Priority Measures Research Articles

Development of a set of priority measures for the integration of tools for assessing working conditions for the formation of occupational risk levels

Introduction. The increase in life expectancy, a decrease in mortality rates of the working-age population requires the development of a set of priority measures and justification of their effectiveness in the occupational risk management system based on the transition to a personalized assessment of working conditions and the health status of employees. The study aims to develop a set of priority measures to integrate tools for assessing working conditions and to justify their effectiveness in the occupational risk management system to determine the levels and groups of occupational risks in the workplace, depending on the complex of harmful and/or dangerous factors of the production environment and the labor process and the health status of employees. Materials and methods. The researchers have conducted the analysis of qualitative and quantitative indicators of occupational risk, including indicators of health disorders of employees. We have analyzed the materials of periodic medical examinations to substantiate the algorithm for the formation of risk groups for the development of occupational diseases. Scientists have performed a cross-epidemiological study to assess the risk of developing chronic general somatic diseases in workers. We have calculated the indicators of the total risk of fatal cardiovascular diseases. Experts have studied the features of the current situation with indicators of occupational morbidity in the Russian Federation. Results. There are two groups of qualitative and quantitative indicators at the level of state supervision and enterprise, which allow assessing the effectiveness of the risk management system. Scientists have identified qualitative and quantitative indicators for early detection of violations in the employee's body from the effects of production factors. We have substantiated the algorithm and criteria for the formation of risk groups for the development of occupational diseases. Assessment of the risk of developing general somatic diseases in workers with constant exposure to high levels of harmful factors: vibration, severity and labor intensity, showed a high prevalence and increased risk of diseases of the endocrine, musculoskeletal and circulatory systems, as well as a significant increase in these indicators with an increase in work experience in harmful working conditions, which allows us to consider these diseases as production-related diseases. Individuals with endocrine diseases are significantly more likely to have a very high, high and medium overall risk of developing fatal cardiovascular diseases (CVD). With an increase in work experience, the percentage of people at high risk of developing fatal CVD increased. The level of occupational morbidity calculated for the number of employees employed in harmful working conditions is 32% higher than the indicator calculated for all employees of the enterprise. A similar recalculation of occupational morbidity indicators for individual nosologies also completely changes the picture. Conclusion. We have substantiated the necessity of transition to a personalized assessment of occupational risk among employees. Researchers have developed proposals for adjusting legislation in order to integrate tools for assessing working conditions and improving the effectiveness of the occupational risk management system. Ethics. This study did not require the conclusion of the Ethics committee.

Financial Support of Natural Agricultural Production in Ukraine

The processes of modern globalization and social transformations have significantly increased the priority of environmental protection, accordingly, they require the implementation of priority measures to solve urgent problems in the field of environmental protection and the simultaneous rational use of natural resources. The solution to these problems significantly depends on the system of financial support formed in the countries, as well as the established composition and volumes of funding sources and the determined directions of their use, which determines the need for a scientifically based analysis. The purpose of the work is to study the innovation activity of Ukrainian enterprises by sources of their financing and the development of practical recommendations for choosing the optimal model of influence on innovation efficiency of innovation support. The methodological basis of the research was the use of a set of general scientific and special methods: generalizations and scientific abstraction, historical-logical, extrapolation, and tabular visualization methods. Results of the research - The system of financial support for environmental protection at the current stage of the development of the economy of Ukraine was investigated. It is noted that environmental taxes should not just fill the state budget of the country, but stimulate the payer to have a positive and responsible attitude towards the natural environment. The dynamics of revenues to the budgets due to the application of environmental taxation mechanisms was studied and a conclusion was drawn regarding its effectiveness. The effectiveness of the implementation of the fiscal and regulatory functions of the environmental tax in Ukraine was evaluated. The order of distribution of environmental tax funds, as the main source of replenishment of environmental funds, was considered and the inefficiency of its use was analyzed. It was established that the environmental tax does not fully fulfill its fiscal function because the received income does not allow for fully financed environmental protection measures. The obtained results can be used as a basis for reforming the environmental tax in the direction of increasing its fiscal and effective effectiveness.

Findings from a Survey on Bus Stop Design

The bus stop is the first point of contact between the passenger and the bus service. The spacing, location, and design of bus stops significantly influence transit system performance and customer satisfaction. At present, relatively few transit agencies have comprehensive reference material available to assist in bus stop location and design. In recognition of the importance of bus stop location and design, the Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) sponsored research to develop guidelines for locating and designing bus stops in various operating environments. These guidelines can assist transit agencies, local governments, and others (e.g., developers) in locating and designing bus stops that consider bus patrons’ convenience, safety, and access to sites, as well as safe and efficient transit operations and traffic flow.Mail-out surveys were conducted as part of the TCRP bus stop location and design guidelines project. The mail-out surveys, which were an initial task of the project, were used to determine current practices and areas of concern regarding bus stop design for transit agencies and states. Less than half of the responding transit agencies currently use guidelines or manuals, which indicates a need for the document being developed. Furthermore, almost every agency has moved a bus stop to improve traffic operations and more than half have redesigned a curbside stop to a bus bay or nub design.Transit agencies are typically responsible for establishing routes, stop spacing, stop location (near side, far side, or midblock), type of stop (curbside, bus bay, or nub), bus stop signs, and amenities (such as street furniture). Functions jointly shared by transit agencies and cities, counties, and states include selecting the length of the bus stop zone, selecting pavement design at bus stops, removal of parking for bus stops, bus stop relocation due to traffic, and bus priority measures. Selecting and maintaining traffic control devices is primarily a city function. The categories considered during the bus stop location and design process are (in descending order): bus operations, area type or land use, passenger safety, roadway features, and traffic conditions.

The role of IFRS in the national accounting system

The subject of consideration in the publication was the introduction of international financial reporting standards into the national legal system. In particular, attention is focused on the bodies whose competence includes the consideration and implementation of financial reporting standards, the procedure for adopting such standards, as well as the structural content of such bodies. The initial document that launched the implementation of IFRS in Russia was Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of April 3, 1997 No. 278 “On priority measures to implement the Address of the President of the Russian Federation to the Federal Assembly “Order in power — order in the country”. The article notes that not all practices have accepted the existing reality, the cases that impede the development of financial reporting standards are named. Different positions on this issue are presented, in which the authors justifiably criticize the implementation of standards.

Modern achievements and prospects for the development of higher medical education: Ukrainian realities

The purpose of the study is to research and highlight modern achievements and prospects for the development of higher medical education in Ukraine. Theoretical and empirical methods were used to achieve the set goal and solve research problems. A modern doctor must perfectly master his professional competence. The main motive for reforming the medical field is the desire of students to master professional skills and practical skills, to deepen the acquired theoretical knowledge and apply it in practice, to develop skills regarding the standards of providing medical care, to gain experience in practical work, which will allow a modern student to successfully work independently in the future. It is also necessary to create a group that would carefully study and propose a number of conceptual priority measures related to changes in legislation and aimed at coordination between universities in order to develop a clear, unified strategy for reforming medical education, to ensure the responsibility of higher education institutions for the quality of education and its guarantee, taking into account the interests of society.

Estimation of myocardial infarction death in Iran: artificial neural network

BackgroundExamining past trends and predicting the future helps policymakers to design effective interventions to deal with myocardial infarction (MI) with a clear understanding of the current and future situation. The aim of this study was to estimate the death rate due to MI in Iran by artificial neural network (ANN).MethodsIn this ecological study, the prevalence of diabetes, hypercholesterolemia over 200, hypertension, overweight and obesity were estimated for the years 2017–2025. ANN and Linear regression model were used. Also, Specialists were also asked to predict the death rate due to MI by considering the conditions of 3 conditions (optimistic, pessimistic, and probable), and the predicted process was compared with the modeling process.ResultsDeath rate due to MI in Iran is expected to decrease on average, while there will be a significant decrease in the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia 1.031 (− 24.81, 26.88). Also, the trend of diabetes 10.48 (111.45, − 132.42), blood pressure − 110.48 (− 174.04, − 46.91) and obesity and overweight − 35.84 (− 18.66, − 5.02) are slowly increasing. MI death rate in Iran is higher in men but is decreasing on average. Experts' forecasts are different and have predicted a completely upward trend.ConclusionThe trend predicted by the modeling shows that the death rate due to MI will decrease in the future with a low slope. Improving the infrastructure for providing preventive services to reduce the risk factors for cardiovascular disease in the community is one of the priority measures in the current situation.

Settlements' spatial development in the Altai and Tyva republics: a sociological analysis

The article presents the results of a comparative analysis of two regions of Southern Siberia: the Altai and Tyva republics. The purpose of the study was to identify general patterns and individual features of the spatial development of these republics both at the regional and municipal level. The information base for the study was the results of sociological surveys of the population conducted in cities and villages of these two republics, as well as data from regional and municipal statistics of Rosstat. In the sociological research, the methods of questioning, generalization, statistical analysis, graphic analysis were used; to analyze demographic and economic processes, the following methods were used: cartographic, statistical, comparative analysis, forecasting, and specialization identification. Analysis of the demographic trends has shown the possibility of depopulation in the coming years in the Altai Republic and in the long term — in the Tyva Republic. Analysis of the data of sociological surveys demonstrates that for the cities of the Tyva Republic, the problems of communal services are key, and for the settlements of the Altai Republic- economic problems. A subjective assessment of the state and dynamics of the development of industrial enterprises is given, the level of development of small and medium-sized enterprises, promising economic specializations of the regions is estimated. Transport accessibility of cities and villages in the republics is estimated. Economic measures aimed at solving the existing problems and correcting the negative demographic trends are proposed. The results of the work can be used to develop priority measures of regional policy in order to develop the advantages of each of the regions and specific settlements.

Regulatory and legal bases of social work with children without parental care

The main reasons for the increase in the number of children without parental care are the decline in the social prestige of the family, its financial and housing difficulties, interethnic conflicts, an increase in the illegitimate birth rate, a high percentage of parents leading an antisocial lifestyle. In this regard, the protection of the rights and interests of orphans and children without parental care is becoming extremely important in the Russian Federation. The Family Code defines that the activities of legal entities and individuals other than guardianship and custody authorities to identify and place children without parental care are not allowed. This prohibition also applies to intermediary activities for the transfer of children for adoption, under custody (guardianship) or for upbringing in a family. In order to provide appropriate assistance, it is crucial to identify children without parental care in a timely manner. In accordance with Article 125 of the Family Code, the resolution of these issues is the responsibility of the guardianship and custody authorities at the children’s actual place of residence. In order to improve the situation of orphans and children without parental care, the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation «On Priority Measures to Improve the Situation of Children Without Parental Care» dated May 14, 2015 No. 374 was adopted. This document defines a 2‑fold increase in monetary benefits provided for children at the time of learning to purchase the necessary literature and accessories. The norms of financial support for orphans and children without parental care have been identified and extended to children transferred to foster families and family-type orphanages. The solution of these tasks is carried out within the framework of the implementation of the subprograms «Healthy Generation», «Gifted Children» and «Children and Family». It is important to note that the Federal Law provides for the development of targeted programs by the executive authorities of the subjects of the Russian Federation for the protection of the rights of orphans and children without parental care. The development of family policy, which, first of all, is aimed at strengthening the family as a social institution and preserving family values, is an urgent direction of state work. Educational institutions and teachers, in particular, are working hard with parents and children in order to return children to their families.

A QUASI EXPERIMENTAL STUDY TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF STRUCTURED TEACHING PROGRAMME REGARDING THE KNOWLEDGE OF ESSENTIAL NEWBORN CARE AMONG THE CAREGIVERS AT SELECTED CIVIL HOSPITAL, TARN TARAN, PUNJAB.

Future citizens health depends upon the care we are giving to our children today. Newborn babies constitute the foundation of life. More than half of the infant's deaths occur in newborn period. Most of these deaths occur during first week of life. The main reason of these deaths are birth asphyxia, hypothermia and infection. To reduce neonatal deaths deserve priority measures in every neonatal unit on earth so that neonatal deaths are preventable. AIM: The aim of the study is to assess the knowledge regarding essential newborn care among caregivers and give them teaching about essential newborn care. a quasi experimental study was done on 60 caregivers at Civil Hospital, Ta Method: rn Taran with non- probability convenient sampling technique Self- structured questionnaire consisting 30 knowledge items were administered after informed consent. The mean pre- test score of level of knowledge regarding RESULT: essential newborn care among the caregivers of control group and experimental group were 12.5 (SD +2.20) and 12.2 (SD +3.4) respectively. The paired 't' test value was 2.05 significant at level 0.05 level. This study con Conclusion: cluded that religion had a great impact on knowledge of caregivers. The present study recommended that a Recommendations: similar study can be undertaken on large sample for better generalization by adopting a quasi experimental design to improve the knowledge of caregivers regarding essential newborn care.

Main levers of environmental risk management in agrocenoses

The article considers the existing approaches to the management of environmental risks in agricultural production. It is noted that in order to minimize environmental risks in agrocenoses and improve environmental safety in agroecosystems, it is necessary to assess the consequences of the impact of agricultural activities on agrocenoses. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to summarize the main environmental risks in agrocenoses and determine levers of environmental risks managent to minimize their negative impact in agricultural production and improve the safety of agroecosystems. It is shown that in order to control the consequences of environmental risks, it is important to develop an algorithm for the process of managing environmental risks in agrocenoses throughout the crop cycle. The fundamental principles of this process include studying the main factors of environmental risks for growing crops and developing a list of environmental risks in agrocenoses; identification of the main levers of environmental risk management in agrocenoses, which include recommendations for the use of optimal measures in agricultural production to prevent or minimize environmental risks. The list of main environmental risks in agrocenoses is proposed, which summarizes the sources of their occurrence and the consequences for agrocenosis. The main environmental risks in agrocenoses include climate change, soil degradation, anthropogenic soil pollution, changing of the optimal ratio of land used in agriculture, unsatisfactory phytosanitary condition of crops. The main levers of environmental risk management in agrocenoses are identified and priority measures are given to prevent the negative consequences of the effects of biotic and abiotic factors on agrocenoses. It is noted that the development of new methodological approaches to the management of environmental risks will minimize their impact on agrocenoses and improve the safety of agroecosystems.

Regional Centers of Siberia: Socio-Economic and Demographic Analysis of Spatial Development

The articleexamines a number of urgent problems of spatial development of seven regional centers of Siberia (cities of Abakan, Gorno- Altaysk, Kemerovo, Kyzyl, Tomsk, Ulan-Ude, Chita) based on data of the Russian state statistics and the results of sociological research conducted in 2021 by the staff of the Department of Geo-Urban Studies and Spatial Demography of the Institute for Demographic Research (IDR FCTAS RAS). The aim of the study was to identify socio-economic and demographic conditions for the development of the centers of the regions of Siberia as nodes of the supporting framework of the country's settlement. Questionnaire data from seven regional centers were analyzed using statistical methods, methods of comparative analysis, as well as graphical and cartographic presentation.The authors identified demographic trends in the development of agglomerations of regional centers of the regions of Western and Eastern Siberia. The territories with a greater degree of regionalization of business revealed a more active involvement of industrial enterprises in the implementation of social and economic development projects. The article evaluates development dynamics of small and medium-sized businesses in the centers of the regions, as well as of higher and secondary vocational education. It reveals general patterns and individual features in the socio-economic development of the centers of the territories under consideration.The article conducts ranking of cities by the degree of influence of negative factors on their development, analyses subjective assessments of respondents of problems of cities of residence with attitudes to emigration. The most vulnerable to depopulation regions, in terms of their geographical location (remote regions of Eastern Siberia), as well as the cities – large centers of high-tech engineering were identified. The paper proposes organizational and economic solutions to overcome these negative factors. The results of the study, according to the authors, can be used to formulate priority measures of regional and economic policy of Siberia and develop its spatial potential.

Исламская финансовая система: история, особенности и перспективы развития исламских финансов в России

The purpose of the study is to assess the modern state of the Islamic financial system and the prospects for the development of Islamic finance in Russia. The article focuses on the features of the Islamic financial system, its advantages and disadvantages, factors that prevent the spread of the Islamic financial model in non-Muslim states, including Russia. The scientific novelty consists in the theoretical justification of the need to introduce Islamic finance into the domestic financial system, the development of priority measures to accelerate this process, aimed at developing cooperation with the countries of the East and increasing the availability of Islamic financial services for interested users in Russia. As a result, the history of the development of the Islamic financial system was considered, an assessment of the state of Islamic finance in the world was given, as well as the main problems and opportunities for the development of Islamic finance in Russia were identified.

Organized crime in Ukraine: factors of globalization and military aggression

Introduction. The eff ectiveness of combating the most dangerous manifestations of organized crime is complicated not only by Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine, the annexation of Crimea, the loss of control over part of the territory in eastern Ukraine, uncontrolled arms traffi cking, and so on. Such contradictions are signifi cantly hampered by the inconsistency of criminal and regulatory legislation, the obsolescence of many regulations. In addition to these national features of the development of organized crime, there are objective world realities associated with globalization, ie the process of global economic, political and cultural integration. Positive globalization processes do not off set the negative consequences of this process, as there are large-scale threats to the security of most countries, including extremism, international terrorism, transnational organized crime and more. The aim of the article. The purpose of this scientifi c article is to determine the impact of globalization and military aggression against Ukraine on the development of organized crime. Results. Organized crime in Ukraine under the infl uence of globalization processes and military aggression is transformed into transnational, extends to such areas of criminal activity as terrorism (including state), separatism, extremism (including antistate), collaborationism, etc. Conclusions. Priority measures to combat transnational organized crime include the adoption of a law that would provide a good basis for creating an eff ective system for combating organized crime in Ukraine, including ensuring the system of legislation and activities of criminal justice bodies and law enforcement agencies authorized to carry out such counteraction. Key words: organized crime, globalization, military aggression, hybrid war, counteraction, systemic, transnational character.

ИНТЕРНАЦИОНАЛИЗАЦИЯ В СФЕРЕ ЭКОЛОГИЧЕСКОГО УПРАВЛЕНИЯ: НАПРАВЛЕНИЯ И УСЛОВИЯ РАЗВИТИЯ (НА ПРИМЕРЕ КИТАЙСКОЙ НАРОДНОЙ РЕСПУБЛИКИ)

The problems of the state environmental processes managing have become international in nature in the last decade due to the increasing importance of the environmental paradigm in the general context of analyzing the consequences of rapid economic growth, the need to transition to a "green" and low-carbon economy and ensure the quality of residents’ life. The internationalization of environmental process management involves global trends, indicators, management technologies and their synchronization with internal (national) processes. Based on a comparative analysis of the key macroeconomic and environmental indicators of China and the United States, the authors identify the problems that have arisen in the Chinese environmental management practice and propose directions and forms for improving environmental management based on its internationalization. It was determined that the priority measures for the Chinese government are: 1) the concentration of the national environmental management system at the primary territorial management link level - the municipality; 2) use existing cooperation platforms to strengthen international exchange and cooperation between the Chinese government and other countries on environmental management issues; 3) training and retraining of personnel taking into account the fact that modern international systems stimulate technologies for unifying the collection and processing of environmental data; 4) the need to optimize the budget expenditures structure and the development of "green finance" technologies; 5) basing the environmental management system of the territory on the control of industrial and nonindustrial pollution. The conclusion of the authors about the need for significant detail in the disclosure of environmental pollution information by enterprises is important. The authors believe that in the process of internationalization and improvement of China's environmental management, the existing information platforms of international cooperation should be more actively used in order to strengthen international exchange and cooperation. It is also important to take into account that modern information systems stimulate technologies for unifying the collection and processing of environmental data.

ВТРАТИ ЛЮДСЬКОГО КАПІТАЛУ ВНАСЛІДОК ВІЙНИ ЯК ЗАГРОЗА ПОВОЄННІЙ МОДЕРНІЗАЦІЇ ЕКОНОМІКИ УКРАЇНИ

Проаналізовано втрати людського капіталу в умовах війни в контексті загроз повоєнному відновленню економіки України. Обґрунтовано пріоритетну роль людського капіталу в модернізації сучасної економіки й забезпеченні економічного зростання. Досліджено витоки цивілізаційного конфлікту між Україною і Росією, який у 2022 р. переріс у розв’язану РФ повномасштабну війну, яка загрожує існуванню Української держави і нації. Систематизовано ризики війни для відтворення людського капіталу за основними аспектами його формування: збереження здоров’я і життя, підтримка нормального функціонування родини, збереження і функціонування соціальної інфраструктури, умов і можливостей реалізації людського капіталу. Висвітлено втрати людського капіталу України внаслідок гібридної війни на її території протягом 2014––2021 рр., які призвели до великих втрат ВВП, значного зменшення чисельності населення, масової вимушеної внутрішньої міграції і суттєвого скорочення інвестицій у людський розвиток. Зроблено аналіз поточної ситуації відтворення ЛК в умовах повномасштабної війни РФ проти України 2022 р. Досліджено канали основних втрат ЛК: демографічні втрати населення; звуження сфери зайнятості, що обмежує використання сформованих продуктивних здібностей робочої сили; руйнування освітньої інфраструктури, яка є критичною для формування людських активів; загрози потенційних втрат ЛК від вимушеної зовнішньої міграції. Висвітлено стан національного ринку праці, перспективну потребу повоєнної економіки у висококваліфікованих фахівцях. Проаналізовано наслідки втрат людського капіталу для можливостей кадрового забезпечення повоєнного відновлення і модернізації економіки. Визначено пріоритетні завдання й заходи із збереження і нагромадження людського капіталу України у воєнний і повоєнний періоди.

НАУКОВО-ТЕХНІЧНЕ ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ ОРГАНІЗАЦІЇ РОБОТИ ОЕС УКРАЇНИ В СИНХРОННОМУ РЕЖИМІ З ЄВРОПЕЙСЬКОЮ КОНТИНЕНТАЛЬНОЮ ЕНЕРГЕТИЧНОЮ СИСТЕМОЮ ENTSO-E

Scientific developments, which have been implemented as mandatory to provide a synchronous operation of IPS of Ukraine with the Continental European Power System ENTSO-E are presented. Firstly, it concerns a new level of information maintenance that has been realized by the creation and implementation of a wide range of specialized devices. The features of the construction of information-diagnostic devices are determined. The systems focused on the use of active elements, such as devices and technologies to provide flexible changes in network characteristics, as well as the implementation of electricity conversion to optimize their operation regimes are considered. A special attention was paid to providing a stable operation of the Ukrainian power system, including voltage stability. It covers tools and technologies used to create flexible AC transmission lines. The scenarios for eliminating a major system breakdown with an active power deficit of 1000 MW and other scenarios have been studied. The ways of further research on the development of IPS of Ukraine in the postwar period at the first stages of synchronous operation with ENTSO-E are identified. The paper identifies priority measures and tools aimed to improve the survivability and reliable control of the Ukrainian power system, development of principles and means of adaptation and reconstruction of emergency automatic control of electrical regimes and stability, creating prerequisites for digitalization of the power system. References 35, figures 2.

Priority measures to overcome the consequences of the introduction of new sanctions against the oil and gas sector of the Russian Federation

Subject. The article considers new sanctions against the oil and gas sector of Russia and the policy of leading foreign oil and gas companies. Objectives. The focus is on the assessment of export prospects of the fuel and energy complex. Methods. The study employs methods of comparative analysis and generalization. Results. The paper reveals that new sanctions against the oil and gas industry of Russia are aimed at limiting the export of domestic fuel and energy products, access to oil refining technologies, and investment inflows. The import of hydrocarbons from Russia is not critical for the United States, Great Britain, Canada, and Australia, while the European Union is seriously dependent on the supply of Russian energy resources, and, therefore, there is a time reserve for transformation of the entire domestic energy sector. Conclusions. New sanctions against the energy sector are a powerful external impetus for the domestic petrochemical industry development.

The impact of COVID-19 on construction labor productivity: the case of Turkey

PurposeThe aim of this study is to measure the impact of the factors affecting construction labor productivity by focusing on different types of construction works during and after the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey, as well as discuss solutions and immediate actions.Design/methodology/approachThis research was conducted in two steps. First, a quantitative survey was carried out to determine the dimension of factors negatively affecting construction labor productivity and the loss rate of different construction works from the employee perspective. The factors were identified through a literature review. The crucial relationships were highlighted as a result of a statistical analysis. Second, a survey was performed to determine the loss rate through a comparison of man-hour values before and after the beginning of the pandemic from the employer perspective. After an analysis and comparison of the results, semi-structured interviews were performed to discuss all findings and discover ways to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on construction labor productivity.FindingsThe results of the study clearly show that construction labor productivity was deeply affected by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Legal obligations, such as social distancing, wearing masks, and limitations on the number of workers, have been major drivers for lower labor productivity. Such obligations have a profound impact on interior construction works, especially based on teamwork. Concerning employer and labor-related factors, problems with getting payments on time, loss of income, and financial hardships are the leading factors resulting in decreased worker performance. Excavation, insulation, and plastering works were determined as the most affected construction works under the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic.Research limitations/implicationsThe quantitative portion of this study is limited to a sample of respondents in the Turkish construction industry. Further research is necessary to provide an in-depth review into construction labor productivity in other countries with a larger respondent sample. Another limitation is sourced by the dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic, which may turn out that some findings are outdated. Despite these limitations, the insights from this study may enable employers to understand the major drivers and deep impacts of labor productivity loss by uncovering the main vulnerabilities during the pandemic. Recommended measures may also help policy-makers and stakeholders in the construction industry take necessary and immediate actions to ensure better construction labor productivity.Originality/valueThe study may contribute to a better understanding of a pandemic's impact on labor productivity by focusing on both employee and employer perspectives, especially in developing countries. The paper may help employers decide which priority measures are required for each construction work separately. The study is crucial not only for minimizing the negative effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on labor productivity but also for preparing for the post-pandemic era.

Solar photovoltaics can help China fulfill a net-zero electricity system by 2050 even facing climate change risks

As China has pledged to become carbon neutral by 2060, electrifying its energy sector is no doubt one of the priority measures to support the transition towards a more sustainable and decarbonized energy system. Solar photovoltaics (PV) has been known as one of the most promising renewable technologies to facilitate the electrification of energy systems. The feasibility of utilizing PV to implement a nationwide decarbonized electricity system now becomes an urgent unanswered question, especially in the context of global climate change and rapid economic growth in China. Here, by using a GIS-based multiple-criteria decision-making approach we address this question by conducting a comprehensive feasibility analysis with consideration of various economic, technological, logistical, and climate change factors. We show that it is feasible for China to fulfill a net-zero electricity system by 2050, through the installation of 7.46 TW solar PV panels on about 1.8% of the national land area (mostly in western China) with a total capital investment of 4.55 trillion USD in the next 30 years. Besides, we show that future climate change may lead to a slight decrease (less than 5%) in solar energy potential, but this would not affect the capability of the nationwide PV system to meet the need for a fully-electrified energy system.

ASSESSMENT OF RISKS ON SORTING SLIDES ACCORDING TO EUROPEAN APPROACHES

The purpose. Sorting wagons on slide devices is one of the most responsible and dangerous processes. Risks arising in the process of disbanding trains can lead to railway accidents with serious consequences. One of the operations of the process of sorting wagons is their braking during rolling, which is a complex operational task with many criteria, and shoe braking is also related to the presence of people in a dangerous zone. Therefore, the goal of the research is to increase the safety of the technological process of breaking up cars on the sorting chute by assessing the risks of the speed controllers and determining the priority measures to minimize them. The Methodology. The system analysis procedure for identifying potential failure modes, their causes and consequences for the operation of FMEA and the analysis of the types, consequences and criticality of FMECA failures with means of ranking the severity of failure modes were chosen as research methods. The results of the survey of two professional groups were chosen as the initial data. The results. A statistically established list of railway accidents and accidents for the profession of train speed controller was offered to two groups of specialists, 10 people in each group, to assess the severity, probability and possibility of prevention in the form of questionnaires. Using the FMEA method, the three components of the RPN risk priority number for each type of hazard are established and the dangerous cases that can happen to the rail speed regulators are placed in descending order. The obtained final ranks showed the consistency of opinions on certain characteristics within the group and their practical uniformity for the two professional groups. Risks with the highest priority and risks with low estimates of the probability of occurrence and prevention of the event, but with high estimates of consequences, have been established. Practical significance. For all components of the RPN – S, O, D, the agreement of opinions is sufficient and the evaluations of two groups of experts can be used for further research. the priority of which is the highest according to the results of the performed studies.