A Self-Tester for Linear Functions over the Integers with an Elementary Proof of Correctness

We present simple, self-contained proofs of correctness for algorithms for linearity testing and program checking of linear functions on finite subsets of integers represented as n-bit numbers. In addition we explore a generalization of self-testing to homomorphisms on a multidimensional vector space. We show that our self-testing algorithm for the univariate case can be directly generalized to vector space domains. The number of queries made by our algorithms is independent of domain size.     

Prioritization of pollution potential zones for conservation activities of a lake system

Many coastal lakes are under serious threats due to increased pressures associated with population growth, accelerated eutrophication, invasive species and toxic contamination. The extent of the pollution depends almost entirely on the characteristics and processes taking place in the lake basin. The objective of this study was to identify the pollution potential zones (very high, high, medium and low) in the Akkulam–Veli (A–V) Lake Basin (Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala) using GIS‐enabled, multithematic overlay analysis. The primary characteristics considered were geomorphology, lithology, land use, soil, slope and population density. The results of this study indicated the major portion of the lake basin exhibits very high or high pollution potential zones, with the drains passing through the very high pollution potential zone being mainly responsible for the contamination of the lake water. High population density, predominant commercial use and settlement with mixed tree crop, level and gentle slope (low slope) are the factors responsible for the very high pollution potential. The organic pollutants in the lake system increase with the increased extent of the very high pollution potential area. This analysis approach will help authorities to identify the underlying causes of lake water quality degradation and plan and implement effective measures for protecting the lake. This process can also be utilized by scientists elsewhere to facilitate lake protection.     

Structural,optical, mechanical,electrical, and antimicrobial activities of L-Glutamine Barium Acetate (LGBA) single crystal for biological,optical and photonic applications

Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics - The most generally used slow evaporation technique at ambient temperature is used to develop L-glutamine barium acetate (LGBA) materials for...     

The co-occurrence of childhood sexual abuse, adult sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and sexual harassment: A mediational model of posttraumatic stress disorder and physical health outcomes.

This study examined the co-occurrence of childhood sexual abuse, adult sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and sexual harassment in a predominantly African American sample of 268 female veterans, randomly sampled from an urban Veterans Affairs hospital women's clinic. A combination of hierarchical and iterative cluster analysis was used to identify 4 patterns of women's lifetime experiences of violence co-occurrence. The 1st cluster experienced relatively low levels of all 4 forms of violence; the 2nd group, high levels of all 4 forms; the 3rd, sexual revictimization across the lifespan with adult sexual harassment; and the 4th, high intimate partner violence with sexual harassment. This cluster solution was validated in a theoretically driven model that examined the role of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a mediator of physical health symptomatology. Structural equation modeling analyses revealed that PTSD fully mediated the relationship between violence and physical health symptomatology. Consistent with a bio-psycho-immunologic theoretical model, PTSD levels more strongly predicted pain-related physical health symptoms compared to nonpain health problems. Implications for clinical interventions to prevent PTSD and to screen women for histories of violence in health care settings are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A Modified Process for Iridium Electrodeposition

As a noble metal, Iridium finds many applications in the industry. Electrodeposited iridium, as a thin coating, provides a cheaper method of using the metal wherever possible. Iridium and platinum-iridium alloy are used in industrial water electrolysis as anodes because of their low oxygen overpotential. Of all the baths available for electrodepositing iridium, the bromide electrolyte appears to be the best. Different methods of preparing the bromide electrolyte are compared: the one prepared using iridium chloride gives improved performance with respect to stability, current efficiency, higher deposit thickness, and appearance of the deposits, besides its cost effectiveness.     

Inverse relationship between oil content and specific gravity of groundnut kernels

Thirty-two samples of groundnut kernels were analysed for oil content by the standard Soxhlet extraction procedure. The oil content ranged between 425.6 and 549.5 g kg^?1. The specific gravity of groundnut kernels was determined both for the whole kernels and the split kernels (cotyledons with testa). The specific gravity of whole kernels varied between 0.9358 and 1.0730 while that of split kernels between 1.0547 and 1.1227. A highly significant correlation (r = -0.9459) was found between oil content and specific gravity of split kernels. It should, therefore, be possible to predict the oil content of the groundnut samples on the basis of specific gravity of split kernels.     

Reactive processing of polyethylenes on a single screw extruder

The modification of low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, and their blend by dicumyl peroxide at the time of the extrusion on a single screw extruder is reported. The study shows that the optimum conditions of modification can be determined on a torque rheometer and these can then be applied for actual extrusion. A low level of crosslinking can be introduced by reactive extrusion for improving the heat stability without adversely affecting the processing behavior. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 81: 2545–2549, 2001