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The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of progressive muscle relaxation on affective well-being (anxiety and mood), cognitive variables (sustained attention and reaction time), and aggressive behavior in female athletes during menstruation. Forty-five athletes age 18–22 years were randomly assigned to three groups: an experimental group (n = 15) undergoing eight sessions of 30-min progressive muscle relaxation, a breathing group (n = 15) engaging in eight sessions of 30-min deep breathing, and a control group (n = 15) receiving no intervention. The participants were evaluated during menstruation, at baseline, and after the intervention. Results showed significant improvements in mood ( η P 2 =.27) and anxiety ( η P 2 =.2) in the experimental group compared with the breathing group and the control group. No significant effects were found for aggressive behavior and cognitive variables. Progressive muscle-relaxation training is beneficial for improving mood and reducing anxiety in sportswomen during menstruation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation experiments shine light onto the dynamics of molecular systems in the picosecond to millisecond timescales. As these methods cannot provide an atomically resolved view of the motion of atoms, functional groups, or domains giving rise to such signals, relaxation techniques have been combined with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to obtain mechanistic descriptions and gain insights into the functional role of side chain or domain motion. In this work, we present a comparison of five computational methods that permit the joint analysis of MD simulations and NMR relaxation experiments. We discuss their relative strengths and areas of applicability and demonstrate how they may be utilized to interpret the dynamics in MD simulations with the small protein ubiquitin as a test system. We focus on the aliphatic side chains given the rigidity of the backbone of this protein. We find encouraging agreement between experiment, Markov state models built in the χ1/χ2 rotamer space of isoleucine residues, explicit rotamer jump models, and a decomposition of the motion using ROMANCE. These methods allow us to ascribe the dynamics to specific rotamer jumps. Simulations with eight different combinations of force field and water model highlight how the different metrics may be employed to pinpoint force field deficiencies. Furthermore, the presented comparison offers a perspective on the utility of NMR relaxation to serve as validation data for the prediction of kinetics by state-of-the-art biomolecular force fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic and disabling condition that presents treatment challenges for both patients and healthcare providers. The objective of this review was to systematically assess the effectiveness and safety of mind-body therapies for FM. Methods We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, AMED, and CINAHL databases from their inception to December 2023. Eligible articles included adults diagnosed with FM participating in a mind-body therapy intervention and were published from the beginning of 2012 onwards. We assessed the quality of the studies using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklists. Results Twenty-seven studies (1969 participants) were included, comprising 22 randomized controlled trials and 5 quasi-experimental studies. Mind-body therapies included guided imagery (n = 5), mindfulness-based stress reduction (n = 5), qi gong (n = 5), tai chi (n = 5), biofeedback (n = 3), yoga (n = 2), mindfulness awareness training (n = 1), and progressive muscle relaxation (n = 1). With the exception of mindfulness-based stress reduction, all therapies had at least 1 study showing significant improvements in pain at the end of treatment. Three or more studies on qi gong and tai chi demonstrated significant improvements in fatigue and multidimensional function, with tai chi showing the most evidence for improvement in anxiety and depression. Approximately one-third of the studies reported on adverse events. Conclusions This systematic review found that mind-body therapies are potentially beneficial for adults with FM. Further research is necessary to determine if the positive effects observed post-intervention are sustained. Study registration Open Science Framework (https://osf.io) (September 12, 2023; https://doi.org/10.17605/osf.io/6w7ac). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the relationship between challenge-hindrance stressors and innovative behavior of medical postgraduates in China, examining the mediating role of academic engagement and the moderating effect of relaxation. Drawing from a sample of 437 medical postgraduates from three Chinese universities, our findings revealed that challenge stressors positively correlated with innovative behavior, while the direct relationship between hindrance stressors and innovative behavior was not statistically significant. Furthermore, academic engagement mediated the relationship between two types of stressors and innovative behavior. Challenge stressors enhanced academic engagement, which in turn fostered innovative behavior. Conversely, hindrance stressors were found to diminish academic engagement, which in turn indirectly limited innovative behavior. Additionally, relaxation was identified as a moderating factor that helped mitigate the negative effects of hindrance stressors on academic engagement and indirectly on innovative behavior. These results suggested that academic engagement as a mechanism played a pivotal role in determining how different stressors influenced innovative behavior, underscoring the need for stress management, particularly through relaxation techniques, to maintain high levels of academic engagement and innovative behavior. This study offers practical insights for medical education policymakers and educators in China, emphasizing the importance of balancing stressors and incorporating relaxation practices to enhance the innovative capabilities of medical postgraduates in demanding academic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present a class of high-order, large time-stepping, and delay-free stabilization schemes for the Allen-Cahn equation. First, we apply a Fourier pseudo-spectral method for spatial discretization, and then, we establish the l 2 -bound of the semi-discrete system. Furthermore, by adopting a time-step-dependent stabilization technique and taking advantage of recursive approximation of the exponential functions, we propose a class of stabilization Runge-Kutta schemes that preserve l 2 -bound for any time-step size. Finally, we eliminate the delayed convergence brought by stabilization via a relaxation technique. Consequently, the resulting up-to-fourth-order parametric relaxation integrating factor Runge-Kutta (pRIFRK) schemes preserve the l 2 -boundedness unconditionally with suitably chosen stabilization parameters. We also prove that the first-order pRIFRK scheme is unconditionally dissipative, w.r.t. a modified energy function, and the temporal convergence in the l 2 -norm is estimated with pth-order accuracy. Numerical experiments are carried out to demonstrate the high-order accuracy, structure-preserving properties, and performance of the proposed schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined inter- and intra-person level associations between stress and overwhelm and adaptive coping strategies used by college students during COVID-19. Participants were 55 college students (Mage = 23.31, SD = 4.49; 87% White, 85% Female), who completed a 21-day daily diary study. The common coping strategies endorsed were media use, relaxation techniques, and exercise. Variability among feelings of stress (ICC =.520) and overwhelm (ICC =.530) were similarly explained by between and within-person differences. Daily stress and overwhelm were positively associated with relaxation techniques, media, and total coping strategies. Further, daily stress was positively associated with connection with others to cope. At the between-person level, average stress was associated with avoidance strategies such as taking a break from news to cope. These findings may prove useful in the development of interventions to increase the practice of adaptive coping strategies to reduce stress and overwhelm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sleep is a fundamental prerequisite for physical and mental health. Poor quality of sleep is common among post‐cardiac surgery patients and leads to serious health conditions. Objective: To conduct a systematic review that investigates the effectiveness of eye masks, earplugs and deep‐breathing exercise on sleep quality among post‐cardiac surgery patients. Design: A systematic review of interventional studies was established to meet the PRISMA guidelines. Methods: PRISMA guidelines were used to assess the findings of 11 selected studies that met the inclusion criteria, published between 2007 and 2023 across four databases: CINAHL, JDNR, MEDLINE and PubMed. The search was conducted on 23 November 2023. Results: The 11 most eligible studies were analysed. All of them were interventional, encompassing a total of 787 participants. Randomised controlled trials were the most common design. Interventions included eye masks, earplugs and deep‐breathing exercises. The Richards‐Campbell Sleep Questionnaire was the most used assessment scale. Most of the reviewed studies found that the use of non‐pharmacological interventions (eye masks, earplugs and deep‐breathing exercise) significantly improves the quality of sleep. These interventions were also found to have potentially positive effects on reducing pain and delirium experienced by patients after undergoing cardiac surgery. Conclusions: Non‐pharmacological interventions (eye masks, earplugs and deep‐breathing exercise) were found to be cost‐effective interventions that could be easily applied in the clinical setting and are effective in improving the quality of sleep among patients after cardiac surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review explores the benefits of yoga during pregnancy and considers its implications for working pregnant women, focusing on safety, future directions, and limitations. The physical and psychological changes experienced during pregnancy can lead to increased stress and discomfort, impacting both maternal and fetal health, which may be further augmented by work stress during pregnancy. To address these challenges, various interventions such as yoga, relaxation techniques, and meditation have been proposed. Although there is evidence to support the benefits of yoga at both physical and psychological levels, there is a lack of proper strategies and guidelines for the implications of these interventions among working pregnant women. Incorporating yoga as a safe and cost‐effective intervention for managing work‐related distress during pregnancy can have significant benefits for both maternal and fetal health. However, careful consideration of safety guidelines, further research on working pregnant women, and exploring optimal implementation strategies are essential to fully harness the potential of yoga in this context. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current evidence for the benefits and safety of yoga during pregnancy, with a specific focus on working pregnant women. To ensure the scientific rigor of this review, we conducted a systematic search of the PubMed database for high‐quality research studies published in peer‐reviewed journals. Synopsis: This review provides safety considerations and guidelines for practicing yoga during pregnancy in general and specifically for working women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complexity of the three-dimensional entry trajectory optimization problem has escalated due to the need to liberalize the angle of attack and bank angle as control variables, thereby enhancing the inherent maneuverability and control capabilities of lifting-body vehicles. The difference-of-convex (DC) properties inherent in the constraints of the problem are exploited in this paper. A DC decomposition approach is utilized to address the nonlinear auxiliary control equations, and the DC relaxation technique is applied to resolve iteration infeasibilities arising from Taylor expansion. The dependence on the initial trajectory is diminished by the implementation of an exact penalty method, thus improving the applicability of the methods. Furthermore, a control variable oscillation suppression mechanism has been constructed to tackle the control variable oscillation issues arising from the relaxation of the angle of attack and bank angle. This mechanism effectively suppresses large jumps in the angle of attack and high-frequency oscillations in the bank angle. Two novel successive DC programming methods are proposed: the successive concave-convex procedure and the successive proximal bundle method, functioning independently of trust-region constraints. Numerical experiments have demonstrated that the two proposed successive DC optimization methods exhibit exceptional performance in accuracy, feasibility, adaptability, and low sensitivity to initial values when applied to solving the three-dimensional entry trajectory optimization problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine the effectiveness of psychoeducational interventions on depression, anxiety, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for people undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). This review used systematic review and meta-analysis as the research design. Nine databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL Complete, Cochrane Library, CNKI, WanFang, VIP, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, were searched from the inception to the 8th of July 2023. Two reviewers independently identified randomized controlled trials (RCT) examining the effects of psychoeducational interventions on MHD patients. Fourteen studies involving 1134 MHD patients were included in this review. The results of meta-analyses showed that psychoeducational intervention had significant short-term (< 1 m) (SMD: −0.87, 95% CI: −1.54 to −0.20, p = 0.01, I2 = 91%; 481 participants), and medium-term (1–3 m) (SMD: −0.29, 95% CI: −0.50 to −0.08, p = 0.01, I2 = 49%; 358 participants) on anxiety in MHD patients, but the effects could not be sustained at longer follow-ups. Psychoeducational interventions can also have short-term (< 1 m) (SMD: −0.65, 95% CI: −0.91 to −0.38, p < 0.00001, I2 = 65%; 711 participants) and medium-term (1–3 m) (SMD: −0.42, 95% CI: −0.76 to −0.09, p = 0.01, I2 = 69%; 489 participants) effects in reducing depression levels in MHD patients. Psychoeducational interventions that use coping strategies, goal setting, and relaxation techniques could enhance the QOL in MHD patients in the short term (< 1 m) (SMD: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.42 to 1.30, p = 0.02, I2 = 86%; 241 participants). Psychoeducational interventions have shown great potential to improve anxiety, depression, and quality of life in patients with MHD at the short- and medium-term follow-ups. Trial registration number: CRD42023440561. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Older women with HIV face challenges to their quality of life, including neurocognitive decline, early-onset menopause, and chronic health issues. Chief among these concerns is depression, the most common psychiatric comorbidity among people living with HIV, with rates twice as high among women as men. However, tailored interventions among older women living with HIV and depression are lacking. Following the ADAPT-ITT framework to adapt existing interventions for cultural relevance among groups of people living with HIV, the study team revised an evidence-based intervention, the 'Stress Management and Relaxation Training/Expressive Supportive Therapy Women's Project (SMART/EST),' for online implementation. Working with two community stakeholders, the study team conducted focus groups, theater testing, and manual adaptation. This resulted in the development of e-SMART/EST, an online teletherapy group co-facilitated by a Licensed Psychologist and a credentialed Peer Counselor. The adapted, eight-session weekly intervention was tested with an exploratory pilot sample of eight older women (55 years and older) with HIV and depression. Participants rated the acceptability, feasibility, and appropriateness of the intervention, as well as symptoms of depression and HIV-related quality of life before and after the group. The e-SMART/EST Women's Project demonstrated high acceptability, feasibility, and appropriateness. Engagement was high, as women attended an average of 6.8 sessions. In qualitative interviews, participants reported peer co-facilitation, culturally relevant themes (e.g., HIV-related minority stress, critical consciousness, grief, and sex and pleasure), mindfulness techniques, and cohesion with other women as main favorable elements of the intervention. Barriers to online implementation included technological issues, distractions due to remote participation, and hindered emotional attunement compared with in-person group therapy. Findings support further research to test similar interventions in full-scale trials with older women living with depression and HIV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prospect of singing on stage in front of an audience is often a source of excessive anxiety and stress, but there are various ways of addressing these emotional states. This study aims to identify factors that influence students' perception of the effectiveness of various techniques for dealing with stage fright. The study involved 112 students who studied academic vocals. The participants had no medical indications for regular use of psychotherapy or medication interventions. The first stage of the study was a preliminary online interview with all study participants in order to determine the current typical level of stage fright and the most common methods of dealing with stage fright used by participants, as well as factors affecting their subjective perception of these methods. The second stage was a controlled experiment, which included the use of four techniques by students of the intervention group: progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, success visualization, and positive thinking training. At the end of the intervention, the students were re-interviewed to determine changes in stage fright levels. The comparison revealed a significant reduction in the level of stage fright reported by the students (from 75.01 to 60.45, with no significant change in the control group; t = 2.32, p < 0.05). The results of the structured interview allowed the authors to scrutinize the peculiarities of students' perception of the effectiveness of the proposed techniques. Deep breathing exercises and positive self-talk were labelled the most effective in alleviating the symptoms of performance anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of large‐scale distributed power sources increases the voltage fluctuation in AC/DC hybrid distribution network (AD‐HDN). Power electronics devices such as photovoltaic (PV) inverters, soft open point (SOP), and voltage source converters (VSCs) can be utilized for voltage/var control (VVC) to alleviate the risk of voltage fluctuation and violation. This paper proposes a distributed optimal VVC method in power electronics dominated AD‐HDN. Firstly, the reactive power and voltage characteristics of PV inverters, SOP, and VSCs are analysed, and an optimal VVC optimization model for AD‐HDN to minimize node voltage deviation, PV curtailment, and network loss is proposed. Then, the second‐order cone (SOC) relaxation technique is used to re‐formulate the model into a convex optimization model. A distributed optimal VVC framework based on the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) is constructed. Based on the residual balance principle and relaxation technique, an accelerated ADMM method is further proposed to solve the proposed model. Finally, case studies are conducted on the IEEE 33‐node and 85‐node systems to verify the superiority and effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Insomnia is prevalent in patients with cancer, with rates ranging from 30% to 60%. Addressing insomnia remains important in this population, as it can improve patient quality of life and reduce suffering. However, inconsistent methods of defining insomnia and evaluating potential interventions renders treatment difficult. Furthermore, many factors influence insomnia's presentation, requiring a specialized and individualized approach to its management for each patient. This review sought to use thorough and strict criteria to assess current psychological intervention for insomnia. To this end, we describe current psychological treatment options for insomnia, highlight gaps in the existing research, and offer suggestions for treating insomnia in patients with cancer. Background/Objectives: Insomnia is a frequent and distressing symptom with limited treatment in patients with cancer. Among the available treatments for insomnia, psychological interventions are some of the most assessed. While studies and reviews show promise of interventions improving insomnia in patients with cancer, inconsistent approaches to operationalizing and measuring insomnia combined with the heterogeneity of available treatments render comparisons and synthetization difficult. This review sought to rigorously synthesize psychological interventions for patients with cancer and insomnia by describing current therapies, identifying gaps in the literature, and offering supportive interventions. Methods: A comprehensive search of five databases—Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Ovid PsycInfo, EBSCO CINAHL Plus with Full Text, and Cochrane Library—was conducted through 1 August 2024. The review included randomized trials and non-inferiority trials evaluating psychological interventions for patients with various types of cancers. Twenty-one studies were included, and study quality ranged from good to excellent, according to the PEDro scale. Results: The current evidence supports the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat insomnia over and above psychoeducation alone, mindfulness-based stress reduction, Brief Behavioral Therapy, the Benson Relaxation Technique, progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness meditation, mind-body bridging, and home-based psychological nursing. Digital, minimal, and internet-based intervention modalities are effective, though professional-delivered CBT proved most effective. Conclusions: CBT remains the most effective psychological intervention for insomnia in this population. Challenges exist regarding the implementation of CBT, so further research is warranted to identify the best psychological interventions for specific settings and subsets of patients with cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Dental fear and anxiety are prevalent issues in both children and adult patients, often leading to avoidance of dental care and deterioration in overall health. While virtual reality (VR) has been increasingly studied as a distraction tool in pediatric dentistry, its effectiveness among adults remains under-researched. This study aims to evaluate the impact of VR distraction on reducing anxiety and physiological stress indicators in adult dental patients. Methods: The study was conducted in a private dental office in Dobrodzień, Poland, involving 90 adult dental patients divided into three groups: two experimental (VR1 and VR2) and one control (C), with 30 patients each. Patients in the VR1 group experienced VR distraction during the first visit, and the second visit was conventional; the VR2 group experienced this in reverse; and the control group underwent traditional treatment in both visits. Physiological parameters (heart rate, saturation, and stress) and psychological anxiety levels (MDAS and STAI-X1) were measured at three time points during each visit. Results: Significant reductions in heart rate and stress levels were observed after VR exposure compared to the control group. VR also demonstrated a significant effect in decreasing anxiety levels (based on STAI-X1) during the visit with VR distraction. No significant changes were found in the saturation levels across the groups. Conclusions: The use of VR as a distraction tool during dental procedures effectively reduces physiological stress and anxiety in adult patients, suggesting its potential as a valuable tool in managing dental anxiety. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term benefits and patient satisfaction with VR-based interventions in dental care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In clinical settings, continuous changes lead to increased professional stress, affecting the quality of life of nurses. Some complementary interventions may influence the improvement of the quality of life. This study aimed to determine the effect of Benson's relaxation technique on the operating room nurses' quality of life. Methods: In this clinical trial, 180 operating room nurses were randomly allocated to two groups: intervention (Benson's relaxation technique) and control (routine activity). The study was conducted from December 2021 to March 2022 in hospitals affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Benson's relaxation technique was performed twice daily by the intervention group for 8 weeks. Quality of life was measured before and after the intervention using the SF-36 questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 software, with a significance level set at a P < 0.05. Results: After the intervention, the results showed that Benson's relaxation technique led to an increase in the quality of life in the intervention group (P < 0.0001). In terms of quality-of-life dimensions, significant improvements were observed in the intervention group in the domains of physical problems (P < 0.05), emotional problems (P < 0.05), general health (P < 0.05), pain (P < 0.0001), and social functioning (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences were found in the dimensions of physical functioning, energy, and emotional well-being. Conclusions: Benson's relaxation technique can serve as a complementary method to improve various dimensions of the operating room nurses' quality of life. Trial Registration Number: IRCT20211002052650N1 with the Clinical Trial Registry (26.10.2022). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient fire response and the coordination of various fire vehicles are paramount for delivering optimal services and conducting effective rescue operations. This study explores the challenges of cooperative station location and vehicle assignment, focusing on the synergistic dispatch of fire vehicles from multiple stations. It highlights that the response time of the last arriving vehicle, crucial for forming a complete and effective response unit, is a critical determinant in the overall success of fire rescue operations. The primary objective of the model is to minimize the total system cost, encompassing both the capital investment in fire stations and the potential losses from fire incidents. By employing a Lagrangian relaxation technique, the model effectively simplifies the optimization challenge into more manageable sub-problems, thereby enhancing solution accuracy. The robustness and flexibility of the model were tested through simulations in a hypothetical network and a real-world scenario, using data from urban fire services. The results demonstrate the model's scalability and adaptability to different network configurations and operational constraints, showcasing its potential to substantially enhance emergency response efficiency and decision-making in urban fire management. This research makes a significant contribution to emergency response management by providing a validated framework that improves the coordination and effectiveness of fire rescue operations, thereby reducing fire damage and enhancing public safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psychological difficulties are prevalent in patients undergoing Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR). Recent guidelines recommend that practitioners inquire and address patients' psychological concerns during CR. Therefore, Study One aimed to explore practitioners' understanding of patients' psychological needs, their confidence in supporting those needs, and their views on whether current CR meets patients' needs. Study Two aimed to validate Study Ones' findings among a wider sample of CR practitioners. Methods: This study consisted of two interrelated qualitative interviews. Study One utilised qualitative interview data from the PATHWAY trial (REC Reference:15/NW/0163), while Study Two utilised new interview data collected as part of the PATHWAY Beacons study (REC Reference: 22/HRA/2220). In Study One semi-structured interviews with six CR practitioners were analysed using thematic analysis. In Study Two, 11 CR practitioners across England were interviewed using member-checking principles. Transcripts were coded systematically using the codes developed in Study One and, through constant comparative analysis. Results: Four main themes were identified: staff's awareness of mental health problems, CR patients' needs, staff's self-efficacy to support patients' psychological needs, and current psychological provision in CR. The main themes and 11 subthemes were transferable to a wider range of CR practitioners, thereby indicating the trustworthiness of the findings. Conclusion: Practitioners described that patients experience a range of psychological concerns, including adjustment difficulties, anxiety, and cardiac and noncardiac worries. Most practitioners normalise patient concerns and offer relaxation techniques. However, practitioners have noted that patients often have complex psychological needs, but practitioners' confidence in discussing and supporting psychological concerns varies. Practitioners expressed the need for training to support patients' psychological needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes an 8-week pilot project implementing virtual reality (VR) technology as a stress relief intervention for nurses at a rural hospital. It highlights how VR allowed nurses to temporarily disconnect from their stressful work environment and experience calming virtual scenarios during break times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

First-Person Shooter (FPS) games are among the most popular latency-sensitive multiplayer online games. A separate game server manages each multiplayer group hosted appropriately to meet the given Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE) requirements of the game and the players. Cloud computing is typically used to host these game servers to cope with changing workload requirements, given its elasticity, scalability, and on-demand provisioning characteristics [1]. However, the Cloud still suffers from known latency limitations, especially when dealing with latency-sensitive applications such as FPS games. Hence, Fog computing can be a good alternative for hosting FPS game servers, given that Fog nodes hosting the servers can be placed close to the players, thereby reducing latency. However, a careful resource management is necessary given the Fog's capacity unpredictability. This paper introduces an optimization-based game server placement approach that minimizes server costs while optimizing latency delays and, eventually, QoE for the players. A static model for the server placement problem is formulated as an Integer Linear Program (ILP) with valid inequalities. Given the complexity of the problem, a resolution strategy based on a non-linear, double penalty relaxation technique in conjunction with a proven Genetic Algorithm (GA) is developed. A dynamic version of the placement problem is also formulated to cope with the realistic scenarios dealing with changing multiplayer groups and Fog servers. A two-step dynamic scheme, based on the developed GA, is applied. Extensive simulations are conducted showing a good performance of the proposed approach both in terms of solution quality and execution time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Orthopedic surgery can trigger anxiety that negatively impacts patient experience and recovery. Purpose: This pilot study investigated if a compassionate interaction combined with standardized mind–body techniques could reduce patient anxiety levels during the initial postoperative phase for patients undergoing a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: Participants were 36 postsurgical hospital inpatients guided through a 10-minute mind–body breathing and visualization intervention on post-op day zero (POD 0) and on post-op day one (POD 1). Quantitative data included before and after Visual Analogue Scale for Anxiety (VAS-A) reports, heart rate values, and pulse oximetry readings. Results: Significant decreases in VAS-A and heart rate values as well as increases in pulse oximetry values were demonstrated on both POD 0 and POD 1. Conclusion: These results indicate that a brief mind–body intervention can reduce reported anxiety levels and induce physiologic benefits for hospitalized patients post-TKA and suggest the possibility that such interventions could reduce anxiety in a broader patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This open-trial pilot study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of acupuncture with brief therapy (ABT) for individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Method: Participants included 27 individuals with PTSD diagnoses confirmed using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5. Before ABT, 22 participants completed eight acupuncture sessions and three telehealth sessions of a brief treatment program for PTSD (Brief Relaxation, Education, and Trauma Healing [BREATHE]). Results: ABT significantly reduced PTSD symptoms, depression symptoms, anxiety, and improved trauma-related cognition. Conclusion: Acupuncture can play an important role in mental health recovery, and combining acupuncture with a brief, telehealth-based treatment (BREATHE) may assist recovery among individuals with PTSD. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 62(11), 35–45.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing demand for electricity load in China, orderly power utilization are important measures to alleviate electricity shortages during peak periods. This article establishes a multi-objective optimization model for orderly power utilization in active distribution networks is established, with the optimization objectives of minimizing the total operation cost, minimizing the cost for users, and minimizing the load fluctuation of the system. This model contains a large number of integer variables and nonlinear constraints, which is difficult to solve. To reduce computation time, convex relaxation techniques are adopted to transform the original model into a mixed-integer second-order cone programming (MISOCP) model, which has lower computational complexity. Furthermore, The improved ε-constraint method is proposed to solve the model, which can directly and quickly find the compromise optimal solution of the multi-objective problem. By using simplex search algorithm, the proposed method dose not need to traverse all grid points, which can significantly reduce computation time. Finally, case study on the the IEEE-33 bus distribution network demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Digital therapeutics (DTx) in the form of mobile health (mHealth) self-management programs have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing disease activity across various diseases, including fibromyalgia and arthritis. However, the content of online self-management programs varies widely, making them difficult to compare. Aim: This study aims to employ generative artificial intelligence (AI)-based knowledge graphs and network analysis to categorize and structure mHealth content at the example of a fibromyalgia self-management program. Methods: A multimodal mHealth online self-management program targeting fibromyalgia and post-viral fibromyalgia-like syndromes was developed. In addition to general content, the program was customized to address specific features and digital personas identified through hierarchical agglomerative clustering applied to a cohort of 202 patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain syndromes undergoing multimodal assessment. Text files consisting of 22,150 words divided into 24 modules were used as the input data. Two generative AI web applications, ChatGPT-4 (OpenAI) and Infranodus (Nodus Labs), were used to create knowledge graphs and perform text network analysis, including 3D visualization. A sentiment analysis of 129 patient feedback entries was performed. Results: The ChatGPT-generated knowledge graph model provided a simple visual overview with five primary edges: "Mental health challenges", "Stress and its impact", "Immune system function", "Long COVID and fibromyalgia" and "Pain management and therapeutic approaches". The 3D visualization provided a more complex knowledge graph, with the term "pain" appearing as the central edge, closely connecting with "sleep", "body", and "stress". Topical cluster analysis identified categories such as "chronic pain management", "sleep hygiene", "immune system function", "cognitive therapy", "healthy eating", "emotional development", "fibromyalgia causes", and "deep relaxation". Gap analysis highlighted missing links, such as between "negative behavior" and "systemic inflammation". Retro-engineering of the self-management program showed significant conceptual similarities between the knowledge graph and the original text analysis. Sentiment analysis of free text patient comments revealed that most relevant topics were addressed by the online program, with the exception of social contacts. Conclusion: Generative AI tools for text network analysis can effectively structure and illustrate DTx content. Knowledge graphs are valuable for increasing the transparency of self-management programs, developing new conceptual frameworks, and incorporating feedback loops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Antenatal education is part of antenatal care in many countries. Physical and mental preparation for childbirth and information on pain management are considered key elements of antenatal education classes. Evidence suggests that women who participate in antenatal education classes appear to benefit in terms of self-efficacy and childbirth experience. In particular, women with increased fear of childbirth benefit from trained breathing and relaxation techniques in antenatal education. However, little is known about the effect of breathing and relaxation techniques on the outcomes of healthy pregnant women without fear of childbirth or who do not have medical or obstetric risks, or on neonatal outcomes. Objective: The aim of this study is to test whether including a breathing and relaxation technique in an antenatal education class will improve self-efficacy towards birth compared to a standard antenatal education class. Methods: The study will be a two-armed randomised controlled trial (RCT). Healthy pregnant women between the 12th and 30th week of gestation with singleton low-risk pregnancies and who are receiving routine antenatal care will be recruited in a hospital in Switzerland. All women included will attend an 8-hour antenatal education class. The intervention group will additionally practise a breathing and relaxation technique, receive a handbook to guide their exercise practice at home, and be provided with access to an online brochure with video and audio recordings for guidance. Data on maternal and neonatal outcomes will be collected after recruitment, in the 37th week of pregnancy, and two to four weeks postpartum. Discussion: The effectiveness of including a breathing and relaxation technique in antenatal education classes on women's self-efficacy is discussed as a means to improving women's pregnancy and childbirth outcomes. Trial registration number: NCT06003946, SNCTP000005672. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research is to describe the role of mindfulness by using relaxation techniques to reduce the level of anxiety facing muhafadzoh in female students at Madrasah Mu'allimin Mu'allimat Islamic Boarding School X. This research uses a quasi-experimental method. The subjects of this research were female students of Madrasah Mu'allimin and Mu'allimat Islamic Boarding School. The data collection technique uses a scale results sheet in the form of a questionnaire while data analysis uses non-parametric Mann-Whitney U. Based on the research results, a 2-tailed asymp sig value of 0.00 <0.05 is obtained, which indicates that the application of Mindfulness has a significant impact on the variable observed, namely the level of anxiety. These findings consistently support the research hypothesis which suspects that Mindfulness intervention will be effective in reducing anxiety levels in female students at Islamic Boarding School X. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on a new equivalent reformulation, a scalable modulus-based matrix splitting (SMMS) method is proposed to solve the vertical linear complementarity problem (VLCP). By introducing a relaxation parameter and employing the two-sweep technique, we further enhance the scalability of the method, leading to a framework of the scalable relaxation two-sweep modulus-based matrix splitting (SRTMMS) method. To theoretically demonstrate the acceleration of the convergence provided by the SMMS method, we present a comparison theorem for the case of s = 2 . Furthermore, we establish the convergence of the SRTMMS method for arbitrary s. Preliminary numerical results indicate promising performance of the SRTMMS method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: To examine the respiratory and functional benefits of manual diaphragmatic release for Cleaning‐Laborers Exposed to Occupational Hazards. Methods: A randomized controlled trial of 36 participants aged 35–45 years was randomly allocated into two groups. The experimental group (n = 18); received manual diaphragm release along with respiratory training exercises, and the control group (n = 18); received respiratory training exercises only. Three times/week for 12 consecutive weeks. The serum immunoglobulin E level, pulmonary functions [forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, and peak expiratory flow (PEF) rate (PEF)], chest wall mobility, and 6 min walk‐test performance were assessed pre‐ and post‐intervention. Results: There was a greater decline in serum immunoglobulin levels (p = 0.003; Partial η2 = 0.23) and enhancement in pulmonary functions [FEV1 (p = 0.025, Partial η2 = 0.14), FVC (p = 0.017, Partial η2 = 0.16), FEV1/FVC (p = 0.028, Partial η2 = 0.13), and PEF (p = 0.012, Partial η2 = 0.17) in the experimental group. Further, there was a greater increase in chest mobility at the xiphoid level (p = 0.002, Partial η2 = 0.25) in the experimental group, but this was not the case at the axillary level (p = 0.29, Partial η2 = 0.03). Still, the 6 min walk‐test performance improved more significantly in the experimental group (p = 0.002, Partial η2 = 0.24). Conclusion: The diaphragmatic release technique may offer a promising approach for mitigating distressing respiratory symptoms, enhancing immune function, and improving 6 min walk‐test performance among cleaning laborers with work‐related respiratory hazards. Trial registration: The study was retrospectively registered at XXX (ID: NCT05802355). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anxiety disorder is one of the most common mental disorders and often accompanied with sleep disturbance which can in turn exacerbate anxiety symptoms, creating a vicious cycle. In addition to psychopharmacological therapy, the effectiveness of psychotherapy as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for treating anxiety disorders and insomnia has been well documented and widely accepted, but it is labor‐intensive and costly. However, virtual reality (VR)–integrated CBT may improve this condition but needs more evidences to support its extensive application in routine clinical practice. Objectives: This explorative study was aimed to conduct a retrospective analysis to evaluate the acute (2 weeks) augmented effect of VR‐integrated relaxation and mindfulness exercising in improving anxiety and insomnia symptoms for patients who were diagnosed with anxiety disorders and concurrently with prominent insomnia symptoms and admitted to the Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital of Jinan University during January 2021 to June 2021. Methods: All patients who were admitted to the department of psychiatry during January 1, 2021 to June 30, 2021 were screened with inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria, and the sociodemographic and clinical data of those included patients were collected from the electronic medical record system of the hospital using a self‐designed case report form (CRF). Subjects who were administrated with medication alone were designated as conventional group, and those receiving treatment of medication combined with VR‐integrated CBT (VR relaxation and mindfulness exercising) as VR group. The baseline and 2‐week posttreatment data were compared between the two groups. Results: In total, there were 103 patients (70 female, 68%) included in the study. Among all, 68 (66.02%) were designated as the "VR group," and 35 (33.98%) as the "conventional group." The majority of patients (67%) were diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Twenty‐three (22.3%) patients had a comorbid diagnosis with primary insomnia, and insomnia was just one of the accompanying symptoms with anxiety for the rest 80 subjects. No statistically significant differences were found between VR and conventional groups in all baseline sociodemographic and clinical characteristics except for occupation. There were statistically significant differences for the remission rates of anxiety symptoms or insomnia symptoms and reduction of Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale or Insomnia Severity Index total scores between conventional and VR groups. Greater remission rates or score reductions were found in VR group than in conventional group either for anxiety or for insomnia. Robust differences still existed when controlled for the variable "occupation." Conclusions: Two‐week augmented VR‐integrated relaxation and mindfulness exercising is acutely beneficial for relieving both anxiety and insomnia symptoms and worth being recommended for routine clinical practice. Further prospective and randomized study compared to traditional CBT to explore its acute and long‐term effect on anxiety and insomnia is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starting May 3, 2023, violence erupted in the northeastern state of Manipur, India, between two tribes, the Meiteis and the Kukis, killing more than 150 people and internally displacing more than 60,000 people. This ongoing conflict has caused many deaths, the destruction of public and private property, and the sexual assault of women and young girls, leaving an indelible mark on their psyche. There is a need to assuage the impact of the atrocities and the resulting mental trauma on the affected people. Mind–body medicine techniques such as yoga, tai chi, and meditation are beneficial as complementary therapies for stress reduction and stress-induced conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Yoga is a traditional system of practice whose components include postures, breath regulation, ethical concepts, dietary regulation, relaxation techniques, and meditation. Several studies in the extant literature corroborate the beneficial effect of yoga on conditions such as PTSD, which is found in victims affected by conflict and violence. The article posits that yoga can be a valuable and effective complementary therapy for those affected by the ongoing strife in Manipur. As yoga is effective in people with PTSD and people affected adversely by conflict in many regions of the world, the author concludes that the practice of yoga will improve the resilience, reduce stress, and remove associated mental problems such as anxiety and depression of victims of ethnic conflict. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The present study aimed to examine the effects of a mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) program and deep relaxation exercises on pregnancy‐related anxiety levels. Materials and Methods: This randomized parallel‐group controlled trial was conducted with 95 pregnant women (MBSR: n = 32, deep relaxation exercises: n = 31, control: n = 32) between 1 August and 15 October 2022 with pregnant women who were registered at the pregnancy outpatient clinics of a hospital in the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Türkiye. CONSORT guidelines were followed in our study. The participants in the MBSR group were given an eight‐session MBSR program, consisting of two sessions per week for 4 weeks, whereas the participants in the deep relaxation exercises group were asked to do exercises at home with deep relaxation videos four times a week for 4 weeks. The participants in the control group received only routine prenatal care. Results: The mean PRAQ‐R2 Fear of Giving Birth subscale scores of the participants in the MBSR and deep relaxation exercises groups after the intervention were lower than that of the participants in the control group. Additionally, the mean total PRAQ‐R2, PRAQ‐R2 Worries about Bearing a Physically or Mentally Handicapped Child subscale and PRAQ‐R2 Concern about One's Own Appearance subscale scores of the participants in the MBSR group were found to be significantly lower than the scores of those in the deep relaxation exercises and control groups (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The MBSR program is an effective method for reducing pregnancy‐related anxiety levels. Additionally, deep relaxation exercises are alternative practices for reducing the fear of giving birth among pregnant women. Trial registration: NCT05447000 Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Anxiety is common during pregnancy.Alternative methods are becoming important considering the effects of complications of medical treatment on the mother and the fetus from treatments for anxiety in the prenatal period.What this paper adds? The MBSR program is an effective method for reducing pregnancy‐related anxiety levels.Deep relaxation exercises are alternative practices for reducing the fear of giving birth among pregnant women.The implications of this paper: This research provides a solid basis for the use of an MBSR program during midwifery and nursing practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider integrating the scalar auxiliary variable time discretization with the virtual element method spatial discretization to obtain energy-stable schemes for Allen–Cahn-type gradient flow problems. In order to optimize CPU time during calculations, we propose two step-by-step solving SAV algorithms by introducing a novel auxiliary variable to replace the original one. Then, linear, decoupled, and unconditionally energy-stable numerical schemes are constructed. However, due to truncation errors, the auxiliary variable is not equivalent to the continuous case in the original definition. Therefore, we propose a novel relaxation technique to preserve the original energy dissipation rule. It not only retains all the advantages of the above algorithms but also improves accuracy and consistency. Finally, a series of numerical experiments are conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of our method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Sleep is one of the most crucial basic human needs in Maslow's hierarchy, while sleep disorders are the most commonly occurring complications of chemotherapy. Objective: This study was conducted to determine the effect of progressive muscle relaxation techniques on the sleep quality of patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: This study was a randomized clinical trial performed on patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Ninety cancer patients were selected by the convenience sampling method and randomly assigned into two groups; the progressive muscle relaxation group and the control group. Before the intervention, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Questionnaire (PSQQ) was completed for patients in both groups. In the intervention group, progressive muscle relaxation was performed for 4 weeks (twice daily and 20 min each time). In the control group, patients only received routine care. After the intervention, the PSQQ was completed again for patients in both groups. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Results: The mean and standard deviation of age were 45.95 ± 10.26 years. The samples of the intervention and control groups were homogeneous in terms of demographic characteristics. The results showed a significant improvement in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index in the intervention group before and after the intervention (P <.001, Z = 5.09). However, this rate was not different in the control group. The sleep level of the intervention and control groups was not different at the beginning of the study. However, at the end of the study, the sleep score in the intervention group had decreased significantly (P <.001, Z = 3.52). Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that progressive muscle relaxation improves the sleep quality of patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Therefore, relaxation can be considered a useful and effective intervention for improving sleep quality of patients with cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quadratic programs with box constraints involve minimizing a possibly nonconvex quadratic function subject to lower and upper bounds on each variable. This is a well-known NP-hard problem that frequently arises in various applications. We focus on two convex relaxations, namely the reformulation–linearization technique (RLT) relaxation and the SDP-RLT relaxation obtained by combining the Shor relaxation with the RLT relaxation. Both relaxations yield lower bounds on the optimal value of a quadratic program with box constraints. We show that each component of each vertex of the RLT relaxation lies in the set { 0 , 1 2 , 1 } . We present complete algebraic descriptions of the set of instances that admit exact RLT relaxations as well as those that admit exact SDP-RLT relaxations. We show that our descriptions can be converted into algorithms for efficiently constructing instances with (1) exact RLT relaxations, (2) inexact RLT relaxations, (3) exact SDP-RLT relaxations, and (4) exact SDP-RLT but inexact RLT relaxations. Our preliminary computational experiments illustrate that our algorithms are capable of generating computationally challenging instances for state-of-the-art solvers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the classic budgeted maximum weight independent set (BMWIS) problem. The input is a graph G = (V , E) , where each vertex v ∈ V has a weight w (v) and a cost c (v) , and a budget B. The goal is to find an independent set S ⊆ V in G such that ∑ v ∈ S c (v) ≤ B , which maximizes the total weight ∑ v ∈ S w (v). Since the problem on general graphs cannot be approximated within ratio | V | 1 − ɛ for any ɛ > 0 , BMWIS has attracted significant attention on graph families for which a maximum weight independent set can be computed in polynomial time. Two notable such graph families are bipartite and perfect graphs. BMWIS is known to be NP-hard on both of these graph families; however, prior to this work, the best possible approximation guarantees for these graphs were wide open. In this paper, we give a tight 2-approximation for BMWIS on perfect graphs and bipartite graphs. In particular, we give a (2 − ɛ) lower bound for BMWIS on bipartite graphs, already for the special case where the budget is replaced by a cardinality constraint, based on the Small Set Expansion Hypothesis (SSEH). For the upper bound, we design a 2-approximation for BMWIS on perfect graphs using a Lagrangian relaxation based technique. Finally, we obtain a tight lower bound for the capacitated maximum weight independent set (CMWIS) problem, the special case of BMWIS where w (v) = c (v) ∀ v ∈ V. We show that CMWIS on bipartite and perfect graphs is unlikely to admit an efficient polynomial-time approximation scheme (EPTAS). Thus, the existing PTAS for CMWIS is essentially the best we can expect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to investigate whether and to what extent perioperative hypnosis and relaxation techniques are used in German anaesthesia departments, what they are, where any difficulties in their application lie and how great the interest in this type of therapy is. Another research question was to find out whether there are specialist areas in which these methods are used more frequently than in other specialist areas. Methods A descriptive survey was conducted by means of a questionnaire in all hospitals with anaesthesia departments in Germany. 1124 questionnaires were sent out by post. The survey period was five months from 27/02/2023 to 31/07/2023. The clinic directors of all anaesthesiology departments in German hospitals were surveyed. Results 476 departments (42%) responded by pre-paid envelope. Of these, only 39 (8%) use hypnosis and relaxation techniques perioperatively. These are mostly progressive muscle relaxation, hypnotic trance according to Erickson, calming words and suggestions or the use of virtual reality (e.g. using VR-glasses). Conclusions Hypnosis techniques have been shown in many studies to be effective in increasing patient comfort (less anxiety and stress) and reducing both the need for medication and perioperative pain. The therapy is rarely used in Germany, although once established it can be easily integrated into perioperative procedures. Many departments have shown great interest in the topic. In the interests of patients, a structural change should be considered to promote the use of hypnotic procedures.

This paper introduces a methodology designed to reduce cost, improve demand coverage, and ensure equitable vaccine distribution during the initial stages of the vaccination campaign when demand significantly exceeds supply. We formulate an enhanced maximum covering problem as a mixed integer linear program, aiming to minimize the total vaccine distribution cost while maximizing the allocation of vaccines to population blocks under equity constraints. Block‐level census data are employed to define demand locations, identifying gender, age, and racial groups within each block using population data. A Lagrangian relaxation technique integrated with a modified Voronoi diagram is proposed to solve the location–allocation problem efficiently. Empirical case studies in Pennsylvania, using real‐world data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and health department websites, were conducted for the first 4 months of the COVID‐19 vaccination campaign. Preliminary results show that the proposed solution algorithm effectively solves the problem, achieving a 5.92% reduction in total transportation cost and a 28.15% increase in demand coverage. Moreover, our model can reduce the deviation from equity to 0.07 (∼50% improvement). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates a capacitated facility location model enhanced with distance constraints for an emergency response problem, ensuring certain neighborhoods remain within an accessible range from facilities following a hurricane. The proposed model takes into account the capacity constraints for drones and vehicles. The model determines optimal locations for facilities and the distribution of supplies across the city. It also specifies which facilities should support the needs of each neighborhood and decides on the appropriate mode of transportation—ground vehicles if possible, or drones if roadways are obstructed. To solve the problem, a Lagrangian relaxation technique is employed, relaxing the constraints related to facility capacity and distance. The numerical results confirm the quality and efficiency of the solutions. The findings indicate that ground transportation is more frequently utilized than drones at each operational facility. A comprehensive set of sensitivity analyses is conducted to examine the impact of various variables and parameters on the solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate whether and to what extent perioperative hypnosis and relaxation techniques are used in German anaesthesia departments, what they are, where any difficulties in their application lie and how great the interest in this type of therapy is. Another research question was to find out whether there are specialist areas in which these methods are used more frequently than in other specialist areas. Methods: A descriptive survey was conducted by means of a questionnaire in all hospitals with anaesthesia departments in Germany. 1124 questionnaires were sent out by post. The survey period was five months from 27/02/2023 to 31/07/2023. The clinic directors of all anaesthesiology departments in German hospitals were surveyed. Results: 476 departments (42%) responded by pre-paid envelope. Of these, only 39 (8%) use hypnosis and relaxation techniques perioperatively. These are mostly progressive muscle relaxation, hypnotic trance according to Erickson, calming words and suggestions or the use of virtual reality (e.g. using VR-glasses). Conclusions: Hypnosis techniques have been shown in many studies to be effective in increasing patient comfort (less anxiety and stress) and reducing both the need for medication and perioperative pain. The therapy is rarely used in Germany, although once established it can be easily integrated into perioperative procedures. Many departments have shown great interest in the topic. In the interests of patients, a structural change should be considered to promote the use of hypnotic procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastritis is one of the most commonly encountered digestive diseases, especially in Indonesia, with a relatively high prevalence. This condition is characterized by inflammation of the gastric mucosa, often causing pain in the epigastric area. According to various studies, this pain is caused by an increase in stomach acid, which triggers inflammation and stimulates nociceptors, leading to discomfort. To address this issue, one non-pharmacological approach that can be employed is deep breathing relaxation therapy. This therapy helps patients reduce pain by improving lung ventilation, reducing muscle tension, and stabilizing other bodily functions such as heart rate and blood pressure. Several previous studies have also shown that this technique is effective in reducing pain intensity in gastritis patients, speeding up the healing process, and enhancing patient comfort. This study aims to explore the implementation of deep breathing relaxation techniques in reducing pain intensity in gastritis patients. It is a descriptive study with a case study approach. The sample used in this research consists of two respondents, who are gastritis patients hospitalized at Vita Insani Hospital in Pematangsiantar. The evaluation results showed a decrease in pain intensity, from a pain scale of 4 (moderate) to 0 (none) in patient I, and from a pain scale of 6 (moderate) to 0 (no pain) in patient II. Thus, it can be concluded that the deep breathing relaxation technique is effective in reducing pain intensity in gastritis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transurethal Urethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) is a surgical procedure to treat Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) by removing tissue from the side of the prostate zone. Surgery will cause pain and one way to relieve pain is the Benson relaxation technique. Benson relaxation is a relaxation technique that combines deep breathing relaxation and beliefs that can relax and reduce pain. This research design uses the Case Study method. The sampling method used is purposive sampling. The samples taken were 2 respondents, namely postoperative TURP patients with BPH who were hospitalized at Vita Insani Hospital, Pematangsiantar. The results showed that the pain experienced by post TURP surgery patients in BPH sufferers decreased as seen on the pain scale. Mr. H, moderate pain scale (6) to mild pain (2) and Mr. P, moderate pain scale (5) to mild pain (1) Benson relaxation therapy was effective in post-TURP surgery cases in reducing pain intensity. Nurses are expected to be able to accompany patients to apply Benson relaxation therapy in an effort to reduce pain in postTURP surgery patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present a parameter-free particle relaxation technique to improve the accuracy and stability of smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH). Instead of imposing a background pressure, particles are regularized following the criteria of 0th-order consistency, i.e., the gradient of a constant to be zero. Specifically, the modifications of particles' position are solved by a gradient decent method according to the error between zero value and the gradient of a constant. This modification decreases the integration error and leads a more uniform particles distribution. A set of challenging benchmarks including lid-driven cavity flow, Taylor-Green vortex, FSI (fluid-solid interaction) problem, 2D (two-dimensional) dam-break case, and water exit of a cylinder are investigated to validate the effectiveness of the present technique for addressing the well-known tensile instability and particle clumping problems. Finally, the study of 3D (three-dimensional) dam-break against an obstacle demonstrates the stability and versatility of the present method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study evaluated the effect of progressive muscle relaxation exercises (PMRE) applied to patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) treatment due to chronic kidney disease on sleep quality. Materials and Methods: The research was conducted between March 1 and September 30, 2022, with 76 participants in a private dialysis center in Konya Province, Turkey. Using a randomized controlled research design, we divided the participants into 38 experimental and 38 control groups. We collected data using the "personal information form" and the "Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI)". IBM SPSS 26 software performed the statistical analysis of the obtained data. When the parametric test assumptions were met, the ""Student's t-test" was used to evaluate differences between the two independent groups; otherwise, the "Mann-Whitney U test" was employed. The relationship between categorical variables was assessed using Fisher's exact test and chi-square tests. Results: In the intervention group undergoing PMRE, it was determined that the PSQI total sleep score and its subdimensions, including subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, and daytime dysfunction (except for the sleep medication use subdimension), had a significantly positive effect compared to the control group at the eighth week (p<0.001). Conclusion: In line with these findings, it has been determined that PMRE improve sleep quality in patients undergoing HD treatment. It is recommended that HD patients be educated about PMRE and that the exercises be taught. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although past research has documented the effects of social media addiction on mental health, it remains unclear how and when such impacts occur. To fill this gap, we investigate the intervening mechanism of mindfulness and the moderating role of healing use for social media addiction's impact on depression through the lens of the conservation of resources theory and the attentional bias perspective. Analysis of data collected from 198 employees reveals that social media addiction (1) depletes the energy resources necessary to reduce depression and (2) consumes attentional resources and directs an individual's attention to the salient activities that feed addictive use, leaving individuals with less attentional resources to devote to activities that promote mental health. Interestingly, social media's healing use reduces the harmful effects of social media addiction on depression. This research contributes key practical and theoretical insights to aid decision-makers and set an agenda for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sedation increases colonoscopy risks and prolongs recovery time. We examined whether virtual reality (VR) can substitute for sedation. The primary outcome was the overall satisfaction of patients who underwent colonoscopy with VR headset compared with patients who underwent standard sedation. Pain during the procedure, polyp detection rate (PDR), colonoscopy duration, post-colonoscopy adverse events, post-colonoscopy recovery, time-to-return to daily functions, and turnaround time at the endoscopy unit were secondary outcomes. Methods: The study was approved by Sheba Medical Center's ethics committee IRB number 21-8177-SMC. Sixty patients were sequentially enrolled in a 1:1 ratio to either standard sedated colonoscopy or VR-unsedated procedure, and all patients signed a written informed consent. 28/30 patients successfully completed the colonoscopy using VR headset. Overall satisfaction score was comparable between the groups. Results: There was no difference between VR and controls in colonoscopy duration, or PDR. VR patients had numerically lower rate of post-colonoscopy adverse events than controls. The proportion of VR patients who reported resuming daily activities on the day of the procedure was significantly higher than in the control group. The VR group patients spent significantly less time in the hospital compared to the control group. Conclusions: VR technology can provide adequate substitution for sedation for most patients undergoing colonoscopy and offers comparable patient satisfaction and faster return to daily activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Autogenic training (AT) is a structured meditative‐style practice, consisting of a sequence of simple mental exercises intended to induce a relaxed state in patients. There is some emerging evidence to suggest that AT can be effective in treating certain chronic conditions, however, further evidence is required. A service evaluation of AT services at the Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine was conducted to evaluate the impact of AT on patients with chronic conditions. Methods: The service evaluation consisted of the completion of validated quantitative outcome measures pre and posttreatment to explore the impact of AT. AT patients were asked to complete the Measure Yourself Medical Outcomes Profile (MYMOP) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) at their first hospital appointment (baseline) and then again 8 weeks later following completion of their AT sessions. Pre‐ and posttreatment scores for each outcome measure were analysed in SPSS using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test. Results: One hundred ninety‐nine patients completed both initial and follow‐up MYMOP forms and were included in the evaluation. The most common presenting complaints for MYMOP symptom 1 were prolonged anxiety/stress and depression (n = 70, 35.2%), chronic pain and migraine headache (n = 44, 22.1%), chronic insomnia and sleep problems (n = 42, 21.1%) and, long‐term exhaustion and fatigue (n = 18, 9%). The change in median score pre‐ and posttreatment for all MYMOP categories (symptoms, activity and well‐being) were statistically highly significant p < 0.001. Anxiety, stress, depression, pain and insomnia were the symptoms that had the largest statistically significant difference between the median score pre‐ and posttreatment. Fifty‐five patients completed the PSS questionnaire at two time points (pre‐ and posttreatment). It showed a highly statistically significant change in PSS median score in patients experiencing stress (p < 0.001). Discussion: The findings of the evaluation indicate that 8 weeks of AT appears to be effective in improving symptoms of concern to patients and enhancing patients' overall well‐being. In particular, AT was found to be beneficial for patients with symptoms of anxiety, stress, depression, pain and insomnia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]