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.

Active and passive recovery influence responses of luteinizing hormone and testosterone to a fatiguing strength loading

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.

Determinants of Resource-Seeking Foreign Direct Investment: Co-Integration and Causality Analysis for Saudi Arabia

Abstract: Although, a vast amount of literature has emerged on determinants of FDI across the globe, yet research in a Saudi Arabian context remains limited. This study is an attempt to fill this gap where determinants of resource-seeking FDI are analyzed over a period of 30 years. The study uses Johansen tests of cointegration to find out the effect of hypothesized variables as determinants of resource -seeking FDI. In order to determine a causal linkamong the tested variables, a Granger causality test is also conducted. On overall basis, it can be concluded that the resource -seeking FDI in the country is mainly driven by greater trade openness, resilient fiscal performance and existence of greater oil reserves.

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.

Impact of oil price volatility and macroeconomic variables on economic growth of pakistan

Abstract: This research analyses the effect of oil price volatility and macroeconomic variables (Trade balance, private sector investment and public sector investment) on economic growth of Pakistan. Linear regression describes the Public sector investment and Trade Balance has significant and oil price volatility and private sector investment has insignificant effect on gross domestic production of Pakistan. Johenson co integration test described the long run relation among the variables. Vector Autoregression, impulse response function and variance decomposition conclude that effect of variables was stable within 10 years and the major part on the variable is due to itself rather than other variables.

Relationship between Objective and Subjective Methods in Evaluating Static Discomfort of Car Driver Seat

Abstract: Objective method alone is insufficient in measuring discomfort of car seats. It is indirect and does not truly convey the perception and feeling of the sitter. A combination of both objective and subjective method gives better evaluation on discomfort. Seat pressure distribution method was adopted to investigate the static characteristic of a seat. The method was found to be statistically repeatable in measuring sitting of fourteen male subjects in static condition. Subjective discomfort through subjective assessment using a valid and reliable self-established questionnaire together with a body pressure map (BPM) showed increasing discomfort as sitting time increase; which is expected. The short term seat pressure distribution was used to be correlated with subjective assessment. Significant and moderate correlation was observed between four local body parts namely the seat pan bolster, thighs, upper back and lower back with overall seat average pressure BPM used in the subjective evaluation. Multiple linear regression model were established; overall discomfort from averaged pressure from BPM can be predicted from right & left buttock, right & left thigh and upper back & lower back. It was found that R-Sq=93.5%, R-Sq (adj) = 83.7% with moderately adequate predictive ability with predicted R-Sq= 46.77%.