Nonlinear Analysis of a Quasi-Zero Stiffness Air Suspension Based on the Cell-Mapping Method

The quasi-zero stiffness system has the characteristics of low dynamic stiffness and high static stiffness, which can bring a better driving experience and lower road dynamic load at high speed on irregular roads. This paper studies a type of interconnected quasi-zero stiffness air suspension system, which has two states, namely, the non-interconnected quasi-zero stiffness air suspension and the interconnected quasi-zero stiffness air suspension, to meet the performance requirements under different loads and vehicle speed. First, the mathematical model of the nonlinear system is established based on the basic principles of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics. Then, the stability of the equilibrium point is analyzed using the Lyapunov first method, where the quantitative analysis of the attractive region of the system is conducted through the bifurcation diagram and phase diagram. By using the Taylor series expansion, cell-mapping theory and domain map of attraction, the attractive region of the system is quantitatively analyzed to obtain the parametric feasible domain under stable conditions. Finally, the performance of the quasi-zero stiffness suspension system with the selected parameters under the stability constraint is verified by simulation analysis and experiment. The results show that the system represented in this paper provides higher suspension comfort and stability.

Media images of Kaliningrad region in the structure of migration attitudes of millennials and the reform generation

The article explores the role of the image of a region created in mass media in the formation of migration attitudes. Attention is drawn to the Kaliningrad region — a Russian exclave, whose population growth is solely due to migration. The purpose of the article is to determine the significance of the key media images of the Kaliningrad region in the decision-making process on the immigration of millennials and the reform generation (Radaev's concept of generations). Publications about the Kaliningrad Region in Russian media (2014—2018) (N =1,913) and semi-structured interviews (N =44) formed the empirical basis of the study. The main research methods are the analysis of publications and in-depth interviews with their subsequent processing using the Atlas.ti software. Five images of the Kaliningrad region constantly present in the Russian information space were identified: a region of international cooperation, a military outpost, an economically and touristically attractive region, and a region with a developing infrastructure. The most significant intergenerational differences were identified in relation to the Kaliningrad region as a military outpost and an economically attractive region. Compared with millennials, the reform generation is more inclined to perceive a military threat from other countries, therefore the security issue was a significant factor when deciding to relocate. Millennials showed greater awareness of what constitutes the image of an economically attractive region. It is concluded that the differences between millennials and the reform generation in assessing the significance of the media images of the Kaliningrad region are largely due to the specifics of migration motives. For millennials, the priority is employment opportunities and career growth whilst for the reform generation, it is finding a comfortable place to live in old age.

SOUTH CAUCASUS IN THE NETWORK OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

The article considers the problems of divisive lines, separating nations and diminishing prospects of shared prosperity in South Caucasus. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the resultant independence for Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, the South Caucasus has primarily been associated with conflicts, hostility, military actions, closed borders. The article highlights the causes of problems and directions for their solutions. An assessment of the development potential of the South Caucasus’and tendencies of establishing a stable and secure space with broad prospects for economic cooperation in the region based on geopolitical and geo-economic opportunities is made. Arguments are based on variety of different factors, such as the facts that the region has inexhaustible transit and tourist potential, important natural resources of international significance, and an educated, relatively cheap labour force. Attemps are made to resolve issues such as prospects for the South Caucasus to become an attractive region, determined desirable further actions of the regional states and external players (Russia, United States of America, European Union) which are necessary to achieve a result. Expanding European principles, standards and criteria for cooperation in the South Caucasus is the most realistic way for the three states to achieve shared success. Nothing better has been offered in practice with respect to international regional cooperation. The future of the South Caucasus primarily depends on the three states themselves, their ability and vision, the capacity to observe the overall picture of regional developments and assist each other, and shared activity in order to help the population of the states perceive a new reality. The stable and integrated South Caucasus will make a serious contribution to the security system in a broader regional context and will bring greater stability in adjacent areas.

Branding as a mean for ethnocultural tourism development in Sakha Republic (Yakutia)

The brand is an important element in the development of tourism, it exposes all the advantages of tourist products, cultural and natural heritage, brand identifies tourist product from the total mass of services provided in this sphere. We discuss different categories of tourist brands. Tourist product and region image are formed due to branding. Presented examples of regional brands affect the fame and recognition of the territory.The purpose of this research is to review the structure of the brand of the tourist enterprise, to identify the peculiarities and importance of the branding efficiency. We present a scientific overview of the definitions “brand”, “branding”, as well as the task is to reveal the definition of “branding in tourism”, its history and position in the modern tourist market of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia). Due to comparative analysis we highlight modern approaches to the study of the region brand. It is justified that the favorable natural and cultural heritage of the region gives all opportunities for positioning the region as an investment attractive region. The result of the study was the conclusion that the region branding is an element of the promotion system of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) as a tourist region.

Region image: on example of Sakha Republic (Yakutia)

Development of region image now gains the central importance as exactly because of it the territory becomes well-known and recognizable. Possibilities appear for region’s strengthening and activity manifestation in the domestic and world market. The positive territory image contributes to the improvement of investment climate, improvement and development of tourist infrastructure, increase in revenues of service sector and increase in competitiveness level. In this regard, we consider this subject relevant. We present the scientific review of definitions “image” and “region image”. We allocate the contemporary approaches to a research of region image by means of the comparative analysis. We prove that the favorable natural and cultural region heritage gives all opportunities for region positioning as an attractive investment. We analyze objective, subjective factors and problems for positive region image development. We also describe sights of Yakutia as advertising and the guide for potential tourists as the image potential of the Republic. We conclude that development of favorable region image will give the opportunity to offer the international community the attractive region which has favorable natural, cultural and historical, social and cultural conditions.