The political economy determinants of agri-environmental funds in the European Rural Development Programmes

In recent years, agricultural policies have broadened their scope to include funds for the promotion of the environmental sustainability of agriculture, but they have been neglected by the political economy literature. In this article we investigate the drivers of the allocation of funds to environmental goals in the Rural Development Programmes of the European Common Agricultural Policy. The main results indicate that GDP is positively correlated to environmental budget, while delegating the programmes management to sub-national jurisdictions negatively affects it. If the environmental sustainability of the sector is at stake, a central grip on budget should be maintained

Combined HW/SW Drift and Variability Mitigation for PCM-based Analog In-memory Computing for Neural Network Applications

Matrix-Vector Multiplications (MVMs) represent a heavy workload for both training and inference in Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) applications. Analog In-memory Computing (AIMC) systems based on Phase Change Memory (PCM) has been shown to be a valid competitor to enhance the energy efficiency of DNN accelerators. Although DNNs are quite resilient to computation inaccuracies, PCM non-idealities could strongly affect MVM operations precision, and thus the accuracy of DNNs. In this paper, a combined hardware and software solution to mitigate the impact of PCM non-idealities is presented. The drift of PCM cells conductance is compensated at the circuit level through the introduction of a conductance ratio at the core of the MVM computation. A model of the behaviour of PCM cells is employed to develop a device-aware training for DNNs and the accuracy is estimated in a CIFAR-10 classification task. This work is supported by a PCM-based AIMC prototype, designed in a 90-nm STMicroelectronics technology, and conceived to perform Multiply-and-Accumulate (MAC) computations, which are the kernel of MVMs. Results show that the MAC computation accuracy is around 95% even under the effect of cells drift. The use of a device-aware DNN training makes the networks less sensitive to weight variability, with a 15% increase in classification accuracy over a conventionally-trained Lenet-5 DNN, and a 36% gain when drift compensation is applied

Decoding Algorithms and HW Strategies to Mitigate Uncertainties in a PCM-Based Analog Encoder for Compressed Sensing

Analog In-Memory computing (AIMC) is a novel paradigm looking for solutions to prevent the unnecessary transfer of data by distributing computation within memory elements. One such operation is matrix-vector multiplication (MVM), a workhorse of many fields ranging from linear regression to Deep Learning. The same concept can be readily applied to the encoding stage in Compressed Sensing (CS) systems, where an MVM operation maps input signals into compressed measurements. With a focus on an encoder built on top of a Phase-Change Memory (PCM) AIMC platform, the effects of device non-idealities, namely programming spread and drift over time, are observed in terms of the reconstruction quality obtained for synthetic signals, sparse in the Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) domain. PCM devices are simulated using statistical models summarizing the properties experimentally observed in an AIMC prototype, designed in a 90 nm STMicroelectronics technology. Different families of decoders are tested, and tradeoffs in terms of encoding energy are analyzed. Furthermore, the benefits of a hardware drift compensation strategy are also observed, highlighting its necessity to prevent the need for a complete reprogramming of the entire analog array. The results show >30 dB average reconstruction quality for mid-range conductances and a suitably selected decoder right after programming. Additionally, the hardware drift compensation strategy enables robust performance even when different drift conditions are tested

CONSOLE Project - Deliverable 1.1 - "Preliminary framework"

The objective of this document is to provide an initial conceptual framework for the project CONSOLE. The initial framework aims at providing a basis for interpretation of the project activities, hence connecting project objectives, approach and the state of the art about the topic. In order to achieve this objective, this initial version of the framework takes mainly the approach of an organized broad literature review in support of the project expected activities. It also aims at identifying the relevant definitions and scope for the project. Finally and foremost, it investigates the tentative logic of a preliminary conceptual framework to be further developed into an operational framework in the following tasks of WP1 (and of the project as a whole). In order to meet these tasks, the literature considered is not restricted to the specific contract types addressed by the project (see below), but rather attempts to contextualise these contract types in the wider literature on agri- environmental-climate public goods (AECPGs) provision by agriculture and forestry. In doing so, we acknowledge the wide variety of hybrid and mixed solutions that may be relevant in practice. In addition, we have tried to review specifically the most recent scientific literature, including the most debated issues; some classical concepts that are well established in the literature may be neglected or under-represented here

Determinants of radiation dose during right transradial access. insights from the RAD-MATRIX study

Background The RAD-MATRIX trial reported a large operator radiation exposure variability in right radial percutaneous coronary procedures. The reasons of these differences are not well understood. Our aim was to appraise the determinants of operator radiation exposure during coronary right transradial procedures. Methods Patient arrangement during transradial intervention was investigated across operators involved in the RAD-MATRIX trial. Operator radiation exposure was analyzed according to the position of the patient right arm (close or far from the body) and in relation to the size of the upper leaded glass. Results Among the 14 operators who agreed to participate, there was a greater than 10-fold difference in radiation dose at thorax level (from 21.5 to 267 μSv) that persisted after normalization by dose-area product (from 0.35 to 3.5 μSv/Gy*cm2). Among the operators who positioned the instrumented right arm far from the body (110.4 μSv, interquartile range 71.5-146.5 μSv), thorax dose was greater than that in those who placed the instrumented arm close to the right leg (46.1 μSv, 31.3-56.8 μSv, P =.02). This difference persisted after normalization by dose-area product (P =.028). The use of a smaller full glass shield was also associated with a higher radiation exposure compared with a larger composite shield (147.5 and 60 μSv, respectively, P =.016). Conclusions In the context of the biggest radiation study conducted in patients undergoing transradial catheterization, the instrumented right arm arrangement close to the leg and greater upper leaded shield dimensions were associated with a lower operator radiation exposure. Our findings emphasize the importance of implementing simple preventive measures to mitigate the extra risks of radiation exposure with right radial as compared with femoral access

Randomized comparison of operator radiation exposure comparing transradial and transfemoral approach for percutaneous coronary procedures: Rationale and design of the minimizing adverse haemorrhagic events by TRansradial access site and systemic implementation of angioX - RAdiation Dose study (RAD-MATRIX)

Background: Radiation absorbed by interventional cardiologists is a frequently under-evaluated important issue. Aim is to compare radiation dose absorbed by interventional cardiologists during percutaneous coronary procedures for acute coronary syndromes comparing transradial and transfemoral access. Methods: The randomized multicentre MATRIX (Minimizing Adverse Haemorrhagic Events by TRansradial Access Site and Systemic Implementation of angioX) trial has been designed to compare the clinical outcome of patients with acute coronary syndromes treated invasively according to the access site (transfemoral vs. transradial) and to the anticoagulant therapy (bivalirudin vs. heparin). Selected experienced interventional cardiologists involved in this study have been equipped with dedicated thermoluminescent dosimeters to evaluate the radiation dose absorbed during transfemoral or right transradial or left transradial access. For each access we evaluate the radiation dose absorbed at wrist, at thorax and at eye level. Consequently the operator is equipped with three sets (transfemoral, right transradial or left transradial access) of three different dosimeters (wrist, thorax and eye dosimet

A Qualitative Exploration of the Use of Contraband Cell Phones in Secured Facilities

Offenders accepting contraband cell phones in secured facilities violate state corrections law, and the possession of these cell phones is a form of risk taking behavior. When offenders continue this risky behavior, it affects their decision making in other domains where they are challenging authorities; and may impact the length of their incarceration. This qualitative phenomenological study examined the lived experience of ex-offenders who had contraband cell phones in secured correctional facilities in order to better understand their reasons for taking risks with contraband cell phones. The theoretical foundation for this study was Trimpop\u27s risk-homeostasis and risk-motivation theories that suggest an individual\u27s behaviors adapt to negotiate between perceived risk and desired risk in order to achieve satisfaction. The research question explored beliefs and perceptions of ex-offenders who chose to accept the risk of using contraband cell phones during their time in secured facilities. Data were collected anonymously through recorded telephone interviews with 8 male adult ex-offenders and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Findings indicated participants felt empowered by possession of cell phones in prison, and it was an acceptable risk to stay connected to family out of concern for loved ones. The study contributes to social change by providing those justice system administrators, and prison managers responsible for prison cell phone policies with more detailed information about the motivations and perspectives of offenders in respect to using contraband cell phones while imprisoned in secured facilities

Simulazione in ambiente Matlab di calcolo in memoria basato su celle a cambiamento di fase

L'obiettivo dell'elaborato è quello di analizzare le prestazioni di un circuito analogico per l'In-memory Computing basato su celle di memoria a cambiamento di fase. Con questo scopo si è sviluppato un modello informatico grazie al software Matlab & Simulink. Questo modello permette di simulare il comportamento del circuito analogico sotto indagine in particolari contesti operativi, inoltre ne da una stima delle prestazioni in particolari applicazioni, come l'elaborazione delle immagini. Il modello permette di svolgere simulazioni con tempistiche molto inferiori rispetto ad un simulatore circuitale tradizionale

The environmental and socioeconomic impacts of the Italian National Parks: Time and spillover effects across different geographical contexts

Protected Areas such as national parks are increasingly implemented to achieve the long-term conservation of nature and the provision of ecosystem services, hence preventing biodiversity loss. We study the environmental and socioeconomic impacts generated by eight Italian National Parks. We estimate the impacts i) on the short and medium term, ii) on the local population and on the neighboring areas (i.e., their spillovers), and iii) differentiating the analysis by the macro-geographical context in which NationalParks are embedded (i.e., north, center, and south of Italy). The analysis is based on the combination of the Propensity Score Matching with the Doubly Robust Difference-in-Differences estimator. We find that the National Parks have a positive and increasing-over-time impact on the share of forested areas. Moreover, from the socioeconomic point of view, their impact has been positive on the number of local units, workers employed (especially in the tourism sector), and the number of incoming work commuters, but negative on the number of agricultural holdings. However, these results depend on the geographical contexts, i.e., most of the positive socioeconomic impacts are in the north. Finally, we find (positive) spillover in terms of forested areas, but non-significant socioeconomic ones

Doubly Robust DID for National Parks evaluation: “just” environmental benefits, or socioeconomics impacts as well?

National Parks (NPs) and protected areas are supposed to preserve the environment and prevent the loss of biodiversity. However, having substantially incremented worldwide, they now also include many areas that are important for economic development. Also, the literature on the subject has expanded, but targeting mainly the environmental benefits. This work investigates both the environmental and socioeconomic impacts of the Italian NPs of the 90s, by applying at the municipality level a Doubly Robust Difference-In-Differences estimator combined with Propensity Score Matching. The results suggest a positive effect on the environment on both the municipalities in NPs and the neighbouring ones, both in the short (2001) and medium run (2011). There are also socioeconomic effects in terms of the increase of incoming work-commuters and the number of workers employed in the tourism sector establishments