Z-style notation for Probabilities

A notation for probabilities is proposed that differs from the traditional, conventional notation by making explicit the domains and bound variables involved. The notation borrows from the Z notation, and lends itself well to calculational manipulations, with a smooth transition back and forth to set and predicate notation

Artificial intelligence issues related to automated computing operations

Large data processing installations represent target systems for effective applications of artificial intelligence (AI) constructs. The system organization of a large data processing facility at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center is presented. The methodology and the issues which are related to AI application to automated operations within a large-scale computing facility are described. Problems to be addressed and initial goals are outlined

Toward alive art

Electronics is about to change the idea of art and drastically so. We know this is going to happen - we can feel it. Much less clear to most of us are the hows, whens and whys of the change. In this paper, we will attempt to analyze the mechanisms and dynamics of the coming cultural revolution, focusing on the «artistic space» where the revolution is taking place, on the interactions between the artistic act and the space in which the act takes place and on the way in which the act modifies the space and the space the act. We briefly discuss the new category of «electronic artists». We then highlight what we see as the logical process connecting the past, the present and our uncertain future. We examine the relationship between art and previous technologies, pointing to the evolutionary, as well as the revolutionary impact of new means of expression. Against this background we propose a definition for what we call «Alive Art», going on to develop a tentative profile of the performers (the «Alivers»). In the last section, we describe two examples of Alive Artworks, pointing out the central role of what we call the "Alive Art Effect" in which we can perceive relative independence of creation from the artist and thus it may seem that unique creative role of artist is not always immediate and directly induced by his/her activity. We actually, emphasized that artist's activities may result in unpredictable processes more or less free of the artist's will

A comparative case study of appreciative inquiries in one organization: implications for practice

Eight different sites in a large, Canadian urban school district engaged in an appreciative inquiry into “what do we know about learning”. Data collected over the following year indicate that four of the sites experienced transformational changes, two sites had incremental changes and two showed little or no change. This paper describes the AI intervention in detail and then explores differences in each site that may explain differences in level of change. The level of positive affect and ratings of success of the AI Summits at each site showed no meaningful relationship to change outcomes. Level of change did appear to be related to how generative the inquiries were, how well the Discovery phase was managed and the quality of Design statements that came out of the summits. Other factors exogenous to the design of the AI also appeared to play a role. These included relations between teachers and principals, credibility of local change agents, passionate and engaged leadership, and linkage to pre-existing, shared concerns. Recommendations for AI practice are given.Appreciative Inquiry Summit; Collective Dream; Transformation; Case Study

Law and Order in Algorithmics

An algorithm is the input-output effect of a computer program; mathematically, the notion of algorithm comes close to the notion of function. Just as arithmetic is the theory and practice of calculating with numbers, so is ALGORITHMICS the theory and practice of calculating with algorithms. Just as a law in arithmetic is an equation between numbers, like a(b+c) = ab + ac, so is a LAW in algorithmics an equation between algorithms. The goal of the research done is: (extending algorithmics by) the systematic detection and use of laws for algorithms. To this end category theory (a branch of mathematics) is used to formalise the notion of algorithm, and to formally prove theorems and laws about algorithms.\ud \ud The underlying motivation for the research is the conviction that algorithmics may be of help in the construction of computer programs, just as arithmetic is of help in solving numeric problems. In particular, algorithmics provides the means to derive computer programs by calculation, from a given specification of the input-output effect.\ud \ud In Chapter 2 the systematic detection and use of laws is applied to category theory itself. The result is a way to conduct and present proofs in category theory, that is an alternative to the conventional way (diagram chasing).\ud \ud In Chapter 3--4 several laws are formally derived in a systematic fashion. These laws facilitate to calculate with those algorithms that are defined by induction on their input, or on their output. Technically, initial algebras and terminal co-algebras play an crucial role here.\ud \ud In Chapter 5 a category theoretic formalisation of the notion of law itself is derived and investigated. This result provides a tool to formulate and prove theorems about laws-in-general, and, more specifically, about equationally specified datatypes.\ud \ud Finally, in Chapter 6 laws are derived for arbitrary recursive algorithms. Here the notion of ORDER plays a crucial role. The results are relevant for current functional programming languages

Understanding Leaders\u27 Experiences of a Leadership Institute: A Combination of Transformational Leadership, Cross-Sector Collaboration, and Charitable Foundations as Catalysts

This study investigated the integrated impact of Transformational Leadership (TFL), Cross-Sector Collaboration (CSC), and Foundations as Community Catalysts (CFC) within a Salem-based leadership institute. Through a qualitative case study involving 12 leadership institute attendees from 2020-2023, I explored the perceived presence of each of the three components, as well as their transformative potential in organizational and community change. I also examined participants’ perceived strengths and weaknesses of the leadership institute. All participants were able to see the presence of TFL, CSC, and CFC, and their combination resulted in collaboration, deep relationships, and a change in mindsets. The findings suggest that the TFL component of the programming fostered positive culture change and trust; that CSC aspects provided a space for trust and vulnerability, which facilitated meaningful and impactful changes in the community; and are all facilitated by the philanthropic approach of CFC involving deep and pure intent, a solid reputation and influence in the community. Among the most prominent community changes include the development of a behavioral health program within a career technical high school in the area, and the revitalization of a community-wide youth festival that had ended and lost funding several years ago. Participants also acknowledged that long-lasting impact takes time, but they were excited about the potential. Participants considered the strengths of the Leadership Institute to be valuable vulnerability/relationships, accountability, the ability to address community problems, the impactful retreat and monthly sessions, and alumni involvement/opportunities. Weaknesses included the desire for more time/going deeper, requesting greater demands on participants, a more specific organizational focus, concerns over long-term sustainability, and improved mentoring/coaching. This study lays the groundwork for future research, emphasizing the transformative potential of collaborative leadership, community engagement, and philanthropic initiatives. It underscores the impactful role of integrated leadership strategies in societal progress, advocating for ongoing research and application in varied settings to foster profound societal change

Mixed computation: potential applications and problems for study

AbstractMixed computation is processing of an incomplete information. Its product are a partially processed information and a so-called residual program destined to complete in sequel the processing of the remaining information. Many kinds of practical work with programs are nothing more but obtaining a residual program. We demonstrate, as an example, the application of mixed computation to compilation. Under computational approach mixed computation generalizes the operational semantics of a language by inclusion of steps which generate residual program instructions. Under transformational approach the residual program is obtained as a result of a series of so-called basic transformations of the program text. We argue that the transformational approach is more fundamental, for it allows to describe mixed computation in all its variety and moreover, to relate mixed computation to other kinds of program manipulation: execution, optimization, macroprocessing, synthesis. Such an integrated approach leads us to a transformational machine concept