Research Article
Access and Usage of Information Resources and Digital Tools by Competitive Exam Aspirants in Mangalore University Library
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
1-7
Received:
16 October 2025
Accepted:
29 October 2025
Published:
7 January 2026
Abstract: This study examines the access and utilization of information resources and digital tools by students preparing for competitive examinations at Mangalore University Library. Using questionnaires, informal interviews, and observations, data were collected from 125 respondents preparing for exams such as UPSC, KPSC, NET/SET, KSP, IBPS, KEA, SSC, and various banking tests. The findings reveal a growing reliance on digital platforms such as Unacademy, BYJU’S, Testbook, and Oliveboard for courses and mock tests, despite limited awareness and training in using these resources effectively. While most still prefer printed materials, there is a noticeable shift toward online platforms, particularly for mock testing and current affairs preparation. The majority of respondents were female (56%) and postgraduate students (51.2%), with Science students forming the largest disciplinary group (50.4%). GK Today and Affairs Cloud emerged as the most preferred online sources, whereas the university library and coaching centers were the leading physical resources for preparation. Books remain the dominant learning medium (37.5%), followed by electronic resources (24.17%). The study highlights the need for improved digital infrastructure, dedicated library sections for competitive exam preparation, and user orientation programs to enhance awareness and effective use of available resources. It emphasizes the necessity for academic libraries to adapt to evolving student needs by integrating print and digital support systems for competitive exam aspirants.
Abstract: This study examines the access and utilization of information resources and digital tools by students preparing for competitive examinations at Mangalore University Library. Using questionnaires, informal interviews, and observations, data were collected from 125 respondents preparing for exams such as UPSC, KPSC, NET/SET, KSP, IBPS, KEA, SSC, and ...
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Methodology Article
Phase Mask Modeling for Improved Fiber Bragg Grating Efficiency in Optical Fibers
Randriana Heritiana Nambinina Erica*
,
Ando Nirina Andriamanalina
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
8-14
Received:
15 December 2025
Accepted:
25 December 2025
Published:
19 January 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajist.20261001.12
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Views:
Abstract: The continuously increasing demand for higher data transmission rates in modern telecommunication systems is pushing existing optical filtering and dispersion management technologies to their fundamental limits. Among these technologies, fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) have emerged as key components due to their compact size, wavelength selectivity, and compatibility with optical fiber infrastructures. However, the performance of conventional FBGs is often constrained by intrinsic limitations such as group delay ripples, limited bandwidth control, and non-ideal spectral responses, which become increasingly critical at high data rates. The present work focuses on the mathematical modeling and optimization of phase masks to improve the performance of fiber Bragg gratings. The first stage of this study is devoted to enhancing the planar Bragg grating configuration. Subsequently, a comprehensive analysis is carried out to identify and evaluate the parameters that govern the optical behavior of phase masks and, by extension, the resulting fiber Bragg gratings. Four key parameters are systematically investigated in this study. The first parameter is the grating length L, which plays a crucial role in determining the reflectivity, bandwidth, and spectral selectivity of the grating. The second parameter is the refractive index modulation Δn between the exposed and unexposed regions of the fiber core, which directly influences the coupling strength and overall efficiency of the grating. The third set of parameters concerns the group delay and bandwidth characteristics of chirped fiber Bragg gratings, which are particularly important for dispersion compensation and signal integrity in high-speed optical communication systems. Finally, the effect of various apodization functions is examined, as apodization is known to significantly reduce sidelobes and improve spectral smoothness. A detailed and systematic investigation of these parameters demonstrates that appropriate optimization can lead to a substantial reduction, and in some cases complete suppression, of group delay ripples. The elimination of these oscillations is a critical requirement for achieving high-fidelity signal transmission and minimizing distortion in optical communication links. The results show that the performance of phase masks and the resulting fiber gratings depends on the combined effects of structural and optical parameters. Optimizing these parameters together is essential to obtain high diffraction efficiency, good spectral quality, and stable grating inscription. The proposed approach provides practical design guidelines for developing high-performance grating-based components for next-generation optical communication systems.
Abstract: The continuously increasing demand for higher data transmission rates in modern telecommunication systems is pushing existing optical filtering and dispersion management technologies to their fundamental limits. Among these technologies, fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) have emerged as key components due to their compact size, wavelength selectivity, an...
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