Graded identities of block-triangular matrices

Let $F$ be an infinite field and $UT(d_1,\dots, d_n)$ be the algebra of upper block-triangular matrices over $F$. In this paper we describe a basis for the $G$-graded polynomial identities of $UT(d_1,\dots, d_n)$, with an elementary grading induced by an $n$-tuple of elements of a group $G$ such that the neutral component corresponds to the diagonal of $UT(d_1,\dots,d_n)$. In particular, we prove that the monomial identities of such algebra follow from the ones of degree up to $2n-1$. Our results generalize for infinite fields of arbitrary characteristic, previous results in the literature which were obtained for fields of characteristic zero and for particular $G$-gradings. In the characteristic zero case we also generalize results for the algebra $UT(d_1,\dots, d_n)\otimes C$ with a tensor product grading, where $C$ is a color commutative algebra generating the variety of all color commutative algebras.Comment: 24 pages and 39 references. We have added section 5 in the text about tensor products by color commutative superalgebra

Citizens’ Freedom to Choose Representatives: Ballot Structure, Proportionality and “Fragmented” Parliaments

The analysis of the political consequences of electoral laws has emphasized how individual characteristics of the electoral system (electoral formulas, district magnitude, ballot structure) affect the degree of parliament “fragmentation” and proportionality. This paper argues that the personal attributes of representatives are also an important consequence of electoral laws, and that they are in part determined by citizens’ freedom to choose representatives. We clarify this concept and develop an index of citizens’ freedom to choose members of parliament as a function of the ballot structure, district size and electoral formulae. Using data from twenty nine countries, we find that neither proportionality nor the effective number of parties is significantly affected by voters’ freedom of choice. This result has important normative implications for electoral reform.Ballot structure; Electoral index; Freedom to choose; Personal vote.

Effect of dithiocarbamate thiram on Wistar rat growth plate and articular cartilage

Avaliou-se o efeito do tirame, ditiocarbamato largamente utilizado na agricultura como antifúngico e repelente de roedores, na ossificação endocondral de mamíferos, usando, como modelo, ratos Wistar. Não foram observadas lesões na cartilagem articular, nem nas placas de crescimento, o que pode ser atribuído à dose utilizada e à duração do ensaio. A diminuição da altura da placa de crescimento nos animais aos quais foi administrado o tirame parece traduzir o atraso verificado no crescimento em geral, e não um efeito específico na cartilagem, uma vez que as diferentes zonas da placa epifisária mantiveram as proporções dos animais do grupo-controle. Embora não tenham sido verificados, no presente trabalho, os efeitos registrados para outras espécies nos tecidos cartilaginosos, sugere-se a avaliação dos efeitos crónicos do tirame no crescimento e no desenvolvimento dos ossos longos em mamíferos

Operational risk management: the basel II

This work shows the operational risk management and the importance of implementing an appropriate structure of risk management. In order to contextualize the issue was addressed the concept of risk and operational risk and the various risk categories and made the frame in the various Basel Accords. It focused on Basel II that has innovated dealing with operational risk, hitherto forgotten. In this context it was discussed the various risk assessment methods: basic, standard and advanced. The theme is organized so that there is a common thread that culminates in risk management presenting the guidelines of the BIS in this regard and a model of a risk management framework.N/

Positron emission tomography in the detection of occult primary head and neck carcinoma: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND: The management of cervical lymph node metastases from an unknown primary tumor remains a controversial subject. Recently, Positron Emission Tomography (PET) has proved useful in the detection of these tumors, even after an unsuccessful conventional diagnostic workup. This study was performed to assess the role of PET in the detection of occult primary head and neck carcinomas. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of a four year period at a tertiary referral oncology hospital was conducted. RESULTS: Of the 49 patients with cervical metastases of carcinoma from an unknown primary, PET detected a primary in 9 patients and gave 5 false positive and 4 false negative results. Detection rate, sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were of 18.4%, 69.2%, 86.1% and 81.6%, respectively. PET was also of substantial benefit in detecting distant metastatic disease and, thus, altered therapeutic strategies in a significant amount of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, PET is a valuable tool in the management of patients with occult primary head and neck carcinoma, not only because it provides additional information as to the location of primary tumors, but also due to the fact that it can detect unexpected distant metastase