Decentralization and fuel subsidies

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Elsevier via the DOI in this recordThis paper explores the role of decentralization in explaining variation in fuel subsidies across countries. Using panel data over the period 1998-2008 and for 108 countries, it emerges that the effect of ‘decentralization’ (taken to be an increase in the number of government levels) broadly decreases both diesel and gasoline subsidies, with this effect being more pronounced when the level of political accountability is low. For developing countries, for which political accountability is low, decentralization decreases gasoline and diesel subsidies by at least 6.98% and 12.99%, respectively. For developed countries, for which political accountability is high, decentralization does not have any impact on both gasoline and diesel. What this evidence points to is that in developing economies, where voters are poorly informed and accountability is low, decentralization appears to be associated with lower fuel subsidies.Leonzio Rizzo thankfully acknowledges financial support from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (ECO2012-37873) and also from FIR 2016

A new methodology for the determination of the workspace of six-DOF redundant parallel structures actuated by nine wires

The WiRo-6.3 is a six-degrees of freedom (six-DOF) robotic parallel structure actuated by nine wires, whose characteristics have been thoroughly analyzed in previous papers in reference. It is thought to be a master device for teleoperation; thus, it is moved by an operator through a handle and can convey a force reflection on the operator's hand. A completely new method for studying the workspace of this device, and of virtually any nine-wire parallel structure actuated by wire is presented and discussed, and its results are given in a graphical for

Proposed strategic management of fallow deer to conserve endemic red deer in the Mesola forest, Ferrara, Italy

Ferri, M., Ferraresi, M., Gelati, A., Vitturi, M

Evolution of prototyping in automotive engineering: a comprehensive study on the reliability of Additive Manufacturing for advanced powertrain components

Additive manufacturing (AM) could be used to reduce the production times of prototypes; however, further research is required to address metals structural parts. To obtain the correct properties, some relevant factors to be considered are the build volume, shape factor, and the need for specific heat treatments. This study aims to evaluate the reliability of AM prototypes applied at a new powertrain system developed to reduce vehicle emissions. Firstly, it was investigated the mechanical behavior, microstructure, and the effect of sample size and heat treatments on both specimens and prototypes made of AM 17-4PH steel. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was performed to evaluate the structural resistance. Finally, the prototypes were produced, analyzed, and tested on a functional engine test bench to evaluate their reliability. The mechanical properties decreased with an increase in the sample volume. After heat treatment, the yield strength increased, due to the transformation of δ-ferrite in martensite and the reduction of retained austenite. The engine test bench was successfully completed. The conclusions set the basis for similar future applications of time-effective prototypes that can be dimensioned owing to appositely developed postprocesses that guarantee the required resistance

Use of CR100 scale for session-RPE in soccer and interchangeability with CR10

©2016 Human Kinetics,Inc. Purpose: To examine the construct validity of the session rating perceived exertion (s-RPE) assessed with the Borg CR100® scale to measure training loads in elite soccer and to examine if the CR100® is interchangeable and can provide more accurate ratings compared to the CR10® scale. Methods: Two studies were conducted. The validity of the CR100® was determined in 19-elite soccer players (age 28 ± 6 y, height 180 ± 7 cm, body mass 77 ± 6 kg) during training sessions through correlations with Edwards heart rate method (study one). The interchangeability with CR10® was assessed in 78 soccer players (age 19.3 ± 4.1 y, height 178 ± 5.9 cm, body mass 71.4 ± 6.1 kg) through Bland?Altman method and correlations between change scores in different sessions. To examine whether the CR100® is more fine graded than the CR10®, the proportion of responses corresponding to the verbal expressions were calculated (study two). Results: Individual correlations between Edwards' and s-RPE were large to very large (0.52 to 0.85). The mean difference between the two scales was -0.3 ± 0.33 AU (90% CI -0.41 to -0.29 AU) with 95% limits of agreements 0.31 to -0.96 AU. Correlations between scales and between changes scores were nearly perfect (0.95 and 0.91 to 0.98). Ratings corresponding to the verbal anchors were 49% in CR10® and 26% in CR100®. Conclusions: The CR100® is valid for assessing the training load in elite soccer players. It can be used interchangeably with the CR10® and may provide more precise measures of exercise intensity

Control of the urban pigeon Columba livia population and the preservation of common swift Apus apus and bats Chiroptera during the restoration of the Ghirlandina tower in the city of Modena (Italy)

Ferri, M., Ferraresi, M., Gelati, A., Zannetti, G., Domenichini, A., Ravizza, L., Cadignani, R

Inspiratory fraction as a marker of skeletal muscle dysfunction in patients with COPD

AbstractBackgroundAn inspiratory capacity to total lung capacity (IC/TLC) ratio of ≤25% has emerged as a better marker of mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. The relationship among the IC/TLC ratio to lower extremity skeletal muscle function remains unknown.MethodsThirty-five men with moderate to severe COPD were divided into those with IC/TLC≤25% (n=16) and >25% (n=19). The subjects were tested for thigh muscle mass volume (MMT), maximal strength, power output of the lower extremities, and physical activity.ResultsTotal MMT in the IC/TLC<25% group was significantly lower (413.91±89.42cm3) (p<0.001) than in the IC/TLC>25% group (575.20±11.76cm3). In the IC/TLC≤25% group, maximal strength of the lower extremities and muscle peak power output of the lower extremities were 36–56% lower (p<0.01) than among the patients in the IC/TLC>25% group.ConclusionIC/TLC≤25% is associated with reduced maximal strength and peak power output of the lower extremities. IC/TLC≤25% may have an important clinical relevance as an index to determine peripheral muscle dysfunction