INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC-PRACTICAL JOURNAL COMMODITIES AND MARKETS

Biopolymers for film formation of varnish-and-paint coatings

Taras KARAVAYEV — 2024-09-16

The growth of markets for biopolymers (bio-based plastics) is limited due to the problems of expanding the fields of application, in particular varnish-and-paint coatings, and unsatisfactory ability to form films at room temperature. The aim of the article is to establish the conditions and factors of using biopolymers (plastics) as film formers of paint and varnish systems and to determine their Hansen compatibility (solubility) and surface energy parameters. The hypothesis is the assumption that the Hansen approach is applicable to the selection of compatible solvents and plasticizers for biopolymers and the possibility of using the latter for film formation of paint coatings. Biopolymers (cellulose acetate, polylactide, cellulose acetate butyrate) and a plasticizer (polyethylene glycol) were used, for which the chemical composition was determined using infrared spectroscopy and compatibility was determined by Hansen solubility parameters. The coating was created by applying polymer solutions to KRS-5 glass and drying at room temperature. The water wetting angles were determined by the droplet method using an optical microscope and a digital camera. The molecular structure of biopolymers was studied by IR spectroscopy, their solubility parameters were established according to Hansenʼs theory and the reasonable choice of plasticizers and solvents was made based on the modelling of the respective solubility spheres, followed by confirmation of a decrease in the minimum film formation temperature of the polymer and the assessment of the change in surface polarity. As a result of the conducted research, it has been shown that bio-based polymers can be used as film formers for solvent-based paint and varnish systems. The polylactide and acetobutyrate considered in this work are capable of forming films without defects at room temperature, but only when the plasticizer content is above 10 wt. %. The Hansen solubility coordinates for these polymers were determined, and the bio-based plasticizer suitable for both materials was selected based on the obtained values. The results of the study of the wetting angle showed that the addition of a plasticizer increases the surface energy of the films, which in turn causes a decrease in their wetting angle with water when added in an amount above 10 wt. %.

The quality of gluten-free sourdough bread with starter culture LV–1

Dina FEDOROVA — 2024-09-16

Development of a technology adapted to local conditions and promotion to the domestic market of CL gluten-free sourdough bread with improved organoleptic characteristics and high nutritional value in the context of the state policy on improving food security of Ukraine, resource saving, increasing high-quality products of domestic production based on locally produced grain crops, in particular from sorghum grains, is an urgent and timely task. The purpose of the article is to establish the influence of rice sourdough with starter culture LV-1 on the rheological and technological properties of the quality of gluten-free dough based on whole grain sorghum flour, the parameters of the technological process and the quality of the finished bread. The subjects of the study are whole-grain rice flour, sorghum LLC "Cascade", rice sourdough using starter culture LV-1 Livendo™, model compositions of dough and gluten-free bread using rice sourdough. The titrated acidity of sourdough and dough samples, mass fraction of moisture, gas formation during fermentation and gas retention, specific volume and porosity of bread, fragility and moisture absorption capacity of bread crumb were determined according to generally accepted methods. It has been experimentally confirmed that the use of 30–40% of rice sourdough to the mass of the flour mixture, prepared using the starter culture LV-1, significantly improves the rheological and physicochemical parameters of gluten-free dough based on whole grain sorghum flour. The strength of the investigated model dough systems using 30% of rice sourdough increases to 249.8 Pa, which is 2.1 times higher than the corresponding values for the dough without sourdough. The addition of rice sourdough intensifies acid accumulation, release of CO₂ and gas-holding capacity of sorghum dough and ensures the formation of the necessary rheological characteristics. At the same time, the amount of released CO₂ and the gas-holding capacity of the dough increase with an increase in the dosage of rice sourdough, and in dough samples using 30% of sourdough, they reach the maximum values, which is consistent with the results of rheological studies. The use of sourdough made it possible to increase the specific volume of experimental bread samples by 14.4–46.2%, their acidity by 0.4–1.4 degrees, and porosity by 10.6–31.9% compared to the control (bread without sourdough). Bread with the use of 30–40% rice sourdough acquires a more developed porosity and specific volume, a brightly expressed acid-alcohol taste and a bread aroma, approaching traditional bread based on first-grade wheat flour. It has been proven that the use of 30–40% rice sourdough with starter culture LV-1 1 for the production of gluten-free bread contributes to the improvement of rheological and technological indicators of the quality of semi-finished products and bread based on sorghum flour, which makes it possible to obtain affordable domestic gluten-free CL bread with improved organoleptic characteristics.

Systemic drivers of Ukraineʼs trade in the realities of martial law

Nataliia GULIAIEVA — 2024-09-16

The trade industry, which even in peacetime occupied a large share in the national economic complex of Ukraine both in terms of the number of enterprises and the number of employed persons, continues to play a significant social role during the period of large-scale aggression, providing the population of the country with essential goods. The purpose of the article is to systematize modern approaches and fundamental principles of studying the factors of the external and internal environment of functioning, including the main drivers of trade business development, and to identify them based on its place in the national economic complex of Ukraine and functional features of formation and manifestation during the period of large-scale aggression by the Russian Federation. Proving their integral connection in a single system model based on the justification of mechanisms for assessing the intensity and synergy of penetration of tools for motivating and stimulating development processes in accordance with modern achievements of business engineering, criteria and standards for organizing business in trade in the continental or global market environment. To achieve the goal, general scientific research methods such as formalization, historical, abstraction, general logical (analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction), generalization and ascent from the abstract to the concrete, specific socio-economic methods based on a dialectical approach to cognition of the essence of the development process, respectively, of the object and subject were used. The article systematizes the published assessment materials of national and foreign analysts, experts, and scientists on the problems and challenges faced by the trade industry during the period of the Russian Federationʼs large-scale aggression in Ukraine, and the fundamental principles of assessing the factors of economic development of business entities in crisis conditions based on market principles of managing financial and economic mechanisms of doing business. The article hypothesizes that the interaction of factors of the internal and external business environment is systemic, and with a positive trajectory of development of processes and identified parameters, this influence is defined in modern research works as a driver of the development movement of the system-object. The organic connection of the studied factors in the business contour of Ukrainian retail operators in various formats and performance, including the accumulated survival potential, maneuverability, innovation, as well as favorable macroeconomic policy of the state and international support institutions, create a synergistic effect and optimize the assessment of future prospects.

Development of digital trading platforms in B2C and C2C markets

Olena ZAITSEVA — 2024-09-16

Online trade in Ukraine is experiencing a period of rapid growth and important transformations, and in the future this sector may become one of the key drivers of economic growth and post-war recovery. This causes changes in the formation of electronic infrastructure and the organization of trade on the B2C and C2C markets. The directions of movement of the digital economy with a focus on platformization require a study of the chronology of the formation and development of digital trading platforms (DTPs) and the determination of their features. The purpose of the article is to determine the features, advantages and disadvantages of digital trading platforms in the B2C and C2C markets, taking into account the relevance of use and consumer sensitivity to their functionality, as well as the determination of the directions for the development of DTP in the context of improving the multi-device user experience. In the research process, the following methods were applied: dialectical (to study the evolution of the development of digital trading platforms), system-structural analysis (to systematize scientific approaches to the classification of DTPs), comparison and Internet monitoring (to determine the differences between DTPs taking into account the relevance of use and user experience), logical generalization (for formulating the conclusions of the conducted research). It was determined that the platform economy is developing rapidly, its turnover is growing and the number of platform companies is increasing significantly. The evolution of digital trading platforms has been studied, their features, advantages and disadvantages have been determined and the most relevant ones for B2C and C2C consumers have been substantiated. It is noted that digital trading platforms must provide an excellent user experience and a high level of service across all channels and at all stages of the digital customer interaction lifecycle. Digital trading platforms simplify communication relationships, make them a factor of production, provide new ways of creating value and enable revenue generation. In order to increase the monetization of digital trading platforms, it is necessary to carry out a systematic cross-platform analysis of consumer behavior, thanks to which their preferences and requests are studied, digital profiles of users are compiled, the lifetime value of the client for the digital trading platforms is estimated and forecasted, and an appropriate system of personalized offers is formed. And improving the multi-device user experience strengthens the competitiveness of platform business models as ecosystems in the digital environment, creating conditions for their further development.

Design management as a concept for effective business design

Liudmyla BOVSH — 2024-09-16

The conceptualization of design management is a highly relevant task as it allows to reformat the managerial thinking to meet the challenges of the digital environment. Such an innovative approach will help to organize operational and marketing activities by incorporating principles of customer-oriented business and brand emotional appeal. Under the influence of digital trends, new business focuses are being formed, concentrating on brand management, satisfaction of internal and external consumers, economic and environmental efficiency of projects. The insufficient study of design management leads to strategic failures in the sustainable development of hospitality entities. The purpose of the article is to identify approaches to the formation of the concept of design management, which helps to understand effective business design strategies, as well as to ensure a higher brand (product or company) attractiveness. It is hypothesized that the application of design management principles has a positive effect on the final business results, contributing to a more innovative and adaptive approach to solving business tasks. The conducted research is based on general scientific methods: analysis, synthesis, induction, comparison; systematization, empirical methods, and logical modeling. The essence of design management and directions of its integration into the hospitality sector are considered. The concepts of design management and design strategy are characterized, as well as the value guidelines that this concept can implement in both the current and strategic perspectives. It is considered whah business models can be formed in the design management of a business entity. The key metrics for assessing the effectiveness of design management have been defined. Examples of successful cases applying the concept of design management in the hospitality sector are provided. The conducted studies form scientifically based approaches to determining the directions of integration of design management and design thinking in the activities of business entities. The concept of design management with constant monitoring, updating and control, forms advantages in innovativeness and appropriateness in terms of compliance with market conditions of solutions; establishes communication mechanisms with consumers, staff, management and founders, which is especially useful at all stages of business design.

Prospects of Ukrainian export of animal meat

Vasyl BUDZIAK — 2024-09-16

Russiaʼs military aggression against Ukraine caused a shift in the system of global and European food security. At the same time, the meat market of individual EU countries is changing due to a change in the structure of the populationʼs consumption of certain types of meat. In particular, the chicken market is becoming increasingly important. Also, the EU meat market is significantly affected by cyclical fluctuations occurring in international markets. Since the beginning of the Russian aggression, the EU has implemented certain relaxations for the import of Ukrainian meat, which affected the meat markets of individual EU countries. Therefore, the purpose of the research is theoretical and applied substantiation of the export directions of domestic animal meat to European countries in the conditions of martial law. Accordingly, the dialectic method of research, economic-statistical, systemic, and complex analysis of the market environment in animal husbandry were used in the work. The reasons for the decline of animal husbandry in Ukraine have been revealed. The multi-year dynamics of the decrease in the population of the main types of agricultural animals was studied. The main advantages in the development of domestic poultry farming are indicated. The problems in the development of pork and beef production have been identified. The role of each of the main groups of farms in breeding animals is determined. The long-term dynamics of animal meat production and the influence of martial law on it are analyzed. The geographical structure of animal breeding of various species in Ukraine was evaluated. An express analysis of the meat market in Ukraine under martial law was carried out. The volume of meat consumption by domestic consumers compared to the normative value was estimated. Factors affecting the capacity of the domestic meat market have been established. The impact of the import of various types of meat on the domestic market is analyzed. The structure of the export of agricultural products and the place of export of domestic animal meat in it are considered in detail. The attractiveness of the European market for Ukrainian meat producers has been determined. Obstacles on the way to the development of the European meat market are identified. The most attractive markets of European countries for exporting various types of animal meat by domestic agricultural producers are proposed. Priority measures to regulate and stimulate the development of animal husbandry in Ukraine are substantiated.

The electricity market in Ukraine

Valentyna POLIUHA — 2024-09-16

The article examines the state of Ukraineʼs energy sector both before the war and in the current period. The state of development of the energy industry in the period 2018-2023 was determined, which allowed outlining the main positive trends and negative phenomena during this period. The study results of the dynamics of electricity production and consumption in Ukraine are presented. The dynamics of electricity exports and imports are characterized. Based on the established patterns of industry development, the main strategic priorities for developing the energy market with European countries based on the synchronization of energy systems have been determined. General scientific methods were used – collecting information, its analytical processing, and theoretical generalization; statistical methods – for quantitative assessment of the volumes of electricity production and consumption; and graphical – to illustrate the dynamics of the indicators under study. Measures to support and develop the energy sector using the principles of green energy are proposed. It has been established that in the near future Ukraine will maintain a trend towards decreasing the volume of electricity production, instead, the volume of its import will increase.

Hemp fibre footwear market

Нalina BOІKO — 2024-09-16

The export-import of footwear with uppers made of textile materials and sports footwear was analyzed in monetary terms according to January-February 2024 indicators. It was noted that the most common types of textile footwear are sports: trainers and sneakers, therefore this market segment was analyzed. It was determined that imports exceed exports by 95 percent both in the segment of sports shoes and shoes with textile uppers. The largest importer in these two segments is China. Ukraine exports its sports shoes mostly to the Republic of Moldova, and shoes with textile uppers to Slovakia. The tasks set in the work were solved using the analysis of scientific, analytical and survey information resources and the processing of available statistical data. The hypothesis of this study is the possibility of replacing cotton fibers with hemp fibers in textile shoe fabrics. For this purpose, the dependence of textile production enterprises on imported cotton was determined and it was proposed to replace it with a more ecological material made of industrial hemp. Shoes made of this material are in demand in many developed countries of the world. Hemp fabric is characterized by high quality indicators, it is antibacterial, anti-allergenic, retains heat well, normalizes sweating in the human body, and at the same time remains strong and wear-resistant. The activities of global and domestic brands, the production of which is related to the production of shoes from technical hemp, have been analyzed. The main advantages and disadvantages of domestic production are determined. The factors of further development of the hemp textile footwear industry have been identified.