IGNOU Faculty Publications

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Defect Prediction Framework Using Neural Networks for Software Enhancement Projects
(SCIENCEDOMAIN international Ltd.) Vashisht, Vipul; Lal, Manohar; G.S, Sureshchandar
So far, various approaches have been proposed for effective and accurate prediction of software defects, yet most of these approaches have limited adoption in practice. The objective of this paper is to provide a framework which is expected to be more user-friendly, effective and acceptable for predicting the defects in multiple phases across software enhancement projects. This communication describes a process of applying computational intelligence technologies, in particular neural networks in formulating defect prediction models early in the software development life cycle. A series of empirical experiments are carried out based on input and output measures extracted from 50 'real world' project subsystems. In order to increase the adoption and make the prediction framework easily accessible to project managers, a graphical user interface (GUI) based tool has been designed and implemented that allows input data to be fed easily. The proposed framework uses historical data for training model and as a result provides a defect range (minimum, maximum) based output instead of a definite defect count based output. This is done in view of the fact that exact-count prediction has less probability of being correct as compared to range based predictions. The defect predictions can be used for taking informed decisions including prioritizing software testing efforts, planning additional round of code reviews, allocating human and computerresources, planning for risk mitigation strategy and other corrective actions. The claim of effectiveness of proposed framework is established through results of a comparative study, involving the proposed framework and some well-known models for software defect prediction.
Estimation of Optimum Dilution in the GMAW Process Using Integrated ANN-GA
(Hindawi Ltd., Adam House) P, Sreeraj; Kannan, T; Maji, Subhashis
To improve the corrosion resistant properties of carbon steel, usually cladding process is used. It is a process of depositing a thick layer of corrosion resistant material over carbon steel plate. Most of the engineering applications require high strength and corrosion resistant materials for long-term reliability and performance. By cladding these properties can be achieved with minimum cost. The main problem faced on cladding is the selection of optimum combinations of process parameters for achieving quality clad and hence good clad bead geometry. This paper highlights an experimental study to optimize various input process parameters (welding current, welding speed, gun angle, and contact tip to work distance and pinch) to get optimum dilution in stainless steel cladding of low carbon structural steel plates using gas metal arc welding (GMAW). Experiments were conducted based on central composite rotatable design with full replication technique, and mathematical models were developed using multiple regression method. The developed models have been checked for adequacy and significance. In this study, artificial neural network (ANN) and genetic algorithm (GA) techniques were integrated and labeled as integrated ANN-GA to estimate optimal process parameters in GMAW to get optimum dilution.
Modulation of Vasodilator Response via the Nitric Oxide Pathway after Acute Methyl Mercury Chloride Exposure in Rats
(Hindawi Ltd., Adam House) Omanwar, S; B, Saidullah; K, Ravi; M, Fahim
Mercury exposure induces endothelial dysfunction leading to loss of endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation due to decreased nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability via increased oxidative stress. Our aim was to investigate whether acute treatment with methyl mercury chloride changes the endothelium-dependent vasodilator response and to explore the possible mechanisms behind the observed effects. Wistar rats were treated with methyl mercury chloride (5 mg/kg, po.). The methyl mercury chloride treatment resulted in an increased aortic vasorelaxant response to acetylcholine (ACh). In methyl-mercury-chloride-exposed rats, the % change in vasorelaxant response of ACh in presence of Nω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME; M) was significantly increased, and in presence of glybenclamide ( M), the response was similar to that of untreated rats, indicating the involvement of NO and not of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF). In addition, superoxide dismutase (SOD) + catalase treatment increased the NO modulation of vasodilator response in methyl-mercury-chloride-exposed rats. Our results demonstrate an increase in the vascular reactivity to ACh in aorta of rats acutely exposed to methyl mercury chloride. Methyl mercury chloride induces nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and increases the NO production along with inducing oxidative stress without affecting the EDHF pathway.
Continuing professional development of dentists through distant learning: An Indira Gandhi National Open University-Dental Council of India experiment a report
(Wolters Kluwer - Medknow Publications Wolters Kluwer India Pvt. Ltd.) Kuba, Ruchika; Kohli, Anil
To keep themselves updated with all the advancements in the field of dentistry, dentists should involve themselves in some kind of professional development. Distance learning is the most appropriate way to serve the growing demand due to technological advancements. Indira Gandhi National Open University in collaboration with Dental Council of India (DCI) developed and launched two continuing professional development programs in Endodontics (postgraduate certificate in endodontics) and postgraduate certificate in oral implantology and has trained over 400 and 280 BDS dentists respectively till date. The program package consists of self‑instructional material, assignments, videos and practical training. The training is conducted in premiere dental colleges and institutions recognized by DCI. The certificate is awarded after a term end examination, both in theory and practical. The pass percentages of the theory courses ranged from around 63% to 98%, and 90% of the candidates cleared the practical exam.
Adiposity Measures and Menstrual Cycle: Do We Envisage a Relation?
Sinha, Rashmi; Kapoor, Anup Kumar; Kapoor, Satwanti
The study aims to see the relationship between menstrual cycle and adiposity measures in Indian populations as menstrual cycle length has an important bearing on fertility and health of women. 415 premenopausal women in the ages 22–50 years residing in Delhi, India constituted the data. The adiposity was assessed by BMI as well as by using Bio-electric impedance method. The information regarding their physical activity pattern and menstrual cycle was recorded, and age at menarche was obtained through recall method. None of the underweight category women had menstrual cycle of less than 25 days. A decrease in body mass index and an increase in the age at menarche were found with the increase in the duration of menstrual cycle. The majority of women with 25–35 days duration of menstrual cycle in the present study were distributed in all the categories of BMI. Age was found to have no effect on longer cycle. The majority of women were in moderately physically active group and experienced menstrual cycle duration of 25–35 days. It is of utmost importance to identify the effects of moderate levels of physical activity, body mass index, and age at menarche on the menstrual cycle to enable the normal reproductive health of women.
The condition for Minimum Deviation through Prism - Two Proofs Without Using Calculus
(Indian Academy of Sciences) Ghosh, C K
In this section of Resonance, we invite readers to pose questions likely to be raised in a classroom situation. We may suggest strategies for dealing with them, or invite responses, or both. “Classroom” is equally a forum for raising broader issues and sharing personal experiences and viewpoints on matters related to teaching and learning science.We know that the condition for minimum deviation of a ray passing through a prism is that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of emergence. It is generally proved by using differential calculus. Here two proofs have been provided without using calculus, the ¯rst by application of trigonometry only and the second by pure reasoning.
Asymmetric Reductive Amination of Carbonyl Compounds by Using N,N,N-Tributylpropanaminium Based Novel Chiral Ionic Liquid
(Scientific Research Publishing) Rupini, Boyina; Pasricha, Sharda; Rathi, Brijesh
Asymmetric reductive amination of carbonyl compounds was carried out using a novel class of aliphatic quarternary ammonium based chiral ionic liquid. S-(+)-2,3-dihydroxy-N,N,N-tributylpropanaminum bromide chiral ionic liquid has been synthesized, characterized and used for asymmetric reductive amination of carbonyl compounds in the presence of sodium borohydride. These preliminary results are encouraging and advocate dual role of novel ionic liquid as a medium and reducing agent for proficient conversion of ketones to amines, however, reductive amination reaction needs to be established for other substituents.
Evaluation of the Larvicidal Efficacy of Five Indigenous Weeds against an Indian Strain of Dengue Vector, Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae)
(Hindawi Publishing Corporation) Sharma, Aarti; Kumar, Sarita; Tripathi, Pushplata
Background and Objectives. Aedes aegypti, dengue fever mosquito, is primarily associated with the transmission of dengue and chikungunya in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The present investigations were carried out to assess the larvicidal efficiency of five indigenous weeds against Ae. aegypti. Methods. The 1,000 ppm hexane and ethanol extracts prepared from the leaves and stem of five plants (Achyranthes aspera, Cassia occidentalis, Catharanthus roseus, Lantana camara, and Xanthium strumarium) were screened for their larvicidal activity against early fourth instars of dengue vector. The extracts which could cause 80–100% mortality were further investigated for their efficacy. Results. The preliminary screening established the efficacy of hexane extracts as compared to the ethanol extracts. Further investigations revealed the highest larvicidal potential of A. aspera extracts exhibiting LC50 value of 82.555 ppm and 68.133 ppm, respectively. Further, their leaf extracts showed 5–85.9% higher larvicidal activity and stem extracts exhibited 0.23- to 0.85-fold more efficiency than the other four extracts. Conclusion. The present investigations suggest the possible use of A. aspera as an ideal ecofriendly, larvicidal agent for the control of dengue vector, Ae. aegypti. Future studies are, however, required to explore and identify the bioactive component involved and its mode of action.
Effect of Different Parameters onMechanical and ErosionWear Behavior of Bamboo Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites
(Hindawi Publishing Corporation) Gupta, Anu; Kumar, Ajit; Patnaik, Amar; Biswas, Sandhyarani
The application of natural fibers as reinforcement in polymer composites has been continuously growing during the last few decades. These composites find diverse applications in hostile environment where they are exposed to external attacks such as solid particle erosion. Also, in many respects, the mechanical properties of different polymer composites are their most important characteristics. Therefore, improvement of the erosion resistance and mechanical behavior of polymer composites are the prime requirements in their applications. Bamboo fiber which is rich in cellulose, relatively inexpensive, and abundantly available has the potential for reinforcement in polymers. To this end, an attempt has been made in this paper not only to study the utilization potential of bamboo fiber in polymer composites but also to study the effect of various parameters on mechanical and erosion wear performance of bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composites.
Analyzing E-mail communication of prospective learners
(Anadolu University, Eskisehir) Joshi, Vibha; Saxena, Anurag; Saxena, Anurag
Analyzing E-mail communication of prospective learners Vibha JOSHIAnurag SAXENA Reader School of Management IGNOU, New Delhi, INDIA ABSTRACT Today, computer has replaced all means of communication significantly. E-mail is the most popular means of communication through computers. It has vanished the boundaries between the cities, countries and continents. Earlier Studies that used this medium, had shown evidence of higher quality of responses and also significant cost savings feature of this method (mainly for convenience of dispatch) for research purposes. In this communication, an attempt has been made to utilize email responses of prospective learners in education discipline based programs offered through open learning system. The inception of this study is linked to the creation of website (http://www.ignou.ac.in/) and availability of information related to all activated and prospective programs of studies, various school of studies, faculty email addresses and faculty vis-à-vis program coordinator in the University. The present study analyzed 65 email responses received from July 2002 to till date by the researcher on her email ID. These respondents got the email ID from the University website and due to their eagerness to attain qualifications in the field of education/guidance/educational management, sent an e-mail to the program coordinator(s). These email responses were analyzed in order to visualize the learner profiles and viability of the ongoing as well as prospective programs of studies. This paper tries to analyze the e-mail responses of the people who either by surfing IGNOU’s website or from other sources came to know about the various programs of studies offered by the School of Education. The study validates that there is an amount of hidden information even in the curiosity of the learners.
Virtual Educatıon in a Developing Nation (INDIA): Experiences of IGNOU
(TOJDE-The Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, Anadolu University) Reddy, V. Venugopal; Srivasta, Manjulika
IGNOU came into existence in the year 1985 with a mandate to democratize higher education by a diversity of means using traditional and new technologies. The university has achieved many milestones in a short span of 15 years existence in terms of courses and programmes introduced, instructional technologies adopted and student services offered. Above all it has enrolled a large number of students achieving a 'mega open university' status. Since 1998 IGNOU has introduced virtual education, with a few academic programmes pertaining to Computer and Information Sciences in two phases. In order to assess the 'Virtual Campus' initiative a study was initiated by the researchers in the year 2000. The findings of which have been discussed in this paper. Also background information about the trends in the development and delivery of academic programmes through Virtual Campus at IGNOU have been explained.
ICT & The Future of Distance Education
(Anadolu University, Eskisehir) Reddy, V. Venugopal; Srivastava, Dr.Manjulika
Since the beginning of the previous century institutions offering distance education have employed a variety of technological platforms to support interactions between teachers and learners and among learners separated by distance, time or both. The convergence of powerful computers with telecommunications technologies, over the past three decades has precipitated a fundamental shift in human history: the so called Information or Knowledge Revolution in the last decade of the previous century. Technological developments in Digitization and Telecommunication have led to fundamental changes in the production, storage and dissemination of materials and information. The focus in the information age or knowledge era is on these new digital information and communication technologies (lCTs). These are proving to be more powerful than previous technologies because of their ability to integrate multiple media into simple educational applications, interactivity, flexibility of use and connectivity. Not only text but a full range, of media including graphics, speech, sounds, still and moving pictures can all be stored and conveyed. It is 'now possible to combine elements of all these components in a single package (i.e. multimedia) instead of using a variety of components such as printed text, audio/video cassette, broadcasting, etc. (i.e. multiple media). Education seems unlikely to escape the influence of such significant technological developments especially as the cost of access to ICTs continues to fall. The number of institutions adopting ICTs and introducing online courses has been growing. Undoubtedly this is leading to the ascendance of distance education as a popular mode of education being adopted by both distance teaching institutions as well as conventional institutions offering campus bound face to face education. It can be said that the adoption of ICTs has opened up new fundamentally different options for higher education both in how to run the business of higher education as well as in methodologies of teaching and learning. More institutions are involved in distance education today than at any other time in history. Distance education has truly moved to the centre stage today.
Bridges to Effective Learning through Radio
(Athabasca University Press) Chandar, Usha; Sharma, Ramesh
broadcast educational programmes for the benefit of students and general public in India. These FM radio stations, delivered through the Gyan Vani network, cater to learners seeking to gain knowledge in the areas of basic, primary, higher, and extension education. Radio programming covers various subject areas. It is anticipated that the opening of India's airwaves will prove beneficial to the nation's general population, thus fostering the democratising principals of empowerment, advocacy, and community participation. This study examines the results of a survey conducted to obtain feedback from a representative sample of the Gyan Vani network's projected audience. The survey focused on audience's perceived need for a radio channel dedicated exclusively to educational programming; it also provided an opportunity for respondents to suggest possible programme content and formats. Respondents, in general, indicated that they looked towards the network Gyan Vani to fulfil personal and educational goals by offering certified vocational courses, coaching for entrance exams, updated information on careers, courses, etc.
Sharing of Knowledge among Faculty in a Mega Open University
(ICDE—International Council for Open and Distance Education) Santosh, Sujata; Panda, Santosh
Developments in ICTs and knowledge societies have revolutionized the traditional paradigms of education. There is a lot of emphasis on a culture of sharing and collaboration in the education scenario of today though educators have certain inhibitions about sharing of knowledge, ideas and resources. The present study was undertaken to explore the sharing behaviour of the faculty of the National Open University in India. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire on knowledge sharing behaviour and barriers to sharing from 62 faculty members belonging to various disciplines. The findings suggested that sharing was less preferred voluntarily and in networks; publishing was most preferred knowledge sharing mechanism; sharing of learning materials was more encouraged in the institution; and borrowing from Internet was more preferred. The important perceived barriers included lack of recognition and absence of organizational knowledge sharing culture. The findings have been discussed in relation to related research and the existing institutional context.
Optimization of weld bead geometry for stainless steel cladding deposited by GMAW.
(American Journal of Engineering Research (AJER)) Sreeraj, P; Kannan, T; Maji, Subhasis
The cladded components quality always depends on clad bead geometry and coefficient of shape of welds and dilution. In order to obtain better quality, good corrosion resistant properties and to reduce manufacturing costs the bead parameters must be optimized. The above objectives can be achieved by developing mathematical equations to predict bead geometry. This paper presents central composite rotatable design with full replication technique was used to obtain four critical dimensions of bead geometry. The developed models have been checked for adequacy and significance. The experiments were conducted by depositing Type ER-308L stainless steel wire on to IS-2062 structural steel plates. The results of confirmation experiments showed that the developed models can be able to predict bead geometry with reasonable accuracy. This study proved that both direct and interaction effect plays a major role in determining bead dimensions and dilution. The process parameters were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM).
TOWARDS UNDERSTANDING THE SUCCESSFUL LEARNER: A Case Study of IGNOU
(Anadolu University, Eskisehir) NAIR, Sindhu P.
The growth of enrolment in the ODL system has been considerable. However, another parameter of significance in the context of Open and Distance learning is the learner success rate. While enrolment rates have been very encouraging in distance education, the pass-out rates haven’t been similar. There is a need to focus on the dynamics involved after a learner enrols himself in an OU and what drives him to stay focussed and complete his academic pursuit successfully or alternatively what holds or slows his academic progress and eventually makes him drop out. The study highlights that there are both institution-based (that is OU-based) and learner-centric factors that could facilitate learners to successfully complete their studies. There are both controllable and uncontrollable factors that affect the OU learners’ success rate. This study attempts to capture the learner-centric factors and OU-related factors that have facilitated the learners to successfully complete their study. The paper delves into those key aspects or factors which would have facilitated the passed out learners in successfully completing their programmes in the open system. The findings are of direct interest, both from an institution perspective and that of a distance learner. It provides inputs to the Open and distance learning system, towards formulating appropriate strategies that further facilitate learners to successfully pass out. Also the findings serve as indicators/guide rules for any learner in the open system.
Subjugation: A study of the women characters in Khalid Hosseini’s and Arundhati Roy’s novels
(Academic Journals) Silima, Nanda
This paper is a serious attempt to portray the exploitation and discrimination of women in the patriarchal social systems of the Afghan society and the Indian subcontinent as delineated in the novels of Khalid Hosseini and Arundhati Roy. In both the novels: A Thousand Splendid Suns and The God of Small Things, the women share the common plight of suffering, where the male folk treat them as mere objects and subject them to extreme oppression. The novelists rightfully depict the story of these women, who show signs of resistance and try to thwart the male order but their struggle is overwhelmed by the ideology of the male-dominated social systems.
DISTANCE EDUCATION IN THE AGE OF GLOBALIZATION: An Overwhelming Desire towards Blended Learning
(Anadolu University, Eskisehir) Sethy, Satya Sunda
The aim of this paper is to discuss the nature and status of distance education in the age of globalization, i.e. how best it fits for the present educational scenario. In this connection, we will discuss how Blended Learning (hence after, BL) is one among the other learning strategies mostly helpful for the learners. Keeping this view in mind, this paper is divided into three sections. The first section aims to discuss the nature of distance education in the age of globalization. The second section devotes a discussion on why we need blended learning in ODL system and in which way it plays a vital role for maximizing the benefit of the learners, tutors, and the institutions. The third section explains the pros and cons of blended learning to evaluate how successfully it can be implemented in the ODL system. The paper concludes with an established view that blended learning is a globalized approach to the distance education.
Assessment in Open and Distance Learning System (ODL): A Challenge
(International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE)) Chaudhary, S.V.S; Dey, Niradhar
Assessment is an integral part of the learning process. The traditional practice of assessment has changed to meet the need of the contemporary society. In this paper assessment strategies used in Open and Distance Education are discussed and constructive suggestions are given to meet the challenges of assessment. Recently we experience a paradigm shift in assessment both in face-to-face and ODL system. Content-based testing has shifted to performance-based assessment. Assessment is no longer used for grading and certification, rather it has linked with learning and skill development of the students. Instead of a single paper pencil test, a variety of techniques and methods are being increasingly conducted. In this context assessment in the ODL system has adopted a new shape to provide better assessment judgments to its students and at the same time helping teachers and administrators. Coping with the changing scenario in ODL we face challenges addressed extensively in this article.
Learner-Centredness: An Issue of Institutional Policy in the context of Distance Education
(Anadolu University, Eskisehir) Pulist, S. K
The new concept of learner-centredness has evolved as a contemporary counter to the traditional teacher-centred approach to education which has been authoritative in nature. There is now a shift in focus to the learner which in part has grown out of our dissatisfaction with traditional approaches that are based on the notion of giving/transmitting a predetermined body of knowledge to the learner who is treated as an object. The shift reflects a desire to explore ways of making teaching responsive to learner needs & interests and allowing learners to play a fuller, more active and participatory role in the day-to-day teaching/learning processes. This inclination towards a more learner-centred approach to teaching/learning is not the outcome of a single structured school of thought. Educators and technical psychologists have focused on the learner and the learning processes from different perspectives. Learner-centred approach to teaching/learning can be said to be an outcome of an integration of overlapping and sometimes different perspectives on teaching/ learning.

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