Unit 5: Applications of Computer Science

Write answers of the following short response questions.

Q1. Describe how IOT can help traffic monitoring.

Ans: Traffic jams have become a big issue in big cities. IoT allows authorities to monitor and analyze real-time traffic data. Cameras and sensors are used to detect accidents, vehicle breakdowns and road hazards. The traffic data collected by loT devices is transmitted to the traffic management control center for quick action to resolve issues.

Q2. Describe the benefits of using Blockchain technology in maintaining a digital ledger (database) of transactions.

Ans: A Blockchain is a digital ledger or database of transactions that continuously grows. Blockchain is created, maintained and shared by network users. It is very safe to use Blockchain for recording sensitive transactions, as blockchain is difficult to modify or delete the contents of a block (transaction) after it has been added at the end of the Blockchain. It also provides quick and easy transactions for individuals when needed.

Q3. Differentiate between speech recognition and voice recognition.

Ans: Speech recognition and voice recognition are two different technologies though they are closely related.

Speech Recognition

Speech recognition is a form of artificial intelligence. It is a software that converts human speech into text form or commands that devices can understand and respond to. Speech recognition provides hands-free control of various devices and equipment. It provides an easy way to operate devices, and some hands-free equipment is very helpful for disabled persons.

Voice Recognition

Voice recognition software converts voice into digital data based on the user’s unique voice characteristics. It is a biometric system. It is used to verify a person’s identity based on unique features of his voice,, such as tone, pitch, etc.

Both speech and voice recognition technologies are used for interaction between humans and machines. These technologies are used in various fields to automate various tasks, create convenience, save people’s time and improve productivity.

Q4. Describe the features available in Quran memorization apps that help in the memorization of the Quran.

Ans:

Memorization of the Quran is an act of worship, and those who memorize it will get the reward in the hereafter. Memorization of the Quran opens the doors of goodness, virtue, righteousness and morality. There are many Quran memorization apps available on the App Store, Google Play and websites. These apps use creative methods and techniques for easy memorization of the Quran.

They provide features like audio recitation, interactive learning tools, progress tracking, selection of reciter and selection and repetition of verses. It can also detect mistakes and provide feedback for correction. Some popular Quran memorization apps are Tarteel, Al Murqi, Quran Companion, Al Muhaffiz, Ayat-Al Quran and Quran Pro.

Q5. Briefly describe how AI-based systems can cause injustice to some people.

Ans:

Artificial Intelligence has brought a positive impact in Al many areas of our daily lives but has some negative impact as well. Biased and unethical use of based systems has become a big concern all over the world as it can result in injustice to specific people.

AI-based systems are not thoroughly checked for racial or gender biases. If the data used in training an Al system is incorrect, impartial, incomplete or biased in any way, then the resulting Al system can cause injustice, hurt people and cause harm.

Q6. Describe how predictive text based on NLP algorithms helps in making online searches.

Ans: Making online searches is a very common task we perform on our smartphones and laptops. The NLP algorithms generate a list of predictive text, that is, probable next words or phrases, as soon as we type anything in the search bar. We can click on any predictive text that matches the information we are looking for to display the relevant websites. Predictive text improves the search speed, enhances our experience and ensures that the suggestions align with our intention.

Write answers of the following extended response questions.

Q1. Briefly describe the application of IoT in the following areas.

a) Healthcare

b) Hospitality

c) Smart farming

Ans:

a) Healthcare

Special IoT devices are used in hospitals to enhance the quality of healthcare services for patients. In modern hospitals, smart beds are used that are equipped with various types of sensors to observe vital signs of patients in real-time. These sensors continuously monitor patients’ vital signs such as blood pressure, oxygen level in blood, temperature, etc. and alert the nurse or doctor to urgently attend the patient if needed. Wearable sensors are also connected to patients outside the hospital, which allows doctors to monitor them in real-time.

b) Hospitality

Smart hotels are using loT technology to improve the quality of services for guests by automating many things.

The following are some applications of IoT in hotels.

• Some hotels are staffed with robots that help in performing various tasks such as cleaning rooms, transporting guests’ luggage, providing location-relevant information, etc.
• Hotels use sensors to detect when the guest enters the room and automatically adjust the room temperature and lighting.
• Sensors can detect whether the guest is in the room or not. When he leaves, the appliances used by him are automatically switched off, saving electricity.
• Using IoT technology, hotels can automatically send a digital key to guests’ mobile phones that can communicate with the door to open or close. It is also a security feature enabled by IoT.

c) Smart farming

IoT-based smart farming uses various sensors that provide detailed information about soil condition to farmers. It uses sensors that monitor light, humidity, temperature, moisture, level of acidity, etc. Smart farming helps farmers control irrigation. It helps in making more efficient use of water, specifies the best time to start sowing and discovers the presence of diseases in plants and soil.

Q2. Briefly describe how Blockchain technology is useful in the following areas.

a) Management of the supply chain

b) Voting

c) Protection of copyrighted and intellectual property

Ans:

a) Management of the supply chain

Blockchain technology is very useful for real-time tracking of products during their journey across the supply chain. Blockchain helps in allocating the current location of products as products change hands between different parties in the supply chain. It also provides increased transparency and security as it is very difficult to change or delete the contents of transaction data in the ledger.

b) Voting

Blockchain technology helps in building trust and satisfaction of citizens on Election Day and speeding up the time for announcing the final results. It is useful in solving issues related to manual and digital voting systems, such as voter privacy and fraud. Through encryption, Blockchain makes voting safer, more transparent, protects the privacy of voters and it is more cost effective as well. Application of Blockchain technology in voting is still under research.

c) Protection of copyrighted and intellectual property

Blockchain technology makes it easy to protect copyright and intellectual property rights internationally on music, films, books, blogs and other internet contents as it operates globally. It is very useful in protecting people’s creative work by making it easy to apply copyright regulations. It helps in reducing copyright violations due to its secure and transparent nature. Any type of unauthorized download of digital material can be traced easily.

Q3. Describe any three benefits of cloud computing.

Ans:

Cost Reduction

With on-premises computing, we have to purchase and install hardware, install the operating system and required applications and set up the whole infrastructure. Cloud computing reduces huge cost of buying hardware, software and setting up the networking infrastructure. Besides, the cloud provider is responsible for the maintenance of hardware and software.

Security

Cloud providers provide better security than on-premises systems. Cloud service providers follow best security practices and take active steps to defend against modern-day cyber-attacks. It is the responsibility of cloud providers to update cloud systems, fix bugs and resolve security issues. Data stored in cloud storage is at low risk. Cloud providers can restore the data from backups maintained in cloud storage.

Quick Access

Cloud computing provides quick access to resources within a few clicks. Employees can easily connect to cloud services from anywhere using devices like smartphones, tablets and laptops. Clients and customers can also log in and access their information.

Q4. Describe the use of voice recognition for security and criminal investigation.

Ans:

Voice Recognition for Security

Voice recognition systems are used in various fields such as banking to recognize a specific voice for authentication and work as a unique password to unlock | protected account. The account cannot be unlocked by other people as their voice sounds different. Sometimes, voice recognition is used along with facial recognition for identification of people.

Voice Recognition for Criminal Investigation

Voice recognition is used all over the world to solve crimes. If a voice recording of a crime suspect is available, voice recognition technology can be used to provide evidence and identify criminals. Voice recognition can be helpful in investigating telephone-based fraud. It can also be used for surveillance of organized crimes on the telephone and the Internet.

Q5. Briefly describe how NLP helps in email filtering and language translation.

Ans:

Email Filtering

We receive a pile of emails every day which are related to our work, studies or many other things. Some emails are important to use, and some are promotional or spam. Spam is unwanted junk email sent in bulk. Spam can be an advertisement, marketing message or even malware (malicious software) that can be harmful. The NLP email filtering software uses artificial intelligence to identify the incoming emails as important or spam and places them into their emails respective folders. This is done by detecting certain words or phrases in the emails that signal a message. Email filtering is not 100% accurate. Sometimes an important email is wrongly identified as spam.

Language Translation

NLP language translation software can translate written or spoken words from one language to another. It uses Al technologies known as Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL). It is very helpful in removing language barriers. For example, it enables world leaders to participate in meetings where everyone speaks a different language. Here, computer software and human interpreters work together to translate the speech into other languages. NLP programs can translate many other things, such as books, business letters, websites, etc. and reduce the cost of translation as well. The level of accuracy has increased as the technology is growing and advancing.

Q6. Describe two applications of robots that are not mentioned in this unit.

Ans:

Applications of robots:

Here are some robot applications that are not mentioned in this unit:

Robots in Education:

Robots are used in classrooms to teach coding, robotics, and STEM concepts. Some educational robots interact with students, making learning more engaging and hands-on. Examples include programmable robots like LEGO Mindstorms or NAO robots.

Robots in Customer Service and Hospitality:

Service robots are used in hotels, malls, and airports to greet visitors, provide directions, deliver items, and answer questions. For example, robots in some hotels deliver towels or room service directly to guest rooms.

Robots in the Entertainment Industry:

Robots are used to create special effects in movies, act as characters in theme parks, or perform stunts that are too risky for humans. Some robots can even perform music or dance routines as part of live shows.

Robots in Military and Defence:

Apart from rescue tasks, military robots are used for surveillance, reconnaissance, and remote-controlled missions. They can patrol borders, detect explosives, and perform spying tasks without putting soldiers at risk.

Robots in Logistics and Warehousing:

Robots help sort, pack, and move goods in large warehouses. For instance, companies like Amazon use robotic systems to quickly retrieve and deliver products for shipping, improving speed and accuracy.

Select the best answer for the following MCQs.

1. The technology used for the management of the supply chain is known as:

a. loT

b. Blockchain

c. Cloud Computing

d. Al Assistant

2. The technology that provides automation in the manufacturing industry, healthcare, home, traffic monitoring, etc., is known as:

a. loT

b. Blockchain

c. Cloud Computing

d. Robotics

3. The technology that is an alternative to on-premises computing in business is:

a. Al Computing

b. Server Computing

c. Cloud Computing

d. Network Computing

4. A branch of AI that gives computers the ability to understand text and spoken words like humans is known as:

a. Language Translation

c. Robotics

b. Digital Language Processing

d. Natural Language Processing

5. The technology that enabled the existence of Cryptocurrency is:

a. Cloud Computing

b. Blockchain

c. Robotics

d .loT

6. The virtual assistant developed by Microsoft is:

a. Cortana

b. Siri

c. Alexa

d. Bixby

7. The probable next words or phrases that are displayed as we type anything in the search bar is called:

a. Document Analysis

b. Sentiment Analysis

c. Predictive Text

d. Internet Suggestion

8. AI-based realistic videos that are not genuine are known as:

a. Privacy Breach Videos

b. Social Manipulation Videos

c. Misinformation Videos

d. Deep fake Videos