Deployment optimization of multi-stage investment portfolio service and hybrid intelligent algorithm under edge computing

The purposes are to improve the server deployment capability under Mobile Edge Computing (MEC), reduce the time delay and energy consumption of terminals during task execution, and improve user service quality. After the server deployment problems under traditional edge computing are analyzed and researched, a task resource allocation model based on multi-stage is proposed to solve the communication problem between different supporting devices. This model establishes a combined task resource allocation and task offloading method and optimizes server execution by utilizing the time delay and energy consumption required for task execution and comprehensively considering the restriction processes of task offloading, partition, and transmission. For the MEC process that supports dense networks, a multi-hybrid intelligent algorithm based on energy consumption optimization is proposed. The algorithm converts the original problem into a power allocation problem via a heuristic model. Simultaneously, it determines the appropriate allocation strategy through distributed planning, duality, and upper bound replacement. Results demonstrate that the proposed multi-stage combination-based service deployment optimization model can solve the problem of minimizing the maximum task execution energy consumption combined with task offloading and resource allocation effectively. The algorithm has good performance in handling user fairness and the worst-case task execution energy consumption. The proposed hybrid intelligent algorithm can partition tasks into task offloading sub-problems and resource allocation sub-problems, meeting the user's task execution needs. A comparison with the latest algorithm also verifies the model's performance and effectiveness. The above results can provide a theoretical basis and some practical ideas for server deployment and applications under MEC.

Performance measurement of ESG-themed megatrend investments in global equity markets using pure factor portfolios methodology

ESG factors are becoming mainstream in portfolio investment strategies, attracting increasing fund inflows from investors who are aligning their investment values to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) declared by the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investments. Do investors sacrifice return for pursuing ESG-aligned megatrend goals? The study analyses the risk-adjusted financial performance of ESG-themed megatrend investment strategies in global equity markets. The analysis covers nine themes for the period 2015-2019: environmental megatrends covering energy efficiency, food security, and water scarcity; social megatrends covering ageing, millennials, and urbanisation; governance megatrends covered by cybersecurity, disruptive technologies, and robotics. We construct megatrend factor portfolios based on signalling theory and formulate a novel measure for stock megatrend exposure (MTE), based on the relative fund flows into the corresponding thematic ETFs. We apply pure factor portfolios methodology based on constrained WLS cross-sectional regressions to calculate Fama-French factor returns. Time-series regression rests on the generalised method of moments estimator (GMM) that uses robust distance instruments. Our findings show that each environmental megatrend, as well as the disruptive technologies megatrend, yielded positive and significant alphas relative to the passive strategy, although this outperformance becomes statistically insignificant in the Fama-French 5-factor model context. The important result is that most of the megatrend factor portfolios yielded significant non-negative alphas; which supports our assumption that megatrend investing strategy promotes SDGs while not sacrificing returns, even when accounting for transaction costs up to 50bps/annum. Higher transaction costs, as is the case for some of these ETFs with expense ratios reaching 80-100bps, may be an indication of two things: ESG-themed megatrend investors were willing to sacrifice ca. 30-50bps of annual return to remain aligned with sustainability targets, or that expense ratio may well decline in the future.

Subcategorizing the Expected Value of Perfect Implementation to Identify When and Where to Invest in Implementation Initiatives

Purpose. Clinical practice variations and low implementation of effective and cost-effective health care technologies are a key challenge for health care systems and may lead to suboptimal treatment and health loss for patients. The purpose of this work was to subcategorize the expected value of perfect implementation (EVPIM) to enable estimation of the absolute and relative value of eliminating slow, low, and delayed implementation. Methods. Building on the EVPIM framework, this work defines EVPIM subcategories to estimate the expected value of eliminating slow, low, or delayed implementation. The work also shows how information on regional implementation patterns can be used to estimate the value of eliminating regional implementation variation. The application of this subcategorization is illustrated by a case study of the implementation of an antiplatelet therapy for the secondary prevention after myocardial infarction in Sweden. Incremental net benefit (INB) estimates are based on published cost-effectiveness assessments and a threshold of SEK 250,000 (£22,300) per quality-adjusted life year (QALY). Results. In the case study, slow, low, and delayed implementation was estimated to represent 22%, 34%, and 44% of the total population EVPIM (2941 QALYs or SEK 735 million), respectively. The value of eliminating implementation variation across health care regions was estimated to 39% of total EVPIM (1138 QALYs). Conclusion. Subcategorizing EVPIM estimates the absolute and relative value of eliminating different parts of suboptimal implementation. By doing so, this approach could help decision makers to identify which parts of suboptimal implementation are contributing most to total EVPIM and provide the basis for assessing the cost and benefit of implementation activities that may address these in future implementation of health care interventions.

The predictive ability of the expected utility-entropy based fund rating approach: A comparison investigation with Morningstar ratings in US

In this paper, we propose an alternative fund rating approach based on the Expected Utility-Entropy (EU-E) decision model, in which the measure of risk for a risky action was axiomatically developed by Luce et al. We examine the ability of this approach as an alternative fund rating approach for its ability to potentially mitigate the drawbacks of the risk measure used in Morningstar ratings, and investigate the ability of the EU-E model based and Morningstar ratings to predict mutual fund performance. Overall, we find that the risk measure used in both models plays a defining role in their ability to predict future fund performance, and that the EU-E model can effectively consider the behavioral decisions of an investor.

Time to Reevaluate the Away Rotation: Improving Return on Investment for Students and Schools

Away rotations are common among senior medical students preparing to apply for residency. For competitive specialties, multiple away rotations may be viewed as a de facto requirement for a strong application. Although away rotations are often valuable learning experiences, a variety of noneducational factors motivate students to enroll, including the need for letters of recommendation, students' uncertainty regarding their strength as applicants, perceived competitiveness of residency applications, and conflicting guidance from advisors.Students who enroll in away rotations often benefit from a novel educational environment, opportunities for career exploration, and the chance to assess "fit" with a program. Yet away rotations also come at a significant cost. Students must deal with the time and expenses of rotating at multiple institutions. The application process for away rotations is expensive, disjointed, and inefficient. Students must work hard to make an impression on host institution faculty, and risk hurting their residency applications with a negative letter of recommendation.To reduce the burden of away rotations, future research should assess the impact of multiple away rotations on success in the Match. Allowing students limited access to letters of recommendation content would allow students and advisors to make informed decisions regarding additional rotations. Students would benefit from greater standardization of the application process for away rotations, with uniform dates, timely acceptances and rejections, and a cap for the number of applications per student. Students can maximize their returns by targeting away rotations that provide the most diverse educational experiences and valuable letters of recommendation.

An Ethical and Legal Analysis of Ovascience - A Publicly Traded Fertility Company and its Lead Product AUGMENT

In May 2015, the first baby created through an emerging ova technology called AUGMENT, was born in Canada.1 Developed by OvaScience, AUGMENT essentially introduces mitochondria sourced from the genetic mother into her own ovum in order to revitalize the ovum.2 This technology is controversial because OvaScience is a publicly traded company, and it is driven by short-term results, such as earnings;3 and (2) OvaScience did not complete adequate clinical trials before offering AUGMENT to the public.4 Moreover, in its 2014 annual report, OvaScience declared that it was intentionally offering its products in countries where clinical trials are not required.5 The lack of adequate clinical trials is the primary reason underlying the Food and Drug Administration's (“FDA”) prohibition of the technology in the United States.6 Finally, as of August 2018, OvaScience has shifted its research away from AUGMENT, and it only offers it through an “exclusive license to IVF Japan Group in Japan.”7

We must convince the government to invest in the health workforce

In New York on 21 September, a potentially game-changing report was submitted to the secretary general of the United Nations.

Assessing the health impact of transnational corporations: its importance and a framework

BACKGROUND

The adverse health and equity impacts of transnational corporations' (TNCs) practices have become central public health concerns as TNCs increasingly dominate global trade and investment and shape national economies. Despite this, methodologies have been lacking with which to study the health equity impacts of individual corporations and thus to inform actions to mitigate or reverse negative and increase positive impacts.

METHODS

This paper reports on a framework designed to conduct corporate health impact assessment (CHIA), developed at a meeting held at the Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center in May 2015.

RESULTS

On the basis of the deliberations at the meeting it was recommended that the CHIA should be based on ex post assessment and follow the standard HIA steps of screening, scoping, identification, assessment, decision-making and recommendations. A framework to conduct the CHIA was developed and designed to be applied to a TNC's practices internationally, and within countries to enable comparison of practices and health impacts in different settings. The meeting participants proposed that impacts should be assessed according to the TNC's global and national operating context; its organisational structure, political and business practices (including the type, distribution and marketing of its products); and workforce and working conditions, social factors, the environment, consumption patterns, and economic conditions within countries.

CONCLUSION

We anticipate that the results of the CHIA will be used by civil society for capacity building and advocacy purposes, by governments to inform regulatory decision-making, and by TNCs to lessen their negative health impacts on health and fulfil commitments made to corporate social responsibility.

[Sanitary-and-epidemiological support of town-planning activities at all stages of an investment-construction cycle]

The paper provides evidence for a need for a systems approach to the sanitary-and-epidemiological support of construction projects at all stages of an investment-construction cycle, considers individual stages of work execution, and notes the increasing role of laboratory and instrumental studies and measurements at each stage. It is emphasized that sanitary-and-epidemiological support (or, in other words, sanitary-and-epidemiological audit) of a project (construction products) at all stages of an investment-construction cycle is an important and promising line in town-planning activities.

An empirical analysis of health care IPOs and SEOs

This article reviews the extant literature regarding the three new issues phenomena: hot issue markets, first-day underpricing, and poor long-run performance as they apply to the heath care industry. Given the "creeping corporatization" of the heath care industry and the unique influence of nonmarket forces on it, we examine whether the three IPO phenomena exist within the industry. We find that hot issue markets, initial underpricing, and negative long-run abnormal returns and sales growth occur among both heath care IPOs and SEOs. Of particular interest, we find that firms are able to issue during times of excess heath care spending and subsequently underperform the market, apparently exploiting windows of opportunity.

Retirement savings plans for radiologists, part 2: a comparison of academic and private practice retirement benefits

A survey on retirement benefits was conducted involving 42 academic radiology departments and 42 private practice radiology groups. In this article, we present and discuss the survey results and provide recommendations for improving the retirement benefits for radiologists in both private practice and academic settings. A previous article, in last month's issue, provides details of how the various retirement plans mentioned in this article operate.

Money for nothing? A call for empirical evaluation of biodiversity conservation investments

The field of conservation policy must adopt state-of-the-art program evaluation methods to determine what works, and when, if we are to stem the global decline of biodiversity and improve the effectiveness of conservation investments.

Overview of physician-hospital ventures

An ongoing environment of reimbursement lagging behind escalating expenses has led physicians to explore new sources of revenue. The goal of physician-hospital ventures is to create a valuable entity that benefits patients, physicians, and the hospital. Physicians may choose to invest in healthcare facilities to improve patient care and obtain increased control over daily operations. If so, they should seek counsel to avoid violating Stark laws and anti-kickback laws. Modalities for investing in physician-hospital ventures are joint equity (stock) ventures, participating bond transactions (PBTs), and contractual integration, a new method to align the goals of specialists and hospital management without using joint equity ventures. Physicians and management should invest time in developing a shared vision of the future before beginning contract negotiations. Successful partnering requires transparency and stepwise building of trust. The greatest gain in joint ventures arises when both sides become active owners, rather than passive investors.

Echoing down from Wall St. Proposed new accounting standards could bring new guidelines for not-for-profits; conflicts between boards, CFOs could result. Merck, Allegheny, HBO & Co

The cause of good governance in healthcare got a boost when President Bush lectured power brokers on Wall Street last week, saying he would aggressively pursue unscrupulous executives. The healthcare industry, which has been trying to scrub clean its own image, is no stranger to the kind of scandals plaguing other industries.

IT investment planning: the best hospitals

A study of hospitals' best practices regarding capital investments in information systems indicates that (1) the process may need more input from IT professionals to cover the technical aspects of planning; (2) the most successful projects are highly aligned with the organization's overall business strategy; and (3) disappointments could be avoided by conducting a better analysis of the organization and its technology, evaluation of past IS performance, and assessment of IS staff capabilities.

Investing your money: the long and the short of it

Because of rapid changes in the stock market and the health care environment, boards must rethink their short- and long-term investment strategies. Experts offer practical advice about how to restructure your investments for the new economy.

Managing stakeholder loyalty

The authors question the utility of relying on the conventional wisdom in healthcare that satisfaction is the proper measure of strategic health. They offer four reasons why "stakeholder value" is the more appropriate measure. They present a case of a large midwestern HMO that has evolved to a stakeholder value approach. They demonstrate the linkages among the different components of the Stakeholder Value Information System, how stakeholder assessments of value drive loyalty and other key measures, and how that system can be used to inform strategic and operational decision making.

The value marketing chain in health care

In health care, Michael Porter's value chain can be reconceptualized as a "Value Marketing Chain," in which value is reinforced during each step of the customer recruitment and retention process. "Value" is a concept that must jointly be defined by buyer and seller as they interact every step of the way during the process. This requires the establishment of end-to-end mechanisms for soliciting feedback from customers.

Applying risk management strategies to strengthen an IDS's investment policy

The increased financial risk that not-for-profit integrated delivery systems have assumed to function under managed care has required them to become increasingly reliant on income and gains from their investment portfolios. This reliance underscores the need for these organizations to take steps to effectively manage their investment risk. Not-for-profit IDSs should establish a systematic approach to investment risk management that is based on maintaining a sound fiduciary infrastructure and having a clear understanding of risk exposures, the most important of which are policy and market risk. Applying reasonable and common-sense risk management strategies to investment policy will enhance an IDS's overall financial and competitive strength.

A quantitative rationale for investing in healthcare facilities

When considering investing in its facilities, a healthcare organization should determine its competitive position by quantifying factors such as average age of plant, inpatient days, occupancy rates, and inpatient versus outpatient revenue. Average age of plant in years (AAP) can be compared with inpatient days per 1,000 population to determine an organization's AAP relative to the market and thus whether investment is warranted. Occupancy rates per facility can be compared to the total of all unoccupied beds in an organization to determine if some facilities should be consolidated or closed. Understanding the relationship between revenue trends and the number of projects undertaken to address shifts in inpatient and outpatient volumes can help providers create the optimal environment for patient care delivery.

The art of defining computer system requirements: say what you need and need what you say

The task of defining computer system requirements often involves the consideration of an overwhelming number of complexly related factors. Therefore, before getting started, a project team assigned this task needs to get an overview and develop a clear understanding of the main objectives and the alternative methods it can use in carrying out its responsibilities. This article presents tips and techniques for achieving success in the requirements definition phase of a software selection process.