Indian Institute of Technology Bombay

About: Indian Institute of Technology Bombay is a education organization based out in Mumbai, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Catalysis & Computer science. The organization has 16756 authors who have published 33588 publications receiving 570559 citations.

Algorithm 806: SPRNG: a scalable library for pseudorandom number generation

Abstract: In this article we present background, rationale, and a description of the Scalable Parallel Random Number Generators (SPRNG) library. We begin by presenting some methods for parallel pseudorandom number generation. We will focus on methods based on parameterization, meaning that we will not consider splitting methods such as the leap-frog or blocking methods. We describe, in detail, parameterized versions of the following pseudorandom number generators: (i) linear congruential generators, (ii) shift-register generators, and (iii) lagged-Fibonacci generators. We briefly describe the methods, detail some advantages and disadvantages of each method, and recount results from number theory that impact our understanding of their quality in parallel applications. SPRNG was designed around the uniform implementation of different families of parameterized random number generators. We then present a short description of SPRNG. The description contained within this document is meant only to outline the rationale behind and the capabilities of SPRNG. Much more information, including examples and detailed documentation aimed at helping users with putting and using SPRNG on scalable systems is available at htt;//sprng.sc.fsu.edu. In this description of SPRNG we discuss the random-number generator library as well as the suite of tests of randomness that is an integral part of SPRNG. Random-number tools for parallel Monte Carlo applications must be subjected to classical as well as new types of empirical tests of randomness to eliminate generators that show defects when used in scalable envionments.

Verifying completeness of relational query results in data publishing

Abstract: In data publishing, the owner delegates the role of satisfying user queries to a third-party publisher. As the publisher may be untrusted or susceptible to attacks, it could produce incorrect query results. In this paper, we introduce a scheme for users to verify that their query results are complete (i.e., no qualifying tuples are omitted) and authentic (i.e., all the result values originated from the owner). The scheme supports range selection on key and non-key attributes, project as well as join queries on relational databases. Moreover, the proposed scheme complies with access control policies, is computationally secure, and can be implemented efficiently.

State shift in Deccan volcanism at the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary, possibly induced by impact.

Abstract: Bolide impact and flood volcanism compete as leading candidates for the cause of terminal-Cretaceous mass extinctions. High-precision (40)Ar/(39)Ar data indicate that these two mechanisms may be genetically related, and neither can be considered in isolation. The existing Deccan Traps magmatic system underwent a state shift approximately coincident with the Chicxulub impact and the terminal-Cretaceous mass extinctions, after which ~70% of the Traps' total volume was extruded in more massive and more episodic eruptions. Initiation of this new regime occurred within ~50,000 years of the impact, which is consistent with transient effects of impact-induced seismic energy. Postextinction recovery of marine ecosystems was probably suppressed until after the accelerated volcanism waned.