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Investigating structure and spectral energy distribution of galaxies using uvit and multi-wavelength archival data
This thesis deals with the multi-wavelength investigation of the different aspects of galaxy formation and evolution. The first part of this thesis deals with the studies on the characteristics of the in-orbit performance of the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UVIT) on-board AstroSat. We have written a UVIT pipeline (JUDE ) to convert the Level 1 data from the Indian Space Science Data Centre (ISSDC) into scientifically useful photon lists and images. We have also performed an independent calibration of the FUV and NUV channels of the UVIT using JUDE. We found that the photometric sensitivity is about 35% that of the Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX ) in the FUV broadband filter, and about the same as GALEX in the NUV broadband filter. The point spread function (PSF) of the instrument is of the order of 1.2 1.6and#8242;and#8242;. We found that the performance is close to that expected from the ground-based calibrations. We studied the recent star formation in the nearby face-on spiral galaxy NGC 2336 using the UVIT imaging. We have identified 78 bright star-forming complexes in the disk and derived their positions and estimated their properties such as luminosities, sizes, star formation rates (SFRs), colors, and ages. The FUV-NUV colors of the complexes are found to be redder in the inner region of the galaxy and become progressively bluer as the radius increases. The last part of this thesis is devoted to a model-based study of galaxies using physically motivated Code Investigating Galaxy Emission (CIGALE) package. We have studied 10,000 galaxies from GALEX SDSS merged catalog using CIGALE and estimated their properties such as stellar masses, SFRs, stellar populations, dust luminosities etc. We have classified this set of galaxies into the star-forming, intermediate and quiescent type of galaxies based on their specific SFR. We also studied the properties of dust-lane spheroidal galaxies (DLSGs) drawn from the multi-wavelength archival data in 18 bands from FUV to FIR using GALEX, SDSS, 2MASS, WISE, and AKARI surveys. -
Experiences of raising children with autism :
The purpose of the study was to address the gap in the literature related to fathers role and experiences in raising boys with autism in the Indian context. Though the study has tried to homogenise the sample to the best possible extent it does not aim to generalise the results; rather it seeks newlineto get an insight into some facets of the fathers experiences. A qualitative phenomenological approach was used for this study which addressed the three research questions: 1) What are the experiences of fathers before and after the diagnosis of autism? 2) What are the challenges that fathers experience as they raise their child with autism? 3) What are the personal changes that fathers go through as they raise their child with autism? Tied together these research questions sketches the journey travelled by the fathers and gave a sweeping picture of their overall newlineexperiences as fathers of children with autism. The study has mapped and constructed the passage of thirteen fathers of children with autism aged between six to 11 through a one on one interview. All the ethical newlineconsiderations have been followed. The participants were able to provide a rich and detailed account of their experiences of bringing up a child with autism. The analysis was done using Interpretative Phenomenologic alAnalysis. newlineSix major themes emerged from the study. They are 1) Making sense of early warning signs 2) The impact of diagnosis 3) Negotiating the social world 4) Accepting and accommodating autism 5) Personal transformations 6) Bonding with the child. One of the earliest behaviours noticed by all the fathers was a delay in speech. None of the fathers resisted going for a diagnosis. In fact, once they found that something was different in their child, they relentlessly pursued the reason for it. -
Critical analysis of national and international laws in relations to intimate partner violence :
The term violence refers to varied perceptions of unacceptable behaviour. The newlinenature of the act suggests that it is inflicted by the superior over the inferior. newlineThus gender constitutes a significant factor of the study. The research identifies that women are subjected to gender based inequalities in different areas of life newlineand domestic environment is not an exception. Domestic Violence , a manifestation of gender inequality, is prevalent in many forms. The most newlinecommon form of domestic violence is identified as Intimate Partner Violence newline(IPV) by the national and international statistics. newlineThe research is drawn upon the objective to understand the different factors that newlinecontribute to IPV and to critically examine the legal framework for the protection of women against IPV in India. Research adopts a human rights based approach to understand the inferior status of women drawn upon gender newlineinequality and thus to critically examine the legal framework in India for protection of women against IPV. newlineThe study is divided into five chapters which specifically analyses the status of women in the Indian society and the role of law to protect women in intimate relationships. Comparative study of UK and US laws with special reference to international instruments is conducted. Identifying the major drawback of law, the study proves that the existing legal framework is inadequate to protect women from intimate partner violence . newline newline newline -
Effect of social performance on sustainability of microfinance institutions
Microfinance is one of the sustainable business models with a double bottom line of financial and social relevance in the turf of development. Microfinance was recognized as a development tool that enhanced income and the standard of living of the marginalized through a sustainable business model. newlineThe concept of social performance,financial performance in microfinance institutions, and the trend of commercialization resulted in understanding the effect of social performance on the sustainability of microfinance institutions. newlineThe effect of social performance on the sustainability of microfinance institutions was quantified using CERISE (Committee of Exchanges of Reflection and Information on Systems of Savings Credit) and Social Performance Indicator (SPI) tool. Financial performance of the microfinance institutions were analyzed from 6 years audited financials of the microfinance institutions (Financial years 2009 2010 to 2014 2015),and various ratios were calculated from the audited financials and gathered information. newlineRBI-NBFC-MFIs directions resulted in reductions in the portfolio yield, portfolio risk, personal expenses, administration and other expenses. Portfolio yield was 31.12% in the financial year 2010 2011, which reduced to 22.45% in the financial year 2013 2014. Portfolio risk was 2.11% in the financial year 2010 2011, which reduced to 0.24% in the financial year 2014 2015. Personal expense was 10.46% in the financial year 2010 2011, which reduced to 5.46% in the financial year 2014 2015. Administration and other expense was 2.95 in the year 2014 15. Even though there was reduction in the portfolio yield, after implementing RBI-NBFC-MFI directions all the NBFC-MFIs of the study were sustainable. newlineThe scores of social performance of NBFC-MFIs depict that NBFC-MFIs adopted social performance initiatives in the business operations and that there are areas for improvement. -
A Study on certain chromatic parameters and polynomials of graphs
In graph theory, graph colouring pertains to the assignment of colours to the elements of a graph such as vertices, edges and faces. Because of the theoretical and practical implications of graph colourings in real-life situations, it is an adequate mathematical model for a wide range of applications such as network analysis, genomic, routing, newlineoptimisation techniques, digital networks and so forth.Motivated by various problems in chemical graph theory and information networks, chromatic topological indices were introduced in recent literature [81], opening ample and vibrant research area in graph theory.In the research reported in this thesis,the vertices of a graph are assigned with colours subject to certain conditions and manipulating their colour codes, a rich research area on chromatic topological indices and different chromatic polynomials are established. newlineAfter mentioning some fundamental terminologies, the study handles the notions of chromatic topological indices and chromatic irregularity indices. A detailed discussion of their upper and lower bounds concerning certain colouring conditions is carried out in this thesis. Chromatic topological indices of a wide variety of graph classes such as wheels, double wheels, helm graphs, closed helm graphs, flower graphs, sunflower graphs and blossom graphs are considered and investigated. The chromatic topological indices of certain derived graphs such as Mycielskian of paths and cycles are also included. Equitable chromatic topological and irregularity indices and injective chromatic topological and irregularity indices are defined and their values are determined for a handful of graph classes. As an indirect analogue to chromatic polynomials in the literature, the notion of chromatic Zagreb polynomials and chromatic irregularity polynomials are being introduced and the same is determined and discussed for paths, cycles and certain cycle related graph classes. -
A Study of fractal properties of turbulent functions
The studies have been mainly done in the discrete dynamical systems in topological spaces, we study the various types of relationships between chaotic functions and turbulent functions, a study of turbulent newlinefunctions in metric spaces, and the fractal nature of turbulent functions. In connection with this we study the relationship between turbulent function and chaos, also the relation between fractals and chaos. First newlinepart of the work gives a holistic outlook over the concepts like Turbulent Functions, Chaos and Fractals.Viewing the relevance of studying the irregular sets in the present and future scenario, we started our work newlinefocusing on the fractal nature of turbulent functions. The study incorporates the concepts like turbulent function, chaos and fractals along with rapid fluctuations. According to Robert Devaney, the three ingredients of chaos are sensitivity, density and transitivity. Rapid fluctuations newlineare very much connected with sensitive functions and turbulent functions. We could not and any implied relation between turbulence and sensitive functions. So we study the other two ingredients of chaos, newlinetransitivity and density. We answer a series of questions like whether the iterated function system can be chaotic. Will the contractions are Devaney chaotic. If we can find such a chaotic contraction, will it generate a self similar set? If there is such a self similar set, will it be a fractal? In order to answer the question, we have gone for generalization with continuous maps and homeomorphisms. Hence we study the fractal properties of turbulent function in a topological view point.The question that we have faced during the discussion and study of fractal properties of turbulent function is that whether a given turbulent function newlinef in a compact metric space provides an attractor and if there is an attractor, will it be a fractal. -
Design an efficient protocol for secured energy efficient routing in large scale wireless sensor networks
Wireless Sensor Network has played a significant role in enabling communication and connectivity to human unreachable area since more than a last decade. Apart from its newlinebeneficial features, it also suffers from various problems that have yet not been solved till date in spite of massive research work in this area. The proposed work jointly addresses the problems of energy efficiency and secure routing in wireless sensor network. The existing literatures are found to provide a less scope of an effective solution to address such issues jointly. Hence, the prime goal of the proposed work is to introduce a mechanism that uses lightweight cryptosystem as a part of new hierarchical routing protocol. The mechanism of the proposed work is discussed in three different modules. Where each module is enhanced version of the previous module. The first module is named as Secured Tree Based Routing with Energy Efficiency (STREE), which newlineintroduces a new energy efficient selection of cluster head along with a very simple and newlinelightweight encryption mechanism for routing message using keccak, a newly launched newlinecryptographic hash function. The second module is named as Secured Authentication Based Routing (SABR) introduces node-to-node authentication along with identification newlineand compensation of network related delay owing to incorporated cryptography. The newlinethird module is named as Secured Anonymous Routing with Digital Signature (SARDS) newlinewhich introduces a distinct mechanism of using enhanced elliptical curve cryptography newlineand a new usage of digital signature. The modelling of proposed study is done using newlineanalytical research methodology and the outcome of the study has been compared with newlineexisting standard routing protocol SecLeach to find that proposed system presents a newlinesuperior mechanism of balancing security, energy efficiency, and communication newlineperformance in wireless sensor network. -
Efficacy study of readiness for smoking cessation programme among male adolescents in bengaluru
Among the remarkably challenging preventable cause for death all over the world is cigarette smoking behavior.Smoking among adolescents in cities has proved unusually challenging in spite of determined efforts in developed and developing countries.Dearth of governmental will and source to implement wide-ranging anti-smoking policies to reverse the trends in youth smoking (StantonandMcGee,2009) makes the need to develop an attitude change towards smoking cessation very crucial in controlling the smoking behavior. newlineA novel approach to smoking cessation is considered in this study, here the emphasis newlineis laid on the importance of acquiring skills to quit rather than quitting itself. The newlineobjectives of the study were achieved through several phases, where in the relevant newlineliterature was reviewed and an apt theoretical framework was built, based on which the program content was developed and finalized under the guidance of experts in the field. The final step was the creation of a manual for the RSCP. The outcome measures were selected considering the study sample characteristics. The study was carried out by randomly assigning the study participants in the two groups with respective interventions. Outcome measures were determined before and after the training. The results indicate that the two groups significantly differed in the variable Readiness to change , Defensiveness and behavioral components of change. newlineSpecifically, the experimental group was ready to change their behavior when compared to the controlled group, suggesting that the developed RSCP facilitates adolescent s to realize a more realistic aspect of themselves relating to smoking behavior and are very much willing to make lifestyle changes which would eventually result in behavioral change among adolescents when compared to providing a general awareness on smoking behavior. -
Divorce prevention programme an intervention based on qualitatively derived psychological themes from newlywed distressed and divorced couples
This study has aimed to develop a competent intervention program as a preventive measure to tackle the increasing divorce rate in the current Indian scenario. Towards this end, the study has been arranged in three phases, with specific objectives guided by specific research questions in each phase. Holding pragmatic philosophical stance, a mixed method framework has directed the entire study, precisely, exploratory mixed design. newlineThe first phase of the study has focused on investigating the in-depth psychological components or etiology of marital distress and divorce in the problem context. Using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) design, the lived marital experiences of 14 separated and 36 divorced (n=50) newlywed participants has been rigorously explored. Five superordinate themes along with 23 subordinate and 35 emergent themes have been derived in the data analysis, as reasons for marital distress and divorce in newlywed couples. newlineThe challenge of the second phase was to spin a proficient intervention program that is competent to address the identified reasons for marital distress, during the phase-one of the study. Towards this target, the theoretical framework developed by Hughes (1994, 2012 and 2014), Framework for Developing Family Life Education Programme is the model utilized. Following the five steps in the Hughes s framework, the intervention program has been designed and titled Divorce Prevention Programme (DPP). Finally, the phase three task of the study includes experimentation over the immediate and short-term (two-month) effect of the DPP as to what extent marital satisfaction and consummate love would improve to prevent divorce. The pretest, posttest experimental, and waitlist control group design was utilized with a two months follow-up with the experimental group. -
Development and standardization of a tool to measure direction, motive and affect of social comparison among adolescents
Social comparison process is a pervasive social phenomenon (Suls, Martin and Wheeler, 2002). People very often make a comparison with others either intentionally or unintentionally in their daily life. This phenomenon of perceiving self in one s social standing in comparison to others can influence different outcomes including self-concepts, self-esteem, and distinct feelings.This evaluative method provides useful information to generate accurate evaluation about one s abilities and opinion, especially on self-related dimensions. This concepts is very relevant to study in the adolescent population, as children s development of self is largely shaped by social environment experience with family and friends. Social comparison plays an important role in adolescents development of one self-concept especially self-esteem in important dimensions of self. Having outlined the relevance of social comparison theory in the context of this research, it is imperative to attempt this type of exploration and developing a concept based assessment tool to measure different facet of social comparison theory-direction, motive and affect. newlineThis study followed mixed design to better set the context through theoretical and empirical approach for the development for a new tool. In the initial phase, concept exploration was done through literature review to understand the conceptual framework of the approach, followed by qualitative exploration using interview method on 12 adolescents and 4 school counselors. This exploration let to the development of items based on eight dimensions of self, identified in this study. In the second phase, a pilot test was conducted on a sample of 237 adolescents and fulfilled the initial psychometric cleansing of the tool. In the third phase, the main test was administered to sample of 531 adolescents age between (12-16 years). The initial construct analysis was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis and the scale satisfied the model fit hypothesis using structural equation model (SEM). -
Managing individual and orgnizational challenges with respect to diversity perceptions and social capital among members of virtual teams,
Diversity encompasses complex differences and similarities in perspectives, identities, and points of view among members of an institution as well as among individuals who make up the wider community. Diversity includes important and interrelated dimensions of human identity such as race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and newlineexpression, socio-economic status, nationality, citizenship, religion, newlinesexual orientation, ability and age. These differences are important to understand but they cannot be used to predict any individual s values, choices or responses. Organizations with diverse employees are better suited to serve diverse external customers in an increasingly global market. Such organizations have a better understanding of the requirements of the legal, political, social, economic, and cultural environments. Organizations that manage diversity are recipients of more commitment, and better satisfied as well newlineas better performing employees (Patrick and Kumar,2012). newlineEnsuring better social relations among team members has become complex. The nature of teams is not how they used to be, organizations have spread across geographically which has led to the birth of virtual teams. Virtual team members are been separated by time and space this makes it even more difficult to ensure that social capital is being maintained among virtual team members, as only when there is a trust, newlinereciprocity and cooperation among virtual team members they will be better connected individuals who obtain greater advantages, this ensures that groups and organizations improve performance and obtain sustainable competitive advantage (Tsai and Ghoshal, 1998). newlineThe present investigation was focused on understanding the perception of members of virtual teams towards diversity at workplace. newlineThis study newlineassists us to find out how virtual team members can overcome Individual newlineand Organizational Challenges towards diversity and to find out the social newlinerelations among virtual team members, how much trust exists among them. -
India's outward foreign direct investment a study of host country determinants and implications on trade
India s outward foreign direct investment newline(OFDI) has registered substantial increase since the 1990s. It is significant to analyse the motivation, location choices and implications of this trend since empirical newlineresearch has largely addressed OFDI originating from developed countries. newlineThis study analyses the pattern of India s OFDI, its changing contours in terms of host country location, composition across sectors and its implication on exports. The study aims to link motivation of investment newlineto location factors across developed and developing countries. Using OFDI newlinedata from 2001to 2013, the study analyses host country economic factors that are significant in the location of India s OFDI in the ambit of eclectic paradigm. The study empirically tests market seeking, resource seeking and strategic asset seeking nature of India s OFDI adopting a panel data newlinemethodology. newlineThe results of the study show that India s OFDI is motivated by market seeking and resource seeking in both developed and developing countries. Strategic assets are a significant motivation for investment in the newlinedeveloped countries and not in the developing countries.India s OFDI is also positively associated with host country policies like openness. To study the implication of OFDI, the study empirically tests the relation between India s OFDI and exports using time series methodology. The empirical test newlineof the relation between OFDI and exports shows a significant long term positive relation between the two. newlineThe current research is presented in six chapters. Chapter 1 consists of the introduction, objectives, hypotheses and significance of the study. Chapter 2 consists of the literature review. The changing direction and composition by sectors is analysed in chapter 3. Chapter 4 contains the methodology. Chapter 5 presents the results of the study and chapter 6 contains the conclusion and policy implications. newline -
A study on key determinants of economic growth during pre and post reform periods in india
Schumpeter says that economic life is a process of growth and change, meaning newlinedevelopment . The process involves interplay of forces or factors of production, viz. land, labour and capital. The understanding of economic growth has improved enormously in recent years. There has been a much greater understanding of the interrelated laws governing the growth of population, the pace of capital accumulation, the rate of technological innovation in an environment characterised by relative scarcity of natural newlineresources. The major determinants of Indian economic growth, identified in this study in terms of their influence on productivity of different sectors are physical capital formation, technological progress, human capital formation, increase in labour force, foreign investment and trade openness. newlineThere are some notable features associated with economic growth in India. One, it is found that the structural adjustments leading to foreign capital inflow and trade openness have fuelled the economic growth in India after economic reforms in 1991. Two, it is observed that exports and imports play a significant role in determining economic growth in India in the post reform period. Three, despite the new growth there are issues like imbalances with regard to employment, manufacturing base, social newlineindicators etc., even as India strives to enhance competitiveness, competence and global relevance. newlineIt is in this context that the present study looks into the major issues and challenges related to the changes in the sectoral composition of economic growth in India over time. It also attempts to identify and discuss the influence of key determinants of economic growth in the pre and post reform periods in India. In this context, it is very crucial to study how different sectors influence the overall growth of a country at various points of its growth trajectory. newlineInterestingly, the analysis shows that the services sector growth has become the highlight of India s changing growth pattern in the post reform era. -
Enhancement of resilience an quality of life using strength based counselling and the mediating role of parental bonding in adolescents with type 1 diabetes
The current study was an attempt to understand the socio-demographic profile of newlineadolescents with type 1diabetes, the relationship between variables such as resilience, quality of life, parental bonding and the mediating role of parental bonding. It was also aimed to understand parent s perception of the adolescent s resilience and quality of life and their newlineexperiences. In phase 1, 100 adolescents/ newlinechildren (M=40, F=60, Age 10-18years) with an newlineexisting diagnosis of type 1 diabetes and their parents were enrolled from two hospitals and one clinic in Bangalore. The adolescents were administered Paediatric Quality Of Life for Diabetics (PedsQL) (Child and Adolescent Form), The Resilience Scale for Youth (CYRM), The Parental Bonding Instrument PBI (Father and Mother Form ). Parents were administered the consent form, demographic data sheet and parent version of resilience and quality of life.All scales were translated and back translated. In Phase 2 of the study, an intervention model based on the principles of strength newlinebased counselling to enhance resilience and quality of life (SBCTD1) was developed and newlineused. Qualitative interviews were conducted to understand the experiences of parents of newlinechildren/adolescents having type 1 diabetes. These interviews were tape recorded. 50 newlineadolescents from Phase1, were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n=25) and the control group (n=25). For the intervention group after going through the sessions the Resilience Scales and The Paediatric Quality of Life scales were administered after one and three months respectively. HbA1c values were also collected again after three months of newlineintervention. Control group received regular care and treatment at the center and were not newlineexposed to the model developed for the study. -
Effectiveness of adjuvant psychological therapy on alexithymia fatigue and affective dimensions among women with breast cancer
Psychological aspects in women with breast cancer are many. Among them are those related to what patients go through at different phases of treatment such as newlinediagnosis, pre and post-surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Women with breast cancer experience psychological repercussions which are specific to them. Some of them are poor body image, self-depreciation, weight changes and hair loss can be distressing to women with breast cancer. newlineThe underlying cause could be a deficit in emotional processing and affect regulation. This could lead to an inability in verbalising and identifying feelings newlinewhich is known as alexithymia. Closely related is the concept of fatigue which is newlinesubjective and tiredness which could last beyond treatments related to cancer. An newlineoverriding concept which could explain and understand these concepts is affect and newlinemood. Towards this end the objective of the study was to examine the efficacy of adjuvant psychological therapy in breast cancer in terms of alexithymia, fatigue, newlinedepression, anxiety, stress and positive and negative affect. newlineThe study also explored if there was an association among alexithymia, fatigue, depression, anxiety, stress and negative affect. The study consisted of 20 patients in the intervention and control groups each. newlineThey were administered the following scales namely, Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), Checklist of Individual Strength, Positive and Negative Affect Scale and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale. Towards the end of the sessions, they were administered Revised Sessions Reactions Scale. Adjuvant Psychological Therapy is a therapy tailor made for those with cancer which includes both cognitive and behavioral techniques. The results indicated that among the subscales and total alexithymia scores, newlinethere were statistically significant differences across three time-frames in the newlineintervention group. -
A Mixed methods study of psyhosocial factors in career decision making in adolescents
Career choice is an important developmental task in adolescence and is influenced by many factors. Using a mixed methods research design, this study aimed to understand career decision making and factors influencing the same in adolescents. In the quantitative phase the relationship between career maturity and perceived parenting style, personality traits, metacognition, socio- economic status, gender, college type, stream of study and decision status was studied in students studying in II Year Pre- University in Bangalore, India. Career decisions, personal and family factors in career decision making were explored in the qualitative phase. Informed consent was obtained from the participants and parents of the participants of the study. newlineQuantitative data was collected from 548 students studying in Arts, Science and Commerce stream in second year Pre- University in Bangalore. Students from eight private and seven government colleges were recruited for the study. Quantitative data was collected using a socio- demographic data sheet, Career Maturity Inventory, Parental Authority Questionnaire, Neo Five Factor Inventory and Metacognitive Awareness Inventory. The scales were translated to Kannada and back translated. In the qualitative phase, data was collected through a semi- structured interview schedule designed for this study. 30 students who were a part of the quantitative phase took part in this phase. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed for analysis. Statistical analysis was done to analyze quantitative data. Descriptive statistics, correlation, regression analysis, t tests and one-way ANOVA was done. Qualitative data was analyzed by template analysis and themes were derived from the data. The results revealed associations between personality traits neuroticism, openness and conscientiousness and specific aspects of career maturity attitude and competence. -
The impact of holistic education on value preference social comperence and leadership skills of engineering students
Students usually begin their academic journey in college or university during the late adolescence (17-20 years). In this dynamic period of lifespan, they are highly vulnerable to the limitations in personality development related issues of gender, self-esteem, competition, and cultural membership which may result in many challenges in life. Viewing positively, students at this age could be trained for integral growth holistically. Holistic education involves the complete and solid formation of every aspect of a student s personality. Its goal is to nurture individuals to be intellectually competent, spiritually mature, morally upright, psychologically integrated, physically healthy and socially acceptable (CMI Vision, 1991). Hence, the focus is to enable an individual to go beyond the acquisition, generation and application of knowledge but to transcend to higher realms of self-development, social integration and contribution. Thus, Holistic Education makes an attempt to take one through various aspects of personal, interpersonal and social dimensions of human life, and finally, helps individuals to understand the reality of life to live fully as human beings. This study was embarked to assess the impact of Holistic Education on the value preference, social competence, and leadership skills of engineering students. newlineThe research design was single group pre-test, post-test and delayed post-test experimental design. The researcher developed and standardised the Holistic Education curriculum with the support of the relevant literature and the subject experts. A pilot study was conducted on first year engineering students to get hands-on experience of the programme and to assess the impact of the facilitative tool. For the present intervention, 55 students from the first-year engineering class of a university in Bengaluru were selected using stratified random sampling method. -
An Anthropologically comprehensive model of education
The educational realm we find ourselves in owes much to the work of philosophers. Educational policy and practice have evolved and progressed across the centuries through their influence, some of which have been through great social travails. Humanity has sifted and accepted them through careful consideration. However, not all philosophies are entirely beneficial. Some are given to aberrations. This doctoral dissertation is a systematic look at some of these philosophies, which on critical evaluation, reveal fault lines in our educational enterprise. newlineThe contemporary educational scenario is dominated by idealism and consumerism and, as such, falls short of promoting the comprehensive welfare of the anthropos or the human person. We present a thesis newlinestatement and employ the historico-critical methodology to examine these issues and use logical, ethical and moral arguments, besides, supporting texts, aphorisms and thought experiments to argue for our position. Jean-Paul Sartre had stated that philosophical anthropology is the study of the essence of the human being and the human condition. With its roots planted there, we present a conceptual model of the anthropos that could serve as the starting point for educational policy. We put forward five dimensions to be catered to by any educational program and call it the newlineAnthropo-Centered Model of Education or ACME. That completes Part I of the dissertation. newlineIn Part II, we explore the five dimensions. The attempt has been to zero in on the underlying issues and elucidate them. At some places, we use analysis, at others, speculation and close synthetically as we integrate our model. The dissertation ends with the prospectus of a high school, newlineenvisioned on the basis of this research, to come up in the city of Bangalore. -
Growth and characterization of InBi1-xSbx InBi1-xTex and γ-In2Se3 crystals
Theory and innovating practices of crystal growth heralded cutting edge breakthroughs in the production of proficient crystals towards the advancement of science and technology. Unique characteristics and band structure provide great flexibility for structural design and band gap engineering of indium bismuthide (InBi) compounds. Substitution of antimony and tellurium elements results in the transition of InBi to a semiconducting state with narrow energy gap, making it suitable for optoelectronic devices. Need of eco-friendly sustainable processes concerning the elimination of hazardous materials bring and#947;-In2Se3 in the forefront of photovoltaic industry, due to its wide band gap as well as n-type conductivity. Thus, realizing the immense potential attributes of InBi1-xSbx, InBi1-xTex (x = 0-0.2) and and#947;-In2Se3 crystals, the present research was focussed on pioneering their growth and characterization.Horizontal directional solidification (HDS), being the versatile, inexpensive melt growth technique, was employed for obtaining InBi1-xSbx, and InBi1-xTex (x = 0-0.2) crystals. On the other hand, closed tube sublimation (CTS) was found to be most effective for deposition of and#947;-In2Se3 crystals. Platelet and spherulitic morphologies of and#947;-In2Se3 crystals have been grown by the vapor deposition for the first time, under different growth environments. Morphology, structure and quality of the as-grown crystals were studied, employing various scientific procedures such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive analysis by X-rays (EDAX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Transport parameters, melting point and phase purity have been evaluated with the aid of Hall effect measurement, four probe set up, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Raman spectroscopy. Vickers indentation testing was utilized for the evaluation of microhardness and deformation characteristics. -
A refined mechanism for human face recongnition from video footages
Undoubtedly homeland security is a noteworthy concern in today's increasingly connected world and there is a bevy of IT-based security solutions and services emerging and evolving to guarantee the safety and security of people and properties. Security and surveillance cameras are the prominent security solutions. People movements, gestures, and activities are being minutely monitored, captured as images and videos, and subjected to a variety of investigations in order to extract anything uncommon. As videos capture the movement, there is no requirement for the user to coordinate with the camera; video arrangements need not contain face images alone despite the fact that human appearances are vital articles in video sequences. Henceforth recognising a face from the sequence of a video turns into an essential undertaking in PC vision applications. As the user is not totally coordinating with the camera, it is not necessary that the face captured in the video sequence is the frontal face. At times, it need not be a human face. Hence, it is necessary to detect the human face region in a frame. If a human face is detected in a video sequence, there are chances that the detected face can be masked. It is also possible that the faces can be captured in various poses. There is also a difficulty in identifying a face subjected to various illuminations. The above natural possibility of not capturing the frontal face of a human in a frame makes the identification task difficult. This problem prompts researchers working under face recognition technology to design an improved framework that increases the recognition rate in the above situations. From the above-mentioned possibilities that deteriorate the recognition rate of a face, in this thesis work, two major problems namely face with varying pose and partially occluded faces are considered for recognition from a captured video.