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Alpacas represent an exotic species for Italy, introduced no more than 20–30 years ago. Nevertheless, they are currently the most widespread camelid species reared in this country, highlighting the growing interest in breeding this species. So, it is useful to assess parameters on their growth in relation to the new environment. Thus, body weight and body measures were recorded on 49 healthy alpacas of Huacaya type (27 females, 22 males), along a period of 27 months. Overall, 111 individual observations were made. Data were analysed by ANOVA, as growth curves were estimated by applying the Gompertz's model. Multiple regression was finally used to estimate body weight from body measures. Body weight and linear measures, except for the distance between iliac crest and the length of the rump, were influenced by the category (calves, yearlings, adults) and by the age class within category (p < 0.05), while gender and interaction between gender and category were never significant (p > 0.05). Asymptotic weigh of males was 8.25% higher than females (p < 0.05). Moreover, males at maturity had higher withers (+0.96%), longer body (+2.70%) and chest measurements (+3.18%) than females. Asymptotic rump width (both at the ilium and at the ischium) was higher in females (respectively + 6.19%; +12.90%). According to our work, the best equation for the estimate of body weight from body measures was the following: 5.691 + 0.00005624 * chest circumference3 + 0.00002298 * trunk length3 − 1.155 * rump width between ischial tuberosities + 0.00001545 * height at rump3 (R2=0.957; SE of estimate = 4.36 kg), that is important for a better management of the species. Alpacas are the most widespread camelid species in Italy. Rump dimensions develop earlier than other body measures. It is possible to improve the management and welfare of animals by estimating the live weight starting from somatic measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel parametric regression model is proposed to fit incidence data typically collected during epidemics. The proposal is motivated by real-time monitoring and short-term forecasting of the main epidemiological indicators within the first outbreak of COVID-19 in Italy. Accurate short-term predictions, including the potential effect of exogenous or external variables are provided. This ensures to accurately predict important characteristics of the epidemic (e.g., peak time and height), allowing for a better allocation of health resources over time. Parameter estimation is carried out in a maximum likelihood framework. All computational details required to reproduce the approach and replicate the results are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the role of social origins and education for career mobility in contemporary Italy by means of growth curves models. We find that opportunities for career advancement are rather limited and that risks of downward mobility are virtually negligible. Although this picture displays a noticeable degree of stability over time, a moderate increase of career fluidity across cohorts can be detected. Moreover, social origins and education exert a marked influence on the first occupation, while the subsequent career-adjustment of these initial social inequalities is rather limited. Furthermore, the small influence of origins and education on career opportunities does not display any systematic trend across cohorts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which examines the growth of fetal lean mass and fetal fat mass in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) pregnancies in Milan, Italy. A total of 214 GDM pregnancies were followed longitudinally by ultrasound examinations. Findings of the study suggest that a repeatable evaluation of fetal body composition in utero could represent a useful method for the early detection of growth abnormalities.