Least-squares Fourier phase estimation from the modulo 2Pi bispectrum phase

The recovery of Fourier phases from measurements of the bispectrum occupies a vital role in many astronomical speckle imaging schemes. In arecent paper [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 7, 14 (1990)] it was suggested that a least-squares solution to this problem must fail if the bispectrum phase is known only modulo 2π. Here an alternative nonlinear least-squares algorithm is presented that differs from the linear method discussed in the aforementioned paper and that permits the fitting of Fourier phases directly to modulo 2π measurements of the bispectrum phase, thus eliminating any need for phase unwrapping. Numerical simulations of this method confirm that it is reliable and robust in the presence of noise and verify its enhanced performance when compared with a linear least-squares method that includes the unwrapping of the bispectral phase before Fourier phase retrieval

Trends and regional patterns of cross-border mergers and acquisitions: A case of Malaysian and Indonesian acquirers

Progress of cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in Asian region demonstrates an upstream pattern although the economy in Europe is unhealthy.In fact, many cross-border deals in Europe are dominated by Asian and US acquirers.In 2010, Asia Pacific countries had completed over 8,300 M&A deals that involved an Asian company reported by Dealogic. Countries such as China, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand are among Asian countries that are active in cross-border M&A.However, M&A trends in Malaysia and Indonesia have not received due attention of the researchers.Present study attempts to explore this phenomenon with the specific idea of identifying the background of Malaysian and Indonesian industries that involved in cross-border M&A.Present paper also reveals the integration trends involved when engaging in cross-border M&A. An opinion survey was conducted of the firms involved in M&A deals; the companies were identified from the Thomson One Banker main database which covers cross border M&A cases completed in Malaysian and Indonesia. Results show that engineering, software and telecommunication industries are among the leading industries engaged in cross-border M&A.Results also reflect that in terms of nationality of the acquired firms, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore are among favourites to Malaysian and Indonesian acquirers.The study highlights higher success compared to failures in cross-border M&A in the countries under reference

Navigation Coat Using Ultrasonic Sensors For Blind Person

Basically the project are about designing, constructing and fabricating a navigation coat using ultrasonic sensors as a navigation tool for the blind person. The ultrasonic sensors will detect obstacles surrounding the blind person in 2700 angle in certain length of distance and give indication to the blind person indicating the location of the obstacle. The significant of this project is to help the blind person to detect and be aware of obstacles surround them thus reducing the difficulties to navigate themselves

Propositions and future directions of marketers’ relationship effectiveness in mergers and acquisitions integration

Research on marketing integration related to mergers and acquisitions (M&A) has paid little attention to the combination of similar resources between two similar departments, particularly in the M&A context. Furthermore, existing research does not clearly demonstrate the role of relationship among marketers within the amalgamation process between acquirer and target firm.Hence, this paper addresses a few propositions that relate to strengthening the relationship effectiveness among the marketers in both firms, which at the same time uphold the M&A performance. Collaboration and interaction are proposed as drivers to increase optimistic relationship among the marketers.A quantitative research design is suggested as this method is not popular compared to qualitative methods such as case study, event-study and longitudinal approach in M&A.Drawing from the extant literature, propositions are developed and future directions are presented elaborating success factors to improve M&A integration performance

Polymer optical waveguide based n wet-chemical fabrication process

The wet-chemical fabrication process of BenzoCyclobutene (BCB 4024-40) polymer waveguides are described. The method of prism coupling is adopted in the characterization process of the polymer film. A cost effective chemical etching technique is used in the waveguide fabrication process to take advantage of the photosensitive nature of the polymer. The waveguide loss is measured using the conventional cut back method which results on an average loss of 3.5 dB/cm

Excessive gestational weight gain, food insecurity and its associated factors among pregnant women in antenatal clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia

Nutrition during the pregnancy period is important as adequate nutrients are necessary for foetal development and prevention of future adult disease development, thus food insecurity is a public health problem that affect maternal, child and later adult health. The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of household food insecurity among pregnant women who attended antenatal clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu and also to determine the association between food insecurity and gestational weight gain. This cross sectional study used the Radimer/Cornell Hunger and Food Insecurity Instrument as an assessment tool for food security. A total of 235 pregnant women participated in the study. The prevalence of food insecurity among pregnant women household was 41.3%; consisting of, in categories of severity, 32.3% household food insecure, 0.9% individual food insecure and 8.1% child hunger. The mean gestational weight gain of the participants was 8.8 kg (SD 5.05). This study found that food insecurity was significantly associated (χ2= 10.98, p= 0.004) with gestational weight gain. The Multiple Logistic Regression, with excessive pregnancy weight gain as outcome, showed pregnant women who had food insecurity were 4.8 times (adjOR 4.80, 95% CI: 1.94, 11.86; p=0.001) more likely to have excessive gestational weight gain compared to the food secured pregnant women. Being overweight and obese at pre-pregnancy was at higher odds (adjOR6.17, 95%CI: 2.70, 14.09; p<0.001) of excessive gestational weight gain compared to women with normal body mass index prior to pregnancy. The study found that there were significant association between food insecurity and high pre-pregnancy body mass index with gestational weight gain in the antenatal clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu. Therefore, there is a need to ensure adequacy of food and nutrients among pregnant women

Second Life virtual universities: A visual analysis

General academic objectives include producing an educational experience that is engaging, interactive, collaborative, experiential and productive. The goal is to promote learner engagement through the visual power of a newly adopted medium in education – universities in the multi-user virtual environment (MUVE) of Second Life. Attributes of the virtual reality aid visual learning in the online environment: (1) computer-generated content, (2) three-dimensional graphics, and (3) interactivity. Visual renditions of campus buildings and fellow students as avatars emotionally connect students to feel a sense of presence and community within the virtual learning platform. Additionally, the ability to see and hear their classmates’ avatars, despite geographical distances, further encourages collaborative efforts of innovative experiments with others. Second Life’s non-linear media model presents a mediated environment where 3D animations replicate natural movements and scenery to visually render the abstract, creating a sense of realistic connection, ultimately fostering learner engagement and interactio

Optical/IR Interferometry: Concepts, Terminology, and the Current Status

The use of optical/infrared interferometric methods by non-interferometric specialists is becoming more commonplace, and offers many opportunities for novel studies at high angular resolution. This paper presents an overview of current optical /IR interferometric methods for non-experts, with particular emphasis on the basic terminology and concepts. It also outlines the capabilities of current and planned interferometers, and reviews some recent science applications. The goal is to provide the background needed for a non-expert to assess the utility of interferometry for potential scientific studies, and to help identify those capabilities of existing arrays that offer the best prospects for future science exploitation.This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from the Astronomical Society of the Pacific via http://www.aspbooks.org/publications/487/003.pdf