Guido Signorino

Proximity and risk perception. Comparing risk perception ‘profiles’ in two petrochemical areas of Sicily (Augusta and Milazzo)

Studies on risk perception and ‘proximity’ usually compare populations living close to or far away from alleged pollution sources. Taking a different perspective, this paper compares the risk perception profiles of populations residing in the neighborhood of two petrochemical sites in Sicily (Italy), in order to check for similarities and differences. Based on the results of a survey carried out in the period 2008–2009 (1222 interviews), risk perception is investigated; finding that on a list of 15 social risks, the two populations show a similar risk perception only as far as hazards that can be retraced to the territorial industrial environment are concerned, while other risks are differently perceived. Specific risk perception indicators are presented and the relationship between risk perception, socioeconomic characteristics, and health is also deepened. The conclusion of this study is that proximity to industrial pollution sources influences risk perception and assimilates risk perception profiles of populations.

The Regionalization of the Public Health System and New Governance Models for Healthcare: The Stroke Network Case In Italy

This article describes the outcomes of a 2009 study into the reasons for the regional differences in implementation of “stroke networks” in Italy. Evidence shows that early diagnosis and delivery of treatment in specialized stroke units, including rehabilitation therapy, can reduce the risks of death and disability. Nevertheless, there are significant differences and delays in the implementation of such practices. To understand the reasons for the delays, measures were examined, including decision makers’ agendas, regional budget limitations,organizational delays, structural complexity, competition over scarce resources, power structure differences, and informal practices. This study outlines five main models of management and shows how competition with private hospitals, internal rivalries involving professionals and medical sectors, expenditure restraints, and a lack of well-trained personnel represent the main obstacles to the development and operation of stroke units.

Crop-diversity and Cereal Production under the CAP Reform: Evidence from Italy

The paper offers empirical evidence on the relationship between inter-species diversity and production within a panel of agricultural firms operating in the cereal sector over the period 2004-2007. A Cobb-Douglas agricultural production function is estimated using different panel estimation methods which make it possible to control for the dynamic structure of agricultural production and for regressors’ endogeneity. We find evidence of a significant relationship between biodiversity and production, confirming the stability-diversity hypothesis. Additionally, the analysis supports the effectiveness of the new CAP intervention measures in sustaining farmers’ revenues.

CAP and Sustainability. Subsidies and Biodiversity in Six “Objective-1” Italian Regions

Biodiversity is a mean and a goal of sustainability and should be preserved and encouraged. In order to protect the agricultural sector in Europe and to stabilize farmers’ revenues and incomes, starting from the 1950s the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) established a subsidies regime. Typically, policy interventions may produce two undesirable outcomes: (1) distortion of farmers’ preferences, averting agricultural sector from economic efficiency; (2) production concentration towards protected cultivations, so reducing biodiversity and hindering the sustainability of agricultural activity. Under this perspective, the sustainability of agricultural policies should be evaluated in terms of their effect on agricultural biodiversity, and a trade-off between subsidies and biodiversity in agriculture is expected. This chapter investigates the relationship between subsidies and biodiversity in six Italian “Objective-1” regions, finding a negative and quite stable correlation between these variables. Recent CAP reforms aimed at reducing market distortions through the adoption of “decoupled” measures, that supported agricultural activity regardless of the type of crop produced are expected to bring positive effects on agricultural biodiversity and sustainability.