Conductance oscillations and zero-bias anomaly in a single superconducting junction to a three-dimensional Bi2Te3Bi_2Te_3 topological insulator

We experimentally investigate Andreev transport through a single junction between an s-wave indium superconductor and a thick film of a three-dimensional $Bi_2Te_3$ topological insulator. We study $Bi_2Te_3$ samples with different bulk and surface characteristics, where the presence of a topological surface state is confirmed by direct ARPES measurements. All the junctions demonstrate Andreev transport within the superconducting gap. For junctions with transparent $In-Bi_2Te_3$ interfaces we find a number of nearly periodic conductance oscillations, which are accompanied by zero-bias conductance anomaly. Both effects disappear above the superconducting transition or for resistive junctions. We propose a consistent interpretation of both effects as originating from proximity-induced superconducting correlations within the $Bi_2Te_3$ topological surface state

The increasing of the energy efficiency of nuclear power plants with fast neutron reactors by utilizing waste heat using heat pumps

Today, an important task for the economy is to increase the efficiency of using primary fuel. At present, for nuclear power plants with VVER reactors, thermal efficiency is about 33%, with fast neutron reactors-more than 40%. This means that most of the heat produced is released into the atmosphere. In this paper, we consider methods to solve the problem of increasing energy efficiency by the example of NPPs with fast neutron reactors due to the utilization of low-grade waste heat. The results of practical implementation of utilization of low-potential thermal energy of thermal and nuclear power plants using heat pumps were generalized. The analysis of the utilization efficiency of waste heat from various NPP systems was performed. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd

Etiopathogenesis and surgical treatment of epithelial pilonidal sinus

The aim of review. To present modern approaches to surgical management of chronic inflammation of epithelial pilonidal sinus (EPS), efficacy of treatment methods, rates of complications and relapses.Summary. Up to now there is no common judgement on etiology and pathogenesis of epithelial pilonidal sinus. All theories may be divided to two basic classes: congenital and acquired EPS. In the Russia opinions on development of this disease cardinally differ from that of foreign scientists. Traditionally in Russian domestic literature EPS is considered as congenital anomaly, while foreign researchers decline acquired etiology of this disease. Furthermore issues of optimal surgical treatment choice are solved. The long period of wound healing, postoperative pain and quite frequent disease relapses remain common in such patients. According to various authors, EPS relapse rate makes 20 to 40% irrespective of treatment method. Attempts to find the radical EPS treatment method providing the lowest pain level, small wound surface and allowing the lowest possible disability period and motor activity limitation, stimulate development of new surgical treatment methods and improvement of already established operations.Conclusion. Now methods of EPS surgical treatment should meet following requirements: be simple in performance, provide low pain, rapid restoration of work capacity and social activity. Application of modern surgical approaches strictly following indications and individual approach to choice of surgery provides maximal conformity to the specified requirements

Evaluation of versions of electric power grid repair schemes from the results of structural reliability calculations

A procedure for processing repair claims using the results of an estimate of the structural reliability of the electric grid, the results of the approval of algorithms using the example of a test model, and the principles for producing short-term charts of the repairs of electric-grid equipment, is presented. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media New York

Thermohydraulic simulation of a channel with targets for production of radioactive isotopes in the IVV-2M nuclear reactor

The importance of radioisotope products usage in industry, science and medicine is underlined. The necessity of safety ensuring and radiation protection optimization while transporting the containers with radioactive isotopes is postulated. The information on isotope products making in the IVV-2M nuclear reactor of Research Institute of Nuclear Materials, JSC, from the beginning of 1990-ies is given. The data on application properties of Selenium 75 isotope are presented. The requirements to the thermohydraulic conditions of Se 75 isotope production in the nuclear reactor are formulated. The stages of a solid model development of a target for Se-75 isotope production as a part of an irradiation device of IVV-2M nuclear reactor are described. The results of hydraulic simulation of the coolant flow for various ways of devices arranging in the irradiation channel of the reactor are given. The analysis of thermohydraulic processes was performed with the help of SolidWorks Flow Simulation software. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd

Methods for Mesh Implantation Efficacy Assessment in Rectocele

Aim. A methodological review on mesh implantation efficacy assessment in surgery for rectocele.Key points. Specialised quiz surveys are among the most appropriate methods to assess surgical intervention efficacy. The questionnaires that enable pre- and postsurgery rectocele grading include PFDI-20 (Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory), the colonic evacuation disorder scale and Cleveland Constipation Scoring System. These surveys determine the surgical intervention efficacy dynamically in conjunction with instrumental surgery assessment techniques.Conclusion. Clinical practice at the Ryzhikh National Medical Research Centre for Coloproctology combines the originally developed colonic evacuation disorder scale (2003) and PFDI-20. The combined scales allow for a comprehensive symptom assessment in patients with rectocele and other descending perineum syndrome manifestations prior to surgery, as well as symptom dynamics evaluation postoperatively, which, in link with defecography, enables a complete appraisal of the surgical effect

Research of the physical properties of the liquid radioactive waste treatment ion-selective sorbents

The prospects of ion-selective treatment for the liquid radioactive waste volume reducing are shown. The main problems of the hydrodynamics scale-up and ion-exchange equipment design are outlined. The short review of the methods of packed bed hydrodynamic processes modeling is presented. The experimental research technique of the required physical properties of the EKOSORB ion-selective sorbents for the hydrodynamic design and scale-up of the liquid radioactive waste treatment ion-exchange equipment is shown. The results of the liquid radioactive waste treatment ion-selective sorbents true and bulk density and porosity measurements are shown. The micro photos and data on the ion-selective sorbents particle's form, size, and structure are presented. The ion-selective sorbents layer pressure drops were calculated by the Ergun's equation. © 2021 Author(s).Russian Science Foundation, RSF, (21-11-00062)This work was supported Russian Science Foundation (No. 21-11-00062)