"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

The Employment, Investment and Current Account Effects of Exchange Rate Policies in a Cash-in-Advance Economy

The effects of exchange rate policies are examined for a small open economy in an infinite horizon model with investment, labor/leisure choice, and cash-in-advance for consumption. An increase in the rate of depreciation of the domestic currency reduces consumption and labor supply, as the higher inflation increases the price of consumption relative to leisure. The fall in labor reduces the marginal productivity of capital, and a fall in investment. The country runs a current account surplus, despite the fall in output. The dynamics of the model for permanent, temporary and anticipated policy changes are fully worked out.Employment, Investment, Current Account, Cash-in-Advance

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 Roots.

"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

Density and Mobility Impact on MANET Routing Protocols in a Maritime Environment

Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks (MANETS) are multi hop wireless networks, where a packet hops through a number of intermediate nodes within coverage range of each other to reach the intended destination. The novel application of MANET routing protocols in the marine environment using available technology is one of the contributions of this work. The high cost of other available technologies which require direct connection to IP networks make our approach an attractive proposition for small craft. In this paper we investigate the effect of different maritime traffic patterns on the performance of three different MANET routing protocols which are Ad hoc On-Demand Distance Vector (AODV), Ad hoc On-Demand Multi Path Distance Vector (AOMDV) and Destination-Sequenced Distance Vector (DSDV). The traffic patterns are represented by different node densities and mobility behaviours which are likely to be found in the marine environment. Performance evaluation of the MANET protocols is compared in terms of packet delivery ratio

(AMDC) Algorithm for wireless sensor networks in the marine environment

Abstract—Data compression is known today as one of the most important enabling technologies that form the foundation of the majority of data applications and networks as we know them, including wireless sensor networks and the popular world wide net (internet). Marine data networks are gaining increasing interest in the research community due to the increasing request for data services over the sea. There are a very narrow range of available solutions because of the absence of infrastructure over such vast water surfaces. We have previously proposed applying MANET networks in the marine environment using VHF technology available on the majority of ships and vessels in order to gather different sensor data such as sea depth, temperature, wind speed and direction, etc. and send it to a central server to produce a public information map. We also discusses the gains and drawbacks of our proposal including the problem of low rate data transmission offered by VHF radio limited to 9.6 Kbps. In this paper we investigate the application of appropriate data quantization and compression techniques to the marine sensor data collected in order to reduce the burden on the channel links and achieve better transmission efficiency. Keywords—Wireless sensor network, Mobile Ad hoc Network, Very High Frequency, Sensor

Microelectrode cluster technology for precise interactions with neuronal circuits. Towards highly specific adaptive deep brain stimulation.

Neuro-electronic interfaces, which can be used for stable communication between neurons-computers over long periods of time, would be valuable for understanding and interacting with the nervous system. A major challenge has been to overcome the tissue reactions towards implanted electrodes. Flexible microelectrodes that cause less implantation injury and which can follow the micromotions of the brain have been considered as a solution to achieve stable neuronal recordings and stimulations. The aim of this thesis work was therefore to develop and evaluate biocompatible neuro-electronic interfaces, as well as introduce new implantation methods which together allow stable recordings and spatially precise stimulation of the brainTo this end, we have developed a new generation of ultrathin flexible electrode arrays based on 12.5 µm thin wires embedded in a gelatin vehicle providing structural support during implantation. The gelatin embedded electrodes were implanted in rat brains via a narrow track line and spread out as a cluster in the target area. In the first study, we evaluated the performance of the neural recordings for eight weeks with respect to impedance, signal amplitudes and noise levels. We found impedance, and signal to noise ratio of single units to be quite stable, suggesting high biocompatibility. In the second study, we developed a gelatin embedded microelectrode array consisting of 16 microelectrodes, distally equipped with silicone cushions to reduce vascular damage. This array was implanted medial to the subthalamic nucleus, in 6-hydroxydopamine lesioned rats (a classical animal model for Parkinson’s disease), and the effects of deep brain stimulation were evaluated for 6 weeks. Stimulation with subsets of 4-8 electrodes evoked specific motor behaviors in all the tested rats. Depending on the exact electrode combination, stimulation elicited either improvement of locomotion, or grooming and rearing, increased turning, dyskinesia, or no movement. These results suggest that improved stimulation specificity can be obtained by choosing the right group of electrodes from the cluster. In the third study, we hypothesized that reducing the tissue resistance during the insertion of the electrodes would minimize the implantation injury. To address this problem, we coated gelatin embedded needles with a layer of ice, which on melting, provided a super slippery surface during insertion into the brain. The addition of a layer of melting ice decreased the insertion force by approximately 50%, significantly reduced neuronal loss, as well as the astrocytic response, but did not have any obvious effect on microglial activation.In conclusion, this thesis presents a novel design for implantable and biocompatible neuro-electronic interfaces comprising highly flexible microelectrodes rendering stable recording properties and improved stimulation specificity. In addition, a novel implantation vehicle was developed to reduce the acute tissue reactions in response to the implantatio

Claim Analysis of Construction Projects in Oman

Claims are one of the problems that  construction project may face. Claims might cause many affects such as payment delay, extension of time and work suspension. This paper aims to highlight claims in construction industry in Oman and factors affecting these claims, as a result of construction boom, claims get bigger attention due to the high effect on the main elements of construction management. Field study has been conducted to collect data required in claim concern. Data were collected through data collecting form designed for this purpose, collected data was for 45 projects with specific criteria. According to the analyzed data, it’s been shown that the average of claims in construction projects is 2.6 claims per project, most of these claims are: extension of time effect, solved in negotiation manner, occurred in lump sum contracts. Owners are the first party "as sources of claims" with 42% of research sample over other sources like consultants, contractor and contract documents

Empirical Observation of Akhlāṭ: An Experimental Study

The Unani System of Medicine is rooted in the humoral theory, which posits that the equilibrium of four Akhlāṭ (humours) is essential for maintaining health, while their imbalance leads to disease. This study aims to empirically validate the existence of these humours through an experimental approach. Blood samples were subjected to various conditions, including clotting, the addition of hot water, and centrifugation, to observe distinct layers corresponding to the classical descriptions of Akhlāṭ. The experiment demonstrated partial confirmation of traditional claims. The upper frothy or yellowish layer was identified as Ṣafrā’, while the lower dark red layer appeared to be a mixture of Dam and Sawdā’. The addition of hot water revealed an egg-white-like transparent layer, potentially representing Balgham. However, differentiation of Sawdā’ remained challenging, likely due to limitations such as sample size, methodology, and the absence of classical phlebotomy techniques. This pilot study highlights the need for further research with refined methodologies, larger sample sizes, and quantitative comparisons. Correlating humoral imbalances with haematological and biochemical parameters could lead to the development of objective diagnostic criteria, thereby advancing the scientific foundation of the Unani system of medicine. The study highlights the continued relevance and potential integration of the humoral theory with modern biomedical sciences. Keywords: Akhlat, Humour, Dam, Safra, Balgham, Sawd