Civil Protection Research Articles

Peculiarities of Professional Training of Civil Defence Specialists in Ukraine Under a Martial Law

The State Emergency Service of Ukraine is a central executive body directed and coordinated by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine through the Minister of Internal Affairs and implementing the state policy in the field of civil defence, protection of the people and territories from emergencies and prevention of their occurrence, elimination of the consequences of emergencies, rescue, firefighting, fire, and industrial safety, activities of emergency services, and hydrometeorological activities. This institution has two higher education schools offering BA training for civil defence bodies and units. At the same time, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has led to a number of changes in educational training programs for civil defence specialists. Understanding the current threats and recognizing the role of civil defence requires revision of the standards of all specialties, in particular in terms of awareness and preparedness for emergency situations, as well as separation of a set of knowledge, competencies and skills into a separate specialty “civil defence”.

SYSTEMIC CIVIL PROTECTION IN CONDITIONS OF LIMITED RESOURCES OF FIRE BRIGADE UNITS IN POLAND IN THE EVENT OF A PANDEMIC. EXAMPLE OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN POLAND

Ensuring an adequate level of security should be the responsibility of every civilised developedcountry. The overall functioning of the civil protection system depends on the efficiency of thedecision-making entities, which are entities of the public administration at various levels andthe executive entities such as fire protection units, the Police, the Armed Forces, the MedicalRescue System, etc. Each of the aforementioned institutions and organisations has at itsdisposal the resources that are necessary to maintain organisational capacity and to maintaincontinuity of operations. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on society, as wellas on administrative entities, organisations and institutions. Its impact created a very high riskof adverse effects that affected organisational resources. The aim of this article is to determinehow to systemically ensure the civil protection under conditions of limited institutional resourcesin the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fire protection units, more specifically organisationalunits of the State Fire Service and volunteer fire services, were taken as an analytical basis. It wasinvestigated by means of empirical research, quantitative and qualitative research methods onhow the COVID-19 pandemic affected the resources of these fire protection units, in particular:human, financial, information and material resources. The results of the research were analysedand used to define guidelines and a system model of providing civil protection in conditions oflimited resources of fire protection units in Poland in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Features of state regulation of defense procurements

The article is devoted to the consideration of state regulation in the field of public procurement, in particular in the defense-industrial complex. The main law defining the basic principles and mechanisms of procurement is the Law of Ukraine «On Public Procurement». However, during the period of martial law, many changes were made in the procedures and mechanisms of public procurement, changes were already made more than once, through the adoption of separate laws and by-laws. The article analyzes the peculiarities of the application of public procurement mechanisms in certain sectors of the economy, in particular the defense-industrial complex. The necessity of modernization and improvement the procurement procedures for successful and effective compliance with the principles of competition and overcoming corruption, and other principles stipulated by legislation, is argued. Mechanisms for conducting procurement procedures are analyzed as one of the key elements of increasing the effectiveness of state economic policy, which is based, in particular, on the principles of fair competition, openness and transparency, non-discrimination of participants, objectivity and impartiality of evaluation of tender offers.
 It is substantiated that it is important to borrow international procurement experience to ensure compliance of national legislation with EU legislation. The issue of ensuring the appropriate level of defense capability of Ukraine in the conditions of countering full-scale military aggression on the territory of Ukraine by the Russian Federation is quite acute. A pressing challenge now is to ensure the rational spending of budget funds and the effective functioning and development of the state defense procurement system. It has been proven that the mechanism for the redistribution of budget funds should have the most transparent order of organization and the order of execution of the concluded procurement contract, which in the case of defense procurement involves reducing the number of closed procurements, excessive secrecy, increasing competitive procedures in the procurement of imported products and services, further improving pricing, canceling profit limits, accounting for inflation and life cycle cost.
 It is argued that consideration of physical, economic and informational security requirements is extremely important. It is about compliance with the principles of protecting customers from military threats, ensuring the simplification of public procurement by reducing the terms of the procurement procedure and simplifying the requirements for procedure participants, the effectiveness of the procurement process and the efficiency of the use of funds, primarily through the involvement of domestic entrepreneurs in tenders and ensuring the development of the domestic market, stability and defense capability.

A cost-benefit ‘source-receptor’ framework for implementation of Blue-Green flood risk management

As floods are a major and growing source of risk in urban areas, there is a necessity to improve flood risk management frameworks and civil protection through planning interventions that modify surface flow pathways and introduce storage. Despite the complexity of densely urbanised areas (topography, buildings, green spaces, roads), modern flood models can represent urban features and flow characteristics in order to help researchers, local authorities, and insurance companies to develop and improve efficient flood risk frameworks to achieve resilience in cities. A cost-benefit driven ‘source-receptor’ flood risk framework is developed in this study to identify (1) locations contributing to surface flooding (sources), (2) buildings and locations at high flood risk (receptors), (3) the cost-benefit nexus between the ‘source’ and the ‘receptor’, and finally (4) ways to mitigate flooding at the ‘receptor’ by adding Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI) in critical locations. The analysis is based on five steps to identify the ‘source’ and the ‘receptor’ in a study area based on the flood exposure of buildings, damages arising from flooding and available green spaces with the best potential to add sustainable and resilient solutions to reduce flooding. The framework was developed using the detailed hydrodynamic model CityCAT in a case study of the city centre of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. The novelty of this analysis is that firstly, multiple storm magnitudes (i.e. small and large floods) are used combined with a method to locate the areas and the buildings at flood risk and a prioritized set of best places to add interventions upstream and downstream. Secondly, planning decisions are informed by considering the benefit from reduced damages to properties and the cost to construct resilient BGI options rather than a restricted hydraulic analysis considering only flood depths and storages in isolation from real world economics.

Impact behaviour of 3D printed fiber reinforced cementitious composite beams

Recent interest has grown in using 3D printing for military and civil defense engineering, particularly for infrastructure resilience against impacts. This study delves into the impact resistance of 3D printed fiber-reinforced cementitious composite (FRCC) beams. By analyzing varying fiber content, impact directions, and 3D printing nozzle sizes, the research found that the total energy dissipation of 3D printed FRCC beams was more than 40% higher and the 3D printed beams exhibited superior impact resistance compared to traditional beams, largely due to the fibers' role. The impact energy dissipation varied with different impact directions for the specimens, and the Z direction was identified as the most resistant, demonstrating anisotropic behavior in impact resistance. Smaller nozzle sizes in printing showed higher total energy dissipation, indicating increased impact resistance. X-ray analysis further revealed that the 3D printing process creates denser beams with better fiber–matrix adhesion and less porosity, improving overall impact resistance.

AVIATION PLANT IN THE MARI ASSR IN 1941–1944: PROBLEMS OF EVACUATION, ACCOMMODATION AND PRODUCTION

The topic of industry evacuation, including aviation, the problems of locating enterprises and organizing their production in the rear regions remains relevant. At this stage, it is worth paying attention to the problem of locating specific enterprises and other problems they faced during evacuation. The purpose of the study is to study, based on the analysis of sources, one of the regional aspects in the history of the Great Patriotic War – evacuation of aviation plant No. 168 in Volzhsk, the Mari ASSR. Materials and methods. The sources were identified in the State Archive of the Republic of Mari El, the State Archive of the Russian Federation and the Russian State Archive of Socio-Political History. The main methods were the analysis and systematization of documents. Study results. According to the resolution of the Evacuation Council dated November 11, 1941, Plant No. 168 of the People’s Commissariat of Aviation Industry of the USSR, which had arrived from Ryazan, was located on the production areas of the Volga (Lopatinsky) Woodworking Plant. 10 main workshops were located on the territory of the woodworking plant. The assembly of KC-20 troop-carrying gliders began immediately. In accordance with the decision of the State Defense Committee dated September 13, 1942, plant No. 168 began serial production of UT-2MV light bombers, which required an increase in space and the number of workers, and creation of new production facilities. Special difficulties were caused by the issues of locating two large enterprises on the same territory – plant No. 168 and the Volga (Lopatinsky) woodworking plant: lack of production facilities, living space, problems with provision, construction deadlines, etc. By the decree of the State Defence Committee of the USSR dated October 1, 1944 and by the order of the USSR People’s Commissariat of Aviation Industry and the USSR People’s Commissariat of Railways dated October 31, 1944, Plant No. 168 was relocated to Rostov-on-Don. All production buildings and structures, including unfinished construction of the production building, were transferred to the Volga (Lopatinsky) woodworking plant. Conclusions. Evacuation of enterprises is one of the main issues in the history of the rear regions during the Great Patriotic War. The common problems for all industrial enterprises during this period were the lack of production facilities, electricity, fuel, raw materials, manpower, transport, etc. Despite all the difficulties, plant No. 168, being evacuated to the Mari ASSR, was able to organize the production and output of aircraft.

‘Outsider’ socialization: Sweden’s interactions with NATO in civil defence prior to membership

ABSTRACT This study assesses the impact of NATO socialization upon an ’outsider’ country, using Sweden in the area of civil defence as a case study. Relying on 33 interviews from 2020 and 2022 with civil servants from Swedish government agencies, the article gives a unique empirical account of practitioners’ perceptions on the interactions (or the absence thereof) with NATO prior to Sweden’s NATO membership, covering a crucial phase under which the country knocked on the alliance’s door. It expands the existing socialization literature by developing the ’outsider’ perspective, while also contributing to the understanding of the impact of the socialization process on a practical level. To that end, the study develops a theoretical framework based on exclusion, interactions, incentives, and compatibility which serves to elevate the analysis that highlights challenges for ’outsiders,’ while proposing subsequent strategies to mitigate them. Furthermore, it unlocks a discussion on NATO’s role in national resilience of present and future member countries.

Забезпечення функціонування суспільства у діяльності органів державної влади за умов дії правового режиму воєнного стану

The scientific article is devoted to the study of the activities of public authorities during the period of martial law in ensuring the functioning of society, characterization of the concept and attributes of state bodies, types of state bodies. The article examines scientific and regulatory approaches to defining the most important functions of the state, in particular, ensuring the security of citizens. On February 24, 2022, the Russian Federation, in violation of international law, carried out a full-scale invasion of the territory of Ukraine. On the same day, the legal regime of martial law was introduced (there was a fact of aggression, daily new threats of attack, a threat to Ukraine's state independence, and violation of the integrity of state borders), and accordingly, state bodies, military formations, and local governments were given the necessary powers to prevent the threat and ensure national security, as well as temporary restrictions due to the threat to the constitutional rights and freedoms of people and citizens, as well as the rights and legitimate interests of legal entities), which has been prolonged for a month. This has changed the worldview of all Ukrainians, the activities of state and self-governing institutions. Martial law is a legal regime that has its own peculiarities and regulates the activities of state and local governments in Ukraine. During the period of martial law, the activities of state bodies are aimed at ensuring the operation of the Constitution and laws of Ukraine, implementing measures of the legal regime, defending civil defense and ensuring the protection of the rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of citizens of the state. Martial law provides state authorities, military administrations, and military command and control bodies with the necessary powers to prevent threats and repel armed aggression and ensure national security. Based on this, the state authorities felt the impact of the martial law regime, as they faced new challenges, but the state authorities quickly regulated their activities. The state is characterized by the presence of a social system with certain elements, manifestations, content and functional purpose, i.e. organizational overflows of society. The management of major national events places extremely high demands on the organization and interaction of state institutions and local self-government, which is guaranteed during the functioning of the state mechanism and contributes to the development of a democratic society.

Перспективи застосування віртуального лабораторного стенда «Дослідження та оцінювання електромагнітного поля на робочих місцях»

This article examines the potential of using a virtual laboratory stand to perform laboratory work on the topic "Research and assessment of the electromagnetic field at workplaces," which is included in the curriculum of the discipline "Occupational safety in industry and civil protection." While performing this laboratory work, the student should familiarize himself with the requirements regarding the electromagnetic field and control the voltage levels at the workplaces. Based on the obtained results, the student must draw a conclusion regarding the possibility or impossibility of working in such conditions, as well as develop measures and means to achieve regulatory parameters.
 The purpose of this article is to highlight the main possibilities of using a virtual laboratory stand to perform laboratory work on the topic "Research and assessment of the electromagnetic field at workplaces" from the normative discipline "Occupational safety in the industry and civil protection".
 The article provides an overview of windows and instructions for using the developed computer program for a virtual laboratory stand. The key features of this program are described, such as the availability of theoretical materials on the performance of laboratory work, detailed reproduction of the appearance and control elements of real equipment, the implementation of mathematical models of dependencies between input and output parameters, the ability to return to any stage of the performance of this laboratory work and continue it from any point, as well as the ability to save the results as a text file for preparing a report.
 It was established that the use of similar technologies from other laboratory works in the discipline "Occupational safety in the industry and civil protection" require further research.

Social and legal significance of the non-jurisdictional protection of the social rights of military personnel in Ukraine

The article delves into the social and legal significance of non-jurisdictional protection concerning the social rights of military personnel in Ukraine. The author delineates that the significance of these protective measures unfolds within three distinct contexts. Firstly, the state assumes the role of an employer responsible for ensuring and safeguarding the social rights of military personnel. This dynamic underscores the presence of a social risk for military personnel, stemming from the confluence of two conflicting roles within a single entity - that of being both the controlled and the controller. In a legal and democratic state, this duality necessitates equilibrium through the provision of non-state protection for the social rights of military personnel. Secondly, Ukraine is witnessing a burgeoning civil society, whose advocacy efforts in human rights bolster social security for individuals, society, and the state, with a potential focus on safeguarding the social rights of military personnel. Thirdly, non-jurisdictional mechanisms for protecting the social rights of military personnel harbor considerable human rights potential. The state's commitment to fully realizing this potential would directly enhance the overall social security of military personnel. The human rights potential of civil society actors materializes through three primary forms of human rights protection. Firstly, it involves exerting comprehensive and legitimate pressure on violators of social rights, without compromising the state's defense capabilities. Secondly, it entails targeted and lawful influence on offenders. Thirdly, it encompasses fostering solidarity among military personnel and addressing their sense of belonging to a nearly homogeneous group. This group comprehends the intricacies of social security issues facing military personnel and ensures the protection of the rights of its members. In conclusion, the article synthesizes the findings of the study and underscores the necessity of establishing a platform for safeguarding the rights and interests of military personnel. This platform, founded on institutional partnership, would convene delegates from diverse civil society entities engaged in the ongoing protection of the social and other rights of military personnel.

Loss of Chance Damages in Competitions, Tenders and Trials in German Law

The paper examines the problem of compensation for damages for the loss of chance in the future (winning a tender, competition, litigation) and the evolution of views on it in the German legal order. The difference between this concept and loss of profit is considered. It is concluded that the loss of chance can be considered as an element of a cause-and-effect relationship that limits the amount of damages subject to compensation by the probability of a favorable consequence occurring, and as a separate benefit subject to civil protection using a method similar to that used for compensation of «purely economic losses». The author puts a special focus on the rule on the ability of the court to determine the amount of damages at its own discretion in the event of uncertainty in their size, which is extremely favorable to compensation for lost chances. In addition, the effectiveness of compensation for harm proportional to the lost chance is considered from the point of view of economic analysis of law. A comparative legal study of this institution in other legal orders proves the absence of barriers to compensation for losses of this kind in all continental systems of justice, the Russian one included.

Firefighters and police search dog handlers’ experiences working closely with paramedics in urban search and rescue incidents: a qualitative focus group study from Oslo

BackgroundRescue operations are in Norway defined as situations where patients are difficult to access or that more resources are needed than the health services alone possess and can put in operation (Bull A, Redningshåndboken er endelig her! [Internet]. Hovedredningssentralen. 2018 [cited 2023 May 15]. Available from: https://www.hovedredningssentralen.no/redningshandboken-er-endelig-her/). Rescue operations after large incidents may include civil protection, military forces, non-governmental organizations and other resources, but the initial rescue effort must be performed by the emergency services as time often is of essence. The central area of an accident where special training and personal protection equipment is necessary or mandatory is called the Hot Zone. This study examines Urban Search And Rescue (USAR) firefighters and police officers reported experiences from ambulance personnel’s contribution in the Hot Zone.MethodsWe conducted five focus group interviews with USAR-trained firefighters and police officers. The interviewees were those on duty on the agreed dates. The interviews were taped, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis as described by Braun & Clarke.ResultsThree themes were identified; Feeling safe during missions, Building USAR capacity, and Trust-building within USAR-teams. The firefighters and police officers reported their and the patients’ safety are best managed by EMS-personnel, whose presence strongly contributes to their own feeling of safety in a dangerous area. When EMS handles victims and injured emergency workers, firefighters and police officers can focus on their own primary tasks. Indeed, interviewees reported that building a USAR capacity depends on having USAR-trained EMS-personnel in the Hot Zone. The interviewees have clear and consistent opinions on how to establish an interagency USAR capacity effectively. Trust is paramount to the interviewees, and they express a high degree of trust within USAR Oslo.ConclusionsFirefighters and police officers regard USAR-trained EMS-personnel as a natural and integrated part in urban search and rescue teams. EMS-personnel in the dangerous area deliver safety and medical professional assistance to both rescue workers and patients. Informants in this study had clear opinions on how to establish and maintain such a service.

Риски безопасности: современное состояние государственного управления

The problem of state management of security risks in the context of a special military operation and conducting a hybrid war against Russia by NATO forces is actualized; an analysis of individual conditions and factors that form a critical possibility of harming life safety and, in general, the national interests of the Russian Federation is carried out.
 The current state of security risk management is revealed through the analysis of such strategic state documents as the Federal Law «On Security» as amended in 2023, «The Concept of Foreign Policy of the Russian Federation» in 2023, «Strategies for the development of civil defense, protection of the population and territories from emergencies, fire safety and human safety on water facilities for the period up to 2030», the state program of the Russian Federation «Protection of the population and territories from emergency situations, ensuring fire safety and human safety at water bodies» 2023, the Federal Law «On Voluntary Fire Protection» of 2011 with amendments and additions made to it in August 2023.
 Attention is focused on the risks of wartime.
 An express analysis of scientific research in recent years has been carried out. The joint opinion of scientists and experts in the field of civil defense on the existence of problems in legislative activity requiring prompt resolution has been revealed.
 Using the example of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia, some practical results of the state's management activities are shown, as well as the importance of changes in the Federal Law «On Voluntary Fire Protection" to activate the volunteer movement and minimize fire safety risks with the participation of the population.

EQ-DIRECTION Procedure towards an Improved Urban Seismic Resilience: Application to the Pilot Case Study of Sanremo Municipality

This paper discusses the critical importance of effective mitigation policies to enhance earthquake resilience in urban systems, especially in light of recent seismic events in Italy. The Italian Civil Protection Department (ICPD) has delineated specific Limit Conditions (LCs) for urban settlements, serving as benchmarks for targeted mitigation policies, and akin to Limit States for buildings in Codes. While the ICPD has already developed operational procedures for some LCs, concentrating on evaluating the structural operational efficiency of strategic functions during emergency management, only a conceptual outline exists for other LCs involving preparedness and recovery/reconstruction phases. To address this gap, this paper introduces the EQ-DIRECTION (EarthQuake Disaster-REsilient City acTIOn plan) procedure. This method aims to analyze and assess the “Limit Condition for Safeguarding the Existence of the Settlement” (referred to as SLC). The procedure entails identifying the “minimum urban system” required for effective recovery and evaluating the performance of this system in terms of structural damage and economic losses against the SLC requirement. The practical application of this methodology to a real-world case study in Sanremo municipality on the western coast of Liguria (Italy) demonstrates the feasibility and potential effectiveness of the procedure for earthquake resilience in urban planning and management.

Leveraging national security: private equity and bankruptcy in the United States defense industry

Abstract Defense contractors play an essential role in US security operations. Among other responsibilities, contractors manufacture arms, manage logistics, analyze intelligence, and carry out cybersecurity operations. Historically, defense contractors were either publicly traded corporations or privately owned companies. The past two decades, however, have seen a major shift in the ownership structure of the US defense industry. Private equity firms—once niche actors in the US national security marketplace—have carried out over 1,500 deals involving defense contractors since 2000. This study employs a mixed-methods research design to assess the effects of private equity investment on the financial stability of the US defense industry. Using data on over 8,000 defense contractors, the inquiry finds that contractors with private equity backing experience bankruptcy at higher rates than contractors with no prior private equity investment. In addition, the study evaluates private equity activity in the military satellite services market—a field of growing importance in the strategically important domain of outer space. The inquiry’s findings have notable international security implications. Given the US’ role as a lynchpin in numerous alliances around the world, higher rates of bankruptcy among defense contractors have the potential to affect the security of the United States and its allies.

An analysis of the vulnerability of road networks in response to disruption events through accessibility indicators specification

ABSTRACT The objective of this paper is to propose an analysis of the vulnerability of road transportation networks in response to external shocks. Through the estimation of the accessibility and Link Importance Indicator (LII), a vulnerability road transportation analysis has been carried out and applied to a real case study. The case study comprises the 112 districts of the metropolitan area of the city of Naples, in the south of Italy. The main findings of this study are represented by the accessibility indicator introduced, which can be considered a measure to capture the vulnerability due to disruptions in the road network, and the LII, which can be used to identify critical roads. The proposed methodology represents a useful tool for local administrations, transportation agencies, and civil protection that need to deal with emergency situations, which are becoming more common.

Финансовый мониторинг в сфере государственного оборонного заказа

The article discusses the legal and organizational issues of financial monitoring in the field of state defense order. The provisions of the legislation regulating the state defense contracts and anti-money laundering and the financing of terrorism are analyzed in order to establish the legal basis for the implementation of financial monitoring in the field of public health. The activities of authorized credit organizations and the Federal Financial Monitoring Service in this area are analyzed. The main threats in the field of state defense orders are noted, which can be countered thanks to financial monitoring.

A methodology to support the State Defense Order taking into account the monitoring of risk intensity of processes using the project-based approach

Subject. The article considers the issues of management under uncertainty. Objectives. The aim is to streamline interaction between structures participating in the implementation of State Defense Order. Methods. The study draws on methods of systems analysis. Results. We developed an algorithm for decision-making in the face of risks. It enables to increase the efficiency of budget spending. Conclusions. The findings can be used in designing programs for development of strategically important sectors of the Russian economy in the context of sanctions.

The Liminal Figure of the Civilian and the Necropolitics of Protection

Abstract Recent literature on contemporary humanitarian governance brings to light complex rationales of care and control that give expression to the ongoing coloniality of power. This paper examines the protection of civilians (PoC) from a similar vantage point. Over the past few decades, the goal of protecting civilians has produced a broad assemblage meant to guide military, police, and humanitarian operations in conflict environments. This paper argues that to “protect civilians” is to rationalize human life along a narrow biopolitical continuum grounded in the liminal figure of the civilian, a figure that in war can appear alive or dead. While the goal of protection is evidently to keep civilians alive, the rationality at work in the PoC assemblage has also given way to a particular form of necropolitics that enmeshes life and death. Following a familiar colonial profile, but one that functions to obscure racialization, the necropolitics at work in PoC begin with a quantificatory episteme of accounting for, and a counting of, civilian casualties. This has led to the establishment of civilian casualty tracking and mitigation cells as a model meant to generate lessons learned from civilian casualties. At work in the PoC, therefore, is a political theory of life that enmeshes a form of biopolitics and necropolitics: a politics of life and a politics of death.

Meningkatkan Integritas Sebagai Mahasiswa Merupakan Implementasi Wujud Bela Negara

This journal discusses the concept and implementation of state defense in the context of student life. State defense is an important concept to strengthen and protect the country's sovereignty, as well as build awareness and a sense of national responsibility towards their country. This journal focuses on the conceptual framework of state defense, including the values contained in the concept. Values such as patriotism, loyalty to the country, concern for the environment, and a sense of social responsibility are crucial in building a strong sense of state defense in university students. Furthermore, this journal analyzes how state defense can be implemented in everyday life as a student. The research method used is qualitative description, while the type of research is library research, the activity is carried out by collecting data related to the title which is literature. Through good civic education, active participation in social and political activities, and real contributions to state development. In addition, this journal also discusses how improving integrity as a student is an implementation of state defense and also the reasons why improving integrity and state defense are very important. The author suggests several ways that can be done to improve integrity as a student to realize state defense and citizenship in universities, expand community participation programs, and build awareness of the importance of state defense through mass media and social campaigns. This journal summarizes the importance of state defense in building and protecting state defense, and provides a framework that can be used by educational institutions in implementing the concept of state defense. It is hoped that readers of this journal will gain a better understanding of state defense and the importance of building state defense awareness.