Terms Of Regional Development Research Articles

Reconfiguration of the Regional Economy As a Tool to Overcome the Unbalanced Development of the Economic Entity

Relevance. The relevance of this study is predetermined by the fact that during the period of economic turbulence, the positions of “weak” regions significantly worsen, while at the same time there is a decrease in the pace of their development. Accordingly, it is necessary to stabilize the development of regions of this type based on the use of various economic and managerial tools, including through the use of transformation mechanisms, reconfiguration of economic objects, which in the future, with the rational use of these technologies, may affect both the level of competitiveness of the region and its development potential. The purpose of the study is to study the directions of reconfiguration of the regional economy as a tool to overcome the unbalanced development of an individual economic entity. Objectives. Achieving this goal predetermined the solution of the following tasks: studying the theoretical possibilities of using reconfiguration mechanisms to overcome the negative "rut effect", identifying individual areas of reconfiguration ("soft" reconfiguration and "hard" reconfiguration), research and evaluation of "turning" (control) points of reconfiguration of the regional development in terms of sectoral and territorial development, as well as external and internal factors. Methodology. The basis of the research is the historical-logical and monographic methods, as well as the methods of statistical data analysis, induction, deduction, synthesis, other general scientific methods, as well as semantic analysis. Results. It seems necessary to include the results obtained in the course of the study: the construction of a structural-logical scheme that reflects the directions of the reconfiguration of the region in order to achieve balanced development; systematization of "turning" (control) points of reconfiguration of regional development from the standpoint of both sectoral and territorial development, and endogenous and exogenous impact; assessment of indicators of reconfiguration of an unbalanced region (on the example of the Republic of Buryatia). Conclusions. In conclusion, conclusions are drawn that the reconfiguration of the regional economy is predetermined by both internal and external (including shock) factors. In modern conditions of turbulence and sanctions pressure, the reorientation of economic processes, as well as external factors, can initiate a hard type of reconfiguration, which is rather problematic to implement, in contrast to the “soft” type of reconfiguration, which is especially important for unbalanced regions. With a “soft” reconfiguration, a positive dynamics of particular performance indicators is more likely, characterizing the possibility of a “spurt” and exit of the region from the existing “development track” to the optimal trajectory in the preemptive period.

ЗАКОНОМЕРНОСТИ РАСПРОСТРАНЕНИЯ ОСНОВНЫХ КОМПОНЕНТОВ И ТИПОВ ПОРОД БАЖЕНОВСКОЙ СВИТЫ ЗАПАДНОЙ СИБИРИ

The distribution regularities of the main components and types of rocks of the Bazhenov Formation are investigated. It is one of the largest black shale formations in the world. The results of the lithological and geochemical study revealed that the brittlest rocks of the formation are widely distributed in the Central region and are considered as potential reservoirs: siliceous mudstones, kerogenic siliceous mudstones, carbonated radiolarites (limestones and dolomites). In the South-Eastern region, thicknesses of silicites are noticeably reduced; kerogen-clay-siliceous mudstones (similar in silica content to siliceous mudstones) prevail, which are also reservoirs in a number of areas. These types of rocks are practically not typical for the Northern and Southern regions. Detailed distribution maps of the main components of rocks for the lower, middle and upper parts, as well as for the Formation as a whole, were constructed. It was revealed that the highest concentrations of siliceous material are observed in the lower and to a lesser extent in the middle parts of the Bazhenov Formation section in the Central region. By the nature of distribution, composition and thickness of potential reservoirs, the Central region can be considered as a highly promising region in terms of development for hydrocarbon raw materials, the South-Eastern is medium-promising one, the Northern and Southern are low-promising ones.

Analysis of high quality collaborative development path of university civic education based on Rete’s pattern matching algorithm

Abstract The prerequisites for the separation of fuzzy sets for the assessment of ideological and political education in colleges are first looked at in this essay. Then the implementation of the quality evaluation algorithm is discussed, the factors associated with the system and the corresponding data are selected, then the theoretical domain of the data is defined, the set contained in the theoretical domain is calculated, and the final value of the non-fuzzy values is calculated by the nonfuzzification method. To get the evaluation findings, the evaluation method is then used to build a thorough evaluation factor set and evaluation set, choose the weight coefficients, and create the fuzzy connection matrix. The assessment method is then used to examine the existing state of political and ideological education, identify its challenges, and provide solutions for high-quality growth. In terms of regional development, the eastern area is ranked 0-6, the middle region −2 to 3, and the western region −2 to 2 in terms of ideological and political development. 80% of instructors agree that learning should incorporate the primary job of building moral education when it comes to growth approaches. 39% think that the curricular strategy needs to be improved. 54% of respondents think that teaching practices should be standardized in schools. 44% think that teaching strategies need to be improved. Based on the Rete pattern matching algorithm and fuzzy evaluation algorithm, it is important for the development and construction of college ideology and politics.

Yoksullukla Mücadele Etmede ve Sürdürülebilir Kalkınmaya Ulaşmada Sosyal İnovatif Uygulamaların Rolü

Combating poverty and sustaining development is one of the most significant challenges humanity needs to overcome. Governments, local institutions, non-profit organizations, academia, and companies are making great efforts to alleviate poverty and ensure sustainable development. However, these efforts cannot be reached the desired level in changing and transforming the world. Therefore, these problems, which were addressed in conventional ways, must be considered and resolved through “innovative approaches”. The aim of this study is to address the concept of social innovation, which can be used as a solution to social problems in general, and as a tool in combating poverty and regional development in particular, with examples of successful applications. In this sense, firstly, the concept of social innovation is discussed in the context of poverty alleviation and sustainable development through qualitative research. This study also evaluates the role of social innovation practices and solutions in poverty reduction and sustainable rural development by analyzing two cases such as the KIVA microcredit system and community-supported agriculture. These cases have been examined in terms of innovativeness, sustainability, social impact, target audience, and institutional structure. As a result, it revealed that the cases mentioned above contribute to poverty reduction and regional development in terms of innovation, target audience, sustainability and social impact.

THE SYSTEM OF GLOBAL INDICATORS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND THE TRENDS OF DECLINING EFFECTIVENESS OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA

On the global market, the development growth rates of various countries differ strongly from one another. This results in a modification of their function and significance in terms of regional development. The foundation is the rate at which intellectual capital is developing and materializing as it is realized in the field of research and development. The objective of this study is to investigate the problems related to the structure and content of intellectual capital in Armenia, with the aim of forming the best balance of policy and practical measures implemented in the mentioned field, which will provide an effective development environment for the implementation of research and design works and their results. A detailed explanation of the essential actions necessary to accomplish the stated objective is provided. A substantive description of the priority steps aimed at achieving the stated goal is presented.

Evaluation of Innovation Performance of Level-2 Regions in Terms of Regional Development According to Turkey's Statistical Regional Units Classification

Bölgelerin inovasyon performanslarındaki artış, refah seviyesini artırarak toplumsal ve ekonomik kalkınmaya katkı sağlamaktadır. Bölgelerin inovasyon performanslarının artırılmasında, öğrenme, teknoloji ve bilgi süreçleri etkili olmaktadır. Bir bölge, inovatif faaliyetleri ne kadar desteklerse, yaşam kalitesi ve refah seviyesi de o ölçüde artış göstermektedir.
 Bu çalışma, inovasyon ve bölgesel kalkınma çerçevesinde, Türkiye ve bölgelerinin kişi başına GSYH, altyapı, ulaşım, eğitim, patent gibi inovasyon göstergelerinden yararlanılarak bölgesel kalkınma ve inovasyona katkılarını ortaya çıkarmaktır. Bu amaçla, Türkiye’nin Düzey-2 kapsamında yer alan 26 bölge inovasyon girdi ve çıktı bileşenleri kullanılarak Entropi ve ARAS yöntemleriyle inovasyon performans sıralamaları ve ağırlıkları belirlenmiştir. Böylelikle bölgeler arasındaki farklılıklar ortaya çıkarılmış olup bölgesel kalkınmanın sağlanmasında, bölgelerin ihtiyaçları ve performanslarına yönelik inovasyon sistemleri geliştirilmelidir. Bunun için inovasyon performansının yükseltilebilmesi için üretim yapısı geliştirilerek bölgesel kalkınma teşvik edilmelidir.

GREEN TOURISM AS A COMPONENT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE REGION

The purpose of this article is to study the role and place of green tourism as a component of sustainable development of the region and to determine the level of of rural green tourism development of the region. The article considers the prerequisites for the development of green tourism, among which it should be noted: a good geographical location, the availability of the necessary resources, good climatic conditions, the existing natural and recreational potential, etc. It has been proven that it is appropriate to identify green tourism with sustainable development, which is based on its basic task - achieving the integrity of as many natural and recreational resources and cultural heritage as possible. Taking into account the above, sustainable development is aimed at ensuring the needs of consumers, protecting and increasing returns from its operation in the future. Green tourism in the system of sustainable development is considered according to its goals. In order to achieve the goal, the article proposes to determine the level of development of rural green tourism by region and differentiate them according to this indicator. That is why the author proposed a methodology for assessing the level of development of rural green tourism with a detailed disclosure of each of its stages. Approbation of the proposed methodical approach was carried out, as a result of which regions were grouped into groups with different levels of development of rural green tourism. Reducing the asymmetry of regional development in terms of green tourism will help increase the level of ensuring their sustainable development.

CONCEPTUAL FOUNDATIONS OF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF REGIONAL FOREIGN ECONOMIC RELATIONS AMPLIFICATION

Topicality. The article explores the issue of determining the direction in which the region should develop its foreign economic relations, how to rebuild a regional economic system in order to realize their resources and opportunities for growth in the globalized international economy in the most effective way. Theoretical and conceptual foundations of the regional foreign economic relations development, analysed in this article, determine a role of commodity exports, imports of modern technologies, investment (including foreign capital), innovation, institutional environment and entrepreneurship for regional development. Among other issues addressed in this article, special attention was paid to analysis of changes in regional development paradigms.Aim and tasks. The aim of the article is to study theoretical and conceptual foundations of regional development through by means of regional foreign economic relations amplification. In addition, the objectives of the current study include: highlighting changes of scientific views on paradigms of regional development in terms of areas of amplification of regional foreign economic relations, identification of the main contradictions and temporal context of the proposed theories and concepts of regional development, addition to the main trends in the theoretical and conceptual basis of regional development in recent years.Research results. The article considers a formation of theories and concepts of regional development, which provide for the intensification of regional foreign economic relations. The analysis of theoretical and conceptual bases of regional foreign economic relations amplification testifies the transformation of paradigms of regional development according to a context of times in which there were changes of scientific views on the reasons and consequences of regional growth. The article examines the evolutionary transformation of regional economic development paradigms through the following theories: spatial location theory, theory of international (interregional) trade, Keynesian theories (export base theory and input-output model), neoclassical theories of regional economic development, concepts of economic rationalism, comparative, competitive and common advantages, theories of globalization, sustainable development, regional self-help and endogenous development, a new growth theory. Based on the analysis of the regional development theoretical foundations, the article establishes that the main theories and concepts of regional foreign economic relations mostly focused on consideration of such incentives as: capital investment, technological innovation, foreign trade, agglomeration effect (economies of scale), as well as a level of institution development.Conclusion. The article states that there is no single generally accepted theory for providing scientific approaches to a complementary amplification of regional foreign economic relations. Certain theories and concepts, which form theoretical foundations for the regional foreign economic relations amplification, have relatively practical application only in specific cases. Thus, by means of an application of the postulates of the theory of international and interregional trade, the optimal structure of the external trade turnover of the region and the parameters of determining the commodity positions for import substitution are determined; neoclassical theory of spatial equilibrium serves as a theoretical basis for choosing investment attraction’ direction in prioritized regional production and infrastructure facilities; new regional growth theories (including, of endogenous regional development concept) serve as a theoretical background for choosing tools for foreign economic activity intensification in order to ensure regional development. At the same time, achieving regional growth, in the modern sense, is not possible without considering principles of sustainable development and self-sufficiency of a territory, therefore, an amplification of foreign economic relations in the region, even in a globalized world, should be based mainly on endogenous factors, while strengthening its development with an innovation and investment components from the external environment.

The main directions of sustainable socio-economic development of the Caspian littoral areas of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the existing environmental problems


 
 
 
 In Azerbaijan, since the earliest times, the Caspian Sea has contributed to the Received in revised form: 07.10.2021 settlement of population and structure of the economy. The favourable natural geographical conditions of the coasts, exploitation of offshore oil and gas fields and rich tourist-recreational potential favoured the economy of Azerbaijan significantly. However, sea-level fluctuations and environmental damage observed due to exploitation of natural resources served as curbing factor in the development. In modern times, planning of residential areas in the coastal areas, improvement of industrial, agricultural and tourism infrastructure, and successful management of the ecological situation are achievable through effective use of the natural resources and human potential of the Caspian Sea. The coastal region of the Caspian Sea, composed of three zones, is favourable for the development of Azerbaijan’s economy. Theattractiveness of coastal areas is related mainly to preferences of natural conditions and resources and the advantages of their transport- geographical location. As a result, the development level of the economy of the Pre-Caspian region is higher compared to other regions of the country. The region accounts for 88.7 % of the total industrial output in the country. The main part of it, i. e. 95.7 % is shared by the city of Baku. The cause of significant difference in development level between the regions and the capital Baku is associated with the use of oil and gas resources of the Caspian. Thus, offshore oil and gas reserves in the Caspian have played a notable role in the development of coastal areas, and of the country’s whole economy. This has led to inequality in terms of regional development. This factor prompted the need to study the role of the use of resources of the Caspian Sea in the sustainable development of Azerbaijan’s economy. In order to achieve the goal, a comparative analysis of the leading economic branches in the Pre-Caspian regions was carried out from a historical point of view. The obtained information was systematized, and the socio-economic aspects of sustainable development were identified based on statistical-mathematical materials. Aerospace data were used as well.
 
 
 

Regional Spatial Approach to Differences in Rural Economic Development: Insights from Serbia

Rural regions with a larger share of the primary sector in the overall economy are limited in their ability to achieve a sufficient level of competitiveness. In countries such as Serbia, where rural areas play an important role, addressing the problems affecting these areas is important for overall development. The purpose of this study is to determine the socioeconomic performance of the rural regions of Serbia and the EU in order to indicate the position of Serbia’s rural areas in the process of European integration. NUTS 3 (NUTS 2 for Germany) was used for analysis, and from this an Index of Socioeconomic Performance was created. This Index was created using Factor Analysis. The results point to Serbia lagging behind other EU regions in terms of development, with most of Serbia’s rural regions receiving the lowest ratings. These results are cause for alarm and indicate a need to create strategies that will direct resources towards key issues in these areas, whose potential would be adequately used through the implementation of rural policy measures, with the aim of overall socioeconomic development.

SOMALIA - CASE STUDY ON THE FRAGMENTATION OF AN ETHNICALLY AND CIVILIZATIONALLY HOMOGENEOUS STATE

Any lecture in geopolitics begins by stating that internal stability and territorial integrity of the state are the result of the interaction between secessionist, centrifugal forces, and unifying, centripetal forces. The same lecture in geopolitics also says that ethnic and confessional homogeneity falls into the category of the strongest centripetal forces, along with a round shape of the state territory, the centrality of the capital, a uniform distribution of transport and communications infrastructure, an equitable (as possible) distribution of wealth, of a strong national idea and will.
 Ethnically and religiously, Somalia is a homogeneous state. Moreover, all these ethnics do not boast of an identity other than Somali, and they all speak Somali - the official language of the state, along with Arabic - the language of the Koran. Somalia does not have the huge linguistic diversity specific to other post-colonial African states, there are no cultural-civilizational differences, there are no major discrepancies in terms of regional development and distribution of communications and transport infrastructure in the territory. And yet, the Somali state is the expression of the notion of a failed state, ravaged by civil war, secessionism, maritime piracy, terrorism, organized crime and insecurity. In recent years, Somalia has been consistently ranked among the most dangerous destinations in the world. In the first half of 2021, it ranked sixth in the top of the riskiest tourist destinations, after Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, South Sudan and Yemen[i].
 What are the causes of Somali secessionism and the collapse of the state? And, if we were to rank, according to the intensity of the effect, the secessionist factors acting on the territory of Somalia, what would be their ord
 
 1 Most Dangerous Countries in the World, World Population Review, https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/most-dangerous-countries, accessed on 11.07. 2021.

Levels and Hierarchy of Goals of the Modern Regional Socio-Economic Policy of Russia

The complexity of the implementation of regional policy in federal states, due, on the one hand, to the diversity of regions and their features, on the other – the presence of several levels of its implementation, determines the relevance of research devoted to the study of this instrument of public administration. The article suggests an approach that allows differentiating the goals of regional socio-economic policy by its levels. The composition is specified, and the hierarchy of goals of the regional socio-economic policy of Russia is developed. It is proved that in current conditions, the priority goal of the regional policy of the federal center should be to ensure the integrity and economic security of the state in terms of regional development, the regional policy of the subjects of the Federation – to achieve positive dynamics of the quality of life of the population of the region. It is shown that in the foreseeable future, the problem of smoothing interregional inequality and ensuring balanced socio-economic development of the country and regions on this basis will retain the status of a strategic goal of the state regional socio-economic policy in the Russian Federation. The implementation of the presented approach to goal-setting in the practice of public administration will contribute to the formation of an effective regional policy as the most essential condition for the balanced spatial development of the Russian Federation.

Accessibility Indicators for the Geographical Assessment of Transport Planning in a Latin American Metropolitan Area

Accessibility represents a key element in strengthening developed regions in terms of investment in transportation infrastructure. Accessibility is also an equity indicator to measure the ease with which a specific location achieves desired outcomes as well as the spillover effect; traditionally, these effects have been analyzed with econometric and engineering techniques, rather than from the perspective of geographical studies. The purpose of this research is to measure the spillover effects and the territorial cohesion of Infrastructure Regional Planning (PRI) for the Latin American metropolitan area of Concepción (MAC), Chile. To meet this purpose, locational and network efficiency indicators of spatial accessibility were calculated using network analysis in GIS. The results showed that the improvements differ according to the accessibility indicator employed; however, they generally showed benefits in consolidated urban centers and corridors near investment and industrial areas. In contrast, more distant and rural areas presented limited and irregular benefits.

Activity of Regional Microfinance Institutions in Terms of Regional Development

Purpose: The aim of the article is to analyse the activity of two types of microfinance institutions in Poland, loan funds and loan guarantee funds and to indicate the relations between their activity and the condition of the regions. Design/Methodology/Approach: To analyse funds activity we have employed a methodological approach of comparative analysis based on data from Eurostat, Local Data Bank, European Microfinanse Network, Polish Association of Loan Funds and Polish Association of Guarantee Funds. Data used in the study included 2012- 2018 years. In order to evaluate the impact of the funds on the region’s development, the study applied Pearson's correlation analysis, linear regression analysis, and single-factor variance analysis. Findings: The results indicate that the collective analysis of operations run by both types of institutions has shown numerous negative correlations, whereas the analysis of the impacts of the funds in the individual voivodeships has shown positive outcomes. It can therefore be stated that the activity of loan funds and guarantee funds on the regional scale displays positive effects and relationships, which differ depending on the region. Practical Implications: Both funds and their owners have to search for new solutions and ways of development. This regards especially the guarantee funds which must compete with national guarantee programmes, which decreases their role from the point of view of commercial banks. Originality/Value: The research study is an original analysis of the impact of regional financial institutions on regional development. It indicated a need for the institutions to change their strategies. In order to increase their impact on the region, the owners (which are mainly self-governmental bodies) should consider recapitalisation while retaining their regional character.

Recreational benefits of wetlands: a survey on the Dal Lake in Jammu and Kashmir of India

PurposeA wetland is a place of tourist attraction, and tourism values play a key role in economic development. Among various services provided by a wetland, recreational services are increasingly valuable in the tourism sector. This paper aims to unfold the potential recreational values of the Dal Lake in Jammu and Kashmir, India.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses individual travel cost methods (TCMs) and assesses its impact on regional development in terms of income and employment generation. A sample of 200 tourists is selected through an on-site survey on Dal Lake, and the demand for recreational visits and its value is estimated by employing the truncated Poisson regression model (TPRM) and un-truncated Poisson regression model (UTPRM). The consumers' surplus is estimated and tourists' benefit to visiting the wetland is explored.FindingsOn average, estimated consumers' surplus per visitor is Rs 6,250 (US$96.15) and Rs 25,000 (US$384.61) from respective models. The annual total recreational value of the lake is accounted for Rs 1713m (US$ 26m). This high consumer surplus (CS) and recreational values of the lake indicate large demand for its recreational facilities.Originality/valueThe study is based on primary data and thus, is original. The paper has implications for the policymakers to formulate sustainable management plans for the proper use of Dal Lake and tourism development.

The Competitive Attractiveness and Sustainability of the Quality of Life in the Russian Regions

Aim. The presented study aims to theoretically substantiate and empirically test criteria and indicators for a generalized assessment of the level and sustainability of the quality of life in the regions of the Russian Federation in the context of challenges and volatile foreign economic and political conditions.Tasks. The authors use a system of indicators and the criterion of sustainability of the quality of life to conduct a typological analysis of the distribution and ranking of Russian regions by the quality of life and sustainability of development in 2016-2019.Methods. This study proposes an algorithm and mathematical tools for measuring the level and sustainability of regional development in terms of life quality based on a group of indicators relevant for current Russian conditions, generically characterizing the attractiveness of living conditions in the territory.Results. Methods for analyzing and managing the sustainability of regional economic development in Russia under the influence of political and economic challenges and risks are proposed. A method for comparing the ranking positions of Russian regions by the quality of life is proposed and applied. Several hypotheses about the regularity of regional distribution by the quality of life are considered, and the reasons for the violation of the sustainability of social development are analyzed for groups of regions that showed signs of instability during the analyzed period.Conclusions. Based on the proposed criterion of sustainability of development and assessment of the level of competitive attractiveness of regions and their ranking by the quality of life, the study shows that 43 out of 85 regions were developing steadily in terms of life quality in 2016-2019. Of the 42 regions that showed a decrease in the level and ranking of competitive attractiveness, the majority suffered due to increased unemployment, crime, reduced income, and adverse environmental changes. Increased sustainability of development is usually observed in regions with a high level of competitive attractiveness in terms of the quality of life and the level of economic development.

Food-Cluster Formation and Development

The article considers the main peculiarities of food-cluster formation and development. Food complex is one of the most important industries of the national economy. Key approaches to its formation and development are analyzed in terms of regional development and management. Taking into account foreign experience, integrated unions which play an important role in agro-business’ structure entering the food industry and competing with previously created businesses, are identified. The given techniques allow calculating potential indicators of the cluster approach in agricultural enterprises as well as analyzing the competitiveness level of its leading spheres. Basic instructions of the cluster approach usage in the sphere of food production industry are defined.

ОРГАНІЗАЦІЙНО-ЕКОНОМІЧНІ ЗАСАДИ АКТИВІЗАЦІЇ ДЕТЕРМІНАНТ ІНТЕЛЕКТУАЛЬНО-ІННОВАЦІЙНОГО РОЗВИТКУ РЕГІОНІВ В УМОВАХ ЦИФРОВІЗАЦІЇ

The article substantiates the use of system-functional approach of organizational and economic principles of activation of determinants of intellectual and innovative development of regional economic systems in terms of digitalization of econom-ic processes. It was found that the determining factor in ensuring the development of the region is the available intellectual capital and innovation potential, as well as an effective organizational and economic mechanism for their activation and use in the context of digitalization of economic processes. A system-functional approach was used to conduct the study. The sys-tem approach allows a systematic approach to the consideration of organizational and economic principles in relation to the regional economic system, taking into account all the principles of systematization, according to which the system consists of certain subsystems and is a subsystem of higher order, in this case the national economy. The functional approach makes it possible to determine the functional priorities in the direction of the determinants of economic development of regions in the context of digitalization, which include intellectual and innovative determinants. According to the functional approach, or-ganizational and economic principles have a certain priority in accordance with the directions of development of regional systems. The managerial principles of activation of intellectual and innovative determinants based on various conceptual provisions concerning the type of managerial response to development impulses, management methods, ways of organizing managerial influence are considered. The components of organizational and economic support for the activation of intellec-tual and innovative determinants of regional development in terms of digitalization, which include: financial and investment,technical and technological, institutional and legal, information and logistics, material and resource components. The for-mation of organizational and economic principles using a system-functional approach to formalizing the activation of intel-lectual and innovative determinants of regional economic systems in the context of digitalization will contribute to achieving the goals of strategic development of regions.

The Effect of Decentralized Concentration on the Spatial Organization of Rural Settlements (Case Study: Molkabad Village Town, Mashhad)

Purpose- In the hierarchical planning of central places, systematic and calculated settlement is based on the desired spatial system, and small cities play a major role in striking balance and equilibrium in the residential system. The role and function of this type of rural centers lay the theoretical basis for strategies of developing a balanced settlement model. The proponents of small towns point to importance of these settlements as service centers in rural development, stressing the construction of a cohesive settlement hierarchy and the effects of top-down distribution. According to their view, small towns are at the forefront of rural and regional development in terms of production and institutional structure, preventing the over-concentration of population and activities in large cities. It is an issue that has deprived these cities of proper economic returns and investment. Design/methodology/approach - In this study, the effect of Molkabad City on the spatial organization of rural settlements is investigated, and research hypotheses are tested using t-test, Wilcoxon, Kruskal-Wallis and WASP. Finding- Of the sample villages in various geographical areas located at varying distances, Derakht-e Sepidar Village has the highest Qi in WASPAS model and is ranked first, thus having the highest spatial development among the sample villages. It is true because this village is located in a plain area adjacent to a dirt road that leads to Molkabad City. In the same region, Razan Village has the lowest Qi in WASPAS model and is ranked last, mainly because this village is located on a plain, but far from communication routes. Further, this village is within the jurisdiction of Binalood Town rather than Molkabad or even the center of its county, Imam Taghi Village. In general, according to the results obtained from the WASPAS model, it can be mentioned that there is a slight difference between the first and the last village and the rate of spatial development in the studied villages is almost identical. That is, it is not pertained to the remoteness and proximity to Molkabad City.

Regional difference of water use in a significantly unbalanced developing region

Abstract With a service for the most developed economy and dense population in China, the water use of Guangdong province shows distinct regional difference and is subject to multiple driving forces. The regional differences of total water use (TWU) and water use efficiency (WUE) for Guangdong province and its four sub-regions (i.e. Pearl River Dealt region (PRD), Eastern Wing (YD), Western Wing (YX), and Northern Mountain Region (YB)) were quantified by Theil index, and the influence of various variables on WUE was evaluated through multiple linear regression (MLR) models. Overall, Theil index of TWU showed a decreasing trend whereas Theil index of WUE increased in recent decades, suggesting that Guangdong province has experienced an enlarging regional difference of WUE along with a gradually weakened regional difference of TWU. The PRD has the most significant regional differences of WUE and TWU and accounts for a predominated proportion in the total regional difference. Theil indexes of GDP of industry, per capita GDP and per capita value-added by agriculture had positive regression coefficients and were found to have the most significant impact on the regional difference of WUE. This study has the potential to promote a balanced and coordinated regional development in terms of even regional WUE and TWU.