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: Context (language use) & Decision support system. 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.

Influence of cerium additive on the reduction behaviour of tungsten oxide under carbon monoxide atmosphere

Abstract: The reduction of pure WO3 and Ce/WO3 has been studied by using temperature programmed reduction (TPR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and FESEM analysis. The reduction behavior were examined by non-isothermal reduction up to 900 oC then continued with isothermal reduction at 900 oC for 45 min under (40% v/v) carbon monoxide in nitrogen (CO in N2) atmosphere. The TPR results shows that reduction peak of Ce/WO3 were shifts to lower temperature as compared with to the pure WO3. In addition, TPR results indicate that addition with ceria give better reducibility compared to pure WO3. Based on the characterization of the reduction products after hold 45 min using XRD, pure WO3 were completely converted to WO2 and W metal phases. While, after addition of Ce to the WO3, the reduction was enhanced to W phases and some suboxide W5O14 and W3O5 with no WO2 phase remained and carbide observed. This is associated to the formation of alloy complex Ce2WO6 which gave remarkable effect to the reduction.

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.

Deep Feature Autoextraction Method for Intrapulse Data of Radar Emitter Signal

Abstract: Concerned with the problems that the extracted features are the absence of objectivity for radar emitter signal intrapulse data because of relying on priori knowledge, a novel method is proposed. First, this method gets the sparse autoencoder by adding certain restrain to the autoencoder. Second, by optimizing the sparse autoencoder and confirming the training scheme, intrapulse deep features are autoextracted with encoder layer parameters. The method extracts the eigenvectors of six typical radar emitter signals and uses them as inputs to a support vector machine classifier. The experimental results show that the method has higher accuracy in the case of large signal-to-noise ratio. The simulation verifies that the extracted features are feasible.

Jedi and Starmen—Cyber in the Service of the Light Side of the Force

Abstract: Today’s colliding world views between West and East have resulted in phenomena such as the war in Ukraine and pro-Russia trolling in Finland. In this context, social media, understood here as a synonym for cyber, is ‘contaminated’ and has turned out to be a chaotic virtual environment that facilitates the dissemination of all kinds of propagandist lies and pseudo-truths in addition to fact-based discussion. This article leans theoretically on Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and the Leader–Member Exchange (LMX) Theory of Leadership. The main argument of SDT is that human beings have an intrinsic need to explore and satisfy their curiosity. The LMX Theory of Leadership complements SDT by focusing on the relationship between leaders and their subordinates, which, for the purposes of this article, concerns the relationship between an explorer and their followers. The article poses the question: What motivates some individuals to challenge existing oppressive world views and injustices regardless of the fact that they know they will be heavily criticised as a result of their explorative journey? In addressing this question, the authors have used abductive content analysis to analyse the motivational factors and experiences of Finnish investigative journalist Jessikka Aro in relation to her exploratory journey in exposing pro-Russia trolling in Finland. The key arguments are as follows: Jessikka Aro’s main motivation for exposing pro-Russia trolling in Finland stemmed from her professional curiosity towards Russia and Russian propaganda. She did not intend to become any kind of leader or champion (‘Jedi’) for her followers (‘Starmen’) and was actually embarrassed by such labels, even if her followers might have regarded her as such. She has continued her exploratory journey in exposing pro-Russia trolling in Finland because she has been supported by her significant others (working community, family and closest friends) and generalised others (social media followers), and has managed to create new human networks, which have also encouraged her to stay on the same track. Aro contends that after publishing a number of articles and giving interviews and lectures on pro-Russia trolling in Finland, many Finns have begun to talk more openly not only about Russian propagandist trolling and pro-Russia trolling networks but also about Russia’s acts of aggression in violation of international agreements.

Sultan Ahmad: The Dilemma between the Local Rebels and British Colonialists in Pahang at the End of the 19th Century

Abstract: British colonization over the state of Pahang in the late 19th century resulted in an incident which is known as the Pahang uprising. Introduction of several new systems by the colonialists had caused chaos. The locals, mostly the dignitaries or chieftains who were in close relationship with the Sultan, rebelled against these new enforcements. On the other hand, the Sultan who had to maintain his status quo with the British was in a dilemma. This article looks at the dilemma faced by the ruler and how he maneuvered the crisis; through thorough content analysis of available literature. It is found that Sultan Ahmad was very intelligent, wise and diplomatic in preserving peace and harmony amongst the local people and could still be in the good books of the British. His strategies united the rebels yet he maintained his sovereignty and remained unthreatened by the British.