Statistical Data Research Articles

Assessment of the economic and social impact of digitalization in Ukraine: a comprehensive analysis

This article provides a thorough analysis of the economic and social criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of digitalization in Ukraine. It particularly focuses on the relationship between the investment attractiveness of the digital sector and bridging the digital divide in society. Empirical data on the economic efficiency of digital transformations are analysed, including budget savings from the implementation of digital platforms and the growth of IT service exports. The analysis of statistical data reveals significant regional and social disparities in access to digital services. It establishes that the level of internet penetration in rural areas (45.8%) lags considerably behind that of urban areas (78.3%), posing risks of deepening socio-economic stratification in society. The phenomenon of duality in digital transformation in Ukraine is explored, characterized by the simultaneous existence of progressive trends (development of the IT sector, implementation of electronic services) and regressive trends (digital divide, uneven development). A paradoxical situation is identified, where high indicators of IT sector development coexist with significant internal disparities in regional digital progress. The public perception of digital innovations amid martial law is analysed, highlighting increased trust in government digital services, as evidenced by over 20 million users engaging with the “Diia” platform. However, concerns regarding cybersecurity and personal data protection are also noted. The study emphasizes the need to transform approaches to evaluating the effectiveness of digitalization, focusing on qualitative parameters of digital service usage and the development of citizens’ digital competencies. Conceptual foundations for improving state digitalization policy aimed at ensuring digital inclusion and overcoming regional disparities are proposed. The scientific novelty of the research lies in developing a comprehensive approach to assessing digitalization effectiveness that integrates economic and social criteria. The practical significance of the findings pertains to their potential use in enhancing state digital transformation policy during martial law and in the context of Euro integration processes.

Политические эффекты социально-демографических трансформаций в США

The article examines the effects of the socio-demographic transformations of the United States in 2020—2024 in the context of political polarization. Drawing on the approaches of political demography, the authors focus their attention on ethno-racial, age, territorial-demographic and socioeconomic aspects of these transformations. According to their hypothesis, the processes taking place in these spheres contribute to the increasing fragmentation of American society, which is also reflected in political polarization. Based on an extensive body of statistical data, the authors question the thesis of harmonization of the American political landscape under the influence of the growth of “new” (Latin American / Hispanic, Asians, multiracial groups) and “old” (black) minorities in the total population. It is demonstrated that this circumstances, coupled with the main trend of the white population decline, create conditions for the growth of the influence of right-wing populism, one of the exponents of which is D.Trump. The authors conclude that the increasing fragmentation of American society and the growing contradictions even within relatively homogeneous groups are likely to lead, in addition to traditional (white — minority) conflicts, to the emergence of new conflicts, including within ethno-racial groups. This in turn will entail a serious impact on the reformatting of the social base of the Republican and Democratic Parties, which will be accompanied by an increase in polarization processes.

Peculiarities of criminal liability provided for collaborative activities

The article examines the peculiarities of criminal liability for collaboration activities in Ukraine as one of the key challenges to national security amidst the ongoing armed aggression of the Russian Federation. It analyzes the grounds for introducing relevant legislative norms, particularly Article 111-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (CCU), and their significance in combating collaborationism. The study outlines issues associated with the application of these norms, especially in distinguishing criminal acts from behaviors aimed at survival by citizens in temporarily occupied territories (TOT). The article provides a historical overview of the term “collaborationism” and its contemporary meaning. It emphasizes that collaboration activities encompass various forms, such as public denial of aggression, cooperation with occupation authorities, organizing unlawful elections or referenda, and participating in propaganda activities. However, the lack of a clear definition of this term in the CCU complicates its practical application. Statistical data underscore the relevance of the issue: since the introduction of Article 111-1, over 8,000 cases have been registered. Nevertheless, the high conviction rate and absence of acquittals raise concerns about adherence to principles of justice and human rights. The study also discusses observations by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, highlighting the insufficient clarity of the article’s provisions, which may lead to arbitrary enforcement. The authors propose improving criminal legislation through the following measures: Introducing a clear definition of collaborationism into the CCU. Clarifying the provisions of Article 111-1 in line with international standards. Ensuring legal differentiation between criminal offenses and actions related to survival. Harmonizing Ukrainian legislation with international humanitarian law. These changes are expected to enhance the effectiveness of combating collaborationism while maintaining a balance between punishing offenders and protecting the rights of citizens in TOT.

Multilateral Humanitarian Aid As a Foreign Socio-Humanitarian Policy Tool in Britain

The article proposes to single out socio-humanitarian cooperation as a separate foreign policy tool. It studies the case of the UK to demonstrate the synergy between conceptual approaches and their implementation in the national legislation in providing official development assistance (ODA) and humanitarian aid as the two integral parts of socio-humanitarian policy. The authors conclude that the shift in doctrinal priorities in the area, including the prioritisation of emergency aid and individual recipients (Afghanistan, certain African states) after 2020, is confirmed by the change in London's approaches towards UN humanitarian agencies, with the pace of cuts to humanitarian aid funds being faster than the government's stated targets. Based on statistical data from 2005‒2023, the authors distinguish two periods of the UK's multilateral socio-humanitarian policy: 2005‒2020 and 2020 ‒ to the present. The first period saw the growth in London's emergency response funding being in line with the overall growth in global humanitarian needs. In the second period, despite the dramatic increase in the funds requested by UN agencies and the general degradation of the global humanitarian situation (the humanitarian appeal of the UN's main coordination mechanism, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), increased from $39 bn in 2020 to $51.5 bn in 2023, with the number of people in dire need jumping from 98 million in 2020 to 230 million in 2023), UK deprioritised practically all channels of multilateral humanitarian funding. For the second period, we show the emphasis on food aid, along with a staggering (up to 85%) reduction in other funding areas, most notably in unearmarked contributions and CERF pledges. Such a change may be explained, on the one hand, by the deteriorating food security situation in key recipient countries and, on the other hand, by the politicisation of humanitarian assistance on the part of the UK.

Intellectual Property Rights Protection Mechanisms Harmonization in the EAEU Preferential Trade Agreements

In this article, the subject of scientific interest is the need to harmonize the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) legal frameworks on the protection of intellectual property rights as the rapid economic development of states cannot be achieved without effective international cooperation. The theoretical significance of this work is comprised by establishing how effective the mechanism for protecting intellectual property rights in the EAEU is at the moment, and the practical significance is in suggesting ways to increase the effectiveness of such protection so that investors have additional guarantees of their rights’ protection. The research methodology is based on the formal dogmatic approach to the interpretation of existing regulatory material with elements of socio-legal research, which consists of evaluating the proposed legal novels at the viewpoint of their practical application, in particular, given the scale of international trade cooperation between the EAEU and the country in question, expressed by the means of the statistical data on foreign trade turnover for 2021. The main results of this study are proposals for drafting the preferential agreements of the EAEU, which is considered as a contribution to the scientific base of research on improving the regulatory frameworks of the EAEU and, from a practical point of view, will help to maximize the potential for cooperation between the EAEU and the states with which preferential agreements are concluded.

Religion And Education in Teachers` Seminaries and Pedagogical Courses in the Caucasus During the Tsarist Era

The main goal of the research is to explain the function of teacher seminaries and pedagogical courses, to reveal the relationship between these educational institutions and religious education. At the same time, at the level of statistical data, we can observe the participation rate of the local Muslim population in Russian public schools, and thus the rate of Muslim teachers in the education system. In the study, the formation process of the educational system of Tsarist Russia was given a general overview, and it was seen that the Russian education system did not differ from the Azerbaijani education in terms of its close relationship with religion until the 18th century. This trend is an indication that the process of replacing religious education with secular education which corresponds to that period. The article provides information about the stages of the Russian education system, the purpose of creating teachers' seminaries and pedagogical courses in the secondary education category, statistics, curriculum, the place of religious education in these institutions, and the problems that manifest themselves here are described in a descriptive manner. When we look at the information related to religious education, it is seen that in the seminaries opened in accordance with the 1902 law, mother tongue and religious education was not given, but the objections of the local people were heard by the tsar officials and the teaching of these courses was started on the account of the charitable societies. Based on the report obtained on Islamic teaching, it is possible to say that Islamic history, Aqaid (creeds) and various prayers were taught in the seminary according to both sects. By the way, it is known that the mother tongue classes are also taught by religious teachers.

Potential Utilization of Taro Yam as Food in Ngada District

Taro (Colocasia esculenta L.) is a tuberous plant called bonggol that grows underground. The high carbohydrate content of taro makes it a top choice as a staple food when looking for alternatives to rice. Taro has great potential to be processed into various food products to help prevent various nutritional problems and generate additional income for local communities. Ngada Regency is one of the districts that has its own natural strengths and is also rich in natural resources such as local food, one of which is taro yam. Quantitative research was used in this study. Data were collected in the form of secondary data or data obtained from books, journals, newspapers, statistical data and other sources. The technique used for this research study is literature study. Ngada Regency has considerable potential for taro yams. Almost all of Ngada Regency cultivates taro yams. However, taro yam processing in Ngada Regency is still quite simple, such as steaming, frying, making compote and animal feed. The people of Ngada Regency certainly have great potential in processing taro yams into industrial raw materials and materials for food needs, such as turning taro yams into taro rice and taro flour. This needs special attention from the local government in empowering the natural resources owned, to open up business potential and encourage job creation for the community, as well as MSME businesses. Ngada Regency is the third largest district on Flores Island in terms of taro yam cultivation, with 2,916 taro yams produced.

Research of the role of charitable foundations in the provision of medicines to the population

Introduction. Despite the positive developments in providing patients with orphan diseases, achieved through the implementation of a set of federal and regional programs, it has not yet been possible to achieve full and timely satisfaction of the target segment's need for medicines, and patients are forced to look for additional sources of funding for drug therapy, one of which is the budgets of charitable foundations. Objective: research the role and place of charitable foundations in the system of drug provision for patients with orphan diseases. Material and methods. Сontent analysis of legislative and regulatory acts of the Russian Federation in the field of healthcare and circulation of medicines, open data from the official website of the All-Russian Society of Orphan Diseases, statistical data of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, open official reports of the Circle of Good Foundation and official websites of 57 charitable foundations. Results and discussion. The elaboration of mechanisms for including charitable foundations in the list of organizations that have the right to work with narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in exceptional cases in terms of patients with orphan diseases seems to be another way to improve the quality of drug provision for privileged categories of patients. Conclusion. The elaboration of mechanisms for including charitable foundations in the list of organizations that have the right to work with narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in exceptional cases in terms of patients with orphan diseases seems to be another way to improve the quality of drug provision for privileged categories of patients.

THE ELECTRONIC TRADING OF WAREHOUSE RECEIPTS ON GLOBAL AGRICULTURAL EXCHANGES. CONCLUSIONS FOR POLAND

The aim of the study is to assess the use of Electronic Warehouse Receipt (EWR) as an instrument to support the trade of agricultural raw materials on global agricultural markets, to analyze the possibilities and potential of introducing this system in Poland, as well as to initiate a discussion on the restoration of the system of licensed storage and electronic warehouse receipt. Statistical data published by the Futures Industry Association and data obtained from commodity exchanges, as well as available literature, were used as source material. The analyses carried out show that a properly implemented EWR provides a proven solution to problems occurring in the food economy: the financing of current operating costs of running a farm and farm liquidity, and the financing of trade between participants in the supply chain. For a EWR system to be successful, it is necessary to understand the value chain, market and business environment. It is also important to assess risk, competitiveness, relationships and processes, justification and financing needs of chain participants. Thanks to this approach, a warehouse receipt can constitute loan security for all participants in the value chain, following the goods. Dematerialization of the warehouse receipt enables the takeover of trading in this document by a licensed exchange, and thus enables not only trading in a futures instrument, as on the CBOT or MATIF exchange, but also in a cash instrument with physical delivery, as on the TMEX or e-NAM exchange. The warehouse receipt system in Poland has been abolished, but the problems it solves remain. Taking into account the advantages of the warehouse receipt system, it should be restored in Poland to provide the agricultural sector with effective and proven solutions.

Efficacy and predictors of response to somatostatin analogues in patients with ectopic ACTH syndrome

Aim. To study the immediate efficacy, tolerability and predictors of response to prolonged-acting somatostatin analogues (SSAs) in patients with ectopic ACTH syndrome (EAS). Materials and methods. A multicenter, observational study with a retrospective analysis. The effectiveness of treatment was evaluated every 12–24 weeks by the activity of hypercortisolism, clinical symptoms of the disease, control of tumor growth. Patients were conditionally divided into “responders” and “non-responders” at time points of 6, 12 and 24 months. Radiological efficacy was performed according to the RECIST 1.1. Statistical data processing was carried out by using IBM SPSS Statistics 23. Results. The study included 46 patients (26 women, 20 men). The median follow-up period was 71 months [32; 122]. Localized tumor process (T1-3N0M0) – in 19 (41.3%) patients, locally widespread (T1-3N1M0, T4N0-1M0) – in 15 (32.6%), generalized (T1-4N0-1M1) – in 12 (26.1%) cases. Surgical treatment was performed in 33 (71.7%) patients. SSAs were the first-line therapy for all 46 patients. The average duration of SSAs use was 34 months (Me 27.5 [13.8; 41]). Dose escalation was required in 39.4% cases, the period before the first dose escalation was on average 9 months. 13 (48.1%) patients achieved drug-induced remission of the disease. Normalization of cortisol in 24hUFC or its decrease ≥50% from the baseline level by the 6th month of treatment was achieved in 46.4%, by the 12th month – in 61.9%, “eluding” from the effect of therapy was observed in 3 patients. Objective response was evaluated in 30 patients. There was no complete response to the treatment. In 4 (13.3%) cases – a partial response, in 15 (50%) – disease stabilization, in 11 (36.7%) – disease progression. The best therapeutic efficacy of SSAs is associated with bronchial NET (HR 0.078, 95% CI 0.010–0.633; p=0.017), and resistance to treatment is associated with negative expression of SSTR5 (HR 6.532, 95% CI 1.019–41.878; p=0.048). Conclusion. SSAs are the drugs of choice for the first-line treatment of patients with EAS, allowing for long-term effective control of hypercortisolism and tumor progression in more than 60% of patients. Significant factors determining the response to SSAs after 6 months of treatment are expression status of SSTR5 and NET localization.

The Situation of Senior Citizens in the UK and Poland

The aim of this article is to compare and analyse the life situation of older people in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Poland. The similarities and differences presented within this paper are based on the results of conducted research in both countries, statistical data analysis and scholar papers. The article addresses such areas influencing the quality of life of older people as: demography, medical care, the pension system, social care homes, social and cultural activities of seniors, medical support and long-term care systems. This article is also a reference to the quantitative and qualitative research project "The World Tailored to Seniors - the Situation of Older People in Poland" conducted by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education in Poland and Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, Poland in 2024.

Quantitative assessment of refrigerant impact on vehicle air-conditioning systems via Z-Freq 2D statistical analysis

In this study, the impact of refrigerant types on the performance and efficiency of vehicle air-conditioning (AC) systems was quantitatively assessed using a novel two-dimensional Z-Freq 2D statistical analysis method. Wireless vibration accelerometers, capturing both horizontal and vertical vibrations, were utilized to measure the dynamic response of the air-conditioning compressor. Before data collection, meticulous calibration of sensors was conducted to ensure the accuracy and reliability of measurements. The introduction of the Z-Freq 2D statistical analysis technique, developed specifically for this research, allowed for a comprehensive examination of the vibrational data, facilitating a deeper understanding of the effects of different refrigerants on AC system performance. To validate the effectiveness and reliability of the Z-Freq 2D analysis, machine learning techniques were employed. These techniques provided a robust framework for the analysis of the statistical data, with performance evaluation indicators demonstrating the efficacy of the newly developed method. The experimental setup was based on an actual vehicle air-conditioning test rig, designed to simulate real-world operating conditions accurately. The findings of this research offer significant insights into the selection of refrigerants for vehicle AC systems, highlighting the potential for enhanced system performance and efficiency through the application of advanced statistical analysis and machine learning validation techniques. This study not only contributes to the field of automotive thermal management but also paves the way for future research in the optimization of vehicle AC systems.

Incentivizing Rural Work Preferences Among Specialist Physicians: Protocol for a Discrete Choice Experiment.

Retaining specialist physicians in rural parts of India poses a fundamental challenge, which affects the health care system's functionality and provision of standard health care services. There has been an acute shortfall of specialist physicians in the fields of medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and surgery at rural community health centers. This necessitates urgent policy focus to address the shortages and design effective rural retention strategies. In this study, which uses a discrete choice experiment (DCE), individuals choose from multiple-choice preferences that resemble hypothetical job descriptions. DCEs are a quantitative approach to assessing several aspects of job selection. This study aims to develop a detailed plan of a DCE method used to determine specialist physicians' job choices. This protocol outlines the DCE method, which uses an exploratory sequential mixed methods research design to understand specialist physicians' preferences and design reward packages that would effectively motivate them to work in underserved regions. The qualitative phase of the study involved identifying job attributes and their corresponding levels for the DCE. We followed a meticulous process, which included reviewing relevant literature, performing qualitative pilot work, conducting in-depth individual interviews, and consulting with medical and health experts.The quantitative phase involved generating a D-efficient orthogonal fractional factorial design using Ngene software to create choice scenarios using the identified job factors and their corresponding levels. The generated choice scenarios were blocked into 6 versions in 6 blocks. The DCE wasundertaken among final-year postgraduate medical residents and specialist physicians from several health care facilities in Rajasthan. Various statistical models will be applied to explore the response variability and quantify the trade-offs that participants are willing to make for nonmonetary features as a substitute for adjustments in the monetary attribute. After the ethics committee's approval of the study, the qualitative data collection phase occurred from September to December 2021, while the quantitative phase took place from May to August 2022. Six attributes and 14 levels were identified and established through qualitative surveys. The experimental design resulted in 36 choice situations, which were grouped into 6 blocks. The preliminary investigation demonstrated that the instrument was valid and reliable. Statistical data analysis has been initiated, and the principal findings are expected to be disseminated in January 2025. The protocol provides a systematic framework to assess specialist physicians' preferences regarding working in rural health care centers. This research has the potential to substantially influence the future of rural health care by laying the foundation for understanding specialist physicians' choices, which will help design future incentive schemes, policy interventions, and research. DERR1-10.2196/59621.

Spatiotemporal changes in the congestion index of streets and roads in the armed conflict conditions

This article examines the impact of war on the formation of urban transport flows. During armed conflicts, the transport infrastructure of cities undergoes significant changes, which greatly affects the mobility and safety of the population. The need to study this issue is particularly relevant in the context of the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war, which has caused the largest migration in Europe since World War II. The paper explores the dynamics of these changes and ways to adapt urban transportation systems to war conditions. The study aims to determine the parameters of urban transport zones with specific disruptions in network link congestion indices during different phases of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation. The research methodology is based on analyzing statistical data on population movements, applying traffic flow models, and conducting a systematic analysis of the interaction between various components of urban transport systems. The goal of this study is to establish the relationships between the areas of cities where disruptions in congestion indices were observed during the initial phase of the invasion. The cities studied are Lviv and Kyiv, whose road networks are also described in the article. Polynomial regression models with two independent variables (the congestion index and the number of days from the beginning of each phase) were developed for three predefined time phases, each with distinct features of the armed conflict. The dependent variable is the area of the city experiencing disruptions in the congestion index relative to normal traffic flow conditions. The study concludes that the relationship between changes in the congestion index and the area of the city experiencing deviations is directly proportional. The absolute values of the indicators studied are lower for Lviv’s network than for Kyiv’s.

Clinical and instrumental characteristics of mild traumatic brain injury and acubarotrauma due to the impact of an explosive shock wave

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injuries are widespread and need to be studied, having a serious impact on health and the economy. Every year, about 69 million people experience traumatic brain injuries, including road accidents and military conflicts. A number of studies show that up to 20% of veterans who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan, got a mild head injury. 83% of those hospitalized between 2001 and 2018 had a mild traumatic brain injuries. Pathophysiological processes in traumatic brain injuries include axon loss and demyelination, which disrupts the functioning of neural networks and manifests itself in the form of instability, cognitive decline, and mental changes. The causes of instability can be associated with damage to the vestibular apparatus, conducting pathways and connections of the cerebellum and cortical analyzers, which can be detected by modern neuroimaging methods. Stabilometry using a power platform is a promising diagnostic method for light therapy. traumatic brain injuries, which allows you to study the equilibrium function. AIM: to determine the clinical and instrumental characteristics of mild traumatic brain injury and acubarotrauma due to the impact of a shock blast wave separately and in combination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 66 patients were selected (n = 66) aged 18 to 56 years (38.28 ± 9.98 years) who were exposed to a shock wave. Of these, 28 (42.4%) patients with mild traumatic brain injury (group 1), 21 (31.8%) patients with isolated acubarotrauma (group 2), with a combination of mild traumatic brain injury and acubarotrauma in 17 (25.8%) patients (group 3). Age, presence of chronic diseases, neurological status, neuropsychological examination, stabilometric examination, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain were evaluated. The table editor (MS Excel 2019) was used for statistical data processing and the program for medical and biological research (STATISTICA 12). RESULTS: the diagnosis of mild traumatic brain injury and acubarotrauma was established based on clinical recommendations. In the neurological status of all patients in groups 1 and 3, scattered organic symptoms were detected. In group 2, patients had a few isolated unstable neurological signs. According to neuropsychological testing, there was a deterioration in the results in group 3 compared to the group 1 and 2 (p 0.05). A stabilometric study showed that in group 3 significantly worse indicators of the speed of the general center of pressure, the area of the statokinesiogram with both open and closed eyes were noted compared to the other groups (p 0.05). According to the data of magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, including using SWI/SWAN sequences, diffuse micro-hemorrhages in the brain substance were not detected in the study groups. CONCLUSION: the main characteristics of mild traumatic brain injury in combination with acubarotrauma include pronounced postural instability, deterioration of stabilometric parameters and cognitive functions.

Geoinformation monitoring of the condition of rice fields in Giang Province (Vietnam) according to multispectral ERS data and field spectroradiometering

The spatial distribution of areas of territory used for agricultural work is of great importance for the development of measures for managing territories and planning the rational use of land and water resources. As a result of the high development of land and its use for agricultural production, timely assessment of both the condition of soils and the growing season of crops in the fields plays an important role. Since in the conditions of the study area it is possible to choose the timing of sowing, growing and harvesting, spatial data on the location of fields for growing rice can be used to estimate the volume of water consumed for its cultivation and develop a crop rotation model for different volumes of available water based on the level of water reserves of the main crop. source. Geoinformation classification of Earth remote sensing data and the use of spectral indices can be used to monitor the dynamics of rice crop formation under existing conditions. Refinement of the results of geoinformation processing of satellite images is carried out using field standardization methods, including photo standardization, showing the real value of reflected energy during large-scale photography, and spectroradiometry, which makes it possible to determine the characteristics of the reflected energy by these objects in various spectral ranges. The results obtained made it possible to obtain statistical data on the values of the area of plots based on 4844 measurements; the average values of the area of plots were established – 0.447, standard deviation – 0.309, maximum area – 5.84 hectares, minimum 0.02 hectares. The obtained statistical results make it possible to determine on average the estimated number of plots in the territory of An Giang province, which is 442 thousand fields. Thus, when deciphering images of rice fields on satellite images, local geoinformation cartographic layers of such fields are developed, taking into account the actual characteristics and stage of plant vegetation, as well as the stage of harvesting and the stage of tillage.

Prospects For Sustainable Development of Rural Areas of Ukraine Through Organic Production

The article substantiates the potential of organic production for sustainable development of rural areas in Ukraine. The author identifies organic farming as a key tool for promoting economic growth, preserving natural resources, and restoring ecosystems, which are essential for addressing environmental, economic, and social challenges. Specifically, it has been proven that organic farming contributes to increased biodiversity, the restoration of soil fertility, and the reduction of water pollution levels, which are crucial for achieving sustainable development goals. The paper proposes a range of promising directions for the development of organic production in Ukraine. It has been determined that rural areas face numerous challenges, including an aging population, youth migration, weak infrastructure, and low levels of investment. Organic production could serve as a means of overcoming these challenges by creating new jobs and increasing the income levels of local communities. The author highlights that the growing demand for organic products, both in Ukraine and abroad, opens new economic opportunities for farmers. The article provides statistical data demonstrating the dynamics of the global organic market's growth and its impact on Ukraine. Specifically, in recent years, there has been an increase in the area of land dedicated to organic farming, although the pace of development remains uneven due to the influence of military actions and other socio-economic factors. The ecological benefits of organic production have been clearly defined. It has been proven that abandoning the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides reduces the negative impact on ecosystems and helps restore natural resources. Organic farming, through the implementation of sustainable agro-technologies, can enhance resilience to climate change and reduce soil erosion. As a result of the research, the necessity of enhancing state support for the organic sector has been identified, particularly through the implementation of subsidy programs and the development of infrastructure for the sale of organic products. An important aspect is raising public awareness about the benefits of organic products, which would stimulate demand and encourage farmers to adopt organic farming methods. Key aspects of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been analyzed, particularly in the context of the impact of organic production on environmental, economic, and social components. The article thoroughly examines the achievement of indicators set for Goal 2 – «Zero Hunger and Agricultural Development» and Goal 15 – «Life on Land.» In particular, attention is drawn to Indicator 2.3.3, which concerns the share of agricultural land under organic production. Despite challenges caused by economic and military factors, this indicator has shown positive growth dynamics in Ukraine, contributing to food security and increasing the resilience of agro-systems to climate change. Regarding the indicators of Goal 15, the achievement of Indicator 15.3.4 – «Restoration of Degraded Lands and Soils» has been analyzed in detail. It has been proven that the implementation of organic farming contributes to the restoration of soil fertility, the reduction of erosion, and the decrease in the use of chemical substances, positively impacting the state of natural ecosystems. The article presents data showing a gradual increase in the area of land dedicated to organic farming, despite reductions in some regions due to military actions. The article emphasizes that to achieve the target SDG indicators, it is necessary to implement innovative technologies in agriculture and promote the development of organic farming, which has already demonstrated its effectiveness in terms of biodiversity conservation and the restoration of degraded lands. The types of organic products suitable for cultivation in different regions of Ukraine have been developed and proposed, taking into account the climatic and soil characteristics of the territories, as well as the existing experience in rural communities regarding the cultivation of specific agricultural crops. It is argued that the paths to achieving sustainable development indicators through the development of organic production include comprehensive state support measures, educational programs, and the stimulation of cooperation among farmers to ensure the ecological and economic sustainability of rural areas. The conclusion is substantiated that the development of organic production in Ukraine is a crucial element of the sustainable development strategy for rural areas. It contributes to solving a range of social, economic, and environmental problems, ensuring ecological stability and economic development in rural areas.

Mathematical model on the transmission dynamics of leptospirosis in human and animal population with optimal control strategies using real statistical data

Mathematical model on the transmission dynamics of leptospirosis in human and animal population with optimal control strategies using real statistical data

Enhancing the content of biologically active components in cluster tomatoes using organic fertilizers

Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) are a vital agricultural crop with significant nutritional value, attributed to their high content of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The antioxidant properties of tomatoes contribute to reducing the risk of cardiovascular and oncological diseases, positioning them as an important component of a balanced diet and beneficial for public health. The application of organic fertilizers containing fulvic and humic acids is particularly relevant to ensure the production of high-quality and nutritious tomatoes. These compounds, recognized as bio stimulants in plant cultivation, enhance physiological processes in plant cells. They stimulate protein and nucleic acid synthesis, activate enzymatic activity, and regulate metabolic pathways, thereby improving the biochemical composition of tomato fruits, increasing their nutritional quality, and enriching the content of bioactive compounds. The objective of this study is to evaluate the accumulation of bioactive compounds such as lycopene, total phenols, vitamin C, total sugars, and dry matter in cluster tomato fruits using an Armenian fertilizer containing fulvic and humic acids. Additionally, the research aims to provide practical insights into sustainable agriculture by identifying optimal agronomic practices that enhance the accumulation of these bioactive compounds in cluster tomatoes. The research was conducted on greenhouse-grown cluster tomato hybrids: Syune F1 (Armenian breeding), Prodezo F1 (Rijk Zwaan), Santiano F1 (Rijk Zwaan), Adventure F1 (Rijk Zwaan), and Climbo F1 (Syngenta) during the spring growing seasons from the years 2022 to 2024. The experiment utilized an organic fertilizer, and applied by abiding the following treatment scheme: 1. Control (St) — no organic fertilizer application, 2. Root treatment (RT), 3. Foliar treatment (FT), 4. Combined root and foliar treatment (RT-FT). Biochemical analyses of the tomato fruits were performed to quantify lycopene, total phenols, ascorbic acid, and total sugars using spectrophotometry, while dry matter content was determined via refractometry. Statistical data analysis was conducted using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The study demonstrated that all treatment types with fulvic-humic fertilizer contributed to improving tomato fruit quality and the accumulation of biologically active components. The most effective treatment was the combined root and foliar application (RT-FT), which resulted in the highest values across all measured parameters. Depending on the hybrid, lycopene content increased by 11.1–15.9%, total phenols by 14.7–22.8%, when vitamin C by 13.1–15.9%, total sugars by 13.5–21.7%, and dry matter by 14.6–22.5% compared to the control. The 'Syune' and 'Climbo' hybrids exhibited the highest accumulation of lycopene and phenols, highlighting their potential for enhancing antioxidant properties. The 'Santiana' and 'Adventure' hybrids were notable for their elevated ascorbic acid content, making them particularly valuable for improving nutritional quality. The best results for sugar and dry matter accumulation were observed in the 'Syune' and 'Prodezo' hybrids, indicating improved flavor profiles in these tomato varieties. Keywords: tomatoes, lycopene, total phenols, ascorbic acids, total sugars, dry matter, organic fertilizer, fulvic acids, humic acids

Media freedom, polarization and democracy in post-communist Romania. Research notes

The paper aims to present the dynamics of the media freedom index in post-communist Romania. Using secondary statistical data regarding political, civic, and economic sectors, the paper indicates the complex interplay between democratic transition and media independence. As regards the “watchdog” and “agenda-setting” functions of mass media, the paper highlighted several statistical correlations that support the positive impact of participation and civil society in the field of media transparency and independence. The paper presents radiography of media freedom between 2002 and 2023, estimating the main variations of this index. Moreover, results confirm statistical differences between the two decades, highlighting that an increased level of media freedom was acquired after 2012. Political context, social dynamics, and economic conditions are several variables that are relevant for explaining the evolution of media freedom in Romanian society. Quantitative results show that political polarization is negatively related to media independence. Conversely, active citizens and civil society are key factors that could predict increased media freedom in Romanian post-communist society. The paper is useful for scholars and decision-makers interested in the complex interconnection between public information, media independence, and democratic consolidation.