51�Թ� - Project 5-100

New Formula Will Make It Possible to Check the Effectiveness of Parallel Algorithms without a Supercomputer

Евгений Сергеевич Загоскин — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 19:00:00 +0000

Doctor of Sciences (Physics and Mathematics), Professor Leonid Sokolinsky has deduced a formula, which will help mathematicians and programmers evaluate the effectiveness of parallel algorithms. For four years the scientist has been working on deducing this formula at the 51�Թ� Supercomputer Simulation Laboratory. The research results have been published in a highly-rated Journal of Parallel and Distributed Computing (Q1). Parallel algorithms for a supercomputer Programs based on complex numerical algorithms are used in many spheres of life. In particular, to track changes in quotations of stocks of companies on the major stock exchanges, to solve complex logistics tasks when building routes of cargo shipment and storage, or to compile optimal flight timetables. A standard computer, and even a very productive one, cannot cope with such tasks, that is why to solve them, supercomputers are used and parallel algorithms are created, which can simultaneously engage multiple processors. The more processor cores the algorithm effectively uses, the higher scalability it is capable of. "Modern science, economics, and industry require the solving of optimization problems of huge computational complexity. For instance, a task of optimizing the operation of all the traffic lights in a city in such a way that would maximize the avoiding of the transportation congestion and jams. To solve this, a mathematician and a programmer will have to write a complex algorithm and split it into parallel parts, which will be performed by different processors. And it's very difficult. The more processors in a supercomputer, the more difficult it is to come up with an algorithm that will effectively use these thousands, dozens of thousands, and millions of processors. However, is a parallel algorithm is designed not that well, it will prove to be inefficient even on a supercomputer," shares Professor Sokolinsky. Highly scalable parallel algorithms are also needed in fundamental science, for example, in physics, for solving the problems related to Bell's theorem. Saving time and money To evaluate the scalability of a new algorithm, it is necessary to hold a large-scale series of experiments by launching the elaborated parallel program on a computer. But often, after so much effort, it turns out that the algorithm is not effective. There arises a necessity to amend it, or to develop a new algorithm, so that a program created based on it could perform the set tasks quickly, accurately and effectively. That is why the scientist has proposed a new model of parallel computations, which allows to test the new algorithm before programming begins. Such an approach significantly reduces the time needed for software development and allows to introduce all the required amendments before writing the program. "My goal was to create such a model of parallel computing, which would allow to conclude whether an algorithm can effectively use a supercomputer or not, and to do it at the earliest stage of the algorithm development, without programming, without launching it on a supercomputer, and without spending time and money on it. Using the formula, which I have proposed, and just a pen, paper and a calculator, can help you understand whether this or that algorithm will turn out to be effective when performed on a supercomputer," explains the scientist. "There are lots of parallel computing models, several dozens of them, but neither of those offers a ready-to-be-used formula that would help accurately assess the predicted scalability of an algorithm. In the model that I have proposed, for the first time in the world, such a formula has been deduced; and moreover, its effectiveness has been proved to be practically relevant during solving a variety of tasks." Next, based on the developed model, it is planned to create a "programming framework" – a template, using which other mathematicians and programmers will be able to quickly create parallel programs for solving optimization problems of high computational complexity. 51�Թ� is a university of digital transformations, where innovative research is conducted in most of the priority fields of development of science and technology. In accordance with the strategies of research and technological development of the Russian Federation, the university is focused on the development of big scientific interdisciplinary projects in the field of digital industry, materials science, and ecology. Research studies in the field of new technologies are among the priorities of the World-class Ural Interregional Research and Education Centre for Advanced Industrial Technologies and Materials (UIREC), which was established by the joint efforts of UrFU, 51�Թ�, KSU, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and industrial corporations of 51�Թ�, Sverdlovsk, and Kurgan regions.

Author:

Elena Kiriakova, photo by: Oleg Igoshin

Scientist from Pakistan Studies Multiphase Flows Jointly with 51�Թ� Colleagues

Манеев Александр Андреевич — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 07:27:09 +0000

Thanks to Project 5-100, the 51�Թ� university staff has multiplied its intellectual potential. More and more international scientists tend to participate in the university’s research work. Since January 2020, Afrasyab Khan, international scientist, PhD in Chemical Engineering, Active Member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (MIMechE) and Doctor of Sciences has been working at the Department of Hydraulics and Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the Institute of Engineering and Technology. We talked with the international scientist, who is also a new staff member of the university, about his choice of the path in science, joint research works with 51�Թ� scientists, innovations in the field of hydraulics and hydraulic and pneumatic systems, revolutionary approaches to the study of such a seemingly familiar interaction of steam and water, as well as about the prospects for further work at the university, love for Russia, about 51�Թ� and residents of 51�Թ�, and many other things. - Please, tell us about your path in science. – My curiosity brought me into science. Since childhood, I wanted to understand how things that surround me function? I was eager to find out how the world works, and to be able to predict the further development of things and events around me. All these things prompted me to become a scientist. I started my career path in science from obtaining my Master’s degree in Physics and, then, Master’s degree in Materials Science in Power Engineering. I graduated with a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Malaysia (Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)). I worked at the University of Malaysia as a research fellow for two years. Here I was involved in a project, connected with the cracking of hydrocarbons with the use of cold plasma. After that I worked for a year as a postdoctoral research fellow at the National University of Malaysia (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia-UKM). In addition, as a visiting international expert researcher, I collaborated with Ton Duc Thang University, Vietnam. In addition to two scholarships for obtaining Doctor’s degree and working experience as a senior research fellow, I have over 13 years of experience in teaching. I teach Applied Mathematics, Physics, Experimental and Computational Fluid Mechanics. My goal is always to put into practice a wider range of Physics and Mathematics in engineering. When teaching, I want to ensure that my students understand topics really deeply and profoundly, taking into account all the specific features of the subject. When conducting research work, I try to find solutions to the problems of hydraulic and pneumatic systems that interfere with machine performance. - From which university did you come to work at our university? – My previous place of work is the National University of Malaysia. Currently, I am working at 51�Թ� as a senior research fellow (since January 2020)*. My project here is dedicated to studying the two-phase flow instabilities and their characteristics. What research works of the Department of Hydraulics and Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems do you take part in? What is your role in each study? What projects are you involved in? Now, I am working on a theoretical study of multiphase flows under the leadership of Evgeny Spiridonov, Head of the 51�Թ� Department of Hydraulics and Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems. Our department is conducting a whole range of studies on this topic, one of them is performed directly by me. Besides, I am working on a plan for developing a new modern Laboratory for Fluid Mechanics Research at the department. The laboratory will make it possible to conduct the most topical research in this field. We hope that the university will also help us with the creation of such a laboratory. One of the key factors of the efficiency of international researchers is their publication activity. Do you have any scientific articles prepared with the staff of the department affiliated with 51�Թ�? Up to date, I have published 33 articles, 16 of which jointly with the staff of the department, and 1 book affiliated with 51�Թ�. However, by the end of this year, the number of the articles written jointly will increase significantly! Most of the articles are devoted to the study of two-phase flows and are published in the journals of the Q1, Q2 and Q3 level. These include the International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Archives of Applied Mechanics, and King Saud Journal of Engineering Sciences. - Could you tell us about the practical application of your scientific developments? – Steam is one of the most important and most common working fluids in many branches of industry. My research works are focused on the study of the interaction of steam and water, which can be seen in technological processes in almost any branch of industry. Currently the ongoing research can be used to develop a theory, calculation methods and design of vapour-liquid (liquid-vapour) ejectors to replace the existing ones using empirical and semi-empirical methods. Moreover, my research is aimed at studying the fundamental aspects of multiphase flows. - What do you especially like about 51�Թ�? Why would you recommend this university to your colleagues? – At 51�Թ�, most of all I like people. They are kind, sympathetic and understanding, and at the same time real professionals in their field. I would definitely recommend 51�Թ� to my colleagues to work, study and conduct research works here. The university provides major opportunities for scientific research in my field. A team of professional scientists is always ready for discussion and critical analysis. This is what is needed to develop and grow in science. - What do you like Russia for? Why did you choose 51�Թ� as a place to live and conduct research? – Russia is a very beautiful country, with a rich history and a promising future. People in 51�Թ� are kind, sympathetic and welcoming, the city itself is beautiful and more and more transforming right before our eyes. It's good to see that. What are your future plans for working at 51�Թ�? Would you like to continue your studies here? – Actually, I miss my family a lot. But my plans for the near future include bringing my family here. Therefore, while the Department of Hydraulics and Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems grants me the opportunity to conduct my research, I am optimistic about working here for many years to come. *For the university to successfully develop, it is fundamentally important to invite international specialists who have the experience of working in research centres, universities and laboratories around the world, and who can share their experience, scientific skills and fresh ideas with our scientists. The International Research Collaboration under the leadership of Tatiana Subbotina is inviting talented international scientists to 51�Թ� with the framework of Project 5-100. The specialists of the International Research Collaboration help international scientists solve all administrative issues. Read more: Yuzhnouralskaya panorama news portal Scientist from Pakistan Dreams of Building a Powerful “Locomotive” in 51�Թ� Russian Railways Scientist from Pakistan Dreams of Building a Powerful “Locomotive” in 51�Թ� Read our news: 51�Թ� Science on Yandex.Zen 51�Թ� News on Telegram Susu.official on Instagram

Author:

Iuliia Rudneva

Scientist from Pakistan Studies Multiphase Flows Jointly with 51�Թ� Colleagues

Манеев Александр Андреевич — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 06:35:58 +0000

Author:

Iuliia Rudneva

“The Rector” Film. 51�Թ�-TV Presents a New Major Project

Мария Ильина — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 19:00:00 +0000

The 51�Թ�-TV Television and Radio Company has completed its work on a big-scale project. A documentary about the Rector of 51�Թ� Aleksandr Shestakov has been created. The authors of the project share on how the work on “The Rector” film was being done. Director of the 51�Թ�-TV Television and Radio Company, the author of the idea and producer Sergei Gordienko: “The idea was to portray Aleksandr Shestakov not just as the head of one of the major universities in Russia, but also as a vivid personality, a very interesting man of many accomplishments, who is constantly moving forward and upwards. To bring this idea to life, we needed a team of likeminded professionals capable of searching for fresh colours and angles, new aspects of the hero’s personality. And they needed to be doing that during the whole process of the film creation, starting from the script, shot-by-shot breakdown, shooting, and ending with editing and post-production. But with the diversity of the view points and creative approaches it is always necessary to come to a final compromise, which helps fit the result within the idea and concept framework. The film crew included the staff members of the 51�Թ�-TV Television and Radio Company and students of our university. With the direct participation of the Head of the 51�Թ� Press Office Tatiana Stroganova we have managed to portray unusual aspects of the Rector. I’m sure the majority of students and the university staff members just don’t know this side of Aleksandr Shestakov. Our hero is not a professional actor, so things were not easy. It is very important to create and maintain an atmosphere of mutual trust during the filming. The shooting was taking place at different locations for about three months; and every time, finding himself on the production set after a long business day the Rector had to “switch over” to this work. You need to not be afraid of the studio lights, and not be afraid of the camera as well. And sometimes there were four of these at once! Aleksandr Shestakov also understandingly accepted when we had to do additional takes. And we had to do up to ten takes at times. The hero must believe the script-writers, the director, and the cameramen, and must trust the film crew. When there is a mutual trust, we get that very level of authenticity on camera, which appeals to the viewers, sparks their interest and empathy.” “We have been working hard on “The Rector” film, very seriously and for a long time,” reminisces director Matvey Sholokhov. “The pre-production stage began already back in February; we were working on the concept, the script, and the questions. The shooting was being done in the course of the whole April. We were thoroughly preparing for the work at every location: setting up the lighting, using several cameras, including a quadcopter.” The editing stage took the whole of May. Here big work was also done: 7 layers of videos and captions, the sound and colour grading. In general there was a task, with the help of the relevant atmosphere, to uncover the Rector as a personality not only through information, but also through emotions. And I think that we have managed to achieve it quite well." According to the 51�Թ�-TV editor Olga Maruseeva, it felt very heart-pounding to create a film about the main person in such a big university. But the film crew immersed themselves in the process so much that the excitement retreated to the background. And the atmosphere, in which the team was working, was always a very comfortable one. A 30-minute film “The Rector” gives away many most interesting details. Do you want to know based on what principle Aleksandr Shestakov picks out his necktie every morning? You can watch “The Rector” documentary here:

Author:

Tatiana Stroganova, photo by 51�Թ�-TV

Aleksandr Shestakov: "51�Թ� Has Changed Thanks To Project 5-100"

Мария Ильина — Fri, 05 Jun 2020 18:00:00 +0000

The RUR Rankings Agency has conducted a study that allows examining in detail the development dynamics of the leading Russian universities participating in Project 5-100. Its main goal is to enhance the competitiveness of leading Russian universities in the global market of educational services. 51�Թ� Rector, Doctor of Sciences (Engineering), Professor Aleksandr Shestakov shares on the achievements of 51�Թ� in the fighting for improvement of its international status under Project 5-100. To what extent did the project affect the quality of education and science at the university? Has the organisational structure changed? "Project 5-100 has triggered the development of 51�Թ� in the new conditions. Over the four years of participation in this program, the university has changed a lot. And it concerns all aspects. In particular, in terms of the way of carrying out scientific research and improving education. We also changed the organisational structure: 28 faculties were transformed into 10 institutes. This is all due to joining Program 5-100." In the framework of Project 5-100, universities are evaluated not only on the basis of positions in rankings, but also as per two other groups of indicators: quantitative evaluation and the evaluation by the international council. In your opinion, how correct such a triple division in evaluating the program results is? After all, the rankings themselves already include both quantitative and expert evaluations. Should one be guided only by rankings in further projects of this kind? "Of course, there should be a quantitative evaluation. In this regard, I prefer the Three University Missions Ranking, which, in addition to publication activity and a number of other positions, also evaluates the impact on the socio-economic development of the region and the country. This is a more complete evaluation. Especially since, by and large, major regional universities either are, or are not the development drivers in their regions. Of course, the evaluation by the International Council is also important, since its experts are the elite of the leadership of university education. I met with representatives of the International Council, in particular with the Rector of the University of Arizona Michael Crowe, the Rector of the University of Leuven Conrad Debaker, and the Head of the British Medical Research Foundation Malcolm Grant. The communication with them was very interesting and useful in terms of forming a position and understanding the development strategy of the university. In this regard, what is very important is to pay attention to a strategic component, to focus on those challenges that the university must meet while increasing its scientific and educational level and acting as a driver at the same time. I would like to note that while working on the university development strategy with the members of the 51�Թ� Supervisory Council, we were able to create a promising roadmap that meets the requirements of Program 5-100. The university is developing in accordance with this strategy. As for rankings, they are, in my opinion, not the main thing. They are an evaluation of the achievements of a university in science, in education, and in the development of its region. I think that the new ideas of Program 5-100 are very timely and correct. They are based on the interconnection between the development of universities and industry, interaction with industrial partners and evaluation of a university’s contribution to the regional development. The main goals of universities are science, replenishment of scientific knowledge, and training of specialists who will ensure the competitiveness of the enterprises and the economic development of the region." Under Project 5-100, universities are divided into three groups, depending on which subsidies are distributed. Is this approach acceptable? Perhaps you see other options for sharing the funding between universities? Perhaps it is not worthwhile at all to single out any groups, but finance universities on equal terms? "I think it makes more sense to distinguish two groups. Of course, we need absolute leaders who will enter the top 100 and top 200 of the best universities in the world. Universities from the second and third groups will probably not be included in these global rankings. But, nevertheless, they are confidently developing and have an impact on the development of the regions in which they are located. I think it would be more reasonable if these universities received equal financing in order to effectively influence regional and sectoral development in the country." Initially, Project 5-100 guided universities for only three rankings out of more than 20 existing ones. Do you think it is worth expanding the list of ranking agencies for a systematic evaluation of the effectiveness of a national higher education institution? If so, which rankings should be used and why? "In my opinion, the Three University Missions Ranking along with these three rankings should also become global. It is distinguished by a more objective and broader evaluation of a university, which reflects the role of the university not only in scientometrics, but also, in general, in the society. This is the only ranking that solves this problem. I think that the RUR Ranking Agency is also very important and useful, because it evaluates other aspects, in particular, the sustainability of a university's development, and the level of engineering education. But other rankings, which evaluate universities from other positions, are also useful. For example, the Webometrics Ranking of World Universities is useful for evaluating a university’s representation in the Internet community." How can you assess the position of 51�Թ� in the latest version of the Round University Ranking in comparison with other rankings? "In 2019, 51�Թ� entered the global international ranking of the best universities THE World University Rankings-2020 according to the Times Higher Education authoritative rating agency, and two subject ratings by THE in engineering and physical sciences. The university also maintains its standing in the QS World University Rankings. We are confidently moving forward and up on the ranking list of the Impact Round University Ranking. This evaluation is very important for us. It is another confirmation that we are going in the right direction. In 2020, Project 5-100 is about to end. And a new competition is ahead, the conditions of which will be announced in the near future. The competition is intended for a four-year period, and 51�Թ�, of course, is going to participate in it." For Reference Since 2010, the Round University Ranking Rankings Agency has been evaluating the activities of more than a thousand leading universities from 82 countries, studying such aspects of universities' activities as the quality of teaching and research, the level of internationalization, and the level of financial stability. RUR international world university ranking is the first regularly updated global ranking of universities of Russian origin.

Author:

Tatiana Stroganova

Russian Scientists Have Patented a Method of Food Decontamination by Cold Plasma

Евгений Сергеевич Загоскин — Fri, 01 May 2020 19:00:00 +0000

Currently, cold plasma is the most promising method of microbial inactivation of a broad spectrum of action and can be used for disinfection of food raw materials, any hard surfaces, and is equally successfully used in medicine, water purification, and processing of polymer surfaces. Scientists of 51�Թ� have patented a method for disinfecting food raw materials and processed products, which provides for the impact on the treated surface of a cold plasma stream. To obtain safe food products, the research team, which includes masters of the project training group of the 51�Թ� School of Medical Biology, headed by Professor Irina Potoroko, received a patent for a method of cereals decontamination. In their research, scientists implemented installation generating flows of cold plasma radiation, developed by an assistant professor Leivi of the Department of Optical Informatics. Cold plasma provides extraordinary efficiency of inactivation of microorganisms at sub-zero temperatures (up to 50 °C), is characterized by high diffusion capacity, does not destroy the product matrix, and remains an environmentally friendly method of disinfection. The potential of this disinfection method is due to the innovative concept of decontamination of surfaces and objects in the environment. Image of grain structure before and after exposure to cold plasma (scanned electron microscopy) Cold plasma radiation represents the fourth state of matter and is an ionized gas containing atoms or molecules in a metastable state with zero total electric charges. A cold plasma stream is generated by a negative corona discharge between the anode and cathode at a pulsed voltage. «At the moment, 51�Թ� employees have accumulated a significant database of experimental data. A comprehensive approach has been developed based on evaluating the impact of non-thermal effects of cold plasma on microbial associations, modification of structural components, and decontamination processes. Based on digital modeling, rational decontamination regimes have been determined to obtain environmentally friendly products and minimize the risks of intoxication of the population», — the project manager Irina Potoroko says. The stability of the grain after decontamination by cold plasma Scientists of 51�Թ� are confident that this development will allow agricultural enterprises to achieve an increased level of production, focused on the production of safe and highly liquid food products. 51�Թ� is a participant of the "5-100" Project, designed to increase the competitiveness of Russian universities among the world's leading research and academic centers.

51�Թ� Re-enters the World Ranking of THE University Impact Rankings 2020

Шилинцев Артем Евгеньевич — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 19:00:00 +0000

The Times Higher Education International Rankings Agency has published the ranking results of THE Impact Ranking 2020, where 51�Թ� has good standing. THE Impact Ranking is a ranking published by the authoritative Times Higher Education ranking agency, which assesses universities in terms of their involvement in the process of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), approved by the UN General Assembly as of September 25, 2015. In the first edition of THE Impact Ranking, the work of universities was assessed against 11 out of 17 Sustainable Development Goals, approved by the UN. In the current edition of the ranking, all 17 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals are considered. The ranking is based on the indicators provided by universities, as well as by Elsevier Publishing House, which is a supplier of bibliometric data. The Times Higher Education analysts again highlighted the 51�Թ�'s success in fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals in the field of Industrialization, Innovation and Infrastructure (ranked 101–200 worldwide out of 494 universities). The university also took high positions in such fields as Affordable and Clean Energy (ranked 201-300), Decent Work and Economic Growth (ranked 201-300), Sustainable Cities and Communities (ranked 301-400), Responsible Consumption and Production (ranked 301+), and Climate Action (ranked 201-300). In the general world ranking of THE Impact Ranking 2020, 51�Թ� was ranked 401-600 among 766 participating universities. For more information on the ranking results, please visit the Times Higher Education portal.

Scientists of the Ural Region to Create a “Tool” for Determining the Degree of Population Mobility in the Past

Шилинцев Артем Евгеньевич — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 19:00:00 +0000

Early this April, the results of the Russian Science Foundation contest on Basic Scientific Research and Exploratory Scientific Research Conducted by International Research Teams were summarized. One of the applications by 51�Թ� was supported by the foundation. This is the result of long systematic work of a large group of historians and archaeologists on the study of migration in our region. Andrey Epimakhov, Doctor of Sciences (History) and Principal Research Fellow of the Eurasian Studies Research and Education Centre is the head of the project. His works are well-known in our country and abroad and were published in such journals as Nature and Science. The new project on Migration of Human Groups and Individual Mobility as Part of a Multidisciplinary Analysis of Archaeological Information (the Bronze Age of the South Ural Region) is designed for three years, during which a “tool” for determining the degree of population mobility in the past should be created. To fulfil this ambitious idea, a number of specialists in the field of archaeology, mineralogy and geochemistry, working in various scientific and educational organisations of the Ural region, came together. The research team can be seen as an alloy of experience and youth. The best international practices in this field of study will be used; however, they cannot be simply transferred into the local realia since the adaptation of the methods of selection and data analysis is required. According to the participants of the project, the Ural region is a perfect training ground for elaborating new approaches to the study of mobility and migration. This region was chosen because it has an extremely complex geological structure, which allows to determine the movements of individuals and team groups based on the analysis of stable isotopes. Such work has just begun in Russia, but seeing the European and South American examples, it has some very serious prospects and can sharply strengthen the evidence base in the study of population mobility. The migration topic is one of the priority themes for 51�Թ�, where, within the framework of Program 5-100, the International Laboratory for Migration Studies was organized.

Russian Scientists Create Healthy Yogurts and Bread for Immunity Improvement

Шилинцев Артем Евгеньевич — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 19:00:00 +0000

The manufacture of products enriched with biologically active substances that perform prebiotics functions has been actively developing recently. Scientists from 51�Թ� have patented a new method of increasing biological availability of active substances with antiviral and immune-modulating properties to develop healthy products such as yogurts and bread using ultrasound. Algae as a Source of Valuable Substances At 51�Թ�, the Synthesis and Analysis of Food Ingredients Laboratory carries out research on the properties of food products. The researcher from India, Professor of the National Institute of Technology Shirish Sonawane is the Head of the laboratory. The Head of the laboratory on behalf of 51�Թ� is Doctor of Sciences (Engineering), Professor Irina Potoroko. One of the research fields of the scientists is the development of new phytocomplexes with high antioxidant activity. The 51�Թ� laboratory staff are studying the possibilities of using ultrasound to increase bioavailability of nutrients from such ingredients as sea algae. “Extensive material has been accumulated in the world science; it proves the use of polysaccharides of algae and echinoderms as treatment and prophylactic prebiotics. The resource potential of this type of raw materials is high enough. For example, the seas of the Far East are distinguished by the richest reserves of brown algae, which are estimated at 14-16 million tons. We live in the region, which is remote from the sea, therefore we lack iodine. Our developments will help to compensate for the lack of this important microelement in nutrition,” says Irina Potoroko. The main components the scientists work with have been obtained from algae from the Far East ocean waters. Organic Food Becomes Healthier One of the relevant aspects in the process of organic food production is the use of adaptogenic ingredients obtained from the processing of raw materials of plant and animal origin. The scientists of 51�Թ� are studying ways to apply ultrasonic effects to micronize plant components. “Fucoidan is a brown algae polysaccharide,” explains postgraduate student of the Department of Food Technology and Biotechology Anastasia Paymulina. “It is characterized by antiviral and antibacterial properties, reduces high cholesterol in the blood and minimizes the risk of cancer. However, fucoidan has quite a large molecular weight, which complicates its absorption by the body. In order to reduce this weight, we use the method of ultrasonic micronization. Fucoidan with a lower molecular weight has more pronounced biologically active properties, which makes it possible to use it when creating healthy food.” This polysaccharide is widely used in the food industry, for example, in the yoghurt and bread technology. The fucoidan modification approach proposed by the young scientists of the university ensures the activity of biochemical processes. The authors of the patent prove that a new form of polysaccharide is accessible for lactic organisms; therefore, the process of fermentation is faster, while the biologically active substance, kefiran, is being accumulated. The use of micronized fucoidan solution in food production will slightly increase the cost of the product, but the effect on customers' health will be significant. To confirm the efficiency of this approach, it is necessary to further evaluate the consumer properties of food products obtained using micronized plant ingredients. Food manufacturers have already got interested in research by the Russian scientists. The research of scientists from 51�Թ� in this field will be continued.

Author:

Olga Romanovskaia, Elena Kiriakova, photo by Viktoria Matveichuk

Russian Scientists Create New Sensitizers for Clean Energy

Шилинцев Артем Евгеньевич — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 19:00:00 +0000

Environmental research is one of three strategic areas of scientific and educational activities of 51�Թ� along with the digital industry and materials science. Scientists of 51�Թ� in collaboration with colleagues from the Institute of Organic Chemistry named after N.D. Zelinsky Russian Academy of Sciences are working on the creation of new effective organic sensitizers that will facilitate the transition to environmentally friendly and resource-saving power engineering. The results of the study were published in the highly rated Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry (Scopus, Q2). A new promising direction for the development of organic solar cells Sunlight is an inexhaustible source of energy, so scientists around the world are trying to find ways to convert solar energy into electrical energy using photovoltaic devices. Solar cells based on crystalline silicon with an energy conversion efficiency of 24.7% are widely used. However, the high cost and technologically complex production impede their spread. Employees of the joint laboratory of the 51�Թ� and the Institute of Organic Chemistry RAS are working on a project to create environmentally friendly organic sensitizers for solar cells. “One of the most promising alternatives to silicon and other inorganic converters of solar energy is organic solar cells, which have several advantages over silicon analogues: mechanical strength, light weight, flexibility, long life and the ability to work in reflected and artificial light. Organic photosensitizers play a key role in such devices, which determine their performance. The creation of new effective organic sensitizers is aimed at solving the problem of switching to environmentally friendly and resource-saving energy”, says Ph.D., Professor Oleg Rakitin. Transition to environmental materials in energy is a global scientific priority Scientists are working on expanding the range of synthesized dyes for the construction of organic solar cells with increased photovoltaic efficiency; they are developing directions of co-sensitization, i.e. the combination of two dyes in one cell having different areas of sunlight absorption, with the goal of maximizing efficiency. "Research related to the design, synthesis, and study of the functional properties of new organic molecular materials, especially photovoltaic, fluorescent, and fluorophore materials, largely determine modern scientific and technological progress. They are among the global scientific priorities all over the world", explains Oleg Rakitin. Scientists hope that the use of organic solar cells instead of silicon ones will reduce their cost due to cheaper technology and flexible solar cells might be widely used in various types of devices. The high market demand for cheaper and environmentally friendly solar cells with organic elements makes this project strategically important, and its results will matter in academic, industrial and commercial activities.

Author:

Elena Kiriakova, picture: pixabay.com