Commodity science. Technologies. Engineering

Assessing the damage from the loss of natural monuments of the museum fund of Ukraine

2026-06-19T11:33:45+00:00

The article describes the results of the analysis of the distribution of the cost indicators of meteorites and fossilized remains of animals and plants of the geological past on auction sites and proposes mathematical models for calculating the estimated value of such items. The relevance of the work is determined by the need to assess the financial losses caused to the Museum Fund of Ukraine. The purpose of the article is to formulate meaningful criteria for assessing the quality and determining the level of financial losses from the loss or damage of meteorites and fossilized remains of animals and plants of the geological past by determining their estimated value using the method of mathematical modeling. The study is based on the hypothesis that based on the analysis of the cost indicators of natural monuments, in particular meteorites and fossilized remains of animals and plants of the geological past, exhibited on the open market, it is possible to determine their estimated value using the method of mathematical modeling. Two databases of initial data were created – on the cost of 105 meteorites and the cost of 103 samples of fossilized remains of animals and plants of the geological past, presented for sale on auction sites. Based on the analysis of the initial databases, mathematical modeling was carried out and regression equations were constructed to determine the estimated value of meteorites and fossilized remains of animals and plants of the geological past. A protocol for recording useful information about natural monuments was presented, which provides criteria for assessing the quality of natural monuments and their ranking. Examples of calculating possible financial losses from the loss of natural monuments are given, in particular, the estimated value of a complete skeleton of a mosasaur and a certified iron meteorite, which were put up for sale, was determined. The presented methodology can be used to determine financial losses in the event of loss or damage to natural monuments, in particular meteorites and fossilized remains of animals and plants of the geological past.

Plant-based milk alternatives market: global trends

2026-06-19T11:09:24+00:00

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state and prospects for the development of the plant-based beverage market as an alternative to traditional cow's milk. The aim of the research is to study the plant raw materials used for the production of alternative drinks, to evaluate their functional and technological properties, as well as to study modern trends in the production and assortment of the herbal drinks market in Ukraine and abroad. The research is based on the hypothesis that the further growth of the vegetable protein drinks market will be caused by an increase in demand for products of plant origin. At the same time, the protein of Vicia faba beans, due to its high nutritional value, favorable functional and technological characteristics and compliance with the concept of sustainable development, can be considered as a promising ingredient for the creation of competitive plant analogues of milk drinks. The research used methods of statistical, comparative and analytical research, generalization of scientific data and content analysis of information sources. The information basis of the work was made up of official statistical materials of the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, as well as data from international organizations, including FAO, WHO, Euromonitor and Statista. The main factors driving the growth of demand for this product are investigated, among which the key ones are the high level of lactose intolerance (which covers about 75% of the world's population), the spread of veganism, and the growing attention of consumers to environmental aspects of production. The authors systematized the classification of plant-based beverages by raw material, distinguishing between grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and pseudocereals. Particular attention is paid to the functional potential of such products, in particular the content of protein, dietary fiber, antioxidants, and their effect on the glycemic index of the product. A specific focus of the research is the use of Vicia faba (fava bean) protein as an innovative ingredient. It was determined that this raw material allows to increase the nutritional value of beverages and to ensure the requirements of a "clean label", which is confirmed by the experience of leading global companies, such as Nestlé and Danone. The results of the study confirmed the hypothesis that the demand for plant-based products is increasing. The structure of the world and domestic markets is also analyzed. The activities of key Ukrainian manufacturers (TM "Lustdorf", "Vitmark-Ukraine", "Halychyna") are highlighted, which are actively adapting to new consumer trends, despite difficult economic conditions.

The meat and canned meat market in Ukraine: 2020–2025

2026-06-19T11:23:36+00:00

In the conditions of martial law in Ukraine, ensuring food security becomes particularly relevant. At the same time, hostilities have significantly complicated the operation of the agro-industrial complex, causing losses of livestock and interruptions in the functioning of the processing industry. Under such crisis conditions, the demand for long-term storage products is growing sharply – in particular, canned meat for the needs of the army, internally displaced persons and humanitarian programs. There is an urgent need to modernize the production of canned meat by introducing innovative technologies and using environmentally friendly heat-resistant packaging materials, as well as improving product quality and safety control systems in accordance with international standards (ISO 22000, HACCP). This creates the prerequisites for increasing the competitiveness of domestic products and expanding their export potential. The current state of the industry has been analyzed and key trends have been identified. The scientific hypothesis is that the modern Ukrainian canned meat market, despite existing problems, has significant development potential, provided that innovative thermal processing and packaging technologies are introduced, international food safety standards are met, and manufacturers flexibly adapt to current market trends. The study used statistics (FAO, OECD, State Statistics Service, State Customs Service), regulatory documents, and scientific sources. General scientific methods of analysis and logical generalization were applied. Data processing was carried out in MS Excel. It has been established that despite the challenges, the production of canned meat is growing. Poultry meat products are leading, and Ukraine has become an exporter of chicken. The identified trends have not only market, but also strategic significance in the context of modern challenges: canned meat serves as a product with high suitability for stockpiling, long-term storage, and transportation, which makes them critically important for stable food supply of the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Therefore, the improvement of production and packaging technologies, guaranteed safety, and predictability of the raw material base directly affect the reliability of supply, quality standardization, and the ability of the industry to promptly meet the needs of the defense sector. The study confirmed the industry’s potential, provided there are innovations, compliance with standards, and adaptation to the market. The obtained results can serve as a basis for forming strategic guidelines for the development of Ukraine’s canned meat industry, which will contribute to the modernization of production, increase competitiveness, and strengthen the country’s food security.

Preservation of the quality of blueberry berries in retail

2026-06-19T11:42:17+00:00

The demand for blueberries in the world and in Ukraine is steadily growing, which is due to their high nutritional value, beneficial properties and popularity among consumers. In this regard, it is relevant to study and study the characteristics that affect the preservation and improvement of the quality of berries during their circulation in the retail network. The purpose of the work is to study changes in the quality of blueberries during the sale process and determine organoleptic indicators that can be used as quality criteria. The hypothesis of the study is that changes in the quality of blueberries depend on physical, biochemical and chemical processes, the speed of which is determined not only by endogenous, but also by external factors: ambient temperature, storage duration, etc. The study used a complex of special and general scientific methods: methods of organoleptic, physicochemical analysis, analysis and synthesis, comparison, generalization and systematization. The results of the study of changes in organoleptic and individual physicochemical indicators of the quality of blueberries during sale are presented. The hypothesis was confirmed that the preservation of the quality of blueberries depends on a combination of endogenous and exogenous factors. Indicators that can serve as a criterion for the freshness of berries were determined. It was proven that the shelf life of high-quality blueberries in perforated polymer consumer packaging in refrigerated counters of a retail store at a temperature of 6° C does not exceed 5 days, which is significantly different from the storage periods recommended by regulatory documents in refrigerated chambers. It was shown that an increase in temperature accelerates changes in the appearance and loss of turgor of berries, and also reduces their consumer properties. At a temperature of 6 ºС, the storage duration should not exceed 5 days. It is recommended to use the uniformity and preservation of epicuticular wax on the surface of berries as one of the criteria for the freshness of berries.

Commodity examination of lipsticks

2026-06-19T11:51:05+00:00

The article analyzes the range of cosmetic products, including lipsticks. The results of a study of the saturation of the market with domestic and foreign products are presented. The requirements for the quality of lipsticks are presented. The composition of lipsticks is studied for compliance with the current legislation of Ukraine. The study is based on the assumption of the feasibility of using a product evaluation of lipsticks to establish the level of safety of their composition during the transitional period of the introduction of the Technical Regulations on cosmetic products. The methodological basis of the study covers general scientific techniques – from data collection to their logical processing and theoretical synthesis. Graphical modeling was used to interpret and visually demonstrate dynamic changes in the analyzed indicators. It was found that all the lipstick samples tested contained components permitted by the Technical Regulations. Four dangerous and prohibited ingredients were found in the lipstick of the Patricia Ledo Classic brand, which casts doubt on the safety of the product.

Organoleptic properties of products for enteral nutrition with gerodietetic purposes

2026-06-19T12:01:41+00:00

Among the primary factors that determine the level of human life activity and health are social determinants, in particular the state of meeting nutritional needs. Their satisfaction acquires special importance in emergency situations, which is why products for enteral nutrition have become quite widely used in modern practice. To meet the needs of the population, eliminate the problem of import dependence, and expand their range, a series of gerodietetic products for enteral nutrition has been developed. One of the main ways of their consumption is considered to be oral, which involves the engagement of human sensory organs. Considering this, ensuring proper organoleptic properties of products for enteral nutrition is quite important. The aim of the article is to highlight the results of the research of the organoleptic properties of the developed gerodietetic products for enteral nutrition. A scientific hypothesis has been formulated that the selected qualitative and quantitative composition of the developed products will make it possible to ensure an adequate level of their organoleptic properties. Based on the evaluation of the organoleptic properties of products for enteral nutrition in dry soluble form using the developed criteria, it was determined that all samples met the specified requirements. The proposed products were characterized by a fairly homogeneous fine-dispersed structure, had a rather attractive milky-cream colour with inclusions of crystalline and bright yellow particles, a sweet-sour taste with milky-protein notes, a similar aftertaste, and a pleasant whey scent without any foreign shades. The scientific hypothesis was confirmed. Based on the results of the evaluation of the organoleptic indicators of products for enteral nutrition according to a specially developed scale, it was established that due to a more optimal selection of the qualitative and quantitative composition of raw material components, the proposed products were predominantly characterized by higher sensory properties, except for the "smell" indicator (in control sample 1, the "vanilla" flavouring was used). The results of the evaluation of the comprehensive quality indicator of organoleptic properties of products for enteral nutrition in a ready-to-consume liquid state showed that the developed products are characterized by higher organoleptic properties compared to the control samples (by 1.78–3.34%), and their consumption will largely meet the sensory needs and preferences of representatives of the target category of consumers.

Lavender-based fermented kombucha beverage technology

2026-06-19T12:08:15+00:00

The industrial production of fermented beverages such as kombucha is a relevant area in the food industry, which is rapidly gaining popularity and attracting interest among scientists, producers, and consumers due to the combination of naturalness, refreshing taste, and potential beneficial effects, including probiotic properties. In the scientific literature, in addition to traditional ingredients such as green or black leaf tea, alternative raw materials (fruits, flowers, juices, spices) are used, which not only makes it possible to expand the assortment of kombucha but also to give the beverage other functional properties. The aim of the article is to highlight the results of obtaining an alternative kombucha using local raw materials and enriching the finished beverage with phenolic compounds. A scientific hypothesis has been formulated, which suggests that replacing loose-leaf tea with dried lavender flowers (Lavandula angustifolia) as the fermentation substrate base will influence the dynamics of chemical composition changes during fermentation by the symbiotic culture Medusomyces gisevii in the production of the fermented beverage. To verify the hypothesis, generally accepted physicochemical methods were applied to study dry matter, acidity, and polyphenolic compounds. It has been proven that lavender flower-based kombucha, after five days of fermentation, intensively accumulated dry matter and reached a value of 4.75%, thereby increasing the dry matter yield by 22%. Accordingly, the total acidity of the drink increased fivefold to 0.198 mg/100 g recalculated as acetic acid, and the pH decreased by 25% to a value of 3.8. During fermentation, polyphenolic compounds actively accumulated, their amount increased to 56.8 mg GAE/100 mL, which is twice as much as in the control sample. The obtained results demonstrate the feasibility and appropriateness of using lavender flowers as a base for fermentation in the technology of fermented beverages. The flowers did not inhibit the fermentation process and enabled the creation of a beverage with high organoleptic characteristics, rich color, and moderate CO₂ accumulation.

Conservation and restoration of Ukraine’s nature reserve fund under martial law: a European development vector

2026-06-23T08:55:29+00:00

This article presents a comparative analysis of the nature reserve fund systems in Ukraine and the European Union, examining their legislative frameworks, organizational structures, management approaches, and the overall effectiveness of their conservation activities. Special attention is dedicated to the EUʼs Natura 2000 network as a model for integrated environmental policy, alongside the specific experiences of individual European states – namely Germany, Poland, and Norway – in organizing and managing protected areas. The study is underpinned by the hypothesis that a systemic adaptation of European instruments – specifically the integration of the Natura 2000 network, the digitalization of monitoring via GIS technologies, and the decentralization of management in favor of local communities – will mitigate the institutional and financial deficits of Ukraineʼs nature reserve fund, thereby enhancing the potential for the ecological restoration of protected sites under wartime and post-crisis threats. The following scientific methods were used: analysis and synthesis – for studying scientific literature, legal acts of Ukraine and the EU on nature protection and the nature reserve fund; comparative legal method – for determining the similarities and differences between nature protection systems in Ukraine and the EU countries; cartographic method – for spatial visualisation of the network of protected areas; statistical method – for summarising quantitative indicators. The results of the comparative study confirmed the proposed hypothesis that the adaptation of European approaches, including German zoning practices, Polish forest management models, and Norwegian mechanisms of community participation, can contribute to overcoming the institutional and financial challenges faced by Ukraine under wartime conditions. The research indicates considerable opportunities for the expansion and improvement of Ukraineʼs nature reserve network; however, the effective implementation of conservation policy requires further development of legislative frameworks and management mechanisms. The comparison with European Union practices revealed a range of effective solutions that could be introduced in Ukraine, such as the integration of the Natura 2000 network principles, enhanced involvement of local communities in environmental governance, the application of digital monitoring tools, and the promotion of environmental education initiatives. Effective conservation management also depends on stable financial support, clear legal regulation of protected areas, and the establishment of efficient monitoring and control systems based on geographic information technologies. Given the current environmental risks associated with military activities, strengthening nature protection measures has become increasingly important. In this regard, cooperation with European partners represents a significant opportunity for advancing the sustainable development of Ukraineʼs environmental sector. Future research should focus on improving methodologies for assessing environmental damage using EU experience and on developing GIS-based tools for transboundary monitoring of protected ecosystems affected by armed conflict. The study identifies key similarities and differences in biodiversity conservation approaches, the deployment of digital monitoring tools, public participation mechanisms, funding models, and international cooperation practices. Furthermore, a geoinformation model illustrating the spatial distribution of Ukraineʼs nature reserve fund objects, including those located within temporarily occupied territories, is presented and analyzed. The paper delineates critical discrepancies in financing and digitalization, analyzes the GIS model of the spatial distribution of Ukraineʼs NRF objects, and outlines the large-scale environmental damages resulting from the full-scale Russian military aggression (estimated at over USD 15 billion). Based on this comprehensive analysis, actionable recommendations are formulated for adapting effective EU practices to strengthen the resilience and sustainable development of Ukraineʼs natural heritage.