Application of virtual reality technology improves the functionality of brain networks in individuals experiencing pain

Medical procedures are inherently invasive and carry the risk of inducing pain to the mind and body.Recently,efforts have been made to alleviate the discomfort associated with invasive medical procedures through the use of virtual reality(VR)technology.VR has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment for pain associated with medical procedures,as well as for chronic pain conditions for which no effective treatment has been established.The precise mechanism by which the diversion from reality facilitated by VR contributes to the diminution of pain and anxiety has yet to be elucidated.However,the provision of positive images through VR-based visual stimulation may enhance the functionality of brain networks.The salience network is diminished,while the default mode network is enhanced.Additionally,the medial prefrontal cortex may establish a stronger connection with the default mode network,which could result in a reduction of pain and anxiety.Further research into the potential of VR technology to alleviate pain could lead to a reduction in the number of individuals who overdose on painkillers and contribute to positive change in the medical field.

Factors Associated with Antiretroviral Therapy Defaulting among Adult Patients Receiving Care at Chikankata Mission Hospital, Chikankata District, Zambia

Background: Defaulting on antiretroviral therapy has been identified as the most important factor contributing to the antiretroviral therapy failure rate. This study aimed to investigate factors associated with defaulting on antiretroviral therapy among adult patients receiving care at Chikankata Mission Hospital antiretroviral therapy clinic. Method: Cross-sectional analytical study on 385 participants selected by a computer generated random numbers technique of simple random sampling from among the patients receiving antiretroviral therapy at Chikankata Mission Hospital. Data collected were processed and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 27. Univariate and backward multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with antiretroviral therapy defaulting. The level of significance was set at 5% with a confidence level of 95%. Results: Over half (58.4%) of the study participants defaulted on antiretroviral therapy. About 65.8% of study participants indicated improved health as the reason they defaulted on antiretroviral therapy. Most participants indicated that it was important to always go for antiretroviral therapy services (Adjusted Odds Ratio 1.95;95% Confidence Interval: [1.14 - 3.33], p = 0.015). Very few participants indicated poor family support for antiretroviral therapy services (Adjusted Odds Ratio 4.08;95% Confidence Interval: [2.02 - 8.23], p Conclusion: Defaulting on antiretroviral therapy continues to be a significant problem and needs to be addressed as a matter of priority. More counselling and awareness-raising programmes are required to improve knowledge and understanding on the importance of attending scheduled antiretroviral therapy clinics and services as well as the consequences of defaulting on antiretroviral therapy.

The Macroeconomic Impact of Internet Finance

This paper investigates the macroeconomic impacts of Internet finance,highlighting its advantages and challenges.Internet finance,a fusion of Internet technology with traditional financial practices,introduces innovative models for global asset management,capital financing,payments,investments,and intermediary services.While it enhances the accessibility and efficiency of financial services,it also introduces new risks,such as higher credit default rates.This study explores how Internet finance contributes to financial inclusivity and macroeconomic growth yet poses potential threats to traditional financial stability.The dual aspects of Internet finance are analyzed:its application in existing processes and its capacity to generate novel business models.Furthermore,the paper proposes strategic responses to mitigate the negative impacts of Internet finance,mainly focusing on risk management and regulatory improvements to safeguard economic stability.

The Impact of Corporate Governance and Fair Value Accounting on Debt Contracts

This paper investigates the theoretical relationship between corporate governance,fair value accounting,and debt contracts.It primarily examines the individual impacts of corporate governance and fair value accounting on debt contracts,while also exploring the influence of corporate governance on fair value accounting.The study emphasizes the importance of considering the interests and legal status of creditors in the context of debt contracts.The findings indicate that strong corporate governance can reduce the likelihood of debt default and that the company’s restructuring costs in the event of a default determine whether improved corporate governance will increase or decrease debt costs.Additionally,the study reveals that the strength of corporate governance affects the value relevance of fair value accounting.However,the impact of fair value accounting on debt contracts is not inherently positive or negative;for instance,companies may use fair value adjustments with manipulative intent to enhance performance.Ultimately,the research highlights that discussions about corporate governance should not prioritize shareholder interests exclusively but also consider the legitimate position of creditors.

Changes in the default mode network in the prefrontal lobe, posterior cingulated cortex and hippocampus of heroin users

The default mode network is associated with senior cognitive functions in humans. In this study, we performed independent component analysis of blood oxygenation signals from 14 heroin users and 13 matched normal controls in the resting state through functional MRI scans. Results showed that the default mode network was significantly activated in the prefrontal lobe, posterior cingulated cortex and hippocampus of heroin users, and an enhanced activation signal was observed in the right inferior parietal Iobule （P 〈 0.05, corrected for false discovery rate）. Experimental findings indicate that the default mode network is altered in heroin users.

Central Pain Syndrome: Etiological Perspectives from the 3D Default Space Model of Consciousness

In this article, the mechanisms of central pain syndrome (CPS) are examined for the purpose of gaining insight into how a unified conscious experience arises from brain and body interaction. We provide a novel etiology for CPS via implementation of the previously proposed 3D Default Space (3DDS) consciousness model in which consciousness and body schema arise when afferent information is processed by corticothalamic feedback loops and integrated via the thalamus. Further, we propose the mechanisms by which CPS represents deficits in dynamic interactions between afferent and efferent signaling. Modern hypotheses of CPS suggest roles for maladaptive neuroplasticity, a deafferentated somatosensory cortex and/or thalamus, and reorganization along the sensory pathways of the spinothalamic tract in the pathogenesis of the painful sensations. We propose that CPS arises when painful sensory signals originating along the maladapted and/or dysfunctional spinothalamic tract become accentuated by the dominant top down mechanisms of the brain.

A Study on The Timeliness of Credit Rating on Bond Defaults--Evidence from Chinese Bond Market

With the increase of China’s bond issuance and slowdown of the economic growth,the potential credit risks such as bond default in the bond market are gradually emerging.The frequent occurrence of bond defaults and the problem of false credit ratings make bond investors and market participants more cautious about the credit ratings issued by rating agencies.Based on the default bonds from 2016 to 2019,this paper analyzes the adjustment of rating of defaulted bonds by rating agencies before default.It also compares the impact of both the regulatory events and the entrance of international agencies on timeless of credit ratings on default bonds.At the same time,the divergence of rating timeliness between different rating agencies is compared.The research shows that after the unified supervision of regulators and the punishment of Dagong Global Credit Rating Co.Ltd in 2018,the timeliness of rating agencies'downgrading of defaulted bonds has increased significantly;Compared with other rating agencies,the timeliness of rating agencies owned by international rating agencies are better.

The Pricing of Corporate Bond with the Default Correlation

The pricing of corporate bond with the default correlation was studied when the corporate holded the share of other corporates . On the basis of stochastic interest rate, the model of firm's bond with default correlation was established by means of reduced form and partial differential equations (PDE). Also, the close form formula for the pricing of the firm's bond was obtained. Finally, some numerical examples were given to illustrate how our models work.

From Biological Rhythms to the Default Mode Network: What Lies beneath the Tip of the Iceberg of Mind?

Our conscious day-to-day self is often described as the “tip of the iceberg” of a much greater cognitive system. The edge of the water divides the phenomenal self from the sub/unconscious underlying it. Similar to an iceberg, the unconscious activity below the water vastly outweighs the conscious activity above it. What exactly lies beneath the surface of this murky water is a tantalizing topic of research and theory. The current research predominantly focuses on the physiology of the brain and the default mode network has been identified as an intrinsic mode of functioning. It is well known that autonomic nervous system sympathovagal balance orchestrated by the central autonomic network is strongly associated with modulation of cardiac, respiratory rate and other visceral physiological activity. In this article, we use existing research and a novel theory to tie together the default mode network, the autonomic nervous system, and non-neural physiology to describe a hypothesis on a greater biological system from which intrinsic brain activity may be founded. This hypothesis is that intrinsic brain activity and connectivities are significantly founded on activity of the body. We review how cardiorespiratory and other rhythms and electrical activity of the body may modulate and even underlie fundamental activity of the human brain and ultimately the mind. A more holistic biological system that could interface the brain and body via mechanisms such as neurovascular coupling would more accurately describe the nature of neural systems. Greater knowledge on the association and interface of brain and body via isomorphic physiologic counterparts to mind may carry profound implications in understanding intrinsic activity of the brain, consciousness, mind, and mental illness.

Conceptual Advances in the Default Space Model of Consciousness

The default space model is a unified theory of consciousness that posits the brain and body together form the foundation of conscious experience that exists as a three dimensional internally generated simulation of reality termed the 3D dynamic default space. We have explored and developed the model in many publications and journals with a variety of academic specialties and its scope and concepts continue to broaden. In these publications, we have supported the concepts of the model through its ability to explain neuropsychological disorders, illusions, and everyday observations on consciousness. The model’s foundations in which the thalamus serves as a central hub networked with the brain and body by continuous, fast, membrane potential oscillations have been greatly expanded since its initial publication which we review within this article. Profound leaps forward in our theory include the nature of lateral inhibition in sensory perception, the nature of sensory organs acting as “smart screens”, and the correlation of respiration with mental atmosphere. Through reviewing the developing concepts expanding the theory since our major 2015 publication that laid the foundation of our theory, we hope to give readers a summarized update of where the theory currently stands in terms of its structure. We encourage readers to investigate these previous publications to gain further insight into our propositions. Through accurate models of consciousness, we may develop etiologies for countless neurological disorders, as well as improve treatments.

The Default Space Theory of Consciousness: Phenomenological Support from Personal Observations and Clinical Deficits

Consciousness is the unified, structured, subjective experience that we all share. The Default Space Theory has been proposed as a unified theory of consciousness that includes the brain and body in describing the infrastructure of consciousness. We have presented the theory in journals with a variety of academic specialties;however, the model is continually being developed. Due to the current state of science on the nature of conscious experience lacking hard data, the theory’s concepts must thoroughly explain and shoulder phenomenological observations including the phenomenology of deficits of consciousness. According to the theory, the thalamus serves as a central hub which networks the globally distributed, and continuous fast oscillations not only among the brain, but also the eyes, ears, skin, and other sensory organs. These oscillations form the virtual template of external space within the mind in which external sensory information is integrated into this pre-existing, dynamic space. In this article, we explore phenomenological support for our theory of conscious experience in which such experience resides entirely in such a virtual space, termed the default space. In order to provide such support, we discuss simple personal experiments and observations which anyone can partake along with phenomenal symptoms of clinical deficits. We encourage readers to perform the personal experiments we describe in order to gain an understanding of the various concepts of the theory. The neurological deficits we elucidate not only support the theory but clarify obscurities surrounding these conditions. We assert the support we give in our theory here will advance the uphill struggle many paramount theories face in gaining initial acceptance. Further research is needed in order to acquire empirical evidence for the veracity of our theory.

Framework of pricing a revolver loan in the case of dependent defaults

In this paper we analyze the main characteristics of correlative clients and the revolver loan and reduced form models for the correlative clients A and B in real-life. This is done by decomposing the default intensity into specific default intensity and homogenous default intensity. We also use a mathematical formula of the default joint distribution function and the marginal distribution function in the physical measure to deduce the martingale measure. The modeling idea on pricing the revolver loan with client A is presented by applying reduced form model. Through calculating the cost and income fund flows under the martingale measure, the framework of a “break-even” pricing model is established. The conclusion is that the interest rate of a revolver loan for client A on the “break-even” point is not related to the maximum authorized amount and the drawdown amount at that time under some assumptions, but only rests with credit rating and homogenous default intensity of client A and B as well as loan term of client A.

The Default Risk Management in Financial Institutions： Case of the Credit Risk in Lebanese MFIs

In Lebanon, as in some countries, the major financial institutions in the economy experienced by the country in the aftermath of independence were banks and insurance companies. However, the operation of these financial institutions obeys to some requirements that are not often likely to allow economic agents with low purchasing power to obtain the necessary funds to finance their production activities. Microfinance therefore comes in as the beginning of seeking effective market oriented solutions to the provision of substantial and effective financial resource for poor groups of people who do not have access to financial service from formal government and private financial institution. Microfinance Institutions （MFIs） are created for a social and sometimes non-profit objective. In Lebanon, many limitations hinder the development of MFIs including the lack of regulations, economic conditions, insecurity, political conflict, financial resources, and the risk of interest rates. Microfinance in Lebanon saw the light during the 1975-1990 Civil War through programs of charitable and community organizations, and really started to develop only in the second half of the 1990s. Capping interest rates may affect the access of poor people to financial services. The problem is that the granting of very small loans involves inevitably higher administrative costs than those offered by traditional bank loans. Therefore, MFIs that seek profitability should have higher interest rates than those charged by traditional banks. By providing money to poor people, how do MFIs in Lebanon reduce the credit risk？ This theme＇s treatment requires a qualitative analysis development. Indeed, after the selection of a representative sample, semi-structured interviews were done with the MFIs managers, and several researches done on this topic were analyzed. The data obtained from the above are treated by the triangulation of different data and the interviews analysis by the method of discourse content analysis. In addition, a literature review was done through scientific journals, books, newspapers, and websites.

On Cultural Default and Compensation in Big Breasts and Wide Hips From the Perspective of Cultural Schema Theory

Cultural schema theory proposes that when we interact with members of the same culture in certain situations, or talk about certain information with them many times, cultural schemas are created and stored in our brain, which can promote coherence between the original and target language text, thus solving the cultural default caused by the cultural differences. It is vital to make cultural compensation to different cultural schemas and to coordinate the cultural contradiction. This thesis focuses on the translation methods and strategies in Big Breasts and Wide Hips from the perspective of the cultural schema theory, which exemplifies how cultural default and compensation functions in this novel.

The default mode network is affected in the early stage of simian immunodeficiency virus infection:a longitudinal study

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome infection can lead to cognitive dysfunction represented by changes in the default mode network.Most recent studies have been cross-sectional and thus have not revealed dynamic changes in the default mode network following acquired immune deficiency syndrome infection and antiretroviral therapy.Specifically,when brain imaging data at only one time point are analyzed,determining the duration at which the default mode network is the most effective following antiretroviral therapy after the occurrence of acquired immune deficiency syndrome.However,because infection times and other factors are often uncertain,longitudinal studies cannot be conducted directly in the clinic.Therefore,in this study,we performed a longitudinal study on the dynamic changes in the default mode network over time in a rhesus monkey model of simian immunodeficiency virus infection.We found marked changes in default mode network connectivity in 11 pairs of regions of interest at baseline and 10 days and 4 weeks after virus inoculation.Significant interactions between treatment and time were observed in the default mode network connectivity of regions of interest pairs area 31/V6.R and area 8/frontal eye field(FEF).L,area 8/FEF.L and caudal temporal parietal occipital area(TPOC).R,and area 31/V6.R and TPOC.L.ART administered 4 weeks after infection not only interrupted the progress of simian immunodeficiency virus infection but also preserved brain function to a large extent.These findings suggest that the default mode network is affected in the early stage of simian immunodeficiency virus infection and that it may serve as a potential biomarker for early changes in brain function and an objective indicator for making early clinical intervention decisions.

Research on the Debt Default Risk of Guangyi Technology

In the process of production and operation,the funds held by enterprises often do not meet the needs of the expanding production scale,so enterprises usually obtain the required funds by borrowing.However,the financing mode of enterprises is not only limited to borrowing from banks or other financial institutions.With the rapid economic development and the continuous activity of the capital market,the bond market has gradually become an important channel for enterprise financing⑴,In order to improve the layout of the industrial chain,Guangyi Technology has carried out continuous mergers and acquisitions(M&A)since 2013.Due to its limited funds,Guangyi Technology acquired a large amount of funds required for M&A by means of equity pledge.However,the copyright cloud project invested in M&A in the early stage did not achieve the expected results,leading to a frequent breach of equity pledge,which evolved into debt defaults.Therefore,this article takes Guangyi Technology as the research subject and puts forward relevant avoidance suggestions through the evaluation of its debt default risk.

Econometric Model to Estimate the Probability of Default and Loss Given Default in the EBA Stress Test in 2016

In this research,an econometric with panel data using Ordinary least squares OLS model is constructed following the guidelines recommended by the EBA stress test methodology for 2016.The findings indicate that macroeconomic factors affecting defaults are the expected ones in the Spanish credit institutions.However,loan impairments do not follow the patterns that a priori would be normal.Divergent is outcomes in defaults and impairments:the Non-Performing Loans(NPL)is pro-cyclical and impairment losses are counter-cyclical.

Modelling of Corporate Exposure at Default(EAD)in Emerging Financial Markets:The Case for Counters Listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange(ZSE)in the Dollarization Era

This study explores the Exposure at Default(EAD)emanating from credit events undertaken by listed banking corporations trading on emerging markets,such as Zimbabwe’s Stock Exchange(ZSE)or market in the dollarization era,namely period 2010-2012.The dollarization of the Zimbabwean economy in 2009 coincided with the recovery of the global financial economy from the worst worldwide economic recession ever experienced in this world.The study used audited and published data drawn from financial statements of two banking corporations for the period 2010 to 2012 that were accessible on ZSE website.These data were presented and analyzed using Eviews7.The study revealed that there were a lot of non-performing loans drawn from EADs of banking corporations trading on the ZSE in the period under review.The study further noted that credit exposures issued by commercial banks in the period 2010-2012 were also exposed to risk from the nature of the borrowers,banks’internal and external market variables.The variables that impacted on banks’credit exposures include political,social,industrial,unemployment,technological challenges,state of financial markets,their capitalization and liquidity statuses.We therefore conclude that banks in emerging markets need to efficiently and effectively manage their credit portfolios in their desire to grow towards sustainable development.The study also concludes that banks in emerging markets that are into lending activities should adopt and implement financial econometric(EAD)models that are easy to apply,practical,pragmatic,and adjusted for market friction.The study recommends that listed banking corporations in emerging markets need to adhere to the requirements of the Basel Ⅱ and Ⅲ Capital Accords if they are to make meaningful business out of their credit exposure operations.It also recommends that banks should come up with capitalization and investment strategies that suit their economic conditions if they are to grow and develop sizeable market shares and wealth from their lending businesses.Finally the study recommends that banks in emerging economies should adapt to international business standards,strategies,ethics,and corporate governance parameters if they are to grow towards greater similarity with those in developed nations in their service delivery to the stakeholders and contribution to nation building and sustainable development.

On translators paying attention to the culture default

In the relevance-theoretic framework,translation is an act of communication carried out between two cultures through the medium of language,which involves the cognition of three parts;the original writer,the translator,and the target reader.Since it is a culture-specific phenomenon and the cognitive environment of the original writer and the target reader are different,cultural default often results in misreading or incoherent understanding in cross-cultural communication.

The pricing of perpetual convertible bond with credit risk

Convertible bond gives holder the right to choose a conversion strategy to maximize the bond value, and issuer also has the right to minimize the bond value in order to maximize equity value. When there is default occurring, conversion and calling strategies are invalid. In the framework of reduced form model, we reduce the price of convertible bond to variational inequalities, and the coefficients of variational inequalities are unbounded at the original point. Then the existence and uniqueness of variational inequality are proven. Finally, we prove that the conversion area, the calling area and the holding area are connected subsets of the state space.