ABSTRACT This paper delves into the design, analysis, and manufacturing of a modified aluminium connecting rod for the Peugeot XU7JP engine (an inline 4-cylinder, 1.8 L gasoline engine with a compression ratio of 9.3:1 and a maximum cylinder pressure of about 5.5 MPa). The present study focuses on achieving substantial weight reduction and improving engine performance through optimised geometry and material substitution. Utilising a heat-treated 7075 aluminium scandium alloy, the connecting rod weight was reduced by 41.6% – a significant decrease of 279 g compared to the traditional steel rod – resulting in marked improvements in dynamic behaviour, including reduced inertia, vibrations, and noise. Finite element analysis demonstrated that the modified aluminium rod exhibits lower displacement and stress concentrations while maintaining the necessary structural integrity under operational loads. Additionally, buckling analysis revealed a higher buckling coefficient for the aluminium rod, indicating superior resistance to instability under compressive forces. These theoretical and computational findings were validated through practical engine tests on a dynamometer, which showed a 17–25% improvement in engine power and torque when using the aluminium connecting rod, with the modified design delivering 114 hp and 166 N⋅m of torque compared to the steel rod 89 hp and 137 N⋅m of torque.

Design and optimization of a buffer-free AlGaN/GaN HEMT with dielectric stack engineering for high power and frequency applications

Innovative projects and technologies of nuclear power engineering. Review of Proceedings of the VI International Scientific and Technical Conference (ISTC NIKIET-2023) (14–17 November 2023, JSC «NIKIET», Moscow, Russia)

Radionuclides 137Cs, 238, 239+240Pu, 40K and 210Po in water areas on the river-sea border and assessment of their action levels to hydrobionts.

Abstract Hydrogen sensitivity in indium-tin-zinc-oxide (ITZO) dual gate (DG) thin-film transistors (TFTs) has fundamentally limited their commercial viability despite superior electron mobility. This work addresses this challenge through systematic optimization of SF6 plasma treatment, demonstrating its effectiveness in suppressing hydrogen diffusion-induced degradation. Comprehensive analysis reveals that increased SF6 plasma power significantly reduces oxygen vacancy and hydrogen content in ITZO channels. Consequently, TFT performance shows critical improvements: threshold voltage shifts positively from -4.25 V to 0.32 V, subthreshold swing tightens from 0.38 V/dec to 0.20 V/dec, and field-effect mobility undergoes a controlled reduction (38.25 cm² /V• s to 32.53 cm² /V• s). Most crucially, electrical stability under various stress conditions shows dramatic enhancement: The threshold voltage shift for the positive bias temperature stress (PBTS) test decreased from -8.58 V to -2.36 V, negative bias temperature stress (NBTS) test decreased from -0.79 V to -0.07 V, which is almost negligible, and negative bias illumination stress (NBIS) test decreased from -4.76 V to -0.68 V. These findings establish SF6 plasma power engineering as a manufacturable pathway to simultaneously achieve high performance and unprecedented operational stability in ITZO DG TFTs for next-generation displays.

In recent years, the growing interest in sustainable transportation has made multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods crucial for selecting diesel vehicles with minimal environmental impacts and high fuel efficiency. This study introduces a hybrid approach, the Interval Type-2 Fuzzy SITW (IT2 F-SITW) combined with Interval Type-2 Fuzzy ORESTE (IT2 F-ORESTE), which is proposed for the first time in the literature. To test the validity of this method, five different diesel vehicle selection problems were considered. The IT2 F-SITW method was used to determine the criteria weights, followed by the IT2 F-ORESTE method to rank the alternatives. The criteria used in this study were fuel consumption, maintenance cost, engine power, interior volume, and spare parts availability. The alternative vehicles were evaluated based on technical specifications and expert opinions. According to the results, the Opel Astra 1.6 Diesel was identified as the most suitable diesel vehicle. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis was performed to test the robustness of the proposed method, and the results showed that it provides stable outcomes. In this context, the proposed hybrid method not only allows for more accurate evaluations in uncertain environments but also offers decision-makers an effective tool in practical problems such as vehicle selection.

The growing share of renewable energy sources in recent years has been driven by the development of national legislation in various countries aiming to reduce carbon dioxide emissions originating from fossil fuels. Sustainable growth of national economies therefore requires the search for novel green technologies. Biomass has recently been used as a supplementary fuel to coal. The literature describes the synergetic effect in the technical context of combustion in the power engineering sector. In the presented research, five types of biomass dust were added to coal dust. The selected explosion indices were determined using a 20 L sphere apparatus, in accordance with EN 14034 standards. The results demonstrate the impact of biomass on the course of dust–air explosions. A synergetic effect was observed and explained. Certain types of biomass were found to be characterized by a higher explosion pressure rise (15-17 % or 0.88-1.28 bar) and higher maximum explosion pressure rates (16-148 % or 57-143 bar/s) than those obtained for the samples tested separately. The results indicate that the implementation of biomass for co-combustion always requires a revision of the existing process safety measures designed for coal combustion.

Construction project scheduling and monitoring pose significant challenges in today’s dynamic business environment. This study investigates the implementation of two widely used project management techniques - the Critical Path Method (CPM) and the Project Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) - in combination with Monte Carlo simulation for risk-based planning. The case study focuses on the PLTMG (Gas Engine Power Plant) Ambon-2 project. CPM provides a deterministic schedule with an estimated completion time of 65 weeks, representing an optimistic scenario. In contrast, the Monte Carlo simulation incorporates uncertainty and risk factors, indicating a 56.98% probability of project completion within 76 weeks and a 43.02% risk of delay. The results demonstrate the limitations of deterministic methods in high-risk environments and highlight the advantages of probabilistic simulations for more realistic project forecasting.

We present a polymorph-based design strategy to modulate the excimer emission in pyrene derivatives by controlling their crystal packing. A simple pyrene molecule, functionalized with an alcohol group, exhibits strikingly different photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) depending on its solid-state arrangement. A co-facial π-π stacked polymorph achieves an impressive PLQY of 88%, while an orthogonally packed form shows a much lower efficiency of 14%. Leveraging the intrinsic photophysical richness of the pyrene core, we further construct color-tunable charge transfer (CT) cocrystals by pairing pyrene donors with various electron-accepting moieties. These cocrystals display high emission efficiencies across the visible to near-infrared (NIR) spectrum, enabled by efficient CT interactions and mixed stacking geometries. Notably, emission can be extended into the NIR region by inducing radical formation in the acceptor components. This work highlights the power of crystal engineering in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to create highly emissive materials and offers new prospects for their application in advanced optoelectronic devices, including efficient two-photon emitters.

Technological innovation, driven by AI, digital economy, and big data, transforms resource allocation, production, and research and development structures, serving as a key driver of sustainable global economic growth and accelerating shifts in national and regional development models. This article aims to explore how technological change can reshape urban economies through industrial upgrading, labor market transformation and agglomeration effects. This paper explores how technological change affects the urban economy, based on the theories of technological transformation, biased technological progress and Schumpeter's innovation. This study finds that technological change not only creates new employment opportunities but also leads to job displacement and skill mismatches. The extent to which these benefits or risks are realized often depends on local institutional strength, since policies, education systems, and investment choices shape how cities absorb and adapt to new technologies. In urban contexts, agglomeration effects foster dense networks of interaction which in turn amplify knowledge spillovers and strengthen innovation capacity, thereby accelerating the diffusion of new technologies. However, as the result of the process balanced implemented across the region, some areas advanced rapidly while others are lagged behind. Subsequently, a paradox in technology emerged- one side is the powerful engine demanded for growth and the other side is the pusher of inequality development. Research indicates that the government have dual tasks, the first one is to encourages the aggregation of technological talents and industries, as well as guides the transformation and upgrading of traditional sectors.

The paper is devoted to the description of the method of joint analysis of deformation and fracture of structural elements that are in conditions of high-temperature creep, the accumulation of hidden damage associated with it, and in which some surfaces are exposed to aggressive environments. The boundary value problem is solved using the finite element method, for the initial one the finite difference method of integration over time was used. For the analysis of corrosion cracking of the inner surface of the tube, an approach was used that consists in excluding from the calculation model the “destroyed” finite elements, i.e. those in which the damage parameter has reached its critical value, and reformulating the boundary value problem for the model with a new geometry and preserved initial conditions for the components of the stress-strain state and the damage parameter in the remained finite elements. To simulate the accumulation of hidden damage due to creep and corrosion, an approach was used that takes into account the contributions of the increments of the corresponding processes at each time step. Corrosion damage is modeled by an auto-model evolution equation taking into account a specially defined equivalent stress on the surface of the body. As an example of using the numerical modeling method, the creep process with material damage accumulation and subsequent corrosion cracking in a thick tube is considered. The process of damage growth in its material is analyzed, the ratio between the rates of damage accumulation due to creep and corrosion cracking on the surface is estimated. The developed approach and finite element calculation method are proposed to be further applied to the analysis of deformation and corrosion cracking of structural elements of complex geometry used in the power and nuclear engineering.

This study explores how the organizational culture of Sanggar Kartika Budaya strengthens local artistic values through identity building, leadership, training strategies, and adaptive creativity. Rooted in a commitment to traditional arts, the sanggar positions local cultural expression not only as heritage but also as a living space for innovation. The research aims to uncover how these cultural elements shape member behavior, sustain artistic traditions, and support the regeneration of young artists. Using a qualitative approach with document analysis, this study examines official profiles, program descriptions, and relevant scholarly sources. The findings reveal that the sanggar’s cultural identity centered on the motto “Pegang Teguh Seni Tradisi Siap Berkreasi”serves as the backbone of its learning system and creative ecosystem. Leadership plays a central role in directing artistic vision while safeguarding cultural authenticity. Structured training, literacy activities, and collaborative performances effectively embed traditional values in new members. The sanggar also demonstrates an ability to evolve with modern trends through creative choreography, multimedia integration, and active participation in contemporary festivals, all while maintaining strong roots in local heritage. These findings highlight how a well-structured organizational culture can act as a powerful engine for cultural preservation and artistic resilience. The implications suggest that cultural institutions can remain relevant in a fast-changing era by blending heritage with innovation, ensuring that tradition continues to live meaningfully in the hands of future generations.

Aims: The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a solar-powered, sensor-based hydroponic maize fodder production system capable of providing a sustainable, energy-efficient and year-round solution for green fodder cultivation. Study Design: Engineering development followed by system evaluation under controlled hydroponic growing conditions. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering and Department of Renewable Energy Engineering, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, Karnataka, India. Methodology: A sensor-integrated hydroponic fodder unit was developed using AHT10, AHT25 and DHT11 sensors connected to an Arduino Uno for automated monitoring of temperature and humidity. Solar PV panels with a charge controller and battery storage powered the system. The structure consisted of multi-tier trays with micro-sprinklers to ensure uniform irrigation. Sensors were evaluated based on mean absolute error and accuracy. Hydroponic maize was grown under different seed rates, temperatures and harvest periods, and green fodder yield was recorded in kg m⁻². Results: Among the sensors tested, AHT10 demonstrated the highest accuracy and lowest mean absolute error for both temperature and humidity, making it the most suitable for automated hydroponic control. Maximum green fodder yield of 19.78 kg m⁻² was achieved at an optimum temperature of 29–32 °C, 11-day harvest period, and 600 g seed rate. The solar-powered system ensured uninterrupted operation while reducing dependence on external electricity. Conclusion: The developed solar-powered, sensor-based hydroponic maize fodder unit proved efficient, cost-effective and highly suitable for rural farming systems. It offers a sustainable solution for year-round green fodder production, overcoming limitations of traditional cultivation such as high labour, water requirement and seasonal dependence.

Purpose. To increase the mass flow rate of air through a forced diesel engine of type 6 Ch 15/15 by modernizing the design of the intake manifold. Methodology. A comparative numerical study of the conditions for filling cylinders with air for different design variants of the intake manifold when the engine is operating at rated power is carried out. The problem is considered in a three-dimensional non-stationary formulation. To describe the boundary conditions, the results of the calculation of the working process are additionally used, namely, the pressure pulsation in front of the intake valves during the cylinder filling process. Findings. It has been established that using newly designed intake manifolds can increase the mass flow rate of air through the engine cylinders by 9 %. In operation, this will allow one, with minimal redesign (only the intake manifolds are upgraded), to improve engine operating conditions, primarily to increase engine power, increase effective efficiency, and improve torque characteristics, especially at partial load conditions. This will increase the maneuverability of the vehicle and improve its consumer qualities. Originality. The study made it possible to investigate the influence of the intake manifold design on the conditions of cylinder filling with air and to develop scientific and practical recommendations for improving the technical and economic performance of the engine, especially with an increase in its level of boost. Practical value. Improving the conditions for filling the cylinders with air will increase the mass flow rate and cycle fuel supply and, accordingly, enhance the power of a forced diesel engine, increase the effective efficiency, and improve its performance.

The third millennium is associated with many achievements in science and technology, one of which is nanomaterials, i.e. discrete particles of material, as well as materials with an internal or surface structure, one of the characteristic dimensions of which usually lies in the range from 1 nm to 100 nm. Due to their unique properties, primarily thermophysical and mechanical, nanomaterials are used in heat transfer processes, which are common in thermal power engineering, nuclear power engineering, chemical and food technology, metallurgy, electronics, mechanical, and instrument engineering. Nanomaterials increase the efficiency of thermal conductivity and convection and are used in all heat transfer processes, namely heating, cooling, boiling, and condensation. Almost all classes and types of nanomaterials are used, including nano-objects such as nanoparticles, nanofibers, and nanoplates, as well as nanostructured materials such as nanostructured powders, nanocomposites, nanoporous materials, and fluid nanodisperse systems. Nanomaterials are most widely used in coolants in the form of nanosuspensions and nanoemulsions, as well as in the design of heat exchange equipment in the form of coatings for heat exchange elements and structural materials for the manufacture of these elements. Currently, the main trends in the application of nanomaterials in heat exchange processes and equipment are the development of effective compositions of fluid nanodispersions and nanocoatings of heat exchange surfaces, which can be implemented on existing heat exchange equipment directly or with minor modernization. Less attention is paid to the development of structural nanomaterials for the manufacture of heat exchange elements, since they involve a more profound change in existing heat exchange equipment or the creation of fundamentally new heat exchanger designs. In any case, one should not forget about the possible negative impact of nanomaterials when handling them, which they can have on the environment and humans, and, if possible, take measures to eliminate or minimize this negative impact. Bibl. 103, Fig. 9.

Air pollution from ship operations can pose a significant challenge for coastal cities, particularly where ports are closely integrated into the urban fabric. This study examines the influence of ship docking on PM2.5 concentrations in Chios, Greece, a medium size island city where the port directly borders densely populated neighbourhoods. Calibrated PurpleAir sensors were installed at urban and suburban sites to measure PM2.5, with data analysed alongside ship call records and meteorological observations. An event-based concentration enhancement metric (%ΔC) was estimated to compare PM2.5 during docking with the preceding 3 h background for 170 ship arrivals in February and August 2022. The results showed that under prevailing northerly winds in August, PM2.5 at the downwind urban site increased on average by 5.0 µg m−3 (48%), whereas winter increments were smaller (6.1%) due to higher background variability. When both seasons and all wind directions were pooled, the urban site exhibited a mean enhancement of 1.7 µg m−3 (19%), while impacts at the suburban site remained minor (3%). Median-based uncertainty analysis confirmed robust enhancements under northerly winds only. Wind direction and wind speed were the primary controls on %ΔC, whereas ship engine power and time at berth had limited influence. The results suggest that ship-related PM2.5 impacts are detectable but remain spatially and temporally limited in coastal urban environments, including medium-sized islands characterised by relatively low shipping activity.

This study attempted to develop and validate a data-driven simulation model that integrates field-measured data to assess the power requirement and fuel consumption characteristics of a self-propelled collector. The collector is a hydrostatic transmission-based, crawler-type platform designed for garlic and onion harvesting, equipped with multiple hydraulic subsystems for collection and sorting. During field experiments, the power requirements of each subsystem and fuel flow rate were recorded, and Willans line method was applied to estimate engine power and subsystem power transmission efficiencies. Because many small agricultural machines do not support electronically instrumented engines (e.g., CAN-bus/ECU-based measurements), the proposed model was formulated as a data-driven, low-order representation derived from on-site measurements rather than a full physics-based model. Using the identified parameters, the simulation framework predicts engine power and fuel efficiency under various operating conditions. The simulation results exhibited high agreement with field data, achieving R2 and mean absolute percentage error values of 0.935–0.981 and 1.79–4.18%, respectively, confirming reliable reproduction of real field performance. A comprehensive analysis of the simulation results revealed that both engine speed and travel speed significantly influence power distribution and fuel rate, while also indicating that hydraulic working power is the dominant contributor to total power demand at higher engine speeds. These findings provide practical guidance for improving the fuel efficiency of compact self-propelled collectors.

Abstract Partial discharge (PD) detection has garnered considerable attention due to its critical role in condition assessment and fault prediction of power system equipment. However, effcient and accurate acquisition of PD signals remains a significant technical challenge. Among mainstream technologies, the ultra-high frequency (UHF) detection method plays a key role in capturing PD signals. This work introduces a Rydberg atom-based electric field sensing approach for PD detection, employing a three-photon excitation scheme in Cesium vapor. Four representative PD types are investigated: void, floating, particle, and corona, revealing the ability of the nonmetallic atomic sensor to capture their distinct time-domain characteristics and periodic behaviors at the power frequency. In addition, an antenna-waveguide-vapor cell coupling configuration is proposed. This electro-optical to opto-electronic conversion mechanism allows the sensor to achieve long-range detection while preserving favorable signal-to-noise ratios. Although the sensor’s limited instantaneous bandwidth leads to pulse broadening in high-speed signals, its theoretical high sensitivity and wide operating bandwidth highlight its potential as a complement to traditional metal-antenna solutions. These findings provide a robust foundation for implementing quantum-enhanced PD monitoring in practical power engineering scenarios.

Improving ship energy efficiency has become a critical priority for reducing fuel consumption and meeting international decarbonization targets. In this study, eight major groups of energy efficiency improvement systems—including wind and solar energy technologies, hull and propeller modifications, air lubrication, green propulsion options, waste heat recovery, and engine power limitation—were evaluated against seven critical success factors. A hybrid neutrosophic fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework was employed to capture expert uncertainty and prioritize alternatives. Neutrosophic fuzzy sets were adopted because they more comprehensively represent uncertainty—simultaneously modeling truth, indeterminacy, and falsity, providing superior capability to address expert ambiguity compared with classical fuzzy, intuitionistic fuzzy, gray, or other uncertainty-handling frameworks. Trapezoidal Neutrosophic Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) (TNF-AHP) was first applied to determine the relative importance of the criteria, highlighting fuel savings and cost-effectiveness as dominant factors with 38% weight. Subsequently, the Fuzzy Combined Compromise Solution (F-CoCoSo) method was used to rank the alternatives. Results indicate that solar energy systems and wind-assisted propulsion consistently rank highest (with 3.35 and 2.92 performance scores) across different scenarios, followed by green propulsion technologies, while waste heat recovery and engine power limitation show lower performance. These findings not only provide a structured assessment of current technological options, but also offer actionable guidance for shipowners, operators, and policymakers seeking to prioritize investments in sustainable maritime operations.

The study analyzes the pedagogical and organizational aspects of using digital technologies in the educational process at a university in the context of developing the digital competence of teachers at a technical university. The profile of possible risks arising from the use of modern digital technologies and Big Data methods in the educational process of a university is considered. The content of advanced training programs that ensure the formation of digital competence of teachers and the effective application of big data analysis methods is discussed. The objective of the study is to analyze and develop methodological recommendations for the modernization of advanced training programs for the development of digital competence of teachers and the prevention of the risks of digitalization of the educational process at a university. The article presents the results of an expert survey to assess the risk profile of using digital technologies and Big Data methods in the educational process at a university. The most significant issues of advanced training programs aimed at developing the digital competence of university teachers are identified. The article presents the results of a survey of teachers of the Heat Power Engineering Faculty of a technical university and teachers who studied in the advanced training programs of the Institute of Distance Learning of SamSTU (2023–2025). The study used the following methods: analysis of psychological and pedagogical literature on the research problem; expert survey; questionnaire.