Human tularemia in Italy. Is it a re-emerging disease?

In order to evaluate whether tularemia is re-emerging in Italy, data on mortality and morbidity (obtained by the National Institute of Statistics; ISTAT), Italian cases described in the scientific literature and data concerning hospitalizations for tularemia (obtained by the National Hospital Discharge Database) were analysed. From 1979 to 2010, ISTAT reported 474 cases and no deaths. The overall number of cases obtained from the literature review was at least 31% higher than that reported by ISTAT. Moreover, the number of cases reported by ISTAT was 3·5 times smaller than hospitalized cases. The real frequency of the disease should be carefully investigated and taken into account in order to implement specific prevention measures.Tularemia is a contagious infectious disease due to Francisiella tularensis that can cause serious clinical manifestations and significant mortality if untreated. Although the frequency and significance of the disease has diminished over the last decades in Central Europe, over the past few years, there is new evidence suggesting that tularemia has re-emerged worldwide. To know the real epidemiology of the disease is at the root of correct control measures. In order to evaluate whether tularemia is re-emerging in Italy, data on mortality and morbidity (obtained by the National Institute of Statistics; ISTAT), Italian cases described in the scientific literature and data concerning hospitalizations for tularemia (obtained by the National Hospital Discharge Database) were analysed. From 1979 to 2010, ISTAT reported 474 cases and no deaths. The overall number of cases obtained from the literature review was at least 31% higher than that reported by ISTAT. Moreover, the number of cases reported by ISTAT was 3·5 times smaller than hospitalized cases. In Italy tularemia is sporadic, rarely endemic and self-limiting; but, although the trend of reported tularemia does not support the hypothesis of a re-emerging disease, the study demonstrates a wide underreporting of the disease. The real frequency of the disease should be carefully investigated and taken into account in order to implement specific prevention measures

An historical survey of the institutional growth of savings banks

Thesis (M.A.)--Boston Universit

Transparent photovoltaic technologies: Current trends towards upscaling

The world energy scenario is now living significant contributions coming from the photovoltaic field: new organic/inorganic hybrid materials have emerged in recent years, and in some cases these emerging strategies have exceeded the performance of traditional crystalline silicon. The next step concerns the integration of these technologies in smart buildings, in order to maximize the active surface capable of producing electricity and to contain the costs of air conditioning without affecting the amount of light needed. This review focuses on some of the most recent strategies developed to this purpose. Following an initial background on solar cells and figures of merit to characterize a transparent photovoltaic panel, the manuscript deals with a thorough analysis of wavelength-selective and non-wavelength selective devices, mentioning the main outcomes in the recent years. This distinction is proposed for both solar cells and solar concentrators, two areas in rapid evolution in academia and company worlds. A newly proposed case study and the example of a pre-industrial reality that has just started to scale-up this technology conclude this review, leaving to the reader a rich background on this highly-in-vogue field

EXCHANGE RATE AND TRADE POLICY EFFECTS ON U.S. POULTRY EXPORT PRICES

The impact of the ruble devaluation on U.S. poultry meat exports to the Russian market was simulated as the combined effects of an export subsidy and a tariff on imports using the Global Trade Analysis Project model and data. Russian imports fell while domestic prices rose. U.S. poultry exports and dark meat prices declined.International Relations/Trade, Livestock Production/Industries,

Aplikasi Penerapan Syariat Islam Pada Pembagian Harta Waris Berbasis Android

Penerapan Hukum Islam merupakan hal yang wajib diimplementasikan dalam semua aspek kehidupan. Termasuk diantaranya penerapan terhadap pembagian harta waris. Kemajuan teknologi komputer dan sistem operasi Android banyak membantu dan mempermudah kehidupan manusia, bahkan dalam hukum Islam. Besaran harta waris yang akan dibagi ialah harta waris setelah dikurangi pengurusan jenazah, hutang piutang, dan wasiat yang paling besar 1/3 dari jumlah harta. Hasil perhitungan adalah presentase bagi setiap ahli waris yang berhak mendapatkan harta waris berdasarkan bagiannya.Didalam aplikasi ini, pengguna atau user dapat menggunakan aplikasi dengan berbagai fasilitas yaitu Panduan/ materi dan dapat dibuka dimanapun, kapanpun, dan oleh siapa pun, perhitugan dengan sepesifikasi yang detil dan dapat di bagikan kepada calon ahli waris lain. Sistem pembagian harta waris menurut hukum dan syariat Islam ini dibangun dengan berbasiskan Android.Adanya aplikasi ini dapat membantu warga Indonesia yang beragama Islam dalam perhitungan pembagian harta waris. User dapat mendapatkan informasi yang benar, tepat dan akurat tentang hal-hal yang meliputi tuntunan, materi harta waris

Student Part-Time Jobs: The Relationship Between Type of Job and Academic Performance

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