Nanosized composites CeO₂–Ag, La₂O₃–Ag, and TiO₂–Ag are a class of nanomaterials suitable for photocatalysis, optical devices, and photoelectrochemical elements. Further, nanocomposites with several wt.% of silver can be used as creating materials for pathogenic virus inactivation with pandemic-neutralizing potential. Thus, CeO₂–Ag, La₂O₃–Ag, and TiO₂–Ag nanocomposites are prospective materials due to their optical and biological activity. In the present work, CeO₂–Ag, La₂O₃–Ag, and TiO₂–Ag nanocomposites were synthesized by the co-precipitation method. The morphological and optical properties and the structure of the prepared nanocomposites were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with EDX, and nitrogen adsorption-desorption based on BET, Raman spectroscopy, and photoluminescence (PL). Both oxide matrixes corresponded to the cubic crystal lattice with the inclusion of argentum into the crystal lattice of oxides at relative low c(Ag) and reduction of silver on particle surface at 5 wt.% Ag and greater. The CeO₂, TiO₂, and La₂O₃ with a concentration of 4 wt.% Ag inhibited the growth processes of prokaryotic cells of E. coli, Bacillus sp., and S. aureus compared to pure oxides. Influenza A virus and herpes completely suppressed reproduction by nanocomposites of CeO₂–Ag (2, 5 wt.%) and La₂O₃–Ag (2, 5 wt.%) action.

Purpose: The purpose is to define the efficiency and priorities of modernization of Ukraine’s trade integration with the EU countries in the implementation of DCFTA and to attempt to assess the indirect effects of the free trade agreement between countries. Design/methodology/approach: To this end, a comparative analysis was carried out to assess the effectiveness of the Association Agreement and to identify the asymmetry of trade and economic integration between Ukraine and the EU. The correlation regression method was used to determine the dependence of Ukraine’s exports to the EU countries on GDP changes and to identify the integration impacts on economic growth. In turn, the extrapolation method was employed to calculate forecasts for the economic growth rate and GDP per capita. Findings: Determining the effectiveness and priorities of modernization of the trade integration format of Ukraine-EU in the implementation of the DCFTA, as well as evaluation of the intermediate results of the FTA between the countries. At present, it is necessary to modernize the format of Ukraine’s trade integration with the EU in the context of the implementation of the DCFTA. Three main vectors for updating the Agreement have been identified as priorities: deepening sectoral integration; increasing duty-free export to the EU market; eliminating non-tariff measures restricting trade with the EU along with signing a number of agreements for the above-mentioned purpose. Research limitations/implications: The results of the study will be useful to researchers of relevant issues, students, graduate students, doctoral students and teachers specializing in international relations and other academic disciplines, and the developed initiatives can be used by the government to form a new negotiating position on the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU. Originality/value: Forecasting and modeling the Ukraine-EU foreign trade turnover based on the use of the gravity model and correlation-regression analysis confirms that the introduction of the DCFTA in 2016–2017 allowed Ukraine to increase exports to the EU and modernization of the trade part of the agreement will positively affect the economic and social development of Ukraine. In this context, it is necessary to take into account the national interests and trade partners, in particular the possibility of Ukraine’s support for the EU initiative “European Green Deal” on the path to the formation of Europe as a carbon-neutral continent.

The contact of a steel electrode with water dispersion medium in an open-air system leads to the development of various polymorphic iron oxides and oxyhydroxides on the steel surface. Whereas the usage of distilled water causes the obtaining of Fe(II)-Fe(III) layered double hydroxides (green rust) as a primary mineral phase, but in the presence of inorganic 3d-metal water salt solutions, mixed layered double hydroxides (LDHs) together with non-stoichiometric spinel ferrite nanoparticles are formed on the steel surface. Mixed LDHs keep stability against further oxidation and complicate the obtaining of spinel ferrite nanoparticles. Thermal treatment of mixed LDHs among other mineral phases formed via the rotation-corrosion dispergation process at certain temperatures permits to obtain homogenous nanoparticles of spinel ferrites as well as maghemite or hematite doped by 3d-metal cations.