Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Supply of Financial Services in China: A Study of Domestic Money Transfers

This study addresses the supply of financial services, especially money transfers, in the People’s Republic of China. With an estimated 95 million domestic labor migrants, the potential market for remittances is estimated between USD 23 billion and 40 billion in 2005 and growing. Labor migration in China has been characterized by a large outflow of agricultural laborers from rural inland areas moving to coastal provinces to work in manufacturing and service sectors, mostly on a temporary basis. Migrant workers tend to remit funds to their families, and a growing number also receive wages on prepaid or debit cards. The money transfers market is dominated by China Post, and other financial service providers currently have modest market share. Branch placement and retail strategy of financial service providers plus their responses to structural constraints such as the
Customer Relationship Management: from Strategy to Implementation

This article examines Customer Relationship Management, or CRM, from the perspective of strategy formulation and implementation. We commence by reviewing the origins and role of CRM and highlighting the importance of adopting a cross-functional approach to CRM strategy formulation. We examine alternative approaches to CRM strategy development and, using an 'interaction research' approach, propose a model that addresses both CRM strategy and implementation. We identify four critical implementation components of a successful CRM programme and examine these in the context of five key cross-functional CRM processes. The model structure is used to help identify a research agenda
Type 1‐polarized dendritic cells loaded with autologous tumor are a potent immunogen against chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Induction of active tumor‐specific immunity in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and other hematologic malignancies is compromised by the deficit of endogenous dendritic cells (DCs). In attempt to develop improved vaccination strategies for patients with CLL and other tumors with poorly identified rejection antigens, we tested the ability of ex vivo‐generated DCs to cross‐present the antigens expressed by CLL cells and to induce CLL‐specific, functional CTL responses. Monocyte‐derived DCs from CLL patients were induced to mature using a “standard” cytokine cocktail (in IL‐1β, TNF‐α, IL‐6, and PGE2) or using an α‐type 1‐polarized DC (αDC1) cocktail (in IL‐1β, TNF‐α, IFN‐α, IFN‐γ, and polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid) and were loaded with γ‐irradiated, autologous CLL cells. αDC1 from CLL patients expressed substantially higher levels of multiple costimulatory molecules (CD83, CD86, CD80, CD11c, and CD40) than standard DCs (sDCs) and immature DCs, and their expression of CCR7 showed intermediate level. αDC1 secreted substantially higher (10–60 times) levels of IL‐12p70 than sDCs. Although αDC1 and sDCs showed similar uptake of CLL cells, αDC1 induced much higher numbers (range, 2.4–38 times) of functional CD8+ T cells against CLL cells. The current demonstration that autologous tumor‐loaded αDC1 are potent inducers of CLL‐specific T cells helps to develop improved immunotherapies of CLL.
The Use of Banner Advertisements with Pull-Down Menus

ABSTRACT This paper examines the effectiveness of Web banner advertisements in terms of several widely employed copy-testing measures. Two groups of subjects were exposed to the same banner advertisement with the exception that the promotional message in one of the ads appeared as part of a pull-down menu. The research indicates that consumers who are exposed to banner advertisements using pull-down menus score higher on measures of attention, novelty, liking, persuasion, and click-through, suggesting that these types of banner ads are more effective than traditional, static banners. It is proposed that key factors contributing to this result are the unique format and greater informational appeal of pull-down ads. Managerial implications are discussed and directions for future research are suggested.
The Regulation of Financial Reporting: IC 15 and Revenue Recognition for Malaysian Property Developers

This paper discusses the proposed IFRIC15 in the context of Malaysia’s financial reporting convergence journey for companies in the property development sector. The deadline for full convergence was January 1, 2012. However, the road to convergence may not be fully realized with respect to property developers, in particular, as a result of the proposed new way of accounting for revenue recognition under IFRIC15. Based on data obtained from the annual reports of property developers, the study finds that revenue recognition policy disclosed in the annual reports of 113 property companies showed only 2 out of 133 companies have adopted the proposed method in IFRIC15. In addition the study sought the views of both preparers and auditors on the impact of IFRIC15. Both groups are of the view that the spirit of IFRIC15 is not aligned to current Malaysian business practice and compliance will reduce the fair presentation of business revenue from property development. Hence whilst convergence to one set of global standards for financial reporting can enhance the quality of financial reports of Malaysian companies it has to be tempered to suit local business models. The paper contributes to the current debate on convergence to IFRS and assessment of the benefits of convergence.
RESEARCH ON SPOKEN LANGUAGE PROCESSING Progress Report No. 29 (2008)

In order to understand speech, infants must differentiate between phonetic changes that are linguistically contrastive and those that are not. Research has shown that infants are very sensitive to fine-grained differences in speech sounds that differentiate words in their own or another language. However, little is known about infants’ ability to discriminate phonetic differences associated with different dialects of their native language. Using a Visual Habituation procedure, 7-, 11-, 18-, 24-, and 30month-olds were tested on their ability to discriminate two linguistically equivalent variants of the diphthong (/aI/) one produced in their native dialect (North Midland American English) versus one produced in a nonnative dialect (Southern American English). Seven-month-olds discriminated the variants but 11-month-olds did not. Infants from 18 to 30 months of age did not demonstrate statistically significant discrimination, but they did show a trend toward discrimination with increasing age. The findings suggest that dialect discrimination follows a U-shaped course of development. Because 11-month-olds demonstrated the poorest dialect discrimination performance, we are currently assessing their ability to discriminate linguistically different speech sounds varying in degree of acoustic similarity. Preliminary findings suggest that both language experience and acoustic differences may influence infants' discrimination of phonetic contrasts in the native language.
Effects due to geometry and boundary conditions in multiple light scattering.

Light propagation is measured through a multiple-scattering medium, and the scattering mean-free path is measured for different densities of scatterers. We analyse the effect of detector orientation relative to the light source, an effect of the anisotropy of the photon current. We compare light propagation in an infinite geometry to reflectance in a backscattering experiment. We compare to models for the boundary conditions applicable at the interface between the scattering medium and the adjacent free medium. These consist of linear combinations of absorbing and reflecting boundary conditions
Phonemic Fluency in Portuguese-speaking Subjects in Brazil: Ranking of Letters

Phonological verbal fluency studies in English most commonly employ the letters F-A-S as stimuli. We assessed the production of words with these and 14 other letters in Portuguese-speaking healthy subjects (n = 74). The letters F-A-S were ranked among the easiest to produce words in one minute, which is consistent with the findings of studies with English-speaking subjects. There were differences in the overall ranking of letters depending on whether the total word number or the latency between words were considered. Our findings provide a databank of phonological verbal fluency performance using different stimuli in Portuguese, and demonstrate that the ranking of the letters F-A-S is comparable between the English and Portuguese languages in terms of the level of difficulty to produce words, when the task is used in its traditional format.
Viridans Streptococci Bacteremia in Children with Malignancy: Relevance of Species Identification and Penicillin Susceptibility

Our aim was to determine the significance of species identification and penicillin susceptibility of viridans streptococci in children with malignancies. Streptococcus mitis accounted for 58% of invasive viridans streptococcal infections of which 51% were penicillin-nonsusceptible. There was no significant association between species or penicillin susceptibility pattern and clinical presentation or outcome.
Bridging the Gap? Government Subsidized Lending and Access to Capital

The consequences of providing public funds to financial institutions remain controversial. We examine the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Fund’s impact on credit union activity, using hitherto little studied U.S. Treasury data. The CDFI Fund grants increase lending at credit unions by 3%. For every dollar awarded, 45 additional cents are loaned out to borrowers in the first year, and up to an additional $1.60 is loaned out within three years. Delinquent loan rates also increase slightly. Our panel results are supported by a broadband regression discontinuity analysis. Politics does not seem to play a role in allocating funding.
A comparison of Toxocara canis embryonation under controlled conditions in soil and hair

Abstract Toxocara spp. eggs require a period of time under appropriate environmental conditions to become infective to definitive and paratenic hosts. Temperature and humidity are important factors known to affect the levels of development in soil. We aimed to investigate whether the eggs of T. canis could embryonate in dog hair under controlled conditions of temperature and humidity and, if so, to what degree. No previous work had been carried out on embryonation in hair under controlled conditions. Soil samples exposed to the same conditions as the hair samples were considered a suitable comparison in order to investigate differing levels of development. Development at two temperatures (10°C and 20°C) and the addition of water to samples was investigated over a period of 8 weeks. Importantly, we demonstrated that unembryonated T. canis eggs are capable of development in hair under controlled conditions. The rate of development is lower than that observed in soil, but remains biologically significant in terms of the overall numbers of potentially infective embryonated eggs present. Temperature is responsible for the rate of embryonation while moisture is essential for encouraging development and maintaining egg viability in general. In light of these findings the transmission of Toxocara spp. as a result of direct contact with well-cared-for owned dogs seems unlikely, but should not be ignored.
The Emergence of the Female Licensee in UK Public Houses

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to reveal the absence of female licensees in the UK pub trade up to the late 1980s, and to show how this changed as a result of the reorganisation of the industry which occurred due to the Beer Acts. In order to achieve this, an historical approach has been adopted, using mainly contemporary sources. It is suggested that the reasons for the recent appointment of female licensees is the need for increased profits.
The Long Tail: Why the Future of Business Is Selling Less of More by Chris Anderson

Books reviewed in this issue: ▪ The Long Tail: Why the Future of Business Is Selling Less of More ▪ The Toyota Product Development System: Integrating People, Process and Technology ▪ Product Lifecycle Management: Driving the Next Generation of Lean Thinking ▪ Leading Project Teams: An Introduction to the Basics of Project Management and Project Team Leadership
Nexus between social capital and entrepreneurial development in Poland

The purpose of this paper is to examine the linkage between social capital and entrepreneurship within the transitional economy of Poland. In order to achieve this objective the extant literature was synthesised and pertinent secondary data was examined. Extant literature seems to support the notion that social capital is one of the major determinants of entrepreneurial progress in a society. The nature of social capital and how it aids entrepreneurial orientation within Polish society is the main aim of this study. Polish society is rich in historical makeup and has shown a high degree of resilience and drive to adopt the transitional processes with minimal social upheavals. It is concluded that one of the prime reasons for the success of the Polish economy compared to other transitional economies was due to its rich social capital that willingly accepted both the positive and negative aspects of economic transformation.
Type 1 human T-cell leukemia virus small envelope protein expressed in mouse cells by using a bovine papilloma virus-derived shuttle vector

In an attempt to express the small (transmembrane) envelope protein p21e of type 1 human T-cell leukemia (lymphotrophic) virus (HTLV-1) exclusive of other viral gene products, we have constructed a recombinant plasmid clone (pMBE-1) in a bovine papillomavirus-derived mammalian expression vector. Mouse C127 cells transfected with the pMBE-1 plasmid expressed the introduced HTLV-1 viral gene(s) as demonstrated by Northern blot and indirect immunofluorescence with natural human antisera. The transfected mouse cells were injected into BALB/c mice, and a monoclonal antibody was recovered which specifically recognizes a 21-kilodalton protein present in HTLV-1 virions, indicating that the pMBE-1 plasmid encodes the small envelope protein.
Simvastatin, atorvastatin, and pravastatin equally improve the hemodynamic status of diabetic rats.

AIM To investigate if the effect of statins improving cardiovascular (CV) status of diabetics is drug-specific or class-dependent, and the underlying mechanisms involved. METHODS We compared the results of daily administration over a four-week period of a low dose (10 mg/kg per day) of atorvastatin (AV), simvastatin (SV), and pravastatin (PV) on cardiac performance in diabetic rats. Echocardiographic variables were tested, as well as systolic blood pressure (SBP), acetylcholine (ACh)-induced relaxation, plasma cholesterol levels, and perivascular fibrosis. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxyalkenal (4-HAE), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein levels were also measured in cardiac and aortic homogenates. RESULTS In untreated diabetic rats, cholesterol levels were higher than in control rats (CT; n = 8, P < 0.05), and the low dose of statins used did not modify these levels. In diabetic rats, SBP was higher than in CT, and was significantly reduced by all three statins (n = 10, P < 0.05). Echocardiographic parameters (EF, SV, and COI) were all lower in untreated diabetic rats than in CT (n = 10, P < 0.05). These CV parameters were equally improved by all three statins. The maximal relaxation (EMax) induced by ACh in aortic ring from diabetic rats was also improved. Moreover, this relaxation was abolished by 1 mmol/L NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, suggesting the involvement of a NO-dependent mechanism. CONCLUSION AV, SV, and PV are equally effective in improving CV performance in diabetic rats. All tree statins decreased media thickness, perivascular fibrosis, and both MDA and 4-HAE in the aortas of diabetic rats, without affecting eNOS and iNOS protein levels. The observed hemodynamic benefits are cholesterol-independent. These benefits appear to be secondary to the improved endothelial function, and to the reduced vascular tone and remodeling that result from decreased oxidative stress.
Genetic association between clusterin polymorphisms and Alzheimer's disease in a Japanese population

Background: Previous papers have reported that clusterin (CLU, also called apolipoprotein J) maintains amyloid β‐peptide (Aβ) solubility and protects against Aβ neurotoxicity. Recently, two large genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) identified that a specific single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on the gene has been reported to modify the risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD). The present study aimed to investigate whether common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of the CLU gene are associated with AD.
Building a Quality Improvement Coalition: A Cancer Information Management Strategy for Ontario

ingly important. The proportion of disease and deaths from cancer is dramatically increasing, and there is a growing awareness of the broad continuum of cancer care. Currently, Ontario spends about $1.5 billion annually on cancer care with increasing pressures to invest more. As with other services within the broader health system, resources for cancer services are scarce, demand for services is increasing, complexity of patient care is rising, and navigating the system is becoming more challenging. While it is positive news that patients are living longer with cancer due to new and complex therapies, this trend places an increasing burden on services for cancer patients. In July 2001, the Cancer Services Implementation Committee was appointed by the Ontario Minister of Health in response to public concerns about waiting lists for radiation therapy and the ability of the current system to meet the growing need for cancer services of all kinds. The Committee found that the cancer system was fragmented and needed better coordination at the local and regional levels. While patients receive high-quality care through each portion of their care, there are few links between each portion, often leaving the patient with the responsibility of creating his or her own plan of care. Recommendations included integrating cancer services of the province’s regional cancer centres and their host hospitals, developing a cancer information system that would become the backbone for the integrated cancer system, and establishing a quality council to monitor, assess and improve cancer services. Figure 1 depicts the fragmented nature of the system. After climbing up the waiting list for each type of service, the patient joins another waiting list for the next required service. Figure 2 outlines the distribution of service delivery between different provider organizations.
Egg production, faecal pH and microbial population, small intestine morphology, and plasma and yolk cholesterol in laying hens given liquid metabolites produced by Lactobacillus plantarum strains

1. Various dosages of metabolite combinations of the Lactobacillus plantarum RI11, RG14 and RG11 strains (COM456) were used to study the egg production, faecal microflora population, faecal pH, small intestine morphology, and plasma and egg yolk cholesterol in laying hens. 2. A total of 500 Lohmann Brown hens were raised from 19 weeks to 31 weeks of age. The birds were randomly divided into 5 groups and fed on various treatment diets: (i) basal diet without supplementation of metabolites (control); (ii) basal diet supplemented with 0·3% COM456 metabolites; (iii) basal diet supplemented with 0·6% COM456 metabolites; (iv) basal diet supplemented with 0·9% COM456 metabolites; and (v) basal diet supplemented with 1·2% COM456 metabolites. 3. The inclusion of 0·6% liquid metabolite combinations, produced from three L. plantarum strains, demonstrated the best effect in improving the hens’ egg production, faecal lactic acid bacteria population, and small intestine villus height, and reducing faecal pH and Enterobacteriaceae population, and plasma and yolk cholesterol concentrations. 4. The metabolites from locally isolated L. plantarum are a possible alternative feed additive in poultry production.
Value as a medical tourism driver

Purpose – This study contends that customers’ perceived value can drive medical tourism. To demonstrate this, the purpose of this paper is to propose and test a research model capturing elements of perceived benefits and sacrifice that, by affecting the perceived value of medical tourism products, influence the buying intention of potential customers.Design/methodology/approach – Potential medical tourists from China are tapped due to their cultural similarity to Taiwan, and the absence of a language barrier. Data from 301 usable questionnaires were tested against the research model using the structural equation modeling approach.Findings – The results indicated that perceived value was a key predictor of customer intentions. As for benefits, perceived medical quality, service quality and enjoyment were critical components that significantly influenced the perception of value. Regarding sacrifice, the effects of perceived risk on perceived value were significant.Research limitations/implications – This st.
OB4LAC: An Organization-based Access Control Model for E-government System

Following the emergency of multi-level, complex and distributed information systems, the traditional RBAC model becomes more and more weak and incompetent. Currently, the research of RBAC model mainly focused on building a suitable role hierarchy, although played a certain effect it still have many problems. Through the research aiming at organizations and their characters, we believe that the reasons that cause the present problems are due to the conflict in working patterns between the RBAC model and the physical world. Thus, we propose a new access control method-Organization Based Access Control Method and the specific model- OB4LAC model. This article analyzes the constituent members, formal specification, sub-models UPA, PORA, PERA and RRA of OB4LAC, and also gives the specific process in access operations and business collaboration among multi-organizations. Through the test in many complex E-government systems, OB4LAC model achievesgood results.
Orchestrating multiple changes: a framework for managing concurrent changes of varied type and scope

Accelerating changes in all dimensions of enterprises and their environments present opportunities and challenges. Business environment changes require internal changes that differ in breadth (business unit to virtual enterprise), in range of subject matter (strategy, culture, services, process, information, technologies, organization, etc.), in magnitude (incremental improvement to transformation), and in time frame (immediate to long-term). Competitive advantage accrues when multiple internal changes of varied type and scope are managed concurrently and coherently. The paper proposes an integrated management framework for orchestrating multiple changes.