Showing papers by "National Defence University, Pakistan published in 2018"
TL;DR: This work proposes a novel DSC approach for an extended class of strict-feedback nonlinear systems whose control gain functions are continuous and possibly unbounded, and analytically proved that all the signals of closed-loop system will always stay in these compact sets.
24 citations
17 Sep 2018
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect of laminated aluminium-steel panel with different configurations in a high-speed impact test was presented, and the performance of each configuration plate in terms of ballistic limit velocity, penetration process and permanent deformation was quantified.
Abstract: This paper presents the effect of laminated aluminium-steel panel with different configurations in a high-speed impact test Layering aluminium plate with high strength steel has become an interest in reducing the overall density of armour vehicle body while improving the ballistic resistance Different layering configurations differ in laminated panel performance Two layering configurations of double-layered panel achieving 25% of existing panel weight reduction were tested using experiment and computational method to investigate their behaviours when impacted with 762-mm full metal jacket at velocity range of 800–850 m/s The ballistic performance of each configuration plate in terms of ballistic limit velocity, penetration process and permanent deformation was quantified and considered Laminated panel with aluminium as the front layer reduced the ballistic performance of existing panel to 50% and the other panel maintained its performance Thus, the laminated panel with aluminium as the back layer can be used in designing a protective structure for armoured vehicle while maintaining the performance of the existing vehicle in achieving weight reduction
20 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this article, an experimental investigation was conducted to explore visual reaction time and visual anticipation time between athletes and non-athletes, and the results indicated that gender was not an obstacle in sports participation, therefore not limiting the potential to excel in sports performance.
Abstract: An experimental investigation was conducted to explore visual reaction time and visual anticipation time between athletes and non-athletes. These visual perceptual skills form the base for cognitive processes required by the brain to respond instantaneously to a stimulus. A total of 228 adolescents, equally distributed between athletes and non-athletes, aged 13 to 16 years (mean age 14.69 ± 0.99 years) were examined. The visual reaction time and visual anticipation time were measured using a Lafayette Reaction Timer (Model 63035) and Bassin Anticipation Timer (Model 35575) respectively. The visual reaction time results revealed that athletes have faster reaction time scores as compared to non-athletes, whereas with visual anticipation time, athletes had fewer errors and a higher consistency compared to non-athletes. There was, however, no interaction between gender and sports participation noted for both these visual perceptual skills. These research findings indicate that gender was not an obstacle in sports participation, therefore not limiting the potential to excel in sports performance. Knowledge gained from these research findings will benefit the sports industry, specifically in athletic and sports training as well as provide a basis for the identification of an individual’s potential in their sports.
20 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored the spatial and temporal deviations in temperature using Monte Carlo (MC) and Sen's slope (SS) approaches in the Hindu Kush (HK) region.
Abstract: The present study explores the spatial and temporal deviations in temperature using Monte Carlo (MC) and Sen’s slope (SS) approaches in the Hindu Kush (HK) region. Climate change holds sturdy association against the temperature trend that has generated adverse impacts in the form of floods. In this attempt, for trend analysis, temperature has been selected as a meteorological parameter. This study mainly focuses on exploring the tendency in average temperature with respect to time and the consequential flood recurrences in the region. For the current study, data regarding temperature were typically collected from Pakistan Meteorological Department. In the study region, there are a total of seven meteorological station falls namely Dir, Chitral, Drosh, Saidu, Malam Jabba, Kalam, and Timergara. The temperature time series data was calculated and analyzed using MC and SS approaches for trend detection in order to demonstrate the kind of fluctuation in the Hindu Kush region. The resultant analysis further revealed that in the meteorological station of Dir, a more significant positive trend (α = 0.0001) was found in mean monthly maximum, minimum, and monthly normal temperature. Likewise, at Drosh, a positive trend is detected in mean monthly maximum (α = 0.04), monthly minimum (α = 0.003), and monthly average (α = 0.0005). Moreover, at Saidu met station, there is also a trend detected in temperature sub-variables such as monthly maximum (α = 0.0001) and monthly minimum (α = 0.001). In addition to these, at Kalam, there is a temperature trend noted for monthly minimum (α = 0.01) and monthly average (α = 0.02). Furthermore, the analysis demonstrates that there is no trend detected in the remaining stations, i.e., Chitral, Malam Jabba, Drosh, and Timergara. The overall analysis discovered that there is a sturdy relationship between climate change phenomenon and temperature variability. After using SS test to the temperature data of mean monthly maximum (TMMMax), the results explored that Kalam station grips the highest magnitude, i.e., Q = 0.76; however, Timergara shows the lowermost, i.e., Q = − 0.34. For the monthly minimum temperature (TMMMin), at Kalam again, the highest value (Q = 0.005) was detected; however, other stations revealed a negative trend, except Drosh which express no change in terms of magnitude. Similarly, in terms of monthly normal temperature (TMNor), Timergara station (Q = − 0.4) verified a negative trend magnitude and Malam Jabba station again trendless. Among all, the met station of Malam Jabba which holds an altitude of 2591 m is a hilly station just followed by Kalam having 2103 m height; however, Dir holds 1375 m height and the rest of the met stations show low elevation. The main reason for the temperature difference is the altitude of the study region.
18 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the steady three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) mixed convection flow of nanofluids over a permeable vertical stretching/shrinking sheet with slip conditions is investigated in a numerical manner.
Abstract: In this paper, the steady three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) mixed convection flow of nanofluids over a permeable vertical stretching/shrinking sheet with slip conditions is investigated in a numerical manner. As such, two types of nanofluids, Cu-water and Ag-water, had been considered. A similarity transformation was employed to reduce the governing equations to ordinary differential equations, which were then solved numerically using the MATLAB (Matlab R2015a, MathWorks, Natick, MA, USA, 1984) programme bvp4c. The numerical solutions derived from the ordinary differential equations subjected to the associated boundary conditions, were obtained to represent the values of the mixed convection parameter. Dual (upper and lower branch) solutions were discovered in the opposing flow region of the mixed convection parameter. A stability analysis was carried out to prove that the upper branch solution was indeed stable, while the lower branch solution was unstable. The significant effects of the governing parameters on the reduced skin friction coefficients, the reduced local Nusselt number, as well as the velocity and temperature profiles, were presented graphically and discussed in detail.
17 citations
TL;DR: From the analysis and discussion of the inhibitory effect on swarm flocking behavior under different interference intensity and timing, conclusion has been drawn that comprehensive suppression on the premise of correct recognition of flading behavior is the best strategy fighting against UAV swarm emergent behavior.
Abstract: Similar to social animals in nature, UAV swarm is also a complex system that can produce emergent behavior. The emergent behavior of UAV swarm in specific airspace is undoubtedly the act that the defense side does not expect to see; therefore, recognition and suppression of the emergent behavior of UAVs swarm are needed. Based on the analysis of the UAV swarm emergent behavior mechanism, by adopting -divergence method, UAV swarm emergent behavior was quantified, and a rapid recognition mechanism of emergent behavior has been established, thus, making preparation for the suppression of the emergent behavior. In the academic circle, for the first time, in accordance with heuristic rules governing the algorithms of UAV swarm suppression, principle of emergent behavior suppression has been proposed, failure judgment model of UAV swarm control under interference conditions has been constructed, the stability of UAV swarm has been analyzed, and the combat command process of UAV swarm based on OODA loop has been put forward. Through the simulation, the comparison of information entropy and -divergence based emergence measurement method has been made, and -divergence based method has some advantages for measuring the emergence of UAV swarm. From the analysis and discussion of the inhibitory effect on swarm flocking behavior under different interference intensity and timing, conclusion has been drawn that comprehensive suppression on the premise of correct recognition of flocking behavior is the best strategy fighting against UAV swarm emergent behavior.
16 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the Swedish Armed Forces (SAF) need to attract and employ soldiers, and to retain them within the organization, and this means that the Swedish SAF need to employ and attract soldiers.
Abstract: A professional military organization was introduced in Sweden in 2010. This means that the Swedish Armed Forces (SAF) need to attract and employ soldiers, and to retain them within the organization ...
14 citations
TL;DR: This is the first report of a T7virus that can infect Shigella; SFPH2 has a functional stability under a wide range of temperatures and pH values, showing the potential to be widely applied to control Shiglla–associated clinical infections and reduce the transmission rates of S. flexneri serotype 2a and its variants in the environment.
Abstract: Shigellosis, caused by Shigella, is a major global health concern, with nearly 164.7 million cases and over a million deaths occurring annually worldwide. Shigella flexneri is one of the most common subgroups of Shigella with a high incidence of multidrug-resistance. The phage therapy approach is an effective method for controlling multidrug-resistant bacteria. However, only a few Shigella phages have been described to date. In this study, a novel lytic bacteriophage SFPH2 was isolated from a sewage sample obtained from a hospital in Beijing, China, using a multidrug-resistant Shigella flexneri 2a strain (SF2) isolated from the fecal sample of a dysentery patient. SFPH2 is a member of the Podoviridae virus family with an icosahedral capsid and a short, non-contractile tail. It was found to be stable over a wide range of temperatures (4 – 50°C) and pH values (pH 3 – 11). Moreover, SFPH2 could infect two other S. flexneri serotypes (serotypes 2 variant and Y). High-throughput sequencing revealed that SFPH2 has a linear double-stranded DNA genome of 40,387 bp with 50 open reading frames. No tRNA genes were identified in the genome. Comparative analysis of the genome revealed that the SFPH2 belongs to the subfamily Autographivirinae and genus T7virus. The genome shows high similarity with other enterobacterial T7virus bacteriophages such as Citrobacter phage SH4 (95% identity and 89% coverage) and Cronobacter phage Dev2 (94% identity and 92% coverage). A comparison of the fiber proteins showed that minor differences in the amino acid residues might specify different protein binding regions and determine host species. In conclusion, this is the first report of a T7virus that can infect Shigella; SFPH2 has a functional stability under a wide range of temperatures and pH values, showing the potential to be widely applied to control Shigella–associated clinical infections and reduce the transmission rates of S. flexneri serotype 2a and its variants in the environment.
13 citations
TL;DR: In twenty-first-century warfare, satellites have become indispensable for gaining dominance in battlespace as mentioned in this paper, which highlights the need to protect space assets while countering the qualitative edge of adversaries.
Abstract: In twenty-first-century warfare, satellites have become indispensable for gaining dominance in battlespace. This highlights the need to protect space assets while countering the qualitative edge th...
13 citations
TL;DR: A hybrid hierarchical fault diagnosis method with the combination of tolerance relation-based attribute reduction method and integrated logarithmic fuzzy preference programming (LFPP) based methodology that can handle the fuzziness of relation- based classification and mitigate complexity attribute reduction for fault diagnosis of IDIS is proposed.
13 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors presented the computational-based ballistic limit of laminated metal panels comprised of high-strength steel and aluminium alloy Al7075-T6 plates to necessitate a weight reduction of 25% in the existing armour steel plate using three different joining materials.
Abstract: This paper presents the computational-based ballistic limit of laminated metal panels comprised of high-strength steel and aluminium alloy Al7075-T6 plates to necessitate a weight reduction of 25% in the existing armour steel plate using three different joining materials. Numerical models of the triple-layered panels were developed using the commercial Explicit Finite Element code and were impacted by a 7.62-mm armour-piercing projectile at velocities ranging from 400 m/s to 1000 m/s. The ballistic performance of each configuration plate in terms of the ballistic limit velocity, depth of penetration and end of penetration, was quantified and considered. It was found that the panels with joining materials exhibited a better ballistic limit on an average of 1.5% than that of the panel without a joining material. The penetration depth of the panel joined by polyurethane possessed the lowest depth of 22 mm with a higher contact duration compared to the panel without a joining material. This happened because the polyurethane adhesive was better able to absorb energy at a high strain rate impact than the other joining materials. Thus, based on the investigation that was carried out, polyurethane seems to be the most interesting option for joining different metals of Ar500 and Al7075-T6 as a laminated panel for armoured vehicle applications.
TL;DR: In this paper, a simplified neutrosophic present worth analysis methodology was developed to overcome difficulties in defining membership function in Fuzzy logic in order to overcome the insufficient data in investment analysis, decision makers use fuzzy logic to make evaluation easier.
Abstract: Engineering economics is the method of evaluating and choosing the best alternative among many alternatives according to specified economic criteria. Investment analysis is a branch of engineering economics focuses on choosing the most profitable investment option for a company. Because of the insufficient data in investment analysis, decision makers use fuzzy logic in order to make evaluation easier. This paper develops simplified neutrosophic present worth analysis methodology in order to overcome difficulties in defining membership function. The numerical example illustrates the applications of the developed formula. The result of developed methodology is compared with classical present worth analysis and intuitionistic present worth analysis. The comparison results indicate that investment evaluation problem can be tackled by using the proposed methodology effectively.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ee.29.3.19392
TL;DR: The results show that the unit cell volume, the effective mass of Mn-O bonds, the number of Mn4+ ions and the effective magnetic moment decrease upon repeated cycling, and it is proposed that some Mn4+.
Abstract: Na-ion batteries represent a promising complementary alternative to Li-ion batteries due to their high energy density and natural abundancy of Na. However, these batteries have short cycle life and extensive research activities on these batteries are required to understand the mechanism of such drawbacks. In this report, we investigate the capacity fading mechanism of Na0.44MnO2via ex situ X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and magnetization measurements. Our results show that the unit cell volume, the effective mass of Mn–O bonds, the number of Mn4+ ions and the effective magnetic moment decrease upon repeated cycling. We propose that some Mn4+ ions in the octahedral environment become Mn3+ ions in a square pyramidal environment, causing oxygen release upon cycling. Any free oxygen in the battery is expected to react with the electrolyte and cause capacity fade.
12 Nov 2018
TL;DR: In this paper, the phase stability of three polymorphs of titanium dioxide (TiO2) in rutile, anatase and brookite phases are performed using density functional theory (DFT) and density functional theories plus Hubbard U(DFT+U) methods within generalized gradient approximation (GGA) for Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof for solids functional.
Abstract: First-principles calculations on phase stability of three polymorphs of titanium dioxide (TiO2) in rutile, anatase and brookite phases are performed using density functional theory (DFT) and density functional theory plus Hubbard U (DFT+U) methods within generalized gradient approximation (GGA) for Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof for solids (GGA-PBEsol) functional. The calculated cohesive energy with respect to the volume per formula unit of TiO2 is analyzed to evaluate the phase stability sequence for the TiO2 phases between rutile, anatase, and brookite. The results for the phase stability show good agreement with other theoretical reports. However, the difficult situation occurs for DFT in predicting correctly the phase stability of the rutile, anatase and brookite phases. Thus, the GGA-PBEsol+U for Ti 3d of TiO2 with U = 2, 4, 6 and 8eV are used to determine the effect of U on the phase stability. The DFT+U approach shows good agreement with the existing experimental data for the order of stability of TiO2 which give a good description of the phase stability of TiO2.
10 Nov 2018
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of moral hazard, operational difficulties and risk factors on the adoption of Mudarabah-based finance is investigated, showing that as operational difficulties increased managers discourage customers not to adopt Mudharabah as their first choice.
Abstract: In spite of the momentous growth of Islamic banking, the equity-based financing, "Mudarabah"(trustee partnership), the most pioneer product of Islamic banking, is still in its infancy. It is evident from the literature that the implementation of Mudharabah based financing is very less compared to other modes of financing. Therefore, this study is conducted to investigate the hindrance factors of Mudarabah financing. After the literature review, qualitative research methods applied to study the effect of Moral Hazard, Operational Difficulties andRisk factors. The findings showed the inverse relation between Mudarabah growth and operational difficulties, signifying that as operational difficulties increased managers discouraging customers not to adopt Mudarabah financing as their first choice. Risk Factors and morals hazards also show the inverse relationship. Findings of the study have practical implications for financial institutions, practitioners, policy makers, and customers.
TL;DR: In this article, a density functional theory (DFT) calculation is employed to generate the structural, electronic and optical properties using Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA) function.
Abstract: The normal spinel cobalt oxide Co3O4 is considered as a magnetic semiconducting material comprising of cobalt ions with two oxidation states of Co2+ and Co3+. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculation are employed to generate the structural, electronic and optical properties using Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA) function. The Perdew-Burke-Ernzerh for solids (PBEsol) exchange-correlation functional approach successfully predict the semiconductor behaviour of Co3O4 but severely underestimates the band gap in relation to the experimental value. The GGA+U is performed in order to treat the Co-3d states and achieve the band gap of 1.26eV which agrees with the experimental results. For optical studies, here we unveil the predicted three assumed electron transition occurring in Co3O4 for O(2p)→Co2+(t2g), O(2p)→Co3+(eg) and Co3+(t2g)→Co2+(t2g).
01 Jan 2018
TL;DR: In this paper, a cross-sectional study was conducted on medical students at the Faculty of Medicine, UniSZA, Terengganu, Malaysia to determine the potential academic/non-academic factors and extra-curricular activities influencing the performance of medical students.
Abstract: Background: Physical and mental comfort is known to have a crucial influence on health and performance amongst medical students. Very often, medical students suffer from poor quality of life (QOL) related to the work-life balance due to the lack of sleep, nutritional and dietary disorders and low physical activity, resulting in a negative impact on their academic performance. This study aims to determine the potential academic/non-academic factors and extra-curricular activities influencing the performance of medical students in Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA). Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on medical students at the Faculty of Medicine, UniSZA, Terengganu, Malaysia. A sample size of 300 respondents were recruited from Year I to V medical students. The questionnaire was adopted, modified and validated from a similar study in Saudi Arabia. Results: Majority of the students enjoy medical education are self-motivated, have a good command of English, non-smokers and have a sufficient sleep. Conclusion: University medical students possess good QOL within the optimum educational environment.
01 Jan 2018
TL;DR: From a hormonal perspective, the present AR method appears to have had some favorable effects following the strenuous strength loading; however, acute decreases in muscular force production did not significantly differ between groups.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the acute hormonal and muscular responses to a strenuous strength loading [bilateral leg press (LP) 10 × 10 1RM] followed by loading-specific active (AR, n = 7, LP 10 × 10 × 30% 1RM) or passive (PR, n = 11, seated) recovery. The subjects were men age: 26 ± 4 years, height: 174 ± 8 cm, body mass: 75 ± 13 kg. After control measurements, experimental measurements were conducted at pre- and post-loading as well as post-recovery and next morning. A significantly higher absolute concentration (p < 0.05) of serum luteinizing hormone (LH) was observed in AR than PR at next morning while no differences were observed in serum testosterone (T), cortisol (C) or sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Significant differences in relative hormonal responses to the loading were observed at next morning with greater responses observed in AR than in PR in terms of LH, and T (p < 0.05). Maximal bilateral isometric force (MVC) and countermovement jump height (CMJ) decreased significantly (p < 0.001) from the control measurements in both AR and PR but returned to control levels by next morning. No between-group differences were observed in mean absolute or relative changes in MVC or CMJ. From a hormonal perspective, the present AR method appears to have had some favorable effects following the strenuous strength loading; however, acute decreases in muscular force production did not significantly differ between groups. These results provide insight into the development of training programs that may help to support the performance of individuals involved in strenuous tasks.
27 Aug 2018
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors applied the torch-brazing method to join AR500 steel with AA7075 aluminium alloy using Al-Si-Zn base filler metal at various flame times.
Abstract: The joining of aluminium alloys to steels has been extensively studied, especially in the automotive sector. However, aluminium alloys are known to be difficult to join with steels when methods involving fusion welding are used because of the hot cracking problem. Hence, a high-strength joint between these dissimilar metals would be of benefit especially in reducing the weight of products. In this work, the torch-brazing method was applied to join AR500 steel with AA7075 aluminium alloy using Al–Si–Zn base filler metal at various flame times. The effects of the brazing work on the intermetallic phase formation and the mechanical strength of the joints were investigated. In this work, the maximum shear load obtained was 6460 N and the presence of the intermetallic phases had reduced the shear strength of the brazed joints. However, the torch-brazing process using Al–Si–Zn filler metal had successfully facilitated the joining of these dissimilar metals.
01 Jan 2018
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the security of the CPEC project in Pakistan, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and its geostrategic implications and the terrorist threat landscape from Xinjiang to Gwadar.
Abstract: This chapter discusses the security of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) flagship project in Pakistan, the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and its geostrategic implications and the terrorist threat landscape from Xinjiang to Gwadar It argues that CPEC is one of the key pillars of the BRI The peculiar attribute of CPEC is its intersection between the oversea 21st Century Maritime Silk Road (MSR) and the land-based Silk Road Economic Belt (SREB) Its total length is approximately 3000 km spanning from Pakistan’s Gwadar Port to Kashgar, northwestern China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region The macro projects consist of the railway lines, roads, fibre optics, energy pipelines and industrial development zones Albeit the promises of sustainable development, since the announcement of the CPEC and its ratification the route designated under the corridor triggered much debate and controversy The major contentions regard the distribution of economic development and infrastructure projects of this mega venture within the provinces Besides violent extremism and terrorism, ethno nationalist groups are another daunting challenge for the economic corridor
TL;DR: A system to assist military personnel in improving the efficiency of mission evaluation and the main innovations of this work include the qualitative and quantitative visualization of complex information is realized in a three-pane interface.
Abstract: Mission evaluation is a new requirement for capability evaluation of the weapon system of systems (WSOS) in the era of big data, and is based on evaluating large-scale tasks with similar attributes. The use of traditional methods by military experts to evaluate large scale tasks incurs significant time cost and results in low accuracy, and is caused by a variety of factors that cause confusion. Therefore, we developed a system to assist military personnel in improving the efficiency of mission evaluation; the main innovations of our work include the qualitative and quantitative visualization of complex information is realized in a three-pane interface. We also realize the iterative and interactive evaluation modes of large-scale tasks by using the active learning method; moreover, the overall display of large-scale task evaluation results is realized using statistical graphics. In practical application, the system not only improves the users’ efficiency and accuracy scores, but also helps to achieve the recognition evaluation for the overall scoring results.
Journal Article•
20 Sep 2018
TL;DR: On March 28, 2015, Chinese President Xi Jinping detailed his vision for the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road (hereinafter referred to as the Belt and Road) when atten...
Abstract: On March 28, 2015, Chinese President Xi Jinping detailed his vision for the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road (hereinafter referred to as the Belt and Road) when atten...
05 Apr 2018
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect of exchange rate variation and the fiscal policy changes on the oil price volatility and granger causality of macroeconomic variables was analyzed in the context of Pakistan and the results showed that it is volatility/change in crude oil prices rather than oil price level that has a significant influence on economic growth.
Abstract: Purpose. Crude oil is an important and most demanded commodity throughout the world. There are various oil processes like electricity production, manufacturing processes and transport sector. Oil is the basic necessity thus is important to study the volatility in oil prices because oil price volatility reduces the aggregate output for short run and as a result uncertainty increases and investment also decreases (Guo and Kliesen, 2005).This research analysis the effect of exchange rate variation and the fiscal policy changes on the oil price volatility and granger causality of macroeconomic variables.Lee (1998) defined volatility as the standard deviation in a given period. She submitted that Volatility has a negative and significant impact on economic growth immediately, while the impact of oil price changes delays until after a year. She concludes by stating that it is volatility/change in crude oil prices rather than oil price level that has a significant influence on economic growth. Methodology. GARCH (1,1) test define the exchange rate has not a significant relation with the local oil price but fiscal policy effect and foreign oil price has a significant relation on the local oil price. Granger Causality test indicate that oil price volatility does not granger cause on public sector investment and gross domestic production does not granger cause on public sector investment is significant. Except these relationship, all other variables relationship exist and possible. Findings. This research identify the effect of exchange rate, fiscal policy and international oil prices on oil prices of Pakistan. Different econometrics tests are utilized for analyses. Due to shortage of time, money and resources, this study only focus on Pakistan but this type of study can also implemented in Asia or more developing countries for more generalize effects and conclusion. Originality. This is the first implemented research who define the magnitude, direction and effects among the variable in context of Pakistan. Before this research, there is only opinions are founds by different economists, politicians and analysists.
TL;DR: The findings showed that AEPS decreased blood pressure by protecting against oxidative stress and increasing NO in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats.
Abstract: Hypertension is one of the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and has been associated with about 13% of global deaths worldwide. Oxidative stress and reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability contribute to the development of endothelial dysfunction and subsequently hypertension. Nɷ-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) inhibits NO synthesis; leading to hypertension. Piper sarmentosum (PS) is an herb with antioxidant, antiatherosclerosis and antiinflammation properties. PS also stimulated NO production by endothelial cells. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of aqueous extract of Piper sarmentosum (AEPS) on blood pressure, oxidative stress and the level of nitric oxide in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats. Hypertension was induced by oral administration of L-NAME (100 mg/L) in drinking water for four weeks. The rats were concurrently treated with AEPS by oral gavage in serial doses (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg/day). Blood pressure was measured using non-invasive tail-cuff method at baseline and fortnightly thereafter. Serum level of NO and an oxidative stress marker, malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured at baseline and at the end of treatment. The results showed that treatment with three different doses of AEPS successfully reduced systolic blood pressure (p<0.001), diastolic blood pressure (p<0.05) and mean arterial pressure (p<0.05) in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats. Treatment with AEPS also reduced MDA level (p<0.001) and increased serum NO (p<0.001) in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats. The findings showed that AEPS decreased blood pressure by protecting against oxidative stress and increasing NO in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats.
30 Jun 2018
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore what democracy is and what are the key tools for the success of democracy in Pakistan, and propose a framework to improve these tools for better understanding and awareness in the general public.
Abstract: This article aims to explore what democracy is and what are the key tools for the success of democracy. Democracy is a famous form of government in contemporary world politics. There are few key characteristics of true democracy, for instance; free and fair elections, the role of media, education, judiciary, political parties, and religious tolerance, etc. Pakistan has experienced authoritative and democratic forms of government since independence. Many democratic governments have governed the country but despite that politicians in Pakistan could not provide the basic facilities of life to the general public. Lack of timely, free and fair elections, the gap between political elite and public, martial-laws, civil-military relations, lack of education and awareness in the general public are some key hurdles in the success of democracy. Therefore, for the success of democracy in Pakistan, it is also necessary to improve these tools.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this paper, a study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of vision screening conducted by pre-school teachers, where a total of sixty teachers from KEMAS Tabika's and Taska's in the Klang Valley were randomly selected and divided into two groups i.e. a Study Group and a Control Group, where the Study Group was given participative and handson vision screening training whereas the Control Group was only given brief verbal instructions on conducting the screening.
Abstract: Vision impairment when undetected early can affect the social and mental development of a child. Early detection of visual impairment can provide better prognosis and can be conducted through vision screening at pre-school. Vision screening performed using pre-school teachers would allow cost and time savings while providing greater access to perform this screening. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of vision screening conducted by pre-school teachers. A total of sixty pre-school teachers from KEMAS Tabika’s and Taska’s in the Klang Valley were randomly selected and divided into two groups i.e. a Study Group and a Control Group. The Study Group was given participative and handson vision screening training whereas the Control Group was only given brief verbal instructions on conducting the screening. Each of these pre-school teachers was asked to conduct vision screening on 15 pre-school children aged 4 to 6 years old. Trained optometrists then repeated the vision screening on the same children. The results showed that there was a higher validity in the vision screening findings from the Study Group (sensitivity = 79%, specificity = 95%) compared to the Control Group (sensitivity = 26%, specificity = 95%). The level of agreement concurrence between the pre-school teachers in the Study Group and the optometrist was high for all tests (AC1 ≥ 0.89). In conclusion, the vision screening program conducted by pre-school teachers was effective but needed proper training for the screeners. This program is seen to be able to empower pre-school teachers using vison screening techniques to allow them to identify pre-school children with vision impairment who would then require further examination and management by an eye-care professional. This program would be able to reduce the prevalence of vision impairment among pre-school children in Malaysia in the long term.
02 Feb 2018
TL;DR: The cubic NaZn13-type LaFe13-x6 based compounds have been studied systematically and has become one of the most interesting systems for exploring large MCE as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The cubic NaZn13-type LaFe13-xSix based compounds have been studied systematically and has become one of the most interesting systems for exploring large MCE. Its magnetic properties are strongly doping dependent and provides many of advantage compare to other as magnetic materials for magnetic refrigerator application. In other to produce high quality of cubic NaZn13-type structure, the structural properties of LaFe11.5Si1.5 compounds annealed at different temperature have been investigated. The LaFe11.5Si1.5 compounds was prepared by arc melting and annealed at two different heat treatment which are 1323 K for 14 days and 1523 K for 4 hour. The powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) shows that a short time and high temperature annealing process has benefits for the formation of the NaZn13−type phase compared to a long time and low temperature annealing process. This is shown by the weight fraction of cubic NaZn13- type structure increases from 80% for low temperature annealing to 83% for high temperature annealing. At the same time, high temperature annealing increase the main structure and decrease the impurity (α-Fe and LaFeSi). Furthermore, it can be clearly seen in the Rietveld refinement results that the lattice parameter is increase at the high temperature annealing because of more cubic NaZn13 is formed at higher temperature.
30 Dec 2018
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors described the opportunities and risks in the construction of solar PV plant (QSP), which is constructed through public-private partnership (3P) and used the case study as a part of research methodology.
Abstract: This study delineates a 1000 Megawatt (MW) very large scale Photovoltaic (PV) system designed in three phases, from which 100 MW has functional and the remaining two phases of 300MW, 600 MW has yet to be functional at Quaid-eAzam solar park (QSP) in Cholistan desert near Bahawalpur City of Pakistan. This study describes the opportunities and risks in the construction of solar PV plant (QSP), which is constructed through public-private partnership (3P).This study uses the case study as a part of research methodology. Firstly it explains about 3Ps, their various types and necessity. Secondly, explores the critical factors in the construction of QSP PV Plant through PESTLE (political, economic, social, technological, legal, environmental) analysis. Thirdly outlines the effect of RE projects on the socioeconomic status of the periphery which is ignored in previous studies. The recommendations will guide the policymakers how they can embed social acceptance in RE projects.