Environmental Transmission Research Articles

Evaluation of the Dose of African Swine Fever Virus Required to Establish Infection in Pigs Following Oral Uptake

African swine fever virus (ASFV) is known to be very stable within a protein-rich environment and indirect virus transmission can be mediated via oral uptake of different materials. However, experimental studies in pigs have shown that infection by ASFV via the oral route can be difficult to establish. Currently, there is a lack of studies using strict oral inoculations of pigs with different doses of ASFV. Therefore, we aimed to determine the dose of a European genotype II ASFV that is required to establish infection of pigs by the oral route. In this study, 24 pigs were divided into four groups of six. Three of the groups were fed with a low, medium or high dose of the ASFV POL/2015/Podlaskie virus. The pigs in the fourth group served as positive controls and were inoculated intranasally, just once, using the low dose of the virus. All the pigs inoculated intranasally with ASFV succumbed to the infection, while only three of the six pigs that were fed the high dose of the virus became infected. None of the 12 pigs that were fed with either the medium or low dose of the virus became infected, despite receiving up to thirteen doses each. In two of the pigs infected by intranasal inoculation, the presence of a variant form of the ASFV genome was detected. The results obtained in this study underline that ASFV infection is more difficult to establish via the oral route when compared to the intranasal route. The high dose needed in order to establish oral infection could have implications for future strategies using baited vaccines containing infectious live-attenuated ASFV.

Direct observations of nucleation and early-stage growth of Au-catalyzed GaAs nanowires on Si(111).

Developing a reliable procedure for the growth of III-V nanowires (NW) on silicon (Si) substrates remains a significant challenge, as current methods rely on trial-and-error approaches with varying interpretations of critical process steps such as sample preparation, Au-Si alloy formation in the growth reactor, and nanowire alignment. Addressing these challenges is essential for enabling high-performance electronic and optoelectronic devices that combine the superior properties of III-V NW semiconductors with the well-established Si-based technology. Combining conventional scalable growth methods, such as Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) with in situ characterization using Environmental Transmission Electron Microscopy (ETEM-MOCVD) enables a deeper understanding of the growth dynamics, if that knowledge is transferable to the scalable processes. We report on successful epitaxial growth of Au-catalyzed GaAs NWs on Si(111) substrates using micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) chips with monocrystalline Si-cantilevers in both conventional MOCVD and ETEM-MOCVD systems. The conventional MOCVD provided a framework for initial parameter tuning, while ETEM-MOCVD offered valuable insights into early nucleation and catalyst-substrate interactions. Our findings show that nucleation is significantly influenced by the removal of native oxide layers and the initial formation of the Au-Si alloy. Our in situ studies revealed different NW-substrate interfaces, essential for optimizing the epitaxial growth process. We identified three typical configurations of NW "roots", each impacted by growth conditions and preparation steps, affecting the structural and potentially the optical properties of the NWs. Similarly, doping from the Si-substrate may affect both optical and electrical properties; however, compositional analysis revealed no traces of Si in NWs post-nucleation and a small amount in the catalytic droplet. Our research highlights the importance of in situ studies for a comprehensive understanding of nucleation mechanisms, paving the way for optimizing III-V NW growth on Si substrates and developing high-performance III-V/Si devices.

Keystone bacterial groups dominate Escherichia coli O157:H7 survival in long-term reclaimed water headwater stream.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 is a highly pathogenic zoonotic bacterium, with water serving as a key medium for its environmental transmission. However, the survival characteristics of E. coli O157:H7 in reclaimed water environments remain poorly understood, which has, to some extent, hindered the development of water reuse technologies. This study examined the survival dynamics of E. coli O157:H7 in a long-term reclaimed water headwater stream through inoculation experiments and identified its main drivers. The results showed that the survival time of E. coli O157:H7 was the longest in the headwater upstream (up to 62 days), gradually decreased as it flowed downstream. Among physicochemical factors, chloride ion, potential of hydrogen, and electrical conductivity were the main factors affecting the survival of E. coli O157:H7. The microbial diversity shown by the alpha diversity index had no significant impact on the E. coli O157:H7 survival. Meanwhile, certain keystone bacterial groups, such as Polynucleobacter, Roseomonas, and Luteolibacter, which are primarily involved in the decomposition of organic matter, suppressed E. coli O157:H7 survival in this stream, while Nitrospira, Dechloromonas, and Sphingomonas promoted the survival of E. coli O157:H7. Overall, the biotic factors have a more direct impact on the E. coli O157:H7 survival compared to abiotic factors in the reclaimed water-replenished stream and deserve more attention. Our research revealed higher biological risks in the upstream sections of the long-term reclaimed water headwater stream, which helped deepen our understanding of pathogen survival in water environments and enhancing our awareness of the biological safety of reclaimed water in ecological replenishment processes.

Blockchain-Driven Optimized Chaotic Encryption Scheme for Medical Image Transmission in IoT-Edge Environment

Internet of Things (IoT) is adopted in a wide spectrum of applications in which a vast amount of data are produced and distributed to centralized cloud platforms to deliver various services. It involves smart devices that collect thousands of terabytes of heterogeneous data and deployed this to make instant decision that aids for the better performance and most comfort life. Traditional IoT architecture is heavily centralized, where it stores the most sensitive information that creates the multiple threats and security breaches as the attackers target towards these centralized cloud systems. To improve the security chain in IoT environment, edge computing (EC) was introduced to distribute the applications of IoT at the edge of the communication networks. However, these edge-based IoT are also vulnerable to many threats due to their decentralized and in secured management. Block chain (BC) technology offers a most trusted solution to resolve the security issues in the IoT-Edge computing environment. This research study presents the block chain driven medical image encryption technique using modified honey badger optimization with the ensemble chaotic systems. The proposed block chain framework uses the divergent methods that integrates differential scroll, Hénon chaotic maps and modified honey badger optimization to generate the optimum keys and high secured image data. These high secured data are stored in the block chain, ensuring the image security to be stored in edge nodes. The complete framework was experimented using Ethereum using Ganache API and Python3.19 are utilized as the major programs for designing the varied interfaces of the recommended model. The comprehensive experimentation is undertaken to assess the security strength of the recommended encryption scheme. The evaluation metrics like as NACI, UACI, Entropy and standard verification methods such as NIST standard tests are deployed and analyzed. To prove it security strength, proposed secured BC framework is compared with the wide-variety of secured frameworks. The experimental findings reveal that the suggested framework establishes a more robust and secure environment for image exchange, surpassing the performance of other blockchain-based systems in terms of integrity, robustness and security. Finally, the paper spreads the bright light of advantages in deploying the proposed framework to formulate the most secured environment in the IoT-Edge environment for medical image transmission.

From ONE Health to ONE Paleopathology: Deep-Time Perspectives on Health in the Face of Climate and Environmental Change

This entry explores the emergence of ONE Paleopathology as a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to understanding health through deep time. The entry discusses key areas where paleopathological research provides crucial insights: animals as sentinels of environmental health, the evolution and transmission of infectious diseases, the impacts of urbanization and pollution on human health, and the effects of climate change on disease patterns. Special attention is given to case studies involving malaria, tuberculosis, and environmental toxicity, demonstrating how past human–environment interactions inform current health strategies. The entry also emphasizes the importance of indigenous and local knowledge (ILK) systems in understanding and managing health challenges, highlighting how traditional ecological knowledge complements scientific approaches. By bridging past and present, ONE Paleopathology offers valuable perspectives for addressing modern health challenges in the context of accelerating environmental change, while promoting more equitable and sustainable approaches to global health.

Recent Advances in Our Understanding of Human Inflammatory Dendritic Cells in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection.

Anogenital inflammation is a critical risk factor for HIV acquisition. The primary preventative HIV intervention, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), is ineffective in blocking transmission in anogenital inflammation. Pre-existing sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) and anogenital microbiota dysbiosis are the leading causes of inflammation, where inflammation is extensive and often asymptomatic and undiagnosed. Dendritic cells (DCs), as potent antigen-presenting cells, are among the first to capture HIV upon its entry into the mucosa, and they subsequently transport the virus to CD4 T cells, the primary HIV target cells. This increased HIV susceptibility in inflamed tissue likely stems from a disrupted epithelial barrier integrity, phenotypic changes in resident DCs and an influx of inflammatory HIV target cells, including DCs and CD4 T cells. Gaining insight into how HIV interacts with specific inflammatory DC subsets could inform the development of new therapeutic strategies to block HIV transmission. However, little is known about the early stages of HIV capture and transmission in inflammatory environments. Here, we review the currently characterised inflammatory-tissue DCs and their interactions with HIV.

Cu-Ni Oxidation Mechanism Unveiled: A Machine Learning-Accelerated First-Principles and in Situ TEM Study.

The development of accurate methods for determining how alloy surfaces spontaneously restructure under reactive and corrosive environments is a key, long-standing, grand challenge in materials science. Using machine learning-accelerated density functional theory and rare-event methods, in conjunction with in situ environmental transmission electron microscopy (ETEM), we examine the interplay between surface reconstructions and preferential segregation tendencies of CuNi(100) surfaces under oxidation conditions. Our modeling approach predicts that oxygen-induced Ni segregation in CuNi alloys favors Cu(100)-O c(2 × 2) reconstruction and destabilizes the Cu(100)-O (2√2 × √2)R45° missing row reconstruction (MRR). In situ ETEM experiments validate these predictions and show Ni segregation followed by NiO nucleation and growth in regions without MRR, with secondary nucleation and growth of Cu2O in MRR regions. Our approach based on combining disparate computational components and in situ ETEM provides a holistic description of the oxidation mechanism in CuNi, which applies to other alloy systems.

Making sense of sentinels: wildlife as the one health bridge for environmental antimicrobial resistance surveillance.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), arising from decades of imprudent anthropogenic use of antimicrobials in healthcare and agriculture, is considered one of the greatest One Health crises facing healthcare globally. Antimicrobial pollutants released from human-associated sources are intensifying resistance evolution in the environment. Due to various ecological factors, wildlife interact with these polluted ecosystems, acquiring resistant bacteria and genes. Although wildlife are recognised reservoirs and disseminators of AMR in the environment, current AMR surveillance systems still primarily focus on clinical and agricultural settings, neglecting this environmental dimension. Wildlife can serve as valuable sentinels of AMR in the environment, reflecting ecosystem health, and the effectiveness of mitigation strategies. This review explores knowledge gaps surrounding the ecological factors influencing AMR acquisition and dissemination in wildlife, and highlights limitations in current surveillance systems and policy instruments that do not sufficiently address the environmental component of AMR. We discuss the underutilised opportunity of using wildlife as sentinel species in a holistic, One Health-centred AMR surveillance system. By better integrating wildlife into systematic AMR surveillance and policy, and leveraging advances in high-throughput technologies, we can track and predict resistance evolution, assess the ecological impacts, and better understand the complex dynamics of environmental transmission of AMR across ecosystems.

Design and Implementation of an Emergency Environmental Monitoring System

The collection and real-time transmission of emergency environmental information are crucial for rapidly assessing the on-site situation of sudden disasters and responding promptly. However, the acquisition of emergency environmental information, particularly its seamless transmission, faces significant challenges under complex terrain and limited ground communication. This paper utilizes sensors, line-of-sight communication with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and LoRa long-distance communication to establish an integrated emergency environmental monitoring system that combines real-time monitoring, UAV-mounted LoRa gateway relaying, and backend data analysis. This system achieves real-time acquisition, seamless transmission, storage management, and visualization of environmental emergency information. First, a portable emergency environmental monitoring device was developed to collect and transmit environmental factor data. Second, a UAV-mounted LoRa gateway was designed to extend the data transmission coverage, ensuring seamless communication. Finally, multiple field experiments were conducted to evaluate the system’s performance. The experimental results indicate that the system possesses reliable capabilities for emergency data collection and transmission in complex environments, providing new technical solutions and practical support for developing and applying emergency environmental monitoring systems.

Dynamically mechanochromic, fluorescence-responsive, and underwater sensing cellulose nanocrystal-based conductive elastomers.

Utilizing cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) to mimic biological skin capable of converting external stimuli into optical and electrical signals represents a significant advancement in the development of advanced photonic materials. However, traditional CNC photonic materials typically exhibit static and singular optical properties, with their structural color and mechanical performance being susceptible to water molecules, thereby limiting their practical applications. In this study, CNC-based conductive elastomers with dynamic mechanochromism, fluorescence responsiveness, and enhanced water resistance were developed by incorporating carbon quantum dots (C QDs) and hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDES) into CNC photonic films via an in-situ swelling-photopolymerization method. Additionally, the abundant non-covalent and hydrophobic interactions within poly(HDES) endow the resulting poly(HDES)/C-CNC elastomer with excellent structural stability, ionic conductivity, and self-adhesive properties, allowing for encrypted information transmission in both air and aquatic environments. The design and application of poly(HDES)/C-CNC elastomers hold tremendous potential for various applications, including anti-counterfeiting labels, human-machine interactions, and wearable devices.

Proteomic identification of a Toxoplasma gondii sporozoite-specific antigen using HDAC3 inhibitor-treated tachyzoites as surrogate.

The apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii has a complex life cycle. Access to sexual stages and sporozoite-containing oocysts, essential for studying the parasite's environmental transmission, is limited and requires animal experiments with cats. Thus, alternatives and resource-efficient methods are needed. Several molecular factors and transcriptional switches responsible for differentiation have been identified in recent years. In tachyzoites, drug-induced inhibition of the histone deacetylase HDAC3, or genetic depletion of transcription factors regulating HDAC3, leads to the expression of genes that are specific to sexual stages and oocysts. Here, we applied this concept and showed that the commercially available HDAC3 inhibitor apicidin could be used to identify the hitherto unknown antigen of the sporozoite-specific monoclonal antibody G1/19 in tachyzoites. Using mass spectrometry of immunoprecipitated G1/19 target protein from apicidin-treated cultures, we identified it as SporoSAG. In addition, for the much less abundant sporozoite-specific protein LEA860, apicidin treatment was still sufficient to induce a detectable protein level in immunofluorescence microscopy. We also discuss further applications and the limitations of this approach. This allows to overcome issues with the paucity of material of sexual stages and oocysts from T. gondii to some extent without the need for cat-derived material.

Joint beamforming and reflection design for IRS‐aided co‐existing radar and communication

AbstractOptimum performance of co‐existing radar and communication (CRC) system is a challenging task when target and user exist within a crowded area where path‐loss is dominant. Inspired by the application of intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) in reconstructing the wireless transmission environment, this paper investigates deploying IRS to the CRC system to pursue performance improvement. Particularly, we consider an IRS‐assisted CRC system where the IRS not only provides an indirect communication path but inevitably introduces additional interfering paths. Our goal is to maximize the radar signal‐to‐interference‐plus noise ratio (SINR) by jointly optimizing the transmit beamform and the phase of IRS while satisfying the user SINR, the total transmit power at the radar and base station, the restriction of IRS phaseshift. An efficient alternative optimization algorithm combining the second‐order cone programming and semidefinite programming optimization methods is exploited to solve the complicated non‐convex unit‐norm problem. Simulation results reveal the advantages of deploying IRS in the CRC system and the effectiveness of our proposed algorithm.

Characteristics and Control of Subway Train-Induced Environmental Vibration: A Case Study

With the widespread construction of the subway in the Chinese mainland, the environmental vibration caused by subway operation has attracted increasing attention. Train-induced environmental vibrations can cause structural deformation, uneven settlement of line foundations, and tunnel leakage, affecting the structural safety of lines and foundations. This research focuses on a segment of the Nanchang Metro Line 3, which has been chosen as the subject of investigation. A numerical model was developed to analyze the subway train-induced environmental vibration, employing the finite element method (FEM). Utilizing a numerical model, an investigation was conducted to examine the impact of train speed on the subway train-induced environmental vibration, the train-induced environmental vibration transmission characteristics were analyzed, and the control effects of vibration reduction tracks on train-induced environmental vibration were discussed. Train-induced vibration tests were also conducted on Nanchang Metro Line 3 to verify the control effects of various vibration reduction tracks. The results indicate that the subway train-induced environmental vibration rises as the train speed goes up, and the vibration peaks always appear around 63 Hz. When the train speed doubles, the Z-vibration level increases from about 5.1 dB to 5.9 dB. Subway train-induced environmental vibration shows a fluctuating decreasing trend with increasing distance from the centerline of the tunnel. The Z-vibration level reaches its maximum 4 m away from the centerline of the tunnel. Compared with the embedded sleeper, the vibration-damping fastener exhibits a vibration reduction effect of about 9 dB to 18 dB, the rubber vibration-damping pad exhibits a better vibration reduction effect of about 16 dB to 24 dB, and the steel spring floating plate exhibits the best vibration-damping effect of about 18 dB to 28 dB. The calculated Z-vibration levels are basically consistent with the measured values, indicating the accuracy of the calculated results of the control effects of the vibration reduction tracks.

Measurement of inherent optical properties of water based on multiple scattering profiles using underwater off-axis single-photon lidar.

Accurately measuring inherent optical properties (IOPs) in water is fundamental for characterizing light transmission in aquatic environments and advancing our understanding of biogeochemical processes. Lidar, with its capability for continuous day-and-night observations and strong water penetration, holds great potential for detecting optical parameters in water. However, ocean lidar faces challenges in addressing ill-posed equations and mitigating the effects of multiple scattering when detecting IOPs. In this study, a method for IOP detection based on multiple scattering profiles is proposed and demonstrated. First, a semi-analytic Monte Carlo approach was applied to analyze the relationship between multiple scattering profiles measured by off-axis lidar and IOPs. Next, a tank experiment was conducted to establish an analytical expression for this relationship. Subsequently, field experiments were carried out in the South China Sea using underwater single-photon lidar. Compared to in-situ measurements, the statistical root mean square error values were 0.007 m-1 for the scattering coefficient, 0.012 m-1 for the beam attenuation coefficient, and 0.014 m-1 for the absorption coefficient, validating the feasibility of the proposed method. Overall, this new IOP measurement approach is expected to contribute to advances in ocean biogeochemical cycle research.

A Highly Active Molybdenum Carbide Catalyst with Dynamic Carbon Flux for Reverse Water‐Gas Shift Reaction

AbstractMolybdenum carbide has been reported as an efficient and stable catalyst for reverse water‐gas shift (RWGS) reaction. The conventional understanding of the mechanism suggests domination of the surface phenomena, with only surface or subsurface layers partaking in the catalytic cycle. In this study, we presented a highly active MoC catalyst from carburization process, which showed a mass‐specific reaction rate over 260 μm with dynamic carbon flux in the bulk phase of the catalyst. Through Isotopic Temperature‐Programmed Reaction (ITPR) analysis and Environmental Transmission Electron Microscopy (ETEM), we discerned dynamic carbon flow circulating between the α‐MoC bulk phase and the gas phase reactants under the RWGS reaction atmosphere. This circulation, essential to maintaining the structural stability of the metastable α‐MoC and its ultra‐high reactivity, is accompanied by thorough carbon component exchange among the bulk, the surface and the gas‐phase reactants during the reaction process.

A Highly Active Molybdenum Carbide Catalyst with Dynamic Carbon Flux for Reverse Water-Gas Shift Reaction.

Molybdenum carbide has been reported as an efficient and stable catalyst for reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) reaction. The conventional understanding of the mechanism suggests domination of the surface phenomena, with only surface or subsurface layers partaking in the catalytic cycle. In this study, we presented a highly active MoC catalyst from carburization process, which showed a mass-specific reaction rate over 260 μm with dynamic carbon flux in the bulk phase of the catalyst. Through Isotopic Temperature-Programmed Reaction (ITPR) analysis and Environmental Transmission Electron Microscopy (ETEM), we discerned dynamic carbon flow circulating between the α-MoC bulk phase and the gas phase reactants under the RWGS reaction atmosphere. This circulation, essential to maintaining the structural stability of the metastable α-MoC and its ultra-high reactivity, is accompanied by thorough carbon component exchange among the bulk, the surface and the gas-phase reactants during the reaction process.

Stochastic Models of Zoonotic Avian Influenza with Multiple Hosts, Environmental Transmission, and Migration in the Natural Reservoir.

Avian influenza virus type A causes an infectious disease that circulates among wild bird populations and regularly spills over into domesticated animals, such as poultry and swine. As the virus replicates in these intermediate hosts, mutations occur, increasing the likelihood of emergence of a new variant with greater transmission to humans and a potential threat to public health. Prior models for spread of avian influenza have included some combinations of the following components: multi-host populations, spillover into humans, environmental transmission, seasonality, and migration. We develop an ordinary differential equation (ODE) model for spread of a low pathogenic avian influenza virus that combines all of these factors, and we translate this into a stochastic continuous-time Markov chain model. Linearization of the ODE near the disease-free solution leads to the basic reproduction number , a threshold for disease extinction in both the ODE and Markov chain. The linearized Markov chain leads to a branching process approximation which provides an estimate for probability of disease extinction, i.e., probability no major disease outbreak in the multi-host system. The probability of disease extinction depends on the time and the population into which infection is introduced and reflects the seasonality inherent in the system. Some of the most sensitive parameters to model outcomes include wild bird recovery and environmental transmission. We find that migratory wild birds can drive infection numbers in other populations even when transmission parameters for those populations are low, and that environmental transmission can be a significant driver of infections.

Risk Identification and Mitigation of Skin and Soft Tissue Infections in Military Training Environments.

Staphylococcus aureus (SA), including methicillin-resistant strains (MRSAs), is a major cause of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) in military populations. This study investigated SSTI incidence and SA carriage in a military training site over 16 weeks using a prospective observational cohort design. Two training cohorts provided pre- and post-training self-collected swabs for bacterial carriage, and environmental swabs from accommodations, personal items, and training facilities. Hygiene awareness and practices were assessed through questionnaires. Bacteria were identified using culture, mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF), and genomic sequencing. Nasal carriage of SA increased from 19% to 49% by the end of training. SSTIs requiring treatment occurred in 16% of participants. Steam cleaning reduced but did not eliminate SA on personal bed linen. Additionally, 40% of participants had poor knowledge of antibacterial cleaning practices and wound management. Increased SA carriage was linked to human-to-human transmission in close-quarter military training environments. Improved personal hygiene training, wound management education, and monitored cleaning protocols are essential to mitigate SSTI risks in communal military training environments.

Regulable energy valves for energy harvesting by screw-nut structures

Abstract Piezoelectric energy harvesting (EH) is very important for environment protection. Here we developed a novel regulable phononic crystals (PnCs) featuring screw-nut structures as an energy valve for energy harvesting in wave transmission environment. It is fabricated by additive manufacturing for experimental tests. By regulating the nut of the designed PnCs, the peak output voltage and output electric power of the EH system can be varied in the range of 0.066 to 2.15 times and 0.004 to 4.63 times, respectively, compared to the unregulated PnCs. The output performance of the EH system increases as the screw-nut structure is screwed out by guiding the wave transmission, localizing more energy at the defect. The output performance of the EH system significant decrease due to the regulated nut near the defect disrupts the periodicity of the PnCs, preventing the formation of band gap and defect band. Experimental results corroborate the numerical simulations, validating the feasibility of employing screw-nut structures to manipulate output performance. This study offers a regulable solution for adaptive EH systems being capable of responding to varying environmental conditions and energy demands, and provides valuable insights for the design of self-powered devices.

Компоненти процесу інституціоналізації довіри у фінансово-банківській сфері

Introduction. The current crisis causes shifts in the structure and functions of economic systems that are accompanied by a decrease in the level of trust to the state, to the banking system and financial institutions. When governments, central banks and financial institutions are unable to recover the necessary level of trust on national and global markets, they try to facilitate access to financial resources through quantitative easing measures, but the results of these actions are not effective if they are carried out without appropriate actions aimed at ensuring the necessary level of trust in the economy. The creation of a sustainable institution of trust allows to neutralize adverse political influence on the financial system, mitigates the negative effects of sudden regulatory changes, increases investor confidence in the financial market and its institutions, and, accordingly, increases the country's investment attractiveness, which is reflected in its sovereign rating. Problem Statement. The task of the research is to identify the shortcomings in building trust in the financial and banking system, to identify its components that need to be institutionalized to ensure sustainable trust of investors and society. Purpose. To determine the necessary regulatory measures to increase confidence in the financial and banking system of Ukraine and to propose methodological approaches to increasing confidence in the financial market. Methods. General scientific and special methods were used: generalization of theoretical sources, analysis of statistical data and regulatory documents; quantitative and qualitative approaches – to characterize the economic effect of restoring trust, analysis and synthesis – to assess the impact of trust on economic development. Results. The mechanisms of market discipline and their role in the formation of trust are generalized. The factors that influence the formation of trust as a sustainable social institution in the financial and banking system are systematized. It is determined that strengthening of state and legal regulation is a necessary component of building trust in the market regulator, which should have effective tools for market clearing tools. The need for additional requirements to increase the role and responsibility of trust rationalizers is substantiated. It is established that financial inclusion is an active component of the institution of trust, as it provides a transmission environment for the mechanism of market discipline and increases the number of alternatives when obtaining financial services, which has a positive effect on the elasticity of trust. The advantages and disadvantages of the process of digitalization of financial services are emphasized, in particular, the need for its regulation to obtain at the state level the synergy effect of the use of blockchain technologies alongside with the work of traditional financial institutions, as well as the role of digitalization in increasing trust. The methods and indicators that can be used to measure trust in the financial and banking system are demonstrated. Conclusions. The institutionalization of trust is ensured by complex and continuous work in the following areas: improving corporate governance, ensuring the effective market discipline mechanisms, strengthening the effectiveness of the State regulations and legal backgrounds for market regulators activity, increasing the role and responsibility of ‘trust rationalizers’, development and balanced regulation of digitalization, which ultimately allows to create a sustainable institution of trust that becomes a fortress of financial stability.