444 research outputs found
A neural network which computes the square root
AbstractA model for neural network is presented in which the steady state firing frequency of a neuron is related to the amount of feedback in the network. One such network is shown to compute the square root function of the input to the network
Payment for environmental services as a mechanism for promoting rural development in the upper watersheds of the tropics
The project “Payment for environmental services as a mechanism for promoting rural
development in the upper watersheds of the tropics” aimed to investigate and analyze the
environmental externalities as a driver to promote social investment and a new dynamic and
harmonic development in the rural sector. The environmental externalities were primarily waterrelated,
which were quantified for selected Andean pilot watersheds. In these sites, the areas with
higher potential to generate positive environmental externalities (environmental services) were
prioritized. Moreover, in the prioritized areas the social and economic benefits (including multiplier
effects by additional employments and income generated) derived from proposed land use
changes to deliver environmental services were also assessed. Through the development of this
project, the research team developed a methodological approach for quantifying and valuating the
environmental services. Based on early results, the project through its development partners,
Contents CPWF Project Report
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make direct investments in the selected watersheds to test if financial or economic mechanisms
(e.g. PES) were viable and feasible for providing environmental services under the existing
socioeconomic context.
Between 2005 and 2008, the socioeconomic conditions changed drastically in the Andean region
posing new challenges for the design and development of these financial mechanisms. This
influenced the potential of environmental services as drivers of new rural. The project learned that
private profitability of delivering these services is related to the type of watershed, and in general
is low though can produce very high social benefits. When investment on infrastructure measures
is proposed for improving a water-related environmental externality, this is rarely profitable at
private prices. In most cases the investment is recouped by agricultural producers that not
necessarily are the ones capturing the highest share of derived benefits and those sectors that do,
do not contribute to pay back the investment cost neither compensate for the associated
environmental benefit
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