Constrained Signaling in Auction Design

We consider the problem of an auctioneer who faces the task of selling a good (drawn from a known distribution) to a set of buyers, when the auctioneer does not have the capacity to describe to the buyers the exact identity of the good that he is selling. Instead, he must come up with a constrained signalling scheme: a (non injective) mapping from goods to signals, that satisfies the constraints of his setting. For example, the auctioneer may be able to communicate only a bounded length message for each good, or he might be legally constrained in how he can advertise the item being sold. Each candidate signaling scheme induces an incomplete-information game among the buyers, and the goal of the auctioneer is to choose the signaling scheme and accompanying auction format that optimizes welfare. In this paper, we use techniques from submodular function maximization and no-regret learning to give algorithms for computing constrained signaling schemes for a variety of constrained signaling problems

Miteigentum an Grundstücken und einfache Gesellschaft

Although there is agreement that a pro rata entitlement is permissible in the simple partnership, the necessary interaction of Art. 646 ff. ZGB on co-ownership law and Art. 530 ff. OR on the law of the simple partnership is dealt with only rudimentarily. This is the point at which the work picks up, in that the two institutes of co-ownership and simple partnership are examined individually as well as in relation to their coordination possibilities in the case of real estate. The fundamental discussion of the legal institutions of co-ownership and simple partnership yields further insights of practical relevance. Thus, the delimitation difficulties between co-ownership and joint ownership as a result of simple partnership are also presented, general indications for the structuring of an agreed co-ownership arrangement are provided, and the concerns raised in the doctrine regarding pro rata entitlement in simple partnership are discussed

Epidural Analgesia Decreases Narcotic Requirements in Low Level Spina Bifida Patients Undergoing Urologic Laparotomy for Neurogenic Bladder and Bowel

Purpose Concern of anatomical anomalies and worsening neurologic symptoms has prevented widespread use of epidural catheters in patients with low level spina bifida (LLSB). We hypothesize that thoracic epidural placement in the T9-T10 interspace is safe and decreases narcotic requirements in LLSB patients following major open lower urinary tract reconstruction (LUTR). Materials and Methods We reviewed consecutive LLSB patients who had LUTR and epidurals for post-operative pain control. Controls were LLSB patients who received single shot transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks with similar procedures. Complications from epidural placement, including changes in motor and sensory status were recorded. Opioid consumption was calculated utilizing equivalent IV morphine doses. Mean and maximum pain scores on post-operative day (POD) 0-3 were calculated. Results 10 LLSB patients who had lower urinary tract reconstruction and epidurals were matched to 10 LLSB patients who had lower urinary tract reconstruction and transverse abdominis plane blocks. Groups were demographically similar. All had full abdominal sensation and functional levels at or below L3. No epidural complications or changes in neurological status were noted. The epidural group had decreased opioid consumption on POD 0-3 (0.75 mg/kg vs. 1.29 mg/kg, p=0.04). Pain scores were similar or improved in the epidural group. Conclusions Thoracic epidural analgesia appears to be a safe and effective opioid sparing option to assist with post-operative pain management following lower urinary tract reconstruction in LLSB patients

Towards certification of new statistics of public interest in France

This paper presents the analysis and proposal to qualify new statistics of public interest in France. It describes the present situation regarding the qualification of statistics produced independent of the National Statistical System and the challenges related to their emergence, as these statistics may complement and sometimes challenge official statistics. The authors propose a three-tier mechanism; the first level is limited to self-documentation of a statistic based on a predefined template, the second level is the approval of such documentation, and the third level involves the approval of the documentation including the methodology and quality of output

Medienperformanz als didaktisches Prinzip medienpädagogischer Praxis

Die medienpädagogische Diskussion wird stark vom Konzept der Medienkompetenz dominiert. Der Ansatz der Medienperformanz als Manifestation der kognitiven Dispositionen im konkreten auf Medien bezogenen Handeln ist demgegenüber unterbelichtet. In diesem Aufsatz wird diskutiert, wie die beiden Konzepte in medienpädagogischer Praxis aufeinander bezogen werden können. Dabei wird Medienperformanz als didaktische Grundhaltung konzipiert, welche mit den Prinzipien einer handlungs- bzw. alltagsorientierten Medienpädagogik korrespondiert. Am Beispiel des medienpädagogischen Projekts "Schaut her! Ich zeig's euch digital!" wird das didaktische Potenzial des Medienperformanz-Ansatzes dargelegt

A Study of Layered Learning in Oncology

Objective. To explore use of pharmacy learners as a means to expand pharmacy services in a layered learning practice model (LLPM), to examine whether an LLPM environment precludes achievement of knowledge-based learning objectives, and to explore learner perception of the experience

Exploring the Requisite Skills and Competencies of Pharmacists Needed for Success in an Evolving Health Care Environment

Objective. To identify and describe the core competencies and skills considered essential for success of pharmacists in today’s rapidly evolving health care environment

The Carnegie Supernova Project: Analysis of the First Sample of Low-Redshift Type-Ia Supernovae

We present the analysis of the first set of low-redshift Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) by the Carnegie Supernova Project. Well-sampled, high-precision optical (ugriBV) and near-infrared (NIR; YJHKs) light curves obtained in a well-understood photometric system are used to provide light-curve parameters, and ugriBVYJH template light curves. The intrinsic colors at maximum light are calibrated to compute optical--NIR color excesses for the full sample, thus allowing the properties of the reddening law in the host galaxies to be studied. A low value of Rv~1.7, is derived when using the entire sample of SNe. However, when the two highly reddened SNe in the sample are excluded, a value Galactic standard of Rv~3.2 is obtained. The colors of these two events are well matched by a reddening model due to circumstellar dust. The peak luminosities are calibrated using a two-parameter linear fit to the decline rates and the colors, or alternatively, the color excesses. In both cases, dispersions in absolute magnitude of 0.12--0.16 mag are obtained, depending on the filter-color combination. In contrast to the results obtained from color excesses, these fits give Rv~1--2, even when the two highly reddened SNe are excluded. This discrepancy suggests that, beyond the "normal" interstellar reddening produced in the host galaxies, there is an intrinsic dispersion in the colors of SNe Ia which is correlated with luminosity but independent of the decline rate. Finally, a Hubble diagram is produced by combining the results of the fits for each filter. The resulting scatter of 0.12 mag appears to be limited by peculiar velocities as evidenced by the strong correlation between the distance-modulus residuals among the different filters. The implication is that the actual precision of SN Ia distances is 3--4%.Comment: 76 pages, 20 figures, accepted for publication in A