Incentive regulation : evidence from German electricity networks

We propose a difference-in-differences (DiD) approach to estimate the impact of incentives on cost reduction. We show theoretically, and estimate empirically, that German electricity distribution system operators (DSOs) incur higher costs when subject to a lower-powered regulation mechanism. The difference is particularly significant (about 7%) for firms in the upper quartile of the efficiency distribution, a pattern which is consistent with the pooling of types under the threat of ratcheting

Implementation of INSPIRE Directive in Digital Geological Map Production in Portugal

Article under Review - Submitted 2013-06-14This work deals with the implementation of the INSPIRE Geology data model (INSPIRE GE) in digital geological map production in the Portuguese Laboratory of Energy and Geology (LNEG), and its extension to comply with the Portuguese geology requirements. The process of harmonising geological mapping data involves the restructuring of the LNEG’s data model to the extended INSPIRE GE which aim at building a more efficient, inter-operable and harmonised management data structure for geological mapping, across the European Community. The methodology was applied to the Rosario Antiform, a geological structure that belongs to the Portuguese part of the Iberian Pyrite Belt. Three maps concerning the Antiform were produced, namely: (i) The lithostratigraphic map representing the geological units organized according to their spatial distribution and age; (ii) The age map which represents the lower age of the geological units; and (iii) The lithological map where the most important rock types are represented. This study shows that the INSPIRE GE implementation is feasible in the geological mapping production at LNEG and it constitutes a first step towards data harmonisation and inter-operability. The structuring of geological data allows the implementation of geoprocessing operations in the production of geological and other thematic maps (e.g. lithologic map, age map)

Small dams/reservoirs site location analysis in a semi-arid region of Mozambique

Luís, A. D. A., & Cabral, P. (2021). Small dams/reservoirs site location analysis in a semi-arid region of Mozambique. International Soil and Water Conservation Research, 9(3), 381-393. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iswcr.2021.02.002The water crisis is one of the biggest human problems in developing countries, especially in semi-arid regions where it can form an obstacle to irrigation and cultivation, cattle raising and people's survival. The construction of small dams/reservoirs are a possible solution to remediate this problem. These infrastructures must be located in suitable areas to be successful. This study aimed to find the most suitable locations for small dams/reservoirs in the Tete province region, Mozambique, which has a pronounced water deficit. A Geographical Information System (GIS) based approach was used to implement a multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) analysis through an Analytic Hierarchical Process (AHP), which included local experts’ consultation. Three main categories of suitability were identified: “Not suitable” (15% of total area), “Modestly suitable” (78%), and “Suitable” (7%). We found that 35 of the 38 (92%) abandoned small dams/reservoirs were in areas classified as “Modestly suitable” confirming the robustness of our model. We also found that most of the dams/reservoirs currently operating (78%) and planned (73%) are in modestly suitable areas. This finding suggests that the decision to construct dams/reservoirs may not have considered the most critical suitability factors identified in this study. More data and/or additional criteria are required for the full understanding of finding out why so many dams/reservoirs failed before building new ones to address the population's water needs in the region.publishersversionpublishe

Huawei-ZTE : one feared response to today’s telecommunications equipment market

After the global crisis that started after June 2008, companies have become more wary about maintaining solid financial positions and liquidity. This has made them start to build piles of cash, which are now very large. In addition to this, the recovery of economic growth and the increased global competition created incentives to M&A transactions to happen. Huawei and ZTE are two Chinese Telecom Equipment companies that have comparable background and compete with each other. By engaging on a merger, they would be able to enhance their revenues and cut the costs and be in a better position to face the fiercer than ever competition.Depois da crise global que teve início em Junho de 2008, as empresas passaram a preocupar-se mais com a manutenção de uma posição financeira sólida e líquida. Isto causou uma grande acumulação de meios financeiros líquidos. Além disso, a recuperação económica e o aumento da concorrência a nível global criou incentivos para integração económica. Huawei e ZTE são dois fabricantes chineses de equipamento de telecomunições, partilhando um passado semelhante. Ao procederem a uma fusão entre as duas, estas empresas poderiam potenciar receitas e reduzir custos, conseguindo colocar-se numa melhor posição para fazer face a uma concorrência mais forte do que nunca

Alexandre Herculano e o património cultural: reflexões “entre Douro e Minho”

“Nos lugares onde se acham, os antigos pergaminhos e cartulários não são entendidos nem apreciados, nem resguardados de um modo conveniente contra os acidentes que possam sobrevir-lhes: não há ordem racional na sua arrumação, nos raros casos em que estão nalguma ordem: não há índices aos quais se possa recorrer quando é necessário consultá-los”.Alexandre HerculanoDo estado dos archivos ecclesiasticos do reino, 1857