Branching Ratio Method for Assessing Optically Thin Conditions in Laser-Induced Plasmas.

The branching ratio method is usually used to evaluate the optical thinness conditions in laser-generated plasmas, which are important for the application of analytical methods such calibration free laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (CF-LIBS). In this communication, we warn on the possibility that in some circumstances, the branching-ratio method might give results close to the one characterizing optically thin plasma conditions, even in the presence of a substantial self-absorption for the transitions considered.

[Identification of schistosomiasis risk areas using spatial analysis in Lauro de Freitas, Bahia State, Brazil].

The spread of schistosomiasis mansoni defies efforts by Brazil's Unified National Health System, thus demonstrating the need to reassess endemic control programs in the country. The aim of this study was to demarcate geographic areas at risk of schistosomiasis in Lauro de Freitas, Bahia State, Brazil, and to establish the epidemiological and socioeconomic profile of the disease in this municipality (county). Kernel density estimator exploratory analysis was used for visual identification of areas at risk.

Application of spatio-temporal scan statistics for the detection of areas with increased risk for American visceral leishmaniasis in the state of Bahia, Brazil.

Mirroring the global increase of registered cases of American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL), this infection has become a growing public health problem in Brazil during the last several years. As the traditional approach to control employed by the governmental health agencies has failed to reduce the incidence and epidemic outbreaks of this illness, we propose a re-evaluation of the national strategy of intervention and monitoring. Our thinking is based on a series of spatio-temporal scan statistics of the west-central region of the state of Bahia covering the 11-year period from 1994 to 2004.