Showing papers by "National Defence University, Pakistan published in 2014"

Narrative Serious Game Mechanics (NSGM) - Insights into the Narrative-Pedagogical Mechanism

Abstract: Narratives are used to construct and deconstruct the time and space of events. In games, as in real life, narratives add layers of meaning and engage players by enhancing or clarifying content. From an educational perspective, narratives are a semiotic conduit for evoking critical thinking skills and promoting knowledge discovery/acquisition. While narrative is central to Serious Games (SG), the relationships between gameplay, narrative and pedagogy in SG design remain unclear, and narrative’s elemental influence on learning outcomes is not fully understood yet. This paper presents a purpose-processing methodology that aims to support the mapping of SG design patterns and pedagogical practices, allowing designers to create more meaningful SGs. In the case of narrative, the intention is to establish whether Narrative Serious Game Mechanics (NSGM) can provide players with opportunities for reasoning and reflective analysis that may even transcend the game-based learning environment.

Effect of Manager’s Role in Performance Based Pay on Employee Outcomes

Abstract: According to the recent literature pertaining on Islamic based organizational compensation, performance based pay consists of two essential features: communication and performance appraisal. Recent studies in this field highlights that the ability of managers to appropriately communicate pay information and appraise employee performance may have a significant impact on employee outcomes, especially job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Therefore, this study was undertaken to assess the relationship between manager’s role in performance based pay and employee outcomes using self-administered questionnaires collected from employees at a district council in Peninsular Malaysia. The outcomes of the SmartPLS path model analysis showed that pay communication does not act as an important determinant of job satisfaction, but performance appraisal does act as an important determinant of job satisfaction. Conversely, pay communication and performance appraisal act as important determinants of organizational commitment. In addition, this study provides discussion, implications and conclusion.

Constructivism meets critical realism: Explaining Pakistan's state practice in the aftermath of 9/11

Abstract: This article investigates the theoretical added-value of critical realist incursions into International Relations constructivism. While constructivism focuses on providing multi-causal explanations, its conceptual horizon and subsequent methodological framework fundamentally obscure and limit the opportunity to conceptualize social dialectic and multi-causality in world politics. In this respect, a critical realist meta-theory can provide constructivism with a greatly expanded conceptual framework that transcends material–ideational divisions, and a framework that is able to envision more clearly the process of social dialectic. Second, critical realism affords a methodological diversity that can withstand simultaneous constructivist investigations into the material, agential, ideational, or structural. Using the synthesis of critical realism and constructivism, I illustrate by way of example by employing Pakistan’s participation in the ‘war on terror’ as a case study. While constructivism can show that P...

Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of diabetes mellitus among the elderly: The 2011 National Health and Morbidity Survey, Malaysia.

Abstract: Diabetes mellitus is an important cardiovascular risk factor. The objective of this study was to provide population-based estimates on the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control rate of diabetes among the older persons in Malaysia. Analysis of secondary data from a cross-sectional national population-based survey was done, which was conducted in 2011 throughout Malaysia. A total of 2764 respondents (15.5%) were older persons. The overall prevalence of diabetes among older persons was 34.4% in which 65.2% were aware of their diabetes status. Out of those who were aware, 87.5% had been treated. Only 21.8% of those treated had their diabetes controlled. The results of multiple logistic regression showed that the factors associated with higher awareness rates were women, Indians and higher income groups; factors associated with higher treatment rates were urban residents and those who were married and widow/widower/ divorcee. There was a high overall prevalence, awareness and treatment rate of diabetes among older persons in Malaysia but with suboptimal control rate.

Modelling and validation of the vehicle longitudinal model

Abstract: This paper presents the detailed derivation and validation of a full vehicle model to study the behaviour of vehicle dynamics in the longitudinal direction. The model consists of handling and tyre subsystems, an engine model subsystem, an automatic transmission subsystem and a brake model subsystem. The full vehicle model was then validated using an instrumented experimental vehicle based on the driver input from brake and throttle pedals. Vehicle transient handling dynamic tests known as sudden braking tests were performed for the purpose of validation. Several behaviours of the vehicle dynamics were observed during braking and throttling manoeuvres, such as body longitudinal velocity, wheel linear velocity and tyre longitudinal slip, at each quarter of the vehicle. Comparisons of the experimental results and model responses with sudden braking and throttling imposed motions were made in this study. It is concluded that the trends between simulation results and experimental data were found to be almost similar with an acceptable level of error for the application at hand.

Prevalence of Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Symptoms among Construction Workers: a Case Study in Malaysia

Abstract: Background: The nature of work in the construction industry is closely associated with many human factor hazards. Manual construction workers are exposed to hand-arm vibration, repetitive movements, holding of heavy loads and tools, and frequent manual materials handling hazards in their daily tasks. Work related musculoskeletal disorders are major problems faced by construction workers, which involve the nerves, tendons, muscles and other supporting structures of the body. Two main objectives of this study were firstly, to determine the risk factors and the prevalence and secondly, to identify the association of the risks with muscular musculoskeletal disorders symptoms among construction workers. Methods: Evaluation was done through survey questionnaire which also involved the standardized Nordic questionnaire. Sixty male construction workers aged between 17 to 50 years old took part in the study. Their main daily tasks are bricklaying, skim coating, housekeeping and plastering. Results: 66.7% of the workers who took part in the study had high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders symptoms at their elbows, wrists or hands and ankles or feet. Conclusion: Manual construction workers are highly exposed to the risks of getting work related musculoskeletal disorders and there are significant associations (P = 0.023) between working duration with MSDs symptom among construction workers with respect to the workers lower limb.

Rainfall infiltration through unsaturated layered soil column

Abstract: Infiltration caused by rainfall will lead to the changes of moisture content and soil pore water pressure or matric suction of the soil. These changes indicate the behavior of the soil especially during wetting and drying process. This paper presents the experimental test result of rain water infiltration into soil column for two samples of soils. The main objectives were to study the effect of rainfall intensity and duration of soil infiltration process for the forest soil and to compare its result to the gravelly sand. Infiltration experimental in this study involved three main components; water supply system, soil column and instrumentations, including percolation collection system. This study uses two types of tensiometers; 5 and 10 cm long. The results of TDR and tensiometers which were used to obtained moisture content and matric suction, respectively, shows that the system was successfully developed. For the forest soil, the result showed that moisture content of the top section is higher compared with the other sections. On the other hand, for gravelly sand, the moisture content in middle section is higher compared with the top and bottom section of the soil. Meanwhile, matric suction for both soils dropped during rainfall and gradually increases towards drying process. Other than that, the comparison of soil matric suction between 5 and 10 cm tensiometers shows significant results for gravelly sand compared to forest soil.

Augmentation index is a better marker for cardiovascular risk in young Malaysian males. A comparison of involvement of pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, and C-reactive protein.

Abstract: Objectives: To determine the association between carotid femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV CF ) and augmentation index (AI) with future cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, and to assess whether high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is an important mediator towards these vascular changes, among young men. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from July 2011 to December 2012. Two hundred and eleven young men were recruited. The PWV CF and AI were measured using Vicorder. High sensitivity C-reactive protein was measured by using immunological methods. The future CVD risk was assessed by Framingham risk score (FRS) and age adjusted FRS (A-FRS). Data for analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences Version 15 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: The mean age of the subjects was 27.09 (95% confidence intervals [CI] 26.39-27.79) years old. Those with ≥2 risk factors had significantly higher AI [10.09 (95% CI: 9.06-11.12) versus 6.56 (95% CI: 5.54-7.57) ( p =0.001), but not PWV CF 7.45 (95% CI: 7.29-7.61) m/s versus 7.29 (95% CI: 7.06-7.51) m/s, ( p =0.90) when compared to the healthy subjects. High sensitivity C-reactive protein was not an independent determinant for PWV CF and AI. Only AI was significantly associated with FRS and A-FRS ( p =0.0001). Conclusions: To assess the impact of risk factors on vascular damage and for future assessment of CVD risk among the young men, AI may be a better marker than PWV CF . The increase in AI among these subjects was not related to hs-CRP.

Applicability of Capital Assets Pricing Model (CAPM) on Pakistan Stock Markets

Abstract: Capital Assets Pricing Model is used as a tool for the estimation of Investments in Capital Markets with the relation of Expected return and Risk on Securities. This study examines the applicability of CAPM on Pakistan Stock Markets and Karachi Stock Exchange being the main capital market of Pakistan is taken for the study. The analysis is done by taking a sample of 10 performing companies of 100 index of KSE for a period of five years from 2006 to 2010. The monthly returns are taken and beta of each security is calculated which is used in the calculation of Expected returns. Microsoft Office (MS Excel) is used for most of the calculations. The empirical findings of this study do not support to the CAPM in Pakistan Stock Markets. In all three types of beta, it gives different results. The results of this study are in line with the previous researches conducted on Pakistan Stock markets but with different time periods and different sample size.

New approach for calibration the efficiency of HpGe detectors

Abstract: This work evaluates the efficiency calibrating of HpGe detector coupled with Canberra GC3018 with Genie 2000 software and Ortec GEM25-76-XLB-C with Gamma Vision software; available at Neutron activation analysis laboratory in Malaysian Nuclear Agency (NM). The efficiency calibration curve was constructed from measurement of an IAEA, standard gamma–point sources set composed by 214Am, 57Co, 133Ba, 152Eu, 137Cs and 60Co. The efficiency calibrations were performed for three different geometries: 5, 10 and 15 cm distances from the end cap detector. The polynomial parameters functions were simulated through a computer program, MATLAB in order to find an accurate fit to the experimental data points. The efficiency equation was established from the known fitted parameters which allow for the efficiency evaluation at particular energy of interest. The study shows that significant deviations in the efficiency, depending on the source-detector distance and photon energy.

The Concept of Recommender System Supporting Command and Control System in Hierarchical Organization

Abstract: The most important aspect of operations in a hierarchical organization of military character is the fastness and aptness of the made decisions in the circumstances riddled with uncertainty and big risk. Thus, it is very important to equip a command body responsible for gathering, processing, sending and storing of information with proper IT tools which support the process of decision making. The conduct of research which aims at elaborating a concept of recommender system supporting the military decision making process (MDMP) is the most important activity in the transition period leading to the achievement of network centric capabilities in NATO. The author presents in this article distinctive features which describe the functioning of a hierarchical organization of military character as well as the most important results of research connected with the usage of the present applications supporting a command body in the military decision making process. The results and conclusions of the research allowed to create and present a concept of recommender system which, if implemented, could increase the effectiveness of a command body in a hierarchical organization of military character.

Preparation and Characterization of Alpha Cellulose of Pineapple (Ananas comosus) Leaf Fibres (PALF)

Abstract: The main component in natural fibre is cellulose (C6H10O5)n. Cellulose from agricultural by-product is abundant, low cost, eco-friendly, biodegradable, and renewable. This research work was prepared alpha cellulose from pineapple leaf fibre (PALF), which obtained from the leaves of pineapple plant, Ananas comosus belonged to the family Bromeliaceae. The treated and untreated samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD).

Examining Gaps between Students' Expectations and Experiences in a Private University

Abstract: This study examined students’ expectations and experiences of academic and social life in a private university This study employed a survey research design in which a set of fixed-response and open-ended questionnaire has been used The questionnaire contains five main areas, namely (1) conducive campus facilities and learning environment; (2) good support services; (3) attractive co-curricular activities; (4) positive socio-relationship with university staff and lecturers; and (5) socio-relationship with local community A total number of 540 university students were randomly selected to participate in this study Numeric data collected was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics Narrative data collected was used to expand the views regarding the areas explored Results indicated that there is a significant difference between students’ expectations and their experiences with regards to the academic qualities and social life Results in this study revealed that most of the students’ expectations were not met This is alarming for the survival of private universities as it would affect the university’s reputation and students’ unwillingness to recommend for others This study also found that improvement on campus facilities and socio-interaction with university staff are the most important aspects for students Therefore, a prompt action to improve and upgrade those aspects is vital This paper recommends a specific action to overcome gaps between expectations and experiences by using a holistic approach DOI: 105901/mjss2014v5n8p396

PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF POLYHYDROXYBUTYRATE/POLYCAPROLACTONE/Mg-Al LAYERED DOUBLE HYDROXIDE NANOCOMPOSITES

Abstract: Anionic clay Mg-Al Layered double hydroxide (Mg-Al LDHs) of Mg/Al-NO3 - with M2+:M3+ (3:1) ratio was synthesized by co-precipitation method from nitrate salt solutions were used with continuous agitation at constant pH 9. Beside, modification of nitrate anions by stearate anions between the LDH layers had carried out through ion exchange reaction. Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB)/Polycaprolactone (PCL)/stearate Mg-Al Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH) nanocomposites were prepared via solution casting intercalation method. FT-IR spectra showed the presence of carboxylic acid (COOH) group indicates that stearate anions were successfully replacing the nitrate anions in the interlayer Mg-Al LDH. The XRD results showed that increasing basal spacing from 8.66 to 32.97 A in modified stearate Mg-Al LDH. Additional of 1.0 wt % stearate Mg-Al LDH resulting higher basal spacing where polymer chain intercalated into interlayer LDH and TEM results revealed that the 1.0 wt % stearate Mg-Al LDH layers are homogeneously distributed in the PHB/PCL polymer blends matrix. TGA characterization proven that 80PHB/20PCL/1stearate Mg-Al LDH has lower weight loss and higher thermal stability. Enhancement in 300% elongation at break and 66% tensile strength in the presence of 1.0 wt % of the stearate Mg-Al LDH as compare with PHB/PCL blends. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) proved that clay improves compatibility between polymer matrix and the best ratio 80PHB/20PCL/1stearate Mg-Al LDH surface was well dispersed and stretched before it breaks.

Modelling and Validation of a Vehicle Longitudinal Model

Abstract: This paper presents the detailed derivation and validation of a full vehicle model to study the behaviour of vehicle dynamics in the longitudinal direction. The model consists of handling and tyre subsystems, an engine model subsystem, an automatic transmission subsystem and a brake model subsystem. The full vehicle model was then validated using an instrumented experimental vehicle based on the driver input from brake and throttle pedals. Vehicle transient handling dynamic tests known as sudden braking tests were performed for the purpose of validation. Several behaviours of the vehicle dynamics were observed during braking and throttling manoeuvres, such as body longitudinal velocity, wheel linear velocity and tyre longitudinal slip, at each quarter of the vehicle. Comparisons of the experimental results and model responses with sudden braking and throttling imposed motions were made in this study. It is concluded that the trends between simulation results and experimental data were found to be almost similar with an acceptable level of error for the application at hand.

Service quality in military peacekeeping mission as a determinant of customer’s perceived value: empirical evidence

Abstract: Purpose: Previous studies have been employing SERVQUAL by Parasuraman, Zeithaml and Berry (1985, 1988) to measure service quality in various service sectors due to its generic nature. Understanding the relationship between service quality and customer’s perceived value in non-business organizational settings is equally important with business setting as positive perception leads to favorable outcome. Hence, the aim of this study is to examine the relationship between service quality and perceived value. Design/methodology/approach: The self-administered survey questionnaires were employed to gather data from Malaysian soldiers who involved in peacekeeping mission at a Middle Eastern country. The hypothesized model was analyzed using the SmartPLS 2.0. Findings: The outcomes of SmartPLS path model confirmed that that all service quality dimensions namely tangible, responsiveness, reliability, assurance, empathy did act as important determinants of customer’s perceived value in the organizational sample. Practical implications: The findings of this study may be used as guidelines by practitioners to formulate relevant and appropriate strategies in order to enhance

X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of cellulose from banana (Musa acuminata) pseudo-stem waste

Abstract: Alkali treatment and bleaching have been applied on banana fibers obtained from harvested pseudo-stem of the banana plant Musa acuminata collected in Banting, Selangor, Malaysia. The structure and morphology of the fibers have been found to be affected by the used of alkaline treatment and bleaching. The crystallite size and percentage crystallinity of the untreated (raw banana fibers) and treated (microfibrils cellulose) fibers were investigated using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). XRD studies shows that the treated cellulose prepared by such chemical treatment (alkali and bleaching treatment) were more crystalline than the untreated banana fibers.

A Study of Pay Satisfaction and Work-to-Family Conflict

Abstract: The authors suggest that employees offset their work–family conflict (WFC) levels with their pay satisfaction levels, on the basis of exchange and justice theories Data was randomly collected from public sector teachers working in 95 public sector primary and secondary schools located in Islamabad and Rawalpindi cities, Pakistan Results indicate that satisfaction with pay has a negative relationship with WFC An analysis of the dimensions of pay satisfaction indicate that satisfaction with pay level, benefits level and pay structure was negatively related to WFC, but pay raises were not Age moderate the relationship between satisfaction with pay and WFC such that higher pay satisfaction decreases WFC more for younger employees than the older employees

Establishment of Structural and Elastic Properties of Titanate Compounds Based on Pb, Sn and Ge by First-Principles Calculation

Abstract: Structural, electronic, and optical properties of PbTiO3, SnTiO3, and GeTiO3 tetragonals (P4mm, 99 space group) were investigated using density functional theory as implemented in pseudo-potential plane wave in CASTEP computer code. The calculated equilibrium lattice parameter, electronic band structure, and optical properties for PbTiO3 (reference compound) are in good agreement with the available experiment data. The result also shows that GeTiO3 has a higher tetragonality (c/a=1.18) compared with SnTiO3 (c/a=1.15) and PbTiO3 (c/a=1.05). Calculations of the elastic constants of PbTiO3, SnTiO3, and GeTiO3 tetragonals show that they are mechanically stable. The electronic band structure shows that PbTiO3 has higher indirect band gap at X-G compared with SnTiO3 and GeTiO3, as explained in detail by the optical properties of ATiO3 (A=Pb, Sn, Ge) through the refractive index and absorption coefficient.

Serious Game Mechanics, Workshop on the Ludo-Pedagogical Mechanism

Abstract: Research in Serious Games SG, as a whole, faces two main challenges in understanding the transition between the instructional design and actual game design implementation and documenting an evidence-based mapping of game design patterns onto relevant pedagogical patterns. From a practical perspective, this transition lacks methodology and requires a leap of faith from a prospective customer in the ability of a SG developer to deliver a game that will achieve the desired learning outcomes. A series of workshops were thus conducted to present and apply a preliminary exposition though a purpose-processing methodology to probe various SG design aspects, in particular how serious game design patterns map with pedagogical practices. The objective was to encourage dialogue and debate on core assumptions and emerging challenges to help develop robust methods and strategies to better SG design and its interconnectedness with pedagogy.

Modeling and Simulation of Railway Vehicle Using ADAMS/Rail

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to develop computer simulation model of railway vehicle using multibody system (MBS) package. ADAMS/Rail was used in modeling and simulating complex realistic railway vehicle system to study their dynamics response to curve and straight track inputs. The Malaya Railway Limited or Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) railway vehicle is used as reference model to develop computer simulation model in ADAMS/rail. Curve track input was based on KTMB rail network with maximum curve radius of 1000 m. Straight track input with random vertical irregularity was applied to the 1000 m track to evaluate the vehicle behavior response to track vertical roughness. The results show the roll angle, lateral and vertical acceleration of the carbody was increases with the increases of vehicle speed.

Semantic indexing for question answering system

Abstract: With the vast growth of various forms of digital data, automated indexing has become very important so that it enables the needs of the current users to be fulfilled. Keywords based indexing has failed to accommodate to the needs of the present demands. The representation of the document content as well as the indexing process is a crucial factor that ensures the success of retrieval process. Therefore, this research introduces a new approach in creating semantic indexing that uses Skolem representation which automatically indexes multiple documents into a single knowledge representation. This knowledge representation will then be used by the proposed question answering system in retrieving the answers as well as pointing to the documents the answer contains based on the user’s query. The system managed to achieve 93.84% of recall and 82.92% of precision.

Serious Game Mechanics, Workshop on the Ludo-Pedagogical Mechanism

Abstract: Research in Serious Games (SG), as a whole, faces two main challenges in understanding the transition between the instructional design and actual game design implementation [1] and documenting an evidence-based mapping of game design patterns onto relevant pedagogical patterns [2]. From a practical perspective, this transition lacks methodology and requires a leap of faith from a prospective customer in the ability of a SG developer to deliver a game that will achieve the desired learning outcomes. This workshop aims to present and apply a preliminary exposition though a purpose-processing methodology to probe, from various SG design aspects, how serious game design patterns map with pedagogical practices

Manufacturing a ‘Muted Public Reaction’: Pakistani political discourse in the wake of 9/11

Abstract: This article argues that in the wake of 9/11, Pakistan engaged in two policy moves that were highly problematic and controversial from a domestic perspective: the alliance with the United States, and the simultaneous disengagement with the Taliban regime. While realist accounts largely posit these moves as a consequence of US diktat, this article is more interested in exploring how the actions were enabled by a domestic political narrative. Scholarly accounts in the post 9/11 era tend to marginalise the role of indigenous agency and ‘voice’, and overwhelmingly work within frameworks that emphasise the consequential effects of US hegemony. Conversely, in examining official Pakistani political discourses, the article argues that a number of identifiable rhetorical strategies played a performative role in enabling specific Pakistani policy outcomes in the wake of 9/11. In important ways, the analysis moves away from unproblematically assuming Pakistan as simply a passive recipient of American ‘empire’.

Three-cornered coevolution learning classifier systems for classification tasks

Abstract: The Three-Cornered Coevolution concept describes a framework where artificial problems may be generated in concert with classification agents in order to provide insight into their relationships. This is unlike standard studies where humans set a problem's difficulty, which may have bias or lack understanding of the multiple interactions of a problem's characteristics, such as noise in conjunction with class imbalance. Previous studies have shown that it is feasible to generate problems with one agent in relation to a single classification agent's performance, but when to adjust the problem difficulty was manually set. This paper introduces a second classification agent to trigger the coevolutionary process within the system, where its functionality and effect on the system requires investigation. The classification agents, in this case Learning Classifier Systems, use different styles of learning techniques (e.g. supervised or reinforcement learning techniques) to learn the problems. Experiments show that the realized system is capable of autonomously generating various problems, triggering learning and providing insight into each learning system's ability by determining the problem domains where they perform relatively well - this is in contrast to humans having to determine the problem domains.

Preparation and Characterization of Epoxidized-30% Poly(methyl methacrylate)-grafted Natural Rubber Polymer Electrolyte

Abstract: In this study, a freestanding thin film composed of lithium triflate (LiTf) salt (30-40 wt.%) and epoxidized-30% poly (methyl methacrylate)-grafted natural rubber (EMG30) (50, 54.6, 62.3 mol %) were prepared by a solvent cast technique. The EMG30 were found to increase the ionic conductivity of EMG30-LiTf by one order of magnitude compared to MG30-LiTf. The highest ionic conductivity achieved was 5.584 x10-3 Scm-1 at room temperature when 40 wt.% of LiTf salts were introduced into 62.3 mol % EMG30. The ionic conduction mechanisms in EMG30-LiTf electrolytes obey Arrhenius rule in which the ion transport in these materials is thermally assisted.

Functional data analysis on ground reaction force of military load carriage increment

Abstract: Analysis of ground reaction force on military load carriage is done through functional data analysis (FDA) statistical technique. The main objective of the research is to investigate the effect of 10% load increment and to find the maximum suitable load for the Malaysian military. Ten military soldiers age 31 ± 6.2 years, weigh 71.6 ± 10.4 kg and height of 166.3 ± 5.9 cm carrying different military load range from 0% body weight (BW) up to 40% BW participated in an experiment to gather the GRF and kinematic data using Vicon Motion Analysis System, Kirstler force plates and thirty nine body markers. The analysis is conducted in sagittal, medial lateral and anterior posterior planes. The results show that 10% BW load increment has an effect when heel strike and toe-off for all the three planes analyzed with P-value less than 0.001 at 0.05 significant levels. FDA proves to be one of the best statistical techniques in analyzing the functional data. It has the ability to handle filtering, smoothing and curve aligning according to curve features and points of interest.