Assessing the investment potential of the Chelyabinsk Oblast

Subject. This article explores the investment potential of an emerging region in the face of changes. Objectives. The article aims to determine the prospects for improving the investment climate of the Chelyabinsk Oblast. Methods. For the study, we used qualitative and quantitative research techniques. Results. Considering the investment potential as the maximum possible volume of attracted investments to the Oblast under their effective placement and as a set of factors affecting the ability to attract and use investment resources, the article presents the results of the analysis of regional investment projects for 2015–2019, changes in the total volume of attracted investments, and SWOT analysis of the Oblast. Conclusions and Relevance. The investment potential of the Chelyabinsk Oblast is estimated as high, but subject to the influence of a set of external factors. This results obtained can be used to further study the investment potential of both the Chelyabinsk Oblast and other regions.

Prioritizing structural reform areas: Methodological aspects

Subject. This article examines the theoretical basis for prioritizing structural reforms in countries and regions. Objectives. The article aims to develop a methodology that helps identify and rank the areas of structural policy and structural reforms by their priority. Methods. For the study, we used a regression analysis, gap analysis, benchmarking, cross-country and regional comparison, and graphical presentation of data. Results. The article proposes a methodology of quantitative assessment and ordered estimate of the priorities of structural reforms. It shows maps of the priorities of the target region, namely the Chelyabinsk Oblast, and the group of regions that have a development pattern similar to the model region, or competitor regions. Conclusions. The problem of increasing the rates of economic growth and well-being standard in the regions can be tackled through structural policies based on prioritizing the economy areas and concentrating resources in the selected ones.

Prioritizing structural reform areas: Methodological aspects

Subject. This article examines the theoretical basis for prioritizing structural reforms in countries and regions. Objectives. The article aims to develop a methodology that helps identify and rank the areas of structural policy and structural reforms by their priority. Methods. For the study, we used a regression analysis, gap analysis, benchmarking, cross-country and regional comparison, and graphical presentation of data. Results. The article proposes a methodology of quantitative assessment and ordered estimate of the priorities of structural reforms. It shows maps of the priorities of the target region, namely the Chelyabinsk Oblast, and the group of regions that have a development pattern similar to the model region, or competitor regions. Conclusions. The problem of increasing the rates of economic growth and well-being standard in the regions can be tackled through structural policies based on prioritizing the economy areas and concentrating resources in the selected ones.

Assessment of water quality if the Argazin reservoir and peculiarities of the bottom sediments impact upon it.

The article presents the results of research on the chemical composition of the water of the largest reservoir in the Chelyabinsk Oblast that is the Argazin reservoir, which historically experiences technological impact of the metallurgical facilities. The connectivity of the main chemical indicators of water quality was evaluated using cluster analysis. Hydrodynamic modeling was carried out, which enabled to determine the migration routes of pollutants (AR) through the water area of the Argazin reservoir, to predict the concentrations of AR in the event of their input through the Miass River. Conclusions have been made about the significant self-purification ability of the reservoir. The main unfavorable factors in which water quality in the reservoir may deteriorate were identified.

Hepatitis C awareness among therapists and general practitioners. Survey results

Aim. In order to improve the diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis C in the framework of this study was the awareness among general practitioner (GPs) and physicians in various districts of Chelyabinsk Oblast was assessed. Materials and methods. A continuous study of hepatitis C virus (HCV) awareness among therapists and GPs was conducted within the framework of the regional research-to-practice conference Multidisciplinary Issues of Family Medicine on May 19, 2018. 78 questionnaires have been distributed. Thus, 78 therapists from different districts of Chelyabinsk Oblast took part in the study. For these purposes, a questionnaire of 12 questions developed by Olga I. Sagalova was used. The study involved 78 therapists from different districts of Chelyabinsk Oblast. 20.52% (n=16) of respondents were from the healthcare institutions (HCI) of urban districts of Chelyabinsk Oblast, 39.74% (n=31) were from the HCIs of municipal districts of Chelyabinsk Oblast, and 39.74% (n=31) from the HCIs of the city of Chelyabinsk. Results. The survey revealed certain gaps in therapists awareness of the natural course of the disease, diagnosis, routing, the natural course of HCV infection, as well as its extrahepatic manifestations. The survey results indicate a lack of understanding among physicians and therapists of tactics for managing patients with HCV infection and emphasize the need to improve interdisciplinary interaction between infectious disease specialists, primary care doctors and doctors of other specialties including the development and implementation of an educational strategy for non-infectious disease doctors. Conclusion. The results indicate the needs to increase the level of education among doctors in the diagnosis and management of patients with HCV in accordance with guidelines and to include screening for HCV infection in the guidelines for selected chronic non-communicable diseases as part of the initial examination.

Optimal Spatial Organisation of the Regional Economy: Search for Parameters and Dependencies

The framework guiding the spatial development of the Russian Federation is widely discussed. However, the characteristics of an optimally organised space are yet to be defined. This research focuses on one of the aspects of this problem, aiming to identify the characteristics of the optimal spatial organisation of the regional economy depending on the degree of homogeneity of socio-economic space. We examined four Russian regions comparable in area and administrative-territorial division, but differing in economic activity (Krasnodar Krai, the Republic of Tatarstan, Chelyabinsk Oblast and Kemerovo Oblast). For that purpose, we applied spatial analysis methods: spatial autocorrelation, cartographic analysis. The examined regions are characterised by varying degrees of spatial heterogeneity. It is most significant in the Chelyabinsk Oblast, where 46% of the population lives in the territory of two municipalities that produce 73 % of the regional products. The territories of Chelyabinsk Oblast differ the most in terms of output (R/P is 994.65). The degree of heterogeneity is also high in the Republic of Tatarstan, characterised by the differentiation of municipalities in terms of inhabitants (the maximum R/P is 42.09) and fragmentation of space (the global Moran’s index for the considered parameters is less than its expected value). Krasnodar Krai is the most homogeneous (the production R/P is 131.57, the settlement R/P is 14.52) and integrated territory (spatial autocorrelation is positive). Simultaneously, there is no clear relationship between the degree of spatial homogeneity and the efficiency of economic activity in the regions in the short term. The results show that it is impossible to use a single unified model for the development of various territories. Thus, it is necessary to apply a differentiated approach when determining spatial development guidelines. The obtained results can be used by public authorities in the field of spatial development management. Moreover, they can be used for further research of other parameters of spatial organisation that are not related to its homogeneity.