Simulations of stochastic processes also require good RN generators,
especially for simulations of large systems with (I hate to use this word)
emergent behavioral properties.  A bad RN generator will introduce emergent
behavior that will be "flavored" by a bad random sequences.


--
Doug Roberts, RTI International
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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505-670-8195 - Cell


On 7/20/07, Russell Standish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Cryptographic applications require true randomness. If your cipher
used on a pseudo-random number generator, then a cracker discovering
your algorithm and key has broken your code.

I also have a hunch that genuine randomness is needed for open-ended
evolutionary systems. Here, the evol algorithm is in the position of
the code cracker, and once the code is cracked, the evol algorithm
stops. I had a workshop paper on this in 2004, which has some problems
with it. The concept is controversial, to say the least.

Cheers

On Sat, Jul 21, 2007 at 10:24:42AM -0600, Peter Lissaman wrote:
> Why is it important (except intellectually) to have "true"
randomness???  I very well remember the early, good old, bad old, days of
Aerospace, in the 50's, when we were really doing practical earthshattering
things -- like going to the moon -- sans computers!!  The RAND corporation,
for whom I consulted, published a typed book (size of a Manhattan telephone
directory) of "random" numbers  for engineering application.  Much
entertainment was occasioned when, about three months later, they
distributed a list of "typos" to their original list of random
numbers.  Today I use homemade random numbers alla time for real problems,
specifically the actual response of real flight vehicles in real atmospheric
turbulence.  Flight tests support  analysis, in the sense that what we
predict is not obviously incorrect.  We have never found it necessary to
utilize any more "perfectly random" "random" sequences!
>
>
> Peter Lissaman, Da Vinci Ventures
>
> Expertise is not knowing everything, but knowing what to look for.
>
> 1454 Miracerros Loop South, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505
> TEL: (505) 983-7728 FAX: (505) 983-1694
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> lectures, archives, unsubscribe, maps at http://www.friam.org

--


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A/Prof Russell Standish                  Phone 0425 253119 (mobile)
Mathematics
UNSW SYDNEY 2052                         [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Australia                                http://www.hpcoders.com.au

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