A crucial task in the development of new models and improvement of the already developed locomotive thermal power plant is the development of measures aimed at improving fuel efficiency at operating modes. One of the technical solutions is to ensure the most efficient change of working mass in cylinders by flexible control of air supply parameters, which is achieved by the use of alternative adjustable valve drives of the valve train (GRM).

In the article the theoretical analysis of controlled and uncontrolled valve timing is conducted (FGR), which showed that the most promising way to achieve the best fuel efficiency at partial operation modes of the power plant is the use of controlled valve timing. Calculation-theoretical researches on definition of optimum phases of valves on modes, different from nominal for engine type ChN26/26 are carried out. Alternative drives of gas exchange organs for vehicles and power plants are analysed. The choice of replacing the basic valve drive with an electro-hydraulic drive in locomotive plant conditions is justified. An electro-hydraulic system for controlling the exhaust valve phases is created, for which a principle scheme of operation is developed and its sketching is carried out.

This article describes the use of various types of thermal and chemical-thermal treatment in order to increase the durability and increase the resource of both the most defect-prone elements of cardan transmissions – crosses  and cardan transmissions of KAMAZ 740.735 in general. The article presents the results of an analysis of the first stage of testing, where all durability indicators are directly related to three main criteria - the properties of the base material, modes and type of preliminary and final heat treatment.

To select the optimal option for combined treatment, it is planned to use regression equations, where two criteria are simultaneously applied: experimental data on the wear of each sample obtained during wear resistance tests, as well as the microhardness of the surface layer obtained after the joint (combined) application of thermal and chemical-thermal treatment. As a result, primary regression equations were obtained that make it possible to evaluate the effectiveness of combined processing for both samples made  of two steel grades (steel 45 and stell 30 HGSA), depending on the obtained hardness.

The article considers the problem of the influence of the position of sealing equipment on the degree of compaction of the material at the joints of new and old asphalt concrete pavement. The study of the optimal sealing method at the joints will make the asphalt concrete coating more durable. The main subject of the study is the amount of overlap and the types of stamps used to seal. At the first stage, the sealing was carried out with a cylindrical die equivalent to a smooth roller. It is necessary to identify the rational shape of the sealing stamp for the joints and obtain the maximum compaction coefficient, as well as the unity of the structure of the asphalt concrete layer. A stand has been developed that simulates the sealing of the mixture depending on the position of the stamp at the joints. The theoretical and practical objectives of the study included a review of existing types of joints, design and creation of a stand to study the best position of the roller relative to the joint, determination of the mass of the material extending beyond the joint during sealing, determination of the density of the material.

The article discusses the design of a designed flexible boom on a special chassis for dismantling construction work in cramped conditions. A detailed description of the main structural elements, their purposes, as well as operating principles is provided. Developed 3-D models of a special vehicle structure with a flexible boom designed for dismantling work. Hydraulic shears are considered as the main working equipment in this work. Technical solutions for their design for working with small construction waste, concrete structures and reinforcement are presented. Options for retrofitting with special equipment for working at different times of the day and under different conditions, both in cramped and open construction sites, are proposed. To control the flexible boom, hydraulic equipment was developed: a special hydraulic distributor and flexible shells, which together are responsible for the smooth and precise movement of the flexible boom in cramped conditions of the construction site. As conclusions, the work provides options for the practical application of the developed flexible boom design.

The article presents the results of studies of emergency incidents on the territory of the Russian Federation, statistical data and problems faced by special forces. The purpose of the work is to conduct research in the field of special-purpose robotic vehicles to subsequently identify inherent shortcomings. The safety of human life and the environment is the main direction on which modern society and scientists in general are working. Through research and analysis of external environmental factors. Scientists come to solutions that help improve the safety of human life.

The knowledge gained allowed rescue services to adapt to emergency situations in such a way as to prevent or eliminate their consequences. The availability of special equipment for first responder services makes it possible to increase the efficiency of providing the necessary assistance. However, a person is limited in his capabilities, so at such moments there is a great demand for the presence of robotic systems and remote control machines that can replace him in hard-to-reach conditions.

Thus, the main task of conducting research into technical systems and mechanisms of special-purpose vehicles is to provide new generation transport systems with the most efficient units and mechanisms in order to increase operational potential in various fields of activity.

The article considers current issues related to the use of artificial intelligence in road transport in order to improve transport safety and great potential in solving them. The process of training neural networks is reflected, which consists of preparing an array of information, creating a new or adapting the current architecture of the neural network, selecting optimal parameters for machine learning. Seven ways to use artificial intelligence to improve safety in road transport are presented: forecasting the likelihood of equipment failure, monitoring rolling stock, improving adaptive driver assistance systems to prevent collisions, predictive analytics systems to detect threats before they occur, tracking driver fatigue, countering vehicle theft, and optimizing driving. Safety functions using artificial intelligence are considered. 

The article discusses current trends in the field of road freight transportation. In particular, based on the directions of development of the motor transport industry of our country, given in the "Transport Strategy of the Russian Federation until 2030 with a forecast for the period up to 2035", the main trends of the truck transportation market due to the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical events, as well as an increase in the level of control of the industry by government agencies have been identified. Based on the analysis of current trends in the field of road freight transportation, the main criteria and indicators of the effectiveness of road transport are identified, which are divided into two groups of indicators: estimates of the efficiency of using the resources of a motor transport enterprise and private, generalizing indicators of the effectiveness of road freight transportation. It should be emphasized that these performance indicators do not highlight the carrying capacity of vehicles and are common, regardless of the type of vehicle used. The indicators that directly affect the use of vehicles with different load capacities should include the scheme of organization of transportation.

The paper deals with the comparison of experimental and theoretical catenary lines. It is assumed that the thread is in a uniform field of gravity. Theoretical catenary lines are obtained taking into account the assumption that the thread is absolutely flexible and inextensible. The calculation used the exact catenary equation and the approximate equation. It is shown that the exact catenary equation agrees well with experimental data in a wide range of thread sag values. The approximate catenary equation satisfactorily correlates with the experimental data for small sag. With an increase in the sag of the thread, the calculation error increases significantly. A catenary constructed using an approximate equation deviates considerably from the experimental curve. Based on the good agreement between the exact theoretical chain lines and the experimental curves, the results of calculating the sag and the maximum thread tension are compared using exact and approximate theoretical formulas, and the relative error of the calculation results obtained using the approximate formulas is determined. The limiting value of the ratio of the length of the thread to the length of the span is also determined, at which it is possible to use approximate formulas for a given calculation error.

As part of the development of the Far North regions by decree of the President of the Russian Federation, this study identifies the features of the region and the operation of cars in the Far North. The key causes of failures of components and assemblies of vehicles for the Far North region are identified. The structure of the fleet and the state of the market of truck transport services in the Komi Republic are also analyzed. The article considers the features of the provision of maintenance and repair services by commercial cargo transport service stations in the Far North, taking into account economic, geographical and technical components. The study is based on the analysis of freight statistics, classification of operated trucks by brand, and the method of expert assessment in the field of organization of car service systems. It is concluded that it is necessary to create a specialized cargo service station for the stable functioning of enterprises in the Far North region, which directly solves the development strategies of the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation.

This article provides a comparative analysis of two methods for assessing social damage from road accidents, developed respectively by the Scientific Research Institute of Motor Transport and the Federal Road Agency ROSAVTODOR. The main approaches and principles underlying each of the methods were consider, as well as key indicators and indicators for calculating damage. During the analysis, a comparison of the results was carry out, on the basis of which the advantages and disadvantages of each of the presented methods were identify. A probable direction for improving the methodology to expand the range of possible consequences from an accident is proposing. This article will be useful to experts in the field of road safety and accident damage assessment, as well as to anyone interested in road safety issues.

The article examines the issues of modern development of the Russian agro-industrial complex, and identifies the threshold values of food independence of the state. Using the components of the macroeconomic environment, the authors identified critical points and factors determining the state of global and Russian food exports. Segments of the agricultural sector have been identified, the functioning of which depends on foreign suppliers. The increasing degree of interdependence of the agro-industrial complex on the economic policy of the state is proved.

The methodology of the study is based on a systematic approach to assessing the current state of agro-industrial business in the Russian Federation and determining its role in the macro environment. Comparative, analytical and economic-statistical methods were used in the work, which made it possible to ensure the validity of the results and conclusions.

The logical result of the study was the conclusion that in order to improve the economic situation in the Russian Federation and ensure the country's food security, it is necessary to use systematic state support in the creation of technology parks and business incubators to increase the productivity of the industry, as well as proprietary technologies that ensure sustainable innovative development.

The MADI Motorsport Section celebrates its 60th anniversary this year and the article summarizes the experience of its work, analyzes the organization and conduct of training sessions in motor sports, presents the structure and content of theoretical classes, describes the content of practical classes at the MADI training ground, methodological approaches and specific training exercises. Attention is drawn to the importance of monitoring the physical training and physical condition of the section officers in the process of practical training in motor sports, and the methods used for this are described. The article presents the engineering and technical block of the work of the section on the preparation of sports equipment for competitions, describes the preparation and participation of students in competitions in all-around. For the successful operation of the motorsport section, the prospect of organizing an Educational and sports complex at the MADI training ground, which includes dirt and asphalt tracks for round.

The article is devoted to the problems of teaching in the context of a changed situation and the challenges of the present time. The authors emphasize that knowledge is the basis from which all human beliefs grow. Modern events, the latest documents adopted by the government [1], as well as a new discipline introduced in all educational institutions - “Fundamentals of Russian Statehood” require teachers to pay close attention to the learning process of students. The authors approach the study of the problem using many years of experience in teaching humanities, in particular philosophy, and describe ways to form a holistic picture of the modern world among students. The authors analyze the formation and structure of belief and the influence on it, both of modern events in general, and of the internal development of a person’s personality and overcoming possible misconceptions through training. The authors consider the formation of a student’s worldview and values [1] with the help of new and traditional teaching methods in dynamics, noting the influence of external and internal factors on it, in particular, the aggravation of the foreign policy situation and the growth of strength and cohesion of civil society. The article notes the features of the formation of a personal worldview in the conditions of the existing discrepancy between different sources of influence: information coming from the Internet, the influence of the social group to which the student belongs, teaching materials. Training takes place using a new teaching methodology, developed and recommended for teaching the “Fundamentals of Russian Statehood”. This includes a lecture-debate, a group discussion, a “conceptual field”, and a “brainstorming”, and over thirty different methods that helps to educate new young generation.

The article deals with the most important categories of science and academic discipline "Political Science": political power, political and state regimes, political democracy, electorate and legitimacy, oligarchy, authoritarianism, imitation democracy, elections and opposition. The purpose of the article was defined by the author as an attempt to identify the main reasons for restraining the process of democracy development. Therefore, the objectives of the study are the following aspects: general characteristics of the sphere of politics of the CIS countries in the early 1990s; the main features of young states and elites, societies of transitional states from the Soviet type by the turn of the 2000s; analysis of new post-Soviet elites; the main reasons for the establishment of authoritarianism and ethnocratic, oligarchic regimes in a significant part of the CIS and the containment of systemic democratic changes. The development of democratic norms, institutions and culture of citizens, political competition and ideological diversity, independent media, public initiatives has not had a stable trend all these years after the collapse of the USSR.

The annual monitoring of the physical condition and physical fitness of MADI IT students shows that many have a low level of physical fitness and physical condition. To improve this situation, it is necessary to involve them more actively in physical culture and sports activities, given their passion for computer games. A detailed analysis of esports gaming disciplines showed and presented interactive games that require physical actions and physical activity, especially his new direction - digital sports (physical + digital). The multisport tournament "Games of the Future" in the concept of digital, which was held in Kazan, showed that this area is one of the most effective solutions to the problem of physical condition and physical fitness of students of IT specialties.