Influence of light on some of the structural and functional characteristics of the Black Sea dinoflagellates

Influence of light on some of the structural and functional characteristics of the Black Sea dinoflagellates was studied. It was found that the algal cultures reached the maximum growth rate at different illumination levels from 55 to 170 μmol m-2⋅s-1. At low light an increase of chlorophyll a in the microalgae cells and a decrease in their volume were observed. It was a slight reducing of the atomic ratio between nitrogen and organic carbon with increasing the intensity of the light

Photophysics of Structurally Modified Flavin Derivatives in the Blue-Light Photoreceptor YtvA: A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study

The light-induced processes of two flavin mononucleotide derivatives (1- and 5-deaza flavin mononucleotide, 1DFMN and 5DFMN), incorporated into the LOV domain of YtvA protein from Bacillus subtilis, were studied by a combination of experimental and computational methods. Quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) calculations were carried out in which the QM part was treated by density functional theory (DFT) using the B3LYP functional for geometry optimizations and the DFT/MRCI method for spectroscopic properties, whereas the MM part was described by the CHARMM force field. 1DFMN is incorporated into the protein binding site, yielding a red-shifted absorption band (lmax=530 nm compared to YtvA wild-type lmax=445 nm), but does not undergo any LOV-typical photoreactions such as triplet and photoadduct formation. QM/MM computations confirmed the absence of a channel for triplet formation and located a radiation-free channel (through an S1/S0 conical intersection) along a hydrogen transfer path that might allow for fast deactivation. By contrast, 5DFMN-YtvA-LOV shows a blue-shifted absorption (lmax=410 nm) and undergoes similar photochemical processes to FMN in the wild-type protein, both with regard to the photophysics and the formation of a photoadduct with a flavin-cysteinyl covalent bond. The QM/MM calculations predict a mechanism that involves hydrogen transfer in the T1 state, followed by intersystem crossing and adduct formation in the S0 state for the forward reaction. Experimentally, in contrast to wild-type YtvA, dark-state recovery in 5DFMN-YtvALOV is not thermally driven but can only be accomplished after absorption of a second photon by the photoadduct, again via the triplet state. The QM/MM calculations suggest a photochemical mechanism for dark-state recovery that is accessible only for the adduct with a C4a–S bond but not for alternative adducts with a C5–S bond

Machine learning approach to predict significant wave height

To estimate significant wave height of ocean wave, a machine learning framework is developed. Significant wave height and period can be used by supervised training of machine learning to predict ocean conditions. In this paper we proposed a method to predict significant wave height using Support vector regression (SVR). Buoy dataset taken from the Queensland government open data portal the input from which were aggregated into supervised learning test and training data sets, which were supplied to machine learning models. The SVR model replicated significant wave height with a root-mean-squared-error of 0.044 and performed on the test data with 95% accuracy. Comparing to forecasting with the physics-based model the Machine learning SVR model requires only a fraction (< 1=1200th) of the computation time, to predict Significant wave height

Priority directions for increasing diversification of the regional economy

The article considers the issues of increasing the level of economic diversification as an effective direction for achieving the strategy of sustainable development of the region. The paper carries out the analysis of the current state of the economy of the Sughd region of the Republic of Tajikistan, calculates the sectoral indicators of diversification and the average level of diversification of the regional economy. An assessment based on the existing methodology showed the need to continue the diversification process, but does not indicate which industries should be diversified first.In order to identify priority sectors in carrying out diversification, a ranking matrix for economic sectors has been developed. The diversification coefficients and the structural coefficient were used as indicators in the matrix, which makes it possible to assess the existing level of diversification of the region’s industries and determine the priority sectors (trade, agriculture and industry), which have the necessary economic potential.The article also considers the experience of successful countries that have reached a high level of economic development as a result of increasing the level of diversification, on the basis of which recommendations for the Sughd region of Tajikistan are substantiated in order to achieve sustainable regional economic growth. The research results can be used in the processes of developing a strategy for the development of the country’s regions and state regulation of spatial development

Coherent ultrafast spin-dynamics probed in three dimensional topological insulators

Topological insulators are candidates to open up a novel route in spin based electronics. Different to traditional ferromagnetic materials, where the carrier spin-polarization and magnetization are based on the exchange interaction, the spin properties in topological insulators are based on the coupling of spin- and orbit interaction connected to its momentum. Specific ways to control the spin-polarization with light have been demonstrated: the energy momentum landscape of the Dirac cone provides spin-momentum locking of the charge current and its spin. The directionality of spin and momentum, as well as control with light has been demonstrated. Here we demonstrate a coherent femtosecond control of spin-polarization for states in the valence band at around the Dirac cone.Comment: 14 pages, 4 figure

Results of AAS measurements of atmospheric trace metals deposition in snow cover in lower kama urban agglomeration

The study of pollutant level of snow cover of the explored territory required establishment of more than 80 sample plots within the territory of several hundreds square kilometers including industrial area of Naberezhnye Chelny (steam power plants, JSC KAMAZ plants, etc.), which are exposed to intense human impact of the area of agroindustrial complex of the Tukai district, the part of "Lower Kama" national park area, and the territory of the city of Naberezhnye Chelny as well. Within the framework of the study snow sampling was carried out within these sample plots, its main features and contaminators' weight content were defined. Moreover, the results of long-term observations over snow cover state of the territory of the Naberezhnye Chelny (Lower Kama) urban agglomeration that allow - taking into account synoptic conditions by the end of cold period - forecasting the beginning of intense snow melting and planning snow-measuring measures and sampling correspondingly. To assess impact on environment, accumulated with snow and soil cover of pollutants, their inflow per unit area and per explored territory was estimated. Obtained results allowed to asses the snow cover contamination level by several complex indicators. The snow cover contamination level based on this data should be recognized as quite considerable: median value of contamination total index Kp5 is 15,1 that allow us to relate this territory to heavily polluted. Whereby partial coefficients of contamination with cooper and zinc, and manganese iron and nickel to a somewhat less degree, make a major contribution to this index

Cracking of C3-C4 Hydrocarbons on Cobalt and Palladium-Carbon Catalysts

The process of C3-C4 hydrocarbon cracking on cobalt and palladium cardonic catalysts, obtained under conditions of propane-butane mixture pyrolysis, was studied. It was found that using of carbon-mineral catalyst increases gas conversion and selectivity, yield of olefines and aromatic compounds

Tajikistan’s business sector for years of independence: problems and development models

The purpose of the study is to develop strategic priorities for the development of the business sector of Tajikistan based on the analysis of the structure of the economy of the republic and its dynamics, as well as the use of economic and mathematical modeling of the object under study. The article identifies the main obstacles to the development of the business sector, including: inefficient functioning of management institutions and the market; insufficient development of human capital; underdeveloped industrial and social infrastructure, as well as the legal framework governing the relations of the state, business, labor, etc. Based on the use of statistical methods of analysis, in particular the method of principal components, two important strategic vectors of development of the business sector aimed at economic diversification have been identified. The first direction involves the development of industry and construction with the participation of the state in the form of public-private partnership, increasing the production of import-substituting goods based on its own resources. The second direction should be the modernization of social and industrial infrastructure, including energy. The measures aimed at improving the business climate, overcoming regional and sectoral fragmentation of the economy of Tajikistan, ensuring its sustainable and balanced development are proposed. The results of the study can be used in the development of the state strategy for the development of entrepreneurship in the Republic of Tajikistan, as well as in the process of state regulation of spatial development

Provision of Biological Safety in the Territory of the Republic of Tatarstan during Preparation and Holding of FIFA World Cup-2018 in Kazan

Objective – assessment of effectiveness of the measures for biological safety provision at potentially hazardous facilities in the territory of the Republic of Tatarstan in the process of preparation and holding of FIFA World Cup-2018 in Kazan. Materials and methods. Regulatory-legal acts covering the requirements to the provision of biological safety during the work with pathogenic biological agents, international guidelines and documents determining inter-agency collaboration between the Rospotrebnadzor Administration in the Republic of Tatarstan and other departments and inter-agency task forces (Office of the Federal Security Bureau of Russia in the Republic of Tatarstan, Counter-Terrorism Commission in the Republic of Tatarstan, etc) were studied. Results and discussion. Considered were managerial-methodological approaches and matters of inter-agency cooperation on biological safety provision during preparation and holding of FIFA World Cup-2018 in Kazan. Biological safety was examined through the prism of its provision while working with pathogenic biological agents at potentially hazardous biological facilities and  counterterrorism integrity of the objects. The guiding, directive document in the performance of the complex of measures on biological safety provision and inter-agency collaboration was the Order of the President of the Russian Federation dated May 09, 2017 No 202 “On peculiarities of application of reinforced security measures during holding of FIFA World Cup-2018 and FIFA Confederations Cup-2017 in Russia”. As the result of the measures conducted, biological safety, including counter-terrorism security of potentially hazardous biological objects and sanitary-epidemiological welfare, was fully provided

Study on the Structure and Morphology of Iron Nanopowders Obtained by the Method of Electric Explosion of Wires

This article presents the results of comprehensive study on the structure and morphology of iron nanopowders synthesized by electric explosive evaporation of metal wire. The results of scanning and transmission electron microscopy showed that nanoclusters have a spherical shape with an average diameter of 65 nm. It was revealed based on the analysis of the diffraction patterns that nanoparticles of nanopowders obtained in electric explosion have a crystal lattice with a parameter less than a standard cell. The results of computer experiments are in good agreement with the findings of X-ray analysis. However, the question about the reasons of distortion of the crystal lattice of nanoclusters remains controversial