Vol 17, No 1 (2025)

The development of diarrheal syndrome in calves is a serious problem and causes great economic losses for cattle breeding. There are infectious and non-infectious causes. The prevention of such conditions is based on the correct colonization of the symbiotic microflora of the gastrointestinal tract in calves during the neonatal period. Another important factor is the use of probiotic bacteria to regulate metabolism and microbiome. The purpose research was to find out determine evaluate the rate of elimination of bacteria of the genus Bacillus subtilis from the body of dairy cattle calves, as well as the effect of probiotics on diarrhea and changes in the microbiome. For this purpose, changes in the consistency and bacterial diversity of faeces were evaluated in animals before and after the use of a probiotic strain of B. subtilis bacteria. The results of the study show the restoration of gastrointestinal tract function in calves with signs of diarrhea. During the study, a change in the microbial community was observed under the influence of B. subtilis bacteria. The study showed that before the use of probiotics in crops on nutrient media, fungi of the genus Candida tropicalis were detected in calves of the experimental and control groups, however, after the use of probiotics in calves of the experimental group, these fungi were not detected already on the first day after completion course. The study supported the hypothesis that probiotic bacteria B. subtilis participate in restoring the function of the gastrointestinal tract in calves with diarrhea and affect the microbial community.

Background. Currently, the scientific community has accumulated a large amount of data covering the action on biological objects of alternating, constant and pulsed magnetic fields (PMF) of low intensity and induction of the order of B=0.1 Tl as a factor that triggers the oxidative stress and through a series of biochemical reactions leads to the development of a response to the effect of these fields. But the action of high-intensity pulsed magnetic fields with induction from 0.1Tl and higher on biological objects has not been studied to date.

The purpose of this study is to study the effect of high-intensity pulsed magnetic fields with induction from 0.1 Tl on the generation of superoxide anion-radicals in leaves of soft wheat Triticum avestivum L. as a response to this action. 

Materials and methods. The objects of the study were nine-day-old green and etiolated wheat sprouts of soft wheat Triticum avestivum L., grown in distilled water. Processing by a pulsed magnetic field was carried out on a specially designed experimental installation MIU-BIO-5 using a multi-turn inductor for treatment of biological objects in 25 ml test-tubes. The generation of superoxide anion-radicals was recorded spectrophotometrically at a wavelength of 480 nm, based on the donor-acceptor reaction of oxidation of adrenaline to adrenochrome.

Results. The study showed that as a result of exposure to a high-intensity pulsed magnetic field, hereinafter referred as PMF, on green sprouts of soft wheat Triticum avestivum L. after a 60-minute exposure under artificial lighting of 1600 lux, the generation of superoxide anion-radical under the action of the PMF with induction of В=0.53 Tl, В=3.71 Tl and В=5.21 Tl was equal to the control value of 2.17±0.14 μM/g, and under the action of the PMF with induction of В=2.21 Tl, a decrease in the generation to 1.69±0.14 μM/g was noted, which is 1.3 times lower than the control value. In the second experiment with etiolated sprouts, after exposure in the dark, the following decreases in the generation of superoxide anion-radical were observed in relation to the control value equal to 1.53±0.21 μM/g: when exposed to a PMF with induction of В=0.53 Tl, the generation was 1.21±0.14 μM/g, which is 1.3 times less than the control;  when exposed to a PMF with induction of 2.21 Tl, the generation was 1.12±0.16 μM/g, which is 1.4 times less than the control; when exposed to a PMF with induction of В=3.71 Tl, the generation was 1.21±0.24 μM/g, which is 1.3 times less than the control; when exposed to a PMF with induction of В=5.21 Tl, the generation was 1.13±0.08 μM/g, which is 1.4 times less than the control. A third experiment was also conducted to establish the dependence of the value of generation of superoxide anion-radical by green sprouts on time after exposure to the pulsed magnetic field with induction of В=2.21 Tl under daylight of 800 lux. During the third experiment, the following result was obtained: before exposure to the PMF, generation of superoxide anion-radical was 1.69 ±0.24 μM/g; 15 minutes after exposure, an increase in generation was noted to 1.77±0.29 μM/g; after another 15 minutes the generation value remained high and equal to 1.77±0.16 μM/g but there was a tendency towards a decrease; after 60 minutes a decrease in generation to 1.61±0.21 μM/g; and after 24 hours the generation value returned to the control value of 1.69±0.14 μM/g.  The result of the third experiment shows that the PMF with induction of В=2.21 Tl can act as a factor leading to development of oxidative stress in plants. But an hour after exposure, the developed oxidative stress is leveled out due by triggering of antioxidant mechanisms.

Conclusion. The data obtained in the course of three experiments allowed us to put forward the hypothesis that the PMF affects plants as a stress factor, provoking increased generation of superoxide anion-radical and also leads to the activation of the antioxidant system of defense of plants and its strengthening. To confirm the hypothesis put forward, it is proposed to conduct a number of additional experiments with the aim to establish the effect of a PMF on the generation of hydrogen peroxide and the activity of superoxide dismutase enzyme.

The materials of the study on the current state of the riparian forests and soils of the Kacha River in Crimea are presented.

The aim of the work was to investigate the digression-demutation processes of vegetation and soils in the riparian forests, taking into account anthropogenic impacts on them.

Materials and methods. Eight sample plots were established in the riparian forests from the source to the lower reaches of the river. Their species composition and structure, as well as the physicochemical indicators of the soils, were studied, with an assessment of the stages of community digression under economic activities.

Results. In the study of the ecosystems of the upper, middle, and lower reaches of the Kacha River, three main types of forest communities were identified: fresh black alder-hornbeam thickets, fresh oak forests with beech and black alder, and wet groves of poplar and willow. These communities characterize mature phytocenoses in the riparian forests of the Mountain Crimea, demonstrating dynamic changes in their development. In the middle reaches of the river, secondary oak forests with diverse tree species, which are at various stages of succession, predominate. In the lower reaches of the river, communities with low canopy closure and significant shrub layers are observed. The conducted research emphasizes the diversity and complexity of the ecosystems of the Kacha River.

Conclusions. The riparian forests are extremely vulnerable due to centuries of human activity impacting them. They can be regarded as bioindicators that can reveal, through their structure and composition of vegetation, the intensity of anthropogenic impact on these ecosystems, considering the temporal factor.

Background. Psoriasis is a persistent inflammation that leads to an excessive growth of cells. Vitamins are crucial for maintaining the health of the skin. 

Purpose. Study the relationship between vitamins and psoriasis. 

Methods. A randomized clinical trial was carried out in Basrah , Iraq. Specimens were obtained from the Al-Faihaa Hospital and the Basrah Teaching Hospital. The analytical sample consisted of 45 individuals diagnosed with psoriasis and 45 persons who were in good condition. Their data were collected based on age, gender, disease severity, treatment, and geographical area,  we conducted an analysis of the samples using several ELISA device measurements .

Results. The study revealed notable disparities in the levels of vitamin C and vitamin D, with statistically significant differences at a significance level of p<0.001. Additionally, there was a significant difference in the levels of vitamin E, with a significance level of p<0.01. The data did not indicate any variations in vitamin A levels, save for a discrepancy based on geographical location. The findings indicated a decline in vitamin E levels among male patients and a reduction in vitamin D levels among female patients. There is a positive relationship between the variables C, E and C, D. The results did not indicate any impact on the concentration of vitamins based on the severity of the condition and the method of treatment. 

Conclusions. It is imperative to administer vitamins (C, D, and E) to individuals with psoriasis, in order to prevent the exacerbation of symptoms and the development of other ailments.

Background. Acidic soils account for about 50% of all cultivated lands in the world. The yield of wheat grain can increase up to 50% with a decrease in acidity from 4.9 to 6.2. In this regard it is relevant to assess the varietal reaction of winter wheat seed germs to changes in the acidity level of the growing environment.

Purpose. The study was aimed to evaluate the acidity (рН=5, рН=7, рН=9) effect of the aqueous medium on changes in germinative energy, germinating ability and biometrics of wheat germs of varieties and promising lines of soft winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Materials and methods. The researches were carried out in the conditions of a laboratory experiment (n=6). The object of the research was seed grain of varieties and promising lines of soft winter wheat. The wheat seeds were germinated according to All-Union State Standard 12038-84. The effect of three acidity levels of the aqueous medium was studied: pH=7 (neutral) – control, pH=5 (acidic), pH=9 (alkaline). The change in the water acidity was carried out by electrolysis using an ionizer "IVA-II".

Results. In the early stages of organogenesis the varietal reaction of Triticum aestivum to the acidity affected seed germination insignificant (V˂5.5%). The mean reaction of the varieties to changes in the acidity was recorded on the length of germs and central roots on the 7th day. The highest germ length of the varieties on average (11.39±0.66 cm) and the central root length (9.48±0.99 cm) were observed in the variants with a neutral medium. Primordial roots reduced crude biomass in an aqueous medium by 42.3-48.6%. Such varieties as Angelina, Rubezhnaya, Mera, STRG 806015, EN Cepheus, EN Photon and the promising line Erythrosperum 69/21 showed the highest acid resistance (V=2.6-8.6%) by germ weight.

Conclusion. It has been found that varieties and promising lines of the Triticum aestivum species prefer a neutral and alkaline reaction of the growing medium (pH= 7 and 9), and an acidic medium (pH=5) causes slowing down growth intensity and decreasing the mass of germs and embryo roots.

Background. Olive (O. europaea) is a popular fruit crop, and is the second in the world by area after coffee. The main limiting factor for olive cultivation in regions located on the northern border of the subtropical zone, as well as in temperate climates, is their low frost resistance. So, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the degree of influence of low negative temperatures on the functional state of leaves of different O. europaea genotypes.

Materials and methods. The functioning of pigment apparatus, stability of chlorophyll-protein complex and membrane damage under freezing temperatures were evaluated on leaves of the following cultivars of olive: ‘Aglandau’, ‘Coreggiolo’, ‘Obilnaya’, ‘Tiflis’, ‘Dalmatica’, ‘Nikitskaya 2’, ‘Ascolano’, ‘Tossijskaya’, ‘Leccino’, ‘Razzo’. The studies were carried out under native conditions (control) and after exposure to low temperatures (immediately and after 24 hours of the stress factor influence). Four temperature effects were analyzed: -7°C, -10°C, -12°C and -14°C.

Results and conclusion. Exposure to sub-zero temperatures induced a different response both in the manifestation of visual lesions on leaves and in changes in their physiological parameters. At a low gradient of temperature exposure (-7... - 10°C), leaf tissues of the European selection varieties ‘Coreggiolo’, ‘Ascolano’, ‘Leccino’ and ‘Razzo’ were damaged: electrical conductivity reached 15%, chlorophyll stability index decreased, variable fluorescence and photosynthetic activity coefficients decreased, uncontrolled photon quenching was significantly higher than the effective photochemical quantum yield and non-photochemical quenching. Cultivars of crimean and caucasian breeding are characterised by increased frost resistance. Cultivars ‘Nikitskaya 2’, ‘Tossijskaya’ and ‘Tiflis’ demonstrate integrity of leaf cell membranes, preservation of stability of photosynthetic pigments content and work of photosystems at different levels of their organization at –14°C.

The experiment was conducted in the laboratories of the University of Agriculture in Basra University. The study included investigating the behavior of lead adsorption in soil samples at equilibrium conditions and factors affecting adsorption by organic residues (animal and plant) Soil samples were taken from two different locations in Basra State (Al-Zubair and Kutayban). A laboratory experiment was conducted in which five volumes of mg L ^-1 of lead (20-40-80-160-200) were added to each soil sample, with three modified for the Langmuir and Freundlich equations of the adsorption system was used to describe the nature of lead adsorption in the soil sample under investigation. The study concluded that the rate of adsorption increased with increasing amount of lead added, and the change in soil adsorption capacity was responsible for differences in chemical and physical properties of experimental soil of the species, represented by calcium carbonate concentration, organic matter, clay content and type, pH, and ionic strength.

Background. On the territory of the steppe low-forest areas of Western Siberia, plantations of state protective forest strips perform an important ecological, social, organizational and economic function. They have reached the age of 52-63 years, in some places they have disintegrated or are losing viability, in some places they are successfully developing and, in general, have great cognitive value for the development of protective afforestation.

The purpose of the work is to determine the current state of stands, to identify the most effective methods of their creation and cultivation in broadband plantations on the lands of the arid zone.

Materials and methods. The research was conducted on temporary sample plots using standard methods of plantation taxation, study of old-growth forest cultures and mathematical processing of field observation data.

Results. It has been established that the establishment of plantations with the use of fallow tillage and deep loosening, planting seedlings of the main species in clean rows at 2.5-3.0 m justified itself. The initial species composition has a great influence on their development. In the dry steppe in mixed and complex deciduous plantations there is early growth suppression and loss of the main species: Betula pendula, Populus ×sibirica, Ulmus laevis. Acer negundo and, especially, Malus baccata, introduced during planting both in the inner and downslope rows, are a sharp competition to them. Cutting out these species in middle age does not have a positive effect. Clean stands of both deciduous and coniferous species grow better and remain viable longer. The feasibility of creating wide strips of Ulmus parvifolia, as well as its use as a companion needs further study.

Conclusion. When creating protective plantations in dry steppe, the use of aggressive species as an admixture, undergrowth and edges should be excluded. On chestnut soils the breeding of pure Pinus silvestris cultures has a great prospect, on dark chestnut soils - Pinus silvestris and Larix sibirica. On chernozems of the region, pure stands of both deciduous and coniferous species have stable growth and high viability. Coniferous stands are characterized by greater longevity and marketability.

Background. The degradation of coniferous forests dominated by siberian fir (Abies sibirica Ledeb.) as a consequence of outbreaks of the Siberian silkmoth (Dendrolimus sibiricus Tschetv.) gives rise to considerable environmental and economic damage at the regional level. An improved understanding of the ecology of the pest population in mountainous terrain will facilitate the development of a more effective monitoring system and the use of a digital terrain model to predict the spread of the outbreak. This will allow the implementation of timely active forest protection measures.

Purpose. This study aims to investigate the spatiotemporal patterns of the Siberian silkmoth outbreak by analyzing orographic data from mountainous southern taiga forests in Siberia.

Materials and methods. The study was carried out by the method of retrospective analysis based on a geoinformation system combined with data from remote sensing of the Earth. The research was based on a time series of Landsat-8 images obtained from the USGS Earth Explorer data portal (https://earthexplorer.usgs.gov/) with a spatial resolution of 30 m.

Results. This was achieved by analyzing time series data from Landsat-8 satellite images. An assessment was conducted of the area of defoliated forests and the relief features of such an area using the ASTER digital elevation model. This was done in order to detail the parameters for predicting the development of the pest outbreaks based on the following orographic characteristics in mid-mountain relief: height above sea level, terrain slope and slope exposure.

Conclusion. It is recommended that the early detection of Siberian silkmoth outbreaks in mountainous southern taiga forests should be aimed at the initial monitoring of dark coniferous stands concentrated at altitudes from 400 to 600 m above sea level, located on flat areas and slopes of up to 15 degrees, including exposures predominantly occupied by feather moss forest types.

At present, the problems of the formation of a way of life and the organization of education that contribute to the formation and preservation of health are of particular relevance. The professional activity of a teacher consists not only of a conscious active influence on students, but the personality of the teacher himself also has an unconscious influence, being a kind of model of behavior. Thus, having an educational impact on the younger generation. The tasks of protecting and promoting the health of students can be successfully solved only if the teacher himself/herself is healthy and lives a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, the presence of an individual’s theoretical knowledge in the field of healthy lifestyle culture does not guarantee his/her self-preservative behavior by no means.

The purpose of the work is to study the eating behavior of teachers and their nutritional status as a reflection of their level of competence in healthy lifestyle issues.

Methodology and methods. To achieve this goal the eating behavior of teachers at secondary schools and additional education was studied using generally accepted methods - the Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26), the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ). Nutritional status – using the BIA technique. To identify health-preserving competence the “Health Attitude Index” test was used (according to S. Deryabo, V. Yasvin). The obtained data were summarized and processed using statistical analysis methods using the Biostat 7.3., Microsoft Excel for Windows and AVC01–0362 software package.

Results. Our results showed that teachers of lyceums and gymnasiums, in comparison with teachers at secondary schools and additional education, had a more balanced nutritional status, their eating behavior was less dependent on various factors and was healthier in characteristics. In general, their health attitude index corresponded to a high level of health-preserving competence.

Conclusion. Interaction with children who have a higher level of cognitive activity, as well as the presence of incentives from the administration of educational institutions to improve the competence of their employees, contributes to a greater focus of lyceum and gymnasium teachers on personal and professional self-development, including in matters of a healthy lifestyle. Otherwise, there is a danger of formalization of activities, which leads to rigidity of thinking and behavior in relation to students and to oneself, and also explains the insufficient formation of the system of values and motivations of teachers at secondary schools and additional education for self-preservation behavior.

Practical significance. The results of the study can be used in developing programs and organizing activities for continuous health-forming and health-preserving education of teachers.

Background. The main focus in maintaining health is on harmonizing lifestyle. Students with different body weights may have differences in physical activity, nutrition, daily routine, and sleep quality. Identifying negative lifestyle trends will help eliminate them and improve health.

Purpose. To identify risk factors of the lifestyle of students with different body mass indexes and formulate recommendations for improving health based on them.

Materials and methods. A survey of students was conducted. A total of 1,458 people (457 boys and 1,001 girls, 555 first-year students, 374 second-year students and 529 third-year students). Data analysis was performed in an Excel pivot table. To assess the influence of the body mass index on the respondents' choice, contingency tables were used using the chi-square criterion of Pearson’s.

Results. As studies have shown, the choice of health-improving factors by students (physical activity - 27%, giving up bad habits -20%, sleep - 18%, nutrition - 15%, daily routine - 12%, hardening - 9%) in a polyvariant question is not associated with the body mass index (p> 0.05). The body mass index in a monovariant question affects the students' fulfillment of the weekly physical activity norm, the time spent at the computer, the consumption of salt, sugar, fried food and water (p<0.05) and does not affect the presence of bad habits (p>0.05). Lifestyle risk factors that could be associated with changes in body weight were identified. For students with optimal body weight, this is the frequent use of salt. For obese students, this is the lack of achieving the standard volumes of physical activity per week and rehydration during the day, using long periods of being at the computer. For overweight students, this is the frequent use of fried and smoked foods in their diet. For students with body weight deficiency, this is skipping breakfast, eating one and two meals during the day, using a diet to reduce body weight.

Conclusion. Health promotion strategies for students with different body weights may be associated with differentiated elimination of identified risk factors in lifestyle. A common task for all groups is the elimination of bad habits.

Background. The lack of data on long-term prognosis of the development of children born after IVF and isolated examples of interdisciplinary research indicate the need to systematize data on the factors that determine the characteristics of their development and health.

Purpose. The literature review is aimed at identifying the factors and features of their systemic interaction that determine the development of children born using IVF.

Materials and methods. Using keywords, an analysis of foreign and domestic studies included in databases of scientific publications which presented the results of the influence of factors on the health status and development indicators of children born after IVF was carried out. The studies are included in the scientific citation databases of the library of the Russian Foundation for Basic Research, Russian Science Citation Index, CyberLeninka, Scopus, Web of Science, and others (publication years 2010–2024).

Results. The list of factors proves that children born after IVF are influenced by special conditions, not all of them can be controlled and influenced by doctors and medical technologies. The health potential of a child in the early stages of ontogenesis is determined primarily by biological factors, but the success of development at further age stages is determined by the quality of the social development situation that the child’s parents create through their interaction with him, reliable and friendly marital relationships, stability of psychological and mental health, economic resources, etc.

Conclusion. The results of the systemic interaction of factors that have a direct and indirect impact on the health and mental development of the children indicate the feasibility of introducing medical, psychological and pedagogical preventive programs to support families with children born after IVF.

Background. In connection with the military-political events taking place in modern conditions, the participation of the Russian Armed Forces and other troops in maintaining international peace and security in various theaters of operations, the issues of the effectiveness of various types of support for military personnel come to the fore. In conditions where a large number of military personnel (employees) are involved in combat operations and the performance of special tasks, the risk of exposure to adverse factors of military labor and psycho-traumatic events on their health is objectively increased. In the structure of medical support for military personnel (employees), a significant place is occupied by medical and psychological rehabilitation, which is designed to restore the physical and mental health of military personnel through the organization of a complex impact. At the same time, the conceptualization of the organizational and legal foundations for conducting medical and psychological rehabilitation in relation to military personnel (employees) is an urgent scientific task, since it allows: to generalize the existing legal norms and understand the effectiveness of their functioning; identify contradictions and gaps in legal regulation; consolidate various regulatory legal requirements to simplify their understanding and practical application; as well as to improve approaches to maintaining and restoring the health of servicemen and persons equated to them.

Purpose. The work examines the organizational and regulatory aspects of medical and psychological rehabilitation of military personnel (employees), as well as the prospects for further knowledge of this phenomenon.

Materials and methods. For effective knowledge of the essence and organizational and legal foundations of the medical and psychological rehabilitation of military personnel (employees), systemic, comparative legal and integrated approaches are used in the work. The methods used in the study were: analytical, synthetic, structural-functional, analog-comparative, conceptual-generalized and comparative techniques and methods.

Results and conclusions. Based on the results of the study, the authors summarized the key regulations governing the passage (conduct) of medical and psychological rehabilitation by military personnel (employees). The algorithm for organizing medical and psychological rehabilitation and its relationship with medical rehabilitation and sanatorium treatment are substantiated. Directions for improving legislation in the field of medical and psychological rehabilitation and conducting rehabilitation holidays are noted. The main scientific results will be useful to university teaching staff, healthcare organizers, researchers of military and medical law, personnel of military-political bodies, legal and medical services of various law enforcement agencies of the Russian Federation.

Entropy as a process studied in natural phenomena is related to thermodynamics. In particular, when studying the state of the soil, its change is observed, passing through a state of equilibrium. Equilibrium states in the environment are associated with a maximum of total entropy.

The purpose of the research is to determine the energy contained in the soil at various levels depending on the fractional composition of soil particles based on empirical and calculated data.

Novelty. For the first time, an energy entropy analysis was performed for irrigated light chestnut soils, which makes it possible to determine the residual energy stored in the soil.

Materials and methods. According to field data, the analysis of the complete granulometric composition of the soil was carried out with the determination of the weight contribution of each fraction. Calculations based on the results of chemical analysis were used to isolate the mineralogical composition of the soil. The presence of humus and plant residues was determined by a generally accepted method. The sampling was carried out on the territory of the village. The waterway of the Volga-Don interfluve.

Research results. The research presents the characteristics of light chestnut heavy loamy soil. The content of physical clay in the arable horizon (2-25 cm) is 45.2%. The illuvial horizons B1 and B2 are clearly expressed in terms of silt content. The silty fraction of 27.74 - 31.22% prevails. Thermodynamic characteristics enthalpy, Gibbs energy and entropy are not absolute values. They represent the proportion of energy remaining in the soil of a particular mineral, or its property. The analysis of thermodynamic parameters showed that in the horizon of 2-25 cm the values (∆H, ∆G, ∆S) are greatest in the coarse–powdered fraction, followed by the silty fraction, fine- , medium-powdered and sand. At a depth of 26-55 cm, coarse-dusty and silty are ahead of all fractions in terms of potentially high thermodynamic parameters. At a depth of 56-75 cm, the tendency of the predominance of coarse-dusty and silty fractions persists.

Conclusion. The highest indicators of thermodynamic potentials in the horizon of 25-55 cm - ∆H kJ/mol—1415,6, - ∆G kJ/mol—1328,22, ∆S J /mol grad - 66.85. This horizon is characterized by the maximum values of the potential relative residual energy. The lowest potential is deeper than 75 cm. Entropy decreases with depth, in the horizon of 25-55 cm it is maximum.

Background. Strawberry is a highly valued and perishable food item. The freshness of these fruits plays a crucial role in their quality, as it determines their shelf life, nutritional content, visual appeal, and safety for human consumption. Traditional methods of assessing fruit freshness are subjective, labor-intensive, and have low productivity. This study aims to develop a methodology for quantitatively assessing the freshness of strawberries using hyperspectral imaging, which can provide objective and accurate measurements of fruit quality.

Materials and method. During the research, we evaluated the spectral properties of the outer surface and internal structure of strawberries from "Remontant Elizabeth II" over a period of 26 days after harvesting. The measuring instrument used was an acousto-optical Vis-NIR imaging spectrometer. Digital data processing involved preprocessing spectral images, morphological analysis, and calculating a quantitative metric for spectral reflectance at the most informative wavelengths. Statistical analysis was based on constructing regression models to determine the post-harvest period for strawberries. Model evaluation was done using the coefficients of determination (R²), relative error (RE), and root mean squared error (RMSE).

Results. The methodology for assessing the freshness of strawberries using hyperspectral imaging has been proposed. Mathematical models for determining the post-harvest period of "Remontant Elizaveta II" strawberries were obtained using hyperspectral images of the surface and internal structure of the samples. Analysis of the spectral properties of the external surface of fruits showed higher accuracy in determining the postharvest period, with ,  and .. Regression models with different polynomial orders were assessed, and the cubic polynomial showed the greatest effectiveness. A set of the most informative wavelengths was determined, based on which multiple regression analysis was performed, demonstrating the highest accuracy.

Conclusion. The developed methodology for quantitative analysis of strawberry freshness stands out for its precision, objectivity, efficiency, and automation. Assessment of individual stages, including sample preparation, hyperspectral imaging, digital data processing, and statistical analysis will be beneficial to advance methods for spectral diagnostics of food products. Proposed approach could supplement traditional methods of food quality control. Research could be used to develop optimal strategies for transportation, processing, storage and marketing of strawberry batches.

Background. Ticks are known to cause tick-borne zoonotic diseases (meta-zoonosis). On the other hand, several factors, such as animal gender and animal replacement, pet dogs/their owner associations as well as soil composition, have been reported to be potential risk factors for brucellosis at the animal level. Currently, scientific data is also being accumulated that proves the association between Ixodes ticks and brucellosis cases.

Purpose. The current study in the range of "The role of Ixodes ticks in the transmission of brucellosis" aims to study the prevalence of Ixodes ticks in Tavush Province of Armenia in association with the loci of outbreaks of brucellosis in Tavush.

Materials and methods.  Fieldwork was conducted from January to December 2023 in the Berd Region of the Tavush Distinct. Ticks were gathered/quantified/prepared for analysis according to standard methodological guidelines. Flagging was conducted at intervals of 50–60 steps, yielding approximately 30 samples per geographic zone.

For the database creation on animal brucellosis cases during 1950-2020, archival data from relevant organizations and internet sources were studied.

Results. Through a comprehensive study, the occurrence of six tick species in the Berd region with diverse ecosystems, including plains, forests, subalpine, and alpine zones – Rhipicephalus annulatus, Rhipicephalus bursa, Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor marginatus, Hyalomma marginatum and Hyalomma  scupense—was documented.

Conclusion. The results of the present studies do not exclude the role of Ixodes ticks in the outbreaks of brucellosis cases in the region. The results are important for the development of strategies for zoonosis control as well as for the determination of pastures for livestock.

Background.  Modern animal breeding and fodder production aim to create favourable conditions and provide a balanced diet, including feed additives that positively affect the growth and development of farm animals and poultry. Yeast has gained attention due to the beneficial effects of its cellular components and biologically active compounds.

Purpose. Review and analysis of scientific publications on the use of various forms of yeast, namely Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as a feed additive for farm animals and poultry.

Materials and methods. To achieve the objective, we conducted a review of the scientific literature on the topic under study. This involved searching for evaluating, selecting and analyzing data.

Results. This review provides a brief description of the main bioactive components of yeast cells, which are believed to be responsible for the positive effects on animal health, including improved productivity, immune response, antioxidant status, and rumen and intestinal condition. These effects are largely attributed to the ability of yeast cells to modulate the microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and reducing colonisation by pathogens.

Conclusion. Although there is a significant amount of data demonstrating the positive effects of yeast, contradictions exist that make it impossible to fully assess its safety for the organism. Therefore, it is not recommended for use in officially approved diets on an industrial scale until further studies have been conducted to better understand and dissect the effects and mechanisms of action of yeast and its components.