Dnipro National University of Rail Transport

The geological-geomorphological, botanical, and paleontological characteristics of the thermophilic hilly steppe of the I suprafloodplain terrace (arena) of the Dniprovsko-Orilskyi Nature Reserve, which is recommended for designation as a geological monument of national importance, are presented. The steppe formed artificially after a fire in the early 1990s, when a significant area of the coniferous massif burned down. Since then, unique conditions have developed here, contributing to the formation of a peculiar thermophilic biocenosis with a considerable number of Red List plant species. The hilly steppe is characterized by fossil (Pleistocene (?)–Quaternary) dunes typical of the Middle Dnieper region. They reach 5–8 m in height, and in some places up to 12 m, with maximum absolute elevations of the peaks at +72 m. The dunes have an asymmetrical shape: the slopes on the southern sides have angles of about 60–70°, and those on the northern sides about 40°. Due to erosion processes, the steep slopes of some hills become more complex and flatten at the base, acquiring slope angles close to 45°. The dunes are grouped into ridges oriented at an azimuth of 270–290°. Hemicryptophytes (50%) and therophytes (30%) dominate the vegetation. Geophytes make up 9%, chamaephytes 3%, and the combined share of phanerophytes and nanophanerophytes 5%. Bryophytes and lichens play a significant role in forming the plant cover of psammophytic biotopes. Their high representation is due to adaptations to extreme environmental conditions–high insolation, sharp temperature fluctuations, and limited moisture and nutrients. Within the psammophytic steppe of the Dnipro-Oril Nature Reserve, 13 species of vascular plants have been identified that are protected at various levels – from national to international. Four species are listed in the latest edition of the Red Book of Ukraine (2021). At the regional level, 11 species are protected and included in the lists of rare and endangered plants of the corresponding administrative region. Five species are included in the European Red List (1991). One species – Carex secalina–has the Data Deficient (DD) status according to the IUCN classification. Studies have shown that damage to the surface of the thermophilic steppe by violators of protected areas has extremely negative consequences: the destruction of the turf and the moss-lichen layer activates aeolian processes, particularly deflation, which leads to the formation of blowout structures, changes in microrelief, and a loss of the soil’s ability to self-recover. A decrease in biodiversity, the emergence of invasive adventive species, and the destruction of habitats of rare and endangered flora have been recorded. Disruption of the natural cover not only results in long-term degradation but also significantly complicates regeneration processes. According to the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 575 of 10.05.2022 (Appendix 8), the total damage accumulated over the entire period of the steppe’s existence by the end of 2024 is estimated at about 22 million UAH. Unfortunately, the lack of specification of the legal status of the thermophilic hilly steppe as a protected geological object significantly complicates legal proceedings against transport poachers. Therefore, granting this section of the Dniprovsko-Orilskyi Nature Reserve the status of a geological (geomorphological) natural monument of national importance is highly relevant.

Engineers and users are being pushed by environmental concerns to maximize efficiency while minimizing ecological damage. Waste collection vehicles require fossil fuels during their collection route, as well as when lifting and emptying the containers, even if the design of separate waste collection islands has focused on the idea of recycling. Even in a computer plan–assisted collection, saturated containers may have low waste density, meaning that a sizable portion of the container becomes unusable due to the shape of the waste. To maximize container utilization, this study will investigate the type and compaction potential of each container. The simulation study will provide an answer to the question of how the density of waste placed in the various containers changes as a result of compressing each bottle.The research and development will optimize not only the saturation of the container but also the number of collection routes; in addition to the economic benefits, the environmental load will be reduced. The frequency of lifting and emptying the container will decrease, resulting in reduced maintenance and repair costs for the vehicle′s lifting system and container.It is a misconception that compaction by hand in one place, throughout the diameter of the PET bottle, is the optimum way to increase the efficiency of waste collection. Based on the tests carried out in this paper, foot diameter compaction at full height is considered to be the most appropriate method after the use of a costly compactor.

This paper is an outcome of an international collaborative research initiative. Researchers from 24 institutions across 12 countries were invited to discuss the state-of-the-art in railway train air brake modelling with an emphasis on freight rains. Discussed models are classified as empirical, fluid dynamics and fluid-empirical dynamics models. Empirical models are widely used, and advanced versions have been used for train dynamics simulations. Fluid dynamics models are better models to study brake system behaviour but are more complex and slower in computation. Fluid-empirical dynamics models combine fluid dynamics brake pipe models and empirical brake valve models. They are a balance of model fidelity and computational speeds. Depending on research objectives, detailed models of brake rigging, friction blocks and wheel-rail adhesion are also available. To spark new ideas and more research in this field, the challenges and research gaps in air brake modelling are discussed.