• Energy Research

The methodological framework for assessing adaptability of the economy to changes in energy prices and risks to energy markets was developed. The study proposes indicators for assessing the level of adaptability of the economic sectors to changes in prices for energy carriers and to risks of energy markets. The model of decomposition of adaptability level of the economy sectors to changes in energy prices has been developed. The theoretical and empirical analysis of the influence of energy prices on adaptability level of enterprises and households is carried out. Based on the empirical analysis, it was found that adaptability level of the sectors of Ukrainian economy significantly differs both in the years of the investigated period and in sectors of the economy. At the same time, most indicators of the level of adaptability vary from 0.4 to 0.7. Consequently, the actual decline in the profit of enterprises was 40–70% lower than the potentially possible decrease in the profit of these enterprises due to the prices rising for energy carriers. Moreover sectors which are less vulnerable to the growth of prices show higher adaptability level.The possibility of using the obtained results in developing a state energy saving strategy is substantiated.

The main objective of the research is to assess the ability of the Ukrainian economy and its individual industries to ensure, in the conditions of economic growth, a stable reduction of natural gas consumption and, consequently, to reduce dependence on its imports. Six types of relationships were identified between the change in sectoral added value and the change in the consumption of certain energy resources, in particular natural gas. The conditions are established under which the growth of sectoral added value is accompanied by a decrease in the consumption of certain energy resources. The index of sectoral efficiency of the use of certain energy resources was proposed and a model of the decomposition of the growth rate of this indicator was constructed. Quantitative indicators of measuring economic barriers on the way to introduction of energy-saving technologies are presented. Conditions under which economic growth is accompanied by a decrease in the level of dependence of the economy on imports of energy resources are modeled. The dynamics of natural gas consumption by sectors of the Ukrainian economy is analyzed. It is proved that reduction of natural gas consumption due to increased energy efficiency occurs mainly in industries with an average value of share of the cost of purchasing this energy in the total operating expenses. An estimation is undertaken of the possibility of achieving independence of the Ukrainian economy from the import of natural gas in different scenarios of changing main parameters that determine the probability of such an achievement.

Cancerous diseases are rightfully considered among the most lethal, which have a consistently negative effect when considering official statistics in regular health reports around the globe. Nowadays, metallic nanoparticles can be potentially applied in medicine as active pharmaceuticals, adjustable carriers, or distinctive enhancers of physicochemical properties if combined with other drugs. Boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) molecules have been considered for future applications in theranostics in the oncology field, thus expanding the potential of conceivable applicability. Hence, taking into account positive practical features of both metal-based nanostructures and BODIPY derivatives, the present study aims to gather recent results connected to BODIPY-conjugated metallic nanoparticles. This is with respect to their expediency in the diagnosis and treatment of tumor ailments as well as in sensing of heavy metals. To fulfill the designated objectives, multiple research documents were analyzed concerning the latest discoveries within the scope of BODIPY-based nanomaterials with particular emphasis on their utilization for diagnostical sensing as well as cancer diagnostics and therapy. In addition, collected examples of mentioned conjugates were presented in order to draw the attention of the scientific community to their practical applications, elucidate the topic in a consistent manner, and inspire fellow researchers for new findings.

Presently, a major challenge is the search for new compounds that may exhibit an inhibitory effect on tumor progression. Recently, the 4-thiazolidinone (4-TZD) group has gained attention in this research field. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anticancer effects of two new 4-TZD-based derivatives (Z)-5-[5-(2-hydroxyphenyl)- (Les- 4368) and (Z)-5-[5-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-3-phenyl-4,5-dihydropyrazol-1-ylmethylene]-3-(3-acetoxyphenyl)-2-thioxothiazolidin-4-ones (Les-4370) on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ)-dependent cytotoxicity in human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (CACO-2) and in normal human fibroblasts (BJ) in vitro. Les-4368 and Les-4370 exerted a toxic effect on both tested cell lines in high (micromolar) concentrations (10–100 µM). In addition, Les-4368 and Les-4370 applied in the BJ and CACO-2 cells in the concentration range of 10 µM to 100 µM increased the activity of caspase-3 and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROSs). The mRNA expression of PPARγ-related genes (PPARγ, AhR, PXR, and NF-κB) showed certain changes in these parameters, proving the engagement of this receptor in the induction of the biological effects of both tested 4-TZD derivatives. Moreover, the treatment of the BJ and CACO-2 cells with Les-4368, Les-4370, an antagonist (GW9662), or an agonist (rosiglitazone) of the PPARγ receptor also resulted in changes in the above-mentioned parameters. Unfortunately, the tested substances studied cell line work in a non-selective way at a relatively high concentration, which reduces their potential for clinical application. Our research is the preliminary study with the use of these compounds and requires further studies to elucidate the mechanisms of action of their anticancer potential.

Currently, the governments of many countries are facing with a lack of funds for financing programs for social protection of population. Among the causes of this problem, we can indicate the high unemployment rate, which, among other things, is due to implementation of labor-saving technologies. The purpose of this work is to study the impact of technological changes on the sustainability of the state social security system in Ukraine. The general approaches to the assessment of the stability of the state social security system are described. The simulation of the effect of economically efficient technological changes on the company’s income and expenses was carried out. Some patterns of such changes are established. The group of productive technological changes types is presented. The model is developed, and an indicator of the impact estimation of efficiently effective technological changes on the stability of the state social security system is proposed. The analysis of the main indicators of the state social security system functioning of Ukraine is carried out. The dynamics of indicators characterizing the labor market of Ukraine is analyzed. The influence of changes in labor productivity on costs and profits by industries of Ukraine is estimated. The evaluation of the impact of economically efficient technological changes in the industries of Ukraine on the stability of its state social security system is carried out. The different state authorities can use the obtained results for developing measures to manage the sustainability of the state social security system.