Substantiating rational schedule to load trucks using draglines while mining a pit of Motronivskyi MPP

Purpose. To substantiate a rational schedule for the combined dragline-truck operation taking into consideration a coefficient of mining in the context of the pit. Methodology. Mathematical and graphical modeling was involved while determining a coefficient of mining concentration in the pit as well as feasibility analysis to select a rational procedure scheme for dragline operation. Findings. Recommendations for the selection of rational dragline operation, while truck loading in the context of Motronivsko-Annivskyi pit, have been developed taking into consideration mining concentration degree in the pit. It has been determined that bottom dragline unloading into a truck, located in the central part of bench mining width, as well as the dragline position at 0.5 A distance from the bench crest, is the most efficient plan of action for the conditions. Technological scheme to develop Motronivsko-Annivskyi pit has been proposed. Originality. Dependence of the mining concentration in the pit upon the parameters of development system elements according to different technological schemes has been derived. The dependence helps estimate development cost for overburden rocks using draglines with direct unloading into trucks. Practical value. Technological schemes for the combined dragline dump truck operation have been developed. Their use makes it possible to cut the prime cost of overburden activities. Implementation of the proposed solutions helps cut stripping cost by UAH 79.65 million a year if annual overburden volume is Qrozkryvu - Qstripping = 13.5 million m3/year.

Research into ecological status and the degree of heavy metal concentration in the waters of the Drenica river (Kosovo)

Purpose. To reflect the impact of discharge waters from the ferronickel smelter and surface lignite mining on the pollution of the Drenica River with heavy metals. According to our estimation, the effect of mining on the river pollution is undeniable. Methodology. The standard methods ISO 5667-6, ISO 5667-11, and ISO 5667-1.3 were used to determine the physical and chemical parameters of the Drenica River surface water. The EPA-3015A method was applied for sample preparation, while the AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry) measurement technique was used to determine the concentration of heavy metals. Standard ISO methods were applied for determining the following parameters: pH, DO, BOD5, COD, NNH4, NO3-, TN, PO4P, and TP. Findings. From the obtained results, it can be concluded that the levels of heavy metals in the river Drenica have exceeded the allowed values as a result of industrial activities. Originality. The paper supplies new additional information on the ecological status of the Drenica River, based on samples taken along the river, especially where the greatest impact of the ferronickel smelter and surface lignite mining could be. The problematic of this research is quite contemporary; river pollution affects the life chain. Practical value. We believe that the content and problems in the focus of the research are topical and present significant interest to all those who deal with environmental issues.

Methodological approach to economic analysis and control of enterprises under conditions of economic systems transformation

Purpose. To substantiate the methodological approach to the development of research components of the integrated system of complex economic analysis and internal control of the enterprise. Methodology. The main methods of this research are statistical methods, the latter being used for processing of statistic data; methods of formalization and mathematical simulation used for development of conceptual analysis base to control the enterprises activity. Findings. A complex model of diagnostics of enterprises activity in a competitive environment is proposed, which is based on the methodology of complex economic analysis with the use of financial and non-financial indicators. To assess the competitive advantages of the enterprise, we offer an algorithm to calculate an integrated indicator of the level of its competitiveness using a balanced scoring system. Originality. In the course of research, the scientific and methodological approach to a complex evaluation of influence of a research component on development of competitive strategy of the enterprise was developed. Unlike the existing ones, this approach involves: - development of an integrated system of complex economic analysis and internal control over business processes of enterprises with the use of modern information technologies, which allows assessing their competitiveness, forming a development strategy; - methodical procedures of internal control of the enterprise with the use of financial and operational budgets and management reports based on a balanced scoring system, using CVP-analysis, which allows forming flexible budgets. Practical value. The results of the study can be used by practitioners, scientists, government officials to monitor the development of the corporate architecture, to study enterprise development processes.

Application of highly efficient hydrogen generation and storage systems for autonomous energy supply

Purpose. Development of scientific and engineering solutions to improve the reliability of power supply of stand-alone systems and mitigate the environmental burden by using hydrogen technologies for energy storage. Methodology. The calculation method provides a set of optimal technical solutions for determining the effective operating modes of a stand-alone power supply system for supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell based on the electric load schedules of a particular consumer by using a computational experiment. Findings. Based on the study, a technological scheme of a stand-alone power supply system based on fuel cells was developed, and an approach to the creation of a metal hydride system for accumulating and supplying hydrogen to fuel cells was substantiated. A calculation algorithm was developed that allows calculating the annual energy balance of a specific consumer and selecting the necessary equipment to implement the scheme based on the annual heat and electric load schedule. Originality. An alternative scheme of guaranteed electric power and heat supply for a stand-alone house without using imported fuel is proposed. The advantage of such a scheme is that it is closed because hydrogen is produced on site to power the fuel cell, while the metal hydride hydrogen storage system is capable of performing hydrogen absorption and its release due to the hot and cold water resources available in the system. Practical value. The technology for converting the energy of primary sources by creating a wind-driven energy technological complex using an electrolysis plant and a metal hydride hydrogen storage system will solve the problem of smoothing the irregular electric power supply from renewable sources.

Productivity of seedlings of Scots pine on alluvial sands of natural and man-made origin

Purpose. To find out quantitative physical and water indicators for which there are significant changes in forest vegetation properties in alluvial sands, as well as to trace their impact on the formation of pine seedling root systems and the accumulation of aboveground phytomass in their plantations. Methodology. The chemical properties of sandy soils were determined taking into account the current requirements of ISO, and their physical and water properties using volumetric cylinders, followed by the calculation of their density, porosity, as well as the coefficients of water content and aeration. The root population of the upper meter layer of sands was determined by the method of monoliths, and plant productivity was assessed by phytomass of medium model trees (7-year-old seedlings, plots 14) and by biometric indicators (22-year-old seedlings, plots 59). Findings. It was found that on alluvial sands with a density of 1.501.66 g × cm-3 in their upper meter thickness, 7-year-old seedlings of Scots pine form a superficial root system (1341.8 g × m-2), which provides accumulation of 2558 kg × ha-1 of aboveground phytomass in seedlings. As the density of sands increases, the production of seedling phytomass decreases. In the case of an increase in density by 14% (1.521.72 g × cm-3), there is a decrease in the mass of roots, in a meter-thick layer of sand (by 53.4%) and aboveground phytomass (by 36%). An increase in the density of sands by 510% with its maximum values (1.741.79 g × cm-3) in a 1030 cm layer causes a decrease in the mass of pine roots by 64.1%. The roots of pine seedlings, for such a density of sand, are not able to inhabit the inter-row space, as indicated by their content in the upper 20-cm layer of sand (2% of the mass of small roots recorded in a one-meter thickness). The phytomass of aboveground organs decreased by 81%, and the seedlings themselves were marked by dwarf growth (were grown by V class of productivity). On sands covered with humus mass of zonal soils, the one meter thickness contained fewer (by 51.4%) pine roots (482.8 g × m-2) than on the control. The share of small roots was smaller (by 61.5%) and that of coarse roots was higher (by 21.5%). Losses of aboveground phytomass per unit area in pine seedlings growing under such conditions can reach 31%, due to the compaction of sands at a depth of 2550 cm (1.671.72 g × cm-3) when they are covered by humus mass and row spacing are overgrown with herbaceous plants (root mass in 60-cm profile 3147 g × m-2) in the phase of their individual growth. Originality. Quantitative indicators of density, porosity and coefficients of water content and aeration of alluvial sands of natural and man-made origin are shown for which the seedlings of Scots pine feature delay in the formation of full-fledged root systems of the surface type, which is reflected in a decrease in the productivity of pine plantations cultivated on the sands, up to the visual manifestation of their dwarf growth. Practical value. The quantitative indicators of their physical and water properties obtained for alluvial sands explain the changes occurring in the structure of the root systems of Scots pine seedlings and the productivity of their aboveground organs. Maintaining the density of sands in the range of 1.501.66 g × cm-3 will allow growing pine seedlings on sands without covering their surface with humus mass, and no-till pre-planting loosening of sands in the rows of future crops allows ensuring the cultivation of multifunctional pine plantations.

Formation of institutional model of project financing in Ukraine

Purpose. Substantiation of the formation of the mechanism of project financing for solving issues of financial maintenance of infrastructural projects of innovative development in Ukraine. Methodology. The information base of the research is legislative and normative documents and results of scientific achievements of leading foreign and domestic scientists. The following methods, such as analysis and synthesis; comparison and systematization; observation; graphic, tabular; logical generalization are used. Findings. According to the results of the research, it is proved that to ensure sustainable economic growth and diversification of Ukraines economy, the importance of institutions for development and use of such a multi-instrumental form of reproduction of real investments as project financing, becomes actual. Based on the system approach, the features, elemental composition and subsystems of the project financing mechanism are determined. It is established that the current legislative basis for the formation of the project financing mechanism in Ukraine is fragmentary and needs further development. It is proved that the implementation of measures of state stimulation of the processes of financing the innovative development of Ukraines economy will be facilitated by the adoption of the Laws of Ukraine On The Bank of Development, On Syndicated Loan and the proposals for the formation of project financing developed in the research. Originality. For the first time, a comprehensive theoretical approach to the formation of the project financing mechanism in Ukraine has been implemented. The need is substantiated for highlighting such subsystems of the mechanism as providing subsystem (institutional environment of which is legislative support and regulatory bodies), transforming subsystem (financial instruments and participants of which are the Bank of Development, international financial organizations, banks, institutional investors, development institutions, project sponsors) and performance subsystem (financial resources in the required amounts, currencies and terms). The effective operation of the proposed mechanism helps to overcome the shortage of long-term financial resources needed for lending support of innovative enterprises that implement large-scale and capital-intensive investment projects and programs of national importance. Practical value. Introduction of the mechanism of implementation of the program for supporting the project financing development will allow accumulating considerable amounts of financial resources from various sources on a long-term target basis; increasing the level of investment and the number of innovative projects; reducing the total cost of funding and risks through their redistribution among participants of the project.

A knowledge management culture in the European higher education system

Purpose. Improving the quality of educational services by identifying the features and current trends in the development of knowledge management culture in the European higher education system. Methodology. The research methodology involves application of the systematic approach methods. 1. Structural approach related to defining the structural features of knowledge management culture in higher education institutions in Europe. 2. Functional approach that determines the essence and target orientation of the knowledge management function. The use of the comparative method allowed the authors to highlight the essential content of the concept knowledge management culture in relation to the concepts of organizational culture and information culture. The dialectical method of cognition was also involved, which made it possible to comprehensively consider the phenomenon of knowledge management culture in educational discourse through the contradictory relationships of its various sides and aspects. Findings. The culture of knowledge management in the European higher education system is considered at three main levels: 1. Cognitive level, implying a change in the style of thinking, mobilization of intellectual potential, and creativity. 2. Management level, involving the use of analytics and innovative leadership. 3. Technological level, based on the use of information and communication technology in the accumulation, transfer and management of knowledge. Originality. Knowledge management culture is studied in close relationship with the organizational and information culture. The features of knowledge management at three organizational levels have been determined: cognitive, managerial and technological ones. Practical value. The institutions of the European higher education system use knowledge to gain and maintain competitive advantages. Insufficient attention to the issue of knowledge management leads to a decrease in the ranking of higher education institutions. The introduction of knowledge management culture provides improvement in the psychological microclimate of a team, dominance of the atmosphere of creativity, an increase in the level of self-education, disclosure of personal intellectual potential, formation of a system of innovative leadership, stimulation of scientific research and, as a result, an increase in the quality of educational services.

Determination of stress concentration near the holes under dynamic loadings

Purpose. To develop an approach for determining the stress state of plate structural elements with holes under dynamic loads with controlled accuracy. Methodology. The study was carried out on the basis of the Laplace transform and the method of integral equations. Findings. An approach to determining the dynamic stresses at the holes in the plates is proposed, which includes: the Laplace transform in the time coordinate; a numerical method for determining transformants of displacements and stresses based on the method of integral equations; finding originals on the basis of Prudnikovs formula adapted to dynamic problems of elasticity theory. The problem of determining the Laplace images for displacements is reduced to solving singular integral equations. Integral equations were solved numerically based on the approaches developed in the boundary element method. To find displacements and stresses, the Laplace transform inversion formulas proposed by Prudnikov are adapted to dynamic problems. The study on dynamic stresses at holes of various shapes was carried out. Originality. A new approach to the regularization of the Prudnikov formula for inverting the Laplace transform as applied to dynamic problems of the theory of elasticity has been developed. For its implementation: convergence of Fourier series based on pre-set stresses at the initial time is improved; the remainder is taken into account in the conversion formula. Practical value. A method has been developed for calculating the stress concentration at holes of arbitrary shape in lamellar structural elements under dynamic loads. The proposed approach makes it possible to determine stresses with controlled accuracy. The studies performed at circular and polygonal holes with rounded tops can be used in strength calculations for dynamically loaded plates. The influence of Poissons ratio on the concentration of dynamic stresses is analyzed.

Composition and processing of sulphide lead-zinc ores from Chaabet El-Hamra mine (Setif, Algeria)

Purpose. In order to fully exploit the metal and facilitate its method of processing, we need an accurate knowledge of its composition, granular distribution, and association with unimportant and penalizing elements that we would like to get rid of, compared to the distribution of the element to extract by flotation method. Methodology. The present experimental work proposes an approach to the mineralogical, chemical and particle size characterization, several analyzes have been carried out by Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Optical Microscopy (OM), Particle Size-Fraction Analysis (PSFA), and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF). These analyzes were submitted on samples of lead-zinc of different sizes as well as well-prepared fine powder of this ore; the zinc content of the raw material is about 5% Zn. Findings. The results obtained by the mineralogical characterization and the particle size analysis reveal a very varied and irregular texture of the ore, consisting mainly of sulphides (sphalerite, galena, pyrite, marcasite), associated with carbonate gangue, mainly dolomite and calcite. The theoretical dimensions of the particles found in the fine grain size classes [-1 +0.053] mm. In addition, the conditions of the pulp using the following reagents: CuSO4 activator, PAX collector, CaO regulator and the pine oil foamed, along with a pH modifier between 10.5 and 12 (11.8 optimal), improve the content of sulphide minerals, and increased the concentrate of sphalerite (ZnS) by foam Flotation with a maximum recovery and economically appropriate content (54% Zn concentrate). Originality. Depending on the results of the analysis performed and the complete collection of data obtained in the laboratory, we aim to optimize the process of treating lead-zinc sulphide ore and give a more detailed reference source to specialists, researchers and metallurgists in field of mining in general and in the treatment of polymetallic lead-zinc ore in the area studied in particular. Practical value. Benefit the values of beneficial minerals (concentrate of zinc and others sulphide), from different types of raw materials. The latter focuses on flotation as the main successful technique in the extraction of this type of lead-zinc minerals, but it requires constant research and careful examination of its elements and values in order to excel in this field of polymetallic-sulphide ore processing.

Investigation of the effect of several parameters on the applicability of magnetic separation method

Purpose. This research investigates the separation process performed by a magnetic separator. The magnetic separation process is used to isolate ferrous materials from those which are not. Hence, a prototype of a dry magnetic separator is designed. It should be said that this study defines the effect of different parameters (roll speed, magnetic force, and mass of silica sand particle) on separation efficiency. Methodology. The influence of several parameters of the magnetic separator such as magnetic force, centrifugal force, and properties of particle (mass, shape, etc.) were studied theoretically and simulated by SolidWorks software. The optimum conditions of the magnetic separator were obtained, and several trials were performed to find the point that results in a lower effect of roller speed and a higher effect of the magnetic force on the particle in order to achieve higher separating efficiency. Findings. The results show that the centrifugal force are the most important variable influencing separating efficiency. Moreover, it was found that blade angle magnitude of (174) degree with magnetic force between (1.71E-05 to 6.3E-05 N) and roll speed from (84 to 105 rpm) are the optimum separating conditions to reach higher rate of the separating process. Originality. This is the first time that the effect of the gap distance between the magnet and the feeding particles on the magnetic force has been studied. Furthermore, the effect of centrifugal force on magnetic separator force is investigated theoretically and numerically in order to be compared for different parameters. Practical value. The new prototype design of the magnetic separating unit is promising and efficient since the parameters can be varied based on the type and characteristics of materials. It is also revealed that separating time of the materials is reduced. Hence, this type of construction of a magnetic separator is recommended for industrial applications.