Compares and expands upon two approaches to dealing with fuzzy relational databases. The proposed similarity measure is based on a fuzzy Hausdorff distance and estimates the mismatch between two possibility distributions using a reduction process. The consequences of the reduction process on query evaluation are studied. (Author/EM)

Frequency, rank, and frequency rank distributions are defined. Extensive discussion on several aspects of frequency rank distributions includes the Poisson process as a means of exploring the stability of ranks; the correlation of frequency rank distributions; and the transfer coefficient, a new measure in frequency rank distribution. (MBR)

An index of concentration for rank-frequency distributions is proposed which permits comparison of subject and journal concentration in various fields. Applications of the measure to different aspects of bibliometrics are suggested. (Author)

Describes and compares eight methods of estimating the parameters of the Zipf distribution. (CLB)

A common functional relationship among Lotka's law, Bradford's law, and Zipf's law is derived. The proof takes explicit account of the sequences of observed values of the variables by means of an index. This approach results in a more realistic and precise formulation of each law. (Author/EM)

A comparative study of the cost effectiveness of retrospective manual and on-line bibliographic searching is described. Individual task times for question analysis, searching, photocopying, shelving and output distribution were measured, and component costs for labor, information, reproduction, physical space and telecommunications calculated. The…