Upper-Confidence Bound for Channel Selection in LPWA Networks with Retransmissions

In this paper, we propose and evaluate different learning strategies based on Multi-Arm Bandit (MAB) algorithms. They allow Internet of Things (IoT) devices to improve their access to the network and their autonomy, while taking into account the impact of encountered radio collisions. For that end, several heuristics employing Upper-Confident Bound (UCB) algorithms are examined, to explore the contextual information provided by the number of retransmissions. Our results show that approaches based on UCB obtain a significant improvement in terms of successful transmission probabilities. Furthermore, it also reveals that a pure UCB channel access is as efficient as more sophisticated learning strategies.Comment: The source code (MATLAB or Octave) used for the simula-tions and the figures is open-sourced under the MIT License, atBitbucket.org/scee\_ietr/ucb\_smart\_retran

Assessing performance drivers in cross-border M&A: insights from the pharmaceutical and biotech industries

This research is an investigation on the deal-specific factors impacting long-term performance of cross-border M&A and on the nature of such relations. The analysis is conducted on a sample of 187 cross-border deals completed within the pharmaceutical and biotech industries by Western European bidders between 2000 and 2009. Findings suggest that post-deal variation in gross profit improves when bidders diversify in other businesses, when assets are purchased instead of equity, and when stock is used as deal currency. Furthermore, the method of payment is found to moderate the effects geographical distance has on deal outcomes

The Use of Social Networking Sites for Scholarly Communication by Emergent Social Scientists: An Affordances Approach

Objectives — This study aims to explore how early career social sciences researchers and PhD social science students use social networking sites for science communication in Brazil. The central research question is what are the motives and rationale of the researchers for using social networking sites for academic communication. Two sub-questions arise from here: How do these reasons relate to scientific practices and the academic system of Brazil? And which are the main affordances perceived by researchers? Methods — This study is empirically oriented, building upon case studies in Brazil. It makes use of a review of affordances of social media platforms, applying the review to the study of social media as a theoretical foundation. The methodological approach is qualitative, using both interviews and netnography as research methods. Results — The primary motivations for using different Social Networking Sites (SNSs) are all related to connectivity: communication with peers—and, to a lesser degree, to the public and the research participants, updating themselves about their research interests, dissemination of research, checking availability of papers, self-branding, and participation in interest groups. These motivations translate into cross-posting practices and integrated communication strategies—combining online and offline elements—on the different platforms. The main affordances perceived by researchers in this study were related to social affordances or, in other words, social capital processes: availability, scalability, visibility, and multimediality. Conclusions — SNSs have not yet replaced traditional communication channels in the case of early career social science researchers because the academic evaluation systems do yet not include them. The use of SNSs changes according to the affordances early career social sciences researchers see (or fail to see) for each platform. This study identified observable differences according to a researcher’s field of expertise and level of comfort with particular platforms

Resultados anatómicos y funcionales tras la terapia ANTI-VEGF en el edema macular diabético en la práctica clínica

El edema macular diabético (EMD) representa en la actualidad la causa más frecuente de discapacidad visual severa en las personas con diabetes. La fotocoagulación con láser ha sido considerada el tratamiento “gold standard” para el EMD clínicamente significativo no traccional. Sin embargo diversos ensayos clínicos multicéntricos ponen de manifiesto la superioridad de los fármacos antiangiogénicos, entre ellos ranibizumab, frente al láser. Estos fármacos han cambiado el pronóstico funcional de esta enfermedad al conseguir mejorar la agudeza visual en un porcentaje significativo de pacientes. Sin embargo, en la práctica clínica los resultados están muy por debajo de lo esperado. Analizar el manejo del paciente con EMD con afectación central tratado con ranibizumab y averiguar dónde están los “gaps” o diferencias que separan los resultados obtenidos en la práctica clínica de los ensayos clínicos.Máster en Subespecialidades Oftalmológica