Tensor Minkowski Functionals for random fields on the sphere

We generalize the translation invariant tensor-valued Minkowski Functionals which are defined on two-dimensional flat space to the unit sphere. We apply them to level sets of random fields. The contours enclosing boundaries of level sets of random fields give a spatial distribution of random smooth closed curves. We obtain analytic expressions for the ensemble expectation values for the matrix elements of the tensor-valued Minkowski Functionals for isotropic Gaussian and Rayleigh fields. We elucidate the way in which the elements of the tensor Minkowski Functionals encode information about the nature and statistical isotropy (or departure from isotropy) of the field. We then implement our method to compute the tensor-valued Minkowski Functionals numerically and demonstrate how they encode statistical anisotropy and departure from Gaussianity by applying the method to maps of the Galactic foreground emissions from the PLANCK data.Comment: 1+23 pages, 5 figures, Significantly expanded from version 1. To appear in JCA

Chitosan – hydrogen iodide salt supported graphite electrode: A simple and novel electrode for the reduction of nitro group under electrochemical condition

The present investigation provides a unique, simple, selective and efficient method for the electrochemical reduction of aromatic nitro groups into amines using chitosan-hydrogen iodide salt supported graphite electrode. 3:1 tetrabutyl ammonium chloride and acetic acid mixture was used as the medium for electrolytic process and a constant voltage of 5 V applied between the modified electrodes. The reaction was found to be selective and further reduction of amines was not observed. The purity of the products was checked with HPLC and characterized using spectroscopic tools. The electrochemical synthesis resulted in moderate to good yields of amino compounds which were higher than the reduction using conventional graphite electrodes. Quaternary ammonium chloride behaved as supporting electrolyte during synthesis and the reaction did not progress in the absence of acetic acid. The redox characteristic of the process was studied by cyclic voltammetry of the reaction mixture

Corrosion inhibition capacity of two heterocyclic oximes on copper in nitric acid: electrochemical, quantum chemical and surface morphological investigations

Two heterocyclic oximes (E)-N-hydroxy-1-(pyridin-2-yl)methanimine (Hp2ylm) and (E)-N-hydroxy-1-(pyridin-3-yl)methanimine (Hp3ylm) were synthesized from pyridine-2-carbaldehyde and pyridine-3-carbaldehyde, respectively. These oximes were characterized by various spectroscopic tools like UV, IR, MASS and NMR. The inhibition capacity of these oximes against copper corrosion in 0.1 M HNO3 was determined by polarization and impedance spectroscopic studies (EIS). At all concentrations, Hp3ylm exhibited higher inhibition efficiency than Hp2ylm. Attempt was made to illustrate the mechanism of corrosion inhibition by these oximes with the help of adsorption isotherm, scanning electron microscopic (SEM) and quantum chemical studies

Indian Ocean humpback dolphin stranded at Arthunkal landing centre, Kerala

On November 2, 2022, the carcass of a dead dolphin, Sousa plumbea (Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin), was discovered at the Arthunkal landing centre in Alapuzha, Kerala (9039’42.0”N 76017’29.5”E)

Festchrift: A Collection of Essays on Architectural History

A collection of essays on architectural history prepared by the Northern Pacific Coast Chapter Society of Architectural Historians dedicated to Professor Marion Dean Ross, chapter founder, on the occasion of his 65th birthday

The use of imepitoin (Pexion™) on fear and anxiety related problems in dogs – a case series

Fear and anxiety based problems are common in dogs. Alongside behaviour modification programmes, a range of psychopharmacological agents may be recommended to treat such problems, but few are licensed for use in dogs and the onset of action of some can be delayed. The low affinity partial benzodiazepine receptor agonist imepitoin (Pexion™, Boehringer Ingelheim) is licensed for treating canine epilepsy, has a fast onset of action in dogs and has demonstrated anxiolytic properties in rodent models. This case series reports on the use of imepitoin in a group of dogs identified as having fear/anxiety based problems. Twenty dogs were enrolled into the study, attended a behaviour consultation and underwent routine laboratory evaluation. Nineteen dogs proceeded to be treated with imepitoin orally twice daily (starting dose approximately 10 mg/kg, with alterations as required to a maximum 30 mg/kg) alongside a patient-specific behaviour modification plan for a period of 11–19 weeks. Progress was monitored via owner report through daily diary entries and telephone follow-up every two weeks. A Positive and Negative Activation Scale (PANAS) of temperament was also completed by owners during baseline and at the end of the study