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Transport as an independent and strategically important branch of the national economy is not only an object of management or obtaining commercial results, but also serves to meet the needs of the country's economy in all types of movement - cargo and passengers. Thus, the purpose of transport as an industry is to ensure movement, dynamics of commodity masses and labor resources. Transport is an industry that produces services, but, defining the importance of modern transport, experts refer it to the branches of material production as an industry on the functioning of which production, its rhythm, and volumes in all other industries completely depend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of the implementation of the Digital Railroad project, the specialists of JSC "VNIKTI" set and successfully solved the problem of creating a microprocessor control system for a "smart" locomotive operating at marshalling depots of a new generation. The developed control system is subject to stringent requirements for maintaining the specified locomotive speed with a high accuracy of ±0.18 km/h in the speed range 1.8–21.6 km/h. The task of automatically maintaining "creep" speeds of the train movement with such a high accuracy was solved for the first time in the practice of domestic diesel locomotive building, and therefore it required the developers to use a number of non-standard approaches. The article contains a description of the operation algorithm of a diesel generator set, a block scheme of the locomotive equipped with the developed control system, as well as the results of locomotive testing on a gravity hump. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results of the study of the application of plasma welding with reverse polarity current as applied to repair casting defects of AK7Ch aluminum alloy products. The practical possibility of correcting casting defects of large-size castings is shown. Comparative studies of the possibility of welding defects depending on the type of surface preparation were carried out. The geometric and strength characteristics of repair welding sites were evaluated. It is shown that, depending on the regime parameters and the type of surface preparation, the size of the heat-affected zone and the value of the gas pore chain in the fusion zone change, and in both variants, these values are within the tolerance limits regulated by the OST. It is shown that the microhardness values of the main repair zones have approximately equal values with a small discrepancy in the area of the heat-affected zone, which allows us to talk about the equal strength of the welded joint. Studies of the microstructure of the obtained witness samples were carried out. It was found that in both cases, the structure of the deposited metal has a dendritic structure and corresponds to the structure of eutectiferous silumins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses general trends in the world and in the logistics industry, which affect the development of logistics systems in transport engineering. The main recent trends are digital transformation and integration, which provide development potential and competitive advantages to transport engineering enterprises. Digital transformation of integrated logistics systems implies the unification of all participants in the logistics chain in a single information space. The article presents the structural diagram of analysis and assessment of the effectiveness of an integrated logistics system of transport engineering enterprise developed by the authors. As a model which fully reflects the main points, a non-optimization statistical model is proposed, in which the indicators of analysis and assessment of the effectiveness are considered as functions of private indicators, where each subsequent group of indicators aggregates the previous ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using of the algorithms for operative and strategic control requires adequate models of time technological processes of different physical nature. This is necessary for the construction of short-term and long-term forecasts, which are used for adequate management decisions. The use of nonlinear filters in correlation and spectral analyzers in the identification of the quasi-stationary process can significantly reduce the investigated area. The identification method of the forming filter for quasi-stationary time processes are in the paper. Independent forming of amplitude-frequency and phase-frequency characteristics is achieved in a nonlinear device for identification of a quasi-stationary time process. The obtained criteria give the solution structural and parametric identification of the forming filter model. Obtaining models of time series are used in the control systems, research, information transfer, training complexes and prediction. The practical application of the identification method is relevant. The accuracy of the parameters assessment of model is achieved by adaptation of measuring and computing identification system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the paper is to study current trends and challenges that affect the economic security of the performance and development of gas transmission operators. The authors analyzed the impact of the COVID-19 epidemiological factors on stability of gas transmission operators. The gas transmission production index in Sverdlovskaya Oblast in 2016-2018 was analyzed and compared with the neighboring regions of the Russian Federation. Negative trends that affected the stability of the gas transmission system in the context of the spread of the coronavirus infection were identified, namely: a decline in the volume of pipeline transported goods; a changed pattern of gas and gas products exports. A number of risks and threats that incurred under the influence of epidemiological factors were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we describe many important aspects connected with the problems which the railway transport creates for us, namely: harmful gases (especially from diesel locomotives), noise, dust, vibration, products from the wear and tear, leakage of oil and bad evaporations, the definite probability connected with the casual damages, there is negative influence for the ecology and so forth. How can we diminish such negative aspects which influence badly not only for people but for the nature as well? Some examples will be depicted in here which show the perspective ways to realize them in practice during both the operation and in the period of the maintenance. In particular, the new gasket will be demonstrated which hinders effectively against any leakages (gases, oils, aggressive liquids) and the original way to catch different harmful evaporations. Some of this information is defended as the official registered patents including the protection electrical wires against the break under the strong wind. In a capacity of the conformation there are two physical models which are represented also below. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with the basics of monitoring the implementation of "interaction of employees" principle as one of the tools to assure the quality of engineering education. Scientific approaches in the field of the studied problems are analyzed. The paper substantiates the prospects of identifying the structure of "interaction of employees" parameter, based on the interpretation of the international standards ISO 9000:2015 and the modular-hierarchical approach in creating the quality system of an educational organization in accordance with ISO 9000 & ENQA model. A procedure for monitoring "interaction of employees" parameter in the management of the processes of the university quality management system is proposed based on the use of tools that allow evaluating the employee's contribution to achieving the organization goals, in particular, modifying the tools of FMEA methodology and the qualimetry. The arguments are given to prove the expediency of monitoring of "interaction of employees" principle in the quality management system of an educational organization in order to guarantee the quality of engineering education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process of testing students in a designated unit of the university (Testing Center) has a stochastic nature. An experience shows that when individual tests are appointed in conjunction with class schedules, a significant part of the testing center equipment is not used, because the actual duration of an individual test is much less than the period given to it. The study of probability patterns of the individual testing process aims to determine such modes of operation of the Testing Center, in which both the values of downtime and the possible number of students waiting for testing would be within reasonable limits. To solve this problem, first, a statistical analysis was carried out of the data collected earlier for individual tests. Secondly, a model of the mass service system, reflecting the most significant features of the process under study was developed. Next, a simulation of the processes taking into account the peculiarities of the duration of individual testing and the incoming flow of applications of the different structure was performed. The conclusion about the preference of analytical modeling over simulation modeling is obtained due to the simplicity of its calculation procedures and qualitatively similar results. Taking into account possible irregularity in the incoming flow of applications, on the contrary, can significantly affect the functioning of the Testing Center. The fore-casted peculiarities of the work of the Testing Center in stress mode were described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Operators sometimes occur in extreme situations in the course of their professional activity and special managing systems are used for the monitoring of their state. Such systems need intelligent control algorithms and the problem of its creation and research is considered in this paper. Paper gives the analysis of approach to the solution of this problem, associated with the need to measure and analyse unstructured data. Such approach requires the use of wireless data transmission and modern intellectual methods. Article discusses the problems associated with the measurement, structuring and processing of biomedical data obtained in extreme situations. The application of wavelet transform is proposed for noise-immune compression of biosignals. The paper proposes the concept of an intelligent system for the medical control of transport workers in extreme situations (ISMC) based on the use of IoT technology. The architecture of the solution is built on the basis of the application template for continuous monitoring of the state of operators in extreme situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study and implementation of innovative systems of environmentally friendly and energy-efficient transport is a priority today. One of them is a magnetolevitation transport system, the principle of which is based on the use of new magnetic materials and materials with high-temperature superconductivity (HTSC). In this paper, the basic principles of magneto-levitation transport with the most economical principle of acceleration and deceleration by the gravitational principle are studied experimentally on the models. The force characteristics were measured: the levitation force and the lateral stabilization force, as well as the losses during the periodic translational motion of a cryostat with HTSC made of YBaCuO ceramic material over traces of permanent magnet lines made of rare-earth NdFeB compound. A system of speed measurement and loss compensation for non-damping motion has been developed and tested. The presented results indicate the possibility of the scaling the mock-up project. It is concluded that the studied scheme may be of practical interest for intra-city and local transport links with high comfort, environmental friendliness and high efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article considers innovation in environmental education and developing ecological competencies of students and railway specialists in Omsk State Transport University (OSTU). The article gives an appraisal of international educational environmental projects by the example of the RECOAUD TEMPUS IV project. Some sectors of environmentally sensitive scientific research and technological developments of leading scientists and scholar schools in OSTU are introduced. The article gives the information about the project "Student Environmental meetings", which was nominated for the national environmental award "Crystal Compass". The results of the questionnaire survey of students on the volunteer movement are analyzed in the article. Innovative methodical and educational instruments help to solve the problems of ensuring the environmental safety of railway transport, to implement national objectives and strategic challenges of developing the Russian Federation in the field of education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of field tests of railway substructure. Dynamic stress sensors were installed to monitor ballast and subgrade dynamic response. Field tests were aimed to study stressed state in terms of train traffic with heavy axle loads. The test results are stress values distribution in ballast in terms of train operation with axle load up to 300 kN. The results show that laying of elastic subballast mats may significantly reduce negative vibrational dynamic impact of heavy axle load on the ballast and substructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of field tests of railway structure. Operating experience of subgrade has shown that with increasing weight and speed of trains, even at the constant axle loads, subgrade deformations appear on those places, where they have not been before. In order to identify the vibration distribution in the subgrade soils during the passage of heavy trains, experimental studies were conducted. The test results are vibrational acceleration distribution in ballast layer and experimental relationships of vibrational accelerations damping in terms of train operation with axle load up to 300 kN. The intensity of the accumulation of uneven residual deformation of the railway track increases as a result of this exposure that affects not only on the roadbed, but also on constructions of buildings and construction. The elastic subballast mats are used for reducing the negative impact of vibration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, was considered the process of the Mamdani type fuzzy controllers operation with such defuzzification methods as the center of gravity method, the center of area method, and the methods of left and right modal values. The fuzzy controller was used to control the dynamic stabilization of the inverted pendulum unstable equilibrium position. Graphical models of term sets for the angle of deviation from the vertical, the horizontal displacement of the carriage and the control action on the carriage, which were used in the fuzzy controller operation, are illustrated. The rule base for the considered fuzzy controller is shown. The values of the control parameters errors integrals sum for automatic control systems with fuzzy controllers that differ in the defuzzification methods are calculated. Graphs of the change in the angle of deviation from the vertical are constructed, showing the achievement of inverted pendulum unstable equilibrium dynamic stabilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper emphasizes the essence and social didactic significance of developing engineering students' ability to create innovative competitive technical facilities. Fundamental trends in the development of technical systems, basic principles and methods of engineering creativity, legal provisions concerning intellectual property protection serve as a basis for the development of psychodidactic conditions necessary to encourage students' creative ability. Among them are knowledge of patent research, analogues and prototypes of the objects under development; the ability to identify technical discrepancies between the existing objects and those to be planned and to formulate the algorithm of creative search for the optimal solution; proficiency in using functional-cost and functional-resource analysis to identify components causing a decrease in the competitiveness of the technical object-analogue; the ability to apply standard heuristic devices and checklists for finding ideas; the ability to generate ideas using brainstorming technique; basic competences in using the method of morphological synthesis-analysis to achieve optimal engineering design solutions for the facility to be developed; the ability to provide legal protection of the developed innovative technical facilities, to draw up patent applications for inventions/prototypes. The authors introduce the competence-module technology comprising eight sequentially implemented modules, which has been successfully tested at Samara State Transport University. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a methodology for diagnosing and preventing conflicts in a company. Currently, there are no such methods in Russian management science, although they are extremely in demand in practice. The methodology developed by us is universal, intended for organizations regardless of the ownership form and management sphere, and can be successfully applied in the railway industry. The methodology is based on the negative factors' analysis identified in the diagnosing process associated with high workload and staff' work quality, low wages, high turnover and a large number of customer complaints. The conflict probability is calculated further and an interpretation is presented according to the scale developed by the authors. The methodology was tested by us in several companies in the Ural Federal District. Its simplicity and results reliability were noted. The proposed methodology will enable Russian railways to improve operational efficiency and passenger satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article we present the problem of improving math e-learning for engineering students. In a post-industrial society, the importance of mathematical education for engineers is increasing. Distance technologies change the format of teacher-student interaction. It is difficult for a lecturer to identify gaps in knowledge if they do not use a survey of students about their learning. This paper presents a system of statements to identify problems that students encounter when solving test tasks and cases. There are two types of statements about test tasks with a choice of one answer and test tasks with a numerical answer. The results of the survey determine the requirements for the system of educational tasks to improve the effectiveness of distance learning for students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Signaling and control systems for a network rail need to have timely information on the position of trains. That is essential for performing its primary function of traffic management for preventing collisions and derailments. The fundamental requirements of train detection systems are proof of train presence for controls and updating of train position. The aim of the article is to search for promising innovative technical solutions that increase the accuracy of the definition of the train and ensure the safety of train traffic control on the main and industrial railways. Existing technologies for trade-based train detection are track circuits and axle counters. These systems have the capability of providing a failsafe occupancy status of the track section. But the train position is only available at a specific point and time and therefore a continuous update about the position on the train is not possible. The advantage of using fiber-optic sensors is that they overcome some of the limitations associated with track circuits and axles count. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the manufacture, transportation, installation, repair or operation of technological apparatuses of hazardous production facilities, a gradual accumulation of damages of various levels inevitably occurs. This damage can be of a technological, mechanical or operational nature. Subsequently, under certain operational factors, they can have a negative impact on the operational reliability and industrial safety of the apparatus, being potentially dangerous areas of premature destruction. The most common damage mechanism is various types of corrosive wear, which bring a construction closer to a loss of strength due to a decrease in the wall thickness of constructional elements. As a rule, corrosive wear also affects the stress-deformed state, increasing the maximum effective stresses in these zones. Almost always, there are mechanical damages on the devices - scratches, of various sizes, lengths and locations. Scratches can form at all stages of the apparatus's life cycle, from manufacturing to the transition of the apparatus to the limiting state. The permissible size of damage is strictly regulated by the current regulatory and technical documentation in the field of industrial safety. But, in conditions of corrosive wear, with the thinning of the walls of the apparatus elements, a scratch with permissible dimensions can have a significant, and sometimes decisive effect on the stress-deformed state of the apparatus. Currently, the assessment of the stress-deformed state in modern software systems, considering various factors, is relevant and in demand. This paper investigates the relationship between the size and location of the scratch in the area of uniform corrosive wear of the shirt's body, various values of thinning, as well as the action of operational loads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern railway stations are becoming multifunctional urban hubs providing access to city transportation and offering various services to passengers, commuters, and visitors. To serve effectively to all the target audiences the station's clear and visible navigation and signage system should meet the international standards. The paper presents research undertaken to assess the current state of the information and navigation services at Moscow nine railway stations. Observation and telephone survey were used to identify the existing problems and assess the perception of Moscow railway stations navigation and signage by passengers and station visitors. Research results are used to improve the railway station services quality turning the railway stations into centres of urban mobility and social activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When designing the slopes of railway tracks and highways, special surfaces are used. Such surfaces must meet certain engineering and technological requirements. From a geometric point of view, these surfaces are most often ruled and cylindrical surfaces. The article deals with the problem of designing ruled surfaces, which are geometric models of road slopes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article deals with the transformation of the system of higher engineering education in the context of rapid reform of teaching in the context of digitalization. The familiar model of higher education is being transformed into a complex, popular, promising, innovative digital system. Distance education and training is an integral part of this digital system. The use of distance digital learning replaces the usual models of classical learning. Modern trends and needs to improve the quality of engineering education pose the task of determining the sources and directions of reforming engineering education. The role of modeling in the cognitive activity of the future specialist is shown. The author of the article gives an idea of the implementation of the principles of the organization of the educational process in the context of distance digital learning and suggests using the means of transmitting educational information in the form of cognitive-model tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper shows the mechanism of formation of functional diffusion coatings deposited in the medium of low-melting liquid metal melts. The parameters of the mechanism depend on the nature of the interaction of the elements forming the coating with the elements of the coated steel. The paper describes the characteristic features inherent in the process of forming diffusion coatings on steels. The first feature is that the formation of coatings based on carbide-forming elements is characterized by intense diffusion of carbon from steel to the surface layers of the coating and blocking the diffusion of coating elements deep into the coated material. The second feature of the mechanism of formation of coatings based on carbide-forming elements is that the blocking effect of carbon depends on the amount of carbon in the steel, the thermal stability of the carbides of the coating elements, the temperature and duration of the process. The structure of the formed coating is characterized by the presence of an adsorbed layer, a carbide layer, a transition zone and a decarbonized zone. The paper presents a scheme for the formation of diffusion coatings based on carbide-forming elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article investigates the study of the factors of the relative advantages of cross-country technological cooperation for the Republic of Belarus in the context of the transition to Industry 4.0 and the identification of the most promising partners for the development of the cooperation. Among these factors, the following were identified: the degree of coincidence of the political and economic interests of the countries, the socially agreed vision of this coincidence, the political will of the leaderships of the countries for long-term cooperation in the technological sphere based on mutual trust. As a result, it was found that for the Republic of Belarus, among countries with large economies, the most promising partnerships for the development of cross-country technological cooperation in the context of the transition to Industry 4.0 are partnerships with Russia and China, and among countries with small open economies – with Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article deals with the special features of informatization and automation of production processes at the present stage of industrial development, associated with the active implementation of Industry 4.0 concept in the economic activities of manufacturing companies. The advantages of the technology of end-to-end design, preparation of production and production of serial mechanical engineering products, as an element of the "Industry 4.0" concept, in comparison with the technology of classical sequential, top-down design, are analyzed. The composition and block diagram of the hierarchy of the information model of a serial machine-building product for end-to-end design, preparation of production and manufacturing, adapted for all stages of the life cycle of such a product, are considered. Based on the analysis and study of the results of real projects for the implementation of systems and technologies of end-to-end design at transport engineering enterprises in the Sverdlovsk region, conclusions are drawn about specific competitive advantages obtained by enterprises when implementing the principle of end-to-end design, including quantitative assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

WorldSkills International (WSI) is an international non-profit association whose goal is to increase the status and standards of professional training and qualification all around the world, to popularize vocational occupations through international competitions around the world. Now WSI offers many engineering competencies, such as "Mobile Robotics", "Mechatronics" and others. "Mobile Robotics" competency is the best field to apply CDIO ideology. There, following the assignment, the competitors need to design a robot, assemble it, create and debug its control program. All stages of work are carried out in accordance with current industrial standards. The significant part of the required knowledge, skills and abilities is not part of the university curriculum, therefore the participants of the competitions acquire them on their own in their extracurricular time. USURT became the member of CDIO Initiative in 2018. Almost at the same time USURT Mechatronics department and its students of "Mechatronics and Robotics" started to participate in WorldSkills in such competencies as "Mobile Robotics" and "Prototype Modelling". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with the use of functional modeling to ensure the reliability of drivers. A functional model of the process of ensuring the reliability of drivers was built on the basis of a process approach; processes of a lower level that form reliability were identified. The analysis of the influence of each of the processes on the reliability of drivers was carried out on the basis of the analytic hierarchy process, and the most important processes that make the most significant contribution to the formation of the reliability of drivers were identified. The analysis was carried out on the basis of the proposed system of criteria. Functional models of driver inducement processes and risk assessment based on the use of fuzzy logic were developed. The input and output factors of the model were determined, the fuzzy logic function implementing connection between them was built. The resulting models can be integrated into the management system of enterprises engaged in freight transportations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Method of C-Mn-Al-Ti-N railway steel quality evaluation based on fractal formalism has been developed. Fractal analysis of acicular ferrite structure by patented fractal method has been performed. The method is based on calculation of mean number of cell and point fractal sizes. Established the one-to-one correspondence between mechanical properties (YTS, UTS, ductility, impact toughness) and fractal sizes of acicular ferrite structure. Experimentally proved that increasing of tempering temperature of acicular ferrite structure from 450 °C to 650 °C lead to increasing of fractal size of acicular ferrite structure from 1.688 to 1.814. It can be explained by reducing of □-Fe crystal lattice distortion. Also during the tempering of acicular ferrite fine carbides precipitates on bainite laths and therefore the length of interface boundaries increases. Such transformations during the tempering process lead to increasing of impact toughness and ductility of acicular ferrite structure and decreasing of YTS and UTS. The evaluation method can be used for prediction of mechanical properties of steels with acicular ferrite structure depends on fractal size of the structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article deals with the design of the main parameters of a warehouse complex, including those with railway access roads. The authors provide examples of choosing the optimal dimensions of warehouse premises, zones and areas of a warehouse complex for preparing a high-quality feasibility study of its project at the landfill for servicing by rail and road transport. The proposed method of calculating warehouse complex parameters will help to consider an array of different options for a set of technical and economic parameters, the cost of the project and its payback period. Of those, it is necessary to choose the most appropriate development strategy for the enterprise that designs the warehouse complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of public-private partnerships facilitates the attraction of private competencies and investments for the implementation of infrastructure projects , the creation of high-quality goods and services, with limited use of public funds. One of the most common forms of attracting private capital for cooperation with railway companies is the use of outsourcing. In this paper, a dedicated team was used as a type of outsourcing for the development of Internet applications. The use of a dedicated team made it possible to attract highly qualified specialists, giving them freedom of action, but retaining managerial functions. Work on the project took place on the territory of the contractor and this allowed the customer to save on the use of equipment. In addition, as the project progressed, the customer was able to make adjustments to it. If necessary, the customer at its discretion increased or decreased the number of participants in the project. This made it possible to implement the project at the optimal cost of paying the contractor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is based on the analysis of research papers written by Russian scientists where efficiency criteria for logistics systems were presented. As the result of the analysis, the need for a unified approach towards comprehensive assessment of factors affecting the efficiency of transport and logistics services within the framework of international transport corridors was identified. In response, the following methods of efficiency evaluation have been offered: correlation between main factors that affect the efficiency of transport and logistics services within the international logistics framework as well as the evaluation instruments and the ranking system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the future, until 2025, the volume of traffic to the ports of the Azov-Black Sea Basin (ABSB) will increase to 131 million tons per year, including through the commissioning of new transshipment capacities at the port of Taman. The total size of train traffic on the main cargo-intensive directions of the North Caucasus Railway (NCR) will double by 2030, which requires an increase in the throughput of its sections and the development of the transshipment capacity of ports. With insufficient throughput capacity due to the placement of excess trains with export cargo at railway stations, logistical principles are violated when organizing the approach of trains to the ports of ABSB. In this regard, the transition from regional to polygon technology is being carried out, which ensures timely delivery of payload to port stations. The process of coordinating the passage of trains will be accelerated by the Managing Logistics Center (MLC) of the South-West Polygon (SWP), created on the basis of the logistics center of the port road, NCR, since the MLC of the SWP will work directly with the roads where car flows originate. Algorithms for drawing up a plan for the supply of trains have been developed and measures have been proposed to improve the plan for the formation, which provides for an increase in the share of block trains to 85%, of logistics packages. In parallel, a closed polygon model for managing traction resources of railways (MLC SWP), which is part of a single polygon, has been worked out. This will ensure the transition from improving the internal performance of railways to improving system performance that is important for cargo owners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results of luminescent studies of organs and tissues of endemic pelagic crustaceans during ontogenesis through the example of Epischura baikalensis. The spectral-kinetic characteristics of luminescence of E. baikalensis specimens have been measured. The results of laser confocal scanning luminescence microscopy studies with time resolution showed that the luminescence spectra of E. baikalensis is mainly defined by emission of Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) and chlorophyll contained in cells of phytoplankton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of particles during ablation of single crystals of natural diamond by laser radiation with a wavelength of 213 nm was studied. As a result of ablation, diamond particles of two characteristic sizes are formed. The linear size of large particles was on the order of 1 µm, small particles – from 300–400 nm and less. The spectra and kinetics of luminescence of the original crystal and the resulting nanoparticles were recorded. Measurements showed that the spectra of nano- and microparticles are radically different from the spectra of the original single crystals. The luminescence of nanoparticles did not manifest the characteristic structure of spectra and the corresponding decay time constants of luminescence of N3 and H3 color centers observed in the original single crystals. Instead, a broad complex luminescence band with several different decay time constants was observed. It was found that this luminescence is caused by the products of graphitization of the surface of nano- and microparticles, as well as the surface of a crater formed on a diamond single crystal as a result of ablation. The absorption of optical radiation that excited luminescence in the experimental studies of particles and craters was so strong that the luminescence of the main diamond composition of nanoparticles and a diamond crystal under the graphitized layer was not detected in experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of studies of X-ray luminescence (XL) of zircons from three highly diamondiferous kimberlite pipes in Yakutia (Russia). Those zircons acquired the typical rounded shape as a result of ancient mechanical abrasion or dissolution. The photoluminescence (PL) color of zircons varies from blue-green to yellow-orange. The PL spectra contain from one to three structureless bands. The color saturation of samples depends on the source and increases in the sequence Mir – Udachnaya – Nyurbinskaya pipes. The system of peaks at 480 and 580 nm, characteristic of rare earth elements, were observed in all X-ray luminescence spectra. The relative intensity of luminescence of the 380 nm band in XL spectrum decreases with increasing color saturation and increases with the lightening of crystals during annealing. The intensity of the 450–650 nm band with a maximum at 540 nm changes slightly during annealing up to 500°C. Zircons are colored under influence of X-ray radiation – at least two types of absorbing defects (color centers) are formed, the concentration of the color centers linearly depends on the irradiation dose. The similarities and differences between zircons from the main industrial kimberlite diamond deposits of Yakutia are shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review analyzes theoretical calculations and laboratory experiments showing the prospects of using of diamond with color centers as active laser medium. Despite the mentioned prospects, practical implementation of lasers based on color centers in diamond is limited to laboratory demonstrations. No commercially significant products of laser technology based on diamond with color centers have been created yet. Obviously, the available scientific information is still insufficient, and additional research is required. The review analyzes the factors that require further study: concentration quenching of luminescence, thermal quenching of luminescence, luminescence quenching by nitrogen and other impurity defects, as well as the influence of multiphoton and multi-stage absorption processes. For color centers in diamond, such processes have yet to be investigated in more detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A review of the results studies on luminescence of mainly natural diamonds under X-ray excitation is presented. Such luminescence of diamond crystals is widely used in separation of diamond-bearing ores in diamond mining industry. Diamonds contain numerous luminescence centers that can be excited by optical radiation. Photoluminescence (PL) is characterized by wide variety of properties. It is difficult to discern PL of diamonds from PL of accompanying minerals and provide sufficient extraction selectivity. The first comparative studies of the properties of X-ray excited luminescence (XL) and photoluminescence, carried out in the last century, showed the properties of XL are much less diverse. X-ray luminescence spectra of most natural diamonds contain mainly one band, so-called A-band, visually perceived as blue emission. Spectral bands and lines observed in photoluminescence appear additionally in XL spectra of some samples. Some samples do not exhibit A-band in XL. The specific properties of XL of diamonds determined the capability of usage of XL in separation of diamond-bearing ores. In the mid-sixties, an idea stating the donor-acceptor process of emission of the A-band under X-ray excitation had appeared. This idea has been disputed on the basis of detailed study of kinetics and other properties of XL, but the concept of the donor-acceptor process has been circulating in various publications for several decades. The review presents the temperature dependences of the decay time constants of individual components of X-ray excited luminescence, which as a whole should be considered as the temperature-time passport of the A-band. The article provides data on the practical use of luminescence in the separation of diamond ores, provides some information on the design of separators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of ab initio calculations of F centers in a number of crystals of mixed barium halides. The calculations were performed using the density functional method and the PBE0 hybrid functional. On the basis of the calculation results, layout of the location of the main levels of F centers in the band gap of the crystals under study was made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dielectric spectra of LaF3 crystals activated by rare-earth ions Eu2+, Sm2+, and Yb2+, gradually cooled from 300 to 240 K, were investigated. Obtained experimental data were compared with experimental data obtained previously by other authors. The reorientation activation energies for RE2+ dipoles in LaF3 are 0.49, 0.55, 0.56, and 0.58 eV for Ba2+, Sm2+, Eu2+, and Yb2+, respectively. A reorientation of fluorine vacancy is observed, across the F1 positions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optical spectra of BaBrI crystals activated by divalent samarium were studied. The samples exhibit bright luminescence in the red region of spectra due to 4f6–4f6 and 4f55d1–4f6 transitions of Sm2+ ions. Luminescence exhibits strong temperature dependence in the range 7–300 K. At low temperatures, luminescence associated with parity-forbidden 4f6–46f transitions from 5D0 and 5D1 states is observed. Coloring of the crystals after irradiation by ultraviolet light and long afterglow luminescence of BaBrI:Sm2+ were detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human activities such as mining, expanding industrial areas, application of fertilizers and pesticides on land, petrochemical spillages, etc. lead to an increase in the number of heavy metals in the soil, thereby causing soil contamination. Similar to air and water contamination, soil contamination also has a severe impact on the ecological balance. Iron, chromium, zinc, copper, lead, cadmium, and mercury are the major heavy metal pollutants found in the contaminated soil. The existence of these toxic metal traces in the soil prevents the biodegradation, leading to soil-plant-animal-human imbalance. Nowadays, various ex-situ and in-situ methods are adopted for removing these heavy metal traces from the ground. This paper discusses a cost-effective way of removing the contaminants such as zinc and copper by the usage of natural adsorbents and mulches. Soil column method is adopted for studying the permeability characteristics and adsorption capacity of various natural adsorbents such as RHA, SDA, CSA, Biochar, and Mulches such as straw and crumb rubber. Test results from the study indicate that these natural adsorbents, mulches and a combination of these are suitable in removing zinc and copper traces from the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the traditional power sector hindered by fuel shortage and climate changes, the promotion of green energy becomes the most prioritized objective of the government. The ministry's move becomes significant because conversion to cleaner energy sources is the best way to minimize global warming and to reenergize the global economy. Among the available alternative gaseous fuels, acetylene caters to these needs because of its property similarities with hydrogen. In this research, the suitability of acetylene as an engine fuel is analyzed. Also, the production methods, combustion properties, abnormal combustion, and safety issues were discussed. This review paper describes about the various possible modes of fuel induction techniques to be adopted. The research establishes the utility of acetylene as a commercial fuel for internal combustion engines in the future years by the adoption of suitable methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper mainly focusses on the Life cycle assessment of Hydrogen produced by electrolysis process, the paper includes the properties of Hydrogen and its major production methods and electrolysis was considered to be best in terms of carbon dioxide equivalents. GHG's and other emissions are also accounted for each process later Hydrogen produced by Water splitting method and high temperature electrolysis was found to be better than other conventional methods. Also, the life cycle assessment focuses the environmental aspects of the production processes. The feasibility of Hydrogen fuel is also analyzed. The transportation of the produced fuel and the storage of Hydrogen is also discussed in this paper. We will be also discussing the drawbacks of using pure hydrogen in regular I.C engines. As a solution we compared the properties of Hydrogen in conventional I.C and S.I engines and it was found to have no better properties except lower emissions. Finally, we discussed about the safety norms of Hydrogen and its usage [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the utilizing the non-degradable waste such as construction and demolition wastes and plastic waste. Utilization of these wastes reduces the land required for dumping these wastes. As the earth-based clay material resulted in resource depletion and environmental degradation, so we are making rehash brick which can be replaced for earth clay bricks. Another main objective is to reduce the air pollution caused due to processing of toxic material. The methodology of this project is to use construction and demolition waste as fine aggregate by grinding and sieving the material. Plastic waste is shredded and dissolved by using a solvent. For binding of materials lime, cement and an admixture are used. The mortar is casted in a brick mould and kept for curing for a certain period. The required tests are done for the bricks and it is open to market. The outcome of the project is to reduce the land, air, water pollution and to produce an eco-friendly brick. This brick is cost efficient and can be used for various applications such as in filled wall panels, partition walls and compound walls. Acoustics and waterproof properties are also inculcated into this brick. As a whole this brick acts as a thermal insulator and a replacement for earth clay bricks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this simulation, the parametric performance of basin saline water in single slope solar still has been analyzed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The two-phase and three dimensional solar still model has been created using ANSYS FLUENT v19.2 software to analyze the water volume, water density, water temperature, vapor velocity, vapor density and vapor volume. The entire solar still model was considered under the quasi-static conditions and the results observed in mid, right and left planes. The prediction of heat, mass and momentum transfers in saline water and vapor were differed in each planes. The maximum hourly productivity of about 680 ml was observed during the simulation. The predicted results confirmed that, the CFD is a much effective tool for design and modeling the thermal equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human are blessed with natural intelligence. Artificial Intelligence can help human minds to make a best usage of machines to handle huge amount of data with accuracy and precision. AI has a widespread application in 21st century. Opinion mining is an application of artificial intelligence. The opinions expressed in social media can be extracted using python which can be used as an input for various machine learning algorithms to identify many patterns which can help policy makers to make effective policies. Clean India Campaign started in India with a set of goals to be achieved. Sustainability goals of 2030 given by United Nations puts light on many important aspects which need immediate attention in the next 9 years. Current pandemic Covid-19 has also triggered the necessity behind putting immediate attention for a better tomorrow. Without proper awareness programs, brainstorming knowledge cultivation , orienting minds towards the "what-why-where" aspects of sustainable growth in each sphere of life, aligning industrial development and digital era towards sustainable industrial development in digital era , sustainable economy, sustainable care of each natural resource ; it is not easy to accomplish the sustainability goals of 2030 given by United Nations.This work emphasizes on the case study conducted as an initiative to motivate future policy makers to be aware of the different dimension of 2030 United Nations Agenda and the clean India campaign to take initiatives as a professional through the skills learned focusing on India. Realizing Individual social Responsibility can make a big difference in the planning and implementation of the goals and missions. Swachch Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Campaign) started Swachch Bharat Mission –Urban (SBM-U) with a few objectives to make India Clean.This work has proposed two phases for analyzing opinions. This research have provided a methodology to apply AI to improve the opinion mining. The conventional opinion analysis is limited by reachability but the automated opinion analysis can be scaled up using artificial intelligence based applications. The uniqueness of the work lies in its focus on 'one-three verticals' in phase 1 of the methodology. Many prominent regions of India are considered as a part of the study. It helps us to provide a clearer picture across different regions of India. It also provide an avenue to list tasks to be done for each region and a set of ways which could be adopted by the future professionals and current stakeholders of higher education institute. Phase 2 focusses on more number of opinions collected from across the globe through digital platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we have described the production of 3-Hydroxypropanoic acid using glycerol as a key intermediate in the presence of engineered microbes. 3-hydroxypropanoic acid (3-HP) is an important interface chemical that is in great need around the world. 3-HP can be generated from a variety of renewable energy sources. Acrylic acid and its several derivatives are made from it as a starting material 3-hydroxypropanoic acid (3-HP) is a highly sought-after platform chemical, used in bioplastics in their polymerized state. Many microbes naturally have biosynthetic pathways for producing 3-HP, and some of these pathways have been inserted into commonly used cell factories like Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Escherichia coli. Recent advances in synthetic biology and metabolic engineering have resulted in more effective methods for bio-production of 3-HP. Among them are novel methods for implementing heterologous pathways, rational enzyme engineering, precise gene expression control, carbon flux redirection based on in silico predictions from genome- scale metabolic models, and fermentation state optimization. Despite extensive research into 3-HP production in existing industrially applicable cell factories, modern production methods have not yet achieved the standards required for commercialization. In this paper, we compare yields and titers obtained in various microbial cell factories, as well as possible methods for achieving industrially important cell factories, to assess the current state of 3-HP bio-production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]