Obesity trends in Russia. The impact on health and healthcare costs

Similar to most developed countries, obesity rates inRussiahave been steadily increasing. This has led to a high burden of obesity related diseases and associated healthcare costs. The micro-simulation model has been utilized to project body mass index (BMI) and BMI related disease burden and healthcare costs. Incidence, mortality, survival and healthcare costs were collected for thirteen diseases. The results have been simulated for 3 hypothetical scenarios to project a potential impact of policy interventions: 1) assuming no reduction in BMI;2) 1% reduction in mean BMI across the population;3) 5% reduction in mean BMI across the population. Nearly 58% of the female population was obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) or overweight (BMI 25 -29.9 kg/m2) in 2010, and the prevalence is projected to decrease to 54% in 2050. The rates are predicted to increase for men from 51% in 2010 to 76% in 2050. The prevalence rates will triple for some obesity-related diseases. A one percent decrease in BMI across the population will save more than two billion US Dollars in 2030 and 2050. Despite female obesity prevalence starting at a higher point than the men, obesity is predicted to increase in males but not females. Disease and economic burden attributed to these obesity rates are still severe and the country should implement strong policies to tackle the obesity epidemic.

Individual alcohol consumption by the population of Russia versus regional living conditions

Background:There are substantial regional differences in drinking alcohol in Russia,both at the population and individual levels.However,the causes of these differences have not been studied yet.Objective:The goal of our study was to examine the effect of regional living conditions on individual alcohol consumption by the population of Russia.Methods:For the analysis,we used data from a cross-sectional epidemiological study conducted in 2013-2014.The final analytical sample included 18,130 people aged 25-64 years.We conducted the interviews face to face,based on which any drinking in the last year,as well as alcohol abuse,were considered as a response.Alcohol abuse was recorded when the respondent consumed 5.75 or more grams of pure ethanol per day(75th percentile of average daily alcohol consumption among alcohol drinkers).The assessment of the regional living conditions was accomplished via integral indexing,which was previously performed based on publicly available data for 2010-2014.Associations were assessed using generalized scoring equations with unchanging standard errors.The associations were expressed by odds ratios(OR)and 95%confidence intervals(C).Results:Deterioration of social conditions and increase in demographic depression in the region of residence increased the odds of any drinking(OR 1.51,95%CI:1.33 to 1.72,P<0.001 and OR 1.22,95%CI:1.05 to 1.41,P=0.oo9,respectively).The odds of alcohol abuse increased with the deterioration of social living conditions and the growth of the industrial development in the region:OR 1.35,95%CI:1.14 to 1.59,P<0.001 and OR 1.16,95%CI:1.05 to 1.28,P=0.002,respectively.Conclusion:Our analysis allowed assessing the impact of the regional living conditions on individual drinking alcohol in the population of Russia.

Exploring well-being disparities between urban and rural areas:A case study in the Stavropol Territory,Russia

Rural areas are crucial for a country’s sustainable economy.New strategies are needed to develop rural areas to improve the well-being of rural population and generate new job opportunities.This is especially important in countries where agricultural production accounts for a significant share of the gross product,such as Russia.In this study,we identified the key indicators of satisfaction and differences between rural and urban citizens based on their social,economic,and environmental backgrounds,and determined whether there are well-being disparities between rural and urban areas in the Stavropol Territory,Russia.We collected primary data through a survey based on the European Social Survey framework to investigate the potential differences between rural and urban areas.By computing the regional well-being index using principal component analysis,we found that there was no statistically significant difference in well-being between rural and urban areas.Results of key indicators showed that rural residents felt psychologically more comfortable and safer,assessed their family relationships better,and adhered more to traditions and customs.However,urban residents showed better economic and social conditions(e.g.,infrastructures,medical care,education,and Internet access).The results of this study imply that we can better understand the local needs,advantages,and unique qualities,thereby gaining insight into the effectiveness of government programs.Policy-makers and local authorities can consider targeted interventions based on the findings of this study and strive to enhance the well-being of both urban and rural residents.

Evolution and Prospects of Russia’s“Turn to the East”

With the escalation of the Ukraine crisis,Russia’s policy of“Turn to the East”has evolved into“Turn to the Non-West”at an accelerated pace.Involving both a shift of focus in diplomacy and economics and the“de-Westernization”in financial and ideological areas,it has become a strategy to break through Western diplomatic and economic blockade.The transition will continue in the medium term,but adjustments or twists and turns are likely under the influence of internal and external factors.

CIIS Delegation Visits Russia

From May 26 to 31,CIIS President Chen Bo led a delegation to Russia.During the visit,they participated in the 22nd China-Russia Bilateral Academic Seminar,hosted by the Moscow State Institute of International Relations.The delegation also engaged in discussions with scholars from the Institute of World Economy and International Relations.

Assessment of Ecosystems Damages Caused by Russian War against Ukraine

The question of the impact of war on ecosystems still remains secondary in the internal and external policy of states, society and the agenda of international organizations. From the point of view of losses in monetary terms, the values of ecosystem damages obtained in the work, which are a consequence of the impact of hostilities on the environment, correspond to the annual budgets of the largest countries in the world or exceed them. The presented calculations significantly exceed the known normative methods, the use of which in the conditions of war is limited in space and time. Objective difficulties associated with the uncertainty of many processes of the development of ecological systems and their reaction to the multifactorial impact of war are also significant limitations. Therefore, as part of the study, a method of assessing the impact of war on the environment is proposed, which is based on the patterns of energy flows in ecosystems from the moment it is binding by producers. This made it possible to take into account in the calculations the principle of functional integrity of the ecological system, according to which the destruction or damage of the components of a functionally whole environment will necessarily cause negative phenomena in the development of ecological systems. The results are presented in the form of real values of ecological losses in energy and monetary equivalents, as consequences of the loss of ecosystem services. As the results of the research show, the minimum amount of damage to ecosystems from Russian tanks is 43,500 USD per day. Environmental damage from Russian fighter jets has been estimated at $1.5 billion per week since the start of the war. Noise from military operations causes losses of at least 2.3 billion US dollars per year. The obtained results create prerequisites for improving the system of ensuring environmental safety at the local, state, and international levels and transferring the obtained solutions into safety-shaping practice.

Analysis of European Energy Development from the Perspective of Russia-Europe Energy Relations

Energy dependency has long been a weakness in Europe’s foreign strategy.As the most developed industrial center in the world,Europe’s energy demand has always been considerable.Constrained by its relatively weak indigenous oil and gas resources,Europe has engaged in over a century of energy cooperation with major global energy suppliers such as the Middle East and the Soviet Union/Russia,fostering an asymmetric reliance that has witnessed numerous tumultuous episodes.With the United States achieving energy independence and seeking to expand its natural gas market,it has actively fueled geopolitical tensions.The Russia-Ukraine conflict accelerated the decoupling of Russian and European energy ties,pushing them further apart,as Europe turns anew to the United States and the Middle East for oil and gas.However,Europe must ponder several questions:Will detaching from Russia truly eliminate dependence?Does importing the United States liquefied natural gas(LNG)create a new form of reliance?Will the critical metals needed for the development of renewable energy become a new external dependency for Europe?And should Europe seek to break free from these dependencies?This article,through a comprehensive analysis of Europe’s energy issues,delves into these questions,enhancing our understanding of Europe’s current energy quandary.Given China’s status as a major energy importer with a transformation process sharing similarities with Europe’s,this study also offers insights for China’s energy transition.

The Volga River Is Russia’s Lifeline and in Need of Maintenance, Mitigation and Restoration

The Volga River flows entirely through Russia and the watershed includes three of the country’s ten largest cities. The river is the longest in Europe and western Russia’s principal waterway. The Volga River basin is home to approximately half of Russia’s population and occupies almost two-fifth of European Russia. It covers much of the Volga region and stretches 3530 kilometers from its source in the Valdai Hills to the Caspian Sea, the world’s largest inland water body. Its economic, cultural, and historic importance makes it one of the world’s greatest rivers. The Volga basin makes up 8 percent of the Russian territory. Stalingrad, located on the banks of the Volga River, has been described as the site of the greatest de-feat in the history of the German Army. It is often identified as the turning point on the Eastern Front of WWII, in the war against Germany, and in the entire WWII. The meeting point of the Eurasian Civilization was historically the Volga River. The river has some of the world’s largest reservoirs and is a major source of livelihood for millions of people. Many factories and cities empty their waste including sewage, industrial waste, fertilizers, and pesticides into the Volga River. Pollutants tend to settle in the reservoirs and contain several meters of heavily contaminated muck. The primary objectives are to assess lessons learned, manage, and restore the Volga River system lifeline in Russia.

Russia's Big Stone River

Activity 1.Think about the following questions and write down your answers before reading the text.1.What do you think are the cultural or historical significances of Big Stone River for the local people of Russia?2.Suppose you were a researcher studying Big Stone River,what aspects would you focus on and why?

Micromineralogy of ＂Black Shale＂ Disseminated- Sulphide Gold Ore Deposits of the Ayan-Yuryakh Anticlinorium （North-East of Russia）

The results of investigation of micromineralogy of disseminated-sulphide gold ore deposits of the Yana-Kolyma belt; the investigation was conducted via electron microscopy using a QEMSCAN （Quantitative Evaluation of Minerals by Scanning Electron Microscopy） hardware and software instrument equipped with a Quantax quantitative analysis system. The following micro-mineral phases have been detected： native gold and silver, selenides of Au and Ag （naumanite and fishesserite （？）, hessite, sulfoarsenides of Ni and Co （gersdorffite, cobaltite, rammelsbergite）, molibdenite and platinum group minerals. Our findings in disseminated sulfide ores selenides of Au and Ag, and molybdenite, together with the findings of platinum group minerals and Ni and Co, emphasize the ＂black shale＂ specifics character of these types of deposits.

Priorities of State Support of the Russian Agriculture on Federal and Regional Levels under Volatile Economic Growth

The state support of the agriculture is increasing with the globalization of Russia, the need to shape level and instruments in accordance with the WTO requirements. For Russia, rational state support of agriculture is topical according to the domestic economic problems： insufficient financing in Russia, in the regions; degradation of production facilities; turnover acreage reduction; reduction in livestock; and according to the external economic factors： the accession to the WTO, the transition to the Common Economic Space, and subsequently, the Eurasian Economic Union, global change conditions in the global food market, an increase in the world population, increasing demand for food resources, a significant increase in food prices on world markets, the increased activity of Russian agricultural producers in the world markets of grain products; ensuring of economic stability systems, critical analysis of the tools and the effectiveness of economic policy. According to the IMF, the economic has slowed down despite the state support for agriculture should stay a priority in the government＇s economic policy, in the regions.

The Trace Element Content Observed in the Elderly People of Russia＇s North Regions

To investigate the status of mineral metabolism in people residing in huge regional centers of north-western and north-eastern parts of Russia by AES-IBP （atom-emission spectrometry with inductively bonded argon plasma）, the content of 25 elements in hair samples of surveyed people was examined. The results of the study carried out in Russia＇s north could testify to significant deformation found in the elderly people bodies＇ element profiles. The pronounced deficit in such essential elements as Ca, Cr, Mg can be considered the common north-related profile typical for the elderly people from European and Asian north. In addition, age-related formation of all the elements＇ deficit due to their risen spending at pathologies as well as the increased need in such elements as Zn, Se, Cr, Cu, Mn. The age-related excess of arsenic proved to be typical for Magadan residents. In Anadyr, the age-related excess of lead was found, in Petrozavodsk mercury, and in Arkhangelsk--boron and aluminium.

The role of wild goose(Anser) populations of Russia and theTibet Plateau in the spread of the avian influenza virus

Wild birds of the orders Anseriformes and Charadriiformes represent a natural reservoir of low pathogenic avian influenza(LPAI) viruses(family Orthomyxoviridae).Wild geese(order Anseriformes)relating to waterfowls undertake extensive migration flights reaching thousands of kilometers.Isolation of the avian influenza virus(AIV) from wild geese is quite low or absent.The aims of this study are to monitor the AIV in different wild goose species,nesting on Russian territory and the Tibet Plateau and to analyze the derived data for the purpose of determining the role of these wild bird species in spreading pathogens.In our study 3245 samples from nine wild goose species in nine regions of Russia and on the territory of the Tibet Plateau(the Xizang Autonomous Region) were tested and no AIV were detected.Our study shows the non-essential role of wild geese in the spread of the AIV over long distances and reaches theconclusion that geese are probably not natural reservoirs for the primary viruses.However,further inquiry of AIV in wild goose populations is required.Studies of wild geese and AIV ecology will allow us to obtainmore information about pathogen-host relationships and to make arrangements for the maintenance ofwild goose populations.

Platinum-group Element Geochemistry of Magnetite from Porphyry-Cu-Mo Deposits and their Host Rocks(Siberia,Russia)

The concentrations of platinum-group elements （PGE） have been analyzed in primary magmatic magnetite samples from the Zhireken, Shakhtama and Aksug porphyry Cu-Mo deposits （Siberia, Russia） by laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to determine the range of PGE contents in magnetites and to check whether magnetite from two main rock suites （barren plutonic suite and mineralized porphyry suite） has distinct PGE composition. The results presented here indicate that magnetites are enriched in PGE relative to whole-rocks. Comparison of ore-related porphyry and barren plutonic suites shows that magnetite exhibit relatively similar PGE distribution patterns in both suites. Variations in Rh and Ru contents were controlled by the oxygen fugacity during magma crystallization.

Investment Environment Assessment and Strategic Policy for Subjects of Federation in Russia

Russia is the largest neighboring country of China. Between the two countries, the resources and industry are complemented, the political mutual trust is at a high level, and trade cooperation has a broad prospect. Choosing the best regions and the best industries to strengthen investment in Russia has a major strategic significance in promoting ‘the Belt and Road Initiative’ and China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor Construction. However, the related researches are extremely limited. The investment environment is unclear, and the investment risk is unknown, which seriously restrict the investment in Russia and the trade cooperation with Russia. Our research team carried out scientific expedition, government visits and scientific research cooperation in Russia for several years, and obtained a great number of first-hand valuable data. According to the analysis on the data and Russian regional policies, this study constructed an investment environment evaluation model(ESI-PRA model), scientific assessed the investment environment for 83 subjects of federation in Russia, in terms of economic, social, infrastructure, policy, resource and accessibility, classified 4 types of investment regions, chose 3 investment priority regions, revealed the investment priority industries, demonstrated the main investment risks, and proposed the strategic policies. The research results provide direct scientific and technological support for strategic decisions, such as investment in Russia, bilateral economic and trade cooperation, and overseas layout of Chinese-funded enterprises. Moreover, it has an important practical and strategic significance for improving overseas geo-strategic interests of China and ensuring the construction of China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor.

Transnational Economic Connection Analysis Based on Railway Class Accessibility Between China and Russia

Under the background of ‘the Belt and Road’ initiative, the economic cooperation has great potential between China and Russia. The railway accessibility has an important influence on the economic connections of cities along the railway line. This paper studied the Sino-Russian transnational economic connection based on the railway class accessibility along Trans-Siberian railway(the transnational China railway branch line). The results are as following. First, the railway accessibility of the Chinese nodes is stronger than that of the Russian nodes, which in general displays a tendency of space attenuation from China to the Sino-Russian border, then to Russia. Spatially, the railway accessibility within the study area shows a ‘High East, Low West’ and ‘High South, Low North’ spatial pattern. The railway accessibility of the nodes, which are located at the beginning and end of the railway line, is weaker than those nodes located in the middle of the line. Second, the railway accessibility and external economic connection intensity summation of the nodes show a positive relationship along the railway line. The economic connection intensity summation of different nodes presents obvious regional differentiation. Finally, as economic connection network has evolved, the small world effect of Sino-Russian railway economic connection network becomes strong.

Cost-profit analysis for Japan-Russia and Japan-South Korea interconnectors

This paper describes the results of cost-profit analysis related to interconnectors for Japan-Russia and JapanSouth Korea based on the Asia International Grid Connection Study Group 2^(nd) report. The Group has been established in 2016 for conducting research on international electric power networks in Asia from the viewpoint of technology, investment and legal framework. 2^(nd) report of the Group was published in June 2018, examining the profitability of an interconnectors between Japan and neighboring countries. The Group has calculated expected profit from operation of these interconnectors.The Group has categorized interconnector business into four models from the survey of preceding and current business on grids and interconnectors. To clarify profitability, expected internal rate of return(IRR) was calculated for each business model based on estimated investment cost for each route. When interconnector is dedicated to specific power plants or suppliers and electricity can be sold at Japan wholesale market at 2016-2017 price level, positive IRR levels are expected in case that Free on Board(FOB) price lower than 7 JPY/kWh. When the investment will be covered by electricity tariff by final consumers, tariff for consumers will just slightly increase by approximately 0.1 JPY/kWh.

GIS tools for correlation of tectonics and seismicity in the Altay-Sayan area,Russia

Fault-block structures of the Altay-Sayan folded area （ASFA） southeastern Siberia of Russia were used as the basis for creating a 3-D model. The surface structures were projected to depths by previous correlations between long and deep faults, with all layers and deformation factors defined. The mean deformation factor （Ds） is 0.12 unit/km^3 in the upper layer, 0.012 unit/km^3 in the intermediate layer, and 0.007 unit/km^3 in the lower layer of the 3-D ASFA neotectonic model. Ds allows correlation of the three distinguished layers with theological bodies that differ in their potential for accumulating elastic energy. 3-D modeling can be used as a methodological approach to projections in seismic prone areas such as the Krasnoyarsk region, for earthquake-hazard monitoring.

Characteristics of the active-layer under the China-Russia Crude Oil pipeline

Active layer is a key component for permafrost environment studies as many subsurface biological,biogeochemical,ecological,and pedogenic activities prevail in this layer.This study focuses on active layer temperature monitoring in an area with sporadic permafrost at two adjacent sites along China-Russia Crude Oil Pipeline(CRCOP),NorthEast China.Site T1 is located in disturbed ground on the right-of-way(on-ROW)2 m away from the center of the oil pipeline.T2 is located in a natural and undisturbed site,around 16.6 m off-ROW.Our objective was to study seasonal variability of the active layer depth and thermal regime from October 2017 to September 2018.The monitoring sites consist of soil temperature probes arranged in a vertical array at different depths at both sites.The following parameters were computed:number of isothermal days(ID),freezing days(FD),thawing days(TD),freezing degree days(FDD),thawing degree days(TDD),number of freeze-thaw days(FTD).The mean air temperature in the monitoring period reached-3.2℃.The temperature profile indicates that the maximum active layer thickness observed during the study period was 10 m at T1 and 2 m at T2.The majority of the soil temperatures were above or close to 0℃,resulting in great values of TDD,especially in the first 4 m depth.TDD for T1 were predominant and ranged between 600-1160℃·days(0-4 m depth)reflecting the influence of oil temperature from the pipeline.In T2 borehole FDD were predominant for all the soil layer depths resulting in less permafrost degradation.This comparison emphasizes the significant influence of vegetation removal and the dispersed heat from the pipeline on the active layer thickness.

Route designs and cost estimation for Japan-Russia and Japan-South Korea interconnections

This paper describes route designs and cost estimation for possible interconnections between Japan-Russia and between Japan-South Korea based on the Asia International Grid Connection Study Group 2^(nd) report. The Group has conducted a desktop study to design several cable routes as possible options. To optimize the route, the group studied a wide range of open data, regarding sea depth, fishery zones, geographic condition, available transmission capacity in connecting points inside Japan and so on. The result of desktop study shows that it is possible to keep sea depth for planned routes less than 300 m and length for most of designed routes is less than 600 km. Compare to existing undersea cables in Europe, proposed routes are not challenging from technical and geological viewpoints.The study shows that investment cost range, including cost for grid enhancement inside Japan, is from around 200 bn JPY to 600 bn JPY, depending on the routes. Annualized cost range is from around 8 to 24 bn JPY(for 25-year operation), which is not so large compare to 1800 bn JPY-average annual investment in transmission infrastructure by 10 power utilities in the past 23 years.