Multi-cluster dynamics in coupled phase oscillator networks

In this paper we examine robust clustering behaviour with multiple nontrivial clusters for identically and globally coupled phase oscillators. These systems are such that the dynamics is completely determined by the number of oscillators N and a single scalar function $g(\varphi)$ (the coupling function). Previous work has shown that (a) any clustering can stably appear via choice of a suitable coupling function and (b) open sets of coupling functions can generate heteroclinic network attractors between cluster states of saddle type, though there seem to be no examples where saddles with more than two nontrivial clusters are involved. In this work we clarify the relationship between the coupling function and the dynamics. We focus on cases where the clusters are inequivalent in the sense of not being related by a temporal symmetry, and demonstrate that there are coupling functions that give robust heteroclinic networks between periodic states involving three or more nontrivial clusters. We consider an example for N=6 oscillators where the clustering is into three inequivalent clusters. We also discuss some aspects of the bifurcation structure for periodic multi-cluster states and show that the transverse stability of inequivalent clusters can, to a large extent, be varied independently of the tangential stability

Keperluan Latihan Pegawai-Pegawai Barisan Hadapan RISDA(Training Needs of RISDA's Frontline Workers)

A study was conducted among 194 RISDA'sfrontline workers throughout Peninsular Malaysia. The aim of the study was to identify front line workers' training needs in technical and non-technical areas. The findings of the study should serve as a useful guide in curriculum development for inservice training of RISDA 's front line workers. The study indicated that the front line workers need training in the areas related to the modernization programme specifically in diversifying income sources for the rubber smallholders. The areas identified are the rearing of sheep, cattle and buffaloes (76 per cent), fresh-water fish rearing (73.65 per cent), agricultural economics (73.4 per cent) and poultry rearing (73.28 per cent). The officers were also found to have low job-competencies in these areas probably because the areas are comparatively new within the. whole range of rubber smallholders development programmes

A Restricted Conley Index and Robust Dynamics of Coupled Oscillator Systems

In this thesis, we explore the robustness of heteroclinic cycles which can appear as solutions of dynamical systems subject to certain constraints. We develop a method, using topological notions, to inspect the dynamics of simple heteroclinic cycles; in particular, in the first part of the thesis we develop a “restricted Conley index”. This tool is defined by restricting the general Conley index to specific invariant subspaces associated with constraints on the vector field. The resulting restricted Conley index allows us to find connections that are robust to perturbations that respect these constraints. In the second part of this thesis we study the dynamical problem of designing a system of globally coupled oscillator systems with a specific structure. We extend some known results on conditions for stability of cluster states in these systems and, as an example, we give sufficient stability conditions for cluster states with three non-trivial clusters, (2, 2, 2)−cluster states, in a system of six globally coupled oscillators. We show that robust heteroclinic cycles connecting these states can appear as a result of our investigation on dynamics of a systems of six globally coupled oscillators, and we use the restricted Conley index to investigate the robustness of heteroclinic cycles between three nontrivial clusters

The impact of infrastructure on foreign direct investment in Malaysia

FDI is an important contributor to the development and the transformation of the Malaysian economy, particularly in establishing new industries,enhancing production capacity, employment, trade and technological capability. This study aims to investigate the role of infrastructure on FDI in Malaysia from 1980 to 2013. Time series Malaysian data is used to capture the impact of infrastructure on FDI through ARDL method. The results revealed that besides GDP and exchange rate, infrastructure also had positive impact on FDI in Malaysia. The findings suggest that the reduction of business cost through improvement of infrastructure helped to increase competitiveness in attracting FDI

The impact of ICT infrastructure on Malaysian trade

This paper examines the impact of ICT infrastructure on trade in the case of Malaysia by using a gravity model and a number of indicators for the ICT infrastructure. The analyses are based on data from a panel of countries, 36 trading partner countries over time from 1980 to 2008. It is found that mobile and fixed-line telephone subscribers, personal computers and internet users are significant and positively related to the value of bilateral trade between Malaysia and its trading partners. The results support that infrastructure development serves as the facilitating role in reaching higher levels of exporting

Program latihan kemahiran: Perbandingan kos, kebolehpasaran dan pendapatan pelatih

Over the last several decades, public investment in vocational training has increased substantially is strengthening implementation of a knowledge based economy, industrialisation, technology advancement and productivity. The government and international agencies proposed that the public vocational training institutions should be reviewed regularly to enhance the effectiveness of vocational traning programmes. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to compare the costs and effectiveness of the public vocational training institutions in Malaysia. This paper examines the costs and effectiveness of vocational training progmmes organised by ILPs and IKMs. Longitudinal follow-up survey and in-depth interviews were used to achieve the central objective of this study. Respondents were selected using the proportion sampling technique and stratified according to the location of each type of institutions. The results indicated that graduates from IKMs had higher employment rates, job relevancy and current salary than graduates of ILPs

The Effect of the Solution Heat Treatment on the Mechanical Properties of Aluminum-Copper Alloy (2024-T3) Using Rolling Process

The effect of solution heat treatment on the mechanical properties of Aluminum-Copper alloy. (2024-T3) by the rolling process is investigated. The solution heat treatment was implemented by heating the sheets to 480 C° and quenching them by water; then forming by rolling for many passes. And then natural aging is done for one month. Mechanical properties (tensile strength and hardness) are evaluated and the results are compared with the metal without treatment during the rolling process. ANSYS analysis is used to show the stresses distribution in the sheet during the rolling process. It has been seen that good mechanical properties are evident in the alloy without heat treatment due to the strain hardening and also the mechanical properties are improved after heat treatment and rolling process but with lower forces and stresses when compared with the untreated

The role of ICT infrastructure on Malaysian trade

This paper examines the impact of ICT infrastructure on trade in the case of Malaysia by using a gravity model and a number of indicators for the ICT infrastructure. The analyses are based on panel data 36 trading partner countries from 1980 to 2008. It is found that mobile and fixed-line telephone subscribers, personal computers and internet users are significant and positively related to the value of bilateral trade between Malaysia and its trading partners. The results support that ICT infrastructure development serves as the key facilitating role in achieving higher levels of exports in Malaysia

The timeliness of financial reporting among Jordanian companies: Do company and board characteristics, and audit opinion matter?

This study investigates the influence of board independence, board size, auditor's opinion, profitability (good or bad news) and industry sector, on the timeliness of annual financial reports among Jordanian companies. It covers 114 listed companies on the Amman Stock Exchange for the year 2012.The timeliness of the financial reports is measured by audit report lag. We find that the firms, on average, take more than two months to complete the audit of financial reporting.Consistent with most studies, we find that firms with improved performance (good news) are faster in publishing their financial reports than firms with declining performance (bad news).The results also show that firms with an unqualified audit opinion release their financial reports earlier than those that do not receive a clean opinion. In addition, firms with a smaller board report faster than those with a larger board. Nevertheless, there is no evidence of the influence of independent directors and type of sector on the timeliness of financial reporting.This study serves as an input to policy makers and regulators in formulating policies and strategies with respect to the timeliness of financial reports