and Kaniv HPP. During the hostilities, Kryvyi Rih and Prydniprovia TPPs were damaged, Luhansk TPP (90–100 %), Vuhlehirsk TPP (90–100 %), Zmiiv TPP (up to 90 %) were completely destroyed, Burshtyn TPP (80–90 %) and Ladyzhyn TPP (70–95 %) were almost completely destroyed. The purpose of the article is to identify and analyse the damage to Ukrainian TPPs, HPPs and NPPs caused by the Russian military actions against Ukraine and to determine possible consequences for the nuclear fuel cycle of our country and possible prospects for the transition to new nuclear reactors of European and global fuel cell manufacturers, to improve equipment and stabilise the energy market in the context of military operations. Conclusion. In the course of the analysis of potential hazards at radiation hazardous facilities (RHF) in Ukraine, it was determined that the main threat is accidents at RHF with release of radiation into the atmosphere, lithosphere and hydrosphere. In the light of recent events regarding the military seizure of the Chornobyl NPP and Zaporizhzhya NPP, measurements using standard methods of research, screening and monitoring are not possible, and access of IAEA representatives is limited, which is why the latest measurement methods should be used with the use of autonomous remote-controlled ground, surface and air drones in automatic object or sample measurement of radiation parameters at RNS. It is the use of autonomous vehicles (drones) that is currently the most pressing issue of radiation safety not only in the nuclear power industry but also in the entire nuclear fuel cycle as part of the environmental safety of Ukraine. In case of seizure of a nuclear facility or limited access to it, research methods should be changed. If the facility is partially seized or access is available, then express methods of radiation contamination registration or sampling can be used and the method of laboratory research can be used in the future. However, if a nuclear power plant or a facility that is part of the nuclear fuel cycle of Ukraine is captured and access to it is impossible, then only methods of remote measurement of the radiation situation at and around nuclear facilities using ground and airborne autonomous vehicles remain. For further research, it is necessary to identify technical possibilities for using Ukraine's own mineral resources and switching from Soviet RBMK-1000, VVER-440 and VVER-1000 reactors with fuel elements supplied to us from the Russian Federation to newer types of European and American reactors with appropriate fuel elements.

Analytical methods, source, concentration, and human risks of microplastics: a review.

Microplastics (MPs) as an atmospheric pollutant are currently receiving widespread attention. Although atmospheric MPs have been extensively studied, due to different research methods, systematic comparisons of atmospheric MPs are still needed. This review critically reviewed the analytical methods, research status and potential human exposure. In this review, the detection principles, advantages and limitations of different visual andchemical analysis methods are reported, and the potential risks of MPs to the human are also introduced. Based on future research about the human risks, emphasized the importance of establishing standardized research methods.

Изменение химического состава и антимикробной активности меда, хранящегося при низких температурах

Natural honey can change its physicochemical and biological properties during storage. According to State Standard 19792-2017, honey should be stored at ≤ 20°C. Some publications promote long-term storage of honey at temperatures between 0 and –20°C that preserves its physicochemical parameters, especially the content of hydroxymethylfurfural. Promising as they seem, such temperature modes may affect other physicochemical parameters of honey. The research objective was to study the effect of different temperature conditions on various honey samples and their physicochemical and biological parameters during long-term storage. The study applied standard and authentic research methods to fresh linden, buckwheat, and sunflower honey samples obtained from Rostov, Volgograd, Kursk, Voronezh, Saratov, and Krasnodar regions. They were stored in heat, cold, and moisture test chambers M-60/100-500 for 12 months. Hydroxymethylfurfural proved stable at –18°C for 12 months. After 12 months at 18°C, it showed a sharp increase of 472.5–488.1%. The activity of enzymic diastase, D-glucose-1-oxidase, and catalase occurred at all temperature modes after 1 month of storage. At 0–5°C, the changes were minimal: hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) remained stable, and its concentration decreased by ≤ 12.2% after 12 months of storage. Moisture, mass fraction of reducing sugars, and acidity remained stable in all samples. An antimicrobial test by Escherichia coli (strain 1257), Staphylococcus aureus (strain 209-P), and Bacillus cereus (strain 96) showed that the best inhibiting properties belonged to the samples of linden and buckwheat honey stored at 5 and 0°C for 12 months. The optimal temperatures for long-term honey storage were in the range between 5 and 0°C. The results obtained can be used in updated honey storage standards.

Развитие микобиоты ягод крыжовника при хранении

Berries are a source of biologically active substances in human diet. Gooseberries have attractive sensory properties and high nutritional value. However, modern science knows little about micromycetic contamination of gooseberry. The research objective was to define the mycobiota composition of Ribes uva-crispa L. varieties during storage. The study featured the mycobiota of gooseberry varieties Senator and Rozoviy 2. The berries were harvested on the test field of the Siberian Federal Scientific Center of Agro-BioTechnologies of the Russian Academy of Sciences. They were stored for 18 days at 18 ± 2 and 4 ± 2°C and a relative humidity of 90–95%. The authors used standard research methods to identify the mycobiota and attribute them to nine genera by morphological structure: Aspergillus, Mucor, Penicillium, Rhizopus, Alternaria, Aureobasidium, Cladosporium, Cryptococcus, and anaerobic yeast. The frequency of occurrence varied from 20 to 100%. Micromycetes of the genus Fusarium were present only in the Senator sample, which also demonstrated a 100% occurrence of Penicillium, Alternaria, Aspergillus, and Cladosporium. In the sample of Rozoviy 2, Penicillium and Cladosporium occurred in 80%. The Senator sample was twice as low in micromycetes as the Rozoviy 2 berries: 558 vs. 945, respectively. The Senator berries grew in micromycetes due to the Cladosporium fungi while Rozoviy 2 owed its micromycetic increase to Penicillium. Both varieties showed no signs of ascomycetes known as a powdery mildew agent. During storage, the growth of yeast and yeast-like fungi depended on the variety of berries while the growth of mycelial fungi depended on the variety and storage temperature. The data obtained expand the scope of scientific knowledge about the generic composition of gooseberry mycobiota, which may help to select correct anti-spoilage measures.

Gradient microstructure formation in carbon steel bars

In recent years, severe plastic deformation has been one of the most popular methods of increasing the mechanical properties of bars. Obtaining an ultra or nanostructure in such bars provides high strength properties, but also reduces plasticity. This paper shows that gradient structure formation in carbon steel bars gives a simultaneous increase in strength properties and some decrease in plastic properties. A new combined technology is proposed for obtaining gradient microstructure. This technology consists of drawing medium carbon steel bars on a radial-shear broaching mill and subsequent drawing. Bars with 30 mm diameter were strained at room temperature to a diameter of 16 mm in 3 passes. As a result, during three straining cycles, the average value of microhardness in the central zone was 2085 MPa, in the neutral zone was 2505 MPa, and in the surface zone was 2915 MPa. This variation of microhardness confirms gradient microstructure availability. Also there was an increase in strength characteristics almost 2 times, plastic characteristics undergo reduction due to gradient microstructure obtained during straining, but remain at a fairly good level for steel AISI 1045. The validity of the results is confirmed by a large number of experiments using a set of standard and modern research methods, such as optical, scanning and transmission microscopy, EBSD analysis, microhardness changes, fractographic method and tensile tests of mechanical properties, as well as by the results reproduction in the joint use of methods.

Global Review on Environmental Impacts of Onshore Wind Energy in the Field of Tension between Human Societies and Natural Systems

Deploying onshore wind energy as a cornerstone of future global energy systems challenges societies and decision-makers worldwide. Expanding wind energy should contribute to a more sustainable electricity generation without harnessing humans and their environment. Opponents often highlight the negative environmental impacts of wind energy to impede its expansion. This study reviews 152 studies to synthesize, summarize, and discuss critically the current knowledge, research gaps, and mitigation strategies on the environmental impacts of onshore wind energy. The investigated effects comprise impacts on the abiotic and biotic environment, with birds and bats in particular, noise and visual impacts. Effects are discussed in the context of social acceptance, other energy technologies, and wind energy expansion in forests. This review illustrates that many effects are highly case-specific and must be more generalizable. Studies are biased regarding the research focus and areas, needing more standardized research methods and long-term measurements. Most studies focus on the direct mortality of birds and bats at wind farms and are concentrated in Europe and North America. Knowledge gaps persist for many impact categories, and the efficacy of mitigation strategies has yet to be proven. More targeted, unbiased research is required that allows for an objective evaluation of the environmental impacts of wind energy and strategies to mitigate them. Impacts, such as those on biodiversity, need to be addressed in the context of other anthropogenic influences and the benefits of wind energy. This forms the basis for a socially acceptable, efficient, and sustainable expansion of wind energy.

Mechanism of synergy between public health, food safety and consumer behavior: the role of neuromarketing

Methods. The results of the study were obtained by using the following methods: comparison – when studying the dynamics of the global hunger index and the GTI in Ukraine to determine Ukraine's place in the world food security ranking; general and specific – when establishing the relationship between food security and the public health system; standard methods of sociological research – when studying the behavior of food consumers as a result of the use of various neuromarketing methods; structural and logical analysis – when justifying the use of neuromarketing methods to improve the country's food security and directly affect the development of the public health system. Results. The role of positive changes in the regulatory and legal support for the functioning of the integrated public health system in Ukraine in the context of European integration processes is shown. The position of Ukraine in the world food security ranking among the indicators of 125 countries is investigated. The dynamics of the factors influencing the formation of the GHI is analyzed. It is proved that food security is one of the components of the public health system. The reasons for the food problem in the world and in Ukraine in particular are considered. Examples of the application of neuromarketing methods as a tool for influencing food security and the public health system in general are given. Positive and negative factors of influence of neuromarketing methods on the public health system are systematized. The necessity of further scientific research on the synergy of neuromarketing, food security and the public health system as factors influencing the overall well-being of the population is emphasized. Novelty. The article is the first to investigate the aspects of synergy between public health, food security and neuromarketing in Ukraine in the current conditions of ecosystem disruption during the period of military aggression. Practical value. The application of neuromarketing methods to improve the promotion of food products on the market aimed at ensuring food security of the country, improving public welfare and further development of the public health system is proposed.

Determination of the oil saturation coefficient according to Dakhnov–Archi using a new methodological approach when studying core samples

Background. Predisposition of the rock to wetting by water (hydrophilicity) or oil (hydrophobicity) has a significant influence on the results of determining the oil saturation coefficient according to Dakhnov–Archi. Carbonate reservoir rocks in most cases are characterized by a complex type of wettability: heterogeneous (selective), mixed or neutral wettability. Collectively, the surface properties of such rocks can be defined by the term “nonhydrophilic wettability”. Studying rocks with nonhydrophilic wettability using standard core research methods can lead to subsequent errors in calculating oil reserves using the volumetric method. Objective. To eliminate the risk of such errors by adapting standard research methods, in particular the centrifugation method, to the results of experiments in reservoir conditions. Materials and methods. Capillarimetric method (semipermeable membrane method), centrifugation method, core “aging”. Results. The results of core studies necessary for calculating the oil saturation coefficient of nonhydrophilic reservoirs using formation resistivity data using the Dakhnov–Archi method are presented. A methodological approach is proposed for adapting the centrifugation method to reservoir conditions. Conclusions. The applied methodological approach makes it possible to increase the volume of statistical data and calculate an adequate value of the oil saturation coefficient according to Dakhnov–Archi for nonhydrophilic reservoirs.

Agriculture innovation: the important effects of certification and technology innovation

PurposeThis study aims to find how trade development and digitalization affect smart-green production. Four factors are investigated in these effects (certification, technology innovation, natural resource management, low pesticides).Design/methodology/approachThe mix-method approach was employed from validating the measurement scale to test the proposed hypotheses. At first, the grounded theory is the most authoritative and standard research method in qualitative research. Secondly, quantitative analysis was employed to draw conclusions about the impact of digitalization and trade development on smart-green agricultural production.FindingsThe results found that digitalization and trade development impact the development of smart-green agricultural production through certification employment, technology innovation, and a decrease in pesticide usage. Moreover, digitalization and trade development also indirectly affect the development of intelligent green agricultural production. Meanwhile, digitalization has a higher impact than trade development.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is based on the premise that digitalization and trade development can drive smart green agricultural production. Still, some studies have found a deviation between trade development and environmental protection. Hence, future research can explore the incentive effect of trade development and digitalization on other industries. Second, the measurement of the dependent variables in this study is based on the premise that smart-green agricultural production has not been widely promoted, so the changes in production before and after the whole public participation in smart-green output have yet to be reflected.Originality/valueSmart green production in agriculture is essential for a transition economy and the world to meet food security and protect the environment. However, the effects of certification, technology innovation, natural resource management, and low pesticides on smart-green agriculture production have yet to be identified. Insights from this study can help governments, policy-makers, and farmers in emerging economies by adapting their strategies within their local contexts.

Oral tobacco-free nicotine products: Quality and safety during storage

Oral non-tobacco nicotine products have gained enormous popularity in recent years. The countries of the Eurasian Economic Union also produce and sell this type of innovative but poorly studied goods. As a result, the safety profile and quality of such products as nicotine poaches require urgent comprehensive research. This study featured the changes in quality of nicotine poaches during storage, i.e. nicotine content, water activity, and microbiological index. The research featured nicotine poaches of several popular brands. The authors used standard research methods; the experiments were performed in the laboratory for chemistry and quality control, Institute of Tobacco, Makhorka, and Tobacco Products, Krasnodar, and at the Department of Bioorganic Chemistry and Technical Microbiology, Kuban State Technological University, Krasnodar. The water activity was 0.8911–0.9502 Aw at the initial stage and remained stable in most samples even after six months of storage. Velo Freeze was the only brand to show significant variations in water activity. The nicotine content was 10.115–12.950 mg/g at the initial stage. Only four samples maintained the initial values after six months of storage. The fluctuations of nicotine content were also mentioned by the manufacturer. The microbiological profile remained stable during the six months of storage and met the requirements for similar products, i.e., chewing gum and unglazed caramel. The project needs further research because the qualitative characteristics of nicotine poaches provided rather unambiguous results. Our study will help develop state standards for oral nicotine products. The results obtained will be used to formulate proposals to the organizations responsible for the future Technical Regulations of the Eurasian Economic Union for nicotine products.