Continuous Innovation in Financial Technology Applications

Financial Technology (FinTech) is a disruptive technology that creates an innovative cross-boundary ecosystem and helps banks and technological enterprises interact, cooperate and compete effectively. This can lead to improved Financial Services (FSs) for clients. This research examines the impact of FinTech characteristics on innovation and how they can transform the quality of financial services (QFS) based on the Theoretical FinTech DIPLOMA Model (Digital, Innovation, Pricing, Learning, Openness, Modernity, Agility) in the Jordanian banking sector. A descriptive analysis approach was applied in the study. Convenience sampling was applied to choose the participants, consisting of 208 employees from all of managerial levels in Jordanian banks. The findings revealed that the DIPLOMA model positively affects the QFS in the banking context. However, it has been found that Learning does not significantly affect the QFS. Based on the findings, it is recommended that future research is carried out across other sectors. In addition, a comparative study might give more information and insights about FinTech applications and their influence on the QFS

Nonparametric density estimation based on the scaled Laplace transform inversion

New nonparametric procedure for estimating the probability density function of a positive random variable is suggested. Asymptotic expressions of the bias term and Mean Squared Error are derived. By means of graphical illustrations and evaluating the Average of L2-errors we conducted comparisons of the finite sample performance of proposed estimate with the one based on kernel density method

The Adoption of Electronic Payment System (EPS) in Jordan: Case Study of Orange Telecommunication Company

This study aimed to investigate the factors that significantly affect the adoption of electronic payment system (EPS) in Jordan, these factors were (System Characteristics: Security and Privacy, simplicity) and (Organizational Aspects: organization culture and top management support) on the adoption of (EPS) in Jordan. The deductive approach was adopted in this study to achieve its objectives. It introduces a theoretical framework from which the study hypotheses are built then tested to reach the findings that may be generalized later. The population of this study was 2320 employees who work at Orange Company. Proportionate sample was targeted from the employees at the Orange's branches. Likert five- point scale questionnaire was developed to collect the required data after reviewing some previous studies that related to the subject of the study. SPSS (version.20.0) software was used for the statistical analysis. This study revealed that top management support and simplicity have the strongest impact among the other independent variables on the adoption of EPS in telecom companies. As a result the decision makers in Orange Company should support the adoption of the EPS to improve the process of the adoption of EPS. Key Words: Electronic Payment systems (EPS), Accounting Information Systems (AIS), Telecommunication, Jorda

Molecular characterization of cannabinoids and free fatty acid receptors in human and rat skeletal muscle

The mechanisms underlying the development of insulin resistance in skeletal muscle are very complex and are not completely understood. Insulin resistance in skeletal muscle is of particular importance because muscle is the major site of insulin stimulated glucose uptake. Skeletal muscle is one of the major insulin sensitive organs and it is responsible for 80% of insulin stimulated glucose disposal as well as fatty acid oxidation. Elevated circulating free fatty acids (FFAs) and their derivatives such as endocannabinoids (ECs) have been described in obesity and are thought to be influential in the development of muscle insulin resistance. While several hypotheses have been put forward to explain the mechanisms by which FFAs and ECs may cause insulin resistance, there are still many potential signalling pathways which may be involved that have not yet been examined. The main aim of this thesis was to characterize the role of the cannabinoid receptors and free fatty acid receptor 1 (GPR40) in cell signalling in human and rat skeletal muscle tissue and primary cultured myotubes. Gene expression profiling of human skeletal muscle and cultured myotubes and myoblasts indicated that the cannabinoid receptor CB1 and GPR40 were expressed at low levels and these results were confirmed using Taqman QRTPCR. CB2 receptor expression was only detected in rat tissue and as a result was not further studied in cell culture systems. When global gene expression profiles were further examined it was evident that whilst cultured myotubes retained many characteristics of skeletal muscle tissue, the phenotype appeared to be closer to fetal than adult muscle. Furthermore, when metabolic gene expression networks were analysed using pathway based analysis, it was apparent that expression of genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation, insulin signalling and glucose transport were markedly reduced in cultured cells. The most striking example being GLUT4 which was expressed at approximately 3000-fold lower levels in cell culture as compared to tissue. The functionality of CB1 and GPR40 receptors was demonstrated using selective agonists and antagonists. CB1 activation by both synthetic and endogenous ligands was confirmed using phosphorylation of ERK1 and 2 as was the presence of functional GPR40 protein in myotubes. Neither agonists nor antagonists of CB1 or GPR40 receptors were found to modulate insulin signalling as determined by phosphorylation of downstream targets Akt and GSK3alpha/beta. Global expression profiling was also carried out on myotubes treated with GPR40 agonists and antagonists obtained from AstraZeneca. No changes in metabolic or insulin signalling genes were observed. Rather, antagonists of GPR40 appear to activate gene expression networks involved in cell proliferation – in particular an elevation in the ERBB2 signalling pathway

Molecular characterization of cannabinoids and free fatty acid receptors in human and rat skeletal muscle

The mechanisms underlying the development of insulin resistance in skeletal muscle are very complex and are not completely understood. Insulin resistance in skeletal muscle is of particular importance because muscle is the major site of insulin stimulated glucose uptake. Skeletal muscle is one of the major insulin sensitive organs and it is responsible for 80% of insulin stimulated glucose disposal as well as fatty acid oxidation. Elevated circulating free fatty acids (FFAs) and their derivatives such as endocannabinoids (ECs) have been described in obesity and are thought to be influential in the development of muscle insulin resistance. While several hypotheses have been put forward to explain the mechanisms by which FFAs and ECs may cause insulin resistance, there are still many potential signalling pathways which may be involved that have not yet been examined. The main aim of this thesis was to characterize the role of the cannabinoid receptors and free fatty acid receptor 1 (GPR40) in cell signalling in human and rat skeletal muscle tissue and primary cultured myotubes. Gene expression profiling of human skeletal muscle and cultured myotubes and myoblasts indicated that the cannabinoid receptor CB1 and GPR40 were expressed at low levels and these results were confirmed using Taqman QRTPCR. CB2 receptor expression was only detected in rat tissue and as a result was not further studied in cell culture systems. When global gene expression profiles were further examined it was evident that whilst cultured myotubes retained many characteristics of skeletal muscle tissue, the phenotype appeared to be closer to fetal than adult muscle. Furthermore, when metabolic gene expression networks were analysed using pathway based analysis, it was apparent that expression of genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation, insulin signalling and glucose transport were markedly reduced in cultured cells. The most striking example being GLUT4 which was expressed at approximately 3000-fold lower levels in cell culture as compared to tissue. The functionality of CB1 and GPR40 receptors was demonstrated using selective agonists and antagonists. CB1 activation by both synthetic and endogenous ligands was confirmed using phosphorylation of ERK1 and 2 as was the presence of functional GPR40 protein in myotubes. Neither agonists nor antagonists of CB1 or GPR40 receptors were found to modulate insulin signalling as determined by phosphorylation of downstream targets Akt and GSK3alpha/beta. Global expression profiling was also carried out on myotubes treated with GPR40 agonists and antagonists obtained from AstraZeneca. No changes in metabolic or insulin signalling genes were observed. Rather, antagonists of GPR40 appear to activate gene expression networks involved in cell proliferation – in particular an elevation in the ERBB2 signalling pathway

Nucleocytoplasmic mRNA redistribution accompanies RNA binding protein mislocalization in ALS motor neurons and is restored by VCP ATPase inhibition

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by nucleocytoplasmic mislocalization of the RNA-binding protein (RBP) TDP-43. However, emerging evidence suggests more widespread mRNA and protein mislocalization. Here, we employed nucleocytoplasmic fractionation, RNA sequencing, and mass spectrometry to investigate the localization of mRNA and protein in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived motor neurons (iPSMNs) from ALS patients with TARDBP and VCP mutations. ALS mutant iPSMNs exhibited extensive nucleocytoplasmic mRNA redistribution, RBP mislocalization, and splicing alterations. Mislocalized proteins exhibited a greater affinity for redistributed transcripts, suggesting a link between RBP mislocalization and mRNA redistribution. Notably, treatment with ML240, a VCP ATPase inhibitor, partially restored mRNA and protein localization in ALS mutant iPSMNs. ML240 induced changes in the VCP interactome and lysosomal localization and reduced oxidative stress and DNA damage. These findings emphasize the link between RBP mislocalization and mRNA redistribution in ALS motor neurons and highlight the therapeutic potential of VCP inhibition

Effect of Empagliflozin on Thioacetamide-Induced Liver Injury in Rats: Role of AMPK/SIRT-1/HIF-1α Pathway in Halting Liver Fibrosis

Hepatic fibrosis causes severe morbidity and death. No viable treatment can repair fibrosis and protect the liver until now. We intended to discover the empagliflozin’s (EMPA) hepatoprotective efficacy in thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatotoxicity by targeting AMPK/SIRT-1 activity and reducing HIF-1α. Rats were treated orally with EMPA (3 or 6 mg/kg) with TAA (100 mg/kg, IP) thrice weekly for 6 weeks. EMPA in both doses retracted the serum GGT, ALT, AST, ammonia, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and increased serum albumin. At the same time, EMPA (3 or 6 mg/kg) replenished the hepatic content of GSH, ATP, AMP, AMPK, or SIRT-1 and mitigated the hepatic content of MDA, TNF-α, IL-6, NF-κB, or HIF-1α in a dose-dependent manner. Likewise, hepatic photomicrograph stained with hematoxylin and eosin or Masson trichrome stain of EMPA (3 or 6 mg/kg) revealed marked regression of the hepatotoxic effect of TAA with minimal injury. Similarly, in rats given EMPA (3 or 6 mg/kg), the immunohistochemically of hepatic photomicrograph revealed minimal stain of either α-SMA or caspase-3 compared to the TAA group. Therefore, we concluded that EMPA possessed an antifibrotic effect by targeting AMPK/SIRT-1 activity and inhibiting HIF-1α. The present study provided new insight into a novel treatment of liver fibrosis

Repetitive Reduction Patterns in Lambda Calculus with letrec (Work in Progress)

For the lambda-calculus with letrec we develop an optimisation, which is based on the contraction of a certain class of 'future' (also: virtual) redexes. In the implementation of functional programming languages it is common practice to perform beta-reductions at compile time whenever possible in order to produce code that requires fewer reductions at run time. This is, however, in principle limited to redexes and created redexes that are 'visible' (in the sense that they can be contracted without the need for unsharing), and cannot generally be extended to redexes that are concealed by sharing constructs such as letrec. In the case of recursion, concealed redexes become visible only after unwindings during evaluation, and then have to be contracted time and again. We observe that in some cases such redexes exhibit a certain form of repetitive behaviour at run time. We describe an analysis for identifying binders that give rise to such repetitive reduction patterns, and eliminate them by a sort of predictive contraction. Thereby these binders are lifted out of recursive positions or eliminated altogether, as a result alleviating the amount of beta-reductions required for each recursive iteration. Both our analysis and simplification are suitable to be integrated into existing compilers for functional programming languages as an additional optimisation phase. With this work we hope to contribute to increasing the efficiency of executing programs written in such languages.Comment: In Proceedings TERMGRAPH 2011, arXiv:1102.226

Effects of a Composite Endomycorrhizal Inoculum on Olive Cuttings under the Greenhouse Conditions

This study was carried out in a nursery to evaluate the impact of mycorrhizal fungi on the cutting's root growth, and root colonization of a Moroccan olive variety ‘Picholine Marocaine' under greenhouse conditions during 2 years of cultivation. The results revealed that the inoculation with a composite inoculum of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) stimulated an early root formation and high development of vegetative shoots in inoculated cuttings respectively, 35 days (50 days in the control plots) and 40 days (60 days in the control plots) after their culture. The progressive establishment of mycorrhizal symbiosis in the roots of the inoculated plants showed that the root and vegetative masses were respectively 24 g and 19.5 g two years after inoculation. The average height and the leave's number of the inoculated plants relative to the control were respectively s 42/ 12 cm and 145/12. The newly formed roots were mycorrhizal and present different structures characteristic of AMF: arbuscules, vesicles, hyphae and spores, whose frequency and intensity reached 90% and 75% two years after cuttings cultivation. The arbuscular and vesicular contents and the number of spores were 67%, 96% and 212 spores/ 100 g of soil respectively. The fourteen species of mycorrhizal fungi isolated from the rhizosphere belong to 4 genera (Glomus, Acaulospora, Gigaspora, and Scutellospora) and three families (Glomaceae, Acaulosporaceae and Gigasporacea).The Glomus genus was the most dominant (65%) followed by the Gigaspora genus (22%). Glomus intraradices, Gigaspora sp.2, Glomus versiformes are the most abundant species, their frequency of occurrence are respectively 30%, 21% and 16%