Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Energy efficiency and delay tradeoff in wireless powered communication networks

Energy efficiency (EE) and delay are two crucial metrics in WPCN. In general, the transmitter always transmits the information in a good channel state to improve EE while it may lead to delay due to waiting for a good channel state. Thus, there exists a tradeoff between EE and delay. In this paper, we investigate the EE and delay tradeoff with considering the time-varying channel and stochastic traffic arrivals. We formulate this problem as a stochastic optimization model, which optimizes the EE subject to both the data queue stability and the harvested energy availability. To solve the formulation, a general and effective algorithm, referred to as EE and delay tradeoff algorithm (EEDTA), is developed by employing the fractional programming method and Lyapunov optimization theory, which does not require any a prior distribution knowledge of channel states and data arrivals. Moreover, the theoretical analysis and simulation results show that the EEDTA achieves an EE-delay tradeoff, which mathematically depicted by [O(1/V), O(V)] with V as a control parameter, and can flexibly strike the tradeoff by simply tuning V. Simulation results verify the theoretical analysis.
Assessing the Impacts of Labor Market and Deterrence Variables on Crime Rates in Mexico

Many studies examine the relationship between crime rates and various economic and/or sociodemographic variables in high income countries, but similar efforts for middle and low income countries are less common. Utilizing an 8‐year panel data sample for all 32 states in Mexico, this study assesses the impact of Mexican labor market and deterrence variables on various Mexican crime rates. The principal results indicate that: (1) State gross domestic product (GDP) per capita has ambiguous effect on crime rates under different conditions. Both wages and unemployment rates are negatively linked with crime rates. (2) Although the Mexican judicial and public security systems are widely believed to be ineffective, increased federal police forces and incarceration rates are associated with lower crime rates, but higher public security expenditure per capita is associated with higher crime rates. (3) The impacts from labor market and deterrence variables presented in (1) and (2) continue to hold under the Fox administration as well as for non‐border states. Their respective impacts diminish, however, under the Calderon administration as well as for border states because of the small number of observations. Overall, the results indicate that increasing average wages, federal police forces, and incarceration rates would have significant impacts on reducing crime rates in Mexican states.
The Recession and the New Economy of the West: The Familiar Boom and Bust Cycle?

The U.S. West has gone through many periods of economic boom and bust, most of which were associated with rapid rises and declines in commodity markets. The recent structural shift toward a primarily service-based economy begs the question of whether the driving forces behind the cycles of boom and bust also may be shifting away from commodities toward people and their resources. This paper explores several factors that contributed to growth in the 1990s and 2000s: asking whether these factors created any advantages or disadvantages during the most recent recession and whether the shift away from commodity production to a knowledge- and human capital-intensive economy has implications for how local areas experience the boom–bust cycle.
TCP acceleration technology for cloud computing: Algorithm, performance evaluation in real network

Cloud computing is becoming commonly used for enterprise systems. Users utilize WAN, the Internet, or a wireless network to access the cloud service. These networks often have large RTT and packet loss ratios (PLR), so if users communicate via TCP widely used for accessing cloud services, the throughput decreases and the access quality of the cloud service deteriorates. Therefore, much TCP acceleration technology has been developed in conventional research. The technology conventionally proposed as RADIC-TCP [1] controls the retransmission using negative acknowledgement (NACK) returned from the remote receiver. It also uses a congestion algorithm that detects network congestion on the basis of the change rate of PLR calculated by accumulating the lost segment written in NACK coming from the receiver. When the change rate of PLR is small, the sender judges that temporary loss is caused by the congestion with burst traffic or bit error in the wireless environment and continues to increase the throughput, not decrease the throughput. Thus, this technology can improve the utilization ratio of bandwidth without decreasing the throughput excessively. On the other hand, when the change rate of PLR is large, the sender judges that continuous loss is caused by the overuse of bandwidth and decreases the throughput at the gap optimized in accordance with the scale of the network congestion. Therefore, this technology can follow the send bandwidth to the remaining bandwidth exactly while suppressing the excess congestion in the network. In this research, we developed TCP acceleration technology that controls the retransmission using the standard selective acknowledgement (SACK) in order to achieve the communication with normal devices while supporting the congestion control using the same algorithm as conventionally proposed TCP acceleration technology. However, our proposed TCP acceleration technology may not work as intended depending on the occurrence interval of packet losses in real network environments. Therefore, we evaluated this technology's behavior and effect in real network environments. In the evaluation, a smartphone downloaded the data via a wireless network, the Internet, and a Japanese academic backbone network (Science Information Network (SINET)) from a Web server with TCP acceleration technology. In the evaluation using the LTE network with 40ms round trip time, our proposed TCP acceleration technology enhanced the throughput by up to three times.
Enhancing the Auditor's Report: To What Extent is there Support for the IAASB's Proposed Changes?

SYNOPSIS: This article outlines proposed reforms to auditor reporting currently being considered by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB), and other key national and transnational standard-setters and regulatory bodies. It adds to recent academic contributions on reforming the auditor's report by analyzing the 165 stakeholder responses to the IAASB's 2012 Invitation to Comment: Improving the Auditor's Report to determine levels of support for the IAASB's proposed reforms, and the differences, if any, between the views of various respondents based on stakeholder groups (e.g., audit and assurance firms, users, preparers, regulators, etc.) and regional classifications. Guided by insights from communication theory, our results show the levels of stakeholder support for the IAASB's proposed reforms addressing auditors' expectations, information, and communication gaps are mixed. The strongest overall support was for enhanced auditor reporting on other information attached to, or int.
An interactive image analysis system for quantitative cytology & to classify cervical cells.

Introduction of computers and image analysis systems are gaining faster momentum in order to quantitate the assessment of cells for diagnosis and prognosis, and this system aims to relieve the operator from the tedium of microscopic observation and reduce operator bias and human error. This paper discusses the design and configuration of an interactive image analysis system built in the laboratory for the purpose of cell analysis and classification. The software developed to compute various textural and morphological parameters of cells on smear are briefly described. The results of the experiments carried out to classify normal and abnormal cells on cervical smear show 94 per cent success rate.
Dynamics of Chemokine, Cytokine, and Growth Factor Serum Levels in BRAF-Mutant Melanoma Patients during BRAF Inhibitor Treatment

The purpose of this study is to profile the changes in the serum levels of a range of chemokines, cytokines, and growth and angiogenic factors in MAPK inhibitor–treated metastatic melanoma patients and to correlate these changes with clinical outcome and changes in melanoma tissue biopsies taken from the same patients. Forty-two chemokine, cytokine, angiogenic, and growth factors were measured in the sera of 20 BRAF inhibitor–treated and four combination BRAF and MEK inhibitor–treated metastatic melanoma patients using a multiplex chemokine assay. The changes were correlated with Ki-67 and CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in the tumor biopsies taken at the same time points, as well as clinical outcome, including response rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival. Serum levels of IFN-γ, CCL4, and TNF-α were significantly increased, whereas CXCL8 significantly decreased from pretreatment (PRE) to early during treatment (EDT) serum samples. The decrease in serum CXCL8 levels from PRE to EDT significantly correlated with decreases in markers of melanoma proliferation (Ki-67) and increases in cytotoxic tumor-infiltrating T cells in corresponding tumor biopsies. In addition, a greater fold reduction in CXCL8 serum levels from PRE to EDT serum samples was associated with decreased overall survival. These results suggest that BRAF inhibition causes decreased CXCL8 secretion from melanoma cells and induce an immune response against the tumor associated with increased IFN-γ, CCL4, and TNF-α. Further studies are needed to determine if CXCL8 is predictive of response and to confirm the functions of these chemokine and cytokine in BRAF-mutant melanoma under BRAF inhibition.
A Two-Stage Hepatectomy Procedure Combined With Portal Vein Embolization to Achieve Curative Resection for Initially Unresectable Multiple and Bilobar Colorectal Liver Metastases

Objective:To assess outcome after a 2-stage hepatectomy procedure (TSHP) combined with portal vein embolization (PVE) in the treatment of patients with unresectable multiple and bilobar colorectal liver metastases (MBCLM). Background:Patients with MBCLM are often considered for palliative chemotherapy only, due to too small future remnant liver (FRL). Recently, right hepatectomy with simultaneous left liver wedge resections after previous right PVE has been reported in a curative intent. However, the growth of metastatic nodules in FRL after PVE can be more rapid than that of the nontumoral remnant hepatic parenchyma. Therefore, metastases located in the FRL should be ideally resected before PVE. Then, a right (or extended right) hepatectomy can be safely performed during a second-stage hepatectomy. Therefore, we analyzed our experience with the use of TSHP combined with PVE in treatment of MBCLM. Patients and Methods:Between December 1996 and April 2003, 33 patients with unresectable MBCLM were selected for a TSHP. A right or an extended right hepatectomy was planned after treatment of left FRL metastases to achieve a curative resection. The first-stage hepatectomy consisted in a clearance of the left hemiliver by resection or radiofrequency destruction of metastases of the left FRL. Subsequently, a right PVE was performed to induce atrophy of the right hemiliver and hypertrophy of the left hemiliver. Finally, a second-stage hepatectomy was planned to resect the right liver metastases. Results:There was no operative mortality. Post-PVE morbidity was 18.1%; postoperative morbidity was 15.1% and 56.0% after first- and second-stage hepatectomy, respectively. TSHP could be achieved in 25 of 33 patients (75.7%). The 1- and 3-year survival rates were 70.0% and 54.4%, respectively, in the 25 patients in whom the TSHP was completed. Conclusions:In selected patients with initially unresectable MBCLM, a TSHP combined with PVE can be achieved safely with long-term survival similar to that observed in patients with initially resectable liver metastases.
Association of CD147 and Calcium Exporter PMCA4 Uncouples IL-2 Expression from Early TCR Signaling

The Ig superfamily member CD147 is upregulated following T cell activation and was shown to serve as a negative regulator of T cell proliferation. Thus, Abs targeting CD147 are being tested as new treatment strategies for cancer and autoimmune diseases. How CD147 mediates immunosuppression and whether association with other coreceptor complexes is needed have remained unknown. In the current study, we show that silencing of CD147 in human T cells increases IL-2 production without affecting the TCR proximal signaling components. We mapped the immunosuppressive moieties of CD147 to its transmembrane domain and Ig-like domain II. Using affinity purification combined with mass spectrometry, we determined the domain specificity of CD147 interaction partners and identified the calcium exporter plasma membrane calcium ATPase isoform 4 (PMCA4) as the interaction partner of the immunosuppressive moieties of CD147. CD147 does not control the proper membrane localization of PMCA4, but PMCA4 is essential for the CD147-dependent inhibition of IL-2 expression via a calcium-independent mechanism. In summary, our data show that CD147 interacts via its immunomodulatory domains with PMCA4 to bypass TCR proximal signaling and inhibit IL-2 expression.
An emprical model of the demand for a varied diet

This study attempts to measure some aspects of the household's demand for a varied die by invesigaing how he number of individual foods consumed b he household is affeced b is preferences and food expendiure. A heoriical model suggesed b household production theory is adopted to empirical data from a cross-section of households. It is found that the number of individual foods consumed is strongly responsive to househjold expenditure on all foods.
Changes in Residents' Gambling Attitudes and Perceived Impacts at the Fifth Anniversary of Macao's Gaming Deregulation

This article follows on an earlier study conducted on Macao residents' gambling attitudes and behavior when the local gaming industry deregulated in 2002. The objective is to examine if gambling attitudes and behavior have changed in the lapse of five years as gaming becomes more accessible. Results show that the respondents in 2007 had developed a more conservative attitude toward gambling in general. The same trend was observed among players and nonplayers. Three factors of perceived gaming impacts were found to influence overall gambling attitude. It was also found that table and slot games had increased in popularity and were replacing the more common forms of gambling prior to 2002. Implications for education, well-being of the society, public policies, and tourism destination theories are discussed.
Preparing Public Administration Scholars for Qualitative Inquiry: A Status Report

This paper reiterates in succinct form the discipline’s discussion of how qualitative inquiry stands to contribute substantively to public affairs knowledge and why it is therefore a necessary skill to develop as scholars in the field and its cognates; public administration, public policy, and political science. It then presents empirical data on doctoral research methods requirements collected in 2004-2005 and 2011-2012 to demonstrate that while preparation in qualitative inquiry is improving, at least one-third of the doctoral programs associated with NASPAA-accredited Master of Public Administration degree programs still fail to prepare candidates in qualitative inquiry. Therefore, the discussion is still relevant and doctoral programs are encouraged to continue curricular reform and enhancement. Furthermore, scholars are encouraged to continue research on research in public administration.
The development of planning horizon theory and the comparison of decision/forecast horizons for dynamic lot size models

Purpose – This paper seeks to examine the case of the multi‐period optimisation problem where decisions are obtained from a finite horizon model and will be implemented in a situation in which the system will operate indefinitely.Design/methodology/approach – The production planning problem is addressed in which the quantity of the product required (demand) in future periods is being forcast, from which one must decide when and how much to produce.Findings – Finds that a regeneration set is key for finding forecast horizon (FH) and decision horizon (DH) in the dynamic lot size model (DLSM). A regeneration set contains the optimal regeneration points in some conceivable future horizon.Originality/value – This paper extends the research on horizons which has accumulated in the literature over the last 40 years.
Summary Brief Mass Media and Direct Contact Influences on School System Image and Tax Support: A Social Marketing Perspective

Voter support for school taxes is a social marketing issue. The challenge of attracting non-parent voter support fits a generalized exchange model involving perceptions of 1) community benefits, 2) system performance, 3) tax equity and 4) social responsibility. This paper extends prior generalized exchange research by assessing impacts of school system contact and mass media exposure, A 1996 survey of registered voters in a single district provided 184 respondents without children in the school system. Factor analysis, zero-order correlations and discriminat function analysis indicate that both information sources are associated with perceptions of community benefits but not with social responsibility, tax equity, or tax increase support. Only mass media exposure is associated with school performance perceptions. A community benefits ,performance and equity generalized exchange model is supported.
Contractual Flexibility, Rent Seeking and Renegotiation Design: An Empirical Analysis of Information Technology Outsourcing Contracts

This paper examines renegotiation design in contracts for outsourced information technology (IT) services. While prior literature in information systems (IS) has highlighted the likelihood of ex post rent seeking engendered by renegotiation, we build upon literature on incomplete contracts to posit that renegotiation can be Pareto improving by incorporating contingencies revealed ex post. Research on contract renegotiation has been hampered by two sets of challenges: the lack of appropriate data and empirical challenges in identification. We circumvent this problem both by appropriate data collection and by employing an identification strategy to address alternate causal explanations. We propose a measure, Pareto Improving Amendments, to assess renegotiation outcomes that enhance the value from outsourcing by hazard equilibration and by incorporating learning. Using a unique sample of 141 IT outsourcing contracts, we examine the role of decision rights delineated ex ante in enabling Pareto improving amendments and in resolving the tradeoff between adaptation and rent seeking. We find that flexibility provisions, termination for convenience rights and contractual rights whereby vendors are granted rights to reuse know how are associated with Pareto improving amendments. The results are robust to potential endogeneity of contractual provisions when parties have feasible foresight, and the possibility of adverse selection in the sample. We also examine alternate explanations from the literature on contractual breach. Implications for practitioners and researchers are discussed.
Portfolio Rankings With Skewness And Kurtosis

In this paper we discuss the issue of portfolio ranking for a rational risk averse investor with and without the option to buy a risk free asset. We find that in the former case the use of Sharpe, Omega, Sortino, and Kappa rankings are all justified although they follow from different definitions. We also find that for portfolios with Gaussian distributed returns these rankings, as well as the Stutzer ranking, are equivalent to each other. Finally we prove that without a risk free asset all the above rankings are incompatible with being a rational risk averse investor and a different ranking is required. We propose an exact analytical formula as well as an approximate formula for practical use.
Choice and Values: Individualised Rational Action and Social Goals

Abstract For excellent reasons, in response to pressures from social, economic and political changes, welfare states are undergoing reform. A central theme in the new policies, particularly influential in the UK, is the use of incentives through activation programmes and reforms to public sector management to promote rational responsible choices by both service users and providers. The theoretical underpinning of this approach relies on a model of people as plural in their values, but holding values that are independent from social context and institutional framework. Policy seeks to harness those values to produce desired behaviour. This article focuses on two relevant literatures. Analyses of rational action at an individual level by economic psychologists, evolutionary biologists and game theorists indicate that the context in which choices are framed influences responses. Further work by economic sociologists and social psychologists suggests that the values that guide behaviour have an important social element as normative systems embodied in institutional frameworks. The norms appropriate to market interactions typically differ from welfare norms, so that different value frameworks and responses apply. The implication is that the transition to quasi-market and individualised incentive systems risks damaging the norms that sanction support for distant but vulnerable groups. The article falls into three sections: reviewing the background to reform and the emergence of an emphasis on individualised rational choice, considering each of the literatures mentioned above and discussing policy consequences.
The Effects of Customer-Centric Marketing and Revenue Management on Travelers’ Choices

This article examines how the simultaneous use of customer-centric marketing (CCM) and revenue management (RM) affects travelers’ perceptions of fairness and ultimately their purchasing choices. To address this issue, we propose and empirically test a choice model that incorporates reference-dependent fairness adjustments for both price and nonprice attributes within a random utility framework. The findings from two empirical studies using stated-preference choice experiments show that travelers engage in fairness-related reference point comparisons for price and other product attributes induced by RM and CCM. They offer additional evidence concerning the need to account comprehensively for attributes associated with both RM and CCM when predicting customer demand in travel and tourism firms. Accordingly, firms need to account not only for the effects of RM and CCM attributes but also for the corresponding reference-dependent fairness adjustments relating to those attributes.
Inflation Targeting under Asymmetric Preferences

This paper develops and estimates a game-theoretical model of inflation targeting where the central banker's preferences are asymmetric around the targeted rate. Specifically, positive deviations from the target can be weighted more, or less, severely than negative ones in the central banker's loss function. It is shown that some of the previous results derived under the assumption of symmetry are not robust to this generalization of preferences. Estimates of the central banker's preference parameters for Canada, Sweden, and the UK are statistically different from the one implied by the commonly used quadratic loss function.