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This work proposes a mathematical function for describing the dependence of mass attenuation coefficients vs. energy for composite materials in the range of 100 keV to 2 MeV. The obtained results show that the proposed function is capable of accurately describing the data with a coefficient of determination of approximately 1 for all investigated materials. Using the proposed mathematical function, the mass attenuation coefficients were interpolated and compared with the results from the Monte Carlo simulation. The results show good agreement when the simulated to interpolated mass attenuation coefficient ratios are in the range from 0.95 to 1.05. Moreover, the values of interpolated mass attenuation coefficients have also been compared with the experimental data in the previous works which indicates that most of these ratios range from 0.9 to 1.1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we introduce the notion of deformation cohomology for singular foliations and related objects (namely integrable differential forms and Nambu structures), and study it in the local case, i.e., in the neighborhood of a point.

In this paper, based on a known formula, we use a simple idea to get a new representation for the density of Malliavin differentiable random variables. This new representation is particularly useful for finding lower bounds for the density.

BackgroundAn infodemic is an overabundance of information—some accurate and some not—that occurs during an epidemic. In a similar manner to an epidemic, it spreads between humans via digital and physical information systems. It makes it hard for people to find trustworthy sources and reliable guidance when they need it. ObjectiveA World Health Organization (WHO) technical consultation on responding to the infodemic related to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic was held, entirely online, to crowdsource suggested actions for a framework for infodemic management. MethodsA group of policy makers, public health professionals, researchers, students, and other concerned stakeholders was joined by representatives of the media, social media platforms, various private sector organizations, and civil society to suggest and discuss actions for all parts of society, and multiple related professional and scientific disciplines, methods, and technologies. A total of 594 ideas for actions were crowdsourced online during the discussions and consolidated into suggestions for an infodemic management framework. ResultsThe analysis team distilled the suggestions into a set of 50 proposed actions for a framework for managing infodemics in health emergencies. The consultation revealed six policy implications to consider. First, interventions and messages must be based on science and evidence, and must reach citizens and enable them to make informed decisions on how to protect themselves and their communities in a health emergency. Second, knowledge should be translated into actionable behavior-change messages, presented in ways that are understood by and accessible to all individuals in all parts of all societies. Third, governments should reach out to key communities to ensure their concerns and information needs are understood, tailoring advice and messages to address the audiences they represent. Fourth, to strengthen the analysis and amplification of information impact, strategic partnerships should be formed across all sectors, including but not limited to the social media and technology sectors, academia, and civil society. Fifth, health authorities should ensure that these actions are informed by reliable information that helps them understand the circulating narratives and changes in the flow of information, questions, and misinformation in communities. Sixth, following experiences to date in responding to the COVID-19 infodemic and the lessons from other disease outbreaks, infodemic management approaches should be further developed to support preparedness and response, and to inform risk mitigation, and be enhanced through data science and sociobehavioral and other research. ConclusionsThe first version of this framework proposes five action areas in which WHO Member States and actors within society can apply, according to their mandate, an infodemic management approach adapted to national contexts and practices. Responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and the related infodemic require swift, regular, systematic, and coordinated action from multiple sectors of society and government. It remains crucial that we promote trusted information and fight misinformation, thereby helping save lives.