The transverse-momentum distribution of the Higgs boson at the LHC

We present QCD predictions for the transverse momentum (q_T) distribution of the Higgs boson at the LHC. At small q_T the logarithmically-enhanced terms are resummed to all orders up to next-to-next-to-leading logarithmic accuracy. The resummed component is consistently matched to the next-to-leading order calculation valid at large q_T. The results, which implement the most advanced perturbative predictions available at present for this observable, show a good stability with respect to theoretical uncertainties. The numerical program HqT, used to perform the calculation, is briefly discussed.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figures, to appear in the Proceedings of the International Europhysics Conference on High Energy Physics, July 21st - 27th 2005, Lisboa, Portuga

Higgs boson production at Tevatron Run II and LHC

The main production channels of the Higgs boson at hadron colliders are briefly reviewed and recent developments in the calculation of QCD effects are discussed.Comment: Latex, 4 pages. Invited talk given at the XIII italian meeting on high energy physics ``LEPTRE'', Rome April 18-20 2001, to appear in the proceeding

Consistent Estimation of Agent Based Models

The aim of this paper is to describe a method to introduce empirical data in agent based models. Starting from the econometric and calibration literature, it is shown how to select the values of the parameters in the model and which conditions has to be met to have consistent estimations. A crucial point lays in the analysis of the artificial data produced by model, in particular to test for ergodicity and stationarity.Agent-based models, Estimation, Calibration, Simulation

Target Fragmentation in Semi-Inclusive DIS: Fracture Functions, Cut Vertices and the OPE

We discuss semi-inclusive Deep Inelastic Scattering (DIS) in the z -> 1 limit, in particular the relationship between fracture functions, generalised cut vertices and Green functions of the composite operators arising in the OPE. The implications, in the spin-polarised case, for testing whether the "proton spin" effect is target-independent are explored. Explicit calculations in (phi^3)_6 theory are presented which are consistent with our observations.Comment: 22 pages, 25 figures, LaTeX 2e; uses graphics packag

Earmarked Taxation for Financing Public Investments Projects

This paper deals with the earmarked taxation employed by local governments for fi…nancing public investments projects carried on with some Public-Private Partnerships con…figurations. First, we analyse the theoretical pro…files of earmarked taxation by using the tax-benefi…t approach, and the theory of political competition and accountability. Second, on the ground of the P-P-P literature, we examine the trade-off between fi…nancing mechanisms based on public subsidies to the concessionaire fi…rm, fi…nanced by a earmarked tax, and mechanisms based on users-fees. Then, we discuss cases where the …rst solution turns out to be, even partially, preferred. Finally, we consider the potential role of earmarked taxation on the Italian institutional context, emerging from the recent legislation on fi…scal federalism and municipalities taxation.Earmarked taxes, cost of public funds, subsidies, public investments