Robert C. Scott’s research while affiliated with Bradley University and other places

A number of random-number generators on nine microcomputers have been surveyed. Some of the random-number generators, particularly those of the Apple IIe, are flawed either for statistical reasons or because they have short cycles. The IBM PC is somewhat suspect, mainly because it has a cycle whose length is 65,536. A fully acceptable random-number generator should ideally have a cycle length in the millions. Some generators that can be supplied by users have long cycles. Some random-number generators have acceptable cycles and statistical properties but are very slow (e. g. , the TRS-80 Model III). The IBM PC has a flaw in the procedure for user seeding of the random-number generator that can lead to the use of equivalent seeds.

This paper examines the intrametropolitan fiscal relations that result from the creation of certain special taxing districts (STDs). There are, in large metropolitan areas, a variety of special-purpose units of government, financed in varying proportions by tax levies, user charges, and intergovernmental grants. This study focuses on STDs which provide private (or club) goods that are income-elastic and are financed in large part by tax levies. Park districts are an example. Using the framework of the Tiebout model [15], this paper develops the argument that these STDs impede the Lindahl [10] optimality equilibrium results from occurring. Specifically, they create and perpetuate a fiscal redistribution beneficial to suburban residents.In the first section of this paper we develop a model that shows the role of this type of special taxing district in generating fiscal disparities among households. The second section tests the model using data that measure tax and benefits incidence and fiscal residuals in a region with several STDs. The final section suggests policies to achieve a Lindahl solution.

In a study of the statistical and temporal characteristics of random number generators for microcomputers, several peculiarities related to seeding random number generators were noted. Some vendor-supplied generators, including those on the Apple II+, Apple IIe, Osborne Executive, and IBM-PC, were so seriously flawed that they should not be used for simulation studies.

EMPIRICAL AND THEORETICAL ATTACKS on the Markowitz mean-variance, portfolio theory have given impetus to the investigation of moments of higher order than the variance. Denoting w as an investor's wealth, and i his incomes (a random variable), if the investors utility function, U, is solely dependent on the sum of his wealth and income we can define his utility as U = U(i + w). The investor's rate of return on investment of w is defined as f = i/w and his utility may be given by U = U(rw + w). Letting jt = E(w + rw), representing the expected value on investment, expanding U in the familiar Taylor series, and taking the expected value of both sides gives: