Examines the information communication process and proposes a fuzzy commonality model for improving communication systems. Topics discussed include components of an electronic information programing and processing system and the flow of the formation and transfer of information, including DOS (disk operating system) commands, computer programing…

Introduces the method of ray tracing to analyze the refraction or reflection of real or virtual images from multiple optical devices. Discusses ray-tracing techniques for locating images using convex and concave lenses or mirrors. (MDH)

Discussion of search strategies in information retrieval systems focuses on the implementation of document ranking based on inverted files. Highlights include descriptions of three heuristic methods for implementing a weighting strategy and a comparison of two methods for estimating retrieval accuracy, including document movement and linear…

Explores the number problem of writing an expression for each of the unit fractions using any digit exactly four times. Includes tables of expressions for unit fractions. (MKR)

Discussion of recall and precision of index terms focuses on an information-theoretic measure of term specificity. Term weighting schemes are described, including the inverse document frequency (IDF) and signal-noise ratio (S/N) approaches; term weighting by specificity is explained; and the need for experiments with test document collections is…

The problem of monitoring trends for changes at unknown times is considered. Statistics that permit one to focus high power on a segment of the monitored period are studied. Numerical procedures are developed to compute the null distribution of these statistics. (Author)

The dynamics of some common sports, such as race walking, running, cycling, jumping, and throwing, are presented. Rough estimates of the relevant physical quantities required for these individual sports are discussed. General mathematical formulas are derived which can be used for judging the performance of any athlete. (Author/KR)

Discussion of document retrieval systems and measuring system performance focuses on the upper bounds, or maximum performance, that can be obtained with a system. Topics addressed include bounds for retrieval performance; average search length; average precision; incomplete searches; an asymmetric measure of retrieval performance; and measuring…

Discussion of informetric distributions shows that generalized Leimkuhler functions give proper fits to a large variety of Bradford curves, including those exhibiting a Groos droop or a rising tail. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test is used to test goodness of fit, and least-square fits are compared with Egghe's method. (Contains 53 references.) (LRW)

Explores many forms of a circle using variations of the distance formula. Metric space is defined and examples of metrics are given, including a "circle" that is a square. Also shown are variations which are not metrics. (MKR)

College development officers are encouraged to assess a prospective donor's contacts, interest, and ability to give to the institution, and are offered a number of formulas for determining the solicitation amount. They include formulas based on prior giving, net worth (income, stock holdings, real estate), and assets (income, liquid assets, real…

Explains how a public library can compute the actual cost of distributing tax forms to the public by listing all direct and indirect costs and demonstrating the formulae and necessary computations. Supplies directions for calculating costs involved for all levels of staff as well as associated public relations efforts, space, and utility costs.…

Describes an empirical study using publication data from Dutch physics institutes which shows that Lotka's law breaks down when articles with a large number of authors are included in the bibliography. Suggests that from a mathematical point of view, large groups of authors destroy the underlying explanations of informetric laws. (Author/LRW)

Discusses relevance judgments in information retrieval; considers the collaborative nature of information retrieval in a group, organization, or societal context; and proposes a method that measures relevance based on group/peer consensus. Reports results of an experiment using this method to compare the search performance of different types of…

Introduces a cost-benefit transfer model which considers a performer's perception of need, sensibility, and effort to determine the likelihood of putting to use an idea learned in training. The model predicts use through a mathematical formula: the product of need and sensibility divided by effort. Case evidence of academic physicians are cited in…