A Second Generation (High-Speed) Maximum Power Tracker for Space Applications

During the past few years, considerable effort has been exerted by both industry and government to improve the performance of space power systems. One of the significant advances has been the development of practical Maximum Power-Point Tracking (MPPT) systems. This paper presents the background and evolution of a second-generation (high-speed) MPPT system capable of operation with solar arrays with rapidly fluctuating parameters due to mission operation (e.g., spin-stabilized spacecraft). An experimental model of the high-speed MPPT system has been constructed and tested. Results from these tests are presented herein. The second-generation MPPT system provides a means of efficient power conditioning that can result in significant increases over conventional systems in space-power system capability. Of additional importance is the applicability of the basic technology to all types of spacecraft, and the wide variety of power-system configurations with which the high-speed MPPT system concept may be used

Chronic venous disorders of the leg: epidemiology, outcomes, diagnosis and management. Summary of an evidence-based report of the VEINES task force. Venous Insufficiency Epidemiologic and Economic Studies

BACKGROUND: To critically review the classification, epidemiology, outcomes, diagnosis and treatment of chronic venous disorders of the leg (CVDL), to issue evidence-based recommendations, and to identify areas requiring further research. METHODS: Articles identified by an extensive literature search were scored by members of an international task force. Only those articles with a moderate or strong rating for internal validity were retained. RESULTS: A scoring system weighing CVDL severity according to the probability of ulcer occurrence is proposed. Epidemiological data on the frequency of CVDL and its risk factors are reviewed. The following items are evaluated: costs associated with treatment; clinical outcomes related to CVDL and its treatment; available generic and disease-specific measures of quality of life; diagnostic procedures used to detect venous reflux; and efficacy of available treatments. CONCLUSIONS: CVDL is an important public health problem, based on its prevalence, cost and impact on quality of life. High-priority areas for research on CVDL are identified

An Overview of the Use of Music Therapy in the Context of Alzheimer\u27s Disease: A Report of a French Expert Group

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this overview is to present the developments of music therapy in France, its techniques, mechanisms and principal indications, mainly in the context of Alzheimer\u27s disease. METHODS: An international review of the literature on music therapy applied to Alzheimer\u27s disease was conducted using the principal scientific search engines. A work group of experts in music therapy and psychosocial techniques then considered the different points highlighted in the review of literature and discussed them. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Clinical and neurophysiological studies have enlightened some positive benefits of music in providing support for people with Alzheimer\u27s disease or related disorders. Music therapy acts mainly through emotional and psycho-physiological pathways. It includes a series of techniques that can respond to targeted therapeutic objectives. Some studies have shown that music therapy reduces anxiety, alleviates periods of depression and aggressive behaviour and thus significantly improves mood, communication and autonomy of patients. CONCLUSION: Psychosocial interventions, such as music therapy, can contribute to maintain or rehabilitate functional cognitive and sensory abilities, as well as emotional and social skills and to reduce the severity of some behavioural disorders

Virtual Reality Reveals Mechanisms of Balance and Locomotor Impairments

This chapter reviews how VR can be used to investigate normal and disturbed mechanisms of balance and locomotor control. Loss of upright balance control resulting in falls is a major health problem for older adults and stroke survivors. Balance and mobility deficits arise not only from motor or sensory impairments but also from the inability to select and reweight pertinent sensory information. In particular, the role of the vestibular system and effects of age and stroke on the ability of the central nervous system to resolve sensory conflicts is emphasized, as well as the potential for rehabilitation protocols that include training in virtual environments to improve balance