Public Policy Measures Research Articles

Неравенство в состоянии здоровья: социально-экономический подход

The article examines the socio-economic approach to understanding inequality in health status, based on the idea of health factors, which are understood as living conditions that affect people’s health. Based on the analysis of Russian and foreign studies, the author identifies the key characteristics of inequality in health status observed in countries with different levels of development, from the point of view of socio-economic factors, and identifies the main trends in its manifestation in the social context. One of the most important criteria for public perception of inequality in health is the definition of justice, which from the point of view of economic science is inextricably linked with such concepts as efficiency and redistribution. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding the socio-economic causes of inequality in health, as this determines the possibilities of overcoming it with the help of public policy measures aimed at improving the well-being of citizens.

Enhancing Public Education and Addressing Policy Gaps for Radon Exposure and Lung Cancer Risk Mitigation in Sri Lanka

Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, is a significant health risk attributable to its strong association with lung cancer. In Sri Lanka, public awareness of radon exposure and its health implications remains low, and there are minimal policies addressing this risk. This systematic review aimed to analyse public awareness, policy gaps, and mitigation strategies related to radon exposure and cancer risk, particularly in Sri Lanka. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we searched three electronic databases PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect for studies published since 2001, yielding 1,025 records. After screening, we included 51 articles, focussing on public awareness and policy frameworks in both developed and South Asian countries. The findings disclose significant gaps in both public knowledge and policy measures, highlighting the urgent necessity for targeted public education campaigns and development of comprehensive regulations for radon testing and mitigation. By addressing these issues, Sri Lanka can reduce the health risks associated with radon exposure and enhance its cancer prevention strategies.

New perinatal mental health conditions diagnosed during COVID-19: a population-based, retrospective cohort study of birthing people in Ontario.

We aimed to determine the incidence of mental health diagnoses and associated health and social risk factors among perinatal people in three different COVID-19 phases. We conducted a population-based, retrospective cohort study using linked administrative datasets. We included persons with live, in-hospital births in Ontario, Canada from January 1 to March 31 in 2019, 2021, or 2022 (three phases relative to COVID-19 with different public health policy measures). We excluded people with prior mental health diagnoses. We used diagnostic codes to identify new onset of depression, anxiety, or adjustment disorder in the antenatal and postpartum period. We developed multivariable, modified Poisson models to examine associations between sociodemographic and clinical factors and new mental health diagnoses in each phase. There were 72,242 people in our cohort. Antenatal mental health diagnoses were significantly higher in 2021 (aRR = 1.32; CI = 1.20-1.46) and 2022 (aRR = 1.22; CI = 1.11-1.35) versus 2019. Postpartum diagnoses were significantly greater in 2021 (aRR = 1.16; CI = 1.08-1.25) versus 2019. Antenatal diagnoses were associated with birth year, previous stillbirth, pre-existing hypertension, multiparity, residential instability, and ethnocultural diversity. Postpartum diagnoses were associated with birth year, maternal age, multiparity, care provider profession, assisted reproductive technology, birthing mode, pre-existing hypertension, intensive care admission, hospital readmission, residential instability, and ethnocultural diversity. Family physicians increasingly made mental health diagnoses in 2021 and 2022. Increased incidence of perinatal mental health diagnoses during COVID-19 suggests complex dynamics involving pandemic and health and social risk factors. This study was registered with Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05663762) on December 21, 2022.

Women are awarded more team than solo grants and lead more gender-balanced teams than men

Abstract We modelled patterns of collaboration, team gender composition, and funding amounts across awarded Australian government-funded competitive team research grants from 2000 to 2020. The percentage of grants awarded to women at mid- and senior-career levels was higher for team grants than sole investigator grants compared to men at those levels. Teams led by women tended to have a greater percentage of women coinvestigators than teams led by men, but this was below gender parity regardless of team leader gender. Funding amounts per grant did not differ by the principal investigator’s gender and reached parity in 2020 across teams with both high and low representation of women. Since teams tend to be more gender-balanced when led by women, women’s grant leadership may be an important mechanism for shifting overall representation of women in research. We offer public policy measures to address gender inequities in the research sector.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Migrant Workers and Public Policy in Case of Malaysia & Indonesia

B The COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease 2019) pandemic has changed the world altogether to a different plane. It has disrupted economy, health, family, society, etc. and there is no one left who has not been affected by it. Public Policy in case of migrant workers finds important place in this calculation. For, they play an important role in many of the economies, and still are the most vulnerable section of people who has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Their problem emanates from various angles like that of being a legal or illegal (unaccounted) migrant worker, vulnerabilities emanating from lack of bargaining power with their employers and host nations, lack of safety working and hygienic living conditions, access to proper affordable health care facilities, etc. For the international migrant workers (who crosses border from home state to another state for purpose of employment or better economic aspirations), things have been really difficult in these pandemic times in terms of how they were treated by the authorities in the host countries and what kind of national public policy measures was taken to assure their physical health and mental wellbeing, engaging with them to assuage their psychological trauma caused due to various pressures and stress, economic condition, etc. Women migrant workers were more affected in way of losing their jobs, livelihood, family pressures and responsibilities. This paper looks into the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on the migrant workers, particularly with a focus on public policy measures taken in Malaysia and Indonesia, as these two nations contributes major chunk of migrant workers (inward and outward respectively) in the south-East Asian region. Apart from detailing the problems faced by the migrant workers during the pandemic times, this paper will dwell deep into the kinds of national public policy measures implemented towards the migrant workers as a response to the pandemic condition and its impact. In addition, this paper will also look into the role and policy of international organisations and NGOs towards the same. Apart from analyzing the problems and identifying the gaps in the approach of the respective governments, recommendations are also made to the public policy makers to improve the effect of their public policies and actions towards the migrant workers, on the basis of highlighting some good practices that are followed in other states.

Prevalence of knowledge and awareness about Helicobacter pylori infection among urban population of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

IntroductionThis cross-sectional study investigates the prevalence of knowledge and awareness of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection among the urban population of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The study is motivated by the need to understand the specific demographic segments within the urban setting and their awareness levels of this prevalent bacterial infection affecting the digestive system. MethodologyThe cross-sectional study, employing a purposive sampling method and involving 840 participants from major cities in the KSA, utilized a structured survey questionnaire to gather data on demographic factors, awareness levels, attitudes, and experiences related to H. pylori infection, with subsequent statistical analysis and adherence to ethical guidelines for participant confidentiality and privacy protection. ResultThe study involved 840 participants from major cities, revealing that 59.16 ​% were aware of H. pylori. Demographic variations included higher participation from Jeddah and Riyadh, with the majority being females aged 18–25, Saudi nationals, and individuals with undergraduate education. About 57.02 ​% reported experiencing suspected H. pylori symptoms, and 49.16 ​% had prior infections, with varying severity. Hesitancy toward screening (42.61 ​%), but 72.97 ​% believed in preventability. Limited awareness of treatments (15.35 ​%) and identification of factors like water and food were noted. Participants perceived the seriousness of H. pylori in the mid-range (5–7). ConclusionThe findings shed light on variations in awareness, knowledge gaps, and attitudes, emphasizing the need for targeted public health interventions, educational campaigns, and policy measures to address the challenges associated with H. pylori infections in urban areas.

The Prevalence of HIV Seroconversion in Healthcare Workers Following Sharp Injuries and Exposure to Biofluids.

Background and objective Workplace accidents (WPAs) are a common problem worldwide. They are often considered a public health concern due to the potential transmission of infections such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C through sharp devices or direct exposure to biofluids. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) has demonstrated effectiveness in such instances, especially immediately after exposure. The present study aimed to report the prevalence rate of HIV seroconversion following such exposure among healthcare workers (HCWs). Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study involving a database analysis of cases from 2015 to 2024. Central tendency measures were used to describe population characteristics, andrates were calculated using standard methods. Results A total of 514 HCWs were included in the study. The prevalence of WPAs was 13 per 100 HCWs. Regarding WPAs related to HIV exposure, the prevalence was 0.9 per 100 HCWs, with 0% seroconversion thanks to timely PEP. Conclusions WPAs related to HIV exposure are a serious issue for public health systems worldwide. Although protocols are available and no seroconversion cases were reported in the present study, PEP is not always accessible in several settings, increasing the risk of seroconversion. International public policy measures should be uniformly implemented to provide faster access to prophylaxis, educate the personnel, raise awareness about bloodborne diseases, and reduce excessive red tape.

“Green” business in agricultural sector of Kazakhstan: socio-economic and environmental stability

The goal is to show the advantages and opportunities of “green” business in agriculture. One of the main directions of implementation of the Action Plan for the implementation of the Concept of transition of the Republic of Kazakhstan to “green” economy for 2021-2030 is to solve the problems of ensuring food security, increasing soil fertility, using innovative, resource-saving technologies, combating the destruction of biodiversity, etc. Methods - the article analyzed statistical data series, studied the scientific works of domestic and foreign researchers. Results - the main elements of organizing “green” activities in agricultural sector are identified and factors contributing to the expansion of the scope of ecological farming, “green” technologies, development of research projects, and creation of jobs for development of sustainable agricultural production are considered as condition for the supply of high-quality and healthy food products, maintaining a balance of renewable and non-renewable resources, minimizing harm to ecosystems. Promising directions for functioning of agribusiness during transformation to “green” economy are outlined. Conclusions - regions need to develop strategy that will improve the state of the environment and improve the level and quality of life of the population. The main principle of “green” entrepreneurship is expanding zones of organic agricultural production and increasing export of environmentally friendly products, stimulating the influx of investments, introducing certification, labeling and marketing strategies, cooperation with international organizations and research centers. For these purposes, effective and efficient public policy measures are required. Using integrated approach based on digital economy will reduce costs, increase investment attractiveness, reduce production costs and attract agricultural producers to agribusiness.

Corporate social responsibility, policy framing and strategic marketing: understanding the alcohol industry’s use of social media in Uganda

BackgroundSub-Saharan Africa is important to the future of alcohol and global health because the alcohol market there is expanding rapidly in a relatively young population. This entails a corresponding contest about whether the policy measures adopted will be shaped by scientific evidence or by industry interference in alcohol policy. This study examines how alcohol industry actors use social media.MethodsUganda was selected for study because of high levels of alcohol harm and recent alcohol policy debates. Data on the X (formerly Twitter) activity of the Ugandan companies of AB InBev and Diageo, who are the two main brewers, and the trade association including both, were collected, coded and thematically analysed.ResultsX is used overwhelmingly by alcohol industry actors in Uganda to promote corporate social responsibility (CSR) and alcohol policy framing content. There is little direct product marketing. The framing of policy problems and solutions, and of the actors involved in policymaking and CSR resembles that used elsewhere in the political strategies of the transnational alcohol corporations. Content which appears more emphasised in Uganda includes material on farmers, illicit trade and contribution to the economy. As elsewhere, it avoids giving attention to the policy measures which would make a difference to the levels of alcohol harms endured by Uganda. Rhetorically, X is thus used to create a parallel universe, in which the actual harms and what is known about how to reduce them are conspicuous by their absence.ConclusionsThe alcohol industry presents itself as indispensable to Uganda’s future and appears to have developed relationships with politicians, partnerships with government, and built a coalition with farmers. This means the alcohol industry may be well positioned to oppose public health policy measures, even though their arguments lack substance and are at odds with the evidence.

Gender differences in COVID-19 preventative measures and vaccination rates in the United States: A longitudinal survey analysis

BackgroundPandemics present challenges for individuals as they face uncertainties, risks, and decisions which influence their attitudes towards public health interventions. This study investigates gender differences in attitudes towards COVID-19 preventive measures and vaccination intentions in the United States, focusing on the link between risk perception and attitudes towards public health guidelines. MethodsWe utilised data from the Understanding America Study, a nationally representative longitudinal survey of U.S. adults from March 2020 to March 2022 to assess how gender differences in health risk perception were associated with attitudes, behaviours, and vaccination intentions, while also evaluating how these gender effects changed over time. We used multilevel logistic regression models to adjust for age, level of education, employment status and income. ResultsWomen had a higher risk perception of COVID-19 and exhibited greater compliance with preventive measures compared to men. Women also showed higher agreement with COVID-19 restraining public policy measures. However, this contrasted with attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccine, where men displayed more positive views and a higher intention to receive the vaccine. This gender effect was persistent over time. ConclusionsThis seemingly paradoxical outcome suggests that while women’s heightened risk perception relative to men’s leads to greater adherence to non-pharmaceutical COVID-19 preventative public health interventions, it may also result in more negative views towards the novel COVID-19 vaccine. Understanding the complex interactions between risk perception, behaviour, and gender can inform policymakers and health authorities to tailor interventions that address the diverse needs of the population.

Environmental exposure and respiratory health: Unraveling the impact of toxic release inventory facilities on COPD prevalence

This cross-sectional geospatial analysis explores the prevalence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) concerning the proximity to toxic release inventory (TRI) facilities in Jefferson County, Alabama. Employing the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP), the study evaluates COPD prevalence, comorbidities, healthcare access, and individual health assessments. Given the mounting evidence linking environmental pollutants to COPD exacerbations, the research probes the influence of TRI sites on respiratory health, integrating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to scrutinize the geospatial vulnerability of communities neighboring TRI sites. Socio-demographic disparities, economic conditions, and air pollution are emphasized in the analysis. The EPA's Toxic Release Inventory serves as the cornerstone for assessing the association between TRI proximity and COPD prevalence. The analysis uncovers a notable inverse correlation between distance from TRI sites and COPD prevalence, signaling potential health risks for populations residing closer to these facilities. Moreover, factors such as minority status, low income, and air pollution are associated with higher COPD prevalence, underscoring the imperative of comprehending the interplay between environmental exposure and respiratory health. This study bridges gaps in the literature by addressing the geographical nexus between COPD prevalence and pollution exposure. By leveraging FAHP, the research furnishes a holistic understanding of the multifaceted factors influencing vulnerability to COPD. The findings underscore the necessity for targeted public health interventions and policy measures to redress environmental disparities and alleviate the repercussions of TRI facilities on respiratory health.

Systematic Review on Oral Health Knowledge, Practice and Attitude In Pakistan

Background: The term "oral health" describes the state of the mouth's defence against ailments that affect the oral cavity, such as tooth decay, periodontal disease, cancer of the mouth and throat, facial discomfort, and ulcers. Oral cleanliness, tobacco usage, alcohol consumption, and general diet are the main contributors to oral health issues and illnesses. The most significant advantage of maintaining proper dental hygiene is the prevention of diseases. In Pakistan, dental health is not given much priority. The aim of this systematic review is to thoroughly examine and summaries the body of research on Pakistani people's attitudes, practices, and knowledge on oral health. The study aims to identify knowledge gaps, offer a thorough review of the existing situation regarding oral health awareness, habits, and attitudes, and indicate possible areas for development. Methods: This thorough systematic review, which adheres closely to PRISMA principles, examines all cross-sectional studies examining the gaps in oral health knowledge, practice, and attitude in Pakistan. Several databases such as Medline, ProQuest Central, Web of Science, and Scopus were used and past and current reviews on the same subject were looked in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Selected papers were meta-synthesized to produce results that were both statistically sound and strong. Results: The findings reveal that there are differences in the population's knowledge about oral health, certain groups with low socio-economic status showing less understanding of preventive and good oral hygiene habits. Conclusion: This review highlights the need for all-encompassing strategies that account for differences in geography, culture, and socioeconomic disparities by placing the findings in a broader literary context. To improve oral health outcomes across the country, specific public health campaigns, educational programmes, and policy measures are crucial given the knowledge gaps and practice discrepancies that have been discovered. By addressing these problems, we can improve people's general health and lessen the prevalence of oral disorders in Pakistan.

Assessment of the Dynamics of Structural Changes in the Socio-Economic Environment and Their Typology in the Context of a Statistical Approach

The purpose of the study is to substantiate the documentation for assessing the dynamics of structural changes in the socio-economic environment and their typology. The relevance of the study is related to the problems of reflecting the socio-economic environment, which affect the efficiency of economic activity. To address these issues, many regions of the country have adopted regional development strategies for the period up to 2030, which correspond to the national development goals of the Russian Federation. Various approaches of scientists to determining the essence and significance of the socio-economic environment, which is defined as a set of conditions and factors that influence all sectors of the economy, are studied.Methods: structural, index, comparative estimates and methodology of the system of national accounts.Results: the article uses a digital meter as a reproduction of the population and gross regional product (GRP), which objectively reflect the structural changes and typologies of the regions. GRP is calculated by types of economic activity, at the stages of: production, income generation and final consumption of households 2012-2021. Typologies of the Ural regions have been developed according to the following criteria: specialization of the economy, the position of the region in production, by types of primary income and final consumption of households per capita.Conclusion: the advantage of the statistical approach of studying the assessment of the dynamics of structural changes in the socio-economic environment and their typology allows us to get a more objective idea of the prevailing trends and the state of the regional economy. The results obtained made it possible to formulate a methodological basis for future scientific research in the field of structural changes in the meso-environment and socio-economic behavior of the population. They can also be used as a methodological basis for the development of public policy measures and strategies for sustainable development of territories in the future.

The costs of job loss and task usage: Do social tasks soften the drop?

AbstractDo different tasks shield differently from the scarring effects of job loss? This study examines how the effects of job loss depend on task usage. We use Finnish linked employer–employee data from 2001 to 2016, representative survey data on task usage, and plant closures to identify individuals who involuntarily lose their jobs. We find that heterogeneity in the cost of job loss is linked to task usage. Workers in more social task-intensive origin jobs have smaller employment and earnings losses, whereas workers in routine jobs face larger wage losses. The probability of being employed is 8.3 pp higher (3.9 pp lower) per one standard deviation higher than mean social (routine) task usage 1 year after the job loss event. We also find that workers with longer tenure face larger losses and that task usage contributes more to their losses. The results show that the costs of job loss depend on task usage in the origin job. Public policy measures should be targeted at employees in routine-intensive jobs, since they face the largest losses.

Racial capitalism and COVID-19

The aim of this article is to revisit the racial disparities in health outcomes from COVID-19 and to problematize the overly simplified attribution of these numbers to race. This article calls for a deeper understanding of society’s wider economic arrangements in which these racial disparities are produced. It considers why a proposed public-policy measure that targeted racism—though without substantively accounting for the underlying form of capitalism through which it materializes—in an effort to remediate the differential health outcomes from COVID-19 between whites and racialized others was problematic and incomplete. Such an approach neither sufficiently accounted for structural conditions that led vulnerable racial minorities to develop comorbidities at a much higher rate than the local white population nor did it explain the labor market dynamics that resulted in vulnerable racial minorities being more likely to be employed in low-paid, frontline work as compared to white workers, which made the most effective way by which to avoid contracting the virus (i.e., physical distancing) all but impossible. This article finds that should the unsettling numbers related to the racial health disparities that unfolded during the pandemic be analyzed from a critical perspective, it would show how race is a cog in the machinery of neoliberalism, which culminates in racial capitalism. Specifically, racial capitalism fosters the economic stratification necessary to yield the consequences it had in terms of disparities in health outcomes from COVID-19. This article uses COVID-19 to illuminate how racism and capitalism function symbiotically to organize society, and responding to the former is perfunctory without interrogating the latter.

Threats to economic security from the implementation of derivative investment projects in the field of protection of transport infrastructure facilities

Subject. The article addresses economic relations between investors and other entities involved in the protection of transport infrastructure facilities. Objectives. The aim is to identify new threats to economic security from the implementation of derivative investment projects in the field of protection of transport infrastructure facilities. Methods. The research employs systems approach, logical and comparative analysis, induction and deduction. The information base of the study rests on open data from Rosavtodor, Rosmorrechflot, Roszheldor, Rosaviation, accounting statements provided by enterprises and organizations, and materials on the results of analytical surveys of transport security workers conducted by Finnauchprosvet Association, in which more than 1,000 people participated. Results. The existence of derivative investment projects in the field of protection of transport infrastructure facilities and vehicles from acts of unlawful interference is indirectly confirmed at facilities for protection of public roads, marine and river transport. Investments in human capital in the context of formation and implementation of derivative investment projects in areas where the share of human resources exceeds 90% are absolutely ineffective and carry the risks of multiplying negative consequences from the implementation of derivative investment projects. A potentially effective measure to deter threats to economic security from the implementation of derivative investment projects in the field of object protection is a significant increase in the cost of control by the State and business. Conclusions. The sphere of protection of transport infrastructure facilities is not ready to expand due to unresolved problems of formation and development of derivative investment projects. The expansion process will entail a serious increase in threats to economic security. Based on the findings, public policy measures can be developed to ensure transport security from the perspective of economic security threats.

Analysis of the dynamics and structure of greenhouse gas emissions in Russian agriculture

The problem of assessing the carbon footprint in the economy has recently received much attention in many countries around the world, including Russia. Given the importance of the problem of climate change, the urgent task is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to achieve international climate goals outlined by the Paris Climate Agreement and the Strategy for the socio-economic development of a country with low greenhouse gas emissions until 2050.Currently, the main global trend in the development of economic sectors is the implementation of ESG principles and a focus on the use of energy-saving technologies, therefore, special attention in all sectors of the economy is paid to the issues of accounting for greenhouse gas emissions and assessing their impact on climate change. Accounting, monitoring and justification of directions for reducing the carbon footprint is also an important task in the context of the formation of the Green Economy. Agriculture is in third place in terms of emissions after energy sector and industry sector. Regular monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions by source is necessary to effectively address the emissions problem and develop cost-effective public policy measures to ensure sustainable agricultural development and develop export potential.The purpose of the study is a comprehensive study of the volumes and sources of greenhouse gas emissions, the role of agriculture in the formation of the carbon footprint. The study examines in detail the volume and structure of greenhouse gas emissions in long-term dynamics for 1990–2022. The use of a number of statistical methods made it possible to establish a reduction in emissions in the agricultural sector, which is explained by a sharp reduction in resource potential and the increased use of resource-saving technologies in recent years.

ТЕНДЕНЦИИ ЦИФРОВОГО НЕРАВЕНСТВА В СТРАНАХ ВОСТОЧНОЙ АЗИИ

The purpose of the article is to identify trends in the spread of digital inequality in East Asian countries (using the example of China, Mongolia, the Republic of Korea and Japan). The analysis indicates the uneven development of the digital economy within the studied geographical macroregion. Based on the analysis, it was concluded that the pandemic has become a catalyst for increasing demand for digital technologies and stimulated the processes of digital transformation. However, the uneven access to information and communication technologies (ICT) characteristic of East Asian countries has led to a further deepening of the digital divide both within the macroregion and between individual countries. In rural areas of China, Japan and Mongolia, where access to ICT is limited, the opportunities for full integration into a digital society are significantly lower than for the urban population. The Governments of East Asian countries are pursuing policies to reduce the digital divide, which indicates a possible reduction in the inequality of access to ICT in the future. Secondly, there is a gap in the quality of information and communication technology use in East Asian countries. A significant part of the population prefers to use the Internet for entertainment purposes, which does not contribute to full integration into the digital ecosystem and prevents the even distribution of benefits from digital transformation. With the increasing complexity of digital products, this gap tends to increase. Thirdly, the existing differences in economic development, educational resources and socio-cultural factors, such as, for example, age, are sources of the spread of digital inequality in the studied macroregion. This type of inequality is typical for all the countries studied. It is predicted that this inequality will increase due to the constant complexity of digital tools and deeper integration of advanced regions into digital ecosystems. It is concluded that the basis for overcoming digital inequality is to ensure access of the population of rural regions to ICT in combination with public policy measures aimed at developing the necessary skills of using digital technologies among the population.

From boom to transformation: assessing the paradigm shift in public policies for the Social Economy in South Korea

ABSTRACT This study examines the evolution of public policies for the social economy (SE) sector in South Korea. By employing qualitative analysis methods, the study comprehensively assesses 1,036 public policy measures, covering various types of SE organizations. The findings indicate a paradigm shift towards transformative policies, reflecting the movement into a new generation of SE policy. It also highlights the emergence of ‘New Public Governance’, characterized by pluralistic approaches in public management. This study enhances the understanding of government-led policies in the SE and their potential impacts, offering valuable insights for policymakers.

За гранью нормальности: особенности структуры экономической деятельности в арктических городах и поселках

High transportation costs and the narrowness of the local market limit the development of Arctic cities, especially remote ones. However, specific demand for unique goods and services (including the so-called development services) and production of goods and services that are impractical/impossible to deliver from more southern areas (especially in the early stages of development) due to transport isolation contribute to the economic diversification of Arctic cities. The article aims to identify special mechanisms for the formation of economic activity in remote settlements. The study solves the following tasks: 1) theoretical substantiation of economic development factors in Arctic cities; 2) selection of indicators to assess the diversity of economic activities in remote settlements of the Russian Arctic; 3) analysis of the obtained results. The variety of economic activities of small settlements depends on the distance to the nearest larger settlement. Some remote towns and villages of Yakutia, Chukotka, etc., with a population of about 5,000 inhabitants (or even less) are characterised by a moderately increased diversity of economic activities in terms of both the total number of enterprises and organisations per 1,000 inhabitants and the number of types of economic activity (OKVED codes) per 1,000 inhabitants. According to the study, small settlements in remote conditions perform urban functions typical of larger cities in normal conditions, acting as economic and socio-cultural centres of the surrounding areas, in fact, as the base settlements of the Arctic. The expansion of the functions of small remote settlements plays an important role in the development of the urban network of the Arctic and the North. The findings can be used to create public policy measures in relation to the base settlements of the Russian Arctic.