An agent-based peer-to-peer grid computing architecture

We propose a multi-agent based peer-to-peer grid computing architecture in this paper to solves the issues that the conventional grid architecture is limited in modeling computer systems with highly dynamic and autonomous computing resources, and its super-local resource management and scheduling strategy limits the utilization of the computing resources. Besides, the new architecture provides reasonable compatibility and interoperability with the conventional grid systems and clients

Airborne or Fomite Transmission for Norovirus? A Case Study Revisited

Norovirus infection, a highly prevalent condition associated with a high rate of morbidity, comprises a significant health issue. Although norovirus transmission mainly occurs via the fecal-oral and vomit-oral routes, airborne transmission has been proposed in recent decades. This paper re-examines a previously described norovirus outbreak in a hotel restaurant wherein airborne transmission was originally inferred. Specifically, the original evidence that suggested airborne transmission was re-analyzed by exploring an alternative hypothesis: could this outbreak instead have occurred via fomite transmission? This re-analysis was based on whether fomite transmission could have yielded similar attack rate distribution patterns. Seven representative serving pathways used by waiters were considered, and the infection risk distributions of the alternative fomite transmission routes were predicted using a multi-agent model. These distributions were compared to the reported attack rate distribution in the original study using a least square methods approach. The results show that with some reasonable assumptions of human behavior patterns and parameter values, the attack rate distribution corresponded well with that of the infection risk via the fomite route. This finding offers an alternative interpretation of the transmission routes that underlay this particular norovirus outbreak and an important consideration in the development of infection control guidelines and the investigation of similar norovirus outbreaks in futur

Masked Divalent Reactivity of Heterobimetallic Lanthanide Isocarbonyl Complexes

A new rare-earth reduction system is described in which trivalent yttrium and dysprosium react as though present in their unstable divalent oxidation state. This masked divalent reactivity is achieved using the isocarbonyl-bridged dimers [((Formula presented.) M)(μ-Fp)]2 (M=Y, 1Y; M=Dy, 1Dy; Cpttt=1,2,4-C5tBu3H2; Fp=CpFe(CO)2), where the reducing electrons originate from the bridging [Fp]− ligands. The reactivity of 1Y and 1Dy is showcased by reducing the N-heterocycles 2,2′-bipyridyl (bipy), phenazine (phnz) and hexaazatrinaphthylene (HAN) to give corresponding mono-, di- and tri-metallic rare-earth complexes, respectively, with the heterocyclic ligands present in their singly, doubly and triply reduced forms, respectively. The dynamic magnetic properties of the dysprosium compounds are described. Compound 1Dy is a single-molecule magnet (SMM) with an appreciable energy barrier of 449(17) cm−1, whereas [((Formula presented.) Dy)2(μ-phnz)] (3Dy) is not an SMM because of a strong, competing equatorial crystal field. Surprisingly, [((Formula presented.) Dy)3(HAN)] (4Dy) is also not an SMM, the origins of which are traced to the impact of the tert-butyl substituents on the dysprosium centre and its interaction with the radical [HAN]3− ligand.</p

Does political capital create value in the IPO market? Evidence from China

This study examines the value of political capital in the Chinese IPO market. We find a positive relationship between a politically connected executive and the probability of IPO approval of entrepreneurial firms. We further identify that shareholders value those connections and give a market premium to connected firms after the firms go public. We provide evidence that other types of political capital gained through external sources, such as politically connected sponsors and PE investors, also bring benefits to the firms in their IPO approval, and these connections substitute for the effect of the executive's political connections on IPO approval. We argue that in emerging markets where government intervention is still prevalent, political capital does create value and entrepreneurial firms usually build political capital to facilitate their access to the IPO market, although other types of political capital do not bring further benefits into the post-IPO market

Leveraging the Asia-Pacific context to advance management research

The Asia Pacific Journal of Management (APJM) has been instrumental in advancing management research specific to the Asia-Pacific region for four decades. This article underscores the importance of leveraging the unique contextual features of the Asia-Pacific region to enrich and refine management theories. Traditional management theories, often rooted in Western contexts, may not fully capture the complexities of the Asia-Pacific region’s diverse and dynamic environment. The article highlights the need for context-specific research that considers the region’s economic, institutional, and cultural diversity. It calls for a deeper exploration of under-researched areas of management. By contextualizing existing theories and developing new ones grounded in the Asia-Pacific context, the Asia Pacific Journal of Management aims to provide valuable insights for both scholars and practitioners. The editorial also outlines the journal’s vision to promote diverse perspectives, encourage submissions from underrepresented contexts, and celebrate contributions that significantly advance the understanding of management in the Asia-Pacific region

Airborne or Fomite Transmission for Norovirus? A Case Study Revisited

Norovirus infection, a highly prevalent condition associated with a high rate of morbidity, comprises a significant health issue. Although norovirus transmission mainly occurs via the fecal-oral and vomit-oral routes, airborne transmission has been proposed in recent decades. This paper re-examines a previously described norovirus outbreak in a hotel restaurant wherein airborne transmission was originally inferred. Specifically, the original evidence that suggested airborne transmission was re-analyzed by exploring an alternative hypothesis: could this outbreak instead have occurred via fomite transmission? This re-analysis was based on whether fomite transmission could have yielded similar attack rate distribution patterns. Seven representative serving pathways used by waiters were considered, and the infection risk distributions of the alternative fomite transmission routes were predicted using a multi-agent model. These distributions were compared to the reported attack rate distribution in the original study using a least square methods approach. The results show that with some reasonable assumptions of human behavior patterns and parameter values, the attack rate distribution corresponded well with that of the infection risk via the fomite route. This finding offers an alternative interpretation of the transmission routes that underlay this particular norovirus outbreak and an important consideration in the development of infection control guidelines and the investigation of similar norovirus outbreaks in futur

How can weight-loss app designers' best engage and support users? A qualitative investigation

This study explored young adults' experiences of using e-health internetbased computer or mobile phone applications (apps) and what they valued about those apps

Mapping behaviour change techniques to modes of delivery to enhance weight loss initiation and maintenance

Mapping behaviour change techniques to modes of delivery to enhance weight loss initiation and maintenanc

Mapping behaviour change techniques to modes of delivery to enhance weight loss initiation and maintenance

Mapping behaviour change techniques to modes of delivery to enhance weight loss initiation and maintenanc

Self-directed interventions to promote weight loss: A systematic review of reviews

Self-directed interventions to promote weight loss: A systematic review of review