The control of low power systems, which include renewable energy sources, a local network, an electrochemical storage subsystem and a grid connection, is inherently hierarchical. The lower level consists of the wind energy sources (power limitation at rated value in full load regime and energy optimization in partial load regime) and photovoltaic (energy conversion optimization) control systems. The present paper deals with control problem at the higher level and aims at generating the control solution for the energetic transfer between the system components, given that the powers of the renewable energy sources and the power in the local network have random characteristics. For the higher level, the paper proposes a mixed performance criterion, which includes an energy sub-criterion concerning the costs of electricity supplied to local consumers, and a sub-criterion related to the lifetime of the battery. Three variants were defined for the control algorithm implemented by using fuzzy logic techniques, in order to control the energy transfer in the system. Particular attention was given to developing the models used for the simulation of the distributed energy system components and to the whole control system, given that the objective is not the real-time optimization of the criterion, but to establish by numerical simulation in the design stage the “proper” parameters of the control system. This is done by taking into account the multi-criteria performance objective when the power of renewable energy sources and the load have random characteristics.

This paper approaches in a didactic manner the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology for wind turbines, starting from the definition of the purpose and limits of the LCA system, continuing with the Life Cycle Inventory—LCI, and Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA). This methodology is applied as an LCA case study to a 15 MW wind farm, consisting of 5 3 MW turbines, mounted in south-eastern Romania. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the embodied energy, emissions (air), environmental impacts, Energy and GHG intensity, Energy and GHGs payback time without using LCA softwares. The quantities of component materials of the wind farm established on the basis of the life cycle inventory (LCI) show that a percentage distribution of materials of concrete of 60%, followed by iron with 34%, a difference of 6% being of the other materials. Based on the selected Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) of the materials and the quantities of materials necessary to build the wind farm, were determined on the energy side, the Energy Intensity and Energy Pay Back Time (EPBT) and of course from the environment point, was calculate the GHG payback time and the GHG intensity, last expressed in gCO_2-eq/kWh as a normalized value for 1kWh energy delivered to the grid. Energy Pay Back Time (EPBT) was calculated based on Energy Intensity, and the latter quantifying the energy consumed in the production, operation, and maintenance of a wind farm relative to the total energy produced by the wind turbines over their entire lifecycle, obtaining the EPBT value of 6.1 months. The GHG emissions produced during the construction and operation of a wind farm lead to a GHG payback period of 7.8 months. Finally, it must be mentioned that Empirical Life cycle analysis (LCA) of wind turbines is a useful tool for training young beginners (master's and doctoral students), in the understanding and analysis of the environmental impact of renewable energies.

The proliferation of power converters in modern energy production systems has led to increased harmonic content due to the commutation of active switching devices. This increase in harmonics contributes to lower system efficiency, reduced power factor, and consequently, a higher reactive power requirement. To address these issues, this paper presents both simulation and experimental results of various control strategies implemented on Parallel Voltage Source Inverters (PVSI) for harmonic mitigation. The proposed control strategies are categorized into direct and indirect control methods. The direct control techniques implemented include the instantaneous power method (PQ), the synchronous algorithm (DQ), the maximum principle method (MAX), the algorithm based on synchronization of current with the voltage positive-sequence component (SEC-POZ), and two methods employing the separating polluting components approach using a band-stop filter and a low-pass filter. The main innovation in these active power filter (APF) control strategies, compared to traditional or existing technologies, is the real-time digital implementation on high-speed platforms, specifically FPGAs. Unlike slower microcontroller-based systems with limited processing capabilities, FPGA-based implementations allow parallel processing and high-speed computation, enabling the execution of complex control algorithms with minimal latency. Additionally, the enhanced reference current generation achieved through the seven applied methods provides precise harmonic compensation under highly distorted and nonlinear load conditions. Another key advancement is the integration with Smart Grid functionalities, allowing IoT connectivity and remote diagnostics, which enhances system monitoring and operational flexibility. Following validation on an experimental test bench, these algorithms were implemented and tested on industrial APF prototypes powered by a standardized three-phase network supply. All control strategies demonstrated an effective reduction in total harmonic distortion (THD) and improvement in power factor. Experimental findings were used to provide recommendations for choosing the most effective control solution, focusing on minimizing THD and enhancing system performance.

Background: This study investigated the prevalence and predictors of burnout among medical students at “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy. Methods: Burnout was measured using the School Burnout Inventory-U 9 (SBI-U 9), and potential predictors, including social media addiction (Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale—BSMAS), procrastination, age, gender, year of study, admission grade, last annual grade, hobbies, achievements, close friends, and relationship status, were assessed using appropriate instruments. Correlation and hierarchical multiple regression analyses identified predictors of burnout. Mediation analysis tested procrastination as a mediator between BSMAS and burnout, while moderation analysis examined whether procrastination moderated this relationship. Results: Social media addiction was an independent predictor of burnout. While younger age was correlated with higher burnout, it was not a significant predictor in the multivariate model. Procrastination did not significantly mediate the link between social media addiction and burnout but significantly moderated it. The effect of social media addiction on burnout was stronger for students with lower levels of procrastination. Conclusions: The study shows increased susceptibility to burnout among younger students and identifies social media addiction as a key risk factor. Procrastination moderates this relationship, indicating the need for interventions targeting both digital habits and time management in medical education.

The authors of this paper highlight the creation of an experimental system for the implementation and testing of active low-voltage electronic power filters of the parallel type, with applicability in a wide range of electrical parameters. In this paper, the authors present the results obtained on an experimental test bench for power quality purposes. The experimental test bench is one of the results of a technology transfer project. One of the specific objectives of the project was to carry out industrial research and experimental development activities in order to develop a competitive, technical and economic solution for an intelligent power system, Active Power Filter (APF). Thus, this paper presents the experimental test bench for the design, implementation and testing of algorithms for current harmonics mitigation. The conceptual theoretical frame bases of both direct and indirect control have been presented by the authors. As a case study, both the simulation and experimental results of the indirect control strategy implemented on the test bench are provided. The indirect control method is chosen due to simplicity, no complex calculus requirements, and the use of a minimum number of transducers. By features comparison with modern control strategies, this study underlines the supremacy of the indirect control in active harmonics control.

Introduction. Gambling is a well-known social issue, which seems to address immediate needs of a large portion of population in the entire world. Throughout various periods of curfews enacted by the medical authorities, the society experiences various challenges, a fact that puts a great amount of psychological pressure on gamblers and their families, that is rather difficult to be asssessed. Aim. The presentation seeks to assess the effects of anti-pandemic social measures, especially those imposed after March 2020, on mental wellfare and behaviour of bettors. By assessing the intentions and measures related to sport competitions in the near future, we tried to identify the overall impact on spending routines and lifestyle from any available data. Materials and method. The paper found sources in the psychological and medical literature in order to identify spending routines of bettors and pathological behaviours, as expressed in DSM-5. The paper also discusses the factors introduced into society by coronavirus and the restrictions that accompanied the phenomenon of gambling. Sources from the international media are used to assess the intended measures upon gambling industry and the possible general impact on the mental health of the Romanian population. Results. The changes of some social routines, imposed upon population in the context of coronavirus, are simply supposed to be accompanied by increases in depression and anxiety. The new economic and societal challenges bring with them the risk of increasing mental health disturbances among the gamblers. Conclusion. Worldwide gambling spending has decreased during the pandemic. Various attempts of assessing whether this is a bad phenomenon or not should take into consideration the amount of money left in the economy by these measures, the unpaid taxes from a reduced activity in gambling, the psychiatric impact upon diagnosed gamblers. New lockdowns imposed on the population are possible in the near future, so better ways to deal with the impact upon gamblers are necessary.