National Academy of Sciences

Abstract Accurate pulsar astrometric estimates are essential to almost all high-precision pulsar timing experiments. Traditional pulsar timing techniques refine these estimates by including them as free parameters when fitting a model to observed pulse time-of-arrival measurements. However, reliable submilliarcsecond astrometric estimations require years of observations. Even then, power from red noise can be inadvertently absorbed into astrometric parameter fits. This effect biases the resulting estimates and reduces the sensitivity to red noise processes, including gravitational waves (GWs). In this work, we seek to mitigate these shortcomings by using pulsar astrometric estimates derived from very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) as priors for the timing fit. First, we used VLBI and timing astrometric estimates of 18 millisecond pulsars to calibrate a rotation between the reference frames used in timing and VLBI, with a precision of ∼0.7 mas. Through this frame tie, we combined timing- and VLBI-based probabilities to obtain a maximum-posterior astrometric solution. We found offsets between our results and the timing-based astrometric solutions, which, if real, would lead to the absorption of spectral power at the frequencies of interest for single-source GW searches. However, we do not find significant power absorption due to astrometric fitting at the low-frequency domain of the GW background.

This study examines the historical haplotype composition of the mitochondrial pseudocontrol region in the breeding population of the common buzzard ( Buteo buteo ) in Belarus, spanning the past century. A molecular genetic analysis of 30 specimens collected between 1928 and 2020 revealed a consistent haplotype profile within the Belarusian population, demonstrating long-term stability in genetic structure. Comparative analyses identified genetic links between this population and broader European groups of the species. Notably, the persistence of low genetic diversity in the Belarusian common buzzards population suggests minimal influence from migration dynamics and historical mass culling campaigns targeting large raptors. These findings highlight the population’s limited exposure to external demographic pressures over time, offering critical insights into its ecological resilience and informing future conservation strategies.

Abstract Free-floating objects (FFOs) in interstellar space—rogue planets, brown dwarfs, and large asteroids that are not gravitationally bound to any star—are expected to be ubiquitous throughout the Milky Way. Recent microlensing surveys have discovered several free-floating planets that are not bound to any known stellar systems. Additionally, three interstellar objects, namely 1I/’Oumuamua, 2I/Borisov, and 3I/ATLAS, have been detected passing through our solar system on hyperbolic trajectories. In this work, we search for FFOs on hyperbolic orbits that pass near millisecond pulsars (MSPs), where their gravitational influence can induce detectable perturbations in pulse arrival times. Using the NANOGrav 15 yr narrow band dataset, which contains high-precision timing data for 68 MSPs, we conduct a search for such hyperbolic scattering events between FFOs and pulsars. Although no statistically significant events were detected, this nondetection enables us to place upper limits (ULs) on the number density of FFOs as a function of their mass within our local region of the Galaxy. For example, the UL on the number density for Jupiter-mass FFOs (∼10 −2.5 –10 −3.5 M ⊙ ) obtained from different pulsars ranges from 5.25 × 10 6 pc −3 to 5.37 × 10 9 pc −3 , while the UL calculated by combining results from all the pulsars is 6.03 × 10 5 pc −3 . These results represent the first constraints on FFO population derived from pulsar timing data.

Aіm. To determine the influence of different farming systems on the physical-chemical, and agrochemical indicators of dark-gray podzolic soil in the northern part of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Methods. Polygon monitoring, field experiments, laboratory, and statistical methods. Results. Under intensive farming, the potential acidity of the soil decreased to pH sol. 4.7 (compared to pH sol. 5.3 under extensive farming), and hydrolytic acidity increased 1.3 times. Under biological and organic farming systems, the pH remained at 5.4, while hydrolytic acidity was 1.2–1.3 times lower than under extensive farming. With the use of intensive, biologized, and organic systems, the humus content increased by a relative 6.1–27.2%, but the level of easily hydrolyzable nitrogen remained very low (71.7 to 86.4 mg/kg). Under the intensive system, the content of mobile phosphorus and potassium compounds was 299.4 and 200.0 mg/kg, respectively, under the biologized system – 205.9 and 114.9 mg/kg, under the organic system – 182.0 and 108.7 mg/kg, and in the extensive system, they were 121.5 mg/kg and 102.2 mg/kg, respectively. Conclusions. It has been established that under intensive farming, the potential acidity of dark-gray podzolic soil decreased by 1.1 times, while hydrolytic acidity increased by 1.3 times compared to extensive farming. Biological and organic systems contributed to a 1.2- and 1.3-fold decrease in hydrolytic acidity and an increase in base saturation to 87% and 86%, respectively, which ensured the stabilization of the physicochemical properties of the soil. With intensive, biologized, and organic systems, the humus content increased by 1.3, 1.1, and 1.1 times, respectively, mobile nitrogen compounds by 1.2, 1.1, and 1.1 times, phosphorus by 2.5, 1.7, and 1.5 times, potassium – 1.9, 1.1, and 1.1 times compared to the extensive system, which indicates an increase in soil fertility.

Aim. To improve the process of forming spring wheat productivity by optimizing the fertilization system and crop management, taking into account varietal characteristics under the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. The study aims to assess the impact of various agrotechnological practices on grain yield and quality, as well as to enhance the fertilization and crop management system. The obtained results will ensure stable production of high-quality grain and increase the economic efficiency of wheat cultivation. Methods. The research program included the following methods: field, biometric, measurement-weight, laboratory, comparative-calculation, and mathematical-statistical analyses. Results. As a result of the conducted research, it was established that the fertilization level has a significant influence on the productivity and grain quality of both spring bread and durum wheat. The highest yield indicators (4.26–4.34 t/ha) were obtained with the application of a complete mineral fertilizer (N45P90K90) combined with additional nitrogen top dressing at growth stages 30 and 48 according to the BBCH scale. This contributed to the formation of well-developed grain with increased protein (up to 15.2%) and gluten content (up to 24.6%). The use of the biological preparation Bio-gel in combination with moderate fertilizer doses (N30P60K60 + N30 + N30) had a positive effect on nutrient assimilation and yield stability under various crop protection systems. Conclusions. The results show that yield, grain quality, and the economic efficiency of growing bread spring wheat and durum spring wheat in the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe significantly depend on the fertilization system, crop protection system, and use of growth stimulants. The highest yield of spring wheat of both varieties was achieved with the application of complete mineral fertilizer N₄₅P₉₀K₉₀ with additional nitrogen dressings (N₄₅) at stages 30 and 48 according to the BBCH scale, which ensured the production of first class of grain quality. The optimal combination of moderate mineral fertilizer doses with a biostimulant provided a profit of 8.61 thousand UAH/ha for the Tanok variety and 7.70 thousand UAH/ha for the MIP Kseniya variety. These findings confirm the feasibility of an integrated approach considering varietal characteristics to ensure stable high-quality grain production and enhance the economic efficiency of spring wheat cultivation.

Early Detection of Social Exclusion Through Sentiment Analysis: Today, cyberbullying is growing rapidly at a startling rate, causing serious emotional and psychological harm to children and young adults. Social exclusion in online settings is recognized as one of the primary driving forces to this issue which is why it is essential to be able to identify these exclusionary signs early on is crucial to successful intervention. Thus, this study evaluates the potential of AI models like Open AI’s ChatGPT in detecting early signals that indicate social isolation in simulated social networking services (SNS). A dataset of 6 conversational scenarios (bullying, neutral, and positive) with a total of 24 utterances were created and assessed with sentiment labels, risk categories, and sentiment intensity scores. The evaluations from ChatGPT’s algorithm were then compared to human-coded annotations. Bullying scenarios consistently scored higher in the risk range (0.7-1.0) with strongly negative sentiment tables, whereas neutral and positive scenarios clustered near zero, demonstrating clear polarizations. Additionally, there was a high degree of agreement between human annotations and model evaluations especially when it came to distinguishing between neural encounters and high-risk bullying. Contrastingly, it failed to show an accuracy with identifying more subtle kinds of exclusion capturing the nuances behind expression. Results reflected that GPT’s model served to be an effective system for early warning toward dangerous interactions in social media settings. Although there is limited ecological validity due to the conversation data being simulated, the results act as a fundamental paradigm for using sentiment analysis to reduce cyberbullying.

Evergreen conifers are key components of temperate broadleaf and mixed forests, playing a significant role in shaping ecosystem structure, function, and resilience to climate change. While very high-resolution (VHR) satellite imagery enables accurate classification of evergreen conifers and creation of reference fractional cover maps, scaling this capability to regional levels using coarser-resolution time-series satellite data remains challenging. Traditional machine learning approaches are limited by their inability to fully exploit the spatial detail of VHR imagery and capture sequential patterns in satellite time series. To address these limitations, we developed a deep learning-based framework for mapping evergreen conifer fractional cover at 30 m resolution in mountainous forests. The framework integrates a 3D U-Net model to extract spatial and spectral features from bi-temporal WorldView imagery—while mitigating terrain shadows—and a long short-term memory (LSTM) network to learn sequential dependencies from Landsat time series for regression. We compared our framework against a random forest baseline. Independent spatial and temporal transferability assessments showed that our approach achieved an R 2 of 0.71 and an RMSE of 0.14, outperforming the benchmark method. To further interpret the spatial predictions, we quantified the spatial configuration of evergreen conifers using landscape metrics across areas with varying conifer cover. Our findings demonstrate the value of combining multi-source, multi-resolution imagery with deep learning models tailored for spatial and temporal complexity. This framework improves the accuracy and transferability of fractional cover mapping and offers a scalable solution for ecosystem monitoring in topographically complex forested landscapes. • Developed a deep learning framework to map evergreen conifer cover at 30 m resolution. • Integrated 3D U-Net and LSTM models using WorldView and Landsat time-series data. • Achieved high accuracy (R 2 = 0.71, RMSE = 14 %) in spatial and temporal transferability. • Produced the first evergreen conifer fractional cover map across giant panda habitats. • Supports habitat restoration and biodiversity conservation in temperate mixed forests.

Given Armenia’s close economic ties with both Russia and Ukraine, as well as its strategic role as a regional transit hub, the Russia–Ukraine conflict has resulted in notable macroeconomic shifts. Previous studies have largely overlooked how the spillover effects of the conflict evolve over time. Recognizing that the intensity and significance of economic disruptions differ across stages of the conflict, this study addresses that gap by offering a phase-based assessment distinguishing three periods: Initial Shock, Adaptation, and Stabilization. Using regression analysis, the study evaluates the effects of the conflict on key macroeconomic indicators, including inflation, exchange rates, housing and rental prices, re-exports, and the service sector. The regression model incorporates the three identified conflict phases as explanatory dummy variables. The findings indicate that macroeconomic disruptions were most pronounced during the Initial Shock and Adaptation phases. Migration inflows, trade realignments, and shifts in capital flows contributed to exchange rate volatility, inflationary pressures, and rising housing and service costs. By integrating a phase-based analytical approach, the study provides a nuanced understanding of the conflict’s dynamic economic effects and contributes to the broader discourse on the Russia–Ukraine conflict and its regional implications.

Objective This study provides a comprehensive bibliometric review of patientcentered care (PCC) in in vitro fertilization (IVF), a domain integral to improving patient outcomes, satisfaction, and experiences in assisted reproductive technology. By analyzing global research output and trends, this study aims to identify key themes, contributors, and gaps in the literature to inform future research and practice. Methods Data were collected from Scopus and Web of Science databases, covering the period from 2003 to 2024. Bibliometric analyses, conducted using R Studio and Biblioshiny, examined publication trends, keyword frequencies, and collaborative networks among authors, institutions, and countries. A supplementary literature review contextualized bibliometric findings to address limitations in metadata. Results A total of 54 studies from 33 unique sources were analyzed, revealing an annual growth rate of 11.57% in PCC publications up to 2023. The USA and the Netherlands led in research output, contributing 22 and 16 publications, respectively. Mayo Clinic and prominent authors such as Nelen W. and Kremer J. were key contributors. Keywords like “infertility,” “in vitro fertilization,” and “patient care” demonstrated increasing prominence, underscoring growing interest in PCC. Barriers to PCC were identified at institutional, communication, environmental, and personal levels, while facilitators included multidisciplinary approaches and technological integration. Conclusion This review highlights PCC’s critical role in enhancing IVF outcomes and identifies gaps in psychological support, clinicianpatient communication, and access equity. Recommendations include targeted interventions, international collaborations, and integration of personalized care models. Future research should explore innovative strategies to overcome barriers and advance PCC frameworks in fertility care. BJMS, Vol. 24 No. 04 October’25 Page : 1093-1105

During the last two years, foci of epizootic equine lymphangoiditis (ELL) have been detected on the territory of Bukhar-Zhyrau district of Karaganda region of the Republic of Kazakhstan. To date, villagers in this region have lost more than 300 animals. The veterinary services of Karaganda Oblast have imposed a quarantine in the Umutker rural district since February 2025, and it remains in effect. Over the last six months, 125 sick horses were seized and destroyed in the rural district. At present, diagnostic and prophylactic preparations for diagnosis and vaccination against EBL are not produced in the territory of the Republic. In this regard, scientists of ‘RIBSP’ LLP within the framework of the scientific programme ‘Improvement of measures to ensure biological safety in Kazakhstan: counteraction to dangerous and especially dangerous infections’ developed a method of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect the antigen of epizootic lymphangoitis. For this purpose, specific immunoglobulin, normal and specific antigens, conjugates were used in the experiment, their working doses for ELISA staging were determined, temperature and time regimes and salt solutions for interaction of diagnostic preparations were also selected. Using the above-mentioned diagnostic preparations, the optimal conditions for ELISA method for detection of the antigen of this fungus in various materials were worked out. The developed method was tested for specificity and sensitivity. Homogeneous and heterogeneous samples were used for this purpose. It was experimentally established that the developed method is suitable for the diagnosis of EEL. В течение последних двух лет очаги эпизоотического лимфангоита лошадей (ЭЛЛ) выявляются на территории Бухар-Жырауского района Карагандинской области Республики Казахстан. На сегодняшний день сельчане данного региона потеряли более 300 голов. Ветеринарными службами Карагандинской области в Умуткерском сельском округе введён карантин с февраля 2025 года и действует до сих пор. За последнее полгода в сельском округе изъято и уничтожено 125 голов больных лошадей. В настоящее время на территории республики не производятся диагностические и профилактические препараты для постановки диагноза и вакцинации против ЭЛЛ. В связи с этим учеными ТОО «НИИПББ» в рамках научной программы «Совершенствование мер обеспечения биологической безопасности в Казахстане: противодействие опасным и особо опасным инфекциям» был разработан метод иммуноферментного анализа (ИФА) для выявления антигена эпизоотического лимфангоита. Для этого в опыте использованы специфический иммуноглобулин, антигены нормальные и специфические, конъюгаты, определены их рабочие дозы для постановки ИФА, также подобраны температурно-временные режимы и солевые растворы для взаимодействия диагностических препаратов. С использованием вышеуказанных диагностических препаратов были отработаны оптимальные условия для постановки метода ИФА для выявления антигена данного гриба в различных материалах. Разработанный метод испытан на специфичность и чувствительность. Для этого использованы гомогенные и гетерогенные пробы. Опытным путем установлено, что разработанный метод пригоден для диагностики ЭЛЛ.