National Research Nuclear University MEPhI Research Articles

Emotional Intelligence of Russia’s Potential Scientific and Technical Elite

A highly intellectual environment involves intense mental activity, rapid acquisition of new material, creativity, competition, and rivalry. All these aspects may cause a long-time neuropsychic stress. Students of leading technical universities need to be able to overcome such difficult situations. The authors reviewed theoretical approaches to emotional intelligence. They designed a psychological model of scientific and technical elite of modern Russia. The model included emotional-volitional, demand-motivational, value-meaning, socio-psychological, and cognitive-activity components. This paper focuses on the empirical study and confirmation of the emotionalvolitional component in potential engineering, scientific, and technical elite, i.e., junior students of Russia’s leading technical universities. The research revealed some psycho-logical peculiarities in their emotional intelligence and coping-strategies. The sample consisted of first-year engineering and technical students of the National Research Nuclear University MEPHI (n = 111). The psychodiagnostic tools included the coping test developed by R. Lazarus and S. Folkman and adapted by T. L. Kryukova, E. V. Kuftyak, and M. S. Zamyshlyaeva; D. V. Lyusin’s test of emotional intelligence. The data analysis relied on IBM SPSS Statistics V.22.0 and the Kruskal-Wallis H-test method of mathematical statistics. The students proved able to consciously analyze difficult situations, work out solutions, plan and predict the outcomes of their behavior, as well as to resort to past experience and available resources. In general, these overcoming models had a constructive effect on the development of an engineer’s personality. However, the underdevelopment of the emotional sphere and poor expression of feelings affected interpersonal and intragroup relationships. Students of nuclear engineering should develop their emotional sphere and expand the range of coping strategies in stressful situations.

Project of a Compact X-ray Source on Inverse Compton Scattering at National Research Nuclear University MEPhI

Project of a Compact X-ray Source on Inverse Compton Scattering at National Research Nuclear University MEPhI

Selecting Burnup Algorithms in OpenMC Using the Calculated Benchmark of LEU Assembly and MOX Fuel

OpenMC is a state-of-the-art Monte Carlo neutron transport simulation code that uses the Python programming language as an API. OpenMC supports eight burnout simulation algorithms. This study presents the results of choosing an integration method for modeling the burnup of fuel assemblies with burnable poisons for WWER-1000 reactors. Burnout simulation results from OpenMC were compared with those reported in the OECD benchmark. 8 different numerical integrators can be used to model burnout in OpenMC code: PI, CE/CM, LE/QI, CE/LI, CF4, EPC-RK4, SI-CE/LI, SI-LE/QI. The test results showed that the SI-CE/LI, SI-LE/QI integrators require significantly more time to calculate one burnup step than the others with the same accuracy, so they were excluded from further consideration. The PI integrator showed low integration accuracy at the same burnup steps with other integrators. However, PI has a high performance compared to other integrators, and as the integration step decreases, it converges to one solution, which can be chosen as a reference for assessing the quality of other integrators. Based on the results obtained using the fine step PI integrator, it was decided to use the CE/LI integrator for further work. The results obtained with CE/LI were compared with those obtained with the VVER-1000 LEU and MOX benchmark for codes: MCU, TVS-M, WIMS8A, HELIOS, MULTICELL and showed good agreement. Thus, we can conclude the applicability of the CE/LI integrator as part of OpenMC for modeling the burnup of fuel assemblies containing burnable poisons. During the work, the resources of the high-performance computer center of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI were used.

Remote Plasma Physics Research and Teaching by Example of Turbulence Study at the University-Scale Tokamak GOLEM

The university-scale tokamak GOLEM provides a unique opportunity to perform remote thermonuclear experiments [V. Svoboda, J. Fusion Energy, Vol. 38, Part 2, p. 253 (2019)]. Undergraduate plasma physics students from three universities—Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (National Research University), RUDN University, and National Research Nuclear University MEPhI—carried out joint remote experiments to train in tokamak operation and to study topics relevant for mainstream fusion research such as plasma start-up, comparison of hydrogen versus helium plasma characteristics, electrostatic and electromagnetic turbulence, long-range correlations, etc. New observations of the long-range correlations between low-frequency (<50 kHz) quasi-coherent electrostatic and magnetic oscillations identified as m = 2 mode with several techniques were done, as well as of the broadband (<250 kHz) magnetic oscillations resolved in frequency and wave vector in helium and hydrogen plasmas. The presence of broadband electrostatic and broadband magnetic turbulence has also been established at the plasma edge.

High-temperature oxidation of zirconium alloys with magnetron sputtered chromium coatings

Loss-of-coolant accidents (LOCAs) often lead to dire consequences. That&rsquo;s why the global community are actively engaged in research aimed at creating accident tolerant fuels. One of the areas of such research is preserving zirconium alloys as the material for fuel-element claddings by creating corrosion-resistant coatings that would be in contact with the coolant. Chromium could be a promising material to be used in such protective coatings as chromium oxide (Cr2O3) serves as an effective barrier for oxygen both in normal operation and in case of LOCA. Chromium coating hinders oxygen diffusion into the metal substrate and thus prevents embrittlement and failure of the fuel-element cladding. This paper describes the results of research studies that have been carried out in recent years and that look at the resistance of magnetron sputtered chromium coatings to high-temperature oxidation in water vapour up to 1,500 oC. The paper demonstrates advantages and drawbacks of chromium coatings in hightemperature oxidation conditions. The focus is on understanding how regimes of magnetron sputtering influence the resistance of chromium coatings to high-temperature oxidation and how the structure and phase state of chromium coatings are related to their properties. The authors describe the optimal regimes of magnetron sputtering for obtaining dense coatings and examine the effect of the substrate temperature and the bias voltage on the structure and density of resulting coatings. High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering (HiPIMS) serves as an effective technique that helps enhance the density of coatings. The conclusion drawn is that in order to broaden the temperature range in which chromium coatings can effectively protect zirconium alloys from failure up to 1500 oC, there should be a diffusion barrier between the surface of the fuel-element cladding and the chromium coating. The authors would like to thank B. A. Kalin, supervisor of this project, who had passed away before this publication was made. The staff of the Laboratory of Ion-Plasma and Ion-Beam Machining of Materials, a part of Department No. 9 at the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, devote this paper to his memory.

Understanding the structural phase state of bulk amorphous/crystalline alloys obtained from Zr35Ti30Be27,5Cu7,5 powder

The paper describes a method for obtaining Ti- and Zr-base near-eutectic alloys in the form of powders with a high degree of sphericity and a narrow size distribution of powder particles. Thus, a Zr35Ti30Be27,5Сu7,5 alloy powder with a particle sphericity of more than 97% and a particle size distribution of 63&ndash;100 &mu;m was produced using the method of plasma spheroidization of fragmented powders obtained by grinding amorphous rapid-quenched strips. The final state of spherical particles has an X-ray amorphous structure, as indicated by a broad halo of scattered intensity typical of amorphous materials. An even distribution of chemical elements across the particle section could be observed. Bulk samples were made using the method of spark plasma sintering and applying varying parameters of temperature and dwelling time. The authors looked at the microstructure and microhardness of the bulk samples and carried out an X-ray phase analysis. The samples were found to have an X-ray amorphous structure during spark plasma sintering in the temperature range of 320 to 340 оC. However, at the temperatures of 320&ndash;325 оC, the resulting samples have a high internal porosity, which cannot be fixed with a pressure rise. The greatest compaction is achieved at the temperatures of 335 to 340 оC. By varying the dwelling time, the authors determined the optimal regime for producing bulk amorphous alloys: sintering at 340 оC and the pressure of 50 MPa, dwelling for 15 min followed by cooling at the rate of 80 оC/min. The samples produced in the above conditions have no visible porosity, and their microhardness is closest to that registered in cast samples.Contributors to this research include O. N. Sevryukov, Associate Professor,&nbsp;Candidate of Technical Sciences; P. V. Morokhov, Lead Engineer; P. S. Dzhumaev,&nbsp;Associate Professor, Candidate of Technical Sciences; I. V. Kozlov, Engineer;&nbsp;V. V. Mikhalchik, Senior Lecturer, Candidate of Technical Sciences;&nbsp;D. S. Gorbunov, Senior Lab Assistant (National Research Nuclear University&nbsp;MEPhI); A. A. Fadeev, Research Fellow; I. D. Zavertyaev, Junior Researcher&nbsp;(Baikov Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Science at the Russian Academy&nbsp;of Sciences).

“Smart field” of in situ leach uranium mining

The digital solution &ldquo;Smart ISL field&rdquo; is designed to improve efficiency of uranium mining by in-situ leaching (ISL). The digital solution implements the control technology based on the automatic data collection and remote control of operation of technological objects, complex analysis of geological and technological data, geological and geotechnological modeling of the mining field, the use of expert systems to support decision-making. &ldquo;Smart ISL field&rdquo; was put into commercial operation at the pilot extraction block of the Vershinnoe uranium deposit. The digital solution has a hierarchical fourlevel structure. The first field control level contains sensors and actuators. The second level includes programmable controllers and regulators located in the control station of the technological unit. At the third dispatching control level, there is a computer-based control and data collection system. The fourth level of management consists of modeling and expert information systems. The digital solution &ldquo;Smart ISL field&rdquo; includes automatic, operational and tactical control loops. The digital technologies used in the &ldquo;Smart ISL field&rdquo; contribute to the improvement of operating conditions and increase labor productivity, ensure the prompt receipt and processing of information about the operation of the mining field, allow faster and more efficient optimization of the geotechnology. The optimized patterns of flow of process solutions enable intensification of the extraction of uranium, as well as a decrease in dilution of the process solutions with reservoir waters and the discharge of process solutions beyond the extraction block boundary. As a result, high rates of uranium mining and a decrease in specific consumption of reagents are achieved. The digital solution &ldquo;Smart ISL field&rdquo; is a part of the import substitution program of ARMZ Uranium Holding Co., and the relevant software is registered with Rospatent.The authors appreciate participation of National Research Nuclear University MEPHI&rsquo;s members&nbsp;A. D. Istomin, A, A, Cheglakov and Khiagda&rsquo;s member V. V. Stebakov in this article preparation.

Efficiency of hydrogen beam electron stripping using various stripping gases for neutral particle analysis in MEPhIST tokamak

Neutral particle analyzers can provide information about ion energy distribution, temperature, and other plasma parameters and are widely used for plasma diagnostics in fusion devices. Most of neutral particle analysis systems require ionization of neutrals, usually implemented by particle transport through thin solid films or a gas. Gas stripping cells are more efficient for ionizing neutrals with energies up to several keV that are expected in MEPhIST tokamak - a small spherical machine being prepared to launch at National Research Nuclear University MEPhI. Here we present the results of investigation of stripping efficiency of various gases for the development of neutral particle analyzer for this tokamak. The measurements were conducted for hydrogen atoms and ions in the energy range 0–5 keV.

Virtual analog of uranium-water subcritical assembly

Virtual reality (VR) technology is now being adopted in many industries, including entertainment, medicine, science, and engineering. In the nuclear field, the primary purposes of VR are: reducing radiation dose rates, security of nuclear facilities, visualization of physical processes, and training of personnel. Additionally, VR is a much cheaper alternative to expensive and license-requiring experimental nuclear facilities. This work focuses on reconstructing the workroom with the Uranium-Water Subcritical Assembly (UWSA) located at the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI to determine the optimal uranium–water ratio associated with this assembly in virtual reality. The creation of the virtual analog using Unreal Engine 4 was introduced to integrate the physical model into the virtual environment. The neutronic model of the UWSA was obtained by the MCU code. A similar model was generated by the Serpent code for verification purposes. Additional functions such as neutron flux visualization, radiation dose rate distribution visualization, and dose accumulation mechanics were introduced into the project to improve the quality of education. Visualization of both neutron flux in the assembly and gamma radiation distribution in the workroom was performed using particle systems and volumetric fog based on calculated and experimental data. Operating experience feedback was introduced to prevent or minimize difficulties that may occur in the future by learning from events that have already occurred.

New challenges and approaches in training personnel for research projects of the “MegaScience” class

MegaScience projects are unique scientific experiments and facilities of a large scale that were initiated to allow to go beyond modern knowledge in the field of fundamental sciences and open up new opportunities in the technological development. The implementation of such complex projects requires the combined efforts of many scientists and institutions at national and multinational level. The paper presents an analysis of new trends in the training of researchers in the field of elementary particle physics, high energy physics and cosmophysics for research projects and experiments at MegaScience facilities. The authors consider the vast experience of extensive training of MEPhI students for fundamental science and analyzed new approaches to organizing the individual training of researchers at the university. The result of this work was presented and discussed within the proceedings of the Third Conference “Personnel training and legal support for the implementation of scientific projects of the Mega-science class” organized by National Research Nuclear University MEPhI and Kutafin Moscow State Law University on 17 June 2021.

Основания для субъективной оценки справедливости оплаты труда научно-педагогических работников

Equity is defined as a correlation between a person's merits and their remuneration. The article deals with social and labour equity, regarding it as a subjective assessment of the ratio of payments for the physical and/or intellectual efforts of employees. The article aims to determine the grounds for the subjective assessment of academic and teaching staff pay equity. The empirical study was conducted in 2019-2020, based on expert interviews with 86 faculty members of leading Russian universities (University of Tyumen, Tomsk State University, Saint Petersburg Polytechnic University, and National Research Nuclear University MEPhI). The expert interview narratives allowed identifying seven categories for assessing subjective perception of pay equity (1) at a corporate level; comparing faculty members (2) in Russia and (3) internationally; (4) in terms of public/business organisations; (5) different spheres of activity; (6) historical periods; and (7) previous positions held either in the same or other organizations. The results show that (1) disparity in pay within a university (between structural units and positions) can reduce motivation or increase career aspirations. A high level of social and labour equity provides a sense of stability and increases organisational productivity. (2) The level of pay equity in Russian universities depends on their prestige and ranking. (3) When comparing the level of remuneration and the workload with their Western colleagues, the respondents were more likely to prioritise Russia. Employees experienced in international academic mobility choose to work in Russia. (4) Compared to other spheres of activity, university wages are mostly lower whereas faculty members appreciate the opportunity to increase their income through active scientific research. (5) The last 3-5 years have seen a positive change in pay equity, with teachers and other jobs compared. (6) Comparison between historical periods shows a positive assessment of the current situation in Russia. However, not all the respondents believe in the long term perspective. (7) Pay at the early career is the lowest, but the teaching and research load is high. Young teachers invest a lot of time in career development, working on their dissertations. Pay equity assessment by teachers of retirement age is high, due to family stability and availability of additional funding (e.g. pension, support by children).

Peer Review Statement

All papers published in this volume have been reviewed through processes administered by the Editors. Reviews were conducted by expert referees to the professional and scientific standards expected of a proceedings journal published by IOP Publishing.• Type of peer review: Double Anonymous• Conference submission management system: Morressier• Number of submissions received: 21• Number of submissions sent for review: 20• Number of submissions accepted: 19• Acceptance Rate (Submissions Accepted / Submissions Received × 100): 90.5• Average number of reviews per paper: 1.21• Total number of reviewers involved: 14• Contact person for queries: Name: Sergei Bogovalov Email: SVBogovalov@mephi.ru Affiliation: National Research Nuclear University MEPhI

Quality Assessment of Online Learning in Regional Higher Education Systems

The quality of online learning mechanisms, widely implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is a significant issue for regional higher education systems. The research aims to assess student satisfaction with the quality of online education by identifying discrepancies between their requirements and the actual learning process. In order to examine the gaps between students’ expectations and perceptions, a new approach was proposed based on the integrated use of Gap analysis and SERVQUAL methodology, combining qualitative and quantitative aspects. SERVQUAL questionnaires for measuring student satisfaction with online learning include the following criteria: tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, empathy. Full- and part-time undergraduates of humanitarian and socio-economic departments of two universities participated in the study. Ural Federal University bachelors, learning via Moodle and Microsoft Teams platforms, could directly communicate with their peers and professors, while students of National Research Nuclear University MEPhI were engaged in massive open online courses (MOOC). As a result, all five criteria were analysed in the proposed model for quality assessment of online learning to reveal the gaps between students’ expectations and perceptions of the educational process. Significant discrepancies in the «empathy» and «responsiveness» criteria in both groups demonstrate low student satisfaction with the quality of communication and individualisation of learning. The research findings can be used to construct resource allocation models for implementing educational programmes and developing support measures for regional higher education institutions.

International Symposium and International School for Young Scientists on “Physics, Engineering and Technologies for Biomedicine”

International Symposium and International School for Young Scientists on “Physics, Engineering and Technologies for Biomedicine” (PhysBioSymp) is an annually held event in National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (https://eng.mephi.ru/) (Moscow, Russia) since 2016. This symposium is conceived as the main conference of the Institute of Engineering Physics for Biomedicine (PhysBio, https://physbio.mephi.ru/), which is one of new strategic academic units founded in 2016 in the course of transformation of MEPhI from the technical to a global university in order to extend its portfolio toward life sciences, chemical and biomedical engineering. Following the chosen strategy, PhysBio aims at the advancement of its international reputation in biomedical sciences and technologies, as well as the integration of latest research achievements into the educational process in order to contribute to the solution of global problems, such as early diagnostics and efficient therapy of socially significant diseases, including cancer. Conceived as an essentially interdisciplinary institution, PhysBio is unique in combining powerful background of MEPhI in physics, mathematics, engineering, material sciences, nanotechnologies and expertise in new areas in chemistry and biology in order to develop breakthrough technologies for biomedical applications.List of Committees are available in this pdf.

The VII International Conference LaPlas-2021

The VII International Conference on Laser & Plasma research and technologies – LaPlas 2021 was organized by the Institute for Laser and Plasma Technologies of National Research Nuclear University MEPhI. The Conference took place on March 23 – March 26, 2021. Due to the epidemiological situation caused by the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus infection, it was held remotely by Zoom.List of The conference is based on scientific fields as follows, Program committee, Conference organizer are available in this pdf.

Transformation of the Personnel Policy of Russian Universities Participating in Project 5-100: The Case of National Research Nuclear University Mephi

The article examines the development of personnel policy and human resource management (HRM) in Russian universities under the influence of the Project 5-100. Globalization has intensified the processes of universities corporatization and the spread of effective management practices. National academic excellence programs have contributed to strengthening the performance-based governance in universities all over the world. These factors had deeply influenced the transformation of HRM practices at universities. Russian studies in this field are shown as fragmented, focusing on narrow aspects, and not forming a holistic picture of the HRM system transformation in Russian universities. This work aims to describe a holistic case of personnel policy and HRM system development in one of the leading Russian universities – the National Research Nuclear University “MEPhI” (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute).The research applied the method of semi-formalized interviews and covered 25 employees of MEPhI. Four interview guides were developed for different categories of employees (top management, middle management, academics, teachers), including more than 25 questions, focusing on employees’ perception of different components of the HRM system at the university. The study showed that the HRM system at MEPhI was significantly transformed under the influence of the Project 5-100: the personnel policy was formalized in high-level strategic documents; the processes of recruitment and selection of foreign employees have been rebuilt; the considerable increase in the number of foreign employees was reached; global partners began to play an important role; a comfortable environment for the implementation of initiatives was created and opportunities for professional development were provided. A significant part of these changes is connected, directly or indirectly, with the university’s participation in the Project 5-100. In general, this points to its positive impact on personnel policy and the HRM system at the university. The results obtained can be used as a basis for formulating recommendations for improving the personnel policy and HRM system in Russian universities as an important component of the management system as a whole.

Peer review declaration

All papers published in this volume of IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science have been peer reviewed through processes administered by the Editors. Reviews were conducted by expert referees to the professional and scientific standards expected of a proceedings journal published by IOP Publishing.• Type of peer review: Double-blind• Conference submission management system:All articles were received before December 1, 2020 by email. Person in charge of peer review management: Ivan A. Chikharev, National Research Nuclear University “MEPhI”• Email used for management: IAChikharev@mephi.ru• Number of submissions received: 32• Number of submissions sent for review: 24• Number of submissions accepted: 24• Acceptance Rate (Number of Submissions Accepted / Number of Submissions Received X 100): 75• Average number of reviews per paper: 2• Total number of reviewers involved: 30• Any additional info on review process: - • Contact person for queries:Name : Ivan A. ChikharevAffiliation: Associate Professor of the Department of Management of Science-Intensive Sectoral and Regional Projects, National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, Moscow, RussiaEmail : IAChikharev@mephi.ru

Higgs boson production cross-section measurements vand their EFT interpretation in the 4l decay channel at root s =13 TeV with the ATLAS detector (vol 80, 10.1140/epjc/s10052-020-8227-9, 2020)

In the published HTML version of this article, the affiliations of the authors of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, Moscow, Russia were unfortunately marked incorrectly.

Interaction of Higher Education and Employers As a Competitiveness Factor of a University

The labor market constantly demands qualified personnel and increases the requirements for graduates of educational establishments. In order to train a competitive young professional, universities seek modernization of various kinds and implement it in the educational process. Dual form of education is one of these efforts undertaken by educational institutions. The article presents the results of the semantic analysis of the dual education concept, an analysis of the stakeholders’ roles in the system of higher education with a large emphasis on the role of the employer, statistical data collection, and the main advantages and disadvantages of the dual approach to the educational process organization. The aim of the study is to analyze experience of dual education development in Germany, where it is regulated at the legislative level. The main advantages of dual education are identified: establishing practice-oriented training system, involving motivated employers in the training process and educational programs designing, alternating the theoretical and on-the-job training, and reducing the costs associated with personnel selection and adaptation. The study has developed a generalized process model for the implementation of the project ”Introduction of the dual form of education in an educational organization”. According to the proposed model, the first stage includes developing normative acts regulating dual education training, forming a team of mentors, and selecting students. At the second stage, the authors propose to distribute the contact work as follows: 60% for theoretical training and 40% for production-based. The final stage is devoted to the evaluation of the of the dual education system implementation effectiveness. The model was tested for the Novouralsk Institute of Technology — branch of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI. The study presents a stage-by-stage description of the model and examines examples of the education dual form positive effects at the university, as well as considers emerging “noises”.&#x0D; Keywords: dual education, professional training, educational system

Application of the CDIO standards for cyber-physical education in mechatronics and robotics in a research university on the example of development of digital electronic skills

One of the main problems of modern technical education is the lack of a specific standard for quality control of specialists’ knowledge. Cyber-physical education requires the introduction of new standards into educational programs. At National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, we have extensive experience in the implementation and use of CDIO standards in cyber-physical education to improve the qualification of trained specialists. This article contains the results of the introduction of CDIO standards into the training program for specialists in the field of mechatronics and robotics at National Research Nuclear University MEPhI on the example of the development of digital electronic skills.