Search

Consideration is given to the analysis of a number of implementation of calorimetry method of infrared detector array dewar’s heat leakage measurements. The heat leakage measurements were made both with and without nitrogen vapor heat capacity consideration. The heat exchange process between nitrogen vapor and Dewar’s well walls was analyzed. The most reliable results were achieved by means of approach with calibration.

A control system for the electric drive of roller tables has been developed. Basic electrical and connection diagrams have been developed. The characteristics of all devices included in the system are given. The main advantages of using frequency regulation are described. The algorithm of the control program is described in detail.

Chlorine-containing plasma and its mixtures with molecular and inert gases, as well as plasmas of complex polyatomic gases, such as freons, are often used to form the topology on the surface of semiconductors. This article examines the surface quality (based on the roughness data) of the semiconductor structure of GaAs after plasma-chemical etching in the plasma of mixtures of HCl/Ar, HCl/Cl2, and HCl/H2, as well as R-12 freon and its mixture with argon. Freon R-12 is often used for etching Si, Ge, and a number of other materials (GaAs, GaP, InP), providing technologically acceptable interaction rates, and also meets the requirements for anisotropy and selectivity. Also, mixtures of active gases with inert (He, Ar) gases have become widespread, which can act both as simply diluent gases and as sources of ions for the ion bombardment of the sample for the further ionic stimulation of the desorption of the interaction products, which improves the functional properties surface, with a slight decrease in the speed of interaction. Nevertheless, controlling the surface quality of samples remains an urgent task in modern electronics.

PurposeThis study aims to examine the determinants of corporate green investments (GI) by using a series of both firm- and country-level factors.Design/methodology/approachThe authors collect information on environmental expenditures of 763 firms from 40 countries and use random effects regressions to identify the determinants of GI.FindingsThe authors find that larger firms tend to invest more in green projects, whereas firms that are highly valued or more profitable are less likely to go green. In terms of country-level determinants, we find that the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and population are positively related with GI, while GDP growth and surface area are negatively associated with GI. Additionally, firms in common-law countries and English-speaking countries make fewer GI than firms in other countries.Social implicationsThe findings of this research not only contribute to the academic literature in these areas, but also have important implications for both regulators and policymakers in countries that exhibit sub-par GI or who otherwise aim to increase GI by firms operating in their country.Originality/valueThe authors identify and explore the key determinants of GI from both a firm- and country-level perspective.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to suggest an approach to regain consumer trust after negative effects of greenwashing that draws corporations and consumers into a conflicted relationship. Design/methodology/approach The authors collect and interpret qualitative data from in-depth interviews to develop a theoretical approach that enables the rebuilding of trust between greenwashing corporations and their consumers using the concept of psychological resilience. Findings This analysis indicates that the approach is an interaction between consumers with green brand loyalty and greenwashing corporations. This type of consumer demands emotional factors, functional factors and legitimate factors in the process of psychological resilience, and after greenwashing, corporations should select appropriate recovery strategies to stimulate these protective factors. Originality/value Previous research studied green consumer trust in the marketing field but did not explore the core of trust which was regarded as a cognitive process. This paper investigates green consumer behaviour under the perspective of psychological resilience and makes an innovative attempt to understand drivers of regaining consumer trust. Previous research works put forward a series of strategies related to regaining trust, but they did not discuss the mechanisms by which these strategies work. Using the method of grounded theory, we attempt to reveal the “black box” of consumers cognition after greenwashing and propose a strategy for regaining consumer trust.

By cyclic gas treatment in ammonia and in air, a composite surface layer with controlled structure may be formed on die steel. Thanks to the catalytic properties of the oxide film that appears, an extended multilayer region of chemical compounds is formed at its surface. That improves the erosion and crack resistance of the die steel, with corresponding increase in the life of hot-working dies by a factor of 2–2.5.

The scheme of network organization was developed and studied on the basis of wireless data transfer protocols. Other ways of building wireless networks for plants were compared and analyzed.

The paper analyzes the existing positioning systems of metal billets and their control systems. An automatic control system for a positioning device based on an artificial neural network has been developed.

The results of the systematization of measures to protect information resources from attacks on the supply chain of software and computer systems are presented. The phenomena, relevance and popular topics of protecting the supply chains of IT products are noted. Statistics on borrowed components of software products and software systems are presented. Examples of computer attacks on resources and processes of the software supply chain are given. The analysis of the existing terminological base in the field of security of supply chains of software is carried out. The features of the terms for supply chain and supply chain attack are formulated. The analysis of existing models of information security threats associated with computer attacks on the supply chain of software products is done. Limitations of models of threats to information security of the software supply chain are revealed. A review and systematization of measures to protect information from threats in the information sphere related to computer attacks on the software supply chain has been carried out. Known regulatory and methodological documents in the field of the supply chain of IT products are considered. It is concluded that it is necessary to develop the Russian legislative and regulatory framework for information security on the subject of software supply chains. A version of the systematics of information security measures in the life cycle of software delivery of information systems is proposed. Classification signs such as the used controls, information security methods, phases of the software development process are proposed. Possible directions of improving measures to protect information from computer attacks on the supply chain of software in the national and international information security are formulated.

This article analyses the current state and directions of development of digital insurance as one of the branches of modern economy of the Russian Federation. Attention is paid to the increasing risks of cybercrime, the assessment of the amount of damage to such crimes is given, the protection of information data is considered. The most perspective branches of development of digital insurance are marked. At the same time, a view was expressed on the future of insurance as an autonomous industry. Risks are presented, including those related to the active creation of ecosystems by banks, which allow insurance operations to be carried out by banks’ clients on their own, which, on the other hand, is a serious incentive for insurance development. The advantages of digital transformation and integration of insurance companies and services into the global digital ecosystem are described. New challenges that insurers may face in the transition to digital format are presented. Attention is paid not only to the need to make technological changes in insurance, but also to modernize relationships with customers. The potential of the Russian insurance market has been identified and tools for its implementation have been offered. There is a suggestion to expand the range of complex services provided. The main problems on the way of digital insurance development and possible steps for their solution have been identified.

The article deals with the application of the methods of functional and object-oriented modeling with a focus on studying the effectiveness of tool management systems of intelligent production machines under high-variety machinery production conditions. The production processes functional models in the form of hierarchical structure and context diagrams, which formalize the sequence of technical equipment choice, are developed. The tool management system design begins with the analysis of its requirements and the construction of static structure diagrams—class diagrams. The authors consider the development of the rational selection and cutting tool control subsystem as an example of object-oriented programming task. The scientific research relevance of this topic has been substantiated and suitable monographs, articles, and regulations have been analyzed. The presented models make it possible to qualitatively evaluate the parameters of the developed or studied tool management system from various sides. In addition to the qualitative evaluation, a quantitative assessment of the information processing efficiency in the analyzed subsystems is being developed.

The purpose of the study is to analyze the prospects for the use of smart city technology in traffic management. The study is based on the application of the methods of content analysis and theoretical generalization. In the era of digitalization, all industries in large cities are developing quite actively. Transport is one of the main sectors in the formation of the economy. Every year the population is growing, and with it the percentage of the urban population. Against this background, the capacity of highways should increase, and the transport infrastructure should develop. Traffic management is one of the leading tasks for government authorities. To solve existing problems, it is necessary to use modern technologies. By promptly obtaining various data, which is becoming more and more every day, it is possible to conduct a qualitative analysis for making management decisions in matters of transport infrastructure Smart city technologies can solve all the existing problems of megacities in the field of logistics. And also to ensure the work of all the necessary industries to regulate the management of traffic flows. Using the data obtained from digital sensors, you can efficiently monitor and analyze the traffic situation. Currently, the study of the impact of digital technologies on the quality of management processes in various areas is an urgent scientific problem. The study of the application of smart city technologies in the regulation of traffic flows allows attracting the attention of the scientific community to new directions for solving one of the most important problems of modern cities.

The basis of the adaptive landscape farming system is the anti-erosion organization of land use and agroforestry ecological framework. They provide for land classification, determination of the nature of their use, creation of protective forest stands, determination of the structure of crops, crop rotations, etc.

This article discusses the modular design of the electric drive, which includes several AC machines connected by a common shaft. The principle of the drive and the features of work are investigated. A mathematical description of the operation of individual modules and the drive as a whole is given. Computer models for verifying the operability of an electric drive are presented. A comparative analysis of the proposed modular machine with analogues used in the aviation industry, in particular propeller drives.

The purpose of the study was to analyze the general prospects for the digitalization of public administration in Russia, as well as to identify the factors that impede this process. The study is based on the application of the method of theoretical generalization. Various measures to improve the efficiency of public administration, to optimize the administrative apparatus are carried out on an ongoing basis in order to find a source of a fundamental breakthrough in increasing the efficiency of the administration process. Despite the significant work that has been done in recent years to create various online platforms for interaction between the government and society and the development of a mechanism for providing public and municipal services in an electronic form, in our country, the digitalization of public administration is still at an early stage. The scale of the changes taking place in our country and in the world in general is so great that digitalization is rightly regarded not only as a driver for development, but also as a driver for the emergence of new paradigms, in particular, of public administration. Additional difficulties in analyzing the problems of digital transformation of public administration are due to the presence of various, often contradictory views on this process, as well as administrative practices. It is necessary to evaluate the capabilities of various technology platforms to optimize the administration and communication process. Recent events related to the coronavirus pandemic have shown the importance of the prompt exchange of information for timely administrative decisions. The results of this study indicate the need to invest in human capital in order to optimize the process of digital transformation of public administration. The study allowed us to generalize the specific problems of Russia regarding digital transformation.

Modern trends in the development of military and civil aviation are aimed at the constant growth of cruising and limit flight speeds of promising aircraft. The largest aviation powers (Russia, the USA, the EU, China, Japan) have created supersonic passenger and military aircraft and are talking about creating hypersonic aircraft. The pace of development of industrial technologies requires a significant reduction in the development of aviation equipment, so the advanced military aircraft of the 5th generation (Su-57, F-22, J-20, F-35) were developed within 10-15 years, and the requirements to the terms of creation of advanced aircraft complexes currently is no more than 8 years. These facts require a significant optimization of the aircraft life cycle stages, in particular, a significant volume of the development stage. In this paper, we consider the process of multi-criteria optimization of aircraft parameters at the stage of development and initial coordination of the minimum aerodynamic drag head-end of the aircraft fuselage, and assess the impact of this optimization on the life cycle of the product.

This paper presents the systematization results of measures used to protect information systems against threats of attacks on software supply chains and, particularly, attacks related to an unauthorized impact on the open-source libraries/components used to develop software. The paper analyzes terminology related to software supply chains security and formulates the main properties of the notions “supply chain” and “supply chain attack”. The existing models of threats associated with software supply chain attacks are analyzed. Potential attack vectors are identified and analyzed for the attacks attributed to the unauthorized impact on open-source libraries/components used to develop the software. Limitations are identified in the models of threats associated with software supply chain attacks. Measures required for protection against threats associated with attacks on software supply chains are identified and classified based on the analysis of available regulatory documents and guidelines pertaining to the supply chain security, and best practices of secure software development. Classification of protective measures is provided for threats associated with an unauthorized impact on the open-source libraries/components used to develop software. Classification criteria were suggested, namely, security mechanisms, information protection methods, software development life cycle (according to ISO/IEC 12207). The conclusion has been drawn on the need to develop international legislative regulations and legal norms pertaining to the information security of software supply chains, and possible areas of improvement were described #COMESYSO1120.

Sustainable long-term development of the energy industry in remote areas is impossible without qualified personnel in the field of management. In this regard, modern approaches to managing the socioeconomic development of municipalities are studied. It is shown that it is necessary to organize and conduct professional training and retraining of local government management personnel (city managers), which is primarily aimed at obtaining new knowledge, skills and competencies in the field of territorial development management. The experience of developing and implementing a professional retraining program for city managers based on the Vologda branch of RANEPA is summarized and presented.

Nowadays, web applications are one of the most popular types of target of evaluation within the framework of the information security certification. The relevance of the study of web applications vulnerabilities during information security certification is due to the fact that web technologies are actively used while producing modern information systems, including information systems critical from the information security point of view, and on the other hand carrying out basic attacks on such information systems do not require violators of high technical competence, since data on typical vulnerabilities and attacks, including the attacking tools are heavily represented in publicly available sources of information, and the information systems themselves are usually available from public communication networks. The paper presents the results of a study of the security of web applications that are target of evaluation within the framework of certification for information security requirements against cross-site requests forgery attacks. The results of systematization and generalization of information about the cross-site requests forgery attacks and security controls used by web application developers are presented. The results of experimental studies of 10 web applications that have passed certification tests against information security requirements are presented. The results of experimental studies have shown that most developers do not pay enough attention to protection from cross-site request forgery attack - 7 out of 10 web applications tested have been vulnerable to this type of attack. Based on the results of processing the results of experimental studies, the distribution of security controls used in web applications and identified vulnerabilities by programming languages were obtained. Recommendations regarding the protection of web applications against cross-site request forgery attack for developers planning to certify their software are formulated.

Space and time analysis of the formation of spring overland runoff in forest-steppe and steppe regions of the Russian Plain has been carried out. It has been shown that, in addition to zonal climate conditions, its distribution over the area is largely determined by the agricultural load on river catchment areas, primarily, the structure of agricultural lands—the proportions of areas under winter tillage and consolidated tillage. The character of overland runoff response to present-day climate changes and agricultural activity has been identified, and quantitative estimates have been given to the manifold hydrological role of these factors.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a succinic acid derivate, a substrate metabolic agent cytoflavin in patients with acute poisoning with synthetic psychoactive drugs. Materials and methods. A retrospective evaluation of effectiveness of a combined intensive care treatment protocol for 622 patients with acute narcotic poisoning (methadone and synthetic cannabinoids) was carried out. All patients were divided into two groups. The main group (112 patients, median age 38.2±12.0 years) included patients who, in addition to the basic treatment, received cytoflavin by intravenous drop infusion, 20–40 ml diluted in 400–500 ml of 10% glucose, for 5 days. Patients of the reference group (510 subjects, median age 37.6±14.1 years) received treatment according to the «classical scheme». In addition to conventional examination, all patients underwent duplex scanning of cerebral vessels, examination of changes in the cerebral blood circulation and electroencephalogram findings. The severity of somatic disorders was assessed using criteria of the Glasgow coma scale. The severity of the asthenic syndrome was assessed according to the MFI-20 scale. Results. Compared to patients who received a standard therapy, patients of the main group had a significantly more rapid recovery from coma (by 1.5-fold: 23.5±3.1 days, versus 15.1±3.0 days, respectively, P0.05); the duration of psychotic disorders was shorter (by 1.8-fold: 15.5±4.2 hours vs 8.3±2.5 hours., respectively, P0.05), and the intensity of asthenic syndrome (by 2.8-fold: 64.1±3.3 rel. units vs 23.0±4,9 rel. units, respectively, P0.05) was also lower. Conclusion. Inclusion of cytoflavin in a protocol of a complex treatment of patients with synthetic drugs poisoning increased the effectiveness of the therapy. Data demonstrate that inclusion of the drug can be recommended for treatment of acute synthetic narcotic poisoning.

Background Expression of the intermediate filament protein vimentin has been recently observed in the pancreatic islet β- and α-cells of humans with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It was suggested that the presence of vimentin in endocrine cells may indicate islet tissue renewal, or potentially represent the dedifferentiation of endocrine cells, which could contribute to the onset of type 2 diabetes or islet cell dysfunction. Aim To analyze the expression of vimentin in pancreatic β- and α-cells of macrosomic infants of diabetic and nondiabetic mothers. Subjects Pancreatic samples of five macrosomic infants (gestational age 34–40 weeks) from three diabetic and two nondiabetic mothers were compared to six control infants (32–40 weeks, weight appropriate for gestational age) from normoglycemic mothers. Methods Pancreatic autopsy samples were examined by double immunofluorescent labeling with antibodies against vimentin and either insulin or glucagon. Alterations in the endocrine pancreas were measured using morphometric methods, then data were statistically analyzed. Results In the pancreatic islets of macrosomic infants from diabetic and nondiabetic mothers, we observed vimentin-positive cells, some of which simultaneously contained insulin or glucagon. We also quantitatively showed that the presence of such cells was associated with hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the islets, and with an increase in β- and α-cell density. Conclusions We speculate that the appearance of vimentin-positive islet cells may reflect induction of differentiation in response to the increased insulin demand, and vimentin may serve as an early marker of endocrine pancreas disorders.

The advanced Russian project Laplace-P is aimed at developing and launching two scientific spacecraft (SC)—Laplace-P1 (LP1 SC) and Laplace-P2 (LP2 SC)—designed for remote and in-situ studies of the system of Jupiter and its moon Ganymede. The LP1 and LP2 spacecraft carry an orbiter and a lander onboard, respectively. One of the orbiter’s objectives is to map the surface of Ganymede from the artificial satellite’s orbit and to acquire the data for the landing site selection. The main objective of the lander is to carry out in-situ investigations of Ganymede’s surface. The paper describes the scientific goals and objectives of the mission, its special features, and the LP1 and LP2 mission profiles during all of the phases—from the launch to the landing on the surface of Ganymede.

In order to overcome the drawbacks in artificial horizon indicator (HI) of inside-in type (a view from an aircraft (A/C)), where pilots produce mistakes in maintenance of attitude orientation most of all, the authors offer a novel training method. The method is based on the hypothesis that the manipulative ability of a human visual system can be trained. A mathematical model for the data accumulation during the corresponding training procedure has been proposed. Construction, design and results of the model evaluation are presented in the article. The experimental results revealed the increase of the probability of faultless operation by the test group of up to 0,892, whereas the faultless operation probability of a control group was 0,726. Thus, the trainee-students have statistically increased the reliability for the maintenance of attitude orientation thanks to the proposed method, and the hypothesis was confirmed.

An arrangement of the orbital experiment on the measurement of the light propagation delay in the gravitational field of the Earth (Shapiro effect) using laser interferometry based on a cluster of small spacecraft (SC) is proposed. SC layouts, launch technology, and high-precision measurements of their orbital parameters are considered.

The article highlights the role of protective forest plantings in stabilizing and improving environmental conditions in the agricultural sector. The science-based approach to the agroforestry practices and the scope has allowed a forecast to be worked out for the development of protective afforestation in the Volgograd region in terms of priorities and action plan.

Features of a thermal neutron test detector with thin scintillator [ZnS(Ag)+6LiF] are described. Background of the detector and its registration efficiency were defined as a result of measurements. The thermal neutron flux at different locations, and for different conditions around the Baksan Neutrino Observatory are reported.

The article deals with the psychological treatment of patients with voice disorders using the latest computer technology psychotherapy. The paper describes a method of psychological treatment based on biofeedback relaxation. The data on the dynamics of changes in physiological parameters, psycho-emotional background, as well as the state of the voice functions, taking into account the treatment. It describes the techniques and methods of work on the unit. On the basis of the data evaluated the effectiveness of this method in rehabilitation of voice function in patients with voice disorders. Substantiates the proposition that biofeedback relaxation is highly effective and non-invasive method of treatment and health effects in the treatment and rehabilitation of diseases of the vocal apparatus, helping to reduce the level of anxiety, psychosocial stress, as well as increase the level of vitality. Using biorelaxation technology can increase stress levels and ensures the production of constructive behavior strategies in stress situations. Relaxing biofeedback helps to reduce muscle tension and raising the level of skin temperature as autonomic response of the patients at the beginning and end of the training differed significantly, and the vegetative balance towards the end of the course was shifted toward parasympathetic reactions.

The concept of interconnected satellite systems for various scientific and engineering applications based on small spacecraft and a transport and power module with a nuclear power plant is discussed. The system is connected by laser radiation from the transport and power module that supplies power to small satellites, establishes high-speed data transmission, and is used to perform high-precision measurements of intersatellite distances. Several practical use cases for such a connected system are considered.

In this paper, we discuss our experiences in creating a system for gathering and analyzing the information about the scientific achievements of employees as part of the knowledge management process in the scientific organization. We describe our research goals in doing the work, the software we have developed, and some of the unique aspects of the system.

In given article the way of management of a life cycle of a product of aviation technics by optimization of stages of internal designing of aircrafts and minimization of risks of acceptance of key technical decisions at early stages of realisation of the project is considered. As an example of such optimization, the process of designing the nose part of a supersonic aircraft was chosen. On this example possibilities of essential reduction of terms and risks at the expense of working out and introduction of a complex technique of designing on complex criterion of the top level are visually shown. Introduction of the approach to the design of aircraft equipment described in the current work, in all directions of aircraft development will reduce the design cycles of fundamentally new products, significantly improve the accuracy of forecasting test results, and consequently minimize the risks of failure of the timing of government tests.

The engineering solution and automated feed control system of lubricating and cooling technological means for milling parts are developed. For the development of the device of feed the new research designing method is used. The method is based on the creation of a model of the physical principle of action. The set of possible options of engineering solutions of the required device is received and the most perspective options for its constructive implementation are determined by the computer. Mathematical modeling of the control system is carried out and parameters of transfer function are calculated. The use of this control system allows increasing the efficiency of cool billets when milling and to improve working conditions by reduction of of dust, alkali and oil fog content in the air.

This paper summarises a comprehensive Monte Carlo simulation study for precision resonance energy scan measurements. Apart from the proof of principle for natural width and line-shape measurements of very narrow resonances with PANDA, the achievable sensitivities are quantified for the concrete example of the charmonium-like $X(3872)$ state discussed to be exotic, and for a larger parameter space of various assumed signal cross-sections, input widths and luminosity combinations. PANDA is the only experiment that will be able to perform precision resonance energy scans of such narrow states with quantum numbers of spin and parities that differ from $J^{PC} = 1^{--}$., 19 pages, 14 figures, accepted for publication in EPJ-A

The currently widespread assessment of concrete quality, including reliability, by traditional mechanical characteristics is ineffective, since these state parameters do not take into account changes in the strength and deformation properties of concrete under the influence of temporary processes of microcracking during loading when diagnosing structural materials. Modern development of fracture mechanics has made it possible to establish scientific principles for evaluating materials and testing methods and to propose together force, strain, energy and acoustic criteria for crack resistance that determine the actual limit States of their structure in terms of strength and deformability and thus allow predicting the performance of the material under load. This paper presents the results of experimental evaluation of mechanical failure criteria and regularities of changes in acoustic emission parameters from the loading intensity during non-equilibrium mechanical tests for three-point bending of experimental samples with an initial incision depth of 13 mm. Analysis of the influence of the concentration and the introduction of SP-3 on regularities of changes in the coefficients of increase of controlled criteria of crack resistance in time relative to 28-day age quite clearly suggests, first, that the change of parameters of criteria of crack resistance in time has a wavelike nature, and the change in strength under axial compression, and, secondly, about, that the modified structures of cement stone samples relative to the control composition generally give significantly better indicators not only of the growth coefficients of the compared quality criteria, but also of the absolute values of the criteria for crack resistance up to 18 years of age.

Taking into account the concept of seamless integration, this paper presents the structural and functional scheme of information systems’ integration. The proposed scheme is specified for typical life cycle control systems of networks and electrical network equipment in information systems, with the dominant use of domestic software products. In the proposed scheme, the functional features and limitations of the module for controlling and correcting drawings, as well as the module for digitizing archive documentation, are clarified to form a unified system for digital prototyping of products in the context of a continuous lifecycle. We present the developed structure of the integrated information system for lifecycle support of networks and electrical network equipment. An integrated information system for lifecycle support implies the implementation of software in the form of a series of specialized platform-independent software intermodular interfaces, which allows for quick configuration of the system for the existing industry and enterprise specifics.

The article provides a critical analysis of the monography of Armen Ayvazyan “The Armenian Military in the Byzantine Empire. Conflict and Alliance under Justinian and Maurice” (Alfortville, 2014). The conclusion of non-conformity of the title and its content is made. The structure and logic of the work are considered. Examples of unjustified unambiguous interpretation of controversial issues are given. The authors detected the narrative character of the work, which brought the relatively small contribution to the Armenian studies and military-historical science.

The paper presents a method developed for building a complete class of bent sequences of length N = 9 in the Vilenkin–Chrestenson basis based on employing three reference constructions. The first construction allows the bent sequences of arbitrary length N=32k , k ∈ ℕ to be built. The resultant bent sequences can be used both in cryptographic applications and as constant amplitude codes in the MC-CDMA technology. A design of the gamma xoring block of graphic and video information based on bent sequences in the Vilenkin–Chrestenson basis was also proposed.

This paper formulates and solves the mob excitation control problem in the discretetime setting by introducing an appropriate number of "provokers" at each step of control.

The oil and gas potential of the Kuma Formation of the Bakhchisarai region (southwestern Crimea) was substantiated on the basis of a lithological and micropaleontological study of the rocks of the section of the formation and geochemical (luminescent-bituminous, gas-liquid chromatographic, pyrolytic, and isotope) studies of the organic matter of the rocks. New regions for study that are favorable for the origination of the oil system in this formation were identified.

Based on lithological and micropaleontological studies of geosection and geochemical investigations (lumino-bituminological, gas-liquid chromatography, pyrolysis, isotopes) of organic matter of rocks Kuma Formation authors justify oil and gaz potential of source rock formed during Bartonian depositional environment and define possible potential area of research, where possible the plays with this formation.

An analysis is made of the chief causes for degradation of agricultural lands: exhaustive agricultural land use, poor planning quality of land use management, deforestation, low volumes of forest planting and reforestation, and a high degree of plowing of lands. The principles of adaptive-landscape generation and land use practices are substantiated on the basis of a system approach to the exploitation of the natural-resource potential and a package of anti-degradation measures. The structure flowchart is given for the model of adaptive-landscape generation as developed on the basis of assessing the natural-climatic conditions, land resources, the degree of land degradation, and analyzing the set of indicators and criteria for a classification of landscapes. It is found that the key elements of the adaptive-landscape organization of land use on slopes are a typization of lands, the determination of the land use pattern, and the employment of technologies, methods and measures to ensure a normal functioning of agroecosystems. The following groups of lands are identified: gentle near-watershed slopes with a steepness of up to 2–3°; near-network lands, the lower boundary of which runs along the edge of the hydrographic network, and lands on the hydrographic network. The schematic of the organization of a large balka catchment is provided.

The level of civil activity and participation of local communities in solving local problems is an important pre-requisite for spatial development. The setting up of local communities, to a large extent, is the outcome of self-determination, the result of the actions of social actors, aimed at value-oriented and active involvement of citizens in local self-administration. Forming the local identity, ensuring the activation of the civil position, is one of the major objectives of municipal authorities. In St. Petersburg, where the local identity of the population is quite vague, and the municipal authorities, in fact, are dependent on the city’s administration, which is preconditioned by the status of the city of the federal significance, the role the municipal authorities play in solving problems of the city’s development must be reconsidered. At the height of the fourth industrial revolution, information technology is expanding the context and motivation for participating in the civil life, increasing unprecedentedly the level of public discourse and ensuring an interactive network environment for communications between the municipal authorities and local communities. In the research study, we evaluated the quality of communications between the municipal authorities of St. Petersburg and local communities through official websites and social media pages of intra-city municipalities of St. Petersburg. The research was conducted using the methods of content analysis, communicative-discourse and composite-graphical analysis, and the expert evaluation method. It was concluded that the existing resources are hardly suitable for solving the problems of intensifying civil participation of local communities and some guidelines were developed to detect the target audiences and expand the range of tools used for interactive communications.