Current Variation Research Articles

The Damage Evolution of a Cr2O3-TiO2 Coating Subjected to Cyclic Impact and Corrosive Environments and the Influence of a Nickel Intermediate Layer

Cyclic impacts in corrosive environments significantly affect the service life of ceramic coatings, greatly increasing their susceptibility to cracking and delamination. This study investigated the damage evolution behavior of Cr2O3-TiO2 (CT) coatings under cyclic stress in a corrosive medium, and analyzed the effects of the nickel layer on coating stress, corrosion current, and crack propagation. The variations in corrosion potential and current were analyzed, and the formation patterns of interfacial corrosion cracks were observed. Pre-cracks were introduced on the ceramic coating surface using a Micro-Nano mechanical testing system, and cyclic impacts were applied to the samples in 5% diluted hydrochloric acid using SiC balls to induce damage evolution. The results indicate that the presence of the nickel interlayer reduced the corrosion current density from 9.197 × 10−6 A/cm2 to 8.088 × 10−6 A/cm2 and significantly decreased the stress between the coating and the substrate. The surface cracks gradually extended toward the interface under the coupling effect of corrosion and SiC ball impact. When cracks reached the interface, they provided channels for corrosive media, leading to stress corrosion cracking at the interface. The Ni intermediate layer suppressed the formation of interface cracks and greatly enhanced the impact damage resistance of the CT coating–substrate system in corrosive media.

Significant Disparities in Adolescents With Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Across Trauma Center Types: Wide Variation of Tracheostomy and Gastrostomy.

To explore practice variations in the rate and timing of tracheostomy and gastrostomy for adolescent with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) across trauma center types. Retrospective cohort study. Trauma centers participating in the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program (2017-2021) included adult (ATC), mixed (MTC), and pediatric trauma centers (PTC). Adolescent 14-18 years old with severe TBI (Head Abbreviated Injury Scale: 3-5 and Glasgow Coma Scale: 3-8) requiring mechanical ventilation. None. A multilevel mixed-effect Poisson regression model assessed the association between trauma center type and tracheostomy/gastrostomy rates. Effect sizes for fixed effects were reported as adjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR) with 95% CI. Secondary analyses were performed to assess the association between trauma center types and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Of 6978 patients, tracheostomy and gastrostomy were performed in 22.5% and 21.3% at ATC, 20.8% and 21.3% at MTC, and 6.9% and 11.1% at PTC, respectively. The median time to tracheostomy was 10 days (interquartile range [IQR], 7-13 d) at ATC, 11 days (IQR, 7-15 d) at MTC, and 15 days (IQR, 11-23 d) at PTC, demonstrating a significantly later timing of tracheostomy at PTC. In the regression model adjusting for potential confounders, treatment at PTC was significantly associated with a decreased likelihood of tracheostomy and gastrostomy placement compared with ATC (adjusted IRR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.28-0.52; p < 0.001 and adjusted IRR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.44-0.75; p < 0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in the occurrence rate of VAP between ATC, MTC, and PTC. Our results offer insights into the existing current practice variations between ATC, MTC, and PTC in tracheostomy and gastrostomy placement for adolescent with severe TBI. Further research is warranted to examine the impact of these observed disparities on short- and long-term outcomes and to standardize the care process for adolescent patients.

An online loop closing current calculation method for complex distribution networks considering source and load uncertainties

AbstractTo address the challenges posed by frequent source and load fluctuations in existing loop closing current calculation methods, this paper proposes an online loop closing current calculation method that considers source and load uncertainties. First, a dual‐stack dynamic monitoring system is utilized to obtain real‐time voltage and current variations before and after disturbances. Second, Thevenin's theorem is employed to build an equivalent model of the distribution network, simplifying the complex network into a combination of an independent voltage source and a series impedance. Then, the steady‐state loop closing current is calculated based on the open‐circuit voltage and equivalent impedance at both sides of the loop closing point. Next, the optimal frequency method is applied to determine the equivalent impedance and attenuation time constant at a specific frequency, achieving accurate calculation of the transient loop closing current. Finally, simulations are conducted to model the fluctuations in distributed generation and load, analysing the steady‐state and transient loop closing currents. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method accurately captures the effects of source and load fluctuations on the loop closing current in dynamic environments, with minimal calculation error, indicating its high practicality.

A multiplexing immunosensing platform for the simultaneous detection of snake and scorpion venoms: Towards a better management of antidote administration.

Envenomation accidents are usually diagnosed at the hospital through signs and symptoms assessment such as short breath, dizziness and vomiting, numbness, swilling, bruising, or bleeding around the affected site. However, this traditional method provides inaccurate diagnosis given the interface between snakebites and scorpion stings symptoms. Therefore, early determination of bites/stings source would help healthcare professionals select the suitable treatment for patients, thus improving envenomation management. In this study, we developed an innovative multiplexing platform based on dual immunosensors for the simultaneous determination of snake and scorpion venoms using a label-free electrochemical platform. The dual immunosensor was fabricated on graphene/gold nanoparticle modified screen-printed electrodes. The electrodes were first modified with two chemical linkers (cysteamine/phenylene diisothiocyanate) to facilitate the immobilization of the antibodies (antivenoms) through covalent binding. The proposed immunosensor was tested with different venoms that specific to six snake species and two scorpion species. The detection was undergone by monitoring the reduction peak current variation after the venom binding using square wave voltammetry, in presence of ferro/ferricyanide redox system. The dual immunosensor enabled a sensitive and selective simultaneous detection of the snake and scorpion species venoms within wide linear ranges in the limits of detection ranging from 0.057 to 0.027μg/mL. The applicability of the venoms immunosensor has also been evaluated for the detection of snake and scorpion venoms in human serum samples showing high recovery percentages. These achievements show the great potential of our multiplexing approach for the early detection of snake or scorpion envenomation.

A Computer Modeling Characteristics of Brushless DC Motors in Medical Application

This work presents a modeling process for Brushless DC motors (BLDCMs) that considers both magnetic saturation and reluctance variation. DC motors are employed in diagnostic equipment like blood analysers and centrifuges. They enable the rotation and mixing of samples, facilitating the analysis of blood, urine, and other biological substances. Dental Tools: DC motors power dental equipment such as dental drills and handpieces. Two classes of Brushless DC motors were introduced for modeling using MATLAB simulation that involved reluctance variation: the non-uniform air gap model and the uniform air gap model. The characteristics of torque-speed for the two models are studied and compared. Non-uniform air gap mathematical model was subsequently adopted to study the effects of magnetic saturation. When magnetic saturation is incorporated in this work, some constant parameters in the models developed are transformed into variables that are dependent upon current variation.

Testing the biogeochemical niche hypothesis using leaves, stems and roots of 62 Artemisia species across China

Abstract The biogeochemical niche (BN) hypothesis is based on the concentrations of the predominant elements of a given organism to be stoichiometrically matched in order for it to function adequately. However, it is unknown how BN is represented by different plant organs and to what extent environment or evolution affects BN. We measured C, N, P, K, Ca and Mg concentrations in leaves, stems and roots of 1022 individuals of 62 Artemisia species collected across China to quantify BNs of the three organs. The BN of leaves was offset from and smaller in volume than that of stems and roots. BNs of the three organs differed in their sensitivities to environmental gradients, and leaves were less responsive to environmental variation than stems and roots in both BN volumes and positions. Environmental gradients had larger effects on BN positions than on BN volumes of all three organs. The BN volumes and positions of leaves and roots had no phylogenetic signal, while stem BN had a weak signal, that is, repeated species divergences from various Artemisia branches explained most of the BN variation of the three organs. The BN hypothesis cannot be fully tested using the elemental composition of a single organ owing to different physiological mechanisms and diverse responses of BN among organs. At least in Artemisia, leaves are strongly constrained in a limited elemental niche space to support a relatively stable supply of elements for leaf functioning, especially photosynthesis. In contrast, stems and roots develop larger elemental hypervolumes also representing nutrient storage and other functions. The BNs of Artemisia showed different environmental responses between volumes and positions, allowing these species to adjust elemental concentrations while maintaining a stable overall elemental composition under different environmental conditions. Synthesis. In conclusion, BNs of extant Artemisia populations are determined mostly by short‐term phenotypic responses to current environmental conditions and/or genotypic variation, while the recently evolved species diversity results mostly from species‐specific and organ‐specific use of nutrients and little by early divergence in the phylogeny.

Design and Experimental Validation of a Battery/Supercapacitor Hybrid Energy Storage System Based on an Adaptive LQG Controller

Hybrid energy storage systems (HESSs) are essential for adopting sustainable energy sources. HESSs combine complementary storage technologies, such as batteries and supercapacitors, to optimize efficiency, grid stability, and demand management. This work proposes a semi-active HESS formed by a battery connected to the DC bus and a supercapacitor managed by a Sepic/Zeta converter, which has the aim of avoiding high-frequency variations in the battery current on any operation condition. The converter control structure is formed by an LQG controller, an optimal state observer, and an adaptive strategy to ensure the correct controller operation in any condition: step-up, step-down, and unitary gain. This adaptive LQG controller consists of two control loops, an internal current loop and an external voltage loop, which use only two sensors. Compared with classical PI and LQG controllers, the adaptive LQG solution exhibits a better performance in all operation modes, up to 68% better than the LQG controller and up to 84% better than the PI controller. Therefore, the control strategy proposed for this HESS provides a fast-tracking of DC-bus current, driving the high-frequency component to the supercapacitor and the low-frequency component to the battery. Thus, fast changes in the battery power are avoided, reducing the degradation. Finally, the system adaptability to changes up to 67% in the operation range are experimentally tested, and the implementation of the control system using commercial hardware is verified.

The Prioritization of Sustainable Development Goals by Major Malaysian Islamic Banks: A Comparative Analysis

The banking sector's alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is critical for advancing global sustainability efforts as it facilitates financial intermediation. A key issue remains the need for more consistency in how Islamic banks prioritize SDGs, making it difficult to assess their collective impact. This study aims to compare the SDG prioritization across Islamic banks in Malaysia, addressing the current variation in sustainability efforts. This study uses qualitative methods by analyzing existing frameworks in the bank’s Annual Report and Sustainability Report. Based on the comparative analysis, the study proposes a standardized SDG framework tailored to Islamic banks, ensuring alignment with Shariah principles and international sustainability standards. The findings highlight disparities in SDG prioritization among Islamic banks and suggest recommendations for more unified and effective sustainability strategies within Malaysia's Islamic banking sector. These insights could guide policymakers and banks toward more impactful sustainability initiatives.

Perancangan Pengkonversian Bahan Bakar Dari Gasoline Menjadi Hho Untuk Menghidupkan Genset

This research aims to design and test a genset fuel conversion system from gasoline to HHO gas (brown gas) as a more environmentally friendly alternative. Conventional fossil-fueled generators face challenges in theform of limited resources and the impact of environmental pollution. In this study, HHO gas is produced through a water electrolysis process using an HHO generator that separates water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen using electric current. The test results show that increasing the voltage from 2.58 V to 5.12 V significantly increases the volume of gas produced. At a voltage of 2.58 V, the gas volume reached 110 ml, and increased to 750 ml at a voltage of 4.72 V. The generator set was successfully operated for 1 minute 15 seconds with HHO gas using a separate battery power source. These results demonstrate the potential of HHO gas as an efficient alternative fuel for generator sets. This study recommends further testing with voltage and current variations to find the optimal configuration, as well as the use of a larger power source to increase the efficiency of HHO gas electrolysis.

New Label-Free DNA Nanosensor Based on Top-Gated Metal-Ferroelectric-Metal Graphene Nanoribbon on Insulator Field-Effect Transistor: A Quantum Simulation Study.

In this paper, a new label-free DNA nanosensor based on a top-gated (TG) metal-ferroelectric-metal (MFM) graphene nanoribbon field-effect transistor (TG-MFM GNRFET) is proposed through a simulation approach. The DNA sensing principle is founded on the dielectric modulation concept. The computational method employed to evaluate the proposed nanobiosensor relies on the coupled solutions of a rigorous quantum simulation with the Landau-Khalatnikov equation, considering ballistic transport conditions. The investigation analyzes the effects of DNA molecules on nanodevice behavior, encompassing potential distribution, ferroelectric-induced gate voltage amplification, transfer characteristics, subthreshold swing, and current ratio. It has been observed that the feature of ferroelectric-induced gate voltage amplification using the integrated MFM structure can significantly enhance the biosensor's sensitivity to DNA molecules, whether in terms of threshold voltage shift or drain current variation. Additionally, we propose the current ratio as a sensing metric due to its ability to consider all DNA-induced modulations of electrical parameters, specifically the increase in on-state current and the decrease in off-state current and subthreshold swing. The obtained results indicate that the proposed negative-capacitance GNRFET-based DNA nanosensor could be considered an intriguing option for advanced point-of-care testing.

Study on Electrical and Temperature Characteristics of β-Ga2O3-Based Diodes Controlled by Varying Anode Work Function.

This study systematically investigates the effects of anode metals (Ti/Au and Ni/Au) with different work functions on the electrical and temperature characteristics of β-Ga2O3-based Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs), junction barrier Schottky diodes (JBSDs) and P-N diodes (PNDs), utilizing Silvaco TCAD simulation software, device fabrication and comparative analysis. From the perspective of transport characteristics, it is observed that the SBD exhibits a lower turn-on voltage and a higher current density. Notably, the Von of the Ti/Au anode SBD is merely 0.2 V, which is the lowest recorded value in the existing literature. The Von and current trend of two types of PNDs are nearly consistent, confirming that the contact between Ti/Au or Ni/Au and NiOx is ohmic. A theoretical derivation reveals the basic principles of the different contact resistances and current variations. With the combination of SBD and PND, the Von, current density, and variation rate of the JBSD lie between those of the SBD and PND. In terms of temperature characteristics, all diodes can work well at 200 °C, with both current density and Von showing a decreasing trend as the temperature increases. Among them, the PND with a Ni/Au anode exhibits the best thermal stability, with reductions in Von and current density of 8.20% and 25.31%, respectively, while the SBD with a Ti/Au anode shows the poorest performance, with reductions of 98.56% and 30.73%. Finally, the reverse breakdown (BV) characteristics of all six devices are tested. The average BV values for the PND with Ti/Au and Ni/Au anodes reach 1575 V and 1550 V, respectively. Moreover, although the Von of the JBSD decreases to 0.24 V, its average BV is approximately 220 V. This work could provide valuable insights for the future application of β-Ga2O3-based diodes in high-power and low-power consumption systems.

Induction arrow spatial and temporal variations

The induction arrow C is a characteristic of the variable geomagnetic field at one observation point (x, y) for a certain period T of geomagnetic variations B. It visually describes the magnitude and direction of the deviation of the geomagnetic field vector from the horizontal plane. The induction arrow is nonzero only when the vertical component Bz appears. Bz appears in three cases: 1) electrical conductivity’s horizontal gradients under the surface of the globe; 2) incomplete compensation of the vertical component of the primary field of the ionosphere-magnetosphere source by the secondary field induced in the horizontally layered Earth. The degree of compensation systematically changes during the day, year..., leading to temporal variations in the induction arrow (source effect); 3) the appearance of not-removed noise or lithosphere emission containing Bz. This article presents the spatial and temporal variations of the induction arrows. Real (in-phase) and imaginary (out-of-phase) induction arrows (vertical response functions or tippers) were obtained for every day with proper observations from 1991 to 2014 years for five intervals of periods: 150—300 s, 300—600 s, 600—1200 s, 1200—2400 s, 2400—3600 s, calculated from three components of geomagnetic field recorded at 137 observatories of the global network INTERMAGNET. To reduce the scatter, the daily values were recalculated to monthly values. Such global material from +87° to –88° of geomagnetic latitude was obtained for the first time and its analysis yielded new scientific results. The annual variations (with a period one year) are visible at about 2/3 of the observatories (at the other observatories, they are below the background level of shorter period variations and/or noise). Its amplitude strongly depends on the geomagnetic latitude and sometimes reaches such a high value as 0.4—0.5 (peak-to-peak) at high (&gt;65°) latitudes and varies within 0.01—0.15 at middle and low latitudes. Previous studies at middle latitudes discovered that the annual variations in the northern component Au is positive everywhere (maximum in June, minimum in December) and proposed, as a global source model for the annual variations explanation, the ring current at the height 3―6 Earth’s radii. We discovered that at high latitudes, Au is usually negative. We propose to explain all the observed features of the induction arrow’s annual variations by variations of the ionosphere currents in the aurora zone. 11-year variations are found at ≈30 % of observatories located at all latitudes but more frequently in aurora zones. At a few observatories, trends (monotonous changes in arrows) were found. The largest trend of magnitude 0.2 for all periods was found in southern Greenland, where glaciers have been melting rapidly over the past 30 years, which makes it possible to associate both trends with global warming. In a few aurora observatories of North America trends of magnitude ≈0.1 were noticed. In these same years, the North Magnetic Pole unusually rapidly migrated for 1100 km in 23 years. It can be assumed that these trends are related to changes in the aurora oval position. At geomagnetic latitudes from –78° to +78°, the main harmonic (24 hours=86400 s) of daily variations of the geomagnetic field is always accompanied by at least one higher order harmonic 24/n (n=1÷7). At higher latitudes &gt;78° of both hemispheres only the fundamental 24-hour harmonic is visible. Induction arrow temporal variations create difficulties in determining its constant component used to study the electrical conductivity of the Earth’s crust and upper mantle but can be very useful for geodynamic processes study

Analisis Nilai CT Number (CTN) dan Kualitas Citra dari Pengaruh Variasi Tegangan dan Arus Tabung Menggunakan Pesawat CT Simulator

Background: The CT simulator is an integral part of radiotherapy treatment that can determine the target location and dose planning in images. Exposure factors such as tube voltage and current are important components that affect the resulting images. This study compares the effects of varying exposure factors on CT numbers (CTN) and image quality (spatial resolution, uniformity, SNR, and CNR). Methods: This study used a Catphan®604 phantom with helical image acquisition on a CT simulator to obtain images. The voltage variations were 80, 100, 120, and 135 kV. Additionally, current variations of 50, 100, 150, and 200 mA were applied at both their maximum and minimum values. Results: The study results indicate that variations in voltage tend to decrease CTN values and improve image quality. Conversely, variations in current do not result in significant changes in CTN values but tend to enhance the quality of the image. The optimal values for CTN and image quality were found at 100 kV and 200 mA. Conclusions: The exposure factor of voltage significantly affects changes in CTN and image quality. Conversely, tube current does not have a significant impact on CTN. As the voltage and current increase, the image quality improves, but the resulting noise also becomes greater.

MODIFIED FUZZY SPEED CONTROLLER OF INDUCTION MOTOR DRIVE USING EXTENDED KALMAN FILTERING

This paper focuses on application of fuzzy logic to enhance induction motor drive performance in case where the measured stator currents are distorted by Gaussian noise. For different load torques, the fixed proportional-integral (PI) speed controller provides an undesired drive performance for both transient and steady-state responses. At first, load torque is computed thanks to extended-Kalman-filtered stator currents. Next, load magnitude is employed to adjust the proportional gain and integral constant time of the fuzzy logic (FL) proportional-integral (PI) speed controller. Simulations of drive using two controllers: FL-PI and fixed PI ones, are carried out in different cases of stator current noise and load variation. Performance evaluations indicate that the FL-PI speed controller reduces the assessed indices and increases robustness to noise and load variation.

An Impact of Prolonged Electrolysis on the Electrochemical Performance and Surface Characteristics of NiFe-Modified Graphite Electrodes for Alkaline Water Electrolysis.

This study investigates the influence of prolonged electrolysis on the electrochemical performance and surface characteristics of NiFe-modified compressed graphite electrodes used in alkaline water electrolysis. The electrochemical experiment was conducted over a two-week period at a constant temperature of 60 °C. The electrodes were evaluated for changes in surface morphology and composition using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results demonstrated stable electrochemical performance with minimal current variation. However, significant structural changes occurred, including the formation of new microstructures on the cathode and the emergence of KHCO3 (potassium bicarbonate) compound on both electrodes. Crystallographic analysis revealed an increase in crystallite size and tensile lattice strain on the cathode, while the anode exhibited compressive lattice strains and a reduction in crystallite size. These findings suggest that the observed changes were driven by electrochemical annealing processes, contributing to material redistribution and surface modifications during prolonged electrolysis. This study provides insight into optimizing NiFe-based catalysts for enhanced durability and efficiency in water splitting technologies.

Accuracy of Iodine and Calcium Concentrations in Dual Energy Computed Tomography (DECT)

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess accuracies of iodine and calcium concentrations in dual energy computed tomography (DECT). Method: This study was performed using an in-house phantom made from polyester resin. The in-house phantom had a diameter of 16 cm and had 10 holes filled with iodine (with concentrations of 5, 7.5, 10, and 15 mg/ml), calcium (with concentrations 200, 300, 500, and 600 mg/ml), water, and air. The in-house phantom was scanned by an Ultrafast kV Switching DECT (GE Revolution) with a tube voltage of 80/140 kV, rotation time of 0.5 s, and tube current variations of 200, 250, 300, 335, and 370 mA. Images was reconstructed to a material density image (MDI). The iodine and calcium concentrations were measured using GSI Viewer software and compared with set iodine and calcium concentrations. Results: It was found that absolute percentage error (APE) of concentrations on iodine was &lt;12% and on calcium was &lt;25% for all concentration variations. Hence, the APE of iodine is smaller than that of calcium. It was found that increasing the tube current does not necessarily improve the accuracy of iodine and calcium concentration measurements. Conclusion: Measurements of iodine and calcium concentrations have been carried out on DECT using an in-house phantom. Overall, iodine and calcium quantification in DECT using the in-house phantom is accurate.

Energetic neutral atom imaging reveals nearly 11-year cycle of the ring current of Saturn

The drift motion of energetic charged particles can generate an azimuthal electric current around the planet known as the ring current, which regulates the field configuration of the magnetosphere. However, limited coverage of in-situ measurements makes it challenging to investigate the long-term variations of the global ring current. Taking advantage of the energetic neutral atom (ENA) imaging onboard the Cassini mission, we present a nearly 11-year cycle of the suprathermal ring current populations in Saturn’s magnetosphere. We find that the peak location of the suprathermal ring current in local time oscillates between post-midnight and pre-midnight sectors, and its intensity minimizes during the solar maximum. These results indicate that the modulation of the suprathermal ring current is closely related to the solar cycle. Our analysis also offers a preview of the ring current at other giant planets, such as Jupiter, which will be imaged by ENA cameras onboard the JUICE mission.

Radiation-photon converter based on GaN single crystal coupled with multi-quantum-well luminescence structure

Converting radiation into optical signals is a fundamental method for nuclear radiation detection. However, traditional scintillators encounter a trade-off between efficiency and response speed. This research proposes a radiation-photon converter constructed from multi-quantum-well (MQW) structures integrated into radiation-sensitive materials, providing a unique solution to this challenge. The prototype was fabricated using a homogeneous epitaxial layer of GaN on a semi-insulating substrate. The radiation-photon conversion process was facilitated by directing charge carriers generated from radiation energy deposited in the semi-insulating substrate to the MQW layer via an external electric field. The converter exhibited a sensitive and rapid response to x-ray irradiation, enabling modulation of the excited photon wavelength through the MQW layers. Luminescence spectrum tests demonstrated that the net luminescence intensity increased with rising device voltage. Imaging experiments revealed that the grayscale values of device photographs, under the combined influence of electric fields and x rays, correlated with the trend in net current variation. These findings confirmed the effective conversion of radiation into optical signals through the modulation mechanism of the electric field, highlighting significant implications for the development of advanced radiation detection methodologies.

Novel multi-modular power conditioning system and decoupling control strategy for SMES with coupled superconducting coil

The high-temperature superconducting magnetic energy storage system (HTS-SMES) utilizes a superconducting coil (SC) to store electric energy in a magnetic field. It has several advantages such as high efficiency, fast response, and infinite charge–discharge cycles. Coupling two SCs made of different HTS materials, known as coupled SC (CSC), can enhance the utilization rate of HTS tapes, reduce manufacturing costs, increase the energy storage density of the SC, and lower magnetic leakage. However, the presence of a coupled magnetic field in CSC makes precise power and current regulation of the individual SC challenging. Additionally, the self-inductances of the individual SCs, composed of different materials, typically differ from each other. Consequently, the current variation induces electromotive force in each SC that differs from the others, necessitating the design of power converters with different voltage ratings connected to each SC. To address the difficulties associated with SMES implementation using CSC, this paper proposes novel modular power conditioning system (MPCS) and decoupling control strategy for SMES. The MPCS enables the flexible design of individual SC power ratings by selecting the appropriate number of power modules. The decoupling control ensures precise current control of each individual SC, which significantly reduces the current ripple of the SCs. Moreover, by employing carrier phase shift modulation, the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the PCS output current is as low as 0.79%. Furthermore, the feedforward power control is proposed to reduce the power control overshoot, and the current sharing control is presented to ensure precise current sharing between each SC. Simulation results verify the efficacy of the proposed approaches.

National Survey on the Management of Genital Prolapse in Italy.

Surgical repair is considered the mainstay of genital prolapse management. Several procedures are available both by vaginal and abdominal route, with and without mesh augmentation. The Italian UroGynecology Association (AIUG) promoted this survey with the aim of evaluating current variations in the surgical management of various types of prolapse in different clinical settings and to compare practice amongst practitioners working in high- and medium/low-volume centers. The questionnaire examined four contentious areas of contemporary prolapse management. The questionnaire was emailed to the AIUG gynecologist members in Italy in 2023. A total of 104 complete responses were received, resulting in a 6.9% response rate. Native-tissue repair represents the preferred option in most scenarios and was proposed by 76%, 68.3%, 94.2%, and 52.9% of practitioners in the case of primary anterior, uterovaginal, posterior, and vault prolapse respectively. The use of vaginal mesh in these scenarios is very limited. Native tissue repairs in case of recurrent anterior, posterior, or apical recurrent prolapse would be performed only by 37.5%, 47.1%, and 28% of surgeons respectively. In these cases, the use of mesh - by vaginal and abdominal route - increased significantly. This survey showed that in Italy surgical management of genital prolapse is very heterogeneous. Native-tissue repair remains the preferred option, but practitioners tend to lose confidence in mesh-free procedures in case of prolapse recurrence. Despite mesh kits recalls and recommendations, the use of transvaginal implants is still considered an option for prolapse repair.