bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving the accuracy of landmine detection using data augmentation: a comprehensive study
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine, O Kunichik , V Tereshchenko ,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: September 2023

In areas such as landmine detection, where obtaining large volumes of labeled data is challenging, data augmentation stands out as a key method. This paper investigates the role and impact of different data augmentation methods, and evaluates their effectiveness in improving the performance of deep learning models adapted to landmine detection. Landmine detection is governed by international security requirements on the one hand, and urgent humanitarian needs on the other. This field, characterized by its urgency and the requirement for meticulous accuracy, is key against the explosive ordnance. The hidden dangers of these munitions go beyond direct physical damage, leaving their mark on the socio-economic structures of the affected regions. They hinder agricultural activities, impede the restoration of infrastructure and create obstacles to the return and resettlement of displaced populations. The mission to detect and neutralize these hidden hazards combines advanced technology with an unwavering commitment to humanitarian principles to leave future generations with a land cleared of the heavy legacy of past wars. The effectiveness of machine learning models in detecting landmines is inextricably linked to the diversity, volume and reliability of the data they are trained on. The effort to collect a diverse and representative dataset is fraught with challenges, given limitations related to accessibility, ethical considerations and security issues. The lack of comprehensive data poses significant obstacles to the development and refinement of machine learning algorithms, potentially limiting their ability to operate effectively in diverse and unpredictable areas. In response to these limitations, data augmentation has become an important method. It is a way to circumvent data limitations by supplementing existing datasets with synthesized variations. Augmentation strategies include spatial alignment, pixel intensity manipulation, geometric transformations, and compositing, each of which is designed to give the dataset a semblance of real-world variability. This study explores the various applications of data augmentation in the field of landmine detection. It emphasizes the importance of augmentation as a means of overcoming data limitations.
Global experience in the application of intelligent systems and technologies in the military sphere
Authors:   State University of Information and Communication Technologies, Ukraine, O Zinchenko , M Fesenko ,   State Research Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, Ukraine, T Kysil ,   State University of Information and Communication Technologies, Ukraine, N Moskalenko ,   State University of Information and Communication Technologies, Ukraine
Published: September 2023

This article analyzes technologies and modern means of military use with intelligent computer systems (platforms). Such means include "smart" bullets, rifles with augmented reality glasses, as well as ballistic computers, "smart" weapons (mortars), high-precision ammunition, robotic combat vehicles and other equipment, laser air defense systems for ground, air, as well as naval forces, unmanned aerial vehicles, etc. Examples of intellectual means of military use, their tactical and technical characteristics and fields of application are given. The advantages and disadvantages of using technologies and means with intelligent systems (platforms) are highlighted, as well as the justified expediency of their use for military purposes. The examples of tools with intelligent systems (platforms) listed above are effectively used in the leading countries of the world, namely: the USA, Great Britain, Japan, France, Germany, Israel, the Netherlands, etc. The experience of use by the military of these countries has shown that intelligent systems make it possible to simplify the performance of relevant tasks, measures to protect against accidents or excessive aggression of criminals (enemies), and also increase the safety of the civilian population. It was determined that the introduction of world achievements, as well as the development of domestic systems and means with intelligent systems, is one of the priority directions of the development of the military-industrial complex of Ukraine. This, in turn, requires close cooperation between scientists and the military, which prompts the study of the possibilities of using intelligent systems in various fields, in particular in the field of national security development of Ukraine. Further prospective studies in this direction are highlighted.
Artificial intelligence application in the forecasting of economic model
Authors:   Zaporizhzhia National University, Ukraine, A Kaliuzhniak
Published: September 2023

Due to the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI), there are active discussions whether it produces a positive effect on economic development. However, there is vague understanding of what role and place artificial intelligence technology actually plays in economic development. This article will review the research focused on the creation of economic model forecasting software and discussion of the intersection of artificial intelligence and economic development. In particular, the existing research in the field of economic modeling was analyzed applying the bibliometric tool Bibliometrix, presenting the internal structure and external characteristics of the field through various metrics and algorithms. The results of the bibliometric analysis indicate that the number of publications in the field has increased in the recent years. In addition, deep learning and research related to data mining are key areas for the future investigations. Therefore, scientists dedicated to this field have developed close cooperation and communication in all directions. On the other hand, the analysis shows that the bigger part of the research is focused on five aspects of intellectual decision-making, social management, labor and capital, industry and innovation. The results of the study are prospective for scientists within the Strategy of Economic Development of Ukraine.
Optimization of effluents using a neural network in the treatment of industrial wastewater
Authors:   National University of Water and Environmental Engineering, Ukraine, M Matviichuk
Published: September 2023

The growth of the planet's population leads to an increase in the problem of access to fresh water. The main sources of water on Earth are brackish and sea water. In connection with the water crisis, water purification becomes an extremely important process, and its achievement is carried out through desalination and various methods of water treatment. In this context, research into the possibility of using neural networks to improve the operation of sewage treatment plants is necessary. The purpose of the research was to optimize and analyze the efficiency of the work of treatment facilities in the treatment of industrial wastewater. Soft computing methods were used to optimize the proposed models. In this study, the exact results of the application of the neural network were determined using analytical and comparative approaches. Treatment of all wastewater and waste generated in the treatment industry involves a number of processes including air flotation, chemical coagulation, settling and biological treatment using fully mixed activated sludge. Various learning functions have been considered, including forward-propagation artificial neural networks (ANNs) such as multilayer perceptron (MLP), cascaded forward-propagation ANNs, and support vector regression (SVR) models. The learning process includes the use of Levenberg-Marquardt optimization algorithms and sequential minimum. The article also provides graphical images illustrating the different types of pollutants, the costs associated with treatment plants, and the color changes in wastewater observed after the treatment process. The obtained results show a high degree of similarity between the predicted and experimental data, which emphasizes the effectiveness of the backpropagation ANN model for accurate predictions. In addition, the integration of machine learning into the production of detergents can be extremely effective in promoting the efficient and sustainable use of water resources. Overall, the paper provides valuable insights into the use of machine learning to address freshwater scarcity
Assessment of mechanical and durability performance of silica fume and metakaolin as cementitious materials in high-performance concrete
Authors: Sankar B. , Ramadoss P.
Published: September 2023

The present study aims to determine the effects of blending cementitious materials on the mechanical and durability properties of high-performance concrete (HPC). Densified silica fume and fine-grounded metakaolin are used as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). A total of 16 mixes containing both binary and ternary blending of SCMs were chosen for w/b ratios of 0.4 and 0.3 respectively. The hardened properties tested for the HPC mixes were compressive strength at 7, 28, and 90 days, flexural strength at 28 days, and modulus of elasticity at 28 days. Maximum strength gains up to 15%, 38%, and 23% for compression, flexure, and elastic modulus were observed in ternary mixes compared to binary mixes. Stress-strain behaviour of ternary mixes indicates increased tolerance of stress for the least amount of strain in the specimens. Based on the experimental results, empirical relations were developed and checked with the existing codes and by earlier researchers. The durability properties tested for HPC were water absorption at 28 days, acid attack, and sulphate attack at 28, 56, and 90 days. Ternary mixes improved the pore structure of HPC, resulting in a 56% reduction in water absorption and a 34% reduction in compressive strength loss due to immersion in 5% H2SO4 at 90 days. The findings of the study endorse that ternary blending of SF and MK can improve the engineering properties of HPC, and a mix containing SF 10% and MK 10% is recommended for the best results.
Attention, response inhibition, and hoarding: A neuropsychological examination
Authors: Norberg Melissa M. , Meares Susanne , Stevenson Richard J. , Tame Jack , Wong Gary , Aldrich Paul , Olivier Jake
Published: September 2023

Background and aims

The prominent cognitive-behavioral model of hoarding posits that information processing deficits contribute to hoarding disorder. Although individuals with hoarding symptoms consistently self-report attentional and impulsivity difficulties, neuropsychological tests have inconsistently identified impairments. These mixed findings may be the result of using different neuropsychological tests, tests with poor psychometric properties, and/or testing individuals in a context that drastically differs from their own homes.

Methods

One hundred twenty-three participants (hoarding = 63; control = 60) completed neuropsychological tests of sustained attention, focused attention, and response inhibition in cluttered and tidy environments in a counterbalanced order.

Results

Hoarding participants demonstrated poorer sustained attention and response inhibition than the control group (CPT-3 Omission and VST scores) and poorer response inhibition in the cluttered environment than when in the tidy environment (VST scores). CPT-3 Detectability and Commission scores also indicated that hoarding participants had greater difficulty sustaining attention and inhibiting responses than the control group; however, these effect sizes were just below the lowest practically meaningful magnitude. Posthoc exploratory analyses demonstrated that fewer than one-third of hoarding participants demonstrated sustained attention and response inhibition difficulties and that these participants reported greater hoarding severity and greater distress in the cluttered room.

Discussion and conclusions

Given these findings and other studies showing that attentional difficulties may be a transdiagnostic factor for psychopathology, future studies will want to explore whether greater sustained attention and response inhibition difficulties in real life contexts contribute to comorbidity and functional impairment in hoarding disorder.
İslamʼdan Önce Hayber’de Ticari Zirai ve Askeri Hayat
Authors: ŞİMŞEK Ayşe
Published: September 2023

Tarihi geçmişi çok eski dönemlere ulaşan Hayber şehri, İslam öncesi Arap yarımadasının Hicaz bölgesinde Medine-Suriye yolu üzerinde bulunan önemli bir yerleşim merkeziydi. Hayber’in tarihinin milattan önce üç bin yıllarına dayandığı tahmin edilmekle birlikte kuruluşu ve ilk sakinlerinin kim olduğu konusunda farklı görüşler bulunmaktadır. Şehirde bazı Arap asıllı kabilelerin yaşadığı ön görülmekte ve özellikle İslam öncesi dönemde yahudilerin yaşadığı bilinmektedir. Şehrin ticari bakımdan stratejik konumu, iklim ve coğrafyanın sağladığı zirai verimliliği ve muhkem kalelerle çevrili olmasına dayalı askeri savunma gücü şehri ön plana çıkaran hususlardır. İslam’dan önceki asırda Hayber’in, Mekke ve Medine başta olmak üzere Arap yarımadasının içinde ve dışında olan ticaret merkezleriyle çok yakın ticari ilişkileri vardı. Hayber harresinin uluslararası ticaret kafilelerinin geçtiği meşhur yollar üzerinde bulunması bölgenin ticari ilişkilerini geliştirdi. Ayrıca coğrafi konumu ve iklim özellikleri sayesinde önemli zirai ürünlerin yetiştiği bir mekândı. İslam öncesi Arabistan yarımadası genel olarak kurak ve verimsiz bilinmesine rağmen tarıma elverişli yaşama uygun vahaları da bulunmaktaydı. Bu yaşam alanları içerisinde Hicaz’a dahil edilen Hayber de sayılmaktaydı. Zengin su kaynaklarına ve verimli topraklara sahip olan Hayber’in, bunaltıcı ve hummaya sebebiyet veren iklimi de zikre değerdir. Bu makalede kısaca Hayber şehrinin tarihinden bahsedildikten sonra İslâm öncesi dönemdeki ticari, zirai, askeri ve sosyal faaliyetleri hakkında bilgiler verilecektir. Ticari ve zirai ürün ticareti yanında savaş aletleri ithali, satımı ve kiralanması gibi faaliyetleri de vardı. Harp stratejisi bakımından sağlam kalelere sahip olan Hayberliler, savaş tekniği ve aletleri konusunda da maharetliydiler. Hayber’in tarihi hakkında bilgiler sunan bu araştırma, Hz. Peygamber (s.a.v.) öncesinde bölgedeki durumu ve ilişkileri ortaya çıkararak siyer ilmindeki Hayber’in fethi, Müslüman-yahudi ilişkileri gibi bazı konuların isabetli tahliline imkân verecektir.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Research on Climate and Change Business Enterprises
Authors: YAZICI Ayşe Meriç
Published: September 2023

Climate change is a global issue with far-reaching impacts on various aspects of society, including businesses. Thus, business enterprises have no choice but to adapt to changing environmental conditions. This study aims to reveal the existing research trends and focus areas via a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to determine the correlation between climate change and business enterprises in literature. The methods used in the article include analyzing the data obtained from large databases such as Scopus. The article analyses the number of articles examining the relationship between climate change and businesses between 1989 and 2023, the journals in which these articles were published, authors, citation counts and keywords, co-author analyses and word networks, thematic clusters in the literature, types of publications, keywords, sources, the most productive journals according to Bradford's law, how word clouds and word trees were created for the topic, and trending topic analyses. This analysis shows the importance of research between climate change and businesses and the developments in this field. The findings of the article show that the impacts of climate change on businesses are gradually increasing and the number of researches on this subject is increasing. In addition, it is seen that an interdisciplinary approach has been adopted to examine the relationship between climate change and enterprises, and research in this field has diversified. As a result, this article provides a valuable resource for researchers who want to understand the relationship between climate change and businesses and guide research in this field. By emphasizing the size and diversity of the scientific literature on climate change, it reveals the potential for further contribution to research in this field. It provides a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers and business leaders who want to understand the relationship between climate change and businesses and to guide scientific studies in this field. The interaction of climate change and businesses is becoming increasingly important for environmental sustainability and business strategies, and this article is an important resource to illuminate this important topic.
Predictive Validity of Parent-Reported PEDI-CAT Mobility and Gross Motor Function Measure in Children with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Khadeeja Nashwah , Narayan Amitesh , Karnad Shreekanth D. , K. Vijaya Kumar
Published: September 2023

Background: Recent contemporary studies demonstrated strong correlation between Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66) and parent-reported Mobility domain of Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory-Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT Mobility) in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Hence, a need arose to investigate the prospect of predicting GMFM-66 scores using PEDI-CAT Mobility domain scores to estimate a child's gross motor function score.
Objectives: To examine the predictability of GMFM-66 scores using PEDI-CAT Mobility scores in children with CP at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels II and III.

Methods: GMFM-66 and PEDI-CAT Mobility scales were administered to 24 children with CP at GMFCS levels II and III. Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated and an association between the two scores was obtained. Regression analysis was done to predict GMFM-66 scores from the PEDI-CAT Mobility scores.

Results: GMFM-66 scores and the PEDI-CAT Mobility scores showed strong positive correlation in children with CP [GMFCS level II (r = 0.876, p = 0.006); and GMFCS level III (r = 0.709, p < 0.002)]. Regression analysis generated two equations for each level which were used to predict GMFM-66 scores from the PEDI-CAT Mobility scores.

Conclusion: The association is strong between the two scores (GMFM-66 scores and PEDI-CAT Mobility scores). Hence, PEDI-CAT Mobility domain scores can be used to predict the corresponding GMFM-66 scores in children with CP at GMFCS levels II and III with moderate to high accuracy.
Some Legal Controversies on Equitable and Sustainable Utilization of Transboundary Water Resources in Practice (by Example of the Mekong River)
Authors: Dang Giang Nguyen , Ha Hoa Thanh , Vu Tuan Van
Published: September 2023

The use of transboundary water resources has gained internationally special attention for the past time. Although riparian countries recognize the benefits of
cross-border rivers and enter into an agreement with countries sharing the transboundary rivers by legal rules, treaties and principles, they have done excessively
riverine exploitation activities to maximize their socio-economic benefits causing the imbalance of the ecosystems and peace. International treaties, bilateral and multilateral basin, and principles are currently not enforceable enough to compel riparian countries strictly to comply with these legal rules and principles on the equitable and sustainable water coordination and development. Besides, there still exists internal conflicts among the upper and lower riparian countries on the use of transboundary river watercourses due to defective sanctions of transboundary water use. There is an urgent need to establish a specialized international water management commission designated by all nations with the utmost power to regulate human related activities concerning transboundary watercourses to govern equitable and sustainable management and development. Besides, current international law principles have to be revised to bridge the gap of disagreement and potential conflicts between the lower and upper riparian States.
Impact of Natural Pest on the Invasive Species Pistia stratiotes in Water Bodies nearby Kyiv
Authors: Trylis V. V. , Chumak V. O.
Published: September 2023

In 2020, the mass development of the invasive species Pistia stratiotes occurred in the water bodies of the left-bank floodplain of the Dnieper River downstream Kyiv, the biomass reached 10 kg/m2. In 2021, in the same water bodies its biomass was significantly lower and amounted to 6-15% of the last year's, at this most specimens were damaged by the waterlily aphid Rhophalosiphum nymphaea. They looked supressed and had the yellowed leaves. The invasion intensity reached some hundred aphids per a Pistia specimen. The extensity of infestation was uneven: from 100% to 20% in the least affected clusters. On the whole, the portion of the damaged plants was about 70% of total numbers.
The waterlily aphid is a widespread species in Ukraine and is a natural enemy of Pistia, which can serve as an effective mean of its control.
Actual State of Population and Harvesting of the Baltic Shrimp Palaemon adspersus (Decapoda, Palaemonidae) in the North-Western Section of the Black Sea
Authors: Hulak B. S.
Published: September 2023

Data on the sex and size-mass composition of the Baltic shrimp Palaemon adspersus Rathke, 1837, population were obtained basing on the analysis of samples from 35 fyke net catches in the north-western section of the Black Sea over 2017-2020. The Baltic shrimp in the catches was represented by the specimens 20-65 mm long, and the main portion (52%) was formed by the specimens 40-50 mm long. According to LBB model, over 2017-2020 the relative fishing mortality level increased from 0.7 to 1.2. At the same time, in 2020 relation of the actual biomass to the biomass ensuring the maximum sustainable yield (B/Bmsy) was equal to 1.0, indicating the optimal intensity of the Baltic shrimp harvesting in the Ukrainian waters. According to the model calculations, the minimal allowed length for harvesting should be 35 mm. Analysis of the fyke nets catches revealed significant number of undersized specimens of the commercial and protected fishes in the bycatch, including juveniles of gobies, turbot and flounder. Actual harvesting intensity do not result in P. adspersus overfishing in Ukrainian waters. In order to mitigate the negative impact of shrimp harvesting on the non-target species, it is necessary to regulate it by limitation of the fishing gears number and optimization of their designs. It was revealed that the fyke nets number in the Ukrainian waters should be limited to about 800 units.
An assessment of a simplified methodology for determining the thermal performance of thermo-active piles
Authors: Liu Ryan Yin Wai , Taborda David MG
Published: September 2023

Ground source energy systems provide low-carbon heating and cooling to buildings, but their efficient deployment requires a reliable estimate of their thermal performance. A simplified methodology is presented to determine the thermal performance of thermo-active piles when heating or cooling loads are specified with either inlet pipe temperatures or imposed heat fluxes. The proposed methodology avoids computationally expensive 3D analyses and the explicit simulation of heat exchanger pipes, relying instead on 2D thermal analyses. When the heating or cooling of a thermo-active pile is assessed by imposing inlet pipe temperatures, the proposed methodology allows the determination of the power of pile per unit length. Conversely, when heating or cooling loads are specified via extracted or injected heat fluxes, the inlet and outlet fluid temperatures, as well as average temperatures at pile wall, are determined. The proposed methodology has been shown to reproduce accurately the thermal performance of thermo-active piles modelled using 3D analyses where heat exchanger pipes are explicitly simulated, considering different patterns of heating and cooling cycles. The application of the proposed methodology to the case of a real thermo-active pile is demonstrated by comparing its predicted thermal performance with the results of a well-documented field thermal response test.
Assessing Inequality of Income Distribution and Education in the Regions of Kazakhstan
Authors:   Institute of Economics of the Science Committee of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kireyeva A. A. , Nurbatsin A. S. ,   Kenzhegali Sagadiyev University of International Business, Khalitova M. M. ,   Institute of Economics of the Science Committee of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Published: September 2023

In the current social conditions, the problems of inequality associated with the uneven distribution of income in society is an important research problem. Thus, it is necessary to investigate the level of regional differences in income distribution in developing countries like Kazakhstan. The study aims to assess the influence of income, social expenditures, and inequality in the distribution of education and education costs between different regions of Kazakhstan. Unlike previous scientific papers in this area, this paper uses panel data on the distribution of human capital and income in 17 regions of Kazakhstan. The methodological framework of the research is represented by methods of statistical assessment of economic inequality, such as the indicator of differentiation, reflecting the degree of social and economic inequality. Based on the proposed methodology, we analysed the disparity in the level of education and obtained data on the standard deviations of the distribution of education for the population of the regions of Kazakhstan. According to these data, inequality changes over time and affects the distribution of education and education costs between different areas. Income inequality is slightly higher in Karaganda and East-Kazakhstan regions; other areas have a more equitable income distribution by about 0.05 Gini coefficients. The regression specification shows that large megacities like Shymkent, Almaty, and Astana have a more significant influence, while Mangystau and North-Kazakhstan regions have minor power. The obtained results emphasise the importance ensuring access to education for reducing regional disparities and achieving stability in income distribution.
Assessment of the Introduction of Hybrid Models of Social Services in Russian Regions
Authors:   Ural State University of Economics, Ogorodnikova E. S. , Plakhin A. E. ,   Ural State University of Economics, Khokholush M. S. ,   Ural State University of Economics
Published: September 2023

In order to overcome the uneven consumption of social services and eliminate social development imbalances, Russian regions require measures to increase the output of such services with the existing resource base. To this end, the present study built a correlation model of the output indicator and parameters of the development intensity for regions characterised by hybrid models of social services. Data on state orders to private producers of social services, data on funds allocated for investment in fixed assets, including public-private partnership infrastructure projects, and data on grant funds directed to socially-oriented non-profit organisations for the period 2013-2020 were analysed. The obtained results show that adaptive redistribution of resources within hybrid models positively correlates with the output in most regions. Thus, a unidirectional positive relationship between changes in the sum of state orders to private producers and total output is characteristic for 34 Russian regions. A positive correlation between the output of social services and public-private partnership investment is observed in 64 regions. Grant support to socially-oriented non-profit organisations positively affects the output in most regions; this impact is significant for 51 regions. Simultaneously, the possibility of obtaining government funds by private producers is crucial for ensuring the growth of the output of social services. These findings largely contradict the original goal of developing a hybrid model, which is to attract private capital to the social sector in order to reduce budget expenditures for social services. The feasibility of the hybrid model, considering the provision of private participants with government funds, should be examined directly at the regional level.
Fertility Prediction Models: Example of the Republic of Tuva
Authors:   Institute for Demographic Research FCTAS RAS, Rostovskaya T. K. , Zolotareva O. A. ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University
Published: September 2023

Numerous Russian demographers and statisticians have considered the issues of predicting fertility. In recent years, the Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat) has been publishing demographic forecasts, including data on the total fertility rate. However, despite extensive research, insufficient attention is paid to the analysis of the possibilities of using adaptive forecasting methods to assess the future dynamics of fertility. In this regard, the present study aims to build fertility prediction models for regions based on adaptive methods. The Republic of Tuva was chosen for testing as one of the unique constituent entities of the Russian Federation. During the implementation of the Concept of demographic policy, in particular maternity capital, the total fertility rate in Tuva did not fall below the replacement level fertility (2.14). Adaptive forecasting methods, such as ARIMA, Holt’s and Brown’s models, were utilised. In order to select the best prediction model, the study conducted a formal-logical analysis with a comparison of the main characteristics of the forecast accuracy and quality. The obtained results revealed promising development scenarios: moderately optimistic and regressive. The moderately optimistic scenario scientifically substantiated the feasibility of achieving fertility growth in the Republic of Tuva by 2025, focusing on the higher values of the average total fertility rate — 3.10 children per woman of reproductive age — that meets the goals of the demographic policy.
Typology of the Transformation of the Age Structure in Russian Regions
Authors:   Institute of Economics of the Ural Branch of RAS, Sekicki-Pavlenko O. O.
Published: September 2023

Assessment of changes in the age structure in Russia is relevant due to the increasing ageing of the population and implementation of demographic policy measures. The study aims to develop a typology of the transformation of the age structure in Russian regions. It is hypothesised that differences in the speed and direction of transformation cause the formation of various types and subtypes of age structure. Official data of the Federal State Statistics Service were analysed: “Demographic Yearbook of Russia”; “Supplement to the Demographic Yearbook of Russia”; statistical bulletins “Population of the Russian Federation by sex and age”. As a result, Russian regions were grouped based on 6 types and 18 subtypes of the transformation of the age structure. Calculation of the ageing index revealed the following 6 types of age structure: very young, young, on the eve of old age, moderately old, old, and very old. The most common are regions with moderately old age structure (38.1 %), followed by regions with old age structure (25 %) and very old age structure (19 %). Regions classified as “on the eve of old age”, “young” and “very young” together account for no more than 18 %. The ageing dynamics index was calculated to identify 18 subtypes of the transformation of the age structure. The ageing trend is observed in 80 Russian regions: slow ageing of the population is recorded in 52 constituent entities, and increased ageing — in 28 regions. The rejuvenation trend is characteristic only for 4 regions: the Republic of Tuva, Moscow oblast, Saint Petersburg and the Republic of Crimea. The obtained results can be used by public authorities to improve regional demographic policy.
Quality of Life in Portuguese Municipalities: A Multidimensional Approach
Authors:   University of Évora, Dionísio A. , Rego M. C. ,   University of Évora, Sequeira T. ,   University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro
Published: September 2023

The estimation of the level of development of a territory is an issue that has had different approaches and methodologies. If the first attempts were associated with determining the income generated and retained by the territory, the most recent indicators of quality of life or well-being are based on a multidimensional concept, improved by adding other dimensions including several variables. On the other hand, despite the statistical difficulties, analysis of smaller geographic units is closer to reality, allowing researchers to draw relevant and effective final considerations. Focusing on the case of Portugal mainland, an old country with strong and persistent development asymmetries, this work sought to examine the similarities and differences in various dimensions of the concept of quality of life, in the positioning of the chosen territorial units, the municipalities. Then, after collecting recent annual variables at the municipality level, data were processed using multivariate analysis. The construction of clusters revealed affinities between the municipalities. The results obtained show the asymmetries of development and well-being in the national territory, and their disaggregation, both in terms of the multiple dimensions under analysis and in terms of the municipalities. The study offers a greater and deeper understanding of the regional reality and consequently can favour the efficiency of cohesion policies.
Conceptual Vision of Energy Transition in the Regional Electric Power System in New Realities
Authors:   Ural Federal University, Gitelman L. D. , Kozhevnikov M. V. ,   Ural Federal University
Published: September 2023

The energy transition is a global problem affecting environmental and energy security, sustainable economic development, social well-being. However, since its implementation differs in certain regions, it is necessary to develop specific approaches that consider local factors, external threats and risks. The article proposes a conceptual vision of energy transition at the regional level in the context of crisis, economic and logistical changes, and socio-economic, scientific and technical transformations. It is hypothesised that in order to implement the energy transition, a compensation method is required to ensure the equivalence of environmental, economic and technical results. The study analysed expert opinions published in foreign and Russian journals indexed in the SCOPUS, Science Direct, MDPI, WIT Press databases, as well as analytical reports of international energy agencies and consulting firms. The analysis revealed that the most appropriate form of organisation of the regional electric power system is a flexible model combining system and regional circuits and involving power plants with a wide range of generating capacities. The integrated power system and decentralised energy sources are seen as energy transition objects. The study presented an energy transition scheme from the implementation of low-cost energy demand management measures to the reconstruction of coal-fired power plants and construction of renewable energy facilities. An ideal model of the regional electric power system was developed as a strategic guideline in the energy transition implementation. Possible scenarios and stages of the energy transition were discussed. The findings can be applied by government and industry regulators, energy companies, large electricity consumers when planning structural, organisational and market transformations in the regional energy sector under uncertainty.
Impact of Diversity on Regional Economic Growth: A Case Study of Indonesia
Authors:   Universitas Gadjah Mada, Siregar A. P. , Widjanarko N. P. A. ,   Universitas Gadjah Mada
Published: September 2023

Economic development at the national level cannot be separated from the influence of economic performance at the regional level. As a country with abundant natural resources and great human resource potential, Indonesia has 34 provinces with relatively different economic bases. Some areas depend on a single category: the primary, secondary, or tertiary sector. Meanwhile, the other provinces have business fields that contribute relatively equal to forming a fairly balanced Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP). These different economic bases produce various impacts when an economic shock occurs. Unfortunately, the effect of economic diversity on GRDP has rarely been the focus of previous studies. Therefore, this study investigates the influence of economic diversity on regional economic growth. Data were collected from the Central Agency of Statistics (BPS) from 2013 to 2020. Then, panel data with a fixed effects generalised least squares method were employed to determine the changes in the dependent variable caused by the changes of the independent variable. Furthermore, data analysis revealed that economic diversity positively and significantly impacts GRDP. In other words, encouraging all business fields to generate value-added goods and services within the region may increase its economy. Moreover, past time experiences empirically conclude that economic shocks heavily hit the tertiary sector. At the same time, the primary industry relatively survived and played the role of economic bearing to prevent an area from further suffering. Lastly, a suggestion for further study is to investigate a combination model of the primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors to support sustainable economic growth.
Intensive and Extensive Margins of Export: Determinants of Economic Growth in Russian Regions under Sanctions
Authors:   Ural Federal University, Fedyunina A. A. , Simachev Yu. V. ,   Ural Federal University, Drapkin I. M. ,   Ural Federal University
Published: September 2023

The impact of foreign trade on the Russian economy’s growth remains debatable. In 2014, the economy faced initial sanctions, leading to export restructuring and affecting growth. In 2022, a second unprecedented wave of sanctions necessitated export restructuring and intensified the challenge of sourcing economic growth. This study evaluates the impact of intensive and extensive export margins on Russian regions’ growth from 2015 to 2021 and discusses post-2022 implications. It is hypothesised that new export goods and markets are vital for economic growth in Russian regions. The study shows that both intensive and extensive margins are positively related to the level of development in Russian regions, and developed regions with diversified economic structures had higher values of export margins. The methodology uses panel regression with random and fixed effects. The empirical results show Russian regions’ market share in the products they export and in the countries where they export (i. e. intensive product and geographic margin) is important for the economic growth of Russian regions, while the results for extensive margin are ambiguous. The obtained findings have implications for industrial policy, which should prioritise the development of measures aimed at supporting existing exporting companies in expanding their presence in familiar markets. The task of export diversification should primarily be addressed through working with existing exporters and export products, while the export of innovative products should be viewed as a gradual evolutionary process within the framework of long-term planning.
Economic Development of the EAEU during the COVID Pandemic and Prospects for Integration Cooperation
Authors:   Toraighyrov University, Mukina G. S. , Aiguzhinova D. Z. ,   Toraighyrov University, Popp L. A. ,   Toraighyrov University
Published: September 2023

In the post-pandemic period, research on integration unions gained importance due to the increasing regionalisation. The article assesses economic development of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) considering the events of 2020–2022 and examines the prospects for integration cooperation within the Union. By analysing the economic development of the EAEU countries in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the study aims to identify its changes and determine integration prospects. It is hypothesised that the pandemic has activated the integration cooperation mechanism of the EAEU in the trade and economic fields and clarified the prospects within the Union. Methods of economic and statistical, structural and comparative analysis were used to monitor changes in key indicators of economic development of the EAEU. Gross domestic product (GDP) of the EAEU decreased by 11.9 % in 2020; however, it has already shown an increase of 4.4 % in 2021, even though three waves of the pandemic were recorded that year. This indicator continued to grow in 2022, despite the economic sanctions against Russia and Belarus. While mutual and foreign trade declined in 2020, only these indicators significantly increased in 2021 and 2022. Among other unions, the EAEU is leading in terms of mutual trade growth in the period 2021–2022, indicating the possibility of economic success of the macroregion in this area. The study proved that the EAEU should establish a new strategy to provide mutual assistance in case of crisis. The findings contribute to the study of the economics of integration associations, and can be used to create economic development strategies for the EAEU. Future research may examine the impact of sanctions against individual members on the economic development of the EAEU.
An Empirical Analysis of the Impacts of Investment Incentives on Provincial Economic Growth in Turkey
Authors:   Gebze Technical University, Yanıkkaya H. , Altay K. ,   Gebze Technical University
Published: September 2023

There are significant differences between governments in the context of the objectives of incentive policies. However, they are generally focused on macroeconomic purposes such as eliminating regional inequalities and increasing investment level, employment, industrialisation and therefore raising economic growth. In Turkey, The New Investment Incentive System, which has been implemented since 2012, essentially aimed to mitigate interregional inequalities. This study investigates the impact of investment incentives on provincial per capita growth of 81 provinces for the years 2004-2017. Our data are also available for capital types and sectoral levels. The dynamic panel data estimates show that while the impact of the number of incentive certificates on provincial growth is significantly positive, there is no effect of fixed investment and employment on provincial growth. Moreover, given the significantly positive estimated coefficients on all three measures of investment incentives for the energy and manufacturing sectors, we conclude that incentives raise provincial growth for these two sectors. However, investment incentives in services, mining and agriculture sectors have no impact on regional growth. Results of the analysis of investment incentives by investor type imply that while investment incentives provided to domestic firms have no effect on growth, incentives for firms owned by foreigners have positive effects. Our study thus makes important contributions to the literature by considering both province-level incentive measures and five main sectors, namely energy, manufacturing, services, mining and agriculture in the sectoral analysis.
Determinants of Regional Disparities in Housing Prices: A Spatial Analysis of German Regions
Authors:   HSE University, Semerikova E. V. ,   Humboldt University of Berlin, Blokhina A. O. ,   HSE University,   Humboldt University of Berlin,   Vattenfall GmbH, Nastansky A. ,   Berlin School of Economics and Law
Published: September 2023

Germany is characterised by heterogeneous regional development in various economic spheres, including housing markets. Differences in housing prices persist during decades, causing undesirable inequality, affecting migration and employment patterns. The purpose of this work is to identify regional factors which affect regional housing prices in Germany. The peculiarity of the study is the consideration of the spatial location of regions for analysing the influence of the characteristics of neighbouring regions. Based on data from 397 German regions for 2004-2019, spatial econometric panel data models are built, which consider both selling and rental prices. The following factors that affect demand in the housing market are used as determinants of housing prices: the unemployment rate, the balance of pendulum migration at the place of work and living, the share of employment, wages, the number of employees, gross regional product. The analysis findings revealed that factors that raise income for the population trigger an upsurge in demand and prices for housing. Conversely, opposite effects result in a decline in prices due to a decrease in demand. Moreover, it was verified that neighbouring regions mutually affect housing markets through pendulum migration and the creation of economic clusters with similar living standards and prices. Furthermore, changes in labour market metrics are crucial; unemployment, wages, and the number of workers in nearby regions have a significant influence on real estate prices in the area under examination. The study’s practical importance lies in the possibility of using its outcomes to develop regional and migration policies.
Assessing the adoption of improved seeds as a coping strategy to climate variability under smallholder farming conditions in South Africa
Authors: Myeni Lindumusa , Moeletsi Mokhele E.
Published: September 2023

This study was undertaken to examine the adoption rate, constraints and factors determining the uptake of improved seed varieties in smallholder farming conditions of South Africa, using a maize crop. Primary data were collected from 279 smallholder farmers in the Maluti-a-Phofung municipality of the Free State Province using a household questionnaire and were validated through focus group discussions with key local informants. Descriptive statistics, frequency analysis and a binary logistic model were used for data analysis. Results show that the majority of the farmers (>69%) were growing uncertified local seed varieties saved from their previous harvest or acquired from neighbouring farmers. The lack of awareness and knowledge of, inadequate information, unaffordability and unavailability of improved seeds, low income and landlessness were major constraints limiting the adoption rate. Age and income were the main variables that had a positive and significant effect on the adoption of improved seed varieties, whilst ownership of livestock had a significant and negative influence on their adoption. As a result, the promotion of improved seed varieties needs to be supported by conducive and effectual institutional policies that will improve the provision of extension services, capacity-building initiatives, subsidy programmes, financial resources and good agricultural lands, and reduce the transaction costs of improved seed varieties. The recommendations from this study can be used by the government and other developmental organisations to enhance the wider uptake and use of improved seed varieties in smallholder farming conditions not only in the study area but also in other regions with similar challenges.
Significance:

A lack of awareness and knowledge of, inadequate information, unaffordability and unavailability of improved seeds, low income and landlessness are key constraints limiting adoption.
We recommend the provision of knowledge and awareness-raising of improved seed varieties through enhanced extension services and capacity-building initiatives as key strategies to improve the adoption rate.
The recommendations of this study can be used to enhance the wider uptake and use of improved seeds and assist smallholder farmers to cope effectively with climate variability and change.