Current State Research Articles

Single-Phase Robust Charger with High Power Quality for Electric Vehicle Application

The widespread use of electric vehicles (EVs) necessitates the development of a robust charging infrastructure. The goal of this research paper is to create a high-quality, single-phase charger for electric cars. The purpose of this design is to provide a charger that is both fast and efficient but also protects against power quality problems including harmonics, power factor correction, and voltage variations. A single-phase–single-stage improved power quality EV charger for small and medium power applications has been designed and simulated. A single DC-DC converter is utilized for constant charging and improved power quality operation. The charger presented exhibits improved power quality as sinusoidal current is drawn from the utility grid supply with the total harmonic distortion (THD) in compliance with the IEEE 519 and IEC 61000-3-2 standards. In order to charge the battery of an electric vehicle, most two-stage converters first use a boost converter for power factor correction (PFC), and then they use a DC-DC converter that can accept any input voltage. These two-stage conversions are inefficient and use more parts than necessary. This work proposes a PFC converter based on a single-stage switching inductor Cuk converter, which has the advantages of high step-down gain, low current stress, high efficiency, and a small number of components. The suggested converter’s operational analysis and design equations are performed in continuous current mode. The proposed converter is the subject of extensive mathematical modelling, analysis, simulation, and experimentation presented in this study. With both constant voltage (CV) and constant current (CC) loads, the proposed converter’s performance is analysed with regard to power quality indices like voltage total harmonic distortion (THD), current THD, and total power factor. Additionally, in CV mode and CC mode, the suggested converter’s dynamic performance with battery charging is evaluated in relation to the extensive supply changes. The developed charger presents a reliable and efficient solution for EV charging, fostering the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable transportation system.

Current state of knowledge and theories on second language reading

There is a thorny controversy regarding defining second language (L2) reading based on the required levels of interacting with the decoded texts and including theories that could prevent or facilitate the L2 process. This research attempts to fill the gap through providing a comprehensive analysis to the current state of knowledge and theories on second language reading; schema theory, orthographic depth hypothesis, socio-cultural theory, as well as influence from prior educational experiences, the concept of common underlying proficiency, and cross-language interference. Understanding such second language reading-related theories and hypotheses could enhance redirecting the attention to more practicality and reliability in the field as well as justifying insufficient learning outcomes of second language reading; dedicated particularly to Saudi EFL learners.

Mechanical and micro-structural studies of pulsed and constant current TIG weldments of super duplex stainless steels and Austenitic stainless steels

Abstract In the present research work, the influence of heat input rates on microstructures, hot tensile properties, and weld surface hardness number of Super Duplex Stainless Steel 2507 super duplex steels and austenitic steels 316L plates were investigated. Pulsed current and constant current modes were used in Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding to join the dissimilar metals using ER2205 as filler. Microstructural studies were revealed at different zones of pulsed and constant current TIG weldments using optical microscopy. The tensile test was conducted at two different temperature conditions (i.e., 27 and 350°C) to investigate the strength of dissimilar weldments. Hardness measurements were made on the weld surface along the transverse direction using Vicker’s hardness tester. The microstructures revealed the formation of inter-granular austenite at the fusion zone with grain boundaries with austenite structures. Due to the constant heat input, a significant microstructural development with high austenite fractions was observed in constant current (CC)-TIG weldment. In comparison to CC-TIG weldments (UTS at 27°C = 600 MPa UTS at 350°C = 456 MPa), higher tensile characteristics were noted in Pulsed Current (PC)-TIG weldments (UTS at 27°C = 695 MPa UTS at 350°C = 475 MPa). The UTS of PC-TIG weldment is improved by 15.8% when compared to CC-TIG weldment due to the controlled heat input rates. PC-TIG weldments exhibited improved hardness numbers in various zones with smaller HAZ widths than CC-TIG weldments.

An improved model predictive control for linear induction machine drive-based split-source inverters

The Split Source Inverter (SSI) is a single-stage DC-AC converter topology widely recognized for its beneficial features compared to the Z-source inverter. These advantages include a reduced number of components, a constant input current, and minimized losses. This study aims to extensively investigate and analyze the operation of a 3 kW Linear Induction Motor (LIM) using SSI through comprehensive simulations. The suggested control approach, employing finite control-model predictive thrust control (FC-MPTC), exhibits remarkable dynamic behavior and achieves a fast transient response without necessitating modifications to the control loop. Moreover, the proposed method allows for the manipulation of multiple variables by utilizing a single cost function, eliminating the need for lookup tables. The efficacy of the proposed control method is validated through comprehensive simulations and experimental tests, which exhibit accurate reference tracking speed and superior dynamic performance in regulating the thrust and primary flux. The results also showed that the proposed method had lower undulations of 5.8% than the traditional method. The proposed approach outperforms the DTC-SVM method under varying load and speed conditions by delivering remarkable accuracy and improved control characteristics.

Performance enhancement for direct borohydride fuel cells through ternary Ru–Co–B oxide catalyst

Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma is used to prepare ternary heterostructured Ru–Co–B oxide catalyst with considerable RuO2/CoO/B20H26O interface and oxygen vacancy (Ov) for enhanced borohydride oxidation reaction. the Ru–Co–B catalyst displayed remarkable electrocatalytic activity and long-term stability Due to the difference in energy band structure at the interface where the charge distribution is not homogeneous, the heterogeneous structure will spontaneously generate a built-in electric field which prompts the interfacial charge transfer. The production of Ov increases its active site and promotes its catalytic activity. While it is used in membrane-less direct borohydride fuel cells (DBFCs), it showed a peak power density of 206 mW cm−2 at room temperature and a remarkable stability of 270 h at a constant current of 20 mA that is superior to commercial Pt/C.

Particle traps and stationary currents captured by an active 1D model

We investigate the onset of a non-equilibrium phase transition in a one-dimensional ring, constituted by two urns connected by two strands, called active and passive channels. A set of N particles move inside the ring with constant individual speeds; collisions against the channel entries produce reflections with certain probabilities, that differ between active and passive channels. The microscopic dynamics differs from a classical 1D billiard owing to the presence of an interaction mechanism acting inside the active channel, which potentially reverses velocities of its particles. We outline a general theory for the feedback-controlled system which describes quantitatively the phase diagram of the model, based on a mixing property, that is analytically predicted and numerically verified. The probability distributions we define and evolve in time are 1D projections of uniform distributions on d-dimensional spherical surfaces, with d≥1 and d=∞. Consequently results that apply to higher dimensional systems are recovered.

Carbazole-Based branched Poly(Aryl Piperidinium) membranes for Ultra-Stable anion exchange membrane fuel cells

In the technological development of anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs), it is crucial to prepare anion exchange membranes (AEMs) with high conductivity and excellent dimensional stability. This study successfully developed highly branched poly(aryl piperidinium) AEMs by introducing 4,4′-bis(N-carbazolyl)-1,1′-biphenyl as branched linker unit into the poly(p-terphenyl piperidinium) backbone. With the introduction of the carbazole group, the plane-conjugated structure and non-rotatable properties are fully utilised, which effectively reduces the entanglement between the polymer backbones and increases the free volume of the AEMs, hence facilitates the construction of an efficient ion transport channel. The branched structure effectively reduces the water uptake of the membrane which leads to improved dimensional stability. The optimized QPCBP-TP-7 membrane exhibited high conductivity, reaching up to 151.88 mS cm−1 at 80 °C, along with excellent mechanical strength (TS = 42.51 MPa, EB = 13.32 %, wet state) and dimensional stability (SR of 22.9 % at 80 °C). Surprisingly, this membrane also exhibited favorable antioxidant properties (retaining over 97.28 % weight after 96 h in Fenton's reagent at 80 °C), and alkaline stability (retaining over 86.81 % efficacy after 1500 h in 5 M NaOH solution at 80 °C). In AEMFCs applications, the QPCBP-TP-7 membrane achieved peak power density (PPD) up to 616 mW cm−2 with the current density is 1330 mA cm−2 at 80 °C (H2-O2) and the QPCBP-TP-7 membrane remained stable and hardly degraded when operated at constant current of 0.1 A cm−2 (80 °C) over 100 h.

Mapping the Viewer Experience in Cinematic Virtual Reality: A Systematic Review

Abstract In recent years, the creative media landscape has witnessed growing interests surrounding the utilization of virtual reality (VR) as a novel visual narrative approach for both filmmakers and audiences. This trend is accompanied by an increase in studies aimed at scientifically examining the characteristics and principles of immersive visual storytelling. This paper intends to contribute to this growing field by offering a comprehensive review on the current research development in cinematic virtual reality (CVR), which employs VR technology to produce immersive, cinematic experiences for audiences. While extant research has focused on the content generation techniques and human performance implicated in virtual environments, such investigations may not fully explain the medium adaptation differences or emotional dimensions of narrated immersive experiences. These aspects are especially crucial in the context of visual storytelling through VR film, 360-degree video production, or other narrated experiences. The proposed study systematically categorizes CVR-related research, revealing the field's current state by narrowing the focus to specific topics and themes within CVR literature and highlighting key subdomains of interest centered on viewers’ experience measurement techniques. The findings of this review are expected to establish formal categories for implementing visual CVR to achieve immersive visual storytelling and provide a comprehensive analysis of current viewer experience measurements.

Research Progress on the Assembly of Large DNA Fragments.

Synthetic biology, a newly and rapidly developing interdisciplinary field, has demonstrated increasing potential for extensive applications in the wide areas of biomedicine, biofuels, and novel materials. DNA assembly is a key enabling technology of synthetic biology and a central point for realizing fully synthetic artificial life. While the assembly of small DNA fragments has been successfully commercialized, the assembly of large DNA fragments remains a challenge due to their high molecular weight and susceptibility to breakage. This article provides an overview of the development and current state of DNA assembly technology, with a focus on recent advancements in the assembly of large DNA fragments in Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In particular, the methods and challenges associated with the assembly of large DNA fragment in different hosts are highlighted. The advancements in DNA assembly have the potential to facilitate the construction of customized genomes, giving us the ability to modify cellular functions and even create artificial life. It is also contributing to our ability to understand, predict, and manipulate living organisms.

Designing gradient coils with the shape derivative and the closed B-spline curves

This study proposes a versatile and efficient optimisation method for discrete coils that induce a magnetic field by their steady currents. The prime target is gradient coils for MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). The derivative (gradient) of the z-component the magnetic field, which is calculated by the Biot–Savart's law, with respect to the z-coordinate in the Cartesian xyz coordinate system is considered as the objective function. Then, the derivative of the objective function with respect to a change of coils in shape is formulated according to the concept of shape optimisation. The resulting shape derivative (as well as the Biot–Savart's law) is smoothly discretised with the closed B-spline curves. In this case, the control points (CPs) of the curves are naturally selected as the design variables. As a consequence, the shape derivative is discretised to the sensitivities of the objective function with respect to the CPs. Those sensitivities are available to solve the present shape-optimisation problem with a certain gradient-based nonlinear-programming solver. The numerical examples exhibit the mathematical reliability, computational efficiency, and engineering applicability of the proposed methodology based on the shape derivative/sensitivities and the closed B-spline curves.

Особенности актуального состояния обучающихся в регионе с высокой степенью вовлеченности в последствия боевых действий

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Objective.</strong> The study is aimed on estimation of students’ current state in regions with high degrees of involvement in the consequences of hostilities. <br><strong>Background.</strong> Research data, mainly foreign ones, indicate a high prevalence of violations of various degrees of severity, from mild adaptation disorders to symptoms of PTSD, in children either living in military conflict zones or having experience related to their involvement into consequences of hostilities. Such students have a great need for targeted psychological assistance. There is still a gap in domestic studies devoted to the analysis of the impact of involvement into consequences of hostilities on minority. Also, specialists are still experiencing deficits in compact tools allowing comprehensive assessment of children current state and their need for psychological assistance. <br><strong>Study design.</strong> We studied features of the students’ current state in regions highly involved into the consequences of hostilities. using specially developed screening tools designed for students of 9–11 grades.<br><strong>Participants.</strong> 646 students in grades 9–11 (36% male, 64% female) living in regions experiencing the impact of events related to hostilities, mainly from Lugansk People’s Republic. <br><strong>Measurements.</strong> The study is based on a questionnaire developed to assess the current state in adolescents including items assessing a) manifestations of socio-psychological and mental maladaptation in various spheres of life, b) symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, c) psychological (personal and social) resources for coping with stress. This part of questionnaire includes lists if features among which student must choose those which fit his/her current state on the base of multiple choice. The questionnaire also contains items assessing the subjective well-being of children in life areas mentioned above by the 10-point Likert scale. The questionnaires were presented electronically, using the AnketologBox platform. Results were analyzed using IBM SPSS 27.0. <br><strong>Results.</strong> Results were obtained regarding the prevalence and severity of signs of socio-psychological maladaptation, including PTSD symptoms, and subjective estimation of well-being and psychological resources for coping with stress in students of 9–11 grades. Significant differences were found between students according to the criterion of gender: a significantly higher level of vulnerability of girls compared to boys in the psychophysiological, emotional, behavioral spheres, as well as in relationships with loved ones.<br><strong>С</strong><strong>onclusions.</strong> The data analysis allowed us to identify the main features of the current state of students in the regions highly involved in the consequences of hostilities: the presence of severe distress in some children in the psychophysiological, cognitive, emotional, communicative and behavioral spheres, the tendency to decrease the level of well-being in these areas with age in secondary school students, the existence of special risk groups, which include female students of 9–11grades. The proposed diagnostic tool appeared to be sensitive to phenomena under study varying from psychological resources of coping with stress to signs of maladaptation in students living in territories involved into the consequences of hostilities.</p>

Distribution, Chemical Constituents and Biological Properties of Genus Malaxis.

The genus Malaxis (family Orchidaceae), comprises nearly 183 species available across the globe. The plants of this genus have long been employed in traditional medical practices because of their numerous biological properties, like the treatment of infertility, hemostasis, burning sensation, bleeding diathesis, fever, diarrhea, dysentery, febrifuge, tuberculosis, etc. Various reports highlight their phytochemical composition and biological activities. However, there is a lack of systematic review on the distribution, phytochemistry, and biological properties of this genus. Hence, this study aims to conduct a thorough and critical review of Malaxis species, covering data published from 1965 to 2022 with nearly 90 articles. Also, it examines different bioactive compounds, their chemistry, and pharmacotherapeutics as well as their traditional uses. A total of 189 unique compounds, including the oil constituents were recorded from Malaxis species. The highest active ingredients were obtained from Malaxis acuminata (103) followed by Malaxis muscifera (49) and Malaxis rheedei (33). In conclusion, this review offers an overview of the current state of knowledge on Malaxis species and highlights prospects for future research projects on them. Additionally, it recommends the promotion of domestication studies for rare medicinal orchids like Malaxis and the prompt implementation of conservation measures.

Electrochemical oscillation behaviors of gold during its recovery from waste printed circuit boards through slurry electrolysis

Slurry electrolysis is an effective technology for recovering gold from waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs). However, electrochemical oscillation during the gold recovery process is a potential factor affecting power consumption. As a result, the potential oscillation behaviors of gold dissolution at a constant current were studied. These results showed that the periodic formation and dissolution of the Au-OH passive film on the anode induced electrochemical oscillation. The amplitude and frequency of electrochemical oscillation were affected by hydrochloric acid concentration, current intensity, electrode spacing, and sodium chloride concentration, among which the concentration of sodium chloride had a significant inhibitory effect. Under the following conditions: hydrochloric acid concentration of 8 mol/L, current of 0.03 A, and electrode spacing of 1.5 cm, the obtained maximum amplitude potential and frequency were 1.17 V and 0.56 Hz, respectively. The phase space reconstruction results showed that the systems evolved between the near-linear equilibrium region and the periodic oscillation region. Different factors induced two oscillation modes: top-down and bottom-up. The top-down and bottom-up oscillations induced by current intensity, hydrochloric acid concentration, and electrode spacing reduced the relative power consumption by 11.8, 17.2, and 11.8 %, respectively, and increased the relative power consumption by 14.3, 21.2, and 30.1 %, respectively. A critical value was obtained, which varied oscillation patterns and gained a region of lower power consumption. The addition of trisodium citrate and PVP can improve gold recovery rate and current efficiency by regulating process of electrochemical oscillation. This work will provide theoretical support for recovering valuable metals from WPCBs with reduced energy consumption by controlling the external conditions to switch the oscillation mode.

Numerical modeling of local scour around a subsea pipeline on cohesive seabed under steady currents

The present study introduces a numerical model for simulating local scour around a subsea pipeline on a cohesive seabed, representing a pioneering endeavor in the development of such a numerical model. The flow dynamics around the pipeline are solved using Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations with the SST k–ω turbulent model. Sediment movement on cohesive seabed is assessed through erosion rates, determined by an empirical formula derived from experimental data, rather than sediment transport rates typically used for non-cohesive sediment. Three different erosion rate formulas—linear, power law, and stochastic—are investigated in the simulation of the scour process. The numerical simulations are validated using laboratory data with artificial and marine sediments, demonstrating a satisfactory level of agreement in predicting scour bed profiles. Nevertheless, it is recommended to utilize the erosion rate formula that is calibrated to the specific sediment type based on experimental data for precise numerical prediction of scour process. The study reveals that the equilibrium scour depth is approximately a linear function of the bed shear stress, and the nondimensional time scale is inversely proportional to the bed shear stress within the specified range. Subsequently, an examination of the scale effect on the scour process with cohesive sediment around a pipeline is conducted. The results indicate that the nondimensional equilibrium scour depth marginally increases with larger pipeline diameter on cohesive seabed, contrary to the observed trend for non-cohesive sediments.

Andragogy – Dynamic Past, Challenging Present and Uncertain Future

This paper explores the development and current state of andragogy as a scientific discipline in Serbia, with a particular focus on its professionalisation at the University of Belgrade. Despite periods of crisis and societal transitions, andragogy has demonstrated remarkable resilience, remaining relevant and influential in the educational landscape. The current study program at the Department of Andragogy at the University of Belgrade is depicted at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. By analysing master’s and doctoral theses, and published scientific papers, the paper provides insights into the prevalent issues and topics in the field. The findings underscore the impact and relevance of andragogy in Serbia and suggest its future prospects. Upholding its core principles and holistic approach, andragogy can play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between the past and the present, leading to the revitalisation of adult education and shaping the trajectory of the discipline itself in Serbia and beyond.

Quest for the golden ratio universality class.

Using mode-coupling theory, the conditions for all allowed dynamical universality classes for the conserved modes in one-dimensional driven systems are presented in closed form as a function of the stationary currents and their derivatives. With an eye on the search for the golden ratio universality class, the existence of some families of microscopic models is ruled out a priori by using an Onsager-type macroscopic current symmetry. In particular, if the currents are symmetric or antisymmetric under the interchange of the conserved densities, then at equal mean densities the golden modes can only appear in the antisymmetric case and if the conserved quantities are correlated, but not in the symmetric case where at equal densities one mode is always diffusive and the second may be either Kardar-Parisi-Zhang (KPZ), modified KPZ, 3/2-Lévy, or also diffusive. We also show that the predictions of mode-coupling theory for a noisy chain of harmonic oscillators are exact.

Numerical Investigation of a Hydrogen–Air Flame for NOx Prediction

Abstract Sustainable aviation fuels are a major candidate to reduce pollutant emissions in future aeronautical engines. Recently, the use of hydrogen as a fuel has gained a high interest partly because its combustion is free from carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, and produces few pollutants, mainly nitrogen oxides (NOx). Over the last decades, efforts on numerical methods for combustion simulation in aero-engines have largely been focused on kerosene-air combustion. However, the current transition may have a significant impact on the computational methodologies for combustor design. Hydrogen defines novel modeling issues and challenges the current state of art on numerical methodologies. The current study presents a numerical investigation of a hydrogen–air burner using large-eddy simulations (LES) with a focus on NOx prediction. The considered configuration is a two-staged combustor, similar to the well-known RQL (Rich-Quench-Lean) technology, supplied by a single coaxial injector characterized experimentally. Two combustion models are investigated: (i) tabulated chemistry based on premixed flamelets (ii) transported chemistry description by using a 21-species chemical scheme. Numerical results are compared with experimental data (NOx concentrations, temperature distributions, pressure losses). A focus on model predictions is carried out. Results show a good agreement to predict the main flow characteristics and the premixed flame position over different operating points and geometries for both frameworks. In contrast, NOx emissions are more sensitive: while the overall trend is well captured, the quantification is more scattered. Finally, an in-depth analysis is proposed to link NOx production with the nonpremixed flame size.

PI Current Controller Design for DC Drive System using 4- Quadrant DC-DC Converter and 3- Phase Rectifier

DC Motors is considered one of the important machines in control systems such as industrial robots, vehicles, and process control. Current control of a DC drive is very desirable because by controlling the current, the torque is controlled. Moreover, current control can be used to prevent large damaging armature currents during start-up. A good current loop is very important when setting up a DC drive. When the control of the current loop is good, the steady state motor current should respond exactly with the reference current, and the transient response to the step change in the reference current should be fast and well-damped. This paper presents two different types of current controller converters that are commonly used in DC motor drives. The first converter is a 4-quadratic switch-mode DC-DC converter, while the second controller is a 3-phase controller rectifier. Both current converters were simulated using Matlab Simulink, where a PI current controller for the inner loop current control DC motor controls these converters. The PI controller was designed based on the Bode plot frequency response method. In this research, the design procedure was based on the small signal model and then, verified using a large signal model. The simulation result showed that the performance using a 4-quadrant DC-DC converter gave better performance than a 3-phase rectifier.

Gyrator-Gain Variable WPT Topology for MC-Unconstrained CC Output Customization Using Simplified Capacitance Tuning

Load-independent constant current (CC) outputs are desirable in many applications of wireless power transfer (WPT). Yet the WPT gain of a conventional system is normally dependent on the magnetic components (MCs) such as coils or inductors, making it difficult to customize the output for interoperability. This paper presents a gain variable WPT topology for CC output customization, which only employs capacitance tuning to provide sufficient freedom in gain regulation. To break the gain limitation of <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">S-S</i> compensation, which is the simplest with gyrator characteristics for CC output, a capacitive or inductive component is paralleled to the coil as <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">SP-S</i> or <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">S-PS</i> compensation. A thorough analysis based on the Y-Δ transform indicates that the gain is restrictively variable with the parallel component. An <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">S-CLC</i> -compensated topology without an independent inductor is further proposed to avoid those restrictions with as few additional components as possible. The inductor in the topology, coupled with the transmitter coil and integrated into the receiver coil, extends the gain variable range. A complete design process of the topology is presented to realize efficient WPT and CC output customization with a wide variable-gain range and misalignment tolerance. Analytical and simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the gyrator-gain variation by capacitance tuning. Finally, the performance of the WPT topology is evaluated by experimental results on a scaled-down prototype.

Evaluation of ChatGPT for Patient Counseling in Kidney Stone Clinic: A Prospective Study.

Introduction: The potential of large language models (LLMs) is to improve the clinical workflow and to make patient care efficient. We prospectively evaluated the performance of the LLM ChatGPT as a patient counseling tool in the urology stone clinic and validated the generated responses with those of urologists. Methods: We collected 61 questions from 12 kidney stone patients and prompted those to ChatGPT and a panel of experienced urologists (Level 1). Subsequently, the blinded responses of urologists and ChatGPT were presented to two expert urologists (Level 2) for comparative evaluation on preset domains: accuracy, relevance, empathy, completeness, and practicality. All responses were rated on a Likert scale of 1 to 10 for psychometric response evaluation. The mean difference in the scores given by the urologists (Level 2) was analyzed and interrater reliability (IRR) for the level of agreement in the responses between the urologists (Level 2) was analyzed by Cohen's kappa. Results: The mean differences in average scores between the responses from ChatGPT and urologists showed significant differences in accuracy (p < 0.001), empathy (p < 0.001), completeness (p < 0.001), and practicality (p < 0.001), except for the relevance domain (p = 0.051), with ChatGPT's responses being rated higher. The IRR analysis revealed significant agreement only in the empathy domain [k = 0.163, (0.059-0.266)]. Conclusion: We believe the introduction of ChatGPT in the clinical workflow could further optimize the information provided to patients in a busy stone clinic. In this preliminary study, ChatGPT supplemented the answers provided by the urologists, adding value to the conversation. However, in its current state, it is still not ready to be a direct source of authentic information for patients. We recommend its use as a source to build a comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions bank as a prelude to developing an LLM Chatbot for patient counseling.