Solution of the Stochastic Langevin Equations for Clustering of Particles in Turbulent Flows in Terms of Wiener Path Integral

We propose to take advantage of using the Wiener path integrals as the formal solution for the joint probability densities of coupled Langevin equations describing particles suspended in a fluid under the effect of viscous and random forces. Our obtained formal solution, giving the expression for the Lyapunov exponent, i) will provide the description of all the features and the behaviour of such a system, e.g. the aggregation phenomenon recently studied in the literature using appropriate approximations, ii) can be used to determine the occurrence and the nature of the aggregation - non-aggregation phase transition which we have shown for the one-dimensional case and iii) allows the use of a variety of approximative methods appropriate for the physical conditions of the problem such as instanton solutions in the WKB approximation in the aggregation phase for the one-dimensional case as presented in this paper. The use of instanton approximation gives the same result for the Lyapunov exponent in the aggregation phase, previously obtained by other authors using a different approximative method. The case of non-aggregation is also considered in a certain approximation using the general path integral expression for the one-dimensional case.Comment: 18 pages; added section III C containing WKB method (instanton approximation) for the evaluation of the path integral in the aggregation, as well as non-aggregation, phase

On Finite Noncommutativity in Quantum Field Theory

We consider various modifications of the Weyl-Moyal star-product, in order to obtain a finite range of nonlocality. The basic requirements are to preserve the commutation relations of the coordinates as well as the associativity of the new product. We show that a modification of the differential representation of the Weyl-Moyal star-product by an exponential function of derivatives will not lead to a finite range of nonlocality. We also modify the integral kernel of the star-product introducing a Gaussian damping, but find a nonassociative product which remains infinitely nonlocal. We are therefore led to propose that the Weyl-Moyal product should be modified by a cutoff like function, in order to remove the infinite nonlocality of the product. We provide such a product, but it appears that one has to abandon the possibility of analytic calculation with the new product.Comment: 13 pages, reference adde

Crystal melting, BPS quivers and plethystics

We study the refined and unrefined crystal/BPS partition functions of D6-D2-D0 brane bound states for all toric Calabi-Yau threefolds without compact 4-cycles and some non-toric examples. They can be written as products of (generalized) MacMahon functions. We check our expressions and use them as vacuum characters to study the gluings. We then consider the wall crossings and discuss possible crystal descriptions for different chambers. We also express the partition functions in terms of plethystic exponentials. For ℂ3 and tripled affine quivers, we find their connections to nilpotent Kac polynomials. Similarly, the partition functions of D4-D2-D0 brane bound states can be obtained by replacing the (generalized) MacMahon functions with the inverse of (generalized) Euler functions

The impact of low advanced glycation end products diet on obesity and related hormones: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Several randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have investigated the effect of dietary advanced glycation end products (AGE) on obesity factors and related hormones in adults; results were conflicting. Therefore, a study was performed to assess the effect of low advanced glycation end products diet on obesity and related hormones. A comprehensive literature search without any limitation on language was conducted using the following bibliographical databases: Web of Science, Scopus, Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Embase up to October, 2019. From the eligible trials, 13 articles were selected for the systematic review and meta-analysis. Our systematic reviews and meta-analyses have shown a significant decrease in BMI (WMD: � 0.3 kg/m2; 95 CI: � 0.52, � 0.09, p = 0.005; I2 = 55.8), weight (WMD: � 0.83 kg; 95 CI: � 1.55, � 0.10, p = 0.026; I2 = 67.0), and leptin (WMD: � 19.85 ng/ml; 95 CI: � 29.88, � 9.82, p < 0.001; I2 = 81.8) and an increase in adiponectin (WMD: 5.50 µg/ml; 95 CI: 1.33, 9.67, p = 0.010; I2 = 90.6) levels after consumption of the low AGE diets compared to the high AGE diets. Also, the effect of intake of low AGE compared to high AGE diets was more pronounced in subgroup with duration > 8 weeks for the BMI and weight. Overall, according to our results, although low AGE diets appeared to be statistically significant in reducing the prevalence of obesity and chronic diseases compared to high consumption of dietary AGEs. But, no clinical significance was observed. Therefore, to confirm these results clinically, further prospective studies should be conducted in this regard. The study protocol was registered in the in International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) database as CRD42020203734. © 2020, The Author(s)

The effect of green tea on prostate specific antigen (PSA): A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background: Prostate cancer is a major malignancy, affecting men, worldwide. The protective effect of green tea consumption on prostate cancer has been reported in several studies; however, the findings are equivocal. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of green tea on PSA level, by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Methods: We searched online databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, up to 11 Aug 2020, to obtain relevant publications. The publication search was not limited by language or date. Results: A total of 2488 records were identified in the systematic search; from these, seven were included in the meta-analysis. The overall analysis showed no significant changes in PSA levels in subjects treated with green tea, (WMD: �0.60 ng/mL; 95 CI: �1.32, 0.12 ng/mL; P = 0.104, I2 = 93.80 , P heterogeneity<0.001). Subgroup analysis based on geographical location showed that green tea significantly reduced PSA level in the USA population (WMD: �1.02 pg/mL, 95 CI: �1.30, �0.73, P < 0.001) compared to non-USA populations (WMD: �0.22 pg/mL, 95 CI: �0.95, 0.50, P = 0.539) (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The results of this review show that green tea has no significant effect on PSA level. However, due to the heterogeneity among studies more consistent clinical trials, with larger sample sizes are required. © 2020 The Author(s

Photocatalysis of functionalised 3D printed cementitious materials

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the photocatalytic behaviour of 3D printed cementitious mortars that were functionalised with TiO2 nanoparticles. This study is one of the few available regarding functionalisation of 3D concrete printing (3DCP) with photocatalytic properties. Despite the fact 3DCP research is swiftly growing, it is still necessary further investigation to fully understand these materials’ physicochemical and mechanical properties, which will influence the functionalised properties of the composite. Due to the freeform nature of the 3DCP there are no moulds, therefore the functionalisation through coating can be performed in a much earlier stage than in conventional moulded concrete. The developed smart 3D printed concrete could promote the photodegradation of pollutants for self-cleaning and air purification. In particular, this study investigated the effect of two parameters on photocatalytic behaviour: light power intensity and the coating rate of nano-TiO2 particles. Surface coating was adopted as the functionalisation method, and the Rhodamine B dye degradation efficiency was used as an indicator to evaluate the photocatalytic behaviour. Additionally, the surface roughness and microstructure of the 3D printed cementitious mortar specimens were assessed to distinguish between the reference and TiO2 coated series. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) crystallography were carried out as three techniques to evaluate the morphology, composition, and microstructure of the specimens, respectively. The results indicated successful activation of catalyst particles under illumination, where higher light power intensity increased the degradation efficiency. Furthermore, dye degradation efficiency increased with increasing coating rates of nano-TiO2 particles on the surface of the specimens. The roughness of the 3D printed specimens’ surface was sufficient for settling the nano-TiO2 particles. Finally, microscopy results confirmed the presence and suitable distribution of the nano-TiO2 particles on the surface of the coated specimens.Support SECIL, SIKA, ELKEM and UNIBETAO, which graciously provided the required materials for printing the cementitious specimensThis work was partly financed by Fundaç˜ao para a Ciˆencia e a Tecnologia (FCT)/MCTES through national funds (PIDDAC) under the R&D Unit Institute for Sustainability and Innovation in Structural Engineering (ISISE), under reference UIDB/04029/2020. The authors acknowledge the support of DST group construction company for funding the project Chair dst/IB-S: Smart Systems for Construction. The first two authors would like to acknowledge the PhD grants SFRH/BD/143636/2019 and SFRH/BD/137421/2018 provided by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT). Additionally, the authors would like to acknowledge FCT for the financing this research work by the project NanoAir PTDC/FIS-MAC/6606/2020 and the Strategic Funding UIDB/04650/ 2020–2023

The Impact of Low Advanced Glycation End Products Diet on Metabolic Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Several randomized clinical trials have investigated the effect of dietary advanced glycation end products (AGEs) on metabolic syndrome risk factors in adults. However, the results of these studies were conflicting. Therefore, our aim was to assess the effect of dietary AGEs on metabolic syndrome risk factors. We searched the PubMed-MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Databases, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Embase databases for papers published up to October 2019 that investigated the effect of dietary AGEs on metabolic syndrome risk factors. From the eligible trials, 13 articles were selected for inclusion in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was determined by I2 statistics and Cochrane Q test. Pooled results from the random-effects model showed a significant reduction for insulin resistance weighted mean difference (WMD): -1.204; 95% CI: -2.057, -0.358; P = 0.006, fasting insulin (WMD: -5.472 μU/mL; 95% CI: -9.718, -1.234 μU/mL; P = 0.011), total cholesterol (WMD: -5.486 mg/dL; 95% CI: -10.222, -0.747 mg/dL; P = 0.023), and LDL (WMD: -6.263 mg/dL; 95% CI: -11.659, -0.866 mg/dL; P = 0.023) in the low-AGEs groups compared with the high-AGEs groups. There were no changes in the other components of the metabolic syndrome. The results of this review suggest that a diet with a low AGEs content has beneficial effects on insulin resistance, fasting insulin, total cholesterol, and LDL. Moreover, following a diet low in AGEs may be a helpful strategy to decrease the burden of metabolic syndrome risk factors in adults and particularly in patients with diabetes. © 2020 The Author(s). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society for Nutrition

Repurposing existing medications for coronavirus disease 2019: protocol for a rapid and living systematic review

BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has no confirmed specific treatments. However, there might be in vitro and early clinical data as well as evidence from severe acute respiratory syndrome and Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome that could inform clinicians and researchers. This systematic review aims to create priorities for future research of drugs repurposed for COVID-19. METHODS This systematic review will include in vitro, animal, and clinical studies evaluating the efficacy of a list of 34 specific compounds and 4 groups of drugs identified in a previous scoping review. Studies will be identified both from traditional literature databases and pre-print servers. Outcomes assessed will include time to clinical improvement, time to viral clearance, mortality, length of hospital stay, and proportions transferred to the intensive care unit and intubated, respectively. We will use the GRADE methodology to assess the quality of the evidence. DISCUSSION The challenge posed by COVID-19 requires not just a rapid review of drugs that can be repurposed but also a sustained effort to integrate new evidence into a living systematic review. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO 2020 CRD42020175648

Analysis of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems in Police Vehicles

69A3551747115/[TTI-05-02]Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for police officers. Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) have the potential to improve officer safety by removing some of the driver\u2019s vehicle control responsibilities. This project included two phases: (1) an ADAS needs and implementation analysis in police vehicles; and (2) an evaluation of police ADAS in a driving simulation study. The first phase included a systematic review of literature and an online survey with officers to understand their ADAS needs and current systems in police vehicles. The second phase evaluated ADAS in high-demand situations using a high-fidelity driving simulator. Results indicated that officer behaviors and opinions on ADAS features were influenced by the trust officers had in the available ADAS, as well as other key factors such as ADAS training and perceived usefulness. ADAS features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring had a positive effect on police officers' driving performance and in reducing workload. The outcomes of this project provide guidelines regarding effective ADAS features/types to automotive companies supplying police vehicles and can improve officer safety in police operations