Non-linear convergence in Asian interest rates and inflation rates

We examine the dynamics of convergence of the ASEAN5 plus the big three for nominal interest rates, inflation rates, and real interest rates. We test for convergence relative to the U.S and Japan, using monthly data over the period January 1990 - December 2010, using non-linear unit root tests. The results show strong evidence of stationary inflation and real interest rate differentials in all but China’s inflation differential relative to the U.S., and stationary nominal interest differentials in most of the cases. We interpret these results as convergence in inflation rates and real interest rates in all cases, and as nominal interest convergence in most of the cases. Moreover, examining the impact of the Asian crisis shows less number of convergences before the crisis and more convergences after the crisis. This suggests that convergence has increased after the 1997/98 Asian crisis, and that the crisis has pulled the economies together.interest rates convergence; inflation convergence; nonlinear unit root tests

Non-linearities in the dynamics of oil prices

We utilize non-linear models to examine the stationarity of oil prices (Brent, Dubai, WIT and World) over the period 1973:2-2011:2. Real oil prices are calculated and expressed in the domestic currencies of seven Asian countries (Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand) and in the U.S dollar. Applying linear unit root tests with and without structural breaks shows very limited evidence of stationarity. However, applying non-linear models shows evidence of non-linearity in all the cases. In most cases, we find significant evidence of exponential smooth transition autoregression (ESTAR) type non-linearity. Notably, the results for Japan suggest logistic (LSTAR) type non-linearity for the four oil prices. Applying unit root tests, which account for two types of non-linearities (smooth transition and nonlinear deterministic trends), reveals evidence of stationarity in all the cases.oil prices; nonlinear unit root tests; nonlinear deterministic trends; smooth transition autoregression

Effects of vitamin D and the antimicrobial peptide in asthma

Background: Vitamin D modulates a variety of processes and regulatory systems including host defense, inflammation, and immunity. A connection between Vitamin D status and asthma has been considered. Vitamin D mediates innate immunity, particularly through enhanced expression of the human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (LL-37). Increased levels of high sensitive-C reactive protein (Hs-CRP) were found to be significantly associated with respiratory function impairment. Objective: to evaluate the relation between serum vitamin D, Hs-CRP and LL-37 levels and asthma. Study design: Thirty children (15 males and 15 females) with proven diagnosis of asthma (ages ranged from 3-13 years) were studied; they attended the pediatric department of Zagazig University Hospital in the year 2011. In addition, 30 age and sex matched apparently healthy children served as a control group. All children were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, laboratory investigations (CBC, CRP, ESR), determination of serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25 OHD) and plasma LL-37. Results: The study revealed a highly significant decrease in 25 OHD, LL-37 and a highly significant increase in Hs-CRP in children with asthma than in control group. There were a highly significant positive correlation between vitamin D and LL37 in patients' and control groups and a significant negative correlation between both 25OHD and LL37 and Hs-CRP in patients' group. High WBC count (specially neutrophils and lymphocytes), Hs-CRP level and low levels of hemoglobin, 25OHD and LL 37 in patient group were considered risk factors of asthma. Conclusion: Inappropriate concentration of vitamin D decreases the ability of the immune system to defend against infection through lowering LL-37 and elevated Hs-CRP which leads to occurrence and precipitation of asthma.Keywords: Vitamin D- LL-37- asthmaEgypt J Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2012;10(2):101-10

DNA-Based Applications in Nanobiotechnology

Biological molecules such as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) have shown great potential in fabrication and construction of nanostructures and devices. The very properties that make DNA so effective as genetic material also make it a very suitable molecule for programmed self-assembly. The use of DNA to assemble metals or semiconducting particles has been extended to construct metallic nanowires and functionalized nanotubes. This paper highlights some important aspects of conjugating the unique physical properties of dots or wires with the remarkable recognition capabilities of DNA which could lead to miniaturizing biological electronics and optical devices, including biosensors and probes. Attempts to use DNA-based nanocarriers for gene delivery are discussed. In addition, the ecological advantages and risks of nanotechnology including DNA-based nanobiotechnology are evaluated

Non-linearities in the dynamics of oil prices

We utilize non-linear models to examine the stationarity of oil prices (Brent, Dubai, WIT and World) over the period 1973:2-2011:2. Real oil prices are calculated and expressed in the domestic currencies of seven Asian countries (Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand) and in the U.S dollar. Applying linear unit root tests with and without structural breaks shows very limited evidence of stationarity. However, applying non-linear models shows evidence of non-linearity in all the cases. In most cases, we find significant evidence of exponential smooth transition autoregression (ESTAR) type non-linearity. Notably, the results for Japan suggest logistic (LSTAR) type non-linearity for the four oil prices. Applying unit root tests, which account for two types of non-linearities (smooth transition and nonlinear deterministic trends), reveals evidence of stationarity in all the cases

Non-linear convergence in Asian interest rates and inflation rates

We examine the dynamics of convergence of the ASEAN5 plus the big three for nominal interest rates, inflation rates, and real interest rates. We test for convergence relative to the U.S and Japan, using monthly data over the period January 1990 - December 2010, using non-linear unit root tests. The results show strong evidence of stationary inflation and real interest rate differentials in all but China’s inflation differential relative to the U.S., and stationary nominal interest differentials in most of the cases. We interpret these results as convergence in inflation rates and real interest rates in all cases, and as nominal interest convergence in most of the cases. Moreover, examining the impact of the Asian crisis shows less number of convergences before the crisis and more convergences after the crisis. This suggests that convergence has increased after the 1997/98 Asian crisis, and that the crisis has pulled the economies together

Non-linear convergence in Asian interest rates and inflation rates

We examine the dynamics of convergence of the ASEAN5 plus the big three for nominal interest rates, inflation rates, and real interest rates. We test for convergence relative to the U.S and Japan, using monthly data over the period January 1990 - December 2010, using non-linear unit root tests. The results show strong evidence of stationary inflation and real interest rate differentials in all but China’s inflation differential relative to the U.S., and stationary nominal interest differentials in most of the cases. We interpret these results as convergence in inflation rates and real interest rates in all cases, and as nominal interest convergence in most of the cases. Moreover, examining the impact of the Asian crisis shows less number of convergences before the crisis and more convergences after the crisis. This suggests that convergence has increased after the 1997/98 Asian crisis, and that the crisis has pulled the economies together

Internet of things applications using Raspberry-Pi: a survey

The internet of things (IoT) is the communication of everything with anything else, with the primary goal of data transfer over a network. Raspberry Pi, a low-cost computer device with minimal energy consumption is employed in IoT applications designed to accomplish many of the same tasks as a normal desktop computer. Raspberry Pi is a quad-core computer with parallel processing capabilities that may be used to speed up computations and processes. The Raspberry Pi is an extremely useful and promising technology that offers portability, parallelism, low cost, and low power consumption, making it ideal for IoT applications. In this article, the authors provide an overview of IoT and Raspberry Pi and research on IoT applications using Raspberry Pi in various fields, including transportation, agriculture, and medicine. This article will outline the details of several research publications on Raspberry Pi-based IoT applications

Nanomaterials as Analytical Tools for Genosensors

Nanomaterials are being increasingly used for the development of electrochemical DNA biosensors, due to the unique electrocatalytic properties found in nanoscale materials. They offer excellent prospects for interfacing biological recognition events with electronic signal transduction and for designing a new generation of bioelectronic devices exhibiting novel functions. In particular, nanomaterials such as noble metal nanoparticles (Au, Pt), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), magnetic nanoparticles, quantum dots and metal oxide nanoparticles have been actively investigated for their applications in DNA biosensors, which have become a new interdisciplinary frontier between biological detection and material science. In this article, we address some of the main advances in this field over the past few years, discussing the issues and challenges with the aim of stimulating a broader interest in developing nanomaterial-based biosensors and improving their applications in disease diagnosis and food safety examination

Perceptions and Expectations of Medical Students towards the Quality of Educational Services offered at A Sudanese University: How Far is the Gap?

Background: Students are the primary customers of high education service, and are becoming more aware of their consumer rights and of gaps between their expectations of service delivery and the reality of services.Objective: of this study was to investigate medical students’ perceptions and expectations of educational services quality at X University in Sudan.Methods: One hundred ninety six registered medical students in the academic year 2013- 2014, were enrolled; sample was collected through convenience sample technique. The study was conducted by the use of Modified SERVQUAL questionnaire. SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis.Results: There was a negative mean score for quality gap in all dimensions of service quality. Students perceived tangibles as quality indicators of the service quality at university, and expect universities to have modern-looking equipment, so that staff can provide efficient service to them. There was a strong student concern about teaching staff promises regarding timetables and exam schedules to be fulfilled on time, which indicated the area of most concern amongst the respondents (gap score – 1.94). A clear communication problem regarding service delivery was inferred, as students perception towards solving their problems was very low (gap score -1.91).Conclusion: students’ perceptions of services delivered by X University falls below their expectations; that indicates student’s dissatisfaction. This large gap constitutes a great challenge to the administrators and educational policy makers, who are recommended to consider students feedback as a quality indicator in the quality assurance process.Keywords: medical student, quality education, Sudan