An Independence Relation for Sets of Secrets

A relation between two secrets, known in the literature as nondeducibility, was originally introduced by Sutherland. We extend it to a relation between sets of secrets that we call independence. This paper proposes a formal logical system for the independence relation, proves the completeness of the system with respect to a semantics of secrets, and shows that all axioms of the system are logically independent.     

Effect of temporal and spatial stimulus relationships in controlled perceptual learning upon disappearances observed under reduced stimulation conditions

Perceptual learning was studied under reduced stimulation conditions. Simply as a result of previous close temporal and spatial concurrence, discriminably different stimuli disappear together more frequently than without such association. Simultaneous concurrence of the stimuli was more efficient than sequential in the development of associations. Other temporal and spatial stimulus-stimulus relationships were manipulated, and the results are discussed.     

Christian‐Muslim influence in Pondicherry,South India∗

Christian‐Muslim influence on modern Hindu and Hindu‐inspired movements and religious institutions has always been a neglected area of study. In this paper, we try to fill this gap to some extent, by concentrating our interest and study on the Hindu‐inspired Sri Aurobindo Movement of Pondicherry in the Tamil country. In the course of the paper, we show how values of Islamic and Christian‐West origins have made crucial in‐roads into modern Hindu religious thought and practice. We have brought out especially the striking resemblances between the Sri Aurobindo Movement and Islam. Values like egalitarianism, brotherhood and universalism, so alien to Hindu traditions and genius and so familiar to Islam and Christianity seem to have been successfully incorporated as core values by modem variants and interpretations of Hinduism. Though our study concentrates only on Christian‐Muslim influence on the Sri Aurobindo Movement, anybody can see that it has great relevance to many modern Hindu and Hindu‐inspired movements in India.     

Situation awareness as a function of frame of reference, computer-graphics eyepoint elevation, and geometric field of view

The purpose of this study was to determine how 3 variables for the design of a "heads-down" spatial display--the frame of reference (pilot's eye vs. God's eye), geometric field of view, and elevation of the computer graphics eyepoint--influenced situation awareness. Thirteen flight-naive subjects each flew a simulated F-16 over a computer-generated flight environment to lock onto and intercept a series of sequentially appearing targets. The flight scene consisted of both an "out-the-window" view and a computer-generated heads-down spatial display showing an airplane symbol superimposed on a perspective view of the flight environment. During the interactive phase of the experiment, root mean square flight-path error, target lock-on time, and target acquisition time were measured. After the interactive phase of the study was completed, subjects were required to mark the location of the targets from memory on a computer-generated top-down view of the flight scene in an attempt to reconstruct the spatial mental model which subjects formed of the flight environment. The results for the interactive phase of the study indicated that performance was superior using the pilot's-eye display. However, for the spatial reconstruction task, performance was better using the God's-eye display. It was also shown that the ability to maintain the optimal flight-path using the more top-down view of the scene (600 eyepoint) was superior to the 300 eyepoint elevation. Implications of the results for the design of spatial instruments are discussed.     

Visual disappearances under simplified stimulus conditions caused by auditory perceptual learning

The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether auditory experience with stimuli would produce predictable changes in disappearances of these same stimuli when later presented visually under simplified stimulation conditions. Modifications in disappearance phenomena were observed which supported the inter-modal perceptual learning hypothesis.     

Self-efficacy and resource allocation: support for a nonmonotonic, discontinuous model

Self-regulation theories are paving the way to integrating motivational theories of behavior. However, a review of the motivation literature reveals several possible relationships between self-efficacy and motivation. Past findings were reduced to 4 empirical models, which were compared within a single study using undergraduates playing a computer task. The effects of 2 manipulations of self-efficacy on resource allocation decisions were assessed. Consistent with a multiple goal process conceptualization, self-efficacy was found to relate positively to directing resources toward a goal but negatively to the magnitude of resources allocated for accepted goals. Differences in methods are used to reconcile current and past findings.     

Book reviews

Enlightenment and Alienation. Colin Gunton Marshall Morgan and Scott, 1985 166pp. price not marked on paperback edition

Third World Conundrum: A call for Christian partnership. Max Peberdy Paternoster Press, 1986

Kim Knott Hinduism in Leeds: A Study of Religious Practice in the Indian Hindu Community and in Hindu‐Related Groups. Community Relations Project, Department of Theology and Religious Studies, University of Leeds, 1986.

Kim Knott My Sweet Lord: The Hare Krishna Movement The Aquarian Press, Wellingborough, 1986.112 pp. £4.99     

The structure of assertiveness: A confirmatory study

Study aims were to establish the dimensional structure of assertiveness as measured by the Personal Relations Inventory² (PRI) and to estimate the reliability and stability of the measures derived. The item responses of a sample of 215 high school and college men and women were intercorrelated and analyzed by the method of principal components. The analysis confirmed the four hypothesized dimensions of Social Assertiveness, Defense of Rights, Independence, and Directiveness. In a second sample of 75, the PRI was compared with the Adult Self-Expression Scale (ASES). Since the total scores of the two inventories correlated 0.72 some evidence of concurrent validity has been shown.     

Muslim evolution and conversions in Karikal,South India

In South Asia, conversions to Islam seem to have been effected through persuasion or pressure or due to the social discontent of some low caste Hindus. Some modern scholars lay more stress on the factor of force than on that of persuasion to explain conversions, while some others subscribe to the role played by the Sufis and the missionaries. In the present study, the veracity of these claims with regard to the Muslims of Karikal is explored. It is shown that conversions actually depend upon many local factors such as famine, epidemics, natural calamities and migrations, apart from force or the role of Sufis. It is also stressed that only area-restricted studies can bring to light the real circumstances of conversion in every region of South Asia.