An empirical study on the Factors affecting Foreign exchange markets of Pakistan

This study explores the dimensions at which foreign exchange markets of Pakistan are under influence of some internal factors i.e Discount rate and interest rate and how it really effects the Forexchange markets of Pakistan. The study also explores the effect of discount rate and interest rate effects on five major currencies for which the data is collected from state bank of Pakistan, economic survey of Pakistan and business recorder, HEC Digital Library, Articles from different Journals, Annual reports of SBP and KSE, International Financial Statistical Yearbook, BOP & BOT Statistical year book. After analyzing the data the study showedthe overall positive impact of the discount rate and interest rate on the foreign exchange of Pakistan which included five major currencies i.e. USD, GBP, JPY, CAD and EURO. We used correlation and regression analysis to test our hypothesis which says that discount rate and interest rate has positive impact on the foreign exchange market of Pakistan. Keywords: Stock Exchage, Interest Rate, Pakistan Foreign Exchange, Discount rate, Foreign Exchang

Control strategies for robotic manipulators

This survey is aimed at presenting the major robust control strategies for rigid robot manipulators. The techniques discussed are feedback linearization/Computed torque control, Variable structure compensator, Passivity based approach and Disturbance observer based control. The first one is based on complete dynamic model of a robot. It results in simple linear control which offers guaranteed stability. Variable structure compensator uses a switching/relay action to overcome dynamic uncertainties and disturbances. Passivity based controller make use of passive structure of a robot. If passivity of a feedback system is proved, nonlinearities and uncertainties will not affect the stability. Disturbance observer based controllers estimate disturbances, which can be cancelled out to achieve a nominal model, for which a simple controller can then be designed. This paper, after explaining each control strategy in detail, finally compares these strategies for their pros and cons. Possible solutions to cope with the drawbacks have also been presented in tabular form. © 2012 IEEE

Comparison of Residual based Cointegration Tests: Evidence from Monte Carlo

In this article ten cointegration tests based on residuals of cointegrating equation are compared on basis of stringency criterion: a robust technique for comparison of tests using Monte Carlo simulations. Two tests i.e. Phillips and Ouliaris’ Pu and Choi Durbin-Hausman statistic are the leading performers and are recommended for any sample size. The remaining eight tests are recommended for only large sample sizes of 200 or greater. The use of all these ten tests is not recommended when presence of both intercept and linear time trend is assumed in cointegrating equation unless the sample size is very large i.e. greater than 200

Comparison of Residual based Cointegration Tests: Evidence from Monte Carlo

In this article ten cointegration tests based on residuals of cointegrating equation are compared on basis of stringency criterion: a robust technique for comparison of tests using Monte Carlo simulations. Two tests i.e. Phillips and Ouliaris’ Pu and Choi Durbin-Hausman statistic are the leading performers and are recommended for any sample size. The remaining eight tests are recommended for only large sample sizes of 200 or greater. The use of all these ten tests is not recommended when presence of both intercept and linear time trend is assumed in cointegrating equation unless the sample size is very large i.e. greater than 200

Robotics for nuclear power plants - Challenges and future perspectives

Use of robotics and computerized tools in Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) has been identified as a highly recommended practice by IAEA. The key rationale of robotics application has always been to avoid human exposure to hazardous environments and tasks ranging from scrutiny and general maintenance to decontamination and post accidental activities. To execute these activities, robots need to incorporate artificial intelligence, improved sensors capability, enhanced data fusion and compliant human like leg and hand structures for efficient motions. Next generation robotic systems in NPPs are expected to work in full autonomous mode in contrast to the current semi-autonomous scenarios. Far future systems could deploy humanoid robots as well. This paper presents state-of-theart of robotics developed for NPPs, associated challenges and finally comments on future directions

An autonomous image-guided robotic system simulating industrial applications

This paper presents a robotic system based on a serial manipulator. The robot is a vertical articulated arm with 5 revolute joints having 6 Degree Of Freedom. Actuated with six precise servo motors, the system offers positional accuracy of ±0.5mm with a movement speed of 100mm/s. Forward and Inverse Kinematic model of the robot has been developed and its workspace has been analyzed to facilitate the use of robotic arm as a simulated industrial manipulator. Image processing has been done to make system more autonomous. Followed by a user's commands, the system acquires image of the environment using on-board camera. This image is processed to extract information about object's coordinates. Based on these coordinates, Inverse Kinematic model computes the required joint angles for the end-effector to reach at desired position and orientation thus enabling it to manipulate the object. The proposed system can be used in wide range of industrial applications involving pick and place, sorting and other object manipulation tasks. The system can also be potentially useful for heavy and 'giant' industrial applications after scaling up i.e. using huge robotic arm, employing multiple and better cameras and optimizing algorithms. © 2012 IEEE