The article presents the results of an experimental construction and quantitative analysis of the learning curve (LC) obtained from individuals learning a foreign language. The experiment was conducted at the Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin. Three types of LC were constructed for different level of English skills of the subjects: Pre-Intermediate, Intermediate and Upper-Intermediate. Comparison of these curves demonstrates that the subject's knowledge acquisition keeps running for 14 hours after the flash memory session. The paper presents two dependencies for constructing an approximation of the learning curve: logarithmic and polynomial. Based on a comparison of the approximation of the experimental LCs with functions of various types, we suggest that they all provide satisfactory results. Based on the results plans for further study of the problem were proposed.

The paper presents the results of development of the information resource which serves as information support and methodological background for the waste management system on regional and municipal level in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District, Russia. The information system provides accumulation, systematization, storage and wide application of diverse waste management data, including qualitative and quantitative characteristics of waste effluents, waste disposal facilities and objects and technology applied for waste neutralization and use. The system has a broad functional capability and high performance. It provides semiautomatic data exchange procedures for accounting and reporting via remote access interface with interactive analyses of involving data. A special analytical module maintains waste management accounting policy and timely detection of potential ecological hazards and adverse environmental effect. The system may be effectively used as an information support for development of particular standards and procedures of environmental management system in accordance with the ISO 14001:2004.

This article describes the outcome of the studies aimed at development of methods for obtaining the learning curve (LC) for foreign language learning. It also suggests ways for the use of the learning curves. Two types of LC were obtained: short-term and medium-term memorization. Comparative analysis of the two curves suggests that the subject continues learning for up to 14 hours after the completion of a flash memory session since medium-term memorization tests readings are consistently higher than those for the short-term memorization. The paper presents various approximations of the learning curve and the functions that fit best the LC for foreign language learning. Based on a comparison of the results of the approximations of the experimental LC by functions of various types a conclusion has been drawn that all of them provide satisfactory results, with logarithmic and polynomial approximations slightly better than the others. Based on these findings, forecasts for subsequent learning achievements and proposals for further studies are made.

Out of all ways to fuel bum the torch combustion systems is used most often. Even though the processes in the steam boiler are stochastic, the system can be controlled rather easily by changing the flowrate of the air pumped into it and – in case of balanced flue units – exhausters load. Advantages offered by torch-based combustion systems are offset by a disadvantage resulted in oxidation of nitrogen contained in the air. This paper provides rationale for an NOx content reduction method that employs pulsation mode of fuel combustion; it also describes combustion control and monitoring system employed for implementation of this method. Described methodology can be used not only for pulsation combustion studies but also for studies of torches formed by conventional burning systems. The outcome of the experimental study supports the assumption that it is possible to create conditions for NOx content reduction in flue gases by means of cycling the fuel supply on/off valve at the rate of 6 Hz.

This paper discusses comparative analysis of trajectories in the development of participating countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEC) in a two-dimensional phase space. The coordinates in the space is represented by the value of a dynamic variable that is a key indicator of the country's development, and the rate of its relative growth. This allows for construction of a ternary classification diagram describing competitive behavior strategies of countries in question. The comparative analysis was run for two primary factors: the size of investment in the main capital and R&D spendings. The authors carried out analysis and identification of competitive strategies for the behavior of the EAEC countries, as well as he proposed conclusions and recommendations on improving the policy of economic development.