Showing papers by "National Defence University, Pakistan published in 2015"

Chinese Capabilities as a Global Space Power

Abstract: Since the early 1960s, China has been enhancing national power and, in this regard, Chinese space capabilities play a pivotal role. Today, China is second among spacefaring counties, behind the United States, as a measure of human spaceflight, as well as in commercial and military satellite systems. Chinese space technology, in contrast to developed nations, is comparatively cost-effective; China is sharing it with developing nations for their space programs, consequently expanding the pool of spacefaring states. Most significantly, China’s nuclear, military, and space capabilities provide it with an opportunity to reassert itself as a global power, enhancing its strategic outreach and preventing adversaries from contemplating strategies against it.

Attitudes Towards Colorectal Cancer (CRC) and CRC Screening Tests among Elderly Malay Patients

Abstract: Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy in Malaysia, where data are limited regarding knowledge and barriers in regard to CRC and screening tests. The aim of the study was to assess these parameters among Malaysians. Materials and Methods: The questionnaires were distributed in the Umra Private Hospital in Selangor. The questionnaire had four parts and covered social-demographic questions, respondent knowledge about CRC and colorectal tests, attitude towards CRC and respondentaction regarding CRC. More than half of Malay participants (total n=187) were female (57.2%) and 36.9% of them were working as professionals. Results: The majority of the participants (93.6%) never had a CRC screening test. The study found that only 10.2% of the study participants did not consider that their chances of getting CRC were high. A high percentage of the participants (43.3%) believed that they would have good chance of survival if the cancer would be found early. About one third of the respondents did not want to do screening because of fear of cancer, and concerns of embarrassment during the procedure adversely affected attitude to CRC screening as well. Age, gender, income, family history of CRC, vegetable intake and physical activity were found to be significant determinants of knowledge on CRC. Conclusions: The major barriers identified towards CRC screening identified in our study were fear of pain and embarrassment. The findings have implications for understanding of similarities and differences in attitude to CRC amongst elderly patients in other cultural/ geographic regions.

The Relationship between Stress and Job Satisfaction: An Evidence from Malaysian Peacekeeping Mission

Abstract: Recent studies on the relationship between job stress and job satisfaction have attracted significant attentions from researchers. The literatures on organizational stress, work related stress consists of two important dimensions: physiology and psychology. The ability of employees to appropriately handle stress in performing job may have a significant impact on individual outcomes, especially job satisfaction. Although the relationship is important, the role of work related stress as an important determinant has been given less attention in organizational stress research literature. Thus, this study was done to measure the association between work related stress and job satisfaction using self-report questionnaires collected from Malaysian peacekeeping personnel at a conflicting Middle Eastern country. The outcomes of testing hypothesis using SmartPLS path model analysis highlighted four important findings: first, physiological stress was significantly associated with job satisfaction. Second, psychological stress was significantly associated with job satisfaction. The finding confirms that work related stress does act as an important determinant of job satisfaction in the organizational sample. Further, discussion, implications and conclusion are elaborated. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n4s3p647

Factors in building design that improve building maintainability in malaysia

Abstract: A building designed with good maintainability considerations not only functions as intended, but is also adaptable to current and future use. The purposes of incorporating good maintainability considerations into the design of a building are to achieve high building performance, ease day-to-day housekeeping tasks, make the building adaptable for future needs and maintain a stable usage cost throughout the building’s design life. This study identifies factors that improve building maintainability in building design by applying structural equation modelling with partial least square estimation (PLS-SEM) technique. Data collection method in this study includes an expert panel interview using prepared semi-structured interview questions and a questionnaire survey to identify the influencing factors to improve the maintenance-related needs of the building. Based on hypotheses derived from the expert panel interview, a structural model is developed using systematic procedures in the application of PLS-SEM technique. The population of interest is defined as building designers, including architects, civil, mechanical and electrical engineers, quantity surveyors, and client's technical and maintenance engineers. This study identifies five significant factors or variables that can enhance building designs, and in turn improve building maintainability in Malaysia. The most significant variable is developing efficient design tools that utilise information and analysis focusing on the user’s usage behaviour.

Sectarian Rise in Pakistan: Role of Saudi Arabia and Iran

Abstract: At this juncture of history, Pakistan has become more prone to internal threats than external. But these internal threats are grown so due to external factors. Every segment of its society is directly or indirectly muddling Islam for conceited interests. The religion Islam which means peace, brotherhood and harmony is no more truly in practice due to the irrational wrongdoings of its followers. The religion that teaches unity is torn up by its believers according to their own versions of definitions and connotations. Result is sectarianism, unrest, chaos, anarchy, pessimism, superstitious thinking, grave illiteracy and immense poverty. Iran and Saudi Arabia have been continuously fueling this rise up. A strong nexus has been developed between these countries and hardliners in Pakistan. The ideological and geo-strategic tussles of the said countries have directly affected this country. Likeminded groups have joined each other for common objectives. The ongoing political, economic and social circumstances of the country have added fuel to this fire. Russian invasion of the Afghanistan and Iranian revolution both in 1979 assisted the militants to grow and abuse. The incident of 9/11 proved another horrendous act in this regard. Right now, the sectarian differences have mounted cities as well as the far flung villages distancing the people by breaking their social bondage and synchronization. Having other factors behind this saddest situation, there is unfortunate role of Iran and Saudi Arabia in pumping this gulf. The aim of this study is to deeply look into the normally unsighted and unquoted role of these both countries. This research has unearthed some of their bitter roles and realities on the grounds of writings of famous and world recognized writers, journals, reports and organizations. Applying different methods of conflict resolution some of the practicable and result oriented recommendations have also been made to get rid of this nuisance.

The Role of Communication in Military Leadership

Abstract: The aim of the paper is to discuss the role of communication in military leadership. First of all, basic terms related to communication, command and military leadership are explained. In the following parts of the paper it is intended to answer the question contained in the title: what is the role of communication in the military leadership? To precise the issue: is the role of communication in military organisations similar to civilian leadership and management or does it significantly differ?

Cyber World as a Social System

Abstract: The increasing applying of information and communication technology is transforming the society into an unknown ground of the continuously evolving cyber world. This challenges the actors of the society and has increased complexity. The purpose of this chapter is to form a hypothesis about how to identify patterns i.e., emergent phenomena about the cyber world for developing security in the society. The cyber world is considered as a complex adaptive system. A system modelling approach to complex adaptive systems is briefly outlined and a social system model of a society is introduced as a content analysis method to complex adaptive systems. The model is populated with a small set of empirical data to have a preliminary view on the content analysis of the cyber world. The results of the content analysis are patterns, i.e., emergent phenomena of the cyber world. They can be utilized for focusing the more detailed analysis of the cyber world on the most significant issues from the security planning and implementation point of view.

Effects of payment method on work control, work risk and work-related musculoskeletal health among sewing machine operators

Abstract: This study aimed to identify payment method and its effects on work control, work risk and work-related musculoskeletal health among Malaysian sewing machine operators. The study sample comprised 337 sewing machine operators (male, n=122, female, n=215; aged between 18-54 years old; mean 30.74±8.44) from four different garmentmaking companies in Malaysia. They were being paid via time rate wages (n=246) and piece rate wages (n=91). Data was collected through Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and pen-and-paper assessment via Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). From the study, the piece rate wage group was found to take fewer breaks, had high work production demands, worked at a faster pace and experienced more exhaustion and pressure due to increasing work demands as compared to the time rate group. They were also observed working with higher physical exposure such as repetitive tasks, awkward static postures, awkward grips and hand movements, pulling, lifting and pushing as compared to those in the time rate wage group. The final RULA scores was also higher from the piece rate wage group (72.53% RULA score 7) which indicated higher work risks among them. The study found that the type of wage payment was significantly associated with work risks (p=0.036, df=1) and WRMSD at the shoulder, lower back, forearm, and leg (p<0.005, df=1). The musculoskeletal pain in these regions were reported more often by the piece rate wage group than the time rate wage group (At shoulder; OR = 2.94 with 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.39-6.20, at lower back OR = 3.16 with 95% CI: 1.74-5.74, at forearm OR = 2.55 with 95% CI: 1.56-4.17, at hip OR = 2.49 with 95% CI: 1.52-4.07 and at leg OR = 2.97 with 95% CI: 1.72-5.15). It can be concluded that the type of wage system could be one of the contributory factors in a high prevalence of WRMSD and high ergonomic physical work risks among sewing machine operators. It is recommended that sewing machine operators are better off being paid via a time rate wage system compared to a piece rate wage system to reduce work risks and WRMSD among them.

Dynamic characteristics of a multi-wavelength Brillouin–Raman fiber laser assisted by multiple four-wave mixing processes in a ring cavity

Abstract: Dynamic characteristics of a multi-wavelength Brillouin–Raman fiber laser (MBRFL) assisted by four-wave mixing have been investigated through the development of Stokes and anti-Stokes lines under different combinations of Brillouin and Raman pump power levels and different Raman pumping schemes in a ring cavity. For a Stokes line of order higher than three, the threshold power was less than the saturation power of its last-order Stokes line. By increasing the Brillouin pump power, the nth order anti-Stokes and the (n+4)th order Stokes power levels were unexpectedly increased almost the same before the Stokes line threshold power. It was also found out that the SBS threshold reduction (SBSTR) depended linearly on the gain factor for the 1st and 2nd Stokes lines, as the first set. This relation for the 3rd and 4th Stokes lines as the second set, however, was almost linear with the same slope before SBSTR −6 dB, then, it approached to the linear relation in the first set when the gain factor was increased to 50 dB. Therefore, the threshold power levels of Stokes lines for a given Raman gain can be readily estimated only by knowing the threshold power levels in which there is no Raman amplification.

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY DOSE INDEX MEASUREMENT FOR Hi-ART MEGAVOLTAGE HELICAL CT.

Abstract: On-line megavoltage computed tomography (MVCT) images are used to verify patient daily set-up in Hi-ART helical TomoTherapy unit. To evaluate the patient dose from MVCT scanning in image guidance, weighted computed tomography (CT) dose index (CTDIw) was measured with PTW TM30009 CT pencil chamber in head and body phantoms for slice thicknesses of 2, 4 and 6 mm with different scan lengths. Dose length products (DLPs) were subsequently calculated. The CTDIw and DLP were compared with XVI kV CBCT and Brilliance simulator CT for routine clinical protocols. It was shown that CTDI and DLP had close relationship with the slice thickness and the scan length. The dose distribution in the transversal plane was very inhomogeneous due to the attenuation of the couch. Patient dose from MVCT was lower than XVI CBCT for the head scan, while larger for body scan. CTDIw, which is measured easily and reproducibly, can be used to assess the patient dose in MVCT. Regular measurement should be performed in QA & QC programmes. Appropriate slice thickness and scan range should be chosen to reduce the patient dose.

Information and communication technologies in intercultural competence training for the purpose of Ministry of National Defence. Introduction to cultural awareness course

Abstract: This article briefly reviews chosen forms and methods of intercultural competence training for military and civilian personnel of the Ministry of Defence. Special attention is put to Internet Communication Technology (ICT) for academic purposes in form of e-learning platforms. Teaching modules or simulation software help teachers build more attractive content and more convinced messages. The example of such a solution is the NDU’s Introduction to Cultural Awareness e-learning course, which was tasked by the Individual Training and Education Developments NATO Training Group in 2012. The authors of the article were fully engaged in the course development process and worked with the Poland ADL Partnership Lab team. The aim of the article is to present the e-learning course, which, by its design, can support the acquisition and development of intercultural competence.

Stability of block backward differentiation formulas method

Abstract: In this paper, a technique for finding A(α) - stability interval for the Block Backward Differentiation Formulas (BBDFs) are presented. The stability region is obtained for a single equation and stable step size restriction is indicated for the BBDF of order four, (BBDF(4)), and BBDF of order five, (BBDF(5)). Numerical examples are given to illustrate the stability interval in choosing a suitable step size in the implementation of the method.

Research on Model of Airborne Radar Reconnaissance for Joint Campaign Level Wargame Based on EBI

Abstract: The model of airborne radar reconnaissance is one of key models for joint campaign level wargame. On the one hand the joint campaign level wargame system often needs to simulate hundreds of aircraft in once combat simulation which requires high computing capability. On the other hand, a few aircraft can affect the progress of the war in the information war age sometimes, therefore, modern joint campaign level wargame systems need to simulate single aircraft now. In this paper, we proposes a model of airborne radar reconnaissance for joint campaign level wargame based on EBI(Entity, Behavior, Interaction) modeling framework, which can satisfy both the hardware computing capability constraints and simulation granularity requirement for single aircraft. We also give some key mathematical models and algorithms.

Effect of epoxidation on 30% poly(methyl methacrylate)-grafted natural rubber polymer electrolytes

Abstract: Epoxidized 30% poly(methyl methacrylate)-grafted natural rubber (EMG 30) as a polymer host in solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) has been investigated EMG30 was synthesized via performicepoxidation method onto 30% poly(methyl methacrylate)-grafted natural rubber (MG30) and the formations of epoxy group were discussed The EMG30 were characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1HNMR) to investigate their chemical structure and differential scanning calorimeter to determine their crystallinity A new peak in 1HNMR spectra (271 ppm) confirmed the appearance of epoxy group SPE based on EMG30 doped with 40 wt% LiCF3SO3 show the highest conductivity The complexation between EMG30 and LiCF3SO3 were confirmed by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR)

A Fuzzy Trustworthiness System with Probability Presentation Based on Center-of-gravity Method

Abstract: Fuzzy methods are widely used in the study of trustworthiness. Based on this fact, the paper researches the fuzzy trustworthiness system and probability presentation theory based on bounded product implication and Larsen square implication. Firstly, we convert a group of single-input and single-output data into fuzzy inference rules and generate fuzzy relation by selecting the appropriate fuzzy implication operator, then calculate joint probability density function of two-dimensional random variables by using of this fuzzy relation. Two specific probability density functions can be obtained by selecting the fuzzy implication as bounded product implication or Larsen square implication. Secondly, we study the marginal distribution and numerical characteristics of these two kinds probability distributions and point out that two of these probability distributions have the same mathematical expectation and nearly the same variance and covariance. Finally, we study of the center-of-gravity fuzzy trustworthiness system based on these two probability distributions. We gave the sufficient conditions of universal approximations for those fuzzy trustworthiness systems.

Events and processes research conceptual structure refinement proposals: military aspect

Abstract: The article is dedicated to linguistic research of the term elements used in military sphere to research their dialectic connection to related terms. taking into account the conceptual burden analysis, the article offers next terminological sequence: attribute, property, characteristic, capability, ability, quality, effectiveness. The conceptual burden of the term “combat capabilities” is clarified, and for this reason, use of the term “combat potential” is proposed, which interpretation is taken from foreign languages. Crossline between the terms “combat potential” and “combat potential” is drawn. Considering the intended function of military formations, the article proposes to determine the applicability to perform combat mission with the use of term “quality”. Also, the terms “quality” and “effectiveness” are proposed to use in the following manner: “quality” is used to describe the object feasibility, “effectiveness” – to depict the object adaptiveness to reach the object mission. Thus, the mentioned division would allow perform the researches including object description in relation to the functioning missions (quality) and object functioning purpose achievement process (effectiveness).

License to Kill? On the Legality of Targeted Killings in Pakistan by Drones

Abstract: The US launched its targeted killing campaign in the northwest region of Pakistan in 2004. The human rights organizations, civil society, media, intelligentsia and representatives of all political parties have strongly condemned drone attacks within Pakistan's territory and urged to halt these attacks as they are stirring up anger among masses. Upholding US drone policy, the US administration advocated that drone strikes comply with all applicable laws. In this regard, two important legal aspects come on surface: does Article 51 of the UN Charter authorize the US to conduct drone attacks unilaterally in Pakistan as an act of self-defense or has Pakistan government accorded permission to the US to carry out drone attacks on its territory? This study, while finding the answers of such queries, analyzes the legality of US targeted killing operations in Pakistan and determines whether drone attacks correspond with Pakistan's requirements or counterproductive for peace and security.

An on-line Pittsburgh LCS for the Three-Cornered Coevolution Framework

Abstract: The Three-Cornered Coevolution Framework describes a method that is capable of addressing classification tasks through coevolution (coadaptive evolution) where three different agents (i.e. a generation agent and two classification agents) learn and adapt to the changes of the problems without human involvement. Here, artificial problems can be generated in concert with classification agents in order to provide insight into their relationships. Previous work on the Two-Cornered Coevolution Framework provided foundation for implementing the system that was able to set-up the problem’s difficulty appropriately while triggering the coevolutionary process. However, the triggering process was set manually without utilising the third agent as proposed in the original framework to perform this task. Previous work on the Three-Cornered Coevolution introduced the third agent (a new classification agent) to trigger the coevolutionary process within the system, where its functionality and effect on the system requires investigation. This paper details the implementation for this case; two classification agents that use different styles of learning techniques (e.g. supervised versus reinforcement learning techniques) is adapted in the classification agents to learn the various classification problems. Ultimately, Learning Classifier System (LCS) is chosen to be implemented in the participating agents. LCS has several potential characteristics, such as interpretability, generalization capability and variations in representation, that are suitable for the system. Experiments show that the Pittsburgh-style LCS with the adaptation of Tabu Search technique in S capable to autonomously adjust the problem’s difficulty and generate a wide range of problems for classification. The adaptation of A-PLUS to an ‘on-line’ system is successful implemented. Further, the classification agents (i.e. R and I) are able to solve the classification tasks where the classification performance are varied. The Three-Cornered Coevolution Framework offers a great potential for autonomous learning and provides useful insight into coevolution learning over the standard studies of pattern recognition. The system is capable of autonomously generating various problems, 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.

Bariery informatyzacji zarządzania procesami logistycznymi w przedsiębiorstwie produkcyjnym

Abstract: This article is an attempt to characterize informatization barriers of logistics processes management in a production company which provides automotive parts. Threats of successful implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning Systems include: community barriers; organizational barriers; communication barriers; formal barriers; legal barriers; not prepared implementation team barrier; substantive barrier. Proper identification of barriers and solving them are the right way to implement Enterprise Resource Planning Systems in a company.

Design Analysis of Base Isolator Utilizing Magnetorheological Elastomer based Epoxidized Natural Rubber

Abstract: Magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) are viscoelastic solid whose rheological properties are controllable by magnetic field application. The purpose of this work is to use MRE as vibration isolation and reduction by implementing it in base isolator. The isotropic MREs sample comprising of epoxidised natural rubber (ENR-50) and carbonyl iron (CI) particles (60 weight percent) is synthesized using conventional method. Their microstructures were observed by using field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and their magnetic characteristics were measured using vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Proposed MRE base isolator was designed to investigate the capability of the fabricated MRE based ENR-50 to be utilized in applications. Finite element methods magnetic (FEMM) simulation software was used to compute the electromagnetic circuit observing magnetic flux distribution through the fabricated MREs.

Preparation and characterization of polymer blend based on sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) and polyetherimide (SPEEK/PEI) as proton exchange membranes for fuel cells

Abstract: Blends of sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) and polyetherimide (PEI) were prepared in five different weight ratios using N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) as solvent by the solution cast technique. The degree of sulfonation (DS) of the sulfonated PEEK was determined from deuterated dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO-d6) solution of the purified polymer using 1H NMR method. The properties studied in the present investigation includes conductivity, water uptake, thermal stability and structure analysis of pure SPEEK as well as SPEEK-PEI polymer blend membranes. The experimental results show that the conductivity of the membranes increased with increase in temperature from 30 to 80°C, except for that of pure SPEEK membrane which increased with temperature from 30 to 60°C while its conductivity decreased with increasing temperature from 60 to 80°C. The conductivity of 70wt.%SPEEK-30wt.%PEI blend membrane at 80% relative humidity (RH) is found to be 1.361 × 10−3 Scm−1 at 30°C and 3.383 × 10−3 Scm−1 at 80°C respectively. It was also found that water uptake and thermal stability of the membranes slightly improved upon blending with PEI. Structure analysis was carried out using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy which revealed considerable interactions between sulfonic acid group of SPEEK and imide groups of PEI. Modification of SPEEK by blending with PEI shows good potential for improving the electrical and physical properties of proton exchange membranes.

Choosing the right threshold for cross-entropy-based stopping criteria

Abstract: Cross-entropy (CE)-based stopping criteria for turbo iterative decoding are known to outperform fixed-iteration stopping criteria at high signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). While CE-based stopping criteria have a range of thresholds, a highvalue threshold for small frame sizes, and vice versa, should be used. It is difficult to advocate the value that can be categorized as either a small or large frame size. Moreover, thresholds may be specific for different SNRs. Hence, this paper provides a systematic analysis of threshold selection for the respective frame sizes of well-known CE-based stopping criteria. In this work, a range of thresholds was simulated for their error performance and required average number of iterations. To reduce complexity in the average iteration number, these results are thoroughly analysed and a suitable threshold for each CE-based stopping criterion in the specific SNR region is proposed.

Study on evaluation of the effect of enterprise human resources promotion based on EVA

Abstract: The promotion method can effectively improve the enterprises' economic efficiency or not, it is a question that all enterprises are concerning Taking economic value added (EVA) as the evaluation index for the promotion effect, it can really reflect the operating results of enterprises, pay attention to the sustainable development of the company, promote enterprises to implement more effective promotion method, and reduce the cost of enterprises According to Maslow's demand theory, this paper proposed the promotion combination, taking EVA as the index to evaluate the promotion combination, presented the promotion evaluation model of EVA and the process of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation Take the examples to evaluated the promotion effect, and verify the evaluation model