Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University Research Articles

Comparative analysis of the prevalence of smoking and consumption of nicotine-containing products and their risk factors among students of medical and technical universities of Saint Petersburg based on data from the PROTECT study

BACKGROUND: Taking into account the importance of quitting smoking of any nicotine-containing products by young people in various social groups, a comparative analysis of the prevalence of smoking tobacco and nicotine-containing products among students of medical and technical universities in St. Petersburg was carried out. AIM: To compare the prevalence and structure of consumption of tobacco and nicotine-containing products, as well as the smoking behavior of students at medical and technical universities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional cross-sectional study of a random sample of student groups included 1,105 respondents. RESULTS: The prevalence of tobacco smoking among students at a technical university was 2 times higher than at a medical university (p 0.01). Cigarette smoking was also more often noted at the onset of smoking among engineering students and in their families (p 0.05). 17.2% of North-Western State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikov students and 14.2% of Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI” named after V.I. Ulyanov (Lenin) students consume nicotine-containing products. Men from the medical university smoke cigarettes significantly more often than women, or use nicotine-containing products, as well as a combination of both. No similar gender differences were found at the technical university. Female doctors used ES more often than women from a technical university at the beginning of smoking (p 0.05). Men at a medical university started using nicotine-containing products more often than women, considering them the least dangerous to health (p 0.05). The example of friends was the most common reason for starting smoking among respondents from both universities (43.9 and 30.8%, respectively). Common risk factors for smoking any product among students of North-Western State Medical University and LETI were boyfriend/girlfriend smoking, smoking among one’s immediate environment. Studying in senior years was a protective factor for girls at a medical university in comparison with students at a technical university (odds ratio 0.48). CONCLUSIONS: The data obtained on the lower prevalence of tobacco smoking among medical university students compared to technical students may indirectly indicate the latter’s insufficient knowledge about the harmful effects of tobacco smoking on the body. The high prevalence of nicotine-containing products consumption in universities of various fields of study and the lack of significant differences in the share of their consumers can also be interpreted as an underestimation of the health risks of new smoking products. This requires adjustments to educational programs in order to increase students’ awareness of the potential health hazards not only of smoking cigarettes, but also of using any nicotine-containing products.

Prevalence of smoking and consumption of nicotine-containing products among students of medical and technical universities (PROTECT)

BACKGROUND: The article presents data of the study “Prevalence of smoking and consumption of nicotine-containing products among students of medical and technical universities” (PROTEСT), carried out in 2023 at North-Western State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikov and Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University (LETI) named after V.I. Ulyanov (Lenin).
 AIM: To study the prevalence and patterns of consumption of tobacco and nicotine-containing products, attitudes to smoking behaviour.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study of a random sample of student groups included 1105 respondents.
 RESULTS: The average age of respondents was 20.7 ± 2.0 years, 44.3% were men. 6.8% of participants smoked cigarettes; more often men than women (9.4 vs. 4.7%, p 0.01). The prevalence of nicotine-containing products consumption was 15.7%. There were no differences by gender (men 15.7% and women 15.8%). The use of a combination of cigarettes and nicotine-containing products was noted by 6.6% of students, which led to increase the tobacco smokers number to 13.4%; and the number of people consuming nicotine-containing products to 22.4%. The main reason for starting smoking/consuming nicotine-containing products was the example of friends (in 35.8 and 34% of cases). The reason for the start of smoking and consuming nicotine-containing products were problems in school and family among 21.1% of women and 6.6% of men (p 0.05), and nicotine-containing products by 16.0% of women and 5.7% of men (p 0.05). The majority of consumers of cigarettes and nicotine-containing products combination (38.4%) use them in a 20/80 ratio. Among the respondents, the proportion of smoking relatives is 40.3%, friends — 66.2%, classmates/dormitory neighbors — 71.9%.
 CONCLUSIONS: A reduction in tobacco smoking and an increase in the proportion of people using nicotine-containing products and their combination with tobacco, as well as the absence of gender differences in nicotine-containing products consumption, indicates a change in the smoking behavior of students and increases the risk of developing nicotine addiction and harmful health consequences. Differences in the motivation for starting smoking/using nicotine-containing product among men and women requires more detailed study.

Contribution of the Scientific School of Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University in the Field of Optimal Discrete Signal Design

Introduction. Numerous modern infocommunication systems are based on the spread spectrum technology, i. e., on the use of signals with a large bandwidth-duration product. Many such systems implement discrete signals, which are sequences of standard pulses manipulated in phase and amplitude. The design of code sequences for such signals is a fairly knowledge-intensive task requiring a serious mathematical apparatus. This review presents the results of Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University school in the field of synthesis of code sequences with ideal or nearly ideal autocorrelation, as well as code ensembles for CDMA networks. Aim. To acquaint the reader with the results of long-term research carried out by Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University school in the field of discrete signal design. Materials and methods. The materials under review included the publications of specialists from the Radio System Department of Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University and those published by domestic and foreign researchers on the corresponding topics. The major focus was to review the most theoretically significant texts published in leading domestic and foreign journals over the past four decades, leaving applied studies, copyright certificates and patents outside the scope of the review. At the same time, the review included those foreign publications of applied nature that are significant for the development of information and communication projects. Results. The reviewed publications significantly expand the range of discrete signals that are promising for wireless infocommunication applications. Conclusion. Solutions of a number of the studied topical problems to design sequences with the necessary metric properties are of an original nature and great practical importance.

Motivational Portrait of Digital Generation Applicant

Introduction. The relevance of the topic is due to the need to develop principles and methods of sociological support for the process of professional self-determination of young people in the digital environment. The article presents the results of studies of socioprofessional aspirations, value orientations and motivation for acquiring a profession among modern applicants. An analysis was made of some cognitive features of school graduates that influence their choice of specialization and university.Methodology and sources. The methodological base included the activity theories of motivation by A.N. Leontiev and L.S. Vygotsky, the psychology of the attitude of D.N. Uznadze, modern sociological studies of the rational choice of a university by applicants (L. Abdrakhmanova, E. Nikonova, J. Kinzie, M. Palmer, J. Hayek, D. Hossler, S.A. Jacob et al.). To solve the problems of analyzing the construction of the reality of higher education with the help of visual images, the authors relied on the traditions of visual sociology.Results and discussion. The empirical basis for writing the article was the results of a seven-year monitoring (2015–2021) “Motives and factors for choosing a university by applicants for technical specialties” (N = 3700 people) of one of the leading universities in Russia – Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University. An analysis of the dynamics of the value-motivational portrait of young people showed that applicants belonging to generation Z are distinguished by mobilization motivation and pragmatic values. The hypothesis about the influence of the principle of obtaining the result “here and now” on the decisions made by future engineers from the digital generation was confirmed. The results obtained lead to the conclusion that in order to increase the level of professional motivation and attract generation Z to enroll in a university, a radical change in the field of communicative interaction from “offline” to “online” is necessary.Conclusion. In conclusion, the authors of the article, based on the results of their research, suggest some directions for the development of communication strategies in working with applicants of the digital generation, emphasizing that an important component of the success of the communication strategy of a modern university in interaction with young people is high-quality, fast and regular feedback using message visualization tools.

Neuromorphic Memristive Chips: Design and Technology

Memristive neuromorphic chips exploit a prospective class of novel functional materials (memristors) to deploy a new architecture of spiking neural networks for developing basic blocks of brain-like systems. Memristor-based neuromorphic hardware solutions for multi-agent systems are considered as challenges in frontier areas of chip design for fast and energy-efficient computing. As functional materials, metal oxide thin films with resistive switching and memory effects (memristive structures) are recognized as a potential elemental base for new components of neuromorphic engineering, enabling a combination of both data storage and processing in a single unit. A key design issue in this case is a hardware defined functionality of neural networks. The gradient change of resistive properties of memristive elements and its non-volatile memory behavior ensure the possibility of spiking neural network organization with unsupervised learning through hardware implementation of basic synaptic mechanisms, such as Hebb's learning rules including spike — timing dependent plasticity, long-term potentiation and depression. This paper provides an overview of scientific researches carrying out at Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University "LETI" since 2014 in the field of novel electronic components for neuromorphic hardware solutions of brain-like chip design. Among the most promising concepts developed by ETU "LETI" are: the design of metal-insulator-metal structures exhibiting multilevel resistive switching (gradient tuning of resistive properties and bipolar resistive switching are combined together in a sin¬gle memristive element) for further use as artificial synaptic devices in neuromorphic chips; computing schemes for spatio-temporal pattern recognition based on spiking neural network architecture implementation; breadboard models of analogue circuits of hardware implementation of neuromorphic blocks for brain-like system developing.

Preface

Overview of the 18th International Scientific and Technical Conference Rapid Solidification Materials and Coatings A A Lozovan1 and D K Kostrin2 1Department of Materials and Materials Technology, Moscow Aviation Institute(National Research University) “MAI”, 121552, Orshanskaya, 3, Moscow, Russia 2Department of Electronic Instruments and Devices, Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI”, 197376, Professora Popova, 5, Saint Petersburg, RussiaE-mail: alexandr.lozovan@yandex.ru . In this preface the main results of the 18th International Scientific and Technical Conference Rapid Solidification Materials and Coatings that was held on 19–20 October 2021 in Moscow, Russia are discussed.From 19 to 20 October 2021, the 18th International Scientific and Technical Conference Rapid Solidification Materials and Coatings (RSMC–2021) was held at the Moscow Aviation Institute (National Research University).Despite the difficulties associated with the coronavirus pandemic, more than 100 specialists from leading universities, the Russian Academy of Sciences and Russian enterprises, as well as scientists from Ukraine and Belarus, took part in the Conference. For the successful holding of the Conference in a pandemic, all the necessary measures were taken to ensure the implementation of sanitary rules and standards for the protection of Conference participants.At the Conference the results, which were obtained in the last year after the previous Conference, of the theoretical and experimental studies on the physics of condensed matter, low-temperature plasma physics, electronic and ion-plasma surface modification, physical methods of film deposition and other studies obtained over the last year after the previous Conference.The main objects of these studies were superficiality and superficial phenomena. Therefore, to the development and improvement of methods of surface modification and coatings deposition, as well as methods of their research and development of modern surface treatment equipment was paid the greatest attention at the Conference.During the Conference more than 70 reports were presented, which were heard in the following, traditional Conference sections (figure 1):• section 1 – Rapid solidification materials;• section 2 – Methods of coating application and research;• section 3 – Laser, electron-beam and ion-plasma methods of surface modification;• section 4 – Composite materials and permanent joints;• section 5 – Works of young scientists.The Conference was opened by Alexander Vladimirovich Bespalov, Co-Chairman of the Director of the Department of Materials Science and Materials Technology of the Moscow Aviation Institute (National Research University), who emphasized the importance of developing research in the field of physical and physicochemical methods of obtaining and processing new materials and coatings for the aerospace industry. He also noted the achievements of the Institute’s scientists in the field of laser coating and fast solidification materials.List of Organizing Committee, Program Committee, Photos are available in this pdf.

О некоторых уроках дистанционного обучения

The coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic in Russia forced colleges and universities to switch to distance teaching and learning. The instructors had to make an emergency move to the remote methods of teaching using various platforms. In the course of the distance learning period in midst of an on-going pandemic, the instructors acquired valuable experience in on-line lecturing, administering tests, conducting tutorials, examination sessions, office hours, etc. Distance teaching called for new educational technologies that would provide the quality of education comparable to the in-person teaching. Compared to the traditional teaching, the time needed to prepare for classes has increased. However, it turned out that thanks to the technologies developed to facilitate high-quality distance interaction, many of the methodologies developed for distance learning can be quite useful in traditional (in-person) learning as well. Using a course in Linear Algebra and Algebraic Structures taught to the freshmen at Saint Petersburg Electro-technical University as an example, this article demonstrates that it is possible to use some of the communication technologies–based methodologies to enhance in-person learning.

Main Results of the 27th International Conference on Vacuum Technique and Technology (VTT2020)

In this preface the main results of the 27th International Conference on Vacuum Technique and Technology (VTT2020) that was held on 27–29 October 2020 in Saint Petersburg, Russia are discussed.From 27 to 29 October 2020, the 27th International Conference on Vacuum Technique and Technology was held in the virtual form at the Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI”. The Conference was organized by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI” named after V I Ulyanov (Lenin), All-Russian Research Institute of Metrology named after D I Mendeleev, Institute of Problems of Mechanical Engineering of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russian Scientific and Technical Vacuum Society named after Academician S A Vekshinskiy, Peter the Great Saint Petersburg Polytechnic University, Euro-Asian Cooperation of National Metrology Institutes (COOMET), National Metrology Institute (TUBITAK UME, Turkey).List of Images, Organizing Committee, Program Committee, Members, are available in this pdf.

Radiographic method for assessing the quality of sugar beet seeds

Currently, sugar beet is the main source of sugar in the Russian Federation. The use in modern production of intensive technologies for the cultivation of sugar beets, the main requirement of which is sowing seeds to the final density, entails the improvement and development of methods for pre-sowing preparation of seed material with high sowing qualities - laboratory germination not lower than 90-95%, single germination - 97-99 %, high germination energy and resistance to pathogens. Therefore, the problem of improving the quality of seeds is one of the most important tasks of crop production. The traditional assessment of the sowing qualities of selected seed samples is carried out according to standard methods in laboratory conditions, and further studies of this material become impossible. An alternative method for studying the qualitative characteristics of seeds is the non-destructive method of microfocus X-ray, which makes it possible to identify various anomalies in seed development and to study the relationship between the features of hidden structural defects of seeds and their biological properties. The uniqueness of the method lies in the fact that the biological and economic significance of defects and developmental anomalies can be identified from X-ray images of captured seeds with subsequent study and comparison with the results of plant growth and development. The purpose of the performed studies was the development of a promising X-ray technique for assessing the quality of sugar beet seeds. As a result of many years of joint research of the employees of the «Russian Scientific research institute of sugar beet and sugar» and Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University "LETI", X-ray signs were determined, which made it possible to assess their viability by the image of seeds. All radiographic signs were conventionally divided into positive and negative. Positive traits characterize the structure of normally fulfilled viable seeds, negative ones indicate the presence of developmental defects.

Advertising and Public Relations Professional Education in the Regions of Russia: Educational Organizations Branding Issues

Introduction. The Russian higher education market in the sphere of Public Relations and Advertising is represented in the paper. The basic approach to the market is shaped by the vision on higher education in the frame of service paradigm. The need to analyze and implement professional communication activities while promoting university education organizations is stressed by the authors. A special attention is put to the necessity of professional communication technologies, such as branding, their application to universities, because it influence such institutions managerial efficiency, helps to systemize a share of their voice, and it is already the necessity for the present day society.Methodology and sources. Theoretical and methodological basis of the paper was composed by scientific works of Russian researchers in the field of university branding, brand-management, including papers on Russian Federation regional universities branding. Empirical study base was designed by materials of regional leading universities, which give higher education in PR and Advertising. Underlying rationale for defining the leadership were the following: number of state-funded student places; 1st year students’ unified national exam results; the dynamics of prospective students in PR and Advertising on tuition payment basis enrollment. Russian regions, the most of enrollees are coming from to Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University, were also unveiled. The elements of value-based branding platforms of departments responsible for Public Relations and Advertising education in regional leading higher education institutions are also brought in focus.Results and discussion. Empirical study revealed that PR and Advertising education departments of the universities studied did not fulfill their scientific and methodological potential in practice to the full extent. The education institutions examined in the research mostly communicate their objective quantitative indicators positioning Public Relations and Advertising education rather than core value messages. Thus it does not seem possible to typify these communication components as examples of branding process and brand element of university. It would help to structure the market share and influence positively on university promotion.Conclusion. Following the results of the study the authors conclude the necessity to apply communication technologies of brand development and brand management for structuring the market share and influencing positively on university promotion. It directly impacts on education institutions managerial efficiency and proves its relevance to modern society.

The peculiarities of remote defense of graduate thesis at the university

The subject of this research is the examination of peculiarities organization of the work of the state exam board with regards to remote defense of graduate thesis at the university, and possible ways to overcome the emerging difficulties. The article utilizes and analyzes the data of scientific publications and generalized practical experience of the authors participating in the state exam board and its organization. The analysis involved 48 Master’s Degree graduates and 61 Bachelor’s Degree graduates of the Department of Biotechnical Systems of Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University. The cloud-based platform was used for holding remote online video conferences and Zoom meetings in the extended version. The novelty of this study lies in comprehensive examination of such aspects as preparation of the state exam board, information materials, general procedure for remote thesis defense, peculiarities of issuing grades, need for demarcation of responsibilities between the members of boar, changes in in the work of the members of state exam board, its chairman and secretary. Special attention is given to the methods for preventing violations in technical support of remote thesis defense and measures for ensuring their security. The conclusion is made that the proper organization can help to successfully overcome the difficulties emerge thereof.

Speech and Music Acoustics, Rhythms of the Brain and their Impact on the Ability to Accept Information

Introduction. A radical tendency in modern approaches to understanding the mechanisms of the brain is the tendency of some scientists to believe that the brain is a receptor capable of capturing thoughts; the nature of the occurrence of the thoughts themselves, however, is not to be clarified. However, speech expressing thoughts is undoubtedly the result of the work of the brain, so studies of the frequency structure of speech can be the basis for considering the material structure of the brain as a kind of “antenna”. In this approach, the problem of noise protection against the background of the undeniable frequency similarity of speech and music appears to us from somewhat different positions. This study raises the question of how essential the overall height of the musical system is to the perception of music (are there musical systems that are harmful or useful, in terms of their effects on the psyche). This question is also relevant to speech perception.Methodology and sources. The main sources in which the work of the brain and the essence of consciousness are considered from the positions indicated above were for us the work of American and British neurophysiologists and psychiatrists (Sam Parnia, Peter Fenwick). These scientists are studying the phenomena that accompany clinical death, and argue that at these moments the brain functions to the greatest extent as a receiving “antenna”. Assuming that any antenna is to be tuned, we are trying to identify possible ways to “tune” the brain. To do this, we propose to study the frequency characteristics of speech (in the simplest case, when singing vowels in a calm state) for their belonging to a particular musical system, as well as the peculiarities of music perception depending on the musical system (on the height of the note “la”). Varying the frequency characteristics of speech in a particular musical system can be considered, in our opinion, the main way to “tune” the brain. The methodology of the method is based on the use of frequency analysis of sound and the basic provisions of the elementary theory of music.Results and discussion. The main conclusion made by Western psychiatrists is the brain is not an organ of thought, consciousness exists independently from outside, the work of consciousness cannot be explained by the functioning of the brain – it requires a hardware check. If the neural network is an “antenna” that captures thoughts, and its “adjustment” at the physical level can be carried out (and is carried out) through sensory systems (including the hearing organ), the study of the frequency structure of speech will answer a number of important questions, including including related and higher brain functions (insight, creativity). Our experiments (Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University, FIBS, department of EUT) showed that the influence of the “increased” or “lowered” musical-speech system on brain activity is insignificant. The study revealed the equiprobability of the frequency structure of speech. Since our brain lacks some characteristic set of frequencies – elements of a uniformly temperamental system, it is not necessary to talk about the harmful (or any other noise) effect of the “raised” and “lowered” systems due to deviation from the “internal standard”.Conclusion. In response to the assumptions made by Western experts, we proposed a frequency interpretation of the processes occurring in the brain, which, perhaps, will explain in more detail such phenomena as inspiration, discovery, etc., which occur with minimal activity of consciousness. Despite the limited methods of hardware study of factors that influence the activity of the brain and largely determine its higher functions (for example, creativity), the results of the brain's work in relation to music (both in terms of its creation and in terms of our reaction to it) are quite analyzable , which was shown in this study. The “musicality” of speech is extremely vividly represented in its frequency structure and allows one to reveal, to one degree or another, the features of the brain.

Use of laser technologies for restoration, documentation and replication of sculptural monuments in Saint Petersburg

This paper presents a brief overview of the most important case studies concerned with the use of laser techniques for documentation, replication and reconstruction of outdoor sculptural monuments in Saint Petersburg, Russia. These studies have been conducted by a research group of scientists, students and PhD students from Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University (LETI), in cooperation with specialists from museums and private restoration companies. It is shown that the combined use of 3D laser scanning, computer modelling, computer numerical control (CNC) milling machines and additive technologies opens up a new perspective in cultural heritage preservation.

Preface

Overview of the 16th International Scientific and Technical Conference Rapid Solidification Materials and CoatingsA A Lozovan1 and D K Kostrin21Department of Materials and Materials Technology, Moscow Aviation Institute (National Research University) “MAI”, 121552, Orshanskaya, 3, Moscow, Russia2Department of Electronic Instruments and Devices, Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI”, 197376, Professora Popova, 5, Saint Petersburg, RussiaE-mail: alexandr.lozovan@yandex.ru. This review discusses the key features and main results of the 16th International Scientific and Technical Conference Rapid Solidification Materials and Coatings, which took place on October 15–16, 2019 in Moscow.List of Photographs also available in this Pdf.

Ball on the plate balancing control system

The problem of balancing is a continuous study challenge for application in many spheres of interest from education to transportation. Two-degree of freedom ball balancing laboratory test bench is an important plant for control systems understanding. This paper focuses on the mechanical design and control algorithm of balancing a ball on a plate. The plant was equipped with resistive touch screen for ball position data acquisition, stepper motors with position sensors for platform inclination angle feedback data and AVR microcontroller-based two-loop subordinate control system with PID controllers for ball position maintaining. The laboratory bench was designed and assembled in Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI” at the Automatic control systems department.

Main Results of the 26th International Conference on Vacuum Technique and Technology (VTT2019)

D K Kostrin, S A Martsinukov and N N PotrakhovSaint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI”, 197376, Saint Petersburg, RussiaE-mail: dkkostrin@mail.ru. In this preface the main results of the 26th International Conference on Vacuum Technique and Technology (VTT2019) that was held on 18–20 June 2019 in Saint Petersburg, Russia are discussed.From 18 to 20 June 2019, the 26th International Conference on Vacuum Technique and Technology was held in Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI” (figure 1). The Conference was organized by:• Ministry of science and higher education;• Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI”;• D. I. Mendeleyev Institute for Metrology (VNIIM);• Russian Scientific and Technical Vacuum Society;• Regional International Organization “Euro-Asian Cooperation of State Metrological Institutions” (COOMET).

Implementing Sino-Russian Educational Programs for Training Chinese Engineers

Introduction. The relevance of this study is determined by the gradual expansion of contacts between the PRC and the Russian Federation in the educational sphere and the need to improve the national education systems. The purpose of the article is to identify methodological problems in organizing Sino-Russian educational programs for training engineers for the People’s Republic of China and to propose the optimal solution to these problems. Materials and Methods. In considering the problems of organization of the educational process for joint Sino-Russian educational programs, we use empirical methods: description, content analysis, comparison and synthesis. A survey of teaching staff and students was conducted. Students and teachers, who took part in the joint program of Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University and Xuzhou University of Technology were selected to be interviewed. The survey also involved teaching staff and students of Jiangsu Pedagogical University. Results. We will suggest recommendations for the development of joint programs, the purpose of which is to prepare highly qualified engineers for the People’s Republic of China. These recommendations will improve the educational process, the quality of the professional training of Chinese students, enhance their level of proficiency in the Russian language. Our results suggest that to improve the quality of training of Chinese engineers who receive two diplomas, it is necessary to take into account the motives of Chinese students, their cognitive style of learning, the used learning strategies and the national characteristics of the Chinese education system. Discussion and Conclusion. The results of this study may be useful to educators involved in collaboration activities between educational institutions of different countries. Following the proposed recommendations, we expect teachers in special subjects to easily write textbooks, including digital ones that suit the topical students’ needs and enable teaching staff efficiency.

15th International Scientific and Technical Conference Rapid Solidification Materials and Coatings (RSMC-2018)

A A Lozovan1 and D K Kostrin21 Department of Materials and Materials Technology, Moscow Aviation Institute (National Research University) “MAI”, 121552, Orshanskaya, 3, Moscow, Russia2 Department of Electronic Instruments and Devices, Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI”, 197376, Professora Popova, 5, Saint Petersburg, RussiaE-mail: alexandr.lozovan@yandex.ru. This review discusses the key features and main results of the 15th International Scientific and Technical Conference Rapid Solidification Materials and Coatings, which took place on October 16–17, 2018 in Moscow.Figure 1. Working sessions of the Conference.Plenary reports of the Conference were devoted to theoretical and practical aspects of rapid solidification, surface modification and coatings deposition technologies. The issues of development of technologies and equipment for vacuum-plasma surface modification for the creation of highlyreliable precision friction units of a new generation, the laws of carbon fiber surface corrugation by high-dose ion irradiation, the study of the structure of magnesium alloys obtained by rapid solidification of the melt on a rotating heat sink were discussed. Reports on the analysis of materials under ion-beam excitation of X-ray fluorescence and the study of nanostructured gradient coating with an upper layer of hafnium oxide aroused great interest.In a number of reports new variants of magnetron sputtering systems were presented, including inverted, the characteristics and principles of coatings deposition on their basis were given, including the application of composite multi-layer coatings on substrates of complex shape. Thermal processes in hot-target magnetron assemblies and conditions of operation of the magnetron with a sandwich target were discussed. A number of reports were devoted to the study of the parameters of oxide layers formed by plasma-electrolytic oxidation.Considerable attention was paid to reports on the use of vacuum-arc discharge for the application of wear-resistant coatings, as well as ion-plasma modification of various carbon materials, in particular – modification of carbon fabric Busofit T-040. The features of graphite erosion under high-temperature ion irradiation were presented.In part of the reports on improving the efficiency of metallurgical technologies, the processes of high-temperature interaction of the liquid metal phase with the surface of a solid body and solid-phase interaction in the creation of metal-ceramic composites were considered.Great interest of participants was aroused by the reports on the analysis of layered inhomogeneous samples by spectroscopy of reflected electrons and modeling the generation of flows of neutral atoms in the channel rays of the glow discharge.Figure 2. Summing up the results of the 15th International Scientific and Technical Conference Rapid Solidification Materials and Coatings.In summing up the results of the conference (figure 2), the participants noted the high level of reports on topical issues of the formation of physical and physico-chemical methods of surface layers of products with desired properties, the creation of industrial equipment and the development of new technological processes. Thus, the 15th International Scientific and Technical Conference Rapid Solidification Materials and Coatings (RSMC–2018) contributed to the further development of this scientific and applied area of research and expansion of professional relations of the participating scientists.

25th International Conference on Vacuum Technique and Technology

Overview of the 25th International Conference on Vacuum Technique and TechnologyD K KostrinDepartment of electronic instruments and devices, Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI”, 197376, Saint Petersburg, RussiaE-mail: dkkostrin@mail.ru. In this overview key features and main results of the 25th International Conference on Vacuum Technique and Technology that was held on 5–7 June 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia are discussed.From 5 to 7 June 2018 the 25th anniversary International Conference on Vacuum Technique and Technology was held in the Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI”. The Conference was organized by the Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI” together with the Peter the Great Saint Petersburg Polytechnic University, All-Russian Research Institute of Metrology n. a. D. I. Mendeleev, Euro-Asian Cooperation of National Metrological Institutions (COOMET) and Russian Scientific and Technical Vacuum Society n. a. Academician S. A. Vekshinskii.The aim of the Conference was to review the results of research in the field of vacuum physics, vacuum measurement, mass spectrometry and tightness control. The Conference was attended by over 80 specialists from leading universities, research institutes and enterprises of Russia, as well as representatives of the scientific community from Ukraine and Turkey.

4th International Conference on X-ray and Electrovacuum Technique

N N Potrakhov, A Yu Gryaznov, A A Lisenkov and D K KostrinDepartment of electronic instruments and devices, Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI”, 197376, Saint Petersburg, RussiaE-mail: kzhamova@gmail.com. In this preface key features of the 4th International Conference on X-ray and Electrovacuum Technique that was held on 23–24 November 2017 in Saint Petersburg, Russia are discussed.On 23–24 November 2017 the representatives of the leading manufacturers of X-ray equipment, universities and research organizations gathered in the walls of the Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI” to discuss the latest ideas, developments and achievements in the industry.The organizer of the 4th International Conference on X-ray and Electrovacuum Technique was Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI” with the support of CJSC “Svetlana-X-Ray”, OJSC SPC “Burevestnik”, CJSC “ELTECH-Med”, Saint Petersburg Scientific and Research Institute of Radiation Hygiene n. a. Professor P. V. Ramzaev, Moscow State Technical University of Radioengineering, Electronics and Automation, All-Russian Scientific, Research and Test Institute of Medical Equipment, CJSC “SRPC Elektron”, CJSC “AMICO”, LLC “Diagnostika-M”, CJSC “Medical Technologies Ltd”, LLC “Spektroflesh”, LLC “Sintez NPF”, LLC “Flash electronics”.