Search results for "efficiency"
showing 10 items of 1430 documents
Diffractive optics for quasi-direct space-to-time pulse shaping.
2008
The strong chromatic behavior associated with a conventional diffractive lens is fully exploited to propose a novel optical device for pulse shaping in the femtosecond regime. This device consists of two optical elements: a spatially patterned circularly symmetric mask and a kinoform diffractive lens, which are facing each other. The system performs a mapping between the spatial position of the masking function expressed in the squared radial coordinate and the temporal position in the output waveform. This space-to-time conversion occurs at the chromatic focus of the diffractive lens, and makes it possible to tailor the output central wavelength along the axial location of the output point…
Testing the X-IFU calibration requirements: an example for quantum efficiency and energy resolution
2018
With its array of 3840 Transition Edge Sensors (TESs) operated at 90 mK, the X-Ray Integral Field Unit (X-IFU) on board the ESA L2 mission Athena will provide spatially resolved high-resolution spectroscopy (2.5 eV FWHM up to 7 keV) over the 0.2 to 12 keV bandpass. The in-flight performance of the X-IFU will be strongly affected by the calibration of the instrument. Uncertainties in the knowledge of the overall system, from the filter transmission to the energy scale, may introduce systematic errors in the data, which could potentially compromise science objectives - notably those involving line characterisation e.g. turbulence velocity measurements - if not properly accounted for. Defining…
The performance of the ATHENA X-ray Integral Field Unit
2018
The X-ray Integral Field Unit (X-IFU) is a next generation microcalorimeter planned for launch onboard the Athena observatory. Operating a matrix of 3840 superconducting Transition Edge Sensors at 90 mK, it will provide unprecedented spectro-imaging capabilities (2.5 eV resolution, for a field of view of 5') in the soft X-ray band (0.2 up to 12 keV), enabling breakthrough science. The definition of the instrument evolved along the phase A study and we present here an overview of its predicted performances and their modeling, illustrating how the design of the X-IFU meets its top-level scientific requirements. This article notably covers the energy resolution, count-rate capability, quantum …
A cost and performance comparison of Public Private Partnership and public hospitals in Spain
2016
Public-private partnership (PPP) initiatives are extending around the world, especially in Europe, as an innovation to traditional public health systems, with the intention of making them more efficient. There is a varied range of PPP models with different degrees of responsibility from simple public sector contracts with the private, up to the complete privatisation of the service. As such, we may say the involvement of the private sector embraces the development, financing and provision of public infrastructures and delivery services. In this paper, one of the oldest PPP initiatives developed in Spain and transferred to other European and Latin American countries is evaluated for first ti…
The 4th European Alternative Finance Benchmarking Report
2021
This year’s report is titled ‘Shifting Paradigms’ to, in part, emphasise the continued growth and development of the European Alternative Finance Industry, but also underscore that these patterns of growth can develop and change as the sector continues to develop and mature. Throughout the region, platforms have continued to grow, respond to regulation, and expand operations internationally. In some regions, model prominence has shifted, allowing for others to grow. At times, this has been a response to the development or lack of regulation, or simply a result of competing market forces. Last year’s report, ‘Expanding Horizons’, sought to exemplify the positive developments in European Alte…
Assessing the dynamic eco-efficiency of Italian municipalities by accounting for the ownership of the entrusted waste utilities
2021
Abstract This study evaluates and compares the dynamic eco-efficiency of municipalities with publicly owned, privately owned, and mixed ownership solid waste utilities by estimating the Meta-frontier Malmquist-Luenberger productivity index for a sample of 68 major Italian towns. On average, the eco-productivity of Italian waste service providers increased by 8% from 2016 to 2019. Although municipalities with private utilities improved their eco-productivity most, the differences among the three clusters reflecting utility ownership are not statistically significant. The results show that publicly owned waste operators drive technology and that the technological levels of private utilities h…
Access to Finance: Baltic Financial Markets
2014
Abstract Access to finance is considered one of the main obstacles to successful financial market development. Access to finance was second-ranked most pressing problem faced by companies in the Euro Area and one of the main barriers to company's innovation capacity. The study results highlight the need to recognize that countries require sound and well-functioning financial markets. Only in this case financial markets can provide much needed sources of investments such as sound banking loans, properly regulated securities exchanges, venture capital, and other resources.
Assessing price clustering in European Carbon Markets
2012
Abstract The presence of price clustering in markets is taken as a sign of market inefficiency that can influence trading strategies. In this paper, we study the presence of a concentration in prices in carbon futures markets. Specifically, we analyze the European Carbon Futures Markets and test for evidence of preference for certain prices above others. Our results reveal the strong presence of price clustering in the carbon market at prices ending in digits 0 and 5. These findings support the attraction hypothesis, which endorses a significant clustering on gravitational prices, but also backs the negotiation hypothesis, which advocates greater clustering when trading costs are higher.
EVALUATION OF EFFICIENCY IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR
2016
The paper is focused on the efficiency of government activities and possibilities of evaluating it. Nowadays an appropriate use of public finances is an urgent problem of financial management of the state. Therefore, a special emphasis is put on the necessity to evaluate the results of activities of the public sector. These results have become an important element of the public financial system oriented towards results, as they form a stable base for planning and evaluating government budget resources. Being unaware of results, it is impossible to estimate if the aims and tasks set by the government financial policy are real and appropriate to the current situation and financial resources. …
Il paradigma europeo dell'efficienza delle pubbliche amministrazioni
2018
The European lex fiscalis, developed after the sovereign debt crisis of the period 2011-2013 marks, directly and indirectly, a clear solution of continuity with respect to the evolution of the administrative system of the economy of the continental states. The fiscal compact has brought about a change of the rule-based legal paradigm of good administration economy of the containment of public expenditure compared to functionality of the administrative organization. The revision of the Constitution of the 2012 recorded this change. The prevalence of financial interest compared to other public interests, it pushes for a different modulation of the concept of efficiency that art. 97 of the Con…