Accumulation of Human Capital and FDI Inflows in ASEAN-3 Countries (Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia)

The event of globalization and the increasing inflows of FDI to developing countries create a potential for technology transfers and spillovers which suggest a potential for future growth of human capital, and output. There is a noticeable lack of empirical findings in the literature on the impact of FDI on the accumulation of human capital in developing countries. In this paper we investigate the relationship between accumulation of human capital and FDI inflows for three ASEAN countries (Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia) during period 1985-2005. We use a new human capital indicator and an econometric method which is based on a panel dynamic method (System GMM), the empirical finding shows FDI inflows has a positive and statistically significant impact on accumulation of human capital in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.Foreign Direct Investment, Human Capital, dynamic panel data

FDI and Economic Growth in Malaysia

Abstract: This study examines the causal relationship between foreign direct investment and economic growth. Methodology is based on the Toda-Yamamoto test for causality relationship and the bounds testing (ARDL). Time-series data covering the period 1970-2005 for Malaysia, the study found, in the case of Malaysia there is no strong evidence of a bi-directional causality and long-run relationship between FDI and economic growth. This suggests that FDI has indirect effect on economic growth in MalaysiaForeign direct investment, Toda-Yamamoto test, bounds testing (ARDL), economic growth. Malaysia

Infrared Photodetectors based on Nanowire Arrays with Embedded Quantum Heterostructures

Optical sensors operating in the infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum are key components in a variety ofapplications including optical communication, night vision, medical diagnosis, surveillance, and astronomy.Semiconductor nanowires have great potential for realizing broadband infrared photodetectors with excellentresponsivity, low dark current and low noise, and a unique compatibility with commercial silicon-based electronics.In this thesis work, comprising three published articles in Nano Letters, we synthesized, characterized andmodeled disruptive infrared photodetectors based on InP nanowires with axially embedded InAsP quantum discs.In the first article, we made a combined study of design, growth, device processing and optoelectronic propertiesof n+−i−n+ InP detector elements comprising 4 million periodically ordered nanowires in arrays, including either asingle or 20 InAsP quantum discs. Optimized Zn compensation of the residual non-intentional n-dopants in the isegmentsuppressed the dark current at room-temperature to a few pA/NW. The detector elements exhibit astrong broadband photoresponse with contributions from both the InP and InAsP segments with a thresholdwavelength of about 2.0 μm and a bias-tunable responsivity reaching 7 A/W@ 1.38 μm at 2 V bias.In the second article, we performed an in-depth experimental and theoretical investigation of the responsivity ofoptimized photodetectors under different illumination conditions. The photodetectors exhibit strongly bias andpower-dependent responsivities reaching record-high values of 250 A/W at 980 nm/20 nW and 990 A/W at 532nm/60 nW, both at 3.5 V bias. Complementary real device modeling revealed a new photogating mechanism,induced by the complex charge carrier dynamics involving optical excitation and recombination in the quantumdiscs and interface traps, which reduces the electron transport barrier between the n+ segment and the i-segmentunder illumination.Finally, in the last article, we demonstrate the first intersubband photocurrent response in a nanowireheterostructure array photodetector. The infrared response from 3 to 20 μm is enabled by intersubband transitionsin the low-bandgap InAsP quantum discs. The intriguing optical characteristics, including unexpected sensitivity tonormal incident radiation, are partly explained by excitation of the longitudinal component of optical modes in thephotonic crystal formed by the nanostructured portion of the detectors.Our results show that properly designed arrays of axial nanowire heterostructures are promising candidates forrealization of commercially viable broadband photodetectors

Advancement of Shock-wave Induced Spraying Process through the Study of Gas and Particle Flow Fields

This research advances the knowledge of the working principles of the Shock-wave Induced Spraying Process (SISP), a thermal spray material deposition technique. Pulses created by a fast acting valve pass through a heated line increasing energy content and interacting with metered batches of heated or non-heated powder introduced into the line. The powder is accelerated to high velocities before bonding to the substrate upon impact. Advantages over other cold spray processes include cost savings and a more effective transfer of thermal energy to the powder. The shock-wave occurring near the substrate in other cold spray processes is avoided. The SISP flow field is resolved by using a computational model. The two-dimensional model accounts for the valve, gas heater, a tapered nozzle at the tip of the device, and preheating of the powder. It is implemented with a commercial computational fluid dynamics code. Comparisons are made with one-dimensional predictions, and measurements of pressure and temperature. Particle flow predictions are validated using particle velocity and adhesion measurements. A flow region of both high temperature and velocity gas, favorable to material deposition, forms which is not present in comparable steady-state cold spray processes. Increasing gas pressure increases the gas speed, while increasing temperature increases speed and temperature of this region. Using helium results in greater energy levels but for shorter periods of time. This indicates the need for a powder feeder which places particles in the flow at correct instants and durations of time. The effects of particle flow parameters on system performance are examined. It is found that the device must be operated at very high main heater and powder heater temperatures: 900 °C and 700 °C respectively to achieve a coating with stainless steel using nitrogen as the driving gas. It is also shown that a heater length range of 0.9 m to 1.4 m results in the greatest likelihood of achieving a coating. A higher spray frequency yields more uniform coating at the expense of performance. Powder heating becomes effective at temperatures above 300 °C, especially with aluminum compared to copper and stainless steel

Mortality Prediction of ICU Cardiovascular Patient: Time-Series Analysis

It is estimated that millions of deaths occur annually, which can be prevented when early diagnosis and correct treatment are provided in the intensive care unit (ICU). In addition to monitoring and treating patients, the physician of the ICU has the task of predicting the outcome of patients and identifying them. They are also responsible for the separation of patients who use special ICUs. Because not necessarily all patients hospitalized in ICU benefit from this unit, and hospitalization in a few cases will only lead to an easier death. Therefore, developing an intelligent method that can help doctors predict the condition of patients in the ICU is very useful. This paper aims to predict the mortality of cardiovascular patients hospitalized in the ICU using cardiac signals. In the proposed method, the condition of patients is predicted 30 minutes before death using various features extracted from the electrocardiogram (ECG) and heart rate variability (HRV) signals and intelligent methods. The paper's results showed that combining morphological, linear, and nonlinear features can predict the mortality of patients with accuracy and sensitivity of 96.7±6.7% and 94.1±5.8%, respectively. As a result, accurate classification of diseases and correct prediction of patients by reducing unnecessary monitoring can help optimize ICU beds' use. According to new and advanced techniques and technologies, it is possible to predict and treat many diseases in ICU, leading to longer patient survival

Location decision for foreign direct investment in ASEAN countries (A TOPSIS Approach)

TOPSIS approach is applied to select the most suitable ASEAN countries for attracting FDI inflows. The proposed approach also provides a relatively simple tool for this strategic decision making problem. Within the model, ten indicators are defined as determinants of FDI inflows. By using TOPSIS method, the capacity and attraction of ASEAN countries is evaluated and given final rank for period 2000-2005. Results indicate that Singapore is the most attractive for investment among ASEAN countries while ranking of some countries have changed during these years.Foreign direct investment, ASEAN, Ranking, TOPSIS

Avicenna's Essentialism

Reflecting on Avicenna’s works indicates that by ‘Dhat’(ذات), when used in the context of universal essences, he means either the quiddity or the nature, and when used in the context of individual essence, especially God’s essence, he means the very existence. The second meaning, i.e. the nature, which is the result of his inquiry about the reality of things, is based on the first one, i.e. the quiddity. According to this second meaning, and througha kind of thought experiment and using human mind’s capacity, Avicenna discusses different aspects of essence and their implications in various sciences. These conceptual analyses help us discover his idea of essentialism. The final conclusion is that Avicenna’s essentialism is consistent with his idea about existence and the definitions can refer to the essence of objects