Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Universalizing Complete Access to Finance: Key Conceptual Issues

In this paper, we present two stylized models of the financial system. We make the case that in order to realize the potential of a well-functioning complete financial market, financial system designers and financial service providers will need to think about ways to deliver financial propositions that are customized to individual households by responding to their unique circumstances. This will entail the presence of proximate, well-trained providers that intermediate between the customer and those large “product manufacturers” whose goal is financial well being and not merely product sales. These providers would need to use expertise in financial advice or wealth management to develop integrated financial propositions for clients. We also highlight some of the important debates that arise in making this stylized financial system a reality.
APP independent and dependent effects on neurite outgrowth are modulated by the receptor associated protein (RAP)

Amyloid precursor protein (APP) and its secreted form, sAPP, contribute to the development of neurons in hippocampus, a brain region critical for learning and memory. Full‐length APP binds the low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein (LRP), which stimulates APP endocytosis. LRP also contributes to neurite growth. Furthermore, the receptor associated protein (RAP) binds LRP in a manner that blocks APP–LRP interactions. To elucidate APP contributions to neurite growth for full‐length APP and sAPP, we cultured wild type (WT) and APP knockout (KO) neurons in sAPPα and/or RAP and measured neurite outgrowth at 1 day in vitro. Our data reveal that WT neurons had less axonal outgrowth including less axon branching. RAP treatment potentiated the inhibitory effects of APP. KO neurons had significantly more outgrowth and branching, especially in response to RAP, effects which were also associated with ERK2 activation. Our results affirm a major inhibitory role by full‐length APP on all aspects of axonal and dendritic outgrowth, and show that RAP–LRP binding stimulated axon growth independently of APP. These findings support a major role for APP as an inhibitor of neurite growth and reveal novel signaling functions for LRP that may be disrupted by Alzheimer's pathology or therapies aimed at APP processing.
Australian SMES and e-security guides on trusting the internet

There have been many standards and guides written for the implementation of computer security and information security concentrating on appropriate implementation of procedures for effective information security management. Such guides are limited when dealing with e-business and its implementation by Small and Medium Business Enterprises (SMEs). In Australia the National Office for the Information Economy (NOIE) has released a small business guide for e-security for performing such services while fulfilling the necessary security requirements. This paper presents an overview of this current small business guide to e-security with special reference to deriving a common set of criteria for implementing security measures in the SME e-business environment.
Cooling schedules for learning in neural networks.

We derive cooling schedules for the global optimization of learning in neural networks. We discuss a two-level system with one global and one local minimum. The analysis is extended to systems with many minima. The optimal cooling schedule is (asymptotically) of the form η(t)=η * /lnt, with η(t) the learning parameter at time t and η * a constant, dependent on the reference learning parameters for the various transitions. In some simple cases, η * can be calculated. Simulations confirm the theoretical results
Comparative Anatomy of Laboratory Animal Corneas with a New-Generation High-Resolution In Vivo Confocal Microscope

Purpose: The aim of the current study was to compare the corneas of three commonly used laboratory animals with a new in vivo confocal microscope. Methods: Six eyes of three adult male New Zealand albino rabbits, six eyes of three adult male Lewis rats, and six eyes of three adult male Swiss mice were used in this study. Corneas were analyzed in vivo using the Rostock Cornea Module of the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph (HRT)-II. For all eyes, 20 confocal microscopic images of each layer, that is, the superficial and basal corneal epithelia, the Bowman layer, the anterior and posterior stroma, and the endothelium, were recorded. The images were then analyzed qualitatively and compared among animals. Cellular densities of anterior and posterior stroma keratocytes of rabbits and endothelium density of the three different animals were also measured and compared. Results: The Rostock Cornea Module of the HRT II was successfully used to analyze all corneal layers of these three commonly used laboratory animals. Although the cellular patterns of the corneal layers of these three animals, as observed with in vivo confocal microscopy, were quite similar, some differences were seen in terms of endothelial cell density and stroma appearance. Superficial cells were seen as hyper- and hyporeflective polygonal cells. Basal cells had dark cytoplasm without visible nuclei and were closely organized. A Bowman layer was observed in all three animals as an amorphous tissue containing fine subepithelial nerve plexus. In rabbits, the stroma consisted of an amorphous ground substance with hyper-reflective structures corresponding with keratocyte nuclei. In rats and mice, numerous reflective stellate structures with no clearly visible nuclei were observed within the stroma. Besides endothelial cell density, the endothelium was similar among the three animals and was seen as hyper-reflective cells with dark limits organized in a honeycomb pattern. Conclusions: The Rostock Cornea Module of the HRT II can provide high-resolution images of all corneal layers of rabbits, rats, and mice without sacrificing animals or preparing tissue. This new device may be useful for evaluating the cornea during experimental animal studies.
Advances in Pharmacological Treatments of IBS

1. Fiber (in moderation, <20 g/day) and osmotic laxative for constipation (but not for pain); supplementation of 12 g per day is efficacious in the treatment of simple constipation. This is relevant to patients with constipation-predominant IBS (C-IBS) in view of the evidence that symptoms complexes transition between functional constipation and C-IBS; 2. Opioids (loperamide, diphenoxylate) for diarrhea; 3. Antispasmodics p.r. n. for severe episodes of pain; 4. Daily antidepressants (low dose tricyclics in D-IBS or conventional dose SSRIs in constipation predominant irritable bowel syndrome) for the irritable bowel syndrome itself. Pharmacodynamic studies with serotonergic psychoactive agents show that venlafaxine enhances gastric volume postprandially, buspirone reduces gastric tone postprandially and reduces satiety scores and paroxetine accelerates small bowel transit (2). These observations provide some of the rationale for the extensive clinical use of these agents.
Examining the Effect of Business Innovation on Product Quality in Goldiran Company

One of the most complicated and valuable organizational capabilities, is the business strategy. Recognition of Characteristics of entrepreneurial behavior has the most importance that makes the opportunities with the self skills and creates it by the means of innovative strategies. More on, in this article we express the role and effect of opportunity and its recognition and the relation of organization life stages and how this business strategy is used and we presented some samples in this paper. Statistical Society includes all Goldiran service company staff (200 person) that is named ”staff” in this study and according to Cochran formula 132 of them are chosen as Statistical sample. Research method in this study is correlation and Descriptive and data collecting method is fieldlibrary and for data analysis we used Liserl 8.7 software.this research results confirmed a significant effect of business innovation effective factors on service improvement in Goldiran
Localizing to Arabic consumers: Insights from print advertising

This study argues that understanding the nature and influence of cultural differences in print advertising is important for an effective international marketing strategy. Previous studies have investigated cross-cultural differences in advertising, but have not focused on advertising from the Arab world. There is also a shortage of studies providing specific recommendations about localizing advertising for Arab consumers. This study therefore conducts a comparative analysis of Arab and US print advertisements in magazines, to identify cross-cultural differences in advertising and make recommendations on localizing advertising to Arab consumers, and in particular, those in the Persian Gulf states.
Towards Safer Roads by Integration of Road Scene Monitoring and Vehicle Control

In this paper we introduce the Smart Cars Project at the Australian National University/National ICT Australia, together with a discussion and an example of a driver assistance system. We present a framework for interactive driver assistance systems that includes techniques for fast-speed sign detection and classification, obstacle detection and tracking applied to pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning. In addition, the driver’s actions are monitored. The integrated system uses information extracted from the road scene (speed signs, position within the lane, relative position to other cars, etc.) together with information about the driver’s state, such as eye gaze and head pose, to issue adequate warnings. A touch screen monitor is used to present relevant information and allow the driver to interact with the system. The research is focused around robust algorithms that are able to run on-line. Results of on-line speed sign detection and pedestrian detection are presented in the context of a driver assistance system.
Nonmodifiable risk factors Potentially controllable risk factors Increasing age Infections Male gender Inflammation Family history Obesity Genetic abnormalities Alcohol Left ventricular hypertrophy Stress Myocardial infarction Air pollution Valvular heart disease Diabetes mellitus Hypersensitivity H

There are many reviews that discuss the role of biomarkers in cardiovascular disease (CVD) and heart failure (Braunwald, 2008; Chen et al., 2010; Hochholzer et al., 2010), but little information exists regarding the presence and usefulness of biomarkers for heart failure in myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients. Heart failure (HF) is the end consequence of many CVDs including atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, myocarditis and DCM. CVD is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Western nations (Roger et al., 2011), and a growing concern worldwide (Gaddam et al., 2011). As treatments for CVD prolong survival, the prevalence of chronic HF has increased. It is now estimated that 5.8 million people in the United States live with HF and over 23 million worldwide (Bui et al., 2011). Approximately 550,000 new cases of HF are diagnosed each year, with a lifetime risk for developing disease of one in five (Chen et al., 2010; Krumholz et al., 1997). Hospitalizations for HF have also increased dramatically in the United States from 402,000 in 1979 to 2.4 million in 2007 with the cost of treating HF patients estimated at $39 billion annually (Bui et al., 2011; Chen et al., 2010; Roger et al., 2011). Biomarkers have become an increasingly important clinical tool for assessing CVD and progression to HF. Biomarkers are used in early detection of sub-clinical disease, diagnosis, risk stratification, monitoring disease state, and to determine therapies (Hochholzer et al., 2010). Many biomarkers are also risk factors directly involved in the pathogenesis of disease.
Discussion Paper Director Share Trading: Disclosure and Market Integrity

Australian legislation and Australian Stock Exchange Listing Rules adopt a two-fold approach to preventing insider trading and ensuring market integrity. Insider trading is prohibited and legislation mandates that disclosure of changes in the interests of directors in company securities occurs within specified short periods after the change. Existing institutional research commissioned by Australian superannuation funds documents widespread breach of these disclosure requirements, even for S&P/ASX200 companies. This project will undertake a detailed analysis of the level and nature of compliance / non-compliance with disclosure requirements, and examine the implications of that compliance / non-compliance for market integrity.
Change in differences between the sexes in mathematics achievement at the lower secondary school level in Australia : over time.

In this paper an investigation is reported on whether changes have occurred in the differences between the sexes in mathematics achievement at the lower secondary school level over the 30 year period from 1964 to 1994. In order to make meaningful comparisons the mathematics test scores from the three studies conducted in Australia under the auspices of the International Association for Evaluation of Educational Achievement were brought to a common interval scale using Rasch measurement procedures. The scale scores are used to examine differences between boys and girls in mathematics achievement on the three occasions as well as the changes that have occurred between occasions. No significant sex differences in mathematics achievement are found on each of the occasions. However, a significant decline in mathematics achievement is recorded for boys between 1964 and 1994, but not for girls. The decline in mathematics achievement over this 30 year period for boys is equivalent to nearly one year of mathematics learning, while the drop for girls is only approximately equivalent to half a year of mathematics learning.
The functional anatomy of the forelimb of some african viverridae (Carnivora)

The functional morphology of the forelimbs of the following African Viverridae was studied, Atilax paludinosus, Bdeogale crassicauda, Civettictis civetta, Genetta genetta, G. tigrina, Helogale parvula, Herpestes ichneumon, H. sanguineus, Ichneumia albicauda, Mungos mungo, Nandinia binotata. Their locomotory behaviour has been previously studied and described and is related to morphological differences. The osteology of all the species and the myology of three species is described. The species have been assigned to primary locomotor categories on the basis of their locomotion. These are 1, climbing, arboreal walking; 2, arboreal and terrestrial walking and jumping; 3, general terrestrial walking and scrambling; and 4, trotting. In the climbing arboreal walking category the most distinctive morphological adaptations are powerful flexors and extensors as well as a flexible plantigrade manus with retractile claws. In the arboreal and terrestrial walking category the shoulder, elbow and carpal joints are flexible and the manus has retractile claws, though the flexor and extensor musculature is insufficiently developed for controlled climbing. The trotting category is characterised by a high humero‐radial index and a rigid antibrachium. The foot is digitigrade with the claws short and stout. Species in the general walking and scrambling category show many differences in the morphology of their feet, even though the proximal parts of the forelimb appear similar. Due to the restricted nature of the adaptations, these species have been assigned to secondary locomotor categories. Morphological characters typical of the locomotor categories are summarized in the discussion.
Prospective Evaluation of Intra‐Articular Sodium Hyaluronate Injection in the Ankle

Abstract Viscosupplementation by injection of hyaluronic acid into the ankle can be used to provide pain relief and to delay the need for surgery in patients with osteoarthritis of the ankle. In the present investigation, we prospectively evaluated 50 consecutive patients (25 males and 25 females) undergoing a 3‐injection protocol of sodium hyaluronate viscosupplementation in the ankle from January 2014 to January 2015. The Foot and Ankle Outcomes Score was used to compare the patients’ pre‐ and post‐treatment opinions about their ankle problems. The mean pretreatment Foot and Ankle Outcomes Score was 48 ± 6.3 (range 25 to 84) and the 6‐month post‐treatment score was 78 ± 5.8 (range 48 to 100). This difference was statistically significant (p = .003). From our findings in the present prospective cohort study, we have concluded that intra‐articular injection of sodium hyaluronate viscosupplementation is a useful conservative therapy for osteoarthritis of the ankle. &NA; Level of Clinical Evidence: 3
Longitudinal assessment of mortality risk among candidates for liver transplantation

Liver allocation policy recently was modified to use the Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) for patients with chronic liver disease to stratify potential recipients according to risk for waitlist death. In this study, a retrospective cohort of 760 adult patients with chronic liver disease placed on the liver transplant waitlist between January 1995 and March 2001 and followed up for up to 74 months was studied to assess the ability of the MELD to predict mortality among waitlisted candidates and evaluate the prognostic importance of changes in MELD score over time. Serial MELD scores predicted waitlist mortality significantly better than baseline MELD scores or medical urgency status. Each unit of the 40‐point MELD score was associated with a 22% increased risk for waitlist death (P < .001), whereas medical urgency status was not a significant independent predictor. For any given MELD score, the magnitude and direction of change in MELD score during the previous 30 days (ΔMELD) was a significant independent mortality predictor. Patients with MELD score increases greater than 5 points over 30 days had a threefold greater waitlist mortality risk than those for whom MELD scores increased more gradually (P < .0001). We conclude that mortality risk on the liver transplant waitlist is predicted more accurately by serial MELD score determinations than by medical urgency status or single MELD measurements. ΔMELD score over time reflects progression of liver disease and conveys important additional prognostic information that should be considered in the further evolution of national liver allocation policy.
'I Am Not Leaving Home': Post-80s' Housing Attitudes and Aspirations in Hong Kong

This working paper provides preliminary insights into the housing attitudes and aspirations of Hong Kong’s post-80s generation. In particular, the concern is why Hong Kong’s younger generation faces a similar situation to that of many other countries: a failure to launch (i.e., from parental home to independent living) among young adults. A number of factors contribute to this phenomenon, such as demographic structure, social cognition, and behavioural characteristics. Yet our survey suggests that economic constraints are probably the major reason to account for young people’s late departure from parental home.
Four Paradigms for Indexing Video Conferences

Meetings in which participants are linked by video, audio, and shared computer applications produce several parallel information streams. We created a meeting indexer, Jabber, that uses content-based indexing of the audio stream to access these parallel streams. It performs speech recognition on the audio stream, then groups the recognized words into semantically linked trees. The user interface is designed to display information with minimal distraction during meetings.
The Appeal of Third-party Certifications: Information Unraveling in Natural Experiments

Despite the abundance of studies on consequences of certification, there is little empirical research on what motivates sellers to attempt certifications in the first place. One of the most intriguing theoretical predictions is the “information unraveling” proposition, which predicts a “domino- effect” in sellers’ certification-seeking behavior when a certification opportunity arises. To test this proposition, and to further identify factors that motivate sellers to seek certifications, we exploit two unique natural experiments and detailed transaction data on a global online labor market. The first natural experiment was the introduction of certifications into the market, with a fee; and the second occurred when certification exams were made free. We derive and test hypotheses on factors that motivate sellers to seek certifications, including word-of-mouth, repeat customers, cost of certification, and informational cascading. We also find that, contrary to theoretical predictions, certification status negatively impacts some sellers’ ability to obtain contracts. These findings have important managerial as well as academic implications.
Supplementation of Vitamin E and C Reduces Oxidative Stress in Broiler Breeder Hens during Summer

The present experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of vitamin E and C supplementation on the antioxidant status of broiler breeder hens during summer. Two hundred seventy broiler breeder birds (coloured) were divided into nine groups with three replicates having 10 birds in each, and were supplemented two levels of antioxidant vitamins E (250 mg or 500 mg/kg) or C (200 mg or 400 mg/kg) alone or in combinations for a period of 8 weeks. All the vitamin supplemented groups showed significantly lowered malondialdehyde (MDA) level, higher activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) enzymes and higher Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) activities in erythrocytes than control. However, supplementation with combination of vitamins proved to be better than individual supplementation. It could be concluded that the combination of vitamins C and E at lower level (@ 200 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg, respectively) had higher erythrocytic antioxidant status in coloured broiler breeder hens as compared to individual vitamin supplementation during hot and humid stress.
Revisiting Plant Plasma Membrane Lipids in Tobacco: A Focus on Sphingolipids1

Glycosyl-Inositol-Phosphoryl-Ceramides are major lipids of the plasma membrane and form rafts in the outer leaflet, yet extend into the inner leaflet of the membrane through very long-chain fatty acids to interdigitate across the membrane. The lipid composition of plasma membrane (PM) and the corresponding detergent-insoluble membrane (DIM) fraction were analyzed with a specific focus on highly polar sphingolipids, so-called glycosyl inositol phosphorylceramides (GIPCs). Using tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) ‘Bright Yellow 2’ cell suspension and leaves, evidence is provided that GIPCs represent up to 40 mol % of the PM lipids. Comparative analysis of DIMs with the PM showed an enrichment of 2-hydroxylated very-long-chain fatty acid-containing GIPCs and polyglycosylated GIPCs in the DIMs. Purified antibodies raised against these GIPCs were further used for immunogold-electron microscopy strategy, revealing the distribution of polyglycosylated GIPCs in domains of 35 ± 7 nm in the plane of the PM. Biophysical studies also showed strong interactions between GIPCs and sterols and suggested a role for very-long-chain fatty acids in the interdigitation between the two PM-composing monolayers. The ins and outs of lipid asymmetry, raft formation, and interdigitation in plant membrane biology are finally discussed.
France: Avoiding Competition

Numerous countries have attempted to improve the performance of their railways by introducing more competition, but there is fierce debate and no consensus on how this is best achieved. This book reveals how railways were an obvious target for reform because they were often losing traffic and money, and because the government was typically deeply involved as either owner or regulator.