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Machine calculation of moments of a probability distribution

A method is presented for the calculation on a machine of the moments of a probability distribution, necessitating little more than n additions and n references to memory for each moment, instead of the minimum of n multiplication, 2n additions, and 2n references to memory required by the most straightforward method (where n is the number of entries in the probability distribution). The method is directly applicable when a tabulated distribution exists, as when it has been computed by repeated convolution; but in this case it conserves both time and accuracy.

What is proprietary in mathematical programming?— impressions of a panel discussion

A panel discussion on “What is Proprietary in Mathematical Programming?” was sponsored by the Special Interest Committee on Mathematical Programming of the ACM during a Hall of Discussion/on September 7th at the 16TH National ACM meeting in Los Angeles. This note consists solely of the impressions garnered by the moderator of the panel and does not necessarily represent the position of any of the panelists or other participants in the discussion.

n-dimensional codes for detecting and correcting multiple errors0

The paper introduces a new family of codes for detecting and correcting multiple errors in a binary-coded message. The message itself is arranged (conceptually) into a multidimensional rectangular array. The processes of encoding and error detection are based upon parity evaluations along prescribed dimensions of the array. Effectiveness of the codes is increased by introducing a “system check bit”, which is essentially a parity check on the other parity bits. Only three-dimensional codes are discussed in this paper, with parity evaluations along the horizontal, the vertical, and one main diagonal. However, the family of codes is not restricted to three dimensions, as evidenced by the discussion by Minnick and Ashenhurst on a similar multidimensional single-bit selection plan used for another purpose [6]. A four-dimensional code, correcting three and detecting four errors, has been developed; the extension to higher-dimensional codes with greater correction power is straightforward.

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