Non-discretionary resource allocation as political investment: evidence from Ghana

In this paper, we propose a joint power control and resource allocation approach for co-channel deployed high dense small-cells in macro-cell networks, denoted as Two-tier Optimized Resource and Power Allocation approach (TORPA). The ultimate goal of our contribution is to mitigate the co-tier and cross-tier interference faced by indoor and outdoor users in downlink communications and efficiently satisfy their resource requirements. With this in mind, we formulate the resulting optimization problem as a Mixed-Integer Linear Program (MILP) that aims to minimize the total transmit power and achieve an efficient two-tier physical resource allocation. Then, we propose a semi-centralized scheme to solve it. Extensive simulations show that TORPA can efficiently allocate power and distribute spectrum resources to both Small-cell Users (SUs) and Macro-Users (MUs) compared to the distributed resource allocation scheme and a prominent state of the art gametheoretic approach. In particular, TORPA improves the SU’s throughput by up to 9 times and 22% in comparison to these both schemes.

In wide-area networks (WANs), efficiently allocating distributed resources presents a significant challenge due to increasing node numbers and complex network conditions. Traditional algorithms, which heavily depend on global information, encounter scalability limitations. This study proposes an adaptive distributed optimal resource allocation consistency algorithm designed for WANs. The approach dynamically adjusts resource allocation based on real-time network conditions and user requirements, reducing dependence on global data. A time window distribution model and an information coding model are employed to optimize the resource allocation process. By integrating a Q-learning algorithm and extending the Paxos algorithm to WANs, global consistency among network nodes is ensured. The experimental results demonstrate the algorithm’s superior performance, particularly in low-bandwidth WAN scenarios (below 2 Mb/s), where it significantly enhances throughput. An average resource utilization rate exceeding 97% is achieved, along with rapid convergence and high parallelism. This research underscores the algorithm’s effectiveness and scalability, providing a robust solution to distributed resource allocation challenges in complex WAN environments.

The problem of this study was how is the synergy of local institutions to manage village funds and what there were the inhibiting / supporting factors for managing village funds for village development. This study was to describe and analyze the synergy of local institutions in the management of village funds and to describe and analyze obstacles and support factors in managing village funds for development.
 This research used a phenomenological qualitative approach, because the qualitative approach has characteristics, including: having an actual sett, and the researcher was the key instrument. The data was usually descriptive, emphasizes the process, the data analysis was inductive, and the meaning of each event was essential attention. Data analysis used an interactive model, namely the analysis technique which is an integral cycle between data collection, data reduction, data display and conclusion. 
 The synergy of village institutions in Jungsemi Village was well developed because it involved various existing institutions and operated in various sectors of the village funds management, transparency or openness must be built with the community and with existing village institutions

With the fast development of different communication technologies, applications, and services, the adoption of advanced sensory and computing solutions, such as the various Internet of Things (IoT) and mobile computing solutions, is continuously growing. The massive adoption of mobile computing and IoT sensory devices encouraged the continuous growth of generated network traffic. Therefore, the selection of adequate solutions for efficient data processing became necessary. Despite numerous advantages arising from effective data processing, operators and enterprises working within the ICT domain have only limited amounts of available networking resources to store, process, and use valuable information extracted from large quantities of gathered data. In this paper, an optimal planning process and prediction of usage of network resources is examined. It takes into consideration the results of predictive modeling processes based on available sets of time series telecommunications data. The given forecasts enable effective selection of network architectures, as well as the distribution and allocation of network resources considering the cloud, edge, and fog networking concepts.

When Kenya’s new constitution was promulgated in August 2010, citizens’ prospects for the future of the country were upbeat. It was largely anticipated that the devolved system of government enshrined in the constitution would lead to a future of prosperity and good governance. Fifteen years on, the benefits of devolution are yet to be experienced fully in the country. This paper sought to investigate the factors influencing the absorption of development funds at the county level. The research examined the effect of county government structures, county government systems, and employee characteristics on the level of absorption of development funds. The target population comprised of the Chief Officers of the 47 Counties’ Ministries of Finance and Planning. A census approach was utilized - thereby resulting in a sample of 47. The study conducted exploratory factor analysis to extract latent factors of each independent variable, after which a multiple linear regression analysis was undertaken. The results of data analysis indicated that all independent variables had a positive and significant relationship with absorption of county development funds. Further, the overall fitted model was statistically significant. Based on these findings, the study made a number of recommendations to enhance absorption of county development funds in Kenya.

This chapter examines the role of international law in promoting indirectly global (and domestic) distributive justice. The focus on institutions and processes at the global level is grounded on the assumption that questions about the just allocation and reallocation of resources are ultimately resolved through processes of public deliberation (including through the involvement of courts). The author argues that the key to approaching a more just allocation of resources is by addressing the democratic deficits that underlie the skewed distribution (or the lack of redistribution) of assets and opportunities. He suggests that international law can play a role in the political empowerment of weak constituencies (within and between states). In doing so, international law can indirectly shape the distribution and redistribution of resources, in a manner that is more dignified and preferable to handing charitable contributions.

Migration is the major factor that affects the change in the population of the given territory and its distribution of natural resources along with fertility and mortality. It also affects almost all areas of life i.e. social, economic, demographic, political, and environmental. The main cause of migration in Nepal is poverty, destitution, unequal allocation and distribution of resources, geographical variation of labor demand (Pull and push factors). The main objective of this study is to analyze the general patterns of migration in Nepal. This study is based on secondary data obtained from the census 1952/54 to 2011. The absentees and Labor statistics obtained from Nepal Labor Migration Report are also used. Regression analysis is applied to measure the trend values. Student’s t-statistic is used to measure the significance between migration to India and other countries. The percentage of absentees is threefold (2.3% to 7.3%) within the given period. The trend of absentees is steady up to 2001 and then increases rapidly. The forecasted absentees are 2.1 million for 2021 and a 2.6 million for 2031. The labor migration to India increases gradually while the migration to other countries increases rapidly. The t-test shows that there is no significant difference between trends of absentees of India and other countries. The main destination of labor migrants in Malaysia followed by Qatar and Saudi Arabia besides India. Though remittance contributes a major part of Nepal’s economy more than seventy percent of out-migrants are involved in the private job and the majority of the migrants are unskilled.

As higher education moves to blended learning environments, a divide is emerging in the Australian higher education sector. This divide is predicated on differing skills and usage patterns, not access to devices. Access is not perceived to be the issue as numerous Australian secondary schools offer a school-issued laptop scheme. Yet many students transitioning to university are grappling with the necessary skills required to participate in a setting. Referred to as digital natives, these young people were expected to be digitally proficient. This thesis challenges the existence of Mark Prensky's (2001) Digital Native and provides an analysis of how differing fluency stages influence perceived preparedness for university study. Conceptualising the growing inequalities arising from a widening divide, the thesis investigates impacts on the student experience, fluency and secondary schooling opportunities. The thesis reports on three studies drawn from three research questions. Using a mixed-mode approach centred on Critical Theory and Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), the thesis provides an analysis of the divide in Australian higher education. Study 1 reports on RQ1: What is the relationship between socioeconomic, sociocultural/ geographic indicators and the divide? Four hundred and nine first-year business students were surveyed at regional and urban Australian universities. This study provides empirical data on the divide and determines a link between fluency, socioeconomic status, sociocultural capital, identity and student self-reported preparedness and skills. Study 2 reports on RQ2: Is fluency a precursor to preparedness for university study? Fifteen of the surveyed respondents completed a test with usability testing software prior to an in-depth interview. Study 2 provides a link between access and application of environments in schooling and the development of fluency. This study presents data showing disadvantage indicators can be alleviated through access to learning environments during schooling. Study 3 reports on RQ3: What enhances and develops fluencies? and examines the divide from a student's perceptive. Case studies were developed from in-depth interviews and presented as techno-biographies to determine respondents' fluency stage. These techno-biographies outline differing experiences and opportunities for skills development between secondary schools. Study 3 explores prior experience to identify influences, skills, knowledge, attitude and mindset. The study suggests that influences and prior experiences contribute to fluency and perceived preparedness for university study. The three studies are intertwined in their investigation of an association between disadvantage indicators, prior experience and stages of fluency. Particular attention is placed on examining the distribution and allocation of digitally resourcing in secondary schools. The three studies culminate in a concept model to illustrate the link between the distribution of resources, fluency and preparedness for university study. The thesis demonstrates a link between access to a learning management system (LMS) or curriculum during secondary school and disadvantage indicators. Access to a school LMS consistently produced higher self-reported skills than those without, even when disadvantage indicators were present. The issue of perceived preparedness for university study and/or a learning environment was also linked to participants who had access to a school LMS. Rural, regional, low socioeconomic, low sociocultural capital and state-school participants were less likely to have had access to a curriculum during secondary schooling and therefore less likely to report preparedness for university study. Conversely, these disadvantage indicators were overcome if participants had access to an LMS or curriculum. The thesis identifies a divide in higher education emanating from the distribution, use and allocation of secondary schooling resources and prior experience. The resourcing of secondary schools with school-issued laptops did not increase fluency or perceived preparedness for university study. However, the implementation of a curriculum or LMS produced significant outcomes in the development of fluency. These findings illustrate the influence of immersion in the formation of fluency. Resourcing schools without a clear curriculum does not increase fluency. If the divide is to be conquered, the appropriate application of resources in secondary schools must be implemented to enable the development of fluency.

The Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) introduced cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) for vehicular communications. In the standard, C-V2X Mode 4 is defined for the distributed resource selection. Subsequently, in 3GPP Release 16, NR-V2X is introduced with Mode 1 and Mode 2 for vehicular communications. Likewise C-V2X Mode 4, NR-V2X Mode 2 is used for decentralized resource scheduling. The vehicles select the resources based on their local observations by utilizing the semi-persistent scheduling (SPS). Since, the vehicles select the resources based on the local observation, sensing nature of SPS is challenged by the hidden node problem that lead to resource conflict. To resolve the contention, 3GPP also introduced the physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) to assist the distributive resource scheduling based on the receiver feedback. However, this incurred a signaling overhead. In this work, federated learning is exploited for distributive training via offline method and distributive multiagent-based resource scheduling is performed following the principles of NR-V2X Mode 2. Distributed training favors the model accuracy by accommodating the varying affect of the environment due to the high mobile dynamics. Simulation is conducted by integrating SUMO in conjunction with 3GPP NR-V2X standard. Performance results demonstrate a substantial improvement compared to other deep learning methods, where centralized training and random resource selection procedures are employed. This research marks a significant stride toward efficient and conflict-resilient resource allocation in vehicular communications.

Background: The global aging population has raised concerns about the fair distribution of elderly care resources. China, as the largest developing country, has made efforts to address population aging challenges. However, equitable distribution of elderly care resources remains a concern. This study analyzed the spatial layout and accessibility of elderly care service facilities (ECSFs) in Xiamen City to improve resource allocation and enhance the elderly care system in China. The findings provide valuable insights for other developing countries and regions seeking to improve their own elderly care resource allocation. Methods: Xiamen City was chosen as the research area due to its unique geographical location and advanced information technology infrastructure. The study examined the spatial distribution, accessibility, and equity of ECSFs. Using Python, point of interest (POI) data were collected and evaluated using the kernel density method and two-step floating catchment area method. Spatial autocorrelation analysis identified areas of aggregation and dispersion in ECSF accessibility. Results: Xiamen currently has 660 ECSFs, including nursing homes, adult day care centers, home care agencies, and rural elderly care homes. The analysis revealed spatial disparities, with ECSFs clustering primarily in the central area of Xiamen Island. Significant differences in accessibility were found among the four types of ECSFs. Spatial autocorrelation analysis identified cold and hot spot areas, indicating variations in accessibility across regions. Conclusion: Xiamen City has made progress in allocating elderly care resources and constructing service facilities. However, equity in resource allocation remains a concern. Areas with limited accessibility were identified, leading to unequal access to elderly care resources and timely physical care. To address these challenges, decision-making departments should consider increasing facilities, improving transportation, enhancing macro planning, and improving facility service quality and accessibility. These measures will optimize ECSF accessibility and promote equitable distribution of elderly care resources.

Unraveling the drivers of inequality in primary health-care resource distribution: Evidence from Guangzhou, China

Presently, the number, types, and distribution of resources in a resource allocation system (RAS), may change frequently and dynamically due to fluctuant customer demands. Such changes in a resource allocation (RA) specification mean different production or service behaviors yielded by the providers. This new situation gives rise to a challenging problem, namely, how to switch smoothly the provider systems to support different production. This paper tries to address this problem from the viewpoint of discrete event system (DES) supervisory control. A Petri net (PN) controller of an RAS can be designed from a resource allocation specification using P-invariant. Once the RA specification is changed, the controller is updated following it. Moreover, if the changed specification is unreasonable, the whole control system, are reconfigured to reach a legal system state and a newly reasonable resource allocation solution is re-calculated. Specifically, the paper proposed a reconfiguration method of a PN control system that is transformed into PN reachability analysis problem using a mathematic programming approach. In our method, not only the transition firing costs but also the steps of concurrent firing are taken into account to achieve an optimal reconfiguration solution. Finally, an example is provided for illustrating the application of the mentioned methods.

IntroductionHigh-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is an innovative oxygen-delivering technique, which has been shown to effectively decrease the intubation risk in patients with hypoxaemic respiratory failure of various aetiologies compared with...

This study explores the complexities of fiscal federalism and intergovernmental relations in Nigeria and their implications for development, resource allocation, and governance. It examines various aspects including revenue generation, resource allocation, policy implementation, intergovernmental disputes, and theoretical perspectives. The research design involved a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches, utilizing thematic analysis of secondary data and statistical analysis of survey data. The findings reveal disparities in revenue allocation among the geo-political zones, highlighting the need for equitable resource distribution and balanced development. Effective intergovernmental collaboration and cooperation are crucial for addressing challenges in policy implementation and improving service delivery. Strengthening institutional capacity and implementing conflict resolution mechanisms are recommended to foster harmonious intergovernmental relations. The study emphasizes the importance of revisiting revenue allocation formulas, promoting revenue diversification, and enhancing intergovernmental dialogue and collaboration. It also recommends capacity-building initiatives to overcome implementation challenges and the establishment of clear dispute-resolution frameworks. The research contributes to the existing body of knowledge on fiscal federalism and intergovernmental relations in Nigeria, providing insights for policymakers and stakeholders. These findings and recommendations aim to enhance fiscal federalism, improve service delivery, and achieve inclusive and sustainable development across Nigeria. By implementing these measures, Nigeria can strengthen its governance framework, foster intergovernmental cooperation, and ensure the well-being of its citizens.

Response to COVID-19 by the surgical community