Yardstick competition and fiscal disparities: an experimental study

Recent theoretical research suggest that yardstick competition may be biased by the presence of fiscal disparities between local governments and that fiscal equalization may help in correcting this bias. This paper provides an empirical test of these theoretical predictions by means of a laboratory experiment

Yardstick competition and fiscal disparities: an experimental study

Recent theoretical research suggest that yardstick competition may be biased by the presence of fiscal disparities between local governments and that fiscal equalization may help in correcting this bias. This paper provides an empirical test of these theoretical predictions by means of a laboratory experiment

Povezanost sadržaja slobodnih masnih kiselina s odzivima senzora elektronskog nosa i senzorskom procjenom sira iz mišine tijekom zrenja

The leading biochemical process during ripening of cheese in a lamb skin sack is lipolysis. In order to evaluate the influence of free fatty acids (FFA) liberated during lipolysis, on the cheese in a sack flavour and aroma, the relationship between sensory properties (odour, taste and total sensory score) and FFA content throughout ripening was determined. Additionally, differentiation of cheeses in various ripening stages was performed by analysis of specific profile of cheese volatile compounds using electronic nose. The obtained results demonstrated that the content of certain FFA is responsible for specific flavour and aroma in various ripening stages, which directly influence the consumers’ sensory scores of the cheese. The concentration of fatty acids C 14:0, C 14:1, C 17:0, C 18:0, C 18:2n-6 and C 23:0 (P<0.05), as well as C 16:0, C 18:3n-3, C 23:0 (P<0.01) in 45 days matured cheese resulted in significantly positive correlation with cheese odour. Concentrations of fatty acids C 8:0, C 17:0, C 18:0 C 18:1n-9t, C 18:1n-9c (P<0.05), C 14:0, C 16:0, C 16:1, C 18:3n-3, C 21:0, C 23:0 (P<0.01), C 12:0, and C 22:0 (P<0.001) correlated significantly with the cheese taste. As a consequence of the ripening time and the ripening conditions, C 4:0, C 6:0 and C 8:0 fatty acids were accumulated and contributed to the lower sensory scores of the 60 days matured cheese. Long-chain unsaturated FFAs ttC 18:2, C 20:2 and C 22:6n-3, also negatively correlated with the sensory properties of cheese in a sack, probably as precursors for synthesis of shorter acids and alcohols. Electronic nose analysis showed very well differentiation of cheeses in various ripening stages and these results are mostly in accordance with the results of consumers’ sensory assessment and physicochemical analyses. Well matured cheese was not well accepted by consumers due to the extensive lipolysis reactions in cheese during ripening. In terms of sensory quality electronic nose could be of a great help to cheesemakers in satisfying consumers requirements for optimal flavour and aroma properties of cheese by estimating ending of ripening time and lipolysis reactions.Glavni biokemijski proces tijekom zrenja sira iz mišine je lipoliza. U cilju utvrđivanja utjecaja slobodnih masnih kiselina (SMK), koje se oslobađaju tijekom lipolize, na okus i aromu sira iz mišine, istražena je povezanost senzorskih svojstava (miris, okus i ukupna senzorska ocjena) i sadržaja SMK tijekom zrenja sira iz mišine. Povrh toga, klasifikacija sireva različite zrelosti provedena je analizom specifičnog profila hlapljivih tvari upotrebom elektronskog nosa. Dobiveni rezultati ukazuju da je sadržaj određenih SMK odgovoran za specifični okus i aromu sira u različitim fazama zrenja, što ima izravan utjecaj na potrošačke ocjene senzorskih svojstava sira. Koncentracija masnih kiselina C 14:0, C 14:1, C 17:0, C 18:0, C 18:2n-6 i C 23:0 (P<0.05), kao i C 16:0, C 18:3n-3, C23:0 (P<0,01) u 45 dana zrelom siru iz mišine rezultirala je statistički značajnom pozitivnom korelacijom s mirisom sira. Koncentracija masnih kiselina C 8:0, C 17:0, C 18:0 C 18:1n-9t, C 18:1n-9c (P<0,05), C 14:0, C 16:0, C 16:1, C 18:3n-3, C 21:0, C 23:0 (P<0,01), C 12:0, i C 22:0 (P<0,001) pozitivno je korelirala s okusom sira. Akumulacija C 4:0, C 6:0 i C 8:0 kao posljedica trajanja zrenja i uvjeta tijekom zrenja doprinijela je nižoj senzorskoj ocjeni 60 dana zrelog sira u odnosu na 30 i 45 dana zreo sir. Masne kiseline dugog lanca ttC 18:2, C 20:2 i C 22:6n-3 također su negativno korelirale sa senzorskim svojstvima 60 dana zrelog sira iz mišine, jer su vjerojatno bile prekursori u sintezi masnih kiselina kratkog lanca i alkohola. Elektronski nos pokazao je dobru mogućnost razlikovanja sira tijekom zrenja i većina rezultata elektronskog nosa u skladu je s rezultatima senzorskog ocjenjivanja i fizikalno-kemijskim analizama. Zreli sir iz mišine (60 dana) nije bio dobro prihvaćen od strane potrošača vjerojatno zbog intenzivne lipolize tijekom zrenja sira. U smislu senzorske kvalitete elektronski nos može biti od velike pomoći proizvođačima sira za procjenu završetka trajanja zrenja i lipolitičkih reakcija

Effect of destoned olive cake on the aromatic profile of cows’ milk and dairy products: comparison of two techniques for the headspace aroma profile analysis

The aim of this study, carried out within the NOVOROD project (PSR Campania 2007-2013 Misura 124 HC), was to evaluate the aromatic profile of milk and dairy products of dairy cows supplemented with destoned olive cake (DOC). Two techniques for the headspace aroma profile analysis: the thermal desorption by gas chromatography with a mass selective (GC/MS) detector and the electronic nose were compared. The trial was performed into a dairy cow farm. Ten dairy cows were allotted into two homogenous groups: control and experimental. Animals received the same diet, while in the experimental group the concentrate supplementation (15% dry matter) was replaced with DOC. After two weeks of adaptation, animals were fed with the experimental diet for other 15 days. During the experimental period, the milk was collected and cumulatively processed in Caciotta cheese (a soft cheese, 25 days ripened) and in Semicotto cheese (hard cheese, 3 months ripened) for 13 times for each group. Milk and cheese volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were extracted and concentrated with dynamic headspace method and determined by GC/MS. Statistical analysis of data, expressed in arbitrary units (a.u.=peak area × 10–6) and allotted in compound classes, was carried out by ANOVA. All data collected of VOCs were processed with principal component analysis (PCA). Milk and cheese samples were comparatively analysed with the electronic nose, fitted with a tenmetal oxide sensors electronic device. PCA has been used for the evaluation of the pattern data. Our results show that the use of DOC, as an unconventional feed for livestock, has no effect on the aromatic profile of both milk and dairy products. In fact, no significant differences were found in both milk and dairy products between the two groups using the GC/MS method. Also the discriminating analysis carried out by electronic nose did not show significant differences between the two groups. The two compared techniques seem to lead to the same result

Robot-assisted upper limb training for patients with multiple sclerosis: an evidence-based review of clinical applications and effectiveness

Upper extremities limitation is a common functional impairment in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS). Novel technological devices are increasingly used in neurorehabilitation to support motor function improvement and the quantitative assessment of motor performance during training in patients with neurological diseases. In this review, we systematically report the evidence on clinical applications and robotic-assisted arm training (RAT) in functional recovery in PwMS. PubMed/MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) databases were systematically searched from inception to March 2021. The 10-item PEDro scale assessed the study quality for the RCT, and the AMSTAR-2 was used to assess the quality of the systematic review. The 5-item Oxford CEBM scale was used to rate the level of evidence. A total of 10 studies (161 subjects) were included. The selected studies included one systematic review, four RCTs, one randomized crossover, and four case series. The RCTs were scored as high-quality studies, while the systematic review was determined to be of low quality. Shoulder range of motion, handgrip strength, and proximal arm impairment improved after RAT. Manual dexterity, arm function, and use in daily life also ameliorated arm function. The high clinical heterogeneity of treatment programs and the variety of robot devices affects the generalizability of the study results; therefore, we emphasize the need to standardize the intervention type in future studies that evaluate the role of robotic-assisted training in PwMS. Robot-assisted treatment seems safe and useful to increase manual dexterity and the quality of movement execution in PwMS with moderate to severe disability. Additional studies with an adequate sample size and methodological rigour are warranted to drive definite conclusion

Upper limb robotic rehabilitation for patients with cervical spinal cord injury: a comprehensive review

The upper extremities limitation represents one of the essential functional impairments in patients with cervical spinal cord injury. Electromechanics assisted devices and robots are increasingly used in neurorehabilitation to help functional improvement in patients with neurological diseases. This review aimed to systematically report the evidence-based, state-of-art on clinical applications and robotic-assisted arm training (RAT) in motor and functional recovery in subjects affected by cervical spinal cord injury. The present study has been carried out within the framework of the Italian Consensus Conference on "Rehabilitation assisted by robotic and electromechanical devices for persons with disability of neurological origin" (CICERONE). PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) databases were systematically searched from inception to September 2021. The 10-item PEDro scale assessed the study quality for the RCT and the AMSTAR-2 for the systematic review. Two different authors rated the studies included in this review. If consensus was not achieved after discussion, a third reviewer was interrogated. The five-item Oxford CEBM scale was used to rate the level of evidence. A total of 11 studies were included. The selected studies were: two systematic reviews, two RCTs, one parallel-group controlled trial, one longitudinal intervention study and five case series. One RCT was scored as a high-quality study, while the systematic review was of low quality. RAT was reported as feasible and safe. Initial positive effects of RAT were found for arm function and quality of movement in addition to conventional therapy. The high clinical heterogeneity of treatment programs and the variety of robot devices could severely affect the generalizability of the study results. Therefore, future studies are warranted to standardize the type of intervention and evaluate the role of robotic-assisted training in subjects affected by cervical spinal cord injury

Effects of robotic upper limb treatment after stroke on cognitive patterns: A systematic review

Background: Robotic therapy (RT) has been internationally recognized for the motor rehabilitation of the upper limb. Although it seems that RT can stimulate and promote neuroplasticity, the effectiveness of robotics in restoring cognitive deficits has been considered only in a few recent studies. Objective: To verify whether, in the current state of the literature, cognitive measures are used as inclusion or exclusion criteria and/or outcomes measures in robotic upper limb rehabilitation in stroke patients. Methods: The systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies eligible were identified through PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science from inception to March 2021. Results: Eighty-one studies were considered in this systematic review. Seventy-three studies have at least a cognitive inclusion or exclusion criteria, while only seven studies assessed cognitive outcomes. Conclusion: Despite the high presence of cognitive instruments used for inclusion/exclusion criteria their heterogeneity did not allow the identification of a guideline for the evaluation of patients in different stroke stages. Therefore, although the heterogeneity and the low percentage of studies that included cognitive outcomes, seemed that the latter were positively influenced by RT in post-stroke rehabilitation. Future larger RCTs are needed to outline which cognitive scales are most suitable and their cut-off, as well as what cognitive outcome measures to use in the various stages of post-stroke rehabilitation

Psychological treatments and psychotherapies in the neurorehabilitation of pain. Evidences and recommendations from the italian consensus conference on pain in neurorehabilitation

BACKGROUND: It is increasingly recognized that treating pain is crucial for effective care within neurological rehabilitation in the setting of the neurological rehabilitation. The Italian Consensus Conference on Pain in Neurorehabilitation was constituted with the purpose identifying best practices for us in this context. Along with drug therapies and physical interventions, psychological treatments have been proven to be some of the most valuable tools that can be used within a multidisciplinary approach for fostering a reduction in pain intensity. However, there is a need to elucidate what forms of psychotherapy could be effectively matched with the specific pathologies that are typically addressed by neurorehabilitation teams. OBJECTIVES: To extensively assess the available evidence which supports the use of psychological therapies for pain reduction in neurological diseases. METHODS: A systematic review of the studies evaluating the effect of psychotherapies on pain intensity in neurological disorders was performed through an electronic search using PUBMED, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Based on the level of evidence of the included studies, recommendations were outlined separately for the different conditions. RESULTS: The literature search yielded 2352 results and the final database included 400 articles. The overall strength of the recommendations was medium/low. The different forms of psychological interventions, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, cognitive or behavioral techniques, Mindfulness, hypnosis, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Brief Interpersonal Therapy, virtual reality interventions, various forms of biofeedback and mirror therapy were found to be effective for pain reduction in pathologies such as musculoskeletal pain, fibromyalgia, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Central Post-Stroke pain, Phantom Limb Pain, pain secondary to Spinal Cord Injury, multiple sclerosis and other debilitating syndromes, diabetic neuropathy, Medically Unexplained Symptoms, migraine and headache. CONCLUSIONS: Psychological interventions and psychotherapies are safe and effective treatments that can be used within an integrated approach for patients undergoing neurological rehabilitation for pain. The different interventions can be specifically selected depending on the disease being treated. A table of evidence and recommendations from the Italian Consensus Conference on Pain in Neurorehabilitation is also provided in the final part of the pape

Electromechanical and robotic devices for gait and balance rehabilitation of children with neurological disability: a systematic review

In the last two decades, a growing interest has been focused on gait and balance robot-assisted rehabilitation in children with neurological disabilities. Robotic devices allow the implementation of intensive, task-specific training fostering functional recovery and neuroplasticity phenomena. However, limited attention has been paid to the protocols used in this research framework. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of the existing literature on robotic systems for the rehabilitation of gait and balance in children with neurological disabilities and their rehabilitation applications. The literature search was carried out independently and synchronously by three authors on the following databases: MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, PeDro, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. The data collected included three subsections referring to clinical, technical, and regulatory aspects. Thirty-one articles out of 81 found on the primary literature search were included in the systematic review. Most studies involved children with cerebral palsy. Only one-third of the studies were randomized controlled trials. Overall, 17 devices (nine end-effector systems and eight exoskeletons) were investigated, among which only 4 (24%) were bore the CE mark. Studies differ on rehabilitation protocols duration, intensity, and outcome measures. Future research should improve both rehabilitation protocols\u2019 and devices\u2019 descriptions

FOOT: a new experiment to measure nuclear fragmentation at intermediate energies

Summary: Charged particle therapy exploits proton or 12C beams to treat deep-seated solid tumors. Due to the advantageous characteristics of charged particles energy deposition in matter, the maximum of the dose is released to the tumor at the end of the beam range, in the Bragg peak region. However, the beam nuclear interactions with the patient tissues induces fragmentation both of projectile and target nuclei and needs to be carefully taken into account. In proton treatments, target fragmentation produces low energy, short range fragments along all the beam range, which deposit a non negligible dose in the entry channel. In 12C treatments the main concern is represented by long range fragments due to beam fragmentation that release their dose in the healthy tissues beyond the tumor. The FOOT experiment (FragmentatiOn Of Target) of INFN is designed to study these processes, in order to improve the nuclear fragmentation description in next generation Treatment Planning Systems and the treatment plans quality. Target (16O and 12C nuclei) fragmentation induced by –proton beams at therapeutic energies will be studied via an inverse kinematic approach, where 16O and 12C therapeutic beams impinge on graphite and hydrocarbon targets to provide the nuclear fragmentation cross section on hydrogen. Projectile fragmentation of 16O and 12C beams will be explored as well. The FOOT detector includes a magnetic spectrometer for the fragments momentum measurement, a plastic scintillator for ΔE and time of flight measurements and a crystal calorimeter to measure the fragments kinetic energy. These measurements will be combined in order to make an accurate fragment charge and isotopic identification. Keywords: Hadrontherapy, Nuclear fragmentation cross sections, Tracking detectors, Scintillating detector