From the strategy of food independence to the strategy of raising the competitiveness of agroindustry

In the conditions of the globalization of national economies, the current situation in macroeconomics and, as a result, the need to improve the quality of life of the population, it is necessary to clearly outline and resolve the following three strategic tasks of the country’s agro-food industry: ensuring the country’s foodstaff independence based on import substitution; raising the competitiveness of farm products; developing the high level standard of living at the rural area based on the socio-economic development of the territories. The analysis of the government policy documents and concepts for developing the agricultural sector of the economy has revealed the following. The State Program for the Development of Agriculture and Regulation of Agricultural Commodities Markets, Agricultural Raw Materials and Foodstuff in 2013–2020 is the main active tool, a primary factor of accelerated agro-food import substitution, and a foundation for the new national agricultural policy. At the same time, the program does not answer the question, how one can really improve the competitiveness of national farm products. It does not outline the tasks and mechanisms to raise the standard of living for the rural population. The article considers the necessity to increase the competitiveness of agro-food sector as a prospective strategic direction in the government export policy. It clarifes the key factors of the influence on the competitiveness of the national farm products, namely: at the macroeconomic level—equivalence of cross-sector exchange, subsidizing and credit financing of the agro-food sector; at the sectoral level—territorial and sectoral specialization in agricultural production and the system of pro t distribution between the producers, processors and retailers of the farm products. The article outlines the possible ways of employment assistance for the rural population left without jobs as a result of improving the competitiveness of the agricultural production. It shows the expediency of the development of both the single scientifically-based interministerial document in the form of the national strategy and some relevant programs to improve the competitiveness of the country’s agro-food industry, employment and income of the rural population

Petrography of the Mesozoic Alkaline Rocks of the Taezhniy Massif (South Yakutia, Aldan-Stanovoy Shield, Leglier Ore Cluster)

Abstract The article is concerned with the petrographie compositions of the Mesozoic alkaline igneous rocks of the Taezhniy massif and its small bodies (dikes). The Taezhniy massif is located in the central part of the Nimnyr block (Aldan-Stanovoy shield). According to our field observations, it was first determined that the Taezhniy massif has a two-phase structure, its rocks of contain syenite-porphyry and leucocratic syenites. The rocks of the massif intrude the Archean granites, and are themselves intruded by late dikes of bostonites and vogesites. Based on petrographic studies, we also identified two phases of intrusion in the Taezhniy massif – syenite-porphyry and leucocratic syenites. The difference of them is as follows: in the syenite-porphyry rocks, plagioclase predominates over K-feldspar, and the content of dark-colored minerals reaches 10%. The rocks of the second phase are characterized by the predominance of K-feldspar over plagioclase, with the content of dark-colored minerals up to 5%. The order of intrusion of the massif formations is determined by the presence of xenoliths of syenite-porphyry rocks in leucocratic syenites. The rocks of the bostonite dike cutting the massif are characterized by the absence of amphibole and an increased content of pyroxene. This is most likely due to the fact that, the rock contains xenoliths of the host rocks of biotite-pyroxene composition. The dikes also conyain xenoliths of the second phase rocks, which indicates a later age of this dike. The bostonite dike located in the immediate vicinity of the massif is almost identical to the dike found in the massif, except an amphibole in the composition of the rocks. The only dike of vogesites that intersects the body of the massif is characterized by the presence of two varieties of amphibole: common hornblende and a sufficient amount of barkevikite, which phenocrysts stand out clearly against the background of the total microcrystalline mass. Also, in the course of crystal-optical studies, it was noted that in the structure of the massif there is an increase in the leucocratic magmatism from the early phase to the late, but with a decrease in this indicator, taking into account the introduction of vogesite dikes at the late stages of magmatism development. Based on this, the conclusion is made about the antidromic development of the rocks of the Taezhniy massif. When comparing the evolution of magmatism of the Taezhniy massif with the Ryabinoviy massif, a possible gold-ore specialization of the studied object is suggested.</jats:p

Evaluation the Strength of Cement Systems, Modified by Accelerators

Nowadays, there is a great demand for the accelerated hardening construction mixtures. That causes the necessity to the methods development for testing the effectiveness of accelerators, well as the analysis of kinetics of cement systems hydration in the early stages of hardening. This paper presents the results of an experimental research of interrelation between the growth kinetics of cement-based binder system strength and the heat release for pure cement hydration. How it was found, two compositions of construction mix, which are identical in mineral composition and differ in the presence of mono-functional accelerator, a comparison of strength growth dynamics can be carried out indirectly via the integral curve of heat release, obtained using the method of isothermal calorimetry.</jats:p

Petrography of the Mesozoic Alkaline Rocks of the Medvedev Massif (South Yakutia, Aldan-Stanovoy Shield, Leglier Ore Cluster)

Abstract The article considers petrographic compositions of the Mesozoic alkaline magmatic rocks of the Medvedey massif. The latter is a part of the Central Aldan ore district and is spatially located in the central part of the Nymnyr block. The massif is a multiphase structure, of the most productive stage of development of the territory – the Mesozoic tectonic-magmatic activation of the Aldan-Stanovoy shield. The main purpose of this work was to identify qualitative quantitative-mineralogical characteristics of the massif rocks, potential for gold mineralization, using crystal-optical methods. As a result of the field works and petrographic studies of the Mesozoic alkaline magmatic rocks, it was determined that, The Medvedev massif has a zonal structure and is represented by three phases of intrusion with distinct contacts between the latter, which rocks differ in structural and material features. The rocks of the first phase of the massif are composed considerably of leucocrate (the content of dark-colored minerals is up to 9%) syenite-porphyry with elements of the monzonite structure. Magmatic formations of the second phase of the massif differ from those of the first phase primarily in structural features and are represented by hypidiomorphic granular differences with an increased content of dark-colored minerals in the rocks up to 15%. The rocks of the final phase have a noticeable difference from the first two phases and are represented by mesocratic monzonite porphyry with a clearly expressed monzonite structure with a dark-colored mineral content up to 20%. Within the Central Aldan ore region, the large Samolazovskoye gold deposit is associated with similar multiphase massifs, in particular with the Yukhtin massif. During field works, it was found that gold-ore mineralization is associated with the massif, which formation is related to an intensively occurred contact-metasomatic effect on the host rocks. Hydrothermal-metasomatic transformations of the latter are the products of multi-stage alkali-silicate metasomatism, associated with the second and especially the first phases of intrusion of the massif, as well as with further weathering processes, disintegration of gold-ore metasomatites and formation of an oxidation zone. Based on the petrographic study of the material composition of the rocks of the massif, it is concluded that gold ore occurrences of commercial scale can be associated with such massifs of multi-phase intrusion.</jats:p

Chemical Composition of the Mesozoic Alkaline Rocks of the Medvedev Massif (South Yakutia, Aldan-Stanovoy Shield, Leglier Ore Cluster)

Abstract The study shows chemical composition of the Mesozoic igneous rocks of the Medvedev massif. The massif is a part of the Central Aldan ore region. It is spatially located in the central part of the Nimnyr Block and is a part of the Leglier ore cluster. The massif is a multiphase structure of the most productive stage of the territory development – the Mesozoic tectonic-magmatic activation of the Aldan-Stanovoy shield. According to the materials of previous researchers, the rocks of the massif are represented by the augite hornblende and hornblende syenite porphyry. As a result of field work, we found that the massif has a zonal structure and is represented by three phases of intrusion. The rocks of the selected phases differ in their structural and compositional characteristics. The main objective of the work was to establish compositional characteristics by studying the chemical compositions of potential gold mineralization rocks of the Medvedev massif. In the course of studies and interpretation of chemical analysis of the massif Mesozoic magmatic rocks, we have identified the following characteristics. According to various classification data the following groups of rocks in Medvedev massif are identified – quartz syenites (Phase I), quartz monzodiorites of shoshonite series (Phase II) and monzonites of high-potassium calc-alkaline series (Phase III). The total alkali content (Na2O+K2O)&gt;5% in them corresponds to alkaline rocks. All rocks are characterized by high Al2O3%&gt;14 and low TiO2&lt;1%. The potassium type of alkalinity Na2O/K2O&lt;1 is typical for quartz syenites of the massif, while for quartz monzodiorites this indicator is intermediate, and in monzonites of the massif this parameter Na2O/K2O&gt;1 corresponds to rocks of the alkaline potassium-sodium series. The massif rocks characteristic feature is the decrease of rocks alumina (al’) values from quartz syenites to quartz monzodiorites followed by the increase to monzonites, while the value of the rocks AG coefficient is significantly reduced in the series. Based on these facts, it was suggested that there are two sources of the mantle and mantle-crustal nature. Also, based on the study of the material composition of the Medvedev massif magmatic rocks and the similarity of the geological development with the Mesozoic magmatism of the Samolazovsky and Ryabinovy deposits, it was concluded that gold manifestations can be associated with such multiphase massifs within the Leglier ore cluster.</jats:p

ANALYSIS OF TECHNOLOGIES AND TECHNICAL MEANS FOR SOWING FOREST SEEDS IN NURSERIES

The analysis of sowing methods and existing types of seeders, which are used in forestry and agrotechnical complexes, as well as patent materials, is given. Analysis of domestic designs of SLP-M, SLU-5-20 and "Litva-25" seeders, intended for sowing small forest seeds in nurseries and open ground, showed that they are energy-intensive and do not always ensure the embedding of seeds in moist soil. The perspective directions of resource conservation in agriculture have been considered: sowing using "no-till" or "mini-do" technology, ensuring sowing of seeds in untreated and minimally cultivated soil. The combined seeder AGRATORDK is equipped with a disc cultivator and a seeder with gouters. The RAPIDRDA-450S seeder from VADERSTAD has spherical discs that cultivate soil in one pass. The presented methods of sowing and seeding devices have a significant drawback - the necessity of additional working bodies with a high probability of getting into the grooves of dry soil, moving the top layer of soil "back and forth." A gouter which can change the angle of entering the soil and planting depths of small forest seeds was developed. Preliminary laboratory studies have shown the operability of gouter mock-up specimen and the ability to cut the seed furrow by cutting out a layer of soil with void formation above the bottom of the seed furrow, into which seeds were fed through tubes from funnels. The seeds were embedded with a layer of soil under the influence of its own gravity</jats:p

Carreau's Rheological Model and A.N. Tikhonov’s Regularization Method: Parametric Identification Based on a CFD model

Introduction. Carreau's rheological model can describe the three-dimensional flows of non-Newtonian media. However, it requires modeling parameters for the viscosity of the medium at the limiting values of shear rates, which cannot be achieved by instrumental methods. The present article introduces a novel method that can identify the parameters of Carreau’s model using a regularization algorithm.&#x0D; Study objects and methods. The study featured fondant mass produced according to the traditional formulation for Creamy Fondant unglazed candies. Standard methods were used to describe the properties of the raw materials and semi-finished products, as well as methods of mathematical processing, modeling, and optimization.&#x0D; Results and its discussion. The research produced an algorithm based on A.N. Tikhonov’s regularization method of the parametric identification of Carreau's rheological model. The calculation residual was minimized by the viscometric measurements and the CFD model, which provided the calculation of the hydrodynamic flow regime at the limiting values of shear rates. The CFD model of a steady non-isothermal flow of a nonlinear viscous medium through a cylindrical capillary was based on the equations of conservation of mass, energy, and momentum. The rheological parameters of Carreau’s model were illustrated by the case of fondant mass. The error for the viscosity prediction did not exceed 14.07%.&#x0D; Conclusion. The parametric identification algorithm made it possible to evaluate the rheological parameters of structured liquid media with Carreau's rheological law in cases that lack experimental information on the behavior of the medium at limiting shear rates. The algorithm eliminated the computational problems typical of Ostwald and de Ville’s rheological model, which usually arise when solving practical problems of three-dimensional flows of non-Newtonian media with limiting viscosity values.</jats:p

Mineralogical and Geochemical Features of Native Gold From Placers of the Evota Gold-Bearing Region (Russia, Aldan Shield)

Abstract Evota gold-bearing region is located in south of Republic Sakha (Yakutia) within the Nimnyr terrane of Aldan shield. A large numbers of gold-bearing placers are known on studied territory, but the primary sources for them have not been established. In this work, based on the study of the mineralogical and geochemical features of gold from alluvial deposits of the Evota gold-bearing region, possible genetic types of primary sources are considered. Obtained data showed that native gold in the studied objects has a very high, high and medium fineness. The roundness of gold is different. Almost ore crystals with sharp edges and well-rounded individuals with polished faces were found. The fineness of the studied gold grains was determined by microprobe analyzer Cameca Camebax-micro and varies in the range from 812 to 1000 %⁰. A thin (up to 20 μm) high-grade rim was found in two grains (cr. Zolotoy). The central part of one of them has a fineness of 865 %o, and in the edge part it reaches 1000 %⁰, which indicates that this gold was in the hypergenesis zone. Admixture elements determined as traces and are presented Cu, Pd, Fe, Ni. Minerals-microinclusions - quartz, potassium feldspar, pyroxene, staurolite, maldonite, bismuthite revealed in gold grains. In some watercourses, for example, in the creek Sukhoi, only very high fineness gold (993-1000 %⁰) was found. The presence of high-grade gold (cr. Sukhoi), intergrowths of gold with bismuthite (cr. Zolotoy), as well as inclusions of maldonite (cr. Yagodny) gives opportunity for assuming that primary sources could be basic ores such presented in the P. Pinigin deposit. At the sites (cr. Elovyi, r. Evota), both medium-grade and very high-grade gold were found, the fineness range varied from 827 to 998 %⁰. The presence of gold with medium fineness and good roundness in studied watercourses probably indicates an additional supply of gold from primary sources formed as a result of the alkaline magmatism development of the Mesozoic age. Thus, for gold with high and very high fineness by admixture-elements, chemical composition and microinclusions, a genetic relationship with primary sources similar to the P. Pinigin deposit was found; for gold grains with medium fineness, formation in gold-ore mineralization characterized for the Mesozoic stage ore development such in deposits of Central-Aldan ore region is assumed.</jats:p

Impact of the world agricultural grocery markets on self-development of regional agrarian systems

This paper analyzes the impact of foreign economic grocery relations on the state of self-development and self-regulation in the agrarian sector of the country and regions. A definition of the concept of «self-regulation of the agrarian sector in the region» is given. The characteristic of long-term trends in food independence is given. In this regard, the current state of food self-sufficiency in the regions of Russia on essential grocery is analyzed. It is concluded that the majority of regions are characterized by low levels of selfsufficiency in grocery. The main trends of Russian food exports in recent years are shown. The reasons for the sharp growth in grain exports are analyzed. The estimation of the possibilities for further increase of exports of these products in connection with the planned growth of consumption and production of staple food as predicted by the Russian government is made. In general, the authors believe that low levels of food self-sufficiency of the country may be not only at significant food imports, but also at low volumes of imports, coupled with the high volume of agricultural exports. Accordingly, in both cases the possibility of selfdevelopment of the regional agrarian scope is undermined because of the influence of external factors (low levels of food self-sufficiency in the country)

From the Food Sovereignty Ensuring Strategy to the Strategy of Improving the Agro-Food Complex Competitiveness

In the conditions of the globalization of national economies, the current situation in macroeconomics and, as a result, the need to improve the quality of life of the population it is necessary to clearly outline and resolve the following three strategic tasks of the country’s agro-food complex: ensuring the country’s food sovereignty based on import substitution; improving the farm products competitiveness; ensuring high level standard of living at the rural area based on the social-economic development of the territories. The analysis of the government policy documents and concepts of developing the agricultural sector of economy has revealed the following. The state-run program for the farming sector development and regulation of the farmers’ market, agricultural raw materials and food in 2013–2020 is the main functioning tool, a primary factor of accelerated agro-food import substitution, and a foundation for the new national agricultural policy. At the same time, the program does not answer the question, how one can really improve the competitiveness of the domestic farm products. It does not outline the tasks and mechanisms to raise the standard of living for the rural population. The article considers the necessity to increase the agrofood sector competitiveness as a prospective strategic direction in the government export policy. It clarifies the key factors of the influence on the competitiveness of the domestic farm products, namely: at the macroeconomic level — equivalence of cross-sector exchange, subsidizing and credit financing of the agro-food sector; at the sectoral level — territorial and sectoral specialization in agricultural production and system of profit distribution between the producers, processors and retailers of the farm products. The article outlines the possible ways of employment assistance for the rural population being released as a result of improving the competitiveness of the agricultural production. It shows the advisability of formulating the single scientifically based interministerial document in the form of the national strategy and some relevant programs to improve the competitiveness of the country’s agro-food complex, employment and income of the rural population