K is a rewrite-based executable semantic framework in which programming languages, type systems, and formal analysis tools can be defined using configurations, computations and rules. Configurations organize the state in units called cells, which are labeled and can be nested. Computations are special nested list structures sequentializing computational tasks, such as fragments of program. K (r...

The time required for recovery from a failure is heavily influenced by hardware setup and workload characteristics. In bad but still realistic cases, the recovery required during restart can take hours. For a database system based on write-ahead logging, we performed a qualitative study of how hardware and software configurations affect the behavior of the database and, consequently, how this b...

Wal-Mart is the largest company in the world, yet little is known about its economic impact. This essay discusses what is known about Wal-Mart’s competitive advantage and its economic impact on local communities, as well as the national and global economy, and highlights the open questions to be addressed by future research. JEL Codes: L11, L25, L81