Economic Sectors Research Articles

How can a cost-effective method for industrial wastewater treatment be developed in India?

Wastewater treatment and repurposing will be pivotal for growing economies as demand for water increases. A sustainable approach toward economic development in India would be treating industrial wastewater for agricultural applications, reducing overall water consumption, and feeding one sector of the Indian economy with effluent from another. To achieve this, a cost-effective and sustainable treatment process needs to be developed. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the available methods and equipment for wastewater treatment through a brief literature review. A four-stage treatment was considered, including pretreatment, primary and secondary chemical treatment, and post treatment. The overall process features screening, oil skimming, coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, aeration, and gravel filter. The most important specifications suitable for India include using spent poly-aluminum chloride as a coagulant and flocculant (CPCB, 2022) and using vertical shaft aerators (Drewnoski, et. al., 2019) and high-efficiency blowers (Bell, et. al., 2011) in the aeration process.

Analysis of financial contagion among economic sectors through Dynamic Bayesian Networks

Crises severely impact economies and may spread across regions or sectors in a process called contagion. Understanding this process is crucial for anticipating crises’ effects and implementing mitigative strategies. Specific economic sectors may be major crisis propagators: banking and insurance are often considered decisive in this context. This study employs Dynamic Bayesian Networks to model sectoral interdependencies within the U.S. economy, utilizing daily data from nine Dow Jones industrial indices over the period 2000–2020. As a secondary objective, we evaluate whether the insurance industry plays a central role in spreading crises. Several crisis periods are analyzed, from dot-com bubble to Covid-19 pandemic. The results reveal the subprime crisis, European debt crisis and the 2016 presidential election as the main contagious periods. The last analyzed period – Covid-19 pandemic – was divided in two phases, showing, on phase 1, an interconnected economic system with three main spreaders (Oil & Gas, Real Estate and Pharmaceutical) and, on phase 2, the same configuration of the post-subprime. Furthermore, although the insurance sector was somehow relevant during subprime crisis, it primarily acts as a contagion receptor, specially from the banking sector, with the correlation between them being the highest of all, reaching 0.49 at the last period.

Labor markets during COVID-19: gaps and challenges in Latin America.

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Latin American labor markets continue to be quantified, to identify the social and economic impacts that this pandemic had, and to design more efficient public policies that would protect the most vulnerable groups. For this reason, the research question was as follows: what were the changes in the labor formality rates before and two years after the main contingency measures of the COVID-19 pandemic were implemented? Using data from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, and Uruguay, the formality rate (τ) was analyzed, which was calculated using a weighted average between the formal employment rates of the number (i) of economic sectors (p) in a specific period (t). The results suggest that the weighted labor formality rate increased in the countries of the region. These changes in formality could be the result of greater capital accumulation, the integration of productive processes, the integration of commercialization processes, and differentiated fiscal stimuli (i.e., the intrasectoral aspect), but it was not due to the displacement of workers from highly informal economic sectors to more formalized sectors (i.e., the intersectoral component). The findings emphasized the precarious situation of women in the region, regardless of the country, particularly in Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina. These findings suggest the need to design public policies that reverse the current situation of the labor market and prevent future economic shocks, with special emphasis on the informal sector and women.

COMPUTATIONAL AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES OF VIBRATION PROTECTION PROPERTIES OF THE PNEUMATIC WHEEL OF THE MTZ-82 "BELARUS" TRACTOR WITH EXTERNAL SPRING-HYDRAULIC MINI SUSPENSION

BACKGROUND: Currently used in various sectors of the national economy, numerous wheeled non-suspension vehicles on pneumatic tires have a low level of vibration protection of the frame and limited cross-country ability. Therefore, the development and study of the design characteristics of a pneumatic wheel with increased elastic-damping properties and cross-country ability is an urgent technical problem. AIMS: The purpose of the work is to develop a design and study the vibration-protective properties of a pneumatic wheel with an external spring-hydraulic mini-suspension to improve the smoothness and cross-country ability of large non-suspension vehicles. METHODS: A description of the design of a wheel with mini-suspension and support roller is presented. The wheel modeling was carried out in the PascalABC program, which takes into account the nonlinearity of the total force of the pneumatic tire and the spring-hydraulic mini-suspension, which is installed parallel to the tire at an angle to the vertical axis of the wheel. The test methodology consisted of conducting comparative free and forced vibrations of the rear pneumatic wheel from the MTZ-82 "BELARUS" tractor with a 400-965/15.5-38 tire, which operated without and with mini-suspension at a vertical load of 0.6 tons and different excess pressures in the tire. RESULTS: From the results of computational and experimental studies it follows that when the tire is radially compressed by 75 mm, the excess pressure inside the pneumatic wheel almost does not change, and when the pressure in the tire decreases from 1.6 to 0.4 bar, the resonant vibration frequency of the standard wheel axle decreases by 25%, while the dynamic coefficient remains unacceptably high (more than 5), leading to separation of the tire from the supporting surface. Installing a mini-suspension parallel to the wheel in the form of a spring-hydraulic shock-absorbing strut leads to an increase in the resonant frequency by 1 Hz, however, the resonant peaks are reduced by almost 3 times to a dynamic coefficient of 2.5...2, which significantly increases the smoothness of the ride of non-suspension vehicles and reduces the likelihood of wheel separation from the supporting surface. CONCLUSIONS: The research has established that the proposed wheel with a mini-suspension in the form of a spring-hydraulic strut and a support roller has a relatively simple design, provides high vibration-protective properties with small amplitudes of kinematic disturbance and can be used to improve the smoothness and cross-country ability of wheeled non-suspension vehicles.

Evolution of global water footprints of crop production in 1990–2019

Abstract Crop production has the largest water footprint (WF) of all economic sectors and ranks as a leading cause of water scarcity. Despite this, our understanding of historical changes in global WFs of crops remains limited. In this study, we analyse the recently published dataset on green and blue WFs of 175 individual crops in 1990–2019. We explore the main changes in unit WFs (expressed in m3t−1 yr−1) and WFs of production (m3 yr−1) and connect the observed changes to various physical and socio-economic drivers. We find that nearly 80% of crops reduced global average unit WFs (required less water per tonne) as crop yields improved and cultivation centred around more productive areas. However, the total WF of crop production increased by 30% as these productivity gains were insufficient to compensate for cropland expansion of mostly water-intensive crops. Close to 90% of the increase occurred between 2000–2019 likely driven by accelerated economic growth, globalisation, changing diets, and production of first-generation biofuels. Among crops, we observe the largest increases for oil palm fruit, soya beans, and maize as they became the main providers of crop-based nutrients, animal feed, and biofuels for the modern economy. Among regions, most of the increase occurred across the tropics, mainly in Indonesia, Brazil, and Nigeria. However, India, China, and the USA had the largest WFs of production over the study period. Humanity consumed 6.8 trillion m3 of water (87.1% green) to produce crops in 2019. This number is likely to increase in the future which may exacerbate already existing environmental and socio-economic issues. Thus, it is important to transition to more water-sustainable agrifood systems. Much potential still exists in increasing crop water productivity, shifting production to less water-scarce geographies, and rethinking our dietary and industrial consumption patterns.

Bioeconomics in Agribusiness: Trends and Opportunities of Business Through the Use of Biotechnologies

Objective: Its main objective is to identify trends and business opportunities in the agribusiness sector through the use of biotechnologies, from the perspective of the bioeconomy. In addition, it has as its specific objective to show the bioproducts already existing on the market and what are the main obstacles for the adoption of the use of biotechnology by agribusiness. Theoretical Reference: In this topic, the main concepts and authors on bioeconomy, bieconomy in Brazil and bioeconomy of agribusiness are presented. Method: 11 interviews were conducted with researchers, businessmen and public servants from institutions such as Embrapa (Ceará and Amazônia poles), Renorbio, Ceará's Secretariat for Science and Technology and the State of Ceará's Secretariat for Agrarian Development. Results and Discussion: The results of the research show that there are various products and practices of agribusiness that involve biotechnology, such as the use of organic waste for the emergence of other products, what the interviewees called added value, innovative products such as cashew burgers, probiotic and prebiotic juices, bioadhesives and bioplastics, water reuse, among others. However, for the emergence of these products and practices, there are several obstacles such as prejudice with the use of technologies, lack of a regulatory framework, lack of public and private incentives, lack of public policies, lack of investments in research, among others. Originality/Value: the importance of the agribusiness sector for the country's economy, the business opportunities presented, sustainable practices, consumer behavior, among others, is highlighted.

Perspectives and challenges for the development of leadership in Latin American women

Throughout history, women have faced diverse Challenges and played multiple roles in society. Today, the pursuit of equality in all economic sectors continues, with Women striving to establish themselves as leaders in areas such as the productive sector, politics, and science. This transition has been characterized by constant changes and persistent challenges. This article explores the development of leadership and emotional intelligence in Latin American women, analyzing various perspectives and associated challenges. It addresses the barriers they face in developing leadership skills, as well as the need to improve their emotional intelligence to seize opportunities, develop and execute strategies, and overcome these barriers and challenges. Leadership among Latin American women is a complex and multifaceted topic that requires recognition of the influence of cultural, social, and geopolitical factors that are constantly changing globally. These factors impact women’s leadership in the region, perpetuating structural and systemic barriers such as gender discrimination, lack of access to educational resources, limitations in professional development, and socioeconomic factors such as poverty and inequality. These conditions have hindered the full development of women in the public and professional spheres. To promote female leadership, programs and policies are needed that promote gender equality through organizational and governmental practices that empower women and encourage their participation in leadership roles and decision-making.

Marketing Strategy Development in Entrepreneurship in the Creative Economy Sector, Tourism Sub Sector

To overcome the challenges in the tourism sector during the COVID-19 pandemic and restore the national economy, a strategy is needed to be able to survive and recover. One strategy that can be done is to innovate in marketing, find new markets, and guarantee security from the threat of COVID-19. This will make tourists interested in visiting and continue to comply with health protocols so as not to be exposed to COVID-19. In addition, it is hoped that tourism in Indonesia can recover after experiencing a downturn due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This research aims to analyze marketing strategy development in entrepreneurship in the creative economy sector, tourism sub sector. This type of research uses qualitative research. The object of the research is the creative economy sector, tourism sub sector in Indonesia. Data collection for research purposes uses secondary data. Data analysis in this study uses qualitative data analysis. The results of the study indicate that the preparation of marketing strategies in entrepreneurship in the creative economy sector, tourism sub sector aims to obtain, maintain, and increase tourist visits. The strategy consists of environmental analysis, marketing research analysis, and positioning analysis.

Financial crime risk assessment: machine learning insights into ownership structures in secrecy firms

ABSTRACT This study examines the relationship between corporate secrecy and financial crime, presenting an analytical framework to strengthen risk assessment efforts. We develop secrecy indicators using corporate ownership data from over 2.6 million firms across eight European countries. These indicators are validated using machine learning models built upon evidence of crime committed by firms and/or their owners. The results demonstrate robust predictive power: firms with complex structures and owners from high-risk jurisdictions show a higher likelihood of engaging in illicit activities. Incorporating macro-level information, such as geographic location and economic sector, enhances the understanding of this phenomenon. These findings advance empirical knowledge about the nexus between secrecy firms and crime, offering anti-money laundering authorities novel machine learning tools for effective risk assessment.

THEORETICAL ASPECTS OF FORMATION FINANCIAL RESOURCES TO ENSURE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The article aims to study the mechanism of financing sustainable development to ensure a balanced approach to economic, social, and environmental development. The article examines the theoretical aspects of forming financial resources necessary for sustainable development. Sustainable development involves a balanced approach to economic growth, social well-being, and environmental protection, which requires adequate funding. The main conceptual approaches to defining sustainable development and financial resources are analyzed, focusing on their interrelationship. One of the key issues of the concept of sustainable development is the search for effective sources of financing for the implementation of sustainable development projects. The article considers the possibilities of attracting both public and private funds, including investments, grants, loans and other financial instruments. However, it also emphasizes the crucial role of international financial institutions and organizations in supporting national sustainable development strategies, highlighting the global nature of the issue and the need for international cooperation. The question of the distribution of financial resources between different economic sectors was studied to achieve the maximum effect from their use. Financial planning and management tools that can ensure optimal use of resources are considered separately. The positive dynamics of the growth of expenses for financing sustainable development in Ukraine are shown; however, a negative trend can be observed in terms of the direction of funds from 2022, namely, the volume of financing has decreased in all directions except for the allocation of funds for social protection and social security. The impact of financial resources on the implementation of sustainable development programs is analyzed, including issues of efficiency and transparency of their use. The importance of creating favorable conditions for attracting investments, developing partnerships between the public and private sectors, as well as the need to increase the financial literacy of the population was determined. This underscores the need for education and empowerment in financial matters, as it is a key factor in the successful implementation of sustainable development strategies. Based on the conducted research, it was concluded that the effective formation and management of financial resources is a key factor in the successful implementation of sustainable development strategies. It is recommended to develop a comprehensive system of monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the use of financial resources to ensure the achievement of sustainable development goals.

ACTIVITIES OF NON-STATE MILITARY INSTITUTIONS: ECONOMIC ASPECT

The subject of the study is the economic aspect of the activities of non-state military institutions (private military companies), in particular, the increased demand for the services provided by them, and the state regulation of their activities by national legislation of leading foreign countries and international acts. The methodological basis of the study is modern general scientific methods (systemic and structural, formal and logical, analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, generalisation, comparative); special methods (historical and legal). The purpose of the study is to analyse the economic aspect of non-state military institutions, based on the analysis of scientific works, experience of leading foreign countries and international practice, as well as the analysis of domestic draft laws on legalisation of military consulting activities in Ukraine. In the course of the study, the authors analysed the works of scholars who have studied various aspects of private military campaigns (legal, economic, security) and their regulation in foreign countries, as well as international legal norms on the regulation of the activities under study. In addition, the authors critically analysed domestic draft laws on legalisation, state regulation and supervision (control) over the activities of non-state military institutions in Ukraine. As a result of the study, it was established that the emergence of draft laws on the legalisation of the activities of non-state military institutions, their state regulation and supervision in Ukraine, on the one hand, is due to the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, which began in 2014. On the other hand, the economic consequences of privatisation in many industries and the need to compare the costs of the state's functions, including security, with the benefits received. Under such conditions, the business environment has demanded the introduction of a promising business activity and business sector – military consulting. Recently, this demand has been reinforced by the availability of a significant number of highly professional military specialists with experience and willingness to participate in relevant operations, including abroad. It is also understood that the demand for the services of non-state military institutions and the possibility of starting such activities in foreign countries where they are legalised will lead to an outflow of qualified specialists for employment abroad, and a loss of human resources and state budget revenues in the form of taxes paid by military consulting entities. At the same time, the existence of such entities in the country will help to improve the level of training of military personnel in the context of Russia's large-scale armed aggression against Ukraine by attracting specialists with relevant experience and willingness to engage in this type of business activity. In the post-war period, the existence of this type of legal activity will solve the problem of employment of former military personnel who wish to continue to work officially in the military and receive decent wages, and thus reduce social tensions in the economic sector.

Implementasi Algoritma A* (A-Star) untuk mencari Rute Tercepat dari Bandara Soekarno Hatta ke Destinasi Kota Tua Jakarta

The tourism sector is an economic sector that is growing rapidly. One of the best destinations that can be used as a tourist destination in DKI Jakarta is the Old City of Jakarta. The Old City of Jakarta has easy access and very affordable costs. There are many roads to the Old City of Jakarta, but the road to the Old City of Jakarta is very far away and has traffic congestion, especially towards the weekend, which could potentially make it difficult for tourists who want to visit. Therefore, we need an effective method that can help find the route with the shortest distance and fastest travel time. In this research, the method that can be used to find the fastest path or route is the A*Star algorithm. The results obtained after examining three routes (Jalan Kapuk Kamal Raya, Jalan Peta Barat and Jalan Raya Daan Mogot), obtained the fastest route with a distance of 5,881.5 KM, namely the Jalan Kapuk Kamal Raya route. By applying this method, it is hoped that it can solve the problem of determining the fastest route to the tourist location of the Old City of Jakarta.

ANALYSIS OF INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES IN THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR OF UKRAINE: DETERMINATION OF FACTORS AND WAYS OF ITS ACTIVATION

The purpose of the article is to study the theoretical aspects of investment activity, analyse the current level of investment activity in the agricultural sector of Ukraine's economy and identify factors and methods of its increase. Methodology. The theoretical and methodological basis of the study is the fundamental principles of national economic management, investment activity and development of agricultural production entities. The research used the following scientific methods: axiomatic (to establish basic definitions that clarify the essence of the study), systematic (to identify components within the agricultural production sector), institutional (to construct the subject-object framework of the institutional environment for investment activity in agricultural production), correlation-regression analysis (to identify key predictors influencing investment activity in the agricultural sector), abstraction (to prioritise the stimulation of investment activity in agricultural production), and reproductive (to substantiate alternative strategies for attracting investment in agricultural enterprises). The results of the study show that diversification of investment sources and modernisation of technological infrastructure of agricultural production are important prerequisites for institutional reforms in the agricultural sector of the country. Increasing investment activity in agricultural enterprises can be achieved by creating a favourable investment climate. This includes government initiatives to create a transparent and stable regulatory framework, simplify bureaucratic processes, and ensure legal and financial stability. Another key aspect is to facilitate access to financial instruments such as low-interest loans, grants and subsidies to support the development of agricultural enterprises. The results of the study are presented in the form of tables, figures, graphs, diagrams and charts. Practical implications. Given the high level of integration of the domestic agricultural sector into the global food market, it is worth exploring the potential of using customs instruments to stimulate investment processes. Such instruments could include a zero VAT rate for investment agricultural goods and measures to prevent double taxation. Value / Оriginality. Investment activity in Ukraine can be intensified under the following conditions: ensuring financing for innovations; developing and implementing a system of measures to increase the investment activity of commercial banks; promoting the development of the stock market and venture capital; developing investment infrastructure; borrowing the best international experience in assessing the efficiency of business centres and business incubators; forming an investment and innovation culture in society, etc.

ISLAND TOURISM AND COVID-19: BUTLERS TOURISM AREA LIFE CYCLE, CULTURE, AND SWOT ANALYSIS

The purpose of this current research is to study island tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic. A unique island in the North Atlantic Ocean, in the Arctic region, was chosen to analyse island tourism. It is a European country, Iceland, located near the North Pole, at the "top of the world". In contrast to the well-known concept of sand island tourism, Iceland can be said to offer snow island tourism. In this remote area, the economic slowdown became noticeable somewhat later than in other regions of the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The methodology chosen to be presented in this study involves the use of a SWOT analysis to help clarify business strategy, applied to shed light on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to a small open economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on island tourism, with a tourist destination located in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, almost equidistant from the US and Europe. The tourism industry in Iceland has grown substantially in recent years and has become the most important sector of the Icelandic economy in recent years, generating significant foreign exchange earnings for the country. In this analysis, tourism exports are presented as a share of GDP in line with international economic theories. Additionally, the country case study is considered in conjunction with the Butlers Tourism Area life cycle and culture in the analysis. The results of the SWOT analysis indicate that, when considering the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats faced by the market, the overall growth potential of the market is significant. Practical implications include the need to strengthen the infrastructure further to best supply tourism opportunities. New opportunities are seen in online advertising, social media, digital marketing, food culture and historical culture, as well as sustainable and renewable resources. In addition, more attractions and pedestrian areas, as well as improved ski resorts. The value / originality of this study is somewhat unique, as it analyses island tourism, showing the successful development of tourism after the COVID-19 pandemic on remote islands in the North Atlantic Ocean. Ultimately, the summary and conclusions provide an overview and suggestions to consider when looking for ways to successfully promote tourism in the post-COVID crisis market.

Электронная информационная образовательная среда как экосистема в педагогическом процессе современного вуза

Development of the EIEE (electronic information and educational environment) is one of the most important topics in modern pedagogical research. This process is currently undergoing a lot of changes and requires its detailed understanding within the framework of pedagogical science, as modern educational programmes for specialists’ training require implementation of innovative digital technologies. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to carry out theoretical analysis and case study in order to systematize this concept in the context of implementing educational programs for training highly qualified specialists in various sectors of the digital economy. EIEE plays the key role in terms of implementing educational programs for training highly qualified specialists in various areas of digital economy. This paper provides generalized analysis of existing theoretical approaches to the concept of "ecosystem" and considers various views on EIEE’s development. Particular attention is paid to the authors’ approach, which is based on cooperation with industrial partners. In this context, it is proposed to create EIEE through the development of technical specifications, integration of cross-platform solutions and sharing resources. In the course of the study, the author comes to the conclusion that EIEE’s development is an important step towards evolution of educational programmes that meet the requirements of modern digital economy and contribute to training of a new generation of specialists, who are ready for challenges that future presents.

The effectiveness of the logistics systems of the APEC countries

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum is an international union for collaboration in the field of regional trade, simplification and liberalization of investments, which serves the interaction of countries and their economic sectors with various stages of development. Transport and logistics systems are necessary to offset the shortcomings caused by issues with safety, usefulness and, most importantly, supply efficiency. The forum's management regularly works out strategies to solve these problems without noticeable losses for resource bases such as financial security and labor. Significant differences in the development of the association countries require an analysis of the effectiveness of logistics as a tool for the growth of the participating economies, ensuring conditions for constant progress and adaptation of the best foreign experience. The authors concluded that the degree of infrastructure quality affects the effectiveness of logistics services, confirmed the close relationship between the level of economic competitiveness of the country and the degree of its logistics efficiency, found out that the criteria for logistics efficiency are based on indicators of the pace of digitalization of transport activities. It is also established that Russia is one of the regions that can be characterized as catching up with the rest in terms of logistics efficiency, therefore, domestic transport industry specialists should study and, depending on the conditions, introduce technologies from the world's leading global players, creating a comparative advantage over other participants.

COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 transitions: case study on the Lao PDR

PurposeThe purpose of this review paper is to investigate the consequences of tourism development and economic growth within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries, focusing specifically on Lao PDR post-pandemic. The adverse effect of COVID-19 on tourism and economic sectors has been pervasive across the ASEAN region, with varying degrees of impact. Some of these difficulties are set to continue, though there are positive signs of recovery and of the resilience of the tourism industry. Utilising case material from Lao PDR in Southeast Asia – an area frequently neglected in tourism studies – the paper sheds light on the post-pandemic landscape to address existing gaps in the current literature.Design/methodology/approachA case study approach was taken in this review paper, utilising secondary data such as media reports, official reports from Tourism Laos and international governing bodies like United Nations and the World Bank to form a viewpoint discussion in the Lao PDR post-pandemic condition.FindingsThis paper reveals that contrary to a long period of recovery post-pandemic, there has been a degree of continuity from the pre-pandemic period. Considerable numbers of backpackers have returned to Vang Vieng, along with Vientiane and Luang Prabang. While the pre-pandemic emphasis on mass tourism persists, there is also an increased focus on regional and domestic markets. Laos, with its strategic location and cross-border connections, aims to take advantage of this shift.Originality/valueThe paper highlights a detailed exploration of the Lao tourism industry post-pandemic. It goes beyond the initial expectations in literature of a complete transformation post-pandemic, highlighting the continuity in visitor sources and traditional tourist attractions. It emphasises the Lao PDR strategic position for market reorientation, providing insight into the nation’s adaptive strategies and a nuanced perspective on the evolving landscape of Lao tourism.

AI based early identification and severity detection of nutrient deficiencies in coconut trees

Coconut trees are vital in various agricultural and economic sectors. Their susceptibility to nutrient deficiencies poses a significant threat to growth and productivity. Traditional nutrient assessment methods are time and labour-intensive, relying on manual inspection and chemical testing. There has been no significant research on detecting nutrient deficiencies in coconut trees. Additionally, assessing deficiency, and severity automatically and recommending suitable fertilizers remain unexplored. This research leverages the YOLOv9 model to identify macro and micronutrient deficiencies in coconut trees and proposes an Image Analysis based Severity Detection (IASD), to determine the severity of these deficiencies. Along with these a Severity Index Calculation Model (SICM) is also introduced that calculates the Severity Index (SI) of these deficiencies. For each identified deficiency, the appropriate fertilizer and its application quantity are suggested. Four deep learning models—RetinaNet, Faster Regional Convolutional Neural Network (Faster R-CNN), You Only Look Once version 5 (YOLOv5), and version 9 (YOLOv9) —were compared for the prediction of nutrient deficiencies in coconut trees using a dataset of 5,720 images of nutrient-deficient coconut tree leaves. YOLOv9 outperformed other models with Accuracy, Precision, and Recall values of 80 %, 98.59 %, and 80.37 %, respectively. Manual verification ensured the correctness of IASD and SICM predictions during model creation, providing farmers and agricultural professionals with a precise, automated tool for managing coconut plantations.

The innovative vector of technology–based development of shipping companies is autonomous navigation

The article is devoted to the current state of water transport, problems and prospects of its development. Special attention is paid to the innovative vector of development of shipping companies on the basis of technologies - autonomous navigation. The development of the shipping industry on the basis of autonomous navigation opens significant opportunities in the sphere of safety improvement, increase of profit by reducing the costs of maintenance of ship crews. Examples of implementation and use of remote control of a vessel using autonomous navigation means along a socially and economically significant route are given. The article studies the legal acts that came into force in 2024, fixing the legal basis for the creation of autonomous navigation, which gives the opportunity to actively develop this promising direction. It will allow water transport to be competitive, and thus one of the key sectors of the Russian economy to become a pillar for achieving its growth. Based on the study of the materials of the Russian Federation SP in the field of inland water transport development, the factors that will contribute to the efficiency of the implementation of the initiatives of socio-economic development of the Russian Federation until 2030 are proposed.

MAPPING THE NEED FOR A CIRCULAR ECONOMY FOR FUTURE ECONOMIC BENEFITS: POTENTIALS AND PROJECTIONS FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES IN NORTH MACEDONIA

The circular economy, a concept based on the principles of designing waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use for a longer time, and regenerating natural systems is still in its infancy in the Western Balkans, especially in many analyses related to the development and future projections of small and medium enterprises. Over the years, there has been a steady increase in per capita waste generation in the region, with the municipal waste recycling rate among economies being very low, while resource intensity as a measure of resource efficiency has remained relatively high. In addition, enterprises in the region are rarely aware of the opportunities of a circular economy, such as reduced environmental impact, more sustainable use, and conservation of natural resources, lower production costs, increased innovation, increased competitiveness, greater resistance to external shocks through reduced dependence on resources or the creation of new markets and jobs. Of particular importance is the identification of key economic sectors that should be directly involved in the process of circular economic transformation. In addition, it is important in the European framework, to map of the good practices that could be transferred to the economy in the Republic of North Macedonia, when it comes to the circular economy. In the framework of this paper, through the application of a methodological framework of content analysis, comparison, synthesis, and generalization, a diagnosis of the current situation regarding a circular economy in North Macedonia will be presented, as well as the identification of priority sectors/areas as the main key for the future perspectives of the circular economy within these society frameworks. It requires the involvement of all key stakeholders, including government institutions, the private sector, civil society, and academia, to apply a comprehensive approach in setting a future roadmap for a circular economy and encouraging a circular transition for the greater benefit of society of the Republic of North Macedonia, with special reference to improving the future of small and medium enterprises.