Variational formulations for a parabolic partial differential equation describing variably saturated flow

The variably saturated flow in a porous medium is described by a parabolic equation with hydraulic conductivity and soil moisture capacity as the flow characteristics. Variational formulations have been developed to solve the governing parabolic partial differential equation describing variably saturated flow in a porous medium. The finite element method has been used to solve the partial differential equation for a two-dimensional domain. The matrix characteristics and the stability criteria have been investigated to develop the numerical algorithms for solving the partial differential equation to generate time-varying hydraulic heads in the subsurface. A computer program has been written to solve a symmetric positive definite system obtained from the variational formulation for the finite element method. The system of equations is solved using the conjugate gradient method. Analytical solutions have been developed for the simplified governing equation. The finite element solutions were compared with the analytical solutions. A reasonable agreement between finite element and analytical solutions was observed. A variational formulation was also developed using boundary element method. The matrix characteristics and the solution algorithm using boundary element method were investigated

The Role of Pakistan Against Counter Terrorism

Pakistan joined global efforts to curb terrorism right after 9/11 and kept on playing a vital role as a frontline ally. The country's role in War on Terror was inevitable due to multiple factors such as geography, supply routes and intelligence sharing. Over time, Pakistan carried out numerous operations to dislodge trans-national militants in its tribal areas. After constant terror attacks, it aimed at launching comprehensive operations against terrorists hiding in every nook and corner of the country. Keeping counter-terror policies of Pakistan, the paper is divided into three eras. First, the Musharaf era (2001-2008), in which Pakistan relied on military operations, banned extremist organizations, reformed Madrasahs and drone strikes. Whereas, the second era, under Pakistan People's Party encompasses the overwhelming reliance on Drone Warfare and military operations in Swat and South Waziristan Agency. During the third era, Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif came up with the idea of peace talks with the militants, that went futile and operation Zarb-e-Azab was launched against militants

The role of multimodal transport in Bangladesh for export promotion

The exports of Bangladesh have dramatically changed recently due to diversification of items. More than 60% of the total export share was contributed by jute in the early eighties. This scenario is now totally changed. Non-traditional items, such as ready-made garments, leather goods (shoes), knitwear, handicraft are now dominating factors in the exports of Bangladesh. More than 60% of the export share are now contributed by ready-made garments. Traditional goods are basically transported through break-bulk carrier. Non-Traditional goods are basically transported through container. Due to advent of containerisation multimodal transport has created a new era in international trade. It has two advantages; a) door-to-door service and b) just in time service. Exporters of the Bangladesh take the MT as a strategic logistic tool. With the help of MT they reduce their inventory cost in the port area and at the same time they deliver their goods just in time to the buyer\u27s desire place. Bangladesh has two sea-ports; Chittagong and Mongla. 80% of the total trade and 90% of the export of the country are now going through these ports. In 1987, by the help of railway, the country’s first inland clearance depots (ICD) was established in the Dhaka region, because 90% of the manufactured goods exporting industries are located in the Dhaka region. This ICD links with Chittagong port. Exporters already show their keen interest for using ICD. For minimising the transport cost, Govt. of Bangladesh has a plan to establish another ICD in the Dhaka region with the help of inland waterways. After the completion of this inland container port, the competition will rise between the railway and inland waterway, which is ultimately favourable for the exporter giving a better choice of mode of transport

Does Pakistani Insurance Industry follow Pecking Order Theory?

Current study examines the Pecking Order Theory of capital structure by using firm level characteristics of insurance companies of Pakistan over five years from 2007 to 2011. The results of regression analysis indicate that size, profitability, tangibility, risk and liquidity are important determinants of capital structure of insurance companies of Pakistan. In addition, the results also indicate that profitable, more liquid, more tangible and risky insurance companies follow Pecking Order Hypothesis. Keywords: Pecking Order Theory, Insurance Companies, Pakista

Dealing with writing deficiencies at tertiary level

Errors in students’ written scripts at the tertiary level may lower grades as well as posing challenges to language teachers for checking scripts and offering corrective feedback. At the worst, students fail to develop essential skills, remaining inefficient in writing. 108 students took part in the study. This paper looks into the grammatical errors of selected genres of written tests, while acknowledging the successful language aspects. A qualitative analysis was used to comment on the quantitative data. Results show that errors made were twofold: at the word level and at the sentence level. Discussions based on the findings in the data highlight their pedagogical implications. An action plan is suggested to improve overall learning and teaching outcomes for tertiary students