Assignment Code: MLII-104/AST/TMA/Jul.2023-Jan.2024

Course Code: MLII-004

Assignment Name: Information Communication Technologies - Applications

Year: 2023-2024

Verification Status: Verified by Professor

Q1) Define the term “Information retrieval”. Discuss the current trends in information retrieval.

Ans) Definition of Information retrieval:

Information Retrieval (IR) is the process of obtaining relevant information from a collection of data or documents. It involves the systematic organization, storage, and retrieval of information based on user queries or search criteria. The goal is to efficiently locate and present information that matches the user's needs.

Current Trends in Information Retrieval

a) Semantic Search:

1) Description: Semantic search aims to understand the meaning and context behind user queries, going beyond keyword matching. It considers the intent and context of the user's search for more accurate results.

2) Technology: Natural Language Processing (NLP) and machine learning techniques are employed to enhance semantic understanding.

b) Personalization:

1) Description: Information retrieval systems increasingly focus on personalizing search results based on user preferences, behaviour, and historical interactions.

2) Benefits: Personalization enhances user experience by presenting more relevant and tailored information.

c) Multimodal Search:

1) Description: With the rise of multimedia content, multimodal search involves retrieving information from various formats, such as text, images, audio, and video.

2) Challenges: Integrating and effectively searching across diverse types of content pose challenges addressed through advanced technologies like computer vision and audio processing.

d) Deep Learning in IR:

1) Description: Deep learning techniques, especially neural networks, are applied to improve the accuracy of information retrieval by learning complex patterns and relationships in data.

2) Applications: Deep learning models contribute to better relevance ranking and understanding user preferences.

e) Interactive and Conversational Search:

1) Description: Search systems are evolving to support more interactive and conversational interactions, allowing users to refine queries through dialogue with the system.

2) Technologies: Conversational agents and chatbots contribute to more dynamic and user-friendly search experiences.

f) Mobile Information Retrieval:

As mobile devices become primary tools for accessing information, IR systems are optimized for mobile interfaces, considering factors like smaller screens and touch-based interactions.

g) Open-domain Question Answering:

Advances in question-answering systems focus on providing direct and accurate answers to user queries, often requiring a deep understanding of context and reasoning.

Q2) Describe the steps involved in the process of scanning a document using a flatbed scanner.

Ans) Scanning a document using a flatbed scanner involves a series of steps to capture a digital image of the document.

Here are the general steps for the process:

a) Prepare the Document:

Ensure that the document is clean and free from dirt or debris that could affect the scanning quality.

Remove any staples, paper clips, or other materials that might scratch the scanner glass.

b) Turn On the Scanner:

Power on the flatbed scanner and wait for it to initialize. Make sure it is properly connected to the computer.

c) Open the Scanner Lid:

Lift the lid of the flatbed scanner to expose the glass surface where the document will be placed.

d) Place the Document:

Position the document face down on the scanner glass. Align it with the edges and ensure it is placed in the desired orientation.

e) Adjust Settings:

Open the scanning software on your computer. This software is typically provided by the scanner manufacturer or is a part of the operating system.

Configure settings such as resolution (dpi), color mode (color, grayscale, or black and white), and file format (JPEG, PDF, etc.). These settings determine the quality and characteristics of the scanned image.

f) Preview the Scan:

Most scanning software allows you to preview the document before the final scan. This helps you ensure that the document is correctly positioned, and the settings are appropriate.

g) Set Scan Area:

If needed, you can select a specific area on the scanner glass to scan. This is useful when scanning only a portion of the document.

h) Initiate the Scan:

Once satisfied with the preview, initiate the scanning process. Click the "Scan" or similar button in the scanning software.

i) Save the Document:

After the scanning is complete, the software will prompt you to save the scanned document. Choose a destination folder on your computer and specify a filename.

j) Review and Edit (if necessary):

After saving, review the scanned image. Some software provides basic editing tools to crop, rotate, or adjust the scanned image.

k) Close the Scanner Lid:

Close the lid of the flatbed scanner to protect the glass and keep it clean for future use.

l) Organize and Share:

Organize the scanned documents in your preferred folder structure. You can also share or print the scanned documents as needed.

Q3) What is Document delivery service? Explain the advantages of electronic document delivery service (EDDS).

Ans) Document Delivery Service:

Document Delivery Service (DDS) refers to a service that provides users with access to documents, articles, or publications that are not available in their local collection. It involves the retrieval and delivery of specific documents requested by users from external sources, often through libraries, interlibrary loan systems, or commercial document delivery providers.

Advantages of Electronic Document Delivery Service (EDDS)

a) Speed and Efficiency: EDDS enables rapid delivery of documents electronically. Users can receive requested materials in a shorter timeframe compared to traditional methods, such as postal mail.

b) Global Access: EDDS allows users to access documents from anywhere with an internet connection. It eliminates geographical barriers and enables global dissemination of information.

c) Cost-Effective: Electronic document delivery reduces costs associated with printing, postage, and manual processing. Institutions can save on shipping expenses and paper resources.

d) Environmentally Friendly: By reducing the need for physical copies, EDDS contributes to environmental sustainability. It minimizes paper consumption, printing, and transportation-related carbon footprint.

e) Searchable Text and Indexing: Electronic documents delivered through EDDS often come in searchable formats, enhancing usability. Users can easily search, navigate, and extract information from the documents.

f) Remote Access: Users can request and receive documents remotely, eliminating the need to visit physical libraries. This is particularly beneficial for distance learners, researchers, and professionals who may not have easy access to local library resources.

g) Integration with Electronic Resource Management Systems: EDDS can be integrated into electronic resource management systems used by libraries. This integration streamlines the request and delivery process, improving overall library services.

h) Multiple Formats: Electronic document delivery can provide documents in various formats, catering to user preferences. Common formats include PDF, HTML, and other digital formats compatible with different devices.

i) Version Control: EDDS ensures that users receive the most up-to-date versions of documents. Digital documents can be easily updated and replaced, preventing users from accessing outdated information.

j) Enhanced Security: Electronic document delivery services often include secure transmission methods, protecting sensitive information during the delivery process.

k) 24/7 Availability: EDDS platforms provide round-the-clock access to documents. Users can request and receive materials at any time, increasing flexibility for information retrieval.

Q4) Explain the numerous ways to access the Internet. What is the most popular way to access the Internet?

Ans) Ways to Access the Internet:

a) Dial-up Connection: Dial-up uses a standard telephone line to connect to the internet. It is characterized by a distinct sound as the modem dials and establishes a connection. While it was popular in the past, dial-up is now largely obsolete due to slow speeds.

b) Broadband (DSL/Cable): Broadband connections, such as Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) and Cable, offer faster internet speeds compared to dial-up. DSL uses telephone lines, while cable uses TV cable lines. Broadband is widely used for its higher bandwidth and constant connection.

c) Fiber-Optic Internet: Fiber-optic cables transmit data using light signals. Fiber-optic internet provides extremely high speeds and is known for its reliability. However, its availability is often limited to specific urban areas.

d) Satellite Internet: Satellite internet relies on satellites orbiting the Earth. It is suitable for remote or rural areas where traditional wired connections may not be feasible. Satellite internet can be affected by weather conditions.

e) Wireless (Wi-Fi): Wi-Fi allows devices to connect to the internet wirelessly within a certain range of a router. It is commonly used in homes, offices, and public places. Wi-Fi networks are prevalent due to their convenience and ease of use.

f) Mobile Data (3G/4G/5G): Mobile data allows internet access through cellular networks. 3G, 4G, and 5G technologies represent different generations of mobile data, with each providing faster speeds and improved capabilities. Smartphones and mobile hotspots are common devices for mobile internet access.

g) Public Wi-Fi Hotspots: Public Wi-Fi hotspots are available in places like cafes, airports, and libraries. Users can connect to these networks for free or with a password, providing internet access on the go.

h) Tethering: Tethering involves using a mobile device's cellular connection to provide internet access to other devices, such as laptops or tablets. It can be achieved via USB, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi hotspot functionality.

i) Ethernet Connection: Ethernet cables provide a direct wired connection to the internet. This method is common in homes and businesses where a stable and high-speed connection is required.

j) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): ISPs offer various plans and technologies for internet access. Users subscribe to these services, and the ISP provides the necessary infrastructure and connectivity.

Most Popular Way to Access the Internet

As of recent times, the most popular ways to access the internet are through broadband connections (DSL or cable), fibre-optic internet, and mobile data (4G/5G). Broadband and fibre-optic connections are commonly used in homes and businesses for their high speeds and reliability. Mobile data, especially through smartphones, has become increasingly popular due to its convenience and widespread availability.

Q5) Write short notes on any two of the following:

Q5a) Proximity Operators

Ans) Definition of Proximity Operators:

Proximity operators are modifiers used in information retrieval systems to define the spatial relationships between two or more terms within a document. Instead of merely searching for the occurrence of individual terms, proximity operators enable users to retrieve documents where the specified terms appear close to each other.

Types of Proximity Operators:

a) Near Operator: Denoted by the keyword "NEAR," this operator retrieves documents where specified terms appear within a certain proximity of each other. For example, a query like "data NEAR analysis" would fetch documents where the terms "data" and "analysis" are in close proximity.

b) Within Operator: Similar to the "near" operator but with more flexibility, the "within" operator allows users to define the maximum distance between terms. For instance, "data WITHIN 5 analysis" retrieves documents where "data" and "analysis" are within five words of each other.

c) Sentence and Paragraph Proximity: Some systems offer operators for sentence or paragraph-level searches, considering the structural organization of documents. This allows users to find terms in close proximity within the same sentence or paragraph.

Advantages of Proximity Operators:

a) Precision Enhancement: Proximity operators significantly enhance the precision of search results by ensuring that terms appear close to each other, filtering out irrelevant documents.

b) Contextual Relevance: Capturing the contextual relevance of terms becomes possible with proximity operators, particularly in cases where the meaning depends on proximity, such as phrases or technical contexts.

c) Phrase Searching: Proximity operators facilitate effective phrase searching, ensuring that terms occur in a specific order or proximity, capturing the intended phrase or expression.

d) Fine-Tuned Queries: Users can fine-tune their queries using proximity operators, enabling more precise and targeted searches, a crucial aspect when dealing with large datasets.

Challenges and Considerations:

a) Balancing Precision and Recall: There is a need to balance precision with recall, as overly strict proximity requirements may exclude relevant documents.

b) Performance Impact: Depending on the implementation, using proximity operators may impact search performance, necessitating efficient handling of proximity searches.

Conclusion:

Proximity operators are indispensable tools for improving the effectiveness of information retrieval. By allowing users to express spatial relationships between terms, these operators contribute to more sophisticated and user-friendly search experiences. As information retrieval technologies advance, the thoughtful integration of proximity operators ensures a nuanced and context-aware approach to retrieving information from vast digital repositories.

Q5b) Client-Server Architecture

Ans) Client-Server Architecture: Enabling Distributed Computing

Client-Server architecture is a fundamental computing model that defines the relationship and interaction between two types of entities in a networked environment: clients and servers. This architectural paradigm has been pivotal in shaping the landscape of distributed computing, enabling efficient resource sharing, scalability, and improved system management.

Key Components:

Client:

The client, also known as the front end, is the end-user device or application that initiates requests to the server. Clients are responsible for presenting information to users, collecting user inputs, and sending requests to the server for processing.

Server:

The server, also referred to as the back end, is a powerful computer or set of computers that respond to client requests. It holds resources, processes requests, performs computations, and manages data. Servers are designed to provide services to multiple clients simultaneously.

Key Characteristics:

a) Decentralized Processing: In client-server architecture, processing tasks are distributed between clients and servers. Clients handle user interfaces and local processing, while servers manage data storage, processing-intensive tasks, and overall system coordination.

b) Request-Response Model: Communication between clients and servers follows a request-response model. Clients send requests for specific services or resources to the server, and the server responds with the requested data or performs the necessary actions.

c) Scalability: Client-server architecture supports scalability, allowing organizations to scale their computing resources by adding more servers to accommodate an increasing number of clients. This scalability is crucial for handling growing workloads efficiently.

d) Centralized Data Management: Data management is centralized on servers, ensuring data consistency and security. Clients access and manipulate data through requests to the server, reducing the risk of data inconsistencies across multiple client devices.

e) Flexibility and Modularity: The modular nature of client-server architecture allows for flexibility in system design. Clients and servers can be developed and upgraded independently, enabling easier maintenance and updates.

Types of Client-Server Models:

a) Two-Tier Architecture: In this traditional model, clients communicate directly with a central server. It is suitable for small-scale applications but may face limitations in handling complex and large-scale systems.

b) Three-Tier Architecture: This model introduces an additional layer, the application server, between the client and database server. It enhances scalability and separates the user interface, application processing, and data management.

c) N-Tier Architecture: N-tier architecture extends the three-tier model by introducing multiple layers for various functionalities, such as presentation, application logic, and data management. This provides a highly scalable and modular solution.

Advantages:

a) Resource Sharing: Enables efficient sharing of resources, as servers centralize data and processing capabilities.

b) Scalability and Flexibility: Facilitates easy scalability by adding more servers to accommodate a growing number of clients.

c) Centralized Data Management: Ensures data consistency and security by managing data centrally on servers.

d) Modularity: Supports modular development, allowing independent upgrades and maintenance of clients and servers.

Challenges:

a) Single Point of Failure: The centralization of resources can lead to a single point of failure if the server becomes unavailable.

b) Network Dependency: Efficient functioning depends on network stability, and disruptions in network communication may impact system performance.