Renormalized solutions for stochastic transport equations and the regularization by bilinear multiplicative noise

A linear stochastic transport equation with non-regular coefficients is considered. Under the same assumption of the deterministic theory, all weak $L^\infty$-solutions are renormalized. But then, if the noise is nondegenerate, uniqueness of weak $L^\infty$-solutions does not require essential new assumptions, opposite to the deterministic case where for instance the divergence of the drift is asked to be bounded. The proof gives a new explanation why bilinear multiplicative noise may have a regularizing effect

A statistical method for removing unbalanced trials with multiple covariates in meta-analysis

In meta-analysis literature, there are several checklists describing the procedures necessary to evaluate studies from a qualitative point of view, whereas preliminary quantitative and statistical investigations on the “combinability” of trials have been neglected. Covariate balance is an important prerequisite to conduct meta-analysis. We propose a method to identify unbalanced trials with respect to a set of covariates, in presence of covariate imbalance, namely when the randomized controlled trials generate a meta-sample that cannot satisfy the requisite of randomization/combinability in meta-analysis. The method is able to identify the unbalanced trials, through four stages aimed at achieving combinability. The studies responsible for the imbalance are identified, and then they can be eliminated. The proposed procedure is simple and relies on the combined Anderson-Darling test applied to the Empirical Cumulative Distribution Functions of both experimental and control meta-arms. To illustrate the method in practice, two datasets from well-known meta-analyses in the literature are used

Flapless Cone Beam Computed Tomography-Guided Implant Surgery with Contextual Transcrestal Sinus Lift Augmentation Using New Bone Compactor Tools

In the present paper, the authors present a case report of premolar edentulism in the upper jaw treated through a guided flapless oral implant surgery with contextual crestal sinus lift, performed with a system of manual screw-tapered bone expanders (B&B Dental, San Benedetto, BO, Italy). The surgery was planned by means of dedicated software, through which the data obtained from the CBCT and from intraoral scanner impression were matched, with consequent production of a surgical template. The proposed surgical procedure is minimally invasive, very simple, and fast and ensures good comfort for the patient by avoiding the elevation of mucoperiosteal flaps and uncomfortable malleting maneuvers. In addition, the presented method shows a good degree of correspondence between the ideal position of the implant in the planning phase and the actual one detectable after the surgery

Quantum phase slips in superconducting Nb nanowire networks deposited on self-assembled Si templates

Robust porous silicon substrates were employed for generating interconnected networks of superconducting ultrathin Nb nanowires. Scanning electron microscopy analysis was performed to investigate the morphology of the samples, which constitute of polycrystalline single wires with grain size of about 10 nm. The samples exhibit nonzero resistance over a broad temperature range below the critical temperature, fingerprint of phase slippage processes. The transport data are satisfactory reproduced by models describing both thermal and quantum fluctuations of the superconducting order parameter in thin homogeneous superconducting wires.Comment: accepted for publication on Applied Physics Letter

Using data differently and using different data

The lack of adequate measures is often an impediment to robust policy evaluation. We discuss three approaches to measurement and data usage that have the potential to improve the way we conduct impact evaluations. First, the creation of new measures, when no adequate ones are available. Second, the use of multiple measures when a single one is not appropriate. And third, the use of machine learning algorithms to evaluate and understand programme impacts. We motivate the relevance of each of the categories by providing examples where they have proved useful in the past. We discuss the challenges and risks involved in each strategy and conclude with an outline of promising directions for future work

Thermodynamics of spin-orbit-coupled bosons in two dimensions from the complex Langevin method

We investigate the thermal properties of interacting spin-orbit-coupled bosons with contact interactions in two spatial dimensions. To that end, we implement the complex Langevin method, motivated by the appearance of a sign problem, on a square lattice with periodic boundary conditions. We calculate the density equation of state nonperturbatively in a range of spin-orbit couplings and chemical potentials. Our results show that mean-field solutions tend to underestimate the average density, especially for stronger values of the spin-orbit coupling. Additionally, the finite nature of the simulation volume induces the formation of pseudocondensates. These have been observed to be destroyed by the spin-orbit interactions

Psychopharmacology

Psychopharmacology is the scientific study of the effects drugs have on mood, sensation, thinking, and behavior. Particularly it concerns the use of medications in the treatment of mental disorders. The goal of this chapter is to define the major classes of psychotropic drugs, introducing general pharmacological concepts, explaining the different mechanisms of action and the main clinical applications of the drugs used to treat psychiatric disorders. Psychotropic drugs are commonly categorized according to their major clinical applications: antidepressants, anxiolytics, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers. However, almost every drug used in psychiatry has multiple therapeutic roles and many clinical applications. For example, SSRIs are considered the first-line pharmacological treatment for several disorders, such as depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and OCD. Similarly, antipsychotics are indicated as first-choice drugs for psychotic disorders, but many guidelines recommend their use, in combination with mood stabilizers, also in the treatment of acute mania

Noise Prevents Singularities in Linear Transport Equations

A stochastic linear transport equation with multiplicative noise is considered and the question of no-blow-up is investigated. The drift is assumed only integrable to a certain power. Opposite to the deterministic case where smooth initial conditions may develop discontinuities, we prove that a certain Sobolev degree of regularity is maintained, which implies H\"older continuity of solutions. The proof is based on a careful analysis of the associated stochastic flow of characteristics

Sustainable solutions for the construction sector: integration of secondary raw materials in the production cycle of concrete

The construction industry is one of the largest consumers of raw materials and energy and one of the highest contributor to green-houses gases emissions. In order to become more sustainable it needs to reduce the use of both raw materials and energy, thus lim-iting its environmental impact. Developing novel technologies to integrate secondary raw materials (i.e. lightweight recycled aggre-gates and alkali activated “cementless” binders - geopolymers) in the production cycle of concrete is an all-inclusive solution to im-prove both sustainability and cost-efficiency of construction industry. SUS-CON “SUStainable, Innovative and Energy-Efficiency CONcrete, based on the integration of all-waste materials” is an European project (duration 2012-2015), which aim was the inte-gration of secondary raw materials in the production cycle of concrete, thus resulting in innovative, sustainable and cost-effective building solutions. This paper presents the main outcomes related to the successful scaling-up of SUS-CON concrete solutions in traditional production plants. Two European industrial concrete producers have been involved, to design and produce both pre-cast components (blocks and panels) and ready-mixed concrete. Recycled polyurethane foams and mixed plastics were used as aggre-gates, PFA (Pulverized Fuel Ash, a by-product of coal fuelled power plants) and GGBS (Ground Granulated Blast furnace Slag, a by-product of iron and steel industries) as binders. Eventually, the installation of SUS-CON concrete solutions on real buildings has been demonstrated, with the construction of three mock-ups located in Europe (Spain, Turkey and Romania

Gender and Sex in Medical Practice: An Exploratory Study on Knowledge, Behavior, and Attitude among Sicilian Physicians

Personalized medicine is a new paradigm in health care, and the concept of socio-cultural gender, as opposed to biological sex, emerged in several medical approaches. This exploratory study aimed to investigate the knowledge of sex and gender in clinical medicine among Sicilian physicians. Data collection was based on an online survey sent to the members of the Medical Councils of Sicily (Italy). The questionnaire included nine specific items about awareness and attitudes regarding gender medicine and its importance in clinical practice. 8023 Sicilian physicians received the solicitation e-mail and only 496 responded. Regarding the knowledge of gender medicine, 71.1% of participants stated that they know it, while 88.5% believe that gender medicine should be included in training programs. Similarly, a high percentage (77.6%) would like to keep up to date on this topic. Physicians sampled seem to understand the importance of gender medicine principles, although their experience of some gender issues (i.e., sex disparities in acute cardiovascular care and smoking cessation strategies) is low (55.44% and 21.57%, respectively). The results of this exploratory study should encourage facing the gender medicine gap in the current curricula of health professionals and should implement the transitional value of sex and gender principles in the clinical setting