Particle-photon radiative interactions and thermalization.

We analyze the statistical properties of radiative transitions for a molecular system possessing discrete, equally spaced, energy levels, interacting with thermal radiation at constant temperature. A radiative fluctuation-dissipation theorem is derived and the particle velocity distribution analyzed. It is shown analytically that, neglecting molecular collisions, the velocity distribution function cannot be Gaussian, as the equilibrium value for the kurtosis κ is different from κ=3.

[Work-related carpal tunnel syndrome. Motivations and results of a surveillance system].

Background: Current statistics show that work-related carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) has been increasing constantly over the last ten years. Nevertheless, available data on the incidence of CTS in the general population and on the occupational proportion of the aetiology of this disease suggest considerable underreporting of work-related cases, which reflects on the number of cases reported to INAIL (National Insurance Institute for Industrial Accidents) and does not give an accurate epidemiological picture of their origin and distribution. For this reason, in the course of a prevention programme of upper limb disorders due to biomechanical overload, a second experiment concerning CTS surveillance system was carried out by collecting self-reported information via postal questionnaires.

[Cancer of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses in poultry breeders. An unsuspected occupation at risk].

Background: Wood dust exposure is strongly associated with the induction of cancer of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses (NSC), mainly among furniture production workers. Only limited information is available on wood dust exposure in other industrial sectors, including agriculture. NSC's are defined as "high occupational aetiology fraction" neoplasms, and are therefore indicated as sentinel tumours in occupational medicine.