"PPP tests in cointegrated panels: Evidence from Asian developing countries".

This paper tests the relative version of purchasing power parity (PPP) for a set of ten Asian developing countries using panel cointegration framework. We employ 'between-dimension' dynamic OLS estimator as proposed by Pedroni (2001b). The test results overwhelmingly reject the PPP hypothesis.Purchasing Power Parity, Panel Cointegration, Unit Root

"PPP tests in cointegrated panels: Evidence from Asian developing countries".

This paper tests the relative version of purchasing power parity (PPP) for a set of ten Asian developing countries using panel cointegration framework. We employ 'between-dimension' dynamic OLS estimator as proposed by Pedroni (2001b). The test results overwhelmingly reject the PPP hypothesis.Purchasing Power Parity, Panel Cointegration, Unit Root

Structural Analysis Of Shape-Morphing Aircraft Slat By Using Finite Element Analysis

The changing of the wing shapes on an aircraft always amazes many people especially those in the flights. The field of shape morphing aircraft has attracted the attention of many research groups during the past century. Although many interesting concepts have been synthesized, only a handful involves the shape morphing slat for aircraft wing. The aerodynamic pressure of the morphing slat structure could lead to failure or structural damage, probably stemming from the basic design or the result of the failure seen in the material used for the structure's manufacturing. The purpose of this research is to analyze the new generation of aircraft morphing slat, by utilizing a Finite Element (FE) model as a design tool to assess the structural integrity of structure of the new morphing slat. Another aim is to investigate a material deemed suitable for making the morphing slat that can result in less deformation and stresses. In this study, structural analyses were carried out by using ANSYS WORKBENCH on the morphing slat geometry after creating it in CATIA V5. In a structural analysis, the modeling used three different materials, namely, Al6065-T6, AA7075-T651, and GFRP. The structure of morphing slat is subject to maximum aerodynamic pressure in two flight phases that include taking-off and landing which was found by using Computational-Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis from earlier work. By conducting the structural analysis, one can examine the reliability of the rigid segments and structure of morphing slat under the applied aerodynamic load, which is necessary for the selection of the material for the morphing slat design. The results of static structural analysis showed that the AA7075-T651material is the most suitable material that can be used for morphing slats because it has the least deformation and strain after comparing it with Al6065-T6 and GFRP. Hence, AA 7075-T651 can give the structure of morphing slat more strength over the other two materials

177 dB linear dynamic range pixels of interest DSLR CAOS camera

For the first time, demonstrated is an extreme linear Dynamic Range (DR) Pixels of Interest (POI) [i.e., Coded Access Optical Sensor (CAOS)] Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera design that engages three different types of photosensors within one optomechanical assembly to smartly identify POI across a one billion to one light irradiance range. A pixelated CMOS sensor provides a limited DR and linearity image by engaging a moveable mirror placed between the Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) and the frontend imaging lens. Next using DMD control, non-POI light is directed away from the chosen point photodetector (PD) engaged for high DR POI image recovery, giving the PD an improved use of quantum well capacity. For brighter POI, a solid state photodiode point PD with an electronic gain controlled amplifier is engaged while for weaker light POI, a photomultiplier tube (PMT) with variable optical gain is deployed. POI imaging is achieved using time-frequency CAOS modes via DMD control and time-frequency correlation and spectral digital signal processing. A 123.4 dB linear DR POI recovery is achieved for a custom incoherent white light 36-patch target while a record 177 dB linear DR recovery is demonstrated for a single patch 633 nm laser target. For the first time, a 1023 POI frame, real-time 48 frames/s update rate CAOS imaging is demonstrated for tracking a changing focal spot moving laser target

Demonstration of the CDMA-mode CAOS smart camera

Demonstrated is the code division multiple access (CDMA)-mode coded access optical sensor (CAOS) smart camera suited for bright target scenarios. Deploying a silicon CMOS sensor and a silicon point detector within a digital micro-mirror device (DMD)-based spatially isolating hybrid camera design, this smart imager first engages the DMD starring mode with a controlled factor of 200 high optical attenuation of the scene irradiance to provide a classic unsaturated CMOS sensor-based image for target intelligence gathering. Next, this CMOS sensor provided image data is used to acquire a focused zone more robust un-attenuated true target image using the time-modulated CDMA-mode of the CAOS camera. Using four different bright light test target scenes, successfully demonstrated is a proof-of-concept visible band CAOS smart camera operating in the CDMA-mode using up-to 4096 bits length Walsh design CAOS pixel codes with a maximum 10 KHz code bit rate giving a 0.4096 seconds CAOS frame acquisition time. A 16-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with time domain correlation digital signal processing (DSP) generates the CDMA-mode images with a 3600 CAOS pixel count and a best spatial resolution of one micro-mirror square pixel size of 13.68 μm side. The CDMA-mode of the CAOS smart camera is suited for applications where robust high dynamic range (DR) imaging is needed for un-attenuated un-spoiled bright light spectrally diverse targets

How willing/unwilling are luxury hotels' staff to be empowered? A case of East Malaysia

Empowerment is widely viewed as a dynamic concept to improve service quality and operational efficiency in the hospitality industry. The most effective approaches to empowering employees are not always clear. This paper contributes to the literature by seeking to understand the underlying factors that motivate and demotivate employees' willingness to become empowered. Qualitative data was collected through 22 semi-structured interviews with managers, supervisors and employees of four and five-star rated hotels in East Malaysia. In addition to the expected factors such as employees' acquired knowledge and psychological empowerment, employees' values and beliefs were also found to influence their willingness to become empowered. These findings are important in understanding employee perspectives of empowerment practices in operations contexts of East Malaysian luxury hotels

Assessing Qatar’s Readiness and Potential for the Development of a Knowledge Based Economy: An Empirical Analysis of its Policies, Progress and Perceptions

Post-industrial societies are distinguished by the development of knowledge and its use both as an economic commodity and as a means to create new technologies in order to attain and maintain a competitive edge. With the support of economic strength, effective institutions that include labour, product, and capital markets, and human capital, developed industrial nations have transformed their economies into knowledge-based economies (KBEs) through the allocation of funds for research and development (R&D), innovation, and technological development. The open nature of these economies with enhanced competition policies has also contributed to the development of a KBE in these particular countries. Qatar, as one of the oil-rich countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), has been focusing on strategies to diversify its economy beyond its traditional emphasis on oil and gas. Although these sources of revenue have been instrumental in the unprecedented success of the Qatari economy, even to the extent of avoiding the notion of the ‘resource curse’, the sustainability of generating wealth via alternative methods remains a challenge for Qatar and other similar countries. Indeed, the development of a KBE is perceived as such an alternative for Qatar; for which the country has initiated a number of strategies among its economic, financial, education, and regulatory sectors. This study, thus, aims to explore the notion transforming Qatar into a KBE as a means to enhance economic diversity, thereby investigating the nature of, and developments in, the macro and micro business environments of the country and its economy. The policies of the Qatari government are also similarly explored, so as to identify Qatar’s readiness to become a KBE. Further, this study aims to gauge the perceptions of Qatari university students towards the idea of a KBE, detailing their awareness of the Qatari government’s policies for such an economy and their expectations for the future of Qatar. To fulfill the research aims and objectives of this project, a quantitative research method is predominantly employed to analyse the primary data. Initially, the World Bank’s specialist Knowledge Assessment Methodology, or KAM, will be used in relation to secondary data, so as to assess Qatar’s readiness for becoming a KBE in comparison to other potential economic competitors. Despite the demonstration of Qatar’s strength arising from its economic variables, the KAM results show that when compared to other countries, Qatar faces certain challenges, including in the areas of innovation and human resources. Although the recent institutional changes have been encouraging, additional policies should be developed to reiterate these efforts. Correspondingly, developments related to education and training should also be continued in order to support this transformation into a KBE. The research was further expanded to investigate the opinions of Qataris with regard to Qatar’s need for a KBE and its readiness for this transformation; an enquiry was similarly made into these individuals’ understanding of ‘knowledge’, the concept of a KBE, and into their own efforts towards this transition. To this end, a questionnaire survey was conducted in order to gather primary data from university students; the results indicate that their awareness and attempts to develop themselves are rather limited. Further, the results illustrate that this demographic group is not absolutely convinced by the positive impact of Qatarisation, even though most of the students questioned thought that Qatar should adopt a KBE. And yet these same students’ knowledge of Qatar’s policies for the creation of a KBE was limited. Qatar’s policies for diversifying its economy should ultimately be perceived as a step in the right direction; the transition to a KBE, however, still requires further strategic planning and the bold implementation of these strategies. The economic strength of the country is considered to be a foundation on which such an aforementioned future can be built, notwithstanding the obstacles posed by human resources at present, especially when given the lack of trust displayed for the policy of Qatarisation by the participants of the questionnaire. The shortcomings in institutionalisation in the economy should also be considered as an important obstacle