Tight Approximation Ratio of Anonymous Pricing

We consider two canonical Bayesian mechanism design settings. In the single-item setting, we prove tight approximation ratio for anonymous pricing: compared with Myerson Auction, it extracts at least $\frac{1}{2.62}$-fraction of revenue; there is a matching lower-bound example. In the unit-demand single-buyer setting, we prove tight approximation ratio between the simplest and optimal deterministic mechanisms: in terms of revenue, uniform pricing admits a $2.62$-approximation of item pricing; we further validate the tightness of this ratio. These results settle two open problems asked in~\cite{H13,CD15,AHNPY15,L17,JLTX18}. As an implication, in the single-item setting: we improve the approximation ratio of the second-price auction with anonymous reserve to $2.62$, which breaks the state-of-the-art upper bound of $e \approx 2.72$

Manual of uniform financial reporting for counties, incorporated cities or towns, and taxing districts of Maryland

The Maryland Commission on Uniform Accounts was created by an act of the General Assembly of Maryland (Chapter 328, Acts of 1947), adding Sections 49 to 59, inclusive, to Article 19 of the Public General Laws of Maryland (1939 Code); certain amendments thereto were effected by Chapter 492 of the Acts of 1949. Under the provisions of that law, the Commission was directed to establish a uniform system of financial reporting for all counties, incorporated cities or towns, and taxing districts and to prescribe the forms of the financial reports. In accordance with that direction, the Commission has established such a system and formulated the required financial report forms. The forms employ modern principles of municipal financial reporting, as recommended by the foremost authorities in that field, adapted to the specific provisions of the governing law and the particular conditions currently existing among Maryland municipalities. Further, as presently established, they include provision for certain additional information required to be furnished by the municipalities to the State Fiscal Research Bureau under the provisions of the law governing that bureau. This manual is issued as a guide to the use of the reporting system and the preparation of reports upon the forms established by the Commission. Any problems arising in that field should be taken up with the Commission and every effort will be made to assist in a satisfactory solution