Polynomial Relations in the Centre of U_q(sl(N))

When the parameter of deformation q is a m-th root of unity, the centre of U_q(sl(N))$ contains, besides the usual q-deformed Casimirs, a set of new generators, which are basically the m-th powers of all the Cartan generators of U_q(sl(N)). All these central elements are however not independent. In this letter, generalising the well-known case of U_q(sl(2)), we explicitly write polynomial relations satisfied by the generators of the centre. Application to the parametrization of irreducible representations and to fusion rules are sketched.Comment: 8 pages, minor TeXnical revision to allow automatic TeXin

A multi-level approach to flood frequency regionalisation

A multi-level approach to flood frequency regionalisation is given. Based on observed flood data, it combines physical and statistical criteria to cluster homogeneous groups in a geographical area. Seasonality analysis helps identify catchments with a common flood generation mechanism. Scale invariance of annual maximum flood, as parameterised by basin area, is used to check the regional homogeneity of flood peaks. Homogeneity tests are used to assess the statistical robustness of the regions. The approach is based on the appropriate use of the index flood method (Dalrymple, 1960) in regions with complex climate and topography controls. An application to north-western Italy is presented.</p> <p style='line-height: 20px;'><b>Keywords:</b> homogeneity, multi-level approach, regionalisation, seasonality, scale invariance, similarity, test

A multi-level approach to flood frequency regionalisation

International audienceA multi-level approach to flood frequency regionalisation is given. Based on observed flood data, it combines physical and statistical criteria to cluster homogeneous groups in a geographical area. Seasonality analysis helps identify catchments with a common flood generation mechanism. Scale invariance of annual maximum flood, as parameterised by basin area, is used to check the regional homogeneity of flood peaks. Homogeneity tests are used to assess the statistical robustness of the regions. The approach is based on the appropriate use of the index flood method (Dalrymple, 1960) in regions with complex climate and topography controls. An application to north-western Italy is presented. Keywords: homogeneity, multi-level approach, regionalisation, seasonality, scale invariance, similarity, test

Factors affecting the vaccination choices of pregnant women for their children. A systematic review of the literature

In recent years, an increase in vaccine hesitancy has led to a decrease in vaccination coverage in several countries. We conducted a systematic review of studies that assessed knowledge of and attitudes toward pediatric vaccinations, and the vaccination choices and their determinants among pregnant women. A total of 6,277 records were retrieved, and 16 full texts were included in the narrative synthesis. The published literature on the topic shows that, overall, pregnant women believe that vaccines are important for the protection of their children and the community, but various concerns and misunderstandings persist around vaccine safety and efficacy, which reduce the trust of expectant mothers in immunization. Nevertheless, such attitudes and choices vary depending on the vaccine being considered and the corresponding determinants should therefore be studied in the context of each specific vaccination. Further research on this topic is needed, particularly in non-western countries

Review of recent advances in index flood estimation

International audienceIndex flood estimation for regional flood frequency analysis needs to be based on the information available. The most appropriate method depends on the specific application and its choice requires a problem-oriented analysis. This paper presents a simple theoretical framework to deal with index flood estimation for a specific river site. The methodological approaches available for the purpose are reviewed. For each, the information required is specified and the reliability of the estimate, particularly desirable in risk analysis and management, is discussed. Where flood observations are lacking, indirect estimation must be undertaken using scenarios including those commonly met in hydrological practice; generally, these depend on the amount and type of information available. For each scenario, the methodologies are outlined, in order of the expected degree of complexity. After a guided analysis, an investigator can adopt the method providing the best tradeoff between effort in collecting and handling data and the resultant reliability which can be expected. Keywords: direct and indirect methods, index flood estimation, reliability, scenarios

Measles among healthcare workers in Italy. Is it time to act?

Vaccination of healthcare workers (HCWs) against measles is strongly recommended in Europe. In this study, we examined the impact of measles on Italian HCWs by systematically and quantitatively analyzing measles cases involving HCWs over time and by identifying the epidemiological characteristics of the respective measles outbreaks. We retrieved data on measles cases from the Italian national integrated measles and rubella surveillance system from January 2013 to May 2019. Additionally, we performed a systematic review of the literature and an analysis of the measles and rubella aggregate outbreaks reporting forms from 2014 to 2018. Our review suggests that preventing measles infection among HCWs in disease outbreaks may be crucial for the elimination of measles in Italy. National policies aiming to increase HCW immunization rates are fundamental to the protection of HCWs and patients, will limit the economic impact of outbreaks on the institutions affected and will help achieve the elimination goal

Genomics knowledge and attitudes among European public health professionals. Results of a cross-sectional survey

Background The international public health (PH) community is debating the opportunity to incorporate genomic technologies into PH practice. A survey was conducted to assess attitudes of the European Public Health Association (EUPHA) members towards their role in the implementation of public health genomics (PHG), and their knowledge and attitudes towards genetic testing and the delivery of genetic services. Methods EUPHA members were invited via monthly newsletter and e-mail to take part in an online survey from February 2017 to January 2018. A descriptive analysis of knowledge and attitudes was conducted, along with a univariate and multivariate analysis of their determinants. Results Five hundred and two people completed the questionnaire, 17.9% were involved in PHG activities. Only 28.9% correctly identified all medical conditions for which there is (or not) evidence for implementing genetic testing; over 60% thought that investing in genomics may divert economic resources from social and environmental determinants of health. The majority agreed that PH professionals may play different roles in incorporating genomics into their activities. Better knowledge was associated with positive attitudes towards the use of genetic testing and the delivery of genetic services in PH (OR = 1.48; 95% CI 1.01–2.18). Conclusions Our study revealed quite positive attitudes, but also a need to increase awareness on genomics among European PH professionals. Those directly involved in PHG activities tend to have a more positive attitude and better knowledge; however, gaps are also evident in this group, suggesting the need to harmonize practice and encourage greater exchange of knowledge among professionals

X-ray detection with a scintillating YAP-window hybrid photomultiplier tube

A YAP(YAlO/sub 3/:Ce)-scintillating window, coated on its inner surface with an S20-photocathode, seals a cross-focusing hybrid photomultiplier tube (HPMT) equipped with a small p-i-n anode of 2-mm diameter. This new radiation detector separates X-ray lines down to about 2-keV peak energy from the HPMT noise. Its detection efficiency for high gamma energies depends on the YAP-window thickness and amounts to about 18% attenuation at 400-keV energy in the present version. Competitive radiation detectors like Si photodiodes and Si drift chambers are discussed and compared to our prototype, with particular attention given to their energy resolution and noise performance, which limits their active area considerably. (19 refs)

Crescimento corporal e sistema digestivo em frangos de corte.

Foram analisados dados do peso corporal e do sistema digestivo em função da idade em frangos de corte de linhagem Pilch, de um a 70 dias de idade