National Defence University, Pakistan

About: National Defence University, Pakistan is a education organization based out in Islamabad, Pakistan. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Decision support system & Population. The organization has 802 authors who have published 816 publications receiving 3701 citations. The organization is also known as: National Defence University of Pakistan & National Defence University Islamabad.

Automatic generate examination questions system to enhance preparation of learning assessment

Abstract: Assessment is an integral part of the learning process that is required in order to measure the student's performance. In general, the academic staffs (e.g. teacher, instructor and lecturer) in the learning institutions are the person who will conduct the assessment to evaluate the student's performance. Using nowadays modern computer technology it is made possible to develop a new and rich system that generates different set of examination questions from user defined requirements automatically. Therefore, a system that can facilitate of producing typo-free examination questions is required to enhance the preparation of learning assessment among the academic staffs. This paper presents Automatic Generation of Examination Questions System that automatically generates different sets of examination questions to different group of students. The system offers a great flexibility in enhancing the preparation of learning assessment where the academic staffs be able to perform their tasks faster.

Computer adaptive language testing according to nato stanag 6001 requirements

Abstract: The article deals with the innovative, cutting age solution within the language testing realm, namely computer adaptive language testing (CALT) in accordance with the NATO Standardization Agreement 6001 (NATO STANAG 6001) requirements for further implementation in foreign language training of personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AF of Ukraine) in order to increase the quality of foreign language testing. The research provides the CALT method developed according to NATO STANAG 6001 requirements and the CALT algorithm that contains three blocks: "Starting point", "Item selection algorithm", "Scoring algorithm" and "Termination criterion". The CALT algorithm has an adaptive ability, changing a complexity level, sequence and the number of items according to the answers of a test taker. The comparative analysis of the results of the CALT method piloting and the paper-and- pencil testing (PPT) in reading and listening according to the NATO STANAG 6001 requirements justifies the effectiveness of the three-level CALT method. It allows us to determine the following important benefits of CALT: test length reduction, control of measurement accuracy, objective assessment, improved test security, generation of a unique set of items, adaptive ability of the CALT algorithm, high motivation of the test takers, immediate score reporting and test results management. CALT is a qualitative and effective tool to determine test takers' foreign language proficiency level in accordance with NATO STANAG 6001 requirements within the NATO Defence Educational Enhancement Programme. CALT acquires a special value and relevance in the context of the global COVID 19 pandemic.

Community Detection Algorithm based on Node Similarity in Signed Networks

Abstract: Hierarchical clustering algorithms based on node similarity have been widely used in community detection, but it is not suitable for signed networks. The typical signed network community detection algorithm has the problem of low community division rate from different nodes. Based on the similarity of nodes, this paper proposes the CDNS algorithm (Community Detection Algorithm based on Node Similarity in Signed Networks). Firstly, the algorithm proposes a node influence measure suitable for signed networks as the basis for selecting the initial node of the community. Secondly, it proposes the calculation of the node similarity based on the eigenvector centrality, and selects the node with the highest similarity from the initial node from the neighbour nodes to form the initial community. Finally, according to the community contribution of neighbour nodes, algorithm determines whether the neighbour nodes are joined in the community and in which order the neighbour nodes are joined in the community. The experiments of real signed network and simulated signed network prove that the CDNS algorithm has good accuracy and efficiency.

The Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo Recurring Conflict: Whose Conflict Transformation Responsibility?

Abstract: The recurring conflict in Eastern DRC has had devastating effects on civilians, mostly in Kivus. From the beginning of January 2002 till the end of May 2017, many conflict resolution efforts have been put together by regional and international communities. However, there has not been any sustainable mechanism to resolve the conflict. The situation regarding the security of Eastern Congo continues to be volatile. This paper seeks to identify the responsible party that would help mitigate the recurring conflict in Eastern Congo. Using the three distinct categories of actors in Conflict Transformation, the paper argues that the lack of coordination among these actors who constitutes the three Track levels have affected unity of purpose and the level of commitment as far as transforming the Eastern Congo Conflict. The divergent interests among the respective actors to outmaneuver one another when it comes to agenda setting regarding respective peace initiatives on conflict, could be the rationale behind the absence of a workable formula in transforming conflict in the Eastern DRC. The paper proffer strategic policy suggestions toward a workable Conflict Transformation mechanism that equitably addresses the root causes of the conflict and fairly incorporates the relevant stakeholders in an effort to find a sustainable solution.

Fabrication and characterization of rice straw nanocellulose nanocomposites

Abstract: The main goal of this work was to use rice straw nanocellulose in the production of nanocomposites using epoxy resin. The chemo-mechanical treatment was used to produce rice straw nanocellulose powder. The treatment was done to evaluate the effect of such treatment on the performance of produced nanocomposites. The morphology and crystallinity of the nanocomposites was further observed. The Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) images show that the surface morphology of rice straw nanocellulose nanocomposite was homogenous in epoxy compared to rice straw powder nanocomposite. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) pattern showed that the addition of 1% of filler (rice straw powder and rice straw nanocellulose) in the epoxy matrix does not result in any significant changes on its crystallinity. Thus, the analysis provided the information that there was no transformation to the trans-crystalline phase in the system interface.