Decentralization as one of the main goals of the cultural development strategy of the Dnipropetrovsk region

The purpose of the article is to clarify the essence and place of decentralization in the system of culture of the Dnipropetrovsk region and the Development Strategy. To identify and investigate factors preventing active implementation of decentralization in the cultural sphere of the industrial region. The article reveals and discusses the main vectors of forces that should lead the sector of culture from the periphery of political interests and ensure its one of the main places in the public and political arena of Ukraine. The methodology is based on using analysis and observations to identify the phenomena of decentralization in culture and its further implementation in the region, particularly, the identification of factors that have a negative and positive impact on the sphere of culture through the prism of decentralization, and also the establishment of a ruinous force that encourages the preservation and multiplication of cultural values. The scientific novelty lies in the research into the problem of decentralization of culture at a higher level than that of the borders of the country. The Dnipropetrovsk region is an industrial region with a clear industrial specialization, which among the various areas has shortcomings in the sphere of culture, including in the mechanism of decentralization. The implementation of this dimension will allow reaching a solution to the problems that are urgent in the sphere of culture and lay a solid foundation for new innovation and cultural development of the Dnipropetrovsk region. Conclusions. As a result of the research, the main factors affecting the implementation of decentralization in the sphere of culture in the Dnipropetrovsk region were identified and the solution of problematic issues was proposed, namely by identifying priority areas, such as Active economic activity of cultural institutions, the attraction of investors, implementation of a new human resources policy, differentiation of management decisions at the local stage, which will contribute to the modernization of the level of culture in the region. Key words: decentralization, culture, reforming, Culture Development Strategy, Dnipropetrovsk region.

Spatial Variation of Trace Metals between Industrial and Rural Dwelling Birds of India

A large quantity of trace metals has been continuously polluting the environment as a result of increasing urbanization and industrial processes. In 2016-2017, the metal (Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn) levels were determined in fecal pellets of Blue Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) at Bais Godam (industrial location) in Jaipur and Chittora (rural location) in Rajasthan, India. Fecal pellets in industrial regions which are under higher anthropogenic influence exhibited higher metal concentrations when compared with the fecal pellets of the same species in rural area which have minimal anthropogenic input, with statistically significant industrial-rural differences in the metal concentrations except for Ni. Results obtained in this study, as well as the comparison with literature data, indicated that concentrations of Cr and Cu were high in fecal pellets of Blue Rock Pigeon in the industrial region of the present study. Furthermore, many significant correlations were also observed between metal levels in the industrial region which could be attributed to a similar source. Moreover, contamination levels of pigeon excrement serve as one of the most compelling indicators in terrestrial systems for the monitoring of metal pollution levels.

Geobranding as a technology for sustainable development of an agricultural region

The article is devoted to the theoretical issues of geo-branding as a technology for the development of an agro-industrial region, the origin and development of research on branding and marketing of territories is considered, the content of the concepts of “place branding” and “place marketing” and the relationship between them are analyzed. The work examines the main components of geo-branding: development, implementation of a strategy for the development and promotion of an agro-industrial region, attraction of investments and the most efficient use of the region’s resources. Geo-branding is viewed as a technology for implementing the strategic goals of sustainable development of an agro-industrial region, which includes an analysis of the specifics of the region in the past, present and future based on the socio-cultural resources and potential of the region. The article proposes a geo-branding model that includes archetypal and narrative components that are reflected in the public consciousness of representatives of different target audiences. Particular attention is paid to the study of the specifics of the use of special events and digital communications by geo-branding entities as tools for promoting the potential of agro-industrial regions in the domestic and foreign markets.

Experience of trading institutions of Torgsin (trade with foreigners) with the population of Ivanovo Industrial Region in 1933-1935

The article is devoted to the study of the main forms of interaction between Torgsin (trade with foreigners) trading institutions and the population of Ivanovo Industrial Region in 1933–1935. The question of the evolution of Torgsin's own money issued to customers in exchange for surrendered values was investigated. The stages of replacement of trade orders with commodity books are indicated. Data on prices for basic food and industrial goods in Torgsin stores are presented, the dynamics of sales, factors that influenced the policy of lowering and raising prices. Legal documents were considered that contributed to improving the supply of goods to the population, as well as the issue of the ratio of Torgsin sales prices and Soviet industry selling prices. An assortment of domestic and imported goods is presented. Special attention is paid to the prices of collective farm markets of the largest towns of Ivanovo Industrial Region. The ratio of market and official rates of the gold and Soviet rouble was considered. The study allowed to consider the advantages and disadvantages in Torgsin's work with the population of the region. The direction of consumer demand has been studied. Based on a comparative analysis of Torgsin prices and the free market of the region, an idea of the level of accessibility of various groups of goods for buyers is made.

Genetic Approach to Assessing the Infrastructure Coherence of an Industrial Region

In the context of external shocks, socio-economic coherence of an industrial region reflects its ability to function successfully. Many researchers examine economic space, focusing on interaction between entities (including infrastructure) while ignoring territorial boundaries. However, it is necessary to consider a region’s endogenous core, whose historically connected elements generate evolutionary changes under the influence of external factors. This study develops tools to assess regional infrastructure coherence, taking into account the endogenous determinants of its socio-economic development. The research methodology includes: a comparison of absolute and relative territorial characteristics and infrastructure development parameters; statistical, economic and mathematical methods for determining and evaluating the resulting indicators; an expert assessment of the infrastructure potential; a matrix method for identifying the depth of infrastructure gaps. An analysis of Sverdlovsk oblast and neighbouring regions revealed infrastructure gaps of the first level of depth (insignificant, significant, stably significant), violating the integrity of the regional core, as well as gaps of the second level of depth (forming, potentially forming), requiring serious transformations of the core elements. The con ducted research determined the infrastructure coherence characteristics of the regional core. Thus, the most favourable situation is in Sverdlovsk oblast, whose core has strong integrity. The most unfavourable situation is observed in Perm Krai and Khanty- Mansi Autonomous Okrug. Perm Krai’s core is characterised by minor gaps of the first level of depth and potential second level gaps. In Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, significant first level gaps are already established, while second level gaps are still forming. This situation occurred due to the industrial specificity of these regions, as well as the discrepancy between high economic activity (increasing the demand for transport services) and infrastructure development. Further research will focus on the ways to improve the regional connectivity at the intra- and inter-regional levels.

Assessment of water-holding capacity of leaves of Armeniaca vulgaris Lam. in the conditions of the Zhezkazgan region (the Central Kazakstan)

The expansion of the existing range of tree crops for the greening of settlements is of practical and environmental importance. In the Zhezkazgan industrial region it is necessary to select plants that are resistant to heat, drought, low temperatures and atmospheric pollution, which limits the species composition. In present article studies are conducted to assess the water content in the leaves of Armeniaca vulgaris Lam. during the vegetation season under growing using traditional furrow watering and drip irrigation. The assessment of leaf water content showed maximum parameters in May, a decrease in June and July, and repeated increase in August of 2020–2021. Minimum indicators of water-holding capacity are noted in May, maximum — in June. Leaves of plants grown on drip irrigation had parameters of water-holding capacity 1.3–3.9 % higher than under the traditional irrigation method, which indicates a better moisture supply. In general, the water content of apricot leaves was above 50 %, which shows sufficient water supply. The results showed the resistance of Armeniaca vulgaris plants to heat and drought, so, this species is recommended for use in green construction of the Zhezkazgan industrial region.