Two nearly universal business problems are prime candidates for machine learning, Tennant says.

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Yet, the size of the problem, much like the universal banking problems, may have as much to do with this increase in crime as any.

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Universal has made its problems with iTunes well known in the past, and it now looks like it might be set to take things to the next level, with BusinessWeek reporting that the company is trying to enlist the support of other record labels in order to launch their own music subscription service.

ENGADGET: Universal fixing to start a music subscription service?

Fortunately, Japan's Science and Technology Agency has beavered away at this most first-world of problems with its Universal Earphones Project.

ENGADGET: Self-aware headphones switch channels depending on which ear they're in (video)

Against that, it can be argued that it is only by providing a universal service that one obviates problems posed by those who are reluctant to claim and those who distrust means testing.

BBC: Planning for the future

The idea is that, once evaluated providers are up and running, the state can pull back from universal vouchers and target state help on those with specific problems.

BBC: Creating the super-nanny state

Problems with the form factor will be more universal.

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Like most financing experts, David believes a universal program is probably the only way to solve the participation and adverse selection problems that plague voluntary long-term care insurance.

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