Digital sovereignty of Russia based on the element base of topological nanostructures on a solid surface induced by laser radiation

The purpose of this work is to develop breakthrough technologies and technology transfer in the field of topological photonics, nanoelectronics and new materials with controlled functional and structural characteristics using a unique line of the Vladimir State University (VlSU) equipment (within the framework of the corresponding created structures - Centre of collective use, Center for Structural Materials Science and Breakthrough Engineering Physical Technologies, Center for Engineering Competencies, etc.) for carrying out work in the direction of high-tech industrial sectors. The report deals with the following issues on this topic: basic physical and scientific and technical principles, methods for measuring laser-induced structures on the surface of materials in real time, obtaining surface nanostructures on solid materials by deposition from colloidal systems using a two-stage scheme with laser ablation, modeling macroscopic quantum states in the functional properties of laser-induced 4d-topological nanoclusters in thin films on a solid surface and experimental demonstration of the work of real prototypes.

Combined Production of Astaxanthin and β-Carotene in a New Strain of the Microalga Bracteacoccus aggregatus BM5/15 (IPPAS C-2045) Cultivated in Photobioreactor

Carotenoids astaxanthin and β-carotene are widely used natural antioxidants. They are key components of functional food, cosmetics, drugs and animal feeding. They hold leader positions on the world carotenoid market. In current work, we characterize the new strain of the green microalga Bracteacoccus aggregatus BM5/15 and propose the method of its culturing in a bubble-column photobioreactor for simultaneous production of astaxanthin and β-carotene. Culture was monitored by light microscopy and pigment kinetics. Fatty acid profile was evaluated by tandem gas-chromatography–mass spectrometry. Pigments were obtained by the classical two-stage scheme of autotrophic cultivation. At the first, vegetative, stage biomass accumulation occurred. Maximum specific growth rate and culture productivity at this stage were 100–200 mg∙L−1∙day−1, and 0.33 day−1, respectively. At the second, inductive, stage carotenoid synthesis was promoted. Maximal carotenoid fraction in the biomass was 2.2–2.4%. Based on chromatography data, astaxanthin and β-carotene constituted 48 and 13% of total carotenoid mass, respectively. Possible pathways of astaxanthin synthesis are proposed based on carotenoid composition. Collectively, a new strain B. aggregatus BM5/15 is a potential biotechnological source of two natural antioxidants, astaxanthin and β-carotene. The results give the rise for further works on optimization of B. aggregatus cultivation on an industrial scale.

OPTIMIZATION OF SPLINE PARAMETERS WHEN DESIGNING ROUTES OF LINEAR STRUCTURES

It considers the problem of approximating a discrete sequence of points on a plane by a spline consisting of line segments conjugated by circular arcs with unknown boundaries and the number of spline elements. This article is a continuation of the article published in N 6, 2019. This problem arises when designing the longitudinal profile of new and reconstructed railways and highways. The fundamental differences of the considered problem from the problems solved in the theory of splines and its applications are shown. A two-stage scheme is proposed: at the first stage, using a special dynamic programming algorithm, the number of elements of the spline and the approximate values of its parameters that satisfy all the constraints are determined. At the second stage, this result is used as an initial approximation to optimize the spline parameters using a special nonlinear algorithm. Significant simplifications of the algorithm of the first stage are implemented in comparison with the previously published one, due to the absence of clothoids when conjugating straight lines and curves. The necessity of the second stage in the design of new roads is substantiated to take into account the interconnection of spline elements in embankments and in excavations, if embankments will be constructed from excavation soil, and optimization is performed according to the criterion of minimum construction costs. A new nonlinear programming algorithm is proposed based on the construction of a basis in zero spaces of matrices of active constraints and the correction of this basis in an iterative process when changing the set of active constraints. It is shown how to find the direction of descent and solve the problem of excluding constraints from the active set without solving systems of linear equations in general or by solving linear systems of low dimension. Instead of the traditionally used sum of squares of deviations of the approximated points from the spline, other models are proposed as a model of the objective function, taking into account the specifics of a specific design problem.

Replicated Computational Results (RCR) Report for“A Practical Approach to Subset Selection for Multi-Objective Optimization via Simulation”

In “A Practical Approach to Subset Selection for Multi-Objective Optimization via Simulation,” Currie and Monks propose an algorithm for multi-objective simulation-based optimization. In contrast to sequential ranking and selection schemes, their algorithm follows a two-stage scheme. The approach is evaluated by comparing the results to those obtained using the existing OCBA-m algorithm for synthetic problems and for a hospital ward configuration problem. The authors provide the Python code used in the experiments in the form of Jupyter notebooks. The code successfully reproduced the results shown in the article.

Environmental Assessment of the Impacts and Benefits of a Salinity Gradient Energy Pilot Plant

Although the technologies involved in converting saline gradient energy (SGE) are rapidly developing, few studies have focused on evaluating possible environmental impacts. In this work, the environmental impacts of a hypothetical 50 kW RED plant installed in La Carbonera Lagoon, Yucatan, Mexico, are addressed. The theoretical support was taken from a literature review and analysis of the components involved in the pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) and reverse electrodialysis (RED) technologies. The study was performed under a three-stage scheme (construction, operation, and dismantling) for which the stress-inducing factors that can drive changes in environmental elements (receptors) were determined. In turn, the possible modifications to the dynamics of the ecosystem (responses) were assessed. Since it is a small-scale energy plant, only local impacts are expected. This study shows that a well-designed SGE plant can have a low environmental impact and also be of benefit to local ecotourism and ecosystem conservation while contributing to a clean, renewable energy supply. Moreover, the same plant in another location in the same system could lead to huge modifications to the flows and resident times of the coastal lagoon water, causing great damage to the biotic and abiotic environment.

Philosophy and Psychology Engaged: The Sincere, Practical, Timely and Felicitous Proposal of a Highly Suitable Marriage

Multiple impending threats signify a pressing need for improved social relations globally. School leavers, curious about people and life, are naturally attracted to philosophy and psychology. An open alliance of the two will enhance their contributions towards a healthier future for humanity. A six-stage scheme of developmental psychology towards ‘individuation’, ‘full personality integration’ and ‘universalism’—including a description of transition processes between stages—defines shared goals for both disciplines. A paradigm change introduces a hierarchically superior, seamlessly encompassing, ‘spiritual’ dimension to the established physical, biological, psychological and social dimensions of human experience and understanding, and shifts dominance from worldly, materialist priorities towards a set of universal values associated with wisdom. Influencing education, science, politics and economics, this development produces worldwide benefits. To further character development towards wisdom and maturity, thus promoting humanity’s psychological and philosophical evolution, undergraduate courses can be modified simply and gradually by introducing students to ‘wisdom practice’ routines aimed at broadening horizons of experience and promoting helpful skills, including those of contemplation, meditation, discernment, empathy, and self-control. Following the Conclusion, an Addendum ends the paper with a closing allegory to convey the wisdom of such a suggestion, pointing towards a timely, practical and potentially profitable new beginning.

Gravity-flotation gold-bearing ore concentration

The paper focuses on the study of the gold-bearing ore dressability. According to technological research, the average gold content is 11.88 g/t. The silver content is insignificant – 2.43 g/t. Main ore minerals in the sample are pyrite and pyrrhotite. According to mineralogical and X-ray structural analysis, the average content of these minerals in the ore is about 6 % (in total). Main rock-forming minerals of the original ore are: quartz (60.1 %), quartz-chlorite-mica aggregates (3.8 %), carbonates (7.1 %). According to the study results, it was found that the gold recovery in the GRG test was 72.75 % with a total concentrate yield of 1.34 % and a content of 664.78 g/t. At the same time, the gold content in tailings was 3.29 g/t. A stage test showed that it is advisable to use a two-stage scheme for ore processing by gravity technology only. The first stage is in the grinding cycle with the 60–70 % ore size, and the second stage is with the final classifier overflow size of 90 % –0.071 mm. Centrifugal separation has high performance as a free gold recovery operation in the grinding cycle. A concentrate with a gold content of 2426 g/t was obtained with a yield of 0.31 % and a recovery of 63.74 %. The beneficiation of first stage tailings ground to 90 % –0.071 mm at the KC-CVD concentrator (modeling) made it possible to extract gold into a total gravity concentrate (KC-MD + KC-CVD) of 87.25 % with a concentrate yield of 22.63 %. The gold content in tailings was 1.97 g/t. The results of gravity and flotation concentration of the original ore indicate the feasibility of using a combined gravity-flotation technological scheme. In a closed experiment of the initial ore beneficiation according to the gravity-flotation scheme at a natural pH of the pulp (without adding acid), the following products were obtained: gravity concentrate with a gold content of 2426 g/t at a yield of 0.31 % and recovery of 64.06 %; flotation concentrate (after the II cleaning) with a gold content of 122 g/t at a yield of 2.90 % and recovery of 33.01 %; the total gold recovery in the gravity-flotation concentrate was 94.07 % with a yield of 3.21 % and an Au content of 345.87 g/t, the gold content in the flotation tailings was 0.72 g/t.