Search

This study investigated whether neurofeedback (NFB) training and swimming exercise (Swim) would reduce the stress, anxiety, depression, severity of dependence, and cravings in patients addicted to methamphetamines. Participants were allocated randomly to four groups: control group, NFB, Swim, and NFB/Swim. All groups completed the study questionnaire before and after treatment. The NFB, Swim, and NFB/Swim groups reported significantly less stress, cravings, and severity of dependence than the control group. The Swim and NFB/Swim groups had significantly lower depression scores than the control group. Also, the NFB/Swim group experienced less anxiety than the control group. However, the NFB/Swim group had lower levels of stress than the Swim group, and lower levels of anxiety and severity of dependence than the NFB group. These findings suggest that NFB training along with swimming exercise was effective in managing methamphetamine-related behavioral disturbances, which may help patients to manage their cravings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In fuel cell systems, voltage balancing is an important consideration. The utilization of a modular construction based on a three-level boost converter was able to balance DC voltage. This paper investigates the effect of parameter variations, such as inductors and capacitors, on the converter's steady-state controllable areas. The plot of the inductor current and the voltages of the output capacitors are illustrated for different scenarios. The system simulation results were performed using MATLAB / Simulink software. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Voltage imbalance poses a challenge to photovoltaic systems. A modular structure based on a three-level boost converter is proposed to address this problem. The three-level boost converter offers advantages, such as a low current ripple and voltage stress, over a classic boost converter. These advantages offset the use of additional elements in the proposed converter circuit. Two capacitors are used to enable the innovative connection between multiple sources and the three-level boost converter. The second capacitor of the first module is shared with the first capacitor of the second module. This structure is used in conjunction with a controller to balance the voltages in the system. The operating modes of the two-module system in a nominal case are introduced. The controller is based on an indirect sliding model, wherein the input current of each energy source and the output voltage balance are considered. The performance of the current and voltage controllers are studied in two scenarios. The first case involves increasing the reference current and the presence of four sliding surfaces related to the current control and voltage balance, whereas the second case involves the presence and absence of two sliding surfaces related to the voltage balance. The dynamic response of this controller is also compared with the Proportional Integral(PI) controller. Large-signal modeling of the two-module system and the accuracy of this model in two cases of radiation change and panel temperature change is investigated. The robustness of the system is investigated using this large-signal model in two cases that involve changing the inductors and capacitors of the system. A topology consisting of two conventional boost converters is chosen to compare energy stored and efficiency with the proposed topology. The capacitance of the system is calculatedfor two topologies. The energy stored in the two systems is compared. The two-module system is simulated using Simulink MATLAB software. The simulation and experimental results validate the proposed system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prevention of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) during pregnancy is recommended due to severe complications for mothers and infants. Considering that NCDs have a significant impact on infant mortality, this study was conducted to investigate the relationship between mothers' underlying diseases and gestational diabetes and infant mortality in Iran. Materials and Methods: Mothers who referred to the health centers in nine provinces of Iran were included. This case--control study used data collected from pregnant women. There were 1162 cases and 1624 controls. The required data were collected from mothers' health records and through interviews. Results: The chances of neonatal mortality in women with a body mass index (BMI) of 30-35, 1.7 times (odds ratio [OR] = 1.7, confidence interval [CI]: 1.19-2.44, P = 0.003) was higher compared with women with a normal BMI. The chance of neonatal mortality among mothers with high blood pressure was three times higher compared with healthy mothers (OR = 3.04, 95% CI: 1.98-4.65, P < 0.001). The chance of neonatal mortality in women with kidney disease was also 1.64 times higher than mothers without kidney problems (OR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.1-2.45, P = 0.015). In the study of gestational diabetes, the chance of neonatal mortality among the mothers who had at risk was 1.63 times higher than mothers without gestational diabetes (OR = 1.63, 95% CI: 0.84-3.16, P = 0.014). Furthermore, the chance of neonatal mortality among the mothers who had heart disease was 1.10 times higher than mothers without heart disease (OR = 2.10, 95% CI: 0.88-4.99, P = 0.014). Conclusion: This study showed that undiagnosed underlying diseases were related to neonatal mortality, which highlights the importance of caring for and counseling about the underlying diseases, screening, and controlling blood sugar levels before and during pregnancy to prevent infant mortality by all means possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]