Showing papers by "National Defence University, Pakistan published in 2020"

Availability and price changes of potential medicines and equipment for the prevention and treatment of covid-19 among pharmacy and drug stores in bangladesh; findings and implications

Abstract: Objective: There are concerns with increased prices and drug shortages for pertinent medicines and personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent and treat COVID-19 enhanced by misinformation. Community pharmacists and drug stores play a significant role in disease management in Bangladesh due to high co-payments. Consequently, a need to review prices and availability in the pandemic. Materials and Methods: Multiple approach involving a review and questionnaire among pharmacies and stores early March to end May 2020. Results and Discussion: 170 pharmacies and drug stores took part, giving a response rate of 63.9%. Encouragingly, no change in utilization of antimalarial medicines in 51.2% of stores despite global endorsements. However, increased utilisation of antibiotics (70.6%), analgesics (97.6%), vitamins (90.6%) and PPE (over 95%). Encouragingly, increases in purchasing of PPE. No increase in prices among 50% of the stores for antimalarials, with a similar situation for antibiotics (65.3%), analgesics (54.7%), and vitamins (51.8%). However, price increases typically for PPE (over 90% of stores). Shortages also seen for medicines and PPE, again greater for PPE. Conclusions: The pandemic has impacted on the supply and prices of medicines and PPE in Bangladesh. Key stakeholder groups can play a role addressing misinformation, with enhanced local production helping address future shortages and prices.

Model of Information Protection System Database of the Mobile Terminals Information System on the Territory of Ukraine (ISPMTU)

Abstract: This paper considers the model of the system of information protection of data base of the mobile terminals accounting information System in Ukraine (ISRMTU). The system of the customer performs the functions of automation of production processes related to the IMEI database maintenance (the IMEI code in this document is used to denote the identification codes of the mobile terminals of the GSM Standards Group, CDMA), registration of applications for the import of radio electronics and emitting devices (REFS) on the territory of Ukraine and issuing permits for the import of REFS.

Development of Recommendations for the Implementation of Virtualization Concepts in Modern Networks

Abstract: The study examines the core and architecture of virtualization technology, the state of the modern infrastructure of information and telecommunications networks, as well as the use of virtualization to solve problems of traditional networks. Development of recommendations for modeling and further implementation of NFV at all stages of IT infrastructure creation. The practical significance of the work lies in the possibility of using the results of work in universities for the design and creation of information and telecommunications networks, in companies for the modernization and analysis of the existing network. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the attempt to systematically and conceptually study all the possibilities of virtualization technology and predict the possible consequences of its use, as well as in the development of recommendations for the implementation of the concept of virtualization. Areas of use: transnational telecommunications systems, computer corporate networks, high technology.

Combating covid-19: A coordinated efforts of healthcare providers and policy makers with global participation are needed to achieve the desired goals.

Abstract: Correspondence to: Mainul Haque, Professor of the Unit of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Defence Health, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (National Defence University of Malaysia), Kem Sungai Besi, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Email: runurono@gmail.com Orcid ID : http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6124-7993 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science, Special Issue on Covid19, 2020. Page : 01-05 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v19i0.47610 Editorial: Combating COVID-19: A Coordinated Efforts of Healthcare Providers and Policy Makers with Global Participation Are Needed to Achieve the Desired Goals. Mainul Haque

Thermo-mechanical analysis of non Newtonian peristaltic mechanism: Modified heat flux model

Abstract: In this study, Cattaneo–Christov heat flux through non-Newtonian peristaltic flow in a two dimensional asymmetric channel is investigated. Non-Newtonian features are characterized by the constitutive relationships of the second order fluid. Series solutions are derived about wave number for highly nonlinear coupled equations. Detailed analysis of the emerging parameters of interest on the flow quantities is presented. Vanishing the relaxation time of Cattaneo–Christov​ heat flux model leads the results to a limiting case of Fourier’s law. It is concluded that in the vicinity of upper boundary convective heat transfer is dominant while at the centerline the conductive heat transfer is dominant. Further, non-Newtonian fluid film near the upper boundary faces severe friction while at lower boundary it goes through lesser friction. Wavy boundaries bring oscillatory nature in the heat transfer coefficient. Moreover, Cattaneo–Christov heat flux plays a vital role in the enhancement of fluid temperature above the centerline.

Learning System for Air Combat Decision Inspired by Cognitive Mechanisms of the Brain

Abstract: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have played an important role in recent high-tech local wars. Seizing air control rights with UAVs will undoubtedly be a popular topic in future military development. Autonomous air combat is complex, antagonistic and mutable, and consequently, the decision-making that depends on unmanned systems is extremely challenging with very little research having been conducted on it. An intelligent air combat learning system inspired by the learning mechanisms of the brain is proposed in this paper. In accordance with research on learning, knowledge and memory, we constructed a cognitive mechanism model of the brain. Based on this model and the inferential abilities of humans, a long short-term hierarchical multi-line learning system is established. Then, the bio-inspired architecture and the basic learning principle of the system are clarified. Taking advantage of the conclusions of studies on information theory, the relationship between the knowledge updating cycle and the system learning performance is analysed. The updating cycle length adjustment problem is transformed into an optimization problem optimization problem, and system performance improvement is guaranteed. Experiments show that the system designed in this paper can acquire confrontation abilities through self-learning without prior rules; the parallel universe mechanism can significantly improve the system’s learning speed when the number of parallels is within 40, and the performance of the system improves gradually and continuously. The system can master actions similar to classical tactical manoeuvres such as the high yo-yo and the barrel-roll-attack without prior knowledge. Compared with the Bayesian inference and moving horizon optimization (BI&MHO) method, the learning system proposed in this paper is more flexible in situation assessment and in the prediction of opponents’ actions. Although it cannot be deployed quickly, it has a continuous learning ability.

Mitigating the Effects of Social Desirability Bias in Self-Report Surveys: Classical and New Techniques

Abstract: Self-reporting is a frequently used method to measure various constructs in many areas of social science research. Literature holds abundant evidence that social desirability bias (SDB), which is a special kind of response bias, can severely plague the validity and accuracy of the self-report survey measurements. However, in many areas of behavioral research, there is little or no alternative to self-report surveys for collecting data about specific constructs that only the respondents may have the information about. Thus, researchers need to detect or minimize SDB to improve the quality of overall data and their deductions drawn from them. Literature provides a number of techniques for minimizing SDB during survey procedure and statistical measurement methods to detect and minimize the validity-destructive impact of SDB. This study aims to explicate the classical and new techniques for mitigating the SDB and to provide a guideline for the researchers, especially for those who focus on socially sensitive constructs. Mitigating the Effects of Social Desirability Bias in Self-Report Surveys: Classical and New Techniques

Synthesis of the Structure of Multilevel Hierarchical Systems of Increased Survivability Based on a Subjective Probability Model

Abstract: The paper is devoted to the synthesis of complex, multilevel hierarchical systems of high survivability, in particular, telecommunication (computer) networks. The computer network is constantly exposed to the destructive effects of the environment in which it operates. Therefore, there is an urgent problem of increasing survivable telecommunication (computer) networks for counteract of such influences, and maintaining the efficiency of such systems.Destructive effects on the network are usually random, but the assessment of such random events, based on classical probability theory, encounters serious difficulties because such events are not systematic and are not massive, which are necessary to assess the frequency of events that determine their classical probabilities.The paper proposes a model for the synthesis of a survivable hierarchical telecommunication (computer) networks. This model is formulated as the problem of nonlinear Boolean programming. The model uses subjective probabilities of efficiency of connection of various devices of a network in the conditions of destructive influences. The network is formed according to the criterion of maximum survivability (subjective probability of network operation under destructive influences).The proposed approach is studied on hierarchical telecommunication (computer) networks. However, the generality of the approach to the construction of survivable hierarchical systems, gives hope for the implementation of the developed approach to the synthesis of survivable multilevel hierarchical systems in other areas, including organizational management, political and economic systems.

Development and implementation of the target function in the decision-making process in the system of providing the military security of the state

Abstract: The solution of problematic issues of substantiating decisions by improving the mechanism and technology for determining the target function in the system of ensuring the military security of the state is proposed. An integral indicator of the degree of realization of national interests in the field of military security – the level of military security is adopted under the target function. In order to increase the efficiency of the functioning of the system of ensuring the military security of the state, it is proposed to create an effective mechanism for assessing the decisions made. The improved decision-making mechanism involves comparing the values of the obtained value of the level of military security with its permissible (potential) level, which should be adequate to the current situation, the resource capabilities of the state and the level of danger of existing threats. The improved mechanism will also facilitate effective organization of the planning processes for the use of defense forces in emergency situations. To determine the level of military security, the article substantiates a system of indicators. The above indicators to the greatest extent characterize the degree of realization of national interests in various spheres of military security, taking into account the interrelationships between them. The value of these indicators is determined on the basis of available statistical data, and in their absence – by an expert survey. The implementation of the proposed mechanism for substantiating state decisions in the military security system allows the use of multidimensional comparative qualitative and quantitative measurements. On the basis of these measurements, it becomes possible, practically on a time scale as close to real as possible, to determine priority measures to increase the efficiency of decisions and the level of military security of the state as a whole. The application of the improved mechanism is proposed both at the decision-making stage and after the implementation of decisions by the military security system. In the following, the conditions, features of the application of the proposed methodology and the prospects for its adaptation for solving problems of control of defense forces during their application are given

Development of a photovoltaic panel emulator and LabVIEW-based application platform

Abstract: In this study, a photovoltaic (PV) panel emulator was developed based on a single diode model of a PV cell, and four prototypes of this kind emulator have been produced. In addition, an electronic potentiometer and a central control unit were developed to be used in experimental studies. Each of the developed emulators was planned to be at least 16 W in power. LabVIEW‐based interfaces were designed to reveal the electrical characteristics of the PV panel emulator and compare them with that of an actual PV panel, and the acquired electrical data were graphical analyzed with Matlab program. Results show that the developed PV panel emulator and actual PV panel characteristics are consistent with each other. A low‐cost system which does not need light source for experimental studies has been developed to be used in renewable energy laboratories, and to give psychomotor and cognitive behaviors to students.

Research Progress on Coastline Change in China

Abstract: Fan, Q.; Liang, L.; Liang, F., and Sun, X., 2020. Research progress on coastline change in China. In: Zheng, C.W.; Wang, Q.; Zhan, C., and Yang, S.B. (eds.), Air-Sea Interaction and Coastal Environments of the Maritime and Polar Silk Roads. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 99, pp. 289–10. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.A coastline is an ecologically sensitive area at the land–water interface. Coastline change has an important impact on regional ecology, economy, and society. China has a long coastline and its coastal zone is among the fastest developing regions in the world. An effective understanding of Chinese coastline changes can aid sustainable development in China and surrounding areas. In this paper, we reviewed the literature of coastline changes in China through the end of 2018. Through literature analysis, the coastline change research in China can be divided into three stages: a start-up stage, an exploration period, and a developmental period. Ancient maps, traditional actual trace measurements, ancient sea level markers, remote-sensing images, and Light Detection and Ranging technology are the main data sources of coastline research. From the research content, the coastline change literature in China mainly focuses on the analysis of space–time changes and coastline driving forces. There is also limited literature on coastline change prediction, which mainly refers to the shape and location of coastline change. The next stage, the relationship between coastline change and the environment, is the focus of future research. This study provides a relatively comprehensive review of coastline changes in China that may have a certain significance for the study of these changes in China and perhaps the world. It can serve as a basis for developing scientific and reasonable policies for sustainable development in coastal zones.

Spatio-statistical analysis of rainfall fluctuation, anomaly and trend in the Hindu Kush region using ARIMA approach

Abstract: This paper focuses on the spatio-statistical analysis of rainfall fluctuation, anomaly and trend in the Hindu Kush region using auto-regressive integrated moving averages (ARIMA) approach. In the study area, trend in rainfall has significant impact on fluctuations in river discharge, which ultimately led to floods and hydrological drought. In this study, rainfall has been used as a climatic parameter. For this study, average annual and mean monthly rainfall data for Dir, Timergara, Saidu, Chitral, Drosh, Malam Jabba and Kalam meteorological stations located in the study region were gathered from Regional Meteorological Center Peshawar. In the study area, the rainfall is mostly received during two prominent periods, i.e., summer rainfall from monsoon, whereas winter and spring rainfall from western depressions. In the study area, Malam Jabba has recorded the heavy mean annual rainfall (1647 mm) and is considered as the humid station followed by met station Dir with a 1362 mm mean annual rainfall. Similarly, Saidu met station received 1050 mm mean annual rainfall and Kalam 1038 mm, whereas Timergara, Drosh and Chitral recorded 796 mm, 568 mm and 458 mm, respectively. The temporal data regarding rainfall were calculated and simulated in Addinsoft Excel state 2014 by applying ARIMA statistical model for trend prediction, fluctuations and anomaly. The analysis indicates that in terms of rainfall, an increasing trend has been detected at Dir, Chitral, Saidu and Kalam meteorological stations, whereas a declining trend has been recorded at Timergara, Drosh and Malam Jabba meteorological stations. In terms of rainfall anomaly, the met station Dir has indicated comparatively high positive anomaly. Contrary to this, the met stations of Saidu and Drosh have experienced negative rainfall anomaly.

Passenger satisfaction towards metro infrastructures, facilities and services

Abstract: Public attitudes towards public transport (PT) services will be very important when it comes to improving demand for those services. Therefore, local authorities as well as transport providers make a significant effort to improve passenger satisfaction towards the PT services by enhancing the quality of service. The present study investigates the satisfaction that passengers gain from Tyne and Wear Metro (TW-Metro) services. In this study, the data collected by a questionnaire survey was analysed by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cross Tabulation Analysis (CTA) to explore the effect of passengers’ perception of various factors that influence passenger satisfaction. The findings are based on the responses of passengers to the questionnaire designed for assessing service quality based on fifteen different attributes. The PCA shows that three significant factors in predicting passenger satisfaction such as security, safety and comfort, infrastructure quality, and ticket purchase facilities. The CTA shows that there is a significant difference between satisfaction scores and demographic profiles, in particular age, gender, professional/employment status and frequency of use of Metro services. The outcome of this study will be useful for public agencies for improving quality of service in PT services.

Seasonal Extreme Wind Speed and Gust Wind Speed: A Case Study of the China Seas

Abstract: Zheng, C.W.; Liang, F.; Yao, J.L.; Dai, J.C.; Gao, Z.S.; Hou, T.T., and Xiao, Z.N., 2020. Seasonal extreme wind speed and gust wind speed: A case study of the China seas. In: Zheng, C.W.; Wang, Q.; Zhan, C., and Yang, S.B. (eds.), Air-Sea Interaction and Coastal Environments of the Maritime and Polar Silk Roads. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 99, pp. 435-438.Previous researches have made great contribution to the evaluation of annual extreme wind speed and annual gust wind speed. However, the research on the extreme wind speed and gust wind speed of different season is extremely scarce, which is urgently needed in disaster prevention and reduction, navigation, ocean exploitation, etc. This study calculates the extreme wind speed with return period of 50-yr (U50) and 100-yr (U100) in each season and annual value by using the ERA-interim gust data and the Gumbel curve method, and the China seas were taken as case studies. The results show that, (1) Both the annual U50 and U100 have a good consistency with the multi-year average maximum gust as a whole, with the large area mainly located in the mid-low latitude (15°∼30°N) and the large center is located in the broad ocean surrounding the Volcano Islands (35-55 m/s in maximum gust, 50-75 m/s in U50 and U100). (2) The maximum gust, U50 and U100 exhibit noticeable seasonal difference. The large areas in January are located in the mid-high latitude, about north of 20°N, including the Japan Sea, south waters of Japan, Ryukyu Islands. The large areas in April are located in the mid-high latitude (north of 25°N) and the south of Volcano Islands, while in the broad ocean between 15°N and 30°N in both July and October.

Information model of decision support in the design of information and communication systems based on the customer’s profile

Abstract: An information model, which reflects the general procedure for solving the problem of choosing rational variants of design solutions in the design of special information and communication systems is considered. The problem is presented as a problem of multicriteria choice of alternatives. An important aspect of the proposed information model is the customer’s preferences, which are formulated as a set of quantitative and qualitative characteristics and combined in the customer’s profile.

Fighting Governmental Corruption in Pakistan: An Evaluation of Anti-Corruption Strategies

Abstract: Anti-corruption efforts are required where corruption prevails and Pakistan is a developing country that is facing the menace of corruption to a considerable degree. According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI) for 2019, Pakistan is ranked as 120th out of 180 countries. With this in view, this study aims to ascertain the opinion of policy professionals working at various policy institutes in Pakistan regarding the effectiveness of 26 different anti-corruption strategies by means of a self-administered

Formation of Professional Competence of Future Officers of the Logistics Troops (Forces) Supply of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Abstract: The purpose of the article is to identify the essence and basic principles of formation of professional competence of future logistics officers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, to determine the algorithm of formation of professional competence by stages of professional training in the higher military educational institution, to identify methods and techniques corresponding to logistics. Research methods: theoretical analysis of primary sources, normative documents, conceptual principles of logistics; systematization, modeling, observation and testing. The results of the analysis revealed that the professional competence of future logistics officers is a personal education and an integral characteristic, which includes key and general competencies that are the result of training in higher military educational institution, covering the dynamic set of knowledge, skills and experience in this specialty, personal and socially significant qualities (ways of thinking, ability to self-study, learning styles, views, values, nature of behavior in unpredictable conditions, etc.) arising on the basis of the formed subject competences and provide an opportunity to perform the military logistics officer’s duties and professional tasks effectively. The principles of forming the professional competence of future logistics officers corresponding to their specialty as they are basic both in military-economic, and in pedagogical logistics are defined. These are: principle of systematization, principle of functionality, principle of integration and integrated goal setting, principle of «just in time», principle of «jit-reliability», principle of solving information problems by standardizing data, principle of prioritizing the needs of learners, principle of variability of strategies, methods and techniques, principle of focusing on the end result, principle of interaction of all components of the professional competence formation system, principle of coordination of actions of different divisions specialists. The influence of these principles on the formation of the future logistics officers’ professional competence is analyzed. An algorithm for the formation of professional competence was developed, which was modeled according to two opposite approaches – directions (direct and reverse): «bottom up», it means by stages of professional training in higher military educational institution – a sequence of courses, semesters and levels of training (bachelor, master) of future officers; and «top-down», it means from the principles of professional competence formation through the construction of a «goal tree» and the definition of its components (key competencies) and their manifestations in the material of subjects that form general subject competencies, to building a «competence tree» and designing them for each discipline and definition of subject competencies. There are a number of teaching methods and techniques that take into account the specifics of logistics, such as: methods of empirical adult learning, problem-based learning, the method of planned mistakes, visualization methods, methods of press conferences, dialogue, discussions, brainstorming techniques, case studies, which should be used in the educational process to form the professional competence of future logistics officers. Conclusions: the purpose of the study is achieved.

Impact of Training on Employees' Performance

Abstract: Centria University of Applied Sciences Date November 2019 Author Esunge Ngwese Keren Degree programme Business Management Name of thesis THE IMPACT OF TRAINING ON EMPLOYEES’ PERFORMANCE. All Professional People’s Community Group Language Instructor Eija Torkinlampi Pages 26 Supervisor Katarina Broman The dismissals, sanctions and punishments given to employees at their work place prompted the researcher to find out what was happening. In doing so, the researcher found out, the employees were lacking in some areas of their work and it made the researcher come up with this study of the impact of training on employees’ performance. To achieve this, the researcher came up with the main objective of the study which was to find out how training will have an impact on employees’ performance. From this main objective, the researcher was able to come up with some research questions such as, what training techniques, theories and training delivery methods organizations put in place for a better training for their employees to help them get the required knowledge and skills they need. To get answers to these questions, the researcher used both primary and secondary ways to collect data for the study and used some sampling techniques. The researcher took a sample of thirty workers from the organization and administered a questionnaire to them. Though faced with difficulties during the process of acquiring necessary information needed, the researcher still managed to get various responses from the employees when the questionnaires were administered, and the researcher was able to come up with the conclusion that, training does have a positive impact on employees' performance. The researcher noticed that organizations could not meet up with the various changes in the market environment, the technology, population growth, demands, taste and fashion of customers. To meet up with all these changes, training is involved. Also, the researcher noticed that, some employees are instead kicked out of organizations when they fail to give out the required skills needed for the job. The researcher decided to find out how far and how deep organizations take and consider training for their employees and how it will affect their performance at work.

Hitler’s Downfall and the Collapse of the Thousand Years Reich: Multi Fronts and Incapable Allies

Abstract: Abstract The downfall of Adolf Hitler was a significant development in the history of the world. His armies conquered almost all of Europe in a dramatic span of time by the employment of Blitzkrieg tactics. Before the outbreak of the Second World War, Hitler assisted General Franco in the Spanish Civil War. Later, while still fighting on the Western front, Hitler ordered the Afrika Korps to assist Italians in Northern Africa and in the Balkans region and finally launched Operation Barbarossa by invading the Soviet Union. The Anti-Comintern Pact, Pact of Steel and Tripartite Pact brought the Third Reich, the Empire of Japan and the Kingdom of Italy onto one page. This paper attempts to probe the multiple fronts and the efficacy of Hitler’s allies including Japan, Italy, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia and Croatia and to try and find the causes behind the downfall of one of the strongest men the world has ever seen from a theoretical perspective. This research did not intend to glorify Hitler or Nazism, but focuses on how the maximization of power and the states’ actions with hegemonic aspirations triggered a balancing coalition and ultimately resulted in punishment from the system itself.

Project approach in an anti-crisis management system of financial sustainability of industrial enterprise

Abstract: The main aspects of the project approach in the system of crisis management of financial stability of an industrial enterprise are considered in the article. Definitely main factors and signs of the crisis based on the diagnosis of indicators of the financial condition of the industrial enterprise. It is established that the assessment of financial stability is one of the priority tasks in the diagnosis of crisis enterprises, the condition of which is characterized by an increased probability of bankruptcy. The forecast value of the coefficient of financial stability, which can be used to develop a financial strategy of the enterprise or corrective anti-crisis management decisions, is determined. The article proposes a method of implementing a project approach in crisis management of the enterprise. In anti-crisis management of financial stability it is expedient to apply the project approach that will give the chance to implement measures for achievement of the concrete purpose, to coordinate actions of all divisions of the enterprise; to forecast in time and in expenses the project decision of a crisis situation according to the set criteria of quality of performance of works. In addition, the project approach has all the features of the crisis management system: a team of specialists is formed to perform the tasks of crisis management; strategies for increasing the competitiveness of the enterprise are developed; optimal ways (options) of realization of system of anti-crisis measures for the purpose of increase of stability of functioning of the enterprise are made. The advantages of the project approach in crisis management of financial stability are: assessment of the current state of the enterprise; use of the company's own resources in order to reduce the cost of implementing a system of anti-crisis measures; clear delineation and definition of personal (team) responsibilities and powers; systematic approaches to determining the phenomena and factors of the crisis, as well as to the development and implementation of anti-crisis programs, due to the involvement of specialists and managers of different levels and areas of activity, in accordance with the sources of threats; increasing control over the expenditure of funds and resources aimed at anti-crisis measures, the introduction of methods for their more effective use; more effective use of the time factor in the analysis of the situation and the implementation of anti-crisis measures; qualitative increase of the level of systems and methods of internal communications. The result of this approach should be overcoming the crisis (with the subsequent transition to operational management of the organization), assessing the effectiveness of crisis measures (actions, projects) and, if necessary, the introduction of a permanent monitoring system for crisis phenomena in the organization. introduction of methods of their more effective use; more effective use of the time factor in the analysis of the situation and the implementation of anti-crisis measures; qualitative increase of the level of systems and methods of internal communications. The result of this approach should be overcoming the crisis (with the subsequent transition to operational management of the organization), assessing the effectiveness of crisis measures (actions, projects) and, if necessary, the introduction of a permanent monitoring system for crisis phenomena in the organization. introduction of methods of their more effective use; more effective use of the time factor in the analysis of the situation and the implementation of anti-crisis measures; qualitative increase of the level of systems and methods of internal communications. The result of this approach should be overcoming the crisis (with the subsequent transition to operational management of the organization), assessing the effectiveness of crisis measures (actions, projects) and, if necessary, the introduction of a permanent monitoring system for crisis phenomena in the organization.

Identities Hidden in Challenges: The Sequential Mediation of Thriving at Work and Employee Investment.

Abstract: The present study explores the influence of challenge stressors on identity orientation directly and via thriving at work and employee investment. Drawing on the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions, this study proposes challenge stressors as a critical predictor of identity orientation. The purpose of this article is to explore if a particular identity is salient in different contextual factors, and this study suggests that challenge stressors stimulate personal, relational, and collective identities to respond to a situation. The relationships hypothesized in this study were tested using a sample of 225 employees from the banking sector of Pakistan. A time-lagged research design consisting of two waves of data collection was employed. A structural equation modeling technique was used to test the hypotheses regarding the relationship between challenge stressors and identity orientation, including the role of thriving at work and employee investment as intervening mechanisms of this relationship. Results showed that challenge stressors had a significant positive relationship with identity orientation. The results also confirmed the sequential mediation of thriving at work and employee investment in the relationship between challenge stressors and identity orientation. The findings suggest that the positive side of stress as a strength motivates employees for continued self-development. Importantly, challenge stressors enhance employees' ability to thrive at work and, in turn, they invest in the work more and identify themselves strongly with their organization and work.

Modeling of Solving Stabilized Differential Equations By Differential-Taylor Transformations

Abstract: The paper presents a typical algorithm for numerical integration of the ordinary differential equation stabilized by the Baumgart method. The integration is performed on the basis of Pukhov’s differential-Taylor transformations. Constant step size and order integration, as well as with “by steps”, “by steps and order” adaptation are considered. For adaptation, in addition to the traditional approach, which deals with providing a given relative error according to the phase variables of integration, an approach, which deals with providing a given relative error according to the integral of the original differential equation adopted for stabilization by the Baumgart method is proposed. A practical example of integrating the differential equation of spacecraft motion is considered. The proposed algorithm can be effectively used in the development of programs for computer integration of ordinary differential equations.

Bureaucracy and Public Management Reforms: Evidence from Pakistan

Abstract: The paper examines administrative performance and public management reforms in Pakistan. The study is based on the expert opinion of the civil servants gathered via 27 semi-structured interviews. Pakistan has inherited the administrative structure from the British colonial raj. Although there have been numerous reforms aimed at improving administrative performance, none of them have been implemented adequately. The changes pursued in the first two decades were related to enhancing the administrative performance by creating an adequate structure of administrative posts and ensuring a fair remuneration system. Thefirst full reform package was presented in the 1970s with steps to improve the civil service performance and nationalization of significant banks and industries. The New Public Management (NPM) inspired the Pakistani government to adopt the policies of managerialism and privatization during the 1990s. The government intended to remove the status quo and privatize the public sector industries. This reform was successful only with regard to the privatization of some sectors and banks. The remaining reform programme failed mostly because of political instability, weak political will, political interference with the reform process, etc. The semi-structured interviews conducted with Pakistani civil servants tackled the public administration problems and their possible solutions. The respondents suggested that an indigenous public management model should be created. They indicated that the government should firmly support the implementation of reform measures. Civil servants should get salaries according to their expertise. There must be a well-defined and up to date performance and evaluation system able to ensure performance-based promotions, rewards, and punishments.

Functional and role-playing positions in modern management teams: an educational institution case study

Abstract: The analysis of scientific approaches to understanding the psychological characteristics of the role of the management team is important in the context of ensuring the organizational development of educational institutions. The purpose of the study is to explore the basic approaches and views of modern researchers on defining team roles, to identify the main functional and role positions in the management team.Determining the types of leadership roles of educational institutions based on empirical research data. Also based on the method of case studies problem-situational analysis − solving leadership problems by educational managers − were analyzed the effectiveness of role-playing positions in management teams. Conclusions were made about the need for some correction of understanding and assessment of the importance of all roles in the staff of heads of educational institutions. Each of these command roles related to specific personality traits identified by the tests.An analysis of the orientation of education leaders towards team roles shows that they tend to focus on all team roles. However, one can say that some roles are more attractive to researchers, while others are less attractive. The government can use the research findings to create and implement training programs for educational leaders.